Velvet Leaves & New Beginnings at Wayfarer
Buttercups and baby calves have aged into golden ember leaves. The brisk evening air drifts in, and the grass begins to lose its brilliance — and that’s alright. Appalachia knows that shedding is part of becoming, that endings are nothing more than new beginnings whispered in the wind.
Last weekend, we swung open our doors for the Grand Opening. Flowers rested on the tables, a humble nod to beauty, even though — in true Murphy’s Law fashion — our Nashville artist’s vehicle broke down, and the show had to be canceled. Still, the room filled with warmth, laughter, and good company. It was less about the stage and more about the spirit, and that’s worth remebering.
It’s been humbling, these first eleven weeks. Hiring, training, smoothing rough edges, and learning the rhythm of our own heartbeat here at Wayfarer. Some folks have shown us grace, others have been harder to win — but every day, we get a little stronger. Someday soon, this place will hum like a finely tuned machine. For now, it grows like the mountain itself, steady and rooted.
Most of all, I hope the community will not just step inside, but make this place their own. We aren’t building a venue — we’re building a family.
And it feels as if the rooms themselves have spoken back to us. Two spaces have found their names:
• The Velvet Room — where songwriters, storytellers, and acoustic voices bless the air like prayers.
• The Crossroads Stage — where open mics, jam sessions, and traveling bands embrace us with a spirit of gathering.
Each has its own soul, its own rhythm, but together they are the heartbeat of Wayfarer.
What’s Coming Up at Wayfarer
October 4 — Chamber Oktoberfest Pre-Party
We’ll host a pre-party from 2–5 with a DJ, plus our very first Chili Cook-Off. Winner earns their way to the next level of competition (on our tab). Cornhole will be set up too — bring your appetite and your aim.
October 11 — We Are the Woods
I’ve known Dan for over a decade, and it’s a gift to welcome him and his band to our Crossroads Stage. His songwriting is honest, and his voice — well, it’s the kind that lingers long after the last note.
October 17 — Charlie McCoy
This one’s a true honor. Charlie McCoy, Nashville legend, harmonica on nearly every early record you can think of — Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan. He’s just been inducted into the Opry and once led the house band. To have him on our stage is nothing short of history in the making.
The leaves are turning, the mountain is shifting shades, but our music won’t quiet with the cold. We’ll keep the doors open and the fire burning all winter.
So I invite you — step out of your house, let your soul breathe, and let the music mend you. Bring your story, your laughter, your heartache, and your hope. Exchange a little positive energy with the artists who travel here just to share theirs with you.
This is more than a venue. This is a beginning. And I’m grateful to those who’ve walked with us this far.
