WOODFIN, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Local music organizer and education outreach organization Chatt Hills Music has announced its return to one particular stage for the first time since Hurricane Helene struck the area last fall.
Chatt Hills will present South Carolina Americana duo Admiral Radio, comprised of husband and wife team Coty Hoover and Becca Smith, at 4 p.m., Sunday, July 20, at the Olivette Riverside Pavilion, 1069 Olivette Road. While kids get in for free, tickets for adults are $25 and can be purchased here.
The pavilion rests along the banks of the French Broad River, which sustained substantial flooding during Helene. The Admiral Radio show marks a comeback for the venue.
“It doesn’t quite look like it used to, but it will eventually,” promised Chatt Hills founder Ron Simblist.
Chatt Hills has been active in Asheville since 2021. Currently, the nonprofit presents performances at The Grey Eagle or on the outdoor stages at Olivette.
Past Chatt Hills events have featured artists across all kinds of genres, but always playing their own original music. Simblist values the power of the singer-songwriter at his shows.
“I think we differentiate ourselves by using the word singer-songwriters,” Simblist explained. “We do all original. We bring people who sing all original music. We don’t do cover bands. We only book what we feel are high-quality acts.”
While the ticket price of a Chatt Hills event is always $25, Chatt Hills is proud to pay its performers a variable amount for the quality they bring to the stage.
“They always earn a guaranteed fee, which is what they ask for,” Simblist said. “We don’t negotiate fees. If we can’t afford to pay a musician properly or what they think they’re worth, we simply say, ‘why don’t you try again next year when we grow up and we can afford to pay you?'”
Chatt Hills is also busy fostering the next generation of music lovers. The nonprofit does significant music outreach for kids, like at Woodfin Elementary, where Chatt Hills brought singer Rebekah Todd to perform for over 100 students. Children always receive free admission to Chatt Hills shows, too.
“We want kids to get the opportunity to hear music, learn about music and love music, because music is gonna get them a long way through life,” Simblist said.
For more information about Chatt Hills Music or its upcoming shows and programs, visit www.chatthillsmusic.com.