Sirens on the Mountain

06/16/2024

CALLING ALL HIGH COUNTRY ARTISTS, ages 13-18!
Applications are open for the Mountain Mermaids Mentor Program 2024. If you have a creative spark, we are excited to hear your voice! From the applicants, three youth artists (age 13-18) will be selected to work with a local professional artist in a supportive environment. During the course of the mentorship, these young artists will have an opportunity to take an idea from inception to presentation. Final projects are presented at Sirens on the Mountain, our annual festival, now in its eighth year.

APPLICANTS: You will need to be available for two dates in particular: Sirens on the Mountain, Saturday, September 21 (please be available ALL DAY), and for our orientation on Tuesday, July 9, from 3-6PM. Over the course of the summer, mentors and mentees will craft their own schedules for continued collaboration. If you can commit to being with us on 7/9 and 9/21, then please apply!

The Mountain Mermaids Collective is proud to be the recipient of a 2024 Watauga County Grassroots Arts Grant, and we are thrilled to partner with three outstanding mentors for the second year of our program. Biographies of the mentors are available on our website (mtnmermaids.org).

Liz Lanham (bluegrass musician & teacher)
Kelsey Merrick Wagner (mixed media artist)
Katie Rose DeLucia (visual artist, mental health advocate)

We can’t wait to meet you and celebrate your passion. Apply today! Thanks in advance for your consideration.

https://www.mtnmermaids.org
https://form.jotform.com/WataugaArts/mentee-application

Mountain Mermaids Collective supports the development of an inclusive, diverse, and sustainable arts community in western North Carolina.

04/19/2024

****CALLING ALL ARTISTS!!!******

In the spirit of the spring season blossoming around us, the Mountain Mermaids Collective is honored to kick off the second year of our Mermaids Mentors Project! Currently, we are seeking artist mentors working in any genre or medium to participate in our 2024 Mermaids Mentors Project.
We are thrilled to announce that after our successful program launch in 2023, the second year of the Mermaids Mentors Project will be supported by a $2500 Grassroots Grant from the Watauga Arts Council!!!! The Mermaids Mentors Project pairs professional artist mentors with young artists (ages 13-18) selected from the applicants. Over the summer (June through August 2024) mentors work with these young artists to develop their art (examples may include songwriting, painting, metal work, culinary arts, spoken word, fashion design) with their Mermaid Mentor. Final projects are presented at our festival, Sirens on the Mountain, which will take place on September 21, 2024. During the course of the project, the young artists will take their ideas from inspiration to completion, eventually sharing finished products with a larger audience and receiving feedback. We hope that young people will not only develop their talent through the program but also gain an understanding of what it is to be a WORKING artist.
Mentors will receive $300 to cover expenses, and they will also receive priority consideration for performance at the Sirens on the Mountain Festival. Artists interested in becoming a Mermaid Mentor should fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/Z8N8pPJzXVRUyHFr7
This form and more information are also available on our website (http://www.mtnmermaids.org) to apply. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until mentor positions are filled. For more information, contact Beth Carroll at [email protected].
Thank you for considering this opportunity. Please share this post and information with potential mentors and students! We are looking to develop a roster of artists we can pair with students. Even if Summer 2024 is not an ideal time for you, please contact us if you have interest in participating. We intend to expand the program by adding more students and offering partnerships in ALL SEASONS. We are excited to move forward on Year Two. Join our mission!!!!

Access Google Forms with a personal Google account or Google Workspace account (for business use).

01/01/2024

As the year comes to a close, please remember the Mountain Mermaids Collective in your year end giving! As a 501(c)3 non profit, all donations to our mission are tax deductible. Thank you for supporting our effort to create a sustainable, diverse and inclusive arts community here in the High Country. We look forward to year two of our Mermaids Mentors Project!
Thank you for your support...and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
XO The Mermaids Collective
follow the link below to donate through our campaign:

While Mountain Mermaids Collective aims to provide art and music experiences to people of all ages, at our core is a belief in supporting young artists and musicians. Our Mermaids Mentors Program offers young artists the opportunity to develop their craft with the guidance of a professional artist m...

10/06/2023

While you’re downtown Boone tonight for Buskers’ Fest First Friday, consider stopping by Lost Province Brewing Co for a cold beverage and some delicious food! We love their mussels….and their pizza oven makes THE BEST pizza in town. Lost Province is a business member of Mountain Mermaids Collective- and their kind donations made Sirens on the Mountain 2023 one of the best parties of the year. Thank you, Lost Province, for supporting a diverse, inclusive & sustainable arts community in the high country. 💗💗💗

09/25/2023

The spirits were with us!!!!!!

Thank you - everyone - for another amazing Sirens on the Mountain. We live this life to SHOW UP - for music, for family and friends, for our community. To develop a sustainable
Diverse
And
INCLUSIVE
Arts community. It was a grand success.

We do this, we did it Saturday, and Sunday we get up to…..well, clean up the party, but to the core - you know the deal, whatever the score, We Get Up to Do it AGAIN. Thank you. Thank you to our generous and talented performers, the Mermaid Mentors and Mentees, the Sirens of the Spoken Word, to the volunteers, to our Board of Directors, to the AUDIENCE. We appreciate you. Thank you for showing up to be a part of the mission of the Mermaids.

You brought open hearts to share, a helping hand to lend, money to support the organization. You came with all of that and more. So many moments emblazoned in my heart,: Rayna Christian’s powerful spoken word, Ariail Lewis’ evocative paintings, her cunning portrait of a fox….and her keen sense of the color PEACH. Ky Hogan’s atom bomb of heart song blasting through time to land with US in Todd. The harmonies and stylings of and her friend Ella stretching across the river valley, Elora Dash’s dips and twists of melody, Swann and all Her SOARING STAR with trails of light dashing through our dusky sunset - THE Boone Barbies - ah, beauties - how your show slayed and your words and heart pierced through all the wind and worry and witty to bring us Truth in each of your glorious performances. Did we just host the first drag show in Todd? Maybe so. We had wind….a bit of rain, sunshine, autumn chill, star splash. The day of SPIRIT reached its beautiful conclusion with Quickchester and Kyley Byrd’s sweet music, dancing through the mountains. We are home.

Sirens on the Mountain is the culmination of our Mermaids Mentors Projects a celebration of creative and generous spirit. If you were unable to attend Sirens on the Mountain, you can still join our mission! Go to mtnmermaids.org to find details on how both individuals and businesses can support us in developing a sustainable inclusive and diverse community in the high country. We thank all of you who made Sirens on the Mountain such an amazing event. We look forward to the next one, but before that - stay tuned for details on our upcoming annual holiday party, The Sparklefest! Sign up for the mailing list on our website to make sure you don’t miss it.

09/23/2023

Online Ticket Sales have ended.
we will sell tickets at the door!
info: mtnmermaids.org/sirens

09/22/2023

2023 will be remembered as The Summer of Barbie…..but, for me anyway, that has nothing to do with Greta or Margot or Ryan. My summer of Barbie began at Legends - at my first party with The Boone Barbies. I had already seen their sparkling spirit shine through the Instagram Window; that can’t miss style dashing kings and full on GOR-JUS gals. I could tell right away: the Barbies have mad skills. They are making a name for themselves.

Backstory though - I lived in NYC for 14 years. I know from drag. I was ready to be supportive…..but I never thought I would be BLOWN AWAY.
Mad skills, yes - but these performers also have MAD SPIRIT.

You can’t perform without heart, without a sense of self and audience. We all know drag has become a lightning rod in Tennessee, and also in our state of North Carolina. The stakes are high these days. The Boone Barbies know the best revenge is having (THE MOST) fun. These joyful performances speak to the now. A Boone Barbies show is exhilarating.

So join me in welcoming to the Sirens 2023 stage Molly Pocket, Yutell Mi and Benadryl - your Boone Barbies!!! These lovely ladies will not only guide us through the day’s festivities as our hosts, but will perform a full drag show! If you have not experienced the Barbie Magic - get ready! My world has been beautifully transformed by these girls. Take the rage and spray paint the world pink! Make your world a stage for fearless self expression. That’s the revolution. It’s good to be reminded. The Summer of Barbie indeed….let us conclude that season on the equinox with a party for the ages!!!! See you on the Mountain, my friends. XOXO

(And the last day for $35 Sirens tickets is TODAY fyi fyi fyi)

09/22/2023

It is with great pleasure that I introduce to you the band Quickchester, and Kyley Byrd. A kindred spirit and a curator of the Asheville scene, we met Ms. Byrd in her town in February 2020.
And then the world shut down.
It seemed a tease, but we knew there was a connection with Kyley Byrd, a connection that we would nurture through live music.

Thankfully we emerged from those darkest days of the pandemic. Live music began again in earnest once again, and we reconnected with Kyley.
We met QuickChester - and the path forward seemed to make all sorts of sense. QuickChester, founded in 2012 by Paul Quick (lead guitar) and Mark Chester (rhythm guitar), makes music to dance to, to be TOGETHER for, to appreciate with full spirit. Joined by Kyley Byrd on flute and vocals, Stu Way on drums, and Chris Leonard on bass, QuickChester creates a kaleidoscope of musical joy. We are ever so pleased that they have chosen to join us for Sirens 2023. The groove is familiar - and yet QuickChester’s special magic is forged in the right now. We hope you will be with us to catch the spell. See you on the mountain!!!

09/22/2023

This is our first Sirens on the Mountain in September. (It used to be held in June.) We are embracing the new season - the cooler temperatures, the changing leaves, the crisp air and the APPLES. In honor of fall's signature fruit, Mountain Mermaids Collective is proud to partner again with Molley Chomper Hard Cider for another Sirens on the Mountain. Truly, this cider is next level, and we are honored to serve this fine beverage at our event. (On another note, if you have not been to their cidery and wine bar at the Old Lansing School, you should! It is worth the trip. Pet friendly, with outside food allowed, the cidery is currently open Wed-Sun. Check the website for hours!)

We look forward to pouring you some of their delicious cider at Sirens 2023! Please bring a valid ID and $20 for a festive wristband. Many thanks, Molley Chomper Hard Cider, for supporting our mission, the arts, and the high country community! 🙏🥳🍎🍏🍎🍏🍎🍏🙏

09/21/2023

Sirens on the Mountain 2023 begins Saturday with a set from a truly talented woman - Liz Lanham - and her friends. Liz hails from Philadelphia, and was raised surrounded by traditional Irish music and musical gatherings. Through these experiences she learned to love music as a way of living and connecting. She began her own musical journey with bluegrass banjo and guitar. When Liz moved to Boone around 2008 she had the good fortune to take fiddle lessons with Cecil Gurganus, and officially caught the old time fiddle bug! ...learning new tunes and seeking out old time jams as often as possible.

You may have heard Liz playing around Boone, as she can often be found at local old time and bluegrass jams. She teaches fiddle for the Junior Appalachian Musician program, and has performed in several local groups including Pig Ankle Annie, the Heel Raisers, and Ruby Goose. She is currently performing as Liz Lanham and Friends and with The Belle Peppers. We are absolutely delighted to welcome Liz Lanham and Friends to the Sirens stage, and to start our day with mountain music. May it bring a bright blessing to this special day!!!!

09/20/2023

None of us like to be ruled by clocks, but on the other hand - time can be a useful tool. As in - what is the Sirens 2023 Schedule of events? Here you go.

1:30 - Welcome from The Mountain Mermaids & our stage hosts, The Boone Barbies

1:45 - Sirens of the Spoken Word: Audrey Fessler & Julie Karaus

2:15 - Liz Lanham and Friends

3:15 - Celebration of the Inaugural Mountain Mermaids Mentors Project!

3:30 - Sirens of the Spoken Word: Rayna Christian

4:15 - Elora Dash

5:15 - Sirens of the Spoken Word: Kathryn Kirkpatrick

6:00 - Ky Hogan

6:30 - Shenette Swann

7:30 - Sirens of the Spoken Word: Teresa Lee

8:00 - The Boone Barbies’ Drag Extravaganza

9:00 - Sirens of the Spoken Word: Katy Abrams

9:30-11PM - QuickChester

09/20/2023

A hearty CHEERS to one of our beer sponsors, Appalachian Mountain Brewery and Cidery! A longtime supporter of Mountain Mermaids Collective events, we are happy to partner with them for Sirens on the Mountain 2023. We will be serving both AMB beer AND cider at Sirens this year. Thank you, AMB, for supporting the arts and our community. We are thankful for the donation, and happy to partner with you once again to do good work!
For Sirens attendees - if you would like to enjoy adult beverages, please bring a valid photo ID. $20 gets you a "festive band" and 4 drink tickets. More available upon request. We appreciate your support of our mission with the purchase of a festive band.
(and once again, no outside alcohol.)
See you on the mountain!

mtnmermaids.org/sirens

09/19/2023

Do you have a question about Sirens on the Mountain - about parking, camping, food or drink? You might find the answer to it here....

From Boone, Take 194 North to Castleford and make a right. Take this about 4.5 Miles and make a left on River Road. 839 River Road is the first house on your left, and the numbers are marked on the post.

09/18/2023

Just a few days and you will join us here!
On the banks of the river, for friends and music. FAQ to follow shortly.
WE ARE VERY EXCITED 🥰💞💫

09/18/2023

The approach into the field….

09/17/2023

important info
$30 early bird ticket sales END
Monday September 18
$35 next week
$40 at the door
get your ticket AND shirt today!

09/16/2023

Sirens of the Spoken Word will once again be a part of our program!!! Many thanks to spoken word performers Audrey Kessler, Julie Karaus, Rayna Christian, Kathryn Kirkpatrick, Teresa Lee and Katy Abrams for participating in this special event next Saturday, September 23rd. The spoken word performances bring a special zap of energy to the place....we all look forward to these!!!⚡️⚡️⚡️

early bird tickets on sale through sunday
mtnmermaids.org/sirens
see you on the mountain!!!

We are thrilled to announce that Sirens of the Spoken Word will be a part of our program next Saturday. At our last Sirens (in 2019!) this spoken word showcase was extremely well received, and we are thrilled to welcome another group of dynamic women to the stage! In between the musical acts, we will be treated to spoken word performances by Audrey Kessler, Julie Karaus, Rayna Christian, Kathryn Kirkpatrick, Teresa Lee and Katy Abrams. The Mountain Mermaids believe in the power of performance in all forms, and we are thankful for these women’s dynamic contributions to our festival and to our community.

Early Bird tickets on sale through the weekend. See you on the mountain!!!
mtnmermaids.org/sirens

09/13/2023

Are you interested in buying a CASH ticket to Sirens on the Mountain? We’ve paired up with our dear friends at the The Todd Mercantile (3899 Todd Railroad Grade Road) to give you that option. Stop in this Friday, Saturday 9-6, or Sunday between 9-2 and purchase your Sirens ticket at the register. We know not everyone wants to use a credit/debit card. We also appreciate that cash sales have no processing fees, and 100% of the proceeds goes towards our non profit mission. We are thankful! Stop by the Mercantile, enjoy some delicious baked goods, and support a diverse and inclusive arts community in western NC! $30 Early Bird Adult /$10 Youth tickets are on sale through Sunday. (kids under 12 have free entry!) See you on the mountain!!!

09/11/2023

Calling all vendors and artisans! If you are free on September 23rd and want to be a part of Sirens on the Mountain, we would love to hear from you! Now in our seventh year, Sirens on the Mountain celebrates diversity in the arts. The Mountain Mermaids Collective seeks to creative an inclusive arts community here in western North Carolina. Sirens 2023 musical acts include: Quickchester, Elora Dash, Shenette Swann, Liz Lanham and The Boone Barbies ! Our aim is to highlight NC artisans, especially those from our region. Vending fee is $10. If you are interested in vending at Sirens on the Mountain please email us at [email protected], and put “VENDOR” in the subject line. Please include photos of your work and include any additional information you think we should know. We look forward to working with you!

http://mtnmermaids.org/sirens

09/11/2023

Fall Fashion Week Alert - AKA don't miss out!!!
The Sirens on the Mountain shirt is always a hot ticket item, and this year's will be no exception!!! Celebrating women and diversity in the arts, this year's pink/brown shirt is a beauty. We want you to get the shirt in YOUR SIZE! It's always a bummer when people walk up to buy a shirt and we have sold out. So - save yourself the heartache and secure your shirt today!!! We have sizes from Youth to 3XL available. Get your ticket to the show AND your shirt today!!!

http://mtnmermaids.org/sirens

PLEASE NOTE:
THIS OFFER WILL END SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 17th
(so the tshirts can be printed! )

thank you for your support
and
SEE YOU ON THE MOUNTAIN!!!

09/10/2023

Exciting surprise!!! RIGHT NOW 9/10 on iamavl.com, Sirens 2023 artist QuickChester will be doing a livestream from Asheville's One Stop! 7-830PM Eastern - check it out and get a taste of all that's coming on 9/23. AROOOOOOO!
Click the below link - (even though the placard there says something about 9/13)
https://iamavl.com/live/
use the "Asheville Music Hall" link in the top bar.

tickets for sirens:
mtnmermaids.org/sirens
can't wait to see you on the mountain!!!!!

09/10/2023

Mountain Mermaids Collective presents the 2023 Sirens on the Mountain Festival at the New River Barn in Todd, NC, on Saturday, September 23rd, from 1 pm to 11 pm. Sirens 2023 features performances by Quickchester, Elora Dash, Shenette Swann, Liz Lanham, The Boone Barbies, Sirens of the Spoken Word, and young artists from the Mermaids Mentors Project. Proceeds benefit Mountain Mermaids Collective, a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization serving the High Country through arts education programs and live music events that bring diverse performers to local audiences. Visit www.mtnmermaids.org/sirens for tickets and information.

where to buy tickets for Sirens on the Mountain 2023 - a inclusive and diverse music festival in Todd, NC

09/08/2023

Would you like to spend a day on the banks of the New River, hearing great music and catching a Boone Barbies performance, making friends and giving back to our community? Well then here’s your golden opportunity - Sirens on the Mountain and the Mountain Mermaids Collective is seeking volunteers for our event. If you want to volunteer, we need YOU, regardless of your age and skill. (Seriously, if you don’t want to walk the beat, you can work the phones.) Sirens on the Mountain is coming up - Saturday September 23rd. We need help before and after the event, but most especially on that Saturday. If you have time to donate, please email us at [email protected] with the word VOLUNTEER in the subject line. All volunteers who complete a three hour shift will receive free entry to the event. Tell us a little bit about yourself, name, phone number, your availability and special skills/knowledge that might be useful, and any limits on your abilities that we should know about. The Mountain Mermaids Collective is a truly fine group of folks; we all believe in our community and our mission and we have a heap of fun making it happen. Join us! (Please share this post and info with your network of friends. Thanks in advance!)

09/05/2023

Salute to the WTF (Women To the Front) Music Festival in Asheville on Sept. 17th at the New Belgium Brewery and the exciting Asheville wide lady musician love fest build up next week!!! You will find a great many talented women performers there- including Sirens 2023 performers Elora Dash (Saturday 9/16, 9PM at One World West) and Quickchester's Kyley Byrd (Sun 9/10, 9PM @ One Stop). We support WTF's efforts and their mission (as it is much aligned with ours)!

Support female artists and independent music festivals!!!
Yes, indeed. :-)

Home page of Women to the Front