The seventh-annual Don Skinner GuitarFest focused on raising funds for Ruth’s House, a not-for-profit organization that assists in the interruption of the cycle of family violence and offers a safe place for domestic violence victims. The successful event enabled the Beaufort County Traditional Music Association to donate $2,000 to Ruth’s House. GuitarFest spotlighted many of the musically-talented ladies in this area. The daylong event at the historic Turnage Theatre was organized by BCTMA member Jay Costello. It was an exciting musical festival due to his leadership and the generous donation of their time and talents of the following talented musicians: Amy Hockaday Stephenson, Jason Thompson, Pamela Cox, JB Mayes, Laura Davis, Vail Rumley, Wayne Stoeckert, Sarah Hollis and Caroline Tanner. The generous donations of the music-loving audience helped fund the donation to Ruth’s House. Many thanks also to Arts of the Pamlico which co-sponsored the event.

BCTMA hosts traditional music jams on Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. at the Turnage Theatre. String musicians are welcome to come and play, and traditional music fans are also invited to come and enjoy the music. All skill levels are welcome. The jams are free, informal and lots of fun. Please visit the calendar at www.bctma.org

The Beaufort County Traditional Music Association is a grass roots non-profit organization that has promoted the performance and enjoyment of traditional music in eastern North Carolina for over 11 years.  Thanks to the assistance and oversight of Arts of the Pamlico, the BCTMA has grown into an active group of musicians and supporters dedicated to the nurturing and sharing of their love of traditional music.