MECC Foundation Hosts Fundraiser for Dickenson County Endowed Scholarship

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dale-jett-and-hello-stranger2-275x300The Mountain Empire Community College Foundation will present a special evening of music with Dale Jett and “Hello Stranger” as part of its fundraising event for the Dickenson County Endowed Scholarship.

This special fundraising event will be held Tuesday, November 29 at 6 p.m. at Ridgeview High School in Clintwood. Patrons will enjoy a reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres at 6:00 p.m., followed by the concert.

Singer and musician, Dale Jett, is a native of Southwest Virginia, and is a third generation member of the legendary Carter Family. The son of Janette Carter, the grandson of A.P. and Sara Carter, Dale’s roots have been heavily steeped within the heart of his family’s musical heritage.

“Hello Stranger” provides the closest link to the music of the original Carter Family. The group includes Dale, his wife Teresa, and longtime friend Oscar Harris.

Dale and Oscar have been musical partners and friends for over twenty years. Teresa joined them a few years back and the three have been playing and recording together since.

The Carter Family influence is evident as they continue the unbroken circle of music that Dale grew up in, and that their fans demand. The group also adds an electric mixture from songwriters they admire and original tunes, resulting in a true Appalachian Americana experience.

Growing up within the Carter Family, Dale has been influenced by many musicians and styles of music. He began playing guitar in his late teens when Elizabeth Cotten taught him his first chords – left handed, upside down. Later, he added his own style of Autoharp playing to his repertoire. But, it is ultimately his voice that captures you. It is powerful and compelling, yet at the same time, delicate and haunting.

Like his grandfather, Dale is a “collector” of songs. His dedication to the preservation of traditional music, his love of Carter Family songs, and his admiration of other songwriters are evident in his performances. His performances and recordings encompass a unique combination of traditional songs blended with a mix of others that extend the boundaries of conventional country. Whether playing an original tune, or that of others, “Hello Stranger’s” music will ring true to the soul.

Their performances have included the Carter Family Fold, Barter Theater, Mountain Stage, the California Autoharp Gathering, the Smithsonian, the Marty Stuart Show, the Grand Ole Opry, Irish Arts Council of New York City, and many other venues and events across the nation and in Canada. They have also performed at festivals, concerts, colleges, workshops, private gatherings, etc. around the country and in Canada.

 

Tickets for the event are $30 and will cover the reception and the concert. Tickets may be purchased by contacting Doris Rife, Chair of the Event Committee, at 276.926.8745, by e-mailing Jeri Bledsoe at jbledsoe@mecc.edu, or by calling Jeri at 276.523. 2400, ext. 287.

Anyone wishing to contribute to the Dickenson County Endowed Scholarship Fund may donate online at meccfoundation.org, or by mailing a check made payable to MECC Foundation to MECC Foundation, 3441 Mountain Empire Road, Big Stone Gap, VA, 24219. Please note in the memo section of the check that it is for the Dickenson County Endowed Scholarship.

For more information about the event, contact Jeri Bledsoe, MECC Foundation Annual Fund Coordinator, 276-523-2400, extension 287, or by e-mail at jbledsoe@mecc.edu.