Barrier Islands Center’s
Art & Music on the Farm
May 24, 2025
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
7295 Young Street, Machipongo, VA 23405
Admission: $5 for adults and children are FREE.
Come for the art…stay for the music!
The BIC’s Art & Music on the Farm festival offers fine art and treasures from local artists and artisans and traditional roots music played by celebrated musicians from across Virginia, all in an inviting, family-friendly setting. Whether you prefer to sip wine, peruse the eye-catching art, delve into the history of Virginia musical styles, watch your child have fun with an art activity, plan a fun summer garden, or eat some tasty food, you will find something to tickle your fancy.
Everyone will revel in the toe-tapping, hand-clapping sounds of gospel, folk, and bluegrass from this year’s line-up of highly acclaimed bands. And don’t forget the intimate workshops with the performers hosted by music historian Gregg Kimball.
In addition to the music, the Farm is filled with some of the finest art in the region: over 30 artists and artisans will have their paintings, plants, and crafts for sale. Food and beverages (including local wine, beer, soft drinks, and iced coffee) are available for purchase. Children can participate in a fun, free art activity.
So, bring your friends and family to start summer with a glorious celebration of Virginia’s rich heritage of art and music at one of the loveliest venues on the Eastern Shore!
MUSICIANS
Wayne Henderson and Friends
Main Stage: 10:45 - 11:45 a.m. Workshop: 12:00 - 12:45 p.m.
Wayne Henderson and Friends: A performance by Wayne Henderson goes beyond the music with hilarious and heartfelt stories about his life in Rugby, Virginia. He is renowned as a top-notch finger-picking guitarist and a skilled luthier. He is a recipient of a 1995 National Heritage Award from the National Endowment for the Arts. Fiddler and bassist help from his friends will complement Henderson with their rich musical experiences.
The Hot Seats
Main Stage: 12:00 - 12:45 p.m. Workshop: 2:00 - 2:45 p.m.
The Hot Seats, based in Richmond, Virginia, play string band music. The band consists of Josh, Jake, Rudy, JM, and Charles. They have performed throughout the USA, the UK, Ireland, and a little piece of Europe. Some of their festival highlights have been The Shetland Folk Festival, South By Southwest, Floyd Fest, Bristol Rhythm and Roots Festival, and multiple occasions at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, including a Herald Angel Award in 2006.
The New North Carolina Ramblers
Main Stage: 1:00 - 1:45 p.m. Workshop: 2:00 - 2:45 p.m.
The New North Carolina Ramblers carry on the name and tradition of one of the best-selling string bands of the 1920s. The group’s leader and banjo player, Kinney Rorrer, enlivens their performances with tales of his relatives Posey Rorer and Charlie Poole, who formed the original band in a textile mill in North Carolina. Kinney draws musically from his family heritage and years of interviewing older musicians and documenting the traditional music of Southwest Virginia and North Carolina. Kinney’s fine banjo playing is accompanied by the fiddling of Wayne Martin and the guitar playing of Darren Moore and Margaret Martin.
Andrew Alli and Josh Small
Main Stage: 2:00 - 2:45 p.m. Workshop: 12:00 - 12:45 p.m.
Discover the soulful fusion of acoustic blues, folk, and soul with Andrew Alli and Josh Small. Andrew, a gifted Richmond, VA native, has been recognized by the Blues Music Association as a Best Emerging Artist. His musical journey began at the age of 20 after a chance encounter with a busker playing harmonica inspired him to pursue the instrument. Since then, he has immersed himself in the history of harmonica music, learning from legends like Big Walter Horton and Little Walter, and honing his unique style that pays homage to his influences. Partnering with him is Josh Small, a talented slide guitarist, banjo player, and singer/songwriter from Virginia, whose musical education stems from the rich sounds of his family's guitar and banjo sessions. Together, they create a heartfelt musical experience that resonates with audiences.
Kadencia
Main Stage: 3:00 - 3:45 p.m. Workshop: 1:00 - 1:45 p.m.
Experience the vibrant rhythms and rich cultural tapestry of Afro-Puerto Rican music with Kadencia. Originally formed in Puerto Rico, lead singer Maurice Sanabria and his son Maurice “Tito” Sanabria relocated to Chesterfield, VA, seeking greater opportunities while maintaining their cultural roots. In August 2018, the Sanabria family established this energetic band in Richmond, driven by a passion for preserving and sharing the infectious sounds of Bomba, Plena, and Salsa. Their unique blend of percussion-heavy Afro-Puerto Rican and Afro-Cuban rhythms creates a lively atmosphere that captivates audiences. With most of their repertoire of original songs, Kadencia’s music addresses the heart of Puerto Rican society, culture, and history, inviting you to join in the celebration.
WORKSHOPS
Rural Music in Black and White
Wayne Henderson and Friends with Andrew Alli and Josh Small
12:00 - 12:45 p.m.
Early string band music and country blues coexisted across rural America and Virginia. Despite segregation, influences ran both ways, from the barn dances and church singings to the house parties and frolics of the songsters. Host Gregg Kimball will explore the origins of both musical styles with Wayne Henderson, Andrew Alli, and Josh Small.
Caribbean Rhythms:
Bomba, Plena and Salsa
Kadencia
1:00 - 1:45 p.m.
Bomba, Plena, and Salsa are three percussion-heavy rhythms that define Puerto Rican music. Kadencia lead singer Maurice Sanabria, his son Maurice "Tito" Sanabria, and other band members will discuss and demonstrate the evolution of these styles and the African influence on the music. They will also discuss the music’s deep connection to Puerto Rican society, culture, and history.
String Bands to Bluegrass:
The Evolution of Country Music
The New North Carolina Ramblers and the Hot Seats
2:00 - 2:45 p.m.
The roots of country music can be traced to colonial Virginia, where British and African traditions intertwined. Dance music on the fiddle and banjo laid the groundwork for the early string bands, while church music brought vocal harmony and new styles to the fore. The music developed further in the mine camps, mill towns, and cities of the New South. These influences and more produced a musical hybrid that formed the foundation of country music and its many genres, especially bluegrass. Members of the Hot Seats and the New North Carolina Ramblers will discuss this history and their musical roots and influences.