The weather finally turned cool, but more than 50 performers heated up the stage at the annual Shakori Grassroots Festival last weekend. Thousands of spectators from around the county, the state and the region poured into the Shakori Hills Community Arts Center north of Pittsboro for four days of music, dance and art.
The event is more than just a music festival; it’s an opportunity for friends and families to come together to camp, learn about music and explore sustainability and healing arts. This year’s headliner, Galactic brought in what may be record crowds for the event though ticket totals have not yet been announced. The event, anchored by Donna the Buffalo, brought an eclectic mix of world music, jazz, funk and a focus this year on North Carolina music with about 60 percent of the performers hailing from the state.
Visitors of all ages journeyed from stage to stage, sometimes riding in tractors, to hear amazing music, purchase crafts and learn. Even with a burn ban in place, the pumpkin parade lived on with LED lighting for safety. The event takes place twice a year — once in the spring and again in the fall — drawing thousands of visitors to Chatham County. Shakori’s special small music festival continues to grow, adding new fans, young and old each year.
Reporter Casey Mann can be reached at CaseyMann@Chathamnr.com.