Join us at the Jacksonville State University Canyon Center for one of our most anticipated events of the year: Bluegrass on the Rim!
The 9th annual event is set for Saturday, June 11th. Doors will open at 6 pm with music beginning at 7 pm. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $25 each through our website or the day of the show in the gift shop for $30. The event will be outdoors, under the stars, so please bring your own chair and/or blanket. Once again, Bluegrass on the Rim will be featuring incredible performances from all-time favorite bluegrass bands, Foggy Hollow and Valley Road. Also, we are happy to welcome Three on a String back to the Canyon Center stage. Come out and enjoy their signature humor and industry-defining bluegrass sound. Ol’ Tymers will be on-site serving up some of the best BBQ around so come hungry. Coolers and leashed pets welcome. “We are excited to host another Bluegrass on the Rim,” said Sales & Services Manager, Anna Lindsey. “Ticket sales are trending well above average, so get yours early!” “There’s nothing better than friends and family on a summer evening, listening to Bluegrass on the Rim!” said Pete Conroy, Canyon Center director. “It’s an annual tradition, rich with the best music, food and memories, not to be forgotten.” Tickets can be purchased now via our website www.jsu.edu/epic/canyonconcerts/ Read more about the bands below Foggy Hollow Bluegrass: Foggy Hollow brings a unique blend of musicians from several genres. The band members all hail from and live in the foothill area of the Appalachian Mountains. Not only do they have a love for the traditional tunes but have put together a vast blend of musical backgrounds. Check out a video here. Valley Road: Valley Road started out with one goal in mind - to have a great time picking good bluegrass music. “From big-time festivals to small country churches, we've tried to maintain that idea in everything we do. In doing so, we hope to provide the best entertainment we can while keeping Christian family values at the forefront.” Read more about Valley Road here. Three on a String: Three on a String recently celebrated 50 years in the entertainment business, a remarkable feat in today’s fast-changing society. It started with Jerry and Bobby performing as a duet for one show at Horse Pens 40 near Steel, AL in 1971. George Pruitt, a big band music veteran suggested they add a bass and thus Three on a String was born. Some personnel changes and lots of one-nighters eventually evolved into performances with symphony orchestras in several states including a nine-city tour with the Alabama Symphony, opening for Bill Cosby, Red Skelton, Barbara Mandrel, Jeff Foxworthy, George Lindsey, Ray Stevens, and many more top stars. Add in concerts for art councils, Chambers of Commerce, Landmark Theatres and city celebrations and you have a busy schedule for these veteran entertainers.
Don't Miss the 12th Annual Canyon Fest Celebration
This Saturday 10 am - 4 pm
Live Animal Programs, Arts, Crafts, Face Painting, Food & Fun for the Entire Family
Dogs welcome
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
12th Annual Canyon Fest: “A Celebration of Art & Nature”
Saturday, November 6, 2021 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Fort Payne, AL-- Jacksonville State University’s Little River Canyon Center is pleased to announce the 12th annual Canyon Fest set for Saturday, November 6, 2021. Designed to encourage an appreciation for the environment and local culture the JSU Canyon Center has organized a day filled with local music, food, art, and fun for the entire family. The festivities for the day also include live animal programs, art sales and demonstrations, art activities and exhibits. Canyon Fest is free and open to everyone. Dog are welcome on leashes.
|
|
|
|
Fall Photography Workshop
November 5-6
|
There are still a few spots available! Join Fine Art Photographer John Dersham for a two-day seminar on how to improve your photography by learning tried and true compositional rules. In addition learn about lighting and strategies that will provide more visual impact to your pictures. Hikes are short and are easy to moderate (optional).
|
|
|
Canyon Fest Schedule
Sat. Nov. 6th 10 am - 4 pm
|
- 10:00 am Canyon Fest begins!
- Art activities, art sales, demonstrations, food, and music will continue throughout the day with the following scheduled events:
- 10:00 am-Noon
- Matt Downer: Old Time Fiddle & Banjo
- 11:00 am
- Live Animal Show: Fantastic Creatures with Animal Tales
- 2:00 pm
- Live Animal Show: Fantastic Creatures with Animal Tales
- Noon- 2:00 pm
- The Whistlebees: Old Time Appalachian Harmonies
- 4:00 pm Festival Close
|
|
|
|
Events & News from Jacksonville State University's Little River Canyon Center
|
|
An Update from the Director...
|
|
We are so pleased to announce that our recent “Bluegrass on the Rim” concert will air this Saturday at 7 pm on Alabama Public Television. It includes some of our old favorite bluegrass from Foggy Hollow and Valley Road but the show features Three on a String with a very special 50th Anniversary presentation! As we wait to watch, check out this 30 second teaser from our Canyon Center Facebook page and, if you like what you see, please share and help us spread the news!
The JSU staff at the Canyon Center continues to make summertime improvements to our facilities and landscape. A few of the notable projects have been improved HVAC, safety upgrades, and substantially faster internet from 200 Mbps to a full GigaByte per second. All needed to best accommodate you and our future gatherings.
Also, we’ve announced a job opening! The Assistant Field School position is open and we are seeking applicants. To learn more, just click here.
Finally, nothing worse than having to remind our friends and patrons that regional COVID cases and hospitalizations continue to surge. As a result, JSU now requires mask wearing in all JSU buildings, including the Canyon Center. We truly appreciate your understanding, patience and cooperation.
We do hope you’ll visit the Canyon Center, Tues-Sat, 10 am until 4 pm., and also enjoy our trails and the adjoining Little River Canyon National Preserve.
Pete Conroy, Director
Little River Canyon Center
|
|
Bluegrass on the Rim to Air this Saturday on APT
|
|
Tune into Alabama Public Television this Saturday 7 pm
|
|
|
Upcoming Field School Programs
|
|
September 11: Wood Burning Workshop
September 20: iNaturalist Hike *
September 25: Medicinal Plant Workshop
* notates free program
For more info or to register for a program
|
|
Follow us on Facebook to experience more classes, adventures & events
|
|
Register Today for the Canyon Half
|
|
9th Annual Canyon Half Marathon Sat. Oct. 9th 2021
|
|
Join Speedy Sal on October 9, 2021 at 8 am and experience one of the most scenic and challenging certified half marathon courses in the country. Registration now at active.com! Sign-up by September 14th to guarantee a race shirt!
Save $5 when you register using promo code CANYONHALF21
|
|
Join us Saturday, November 6th for the
12th Annual Canyon Fest
|
|
Sign up today to participate as an exhibiting artist by emailing or mailing your completed artist application to canyoncenter@jsu.edu or 4322 Little River Trail NE Fort Payne, AL 35967.
|
|
The Shop at Little River Canyon
|
|
Open Tues-Sat | 10 am - 4 pm
|
|
Shop local & support environmental education
|
The Shop at Little River Canyon features a wide variety of unique, eco-friendly and USA made merchandise, many exclusive to the Canyon Center!
|
|
|
|
Canyon Center COVID Update
|
The Canyon Center remains open Tues - Sat 10 am - 4 pm. Please be patient as we are operating under limited hours and capacity. Masks are now required in all JSU buildings, including the Canyon Center! Vaccinations are also greatly appreciated! The JSU Canyon Center is encouraging everyone who is eligible to "spread your wings and get the vaccine."
#spreadyourwings #getthevaccine #sleeveup
|
|
|
|
|
News & Events from Jacksonville State University's Little River Canyon Center
|
|
An Update from the Director...
|
|
Thanks to everyone who came out and supported the 8th annual Bluegrass on the Rim concert. It was a nice success estimating nearly 300 in attendance. We are planning many more concerts so let us know what YOU would like to see on the Canyon Center stage in the future.
The Canyon Center remains open Tues-Sat 10 am until 4 pm. We are still working with limited staff and volunteers so please let us know if you would be interested in volunteering at the Canyon Center. From the front desk to trail work and from education to research, we might have a rewarding job or project for you.
Summer and fall programs are in full swing so be sure to check what’s coming up at the Canyon Center below. Also, mark your calendars for the Canyon Half Marathon October 9th and Canyon Fest on November 6th. More programs, classes and activities are coming soon.
Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday weekend!
Pete Conroy, Director
Little River Canyon Center
|
|
Bluegrass on the Rim 2021
|
|
July 6: Junior Naturalist
July 7: Naturalist Hike for Kids
July 12: Junior Adventurer
July 27: Junior Naturalist
July 28: Naturalist Hike for Kids
July 31: Traditional Chair Weaving Workshop
For more info or to register for a program
|
|
Follow us on Facebook to experience more classes, adventures & events
|
|
The Canyon Half Marathon is Back!
|
|
9th Annual Canyon Half
Saturday, October 9, 2021
|
We are planning the 9th Annual Canyon Half Marathon and it's set for October 9, 2021 at 8 am. One of the most scenic and challenging certified half marathon courses in the country.
|
|
|
Canyon Fest: A Celebration of Art and Nature
|
|
|
Canyon Fest Sat. Nov. 6th
|
Canyon Fest is an annual celebration of arts and nature that features live animal programs, music, art, food and fun for the entire family. We hope you will join us the first Saturday in November for the festivities. We encourage and welcome new artists to apply for the event! Apply now using the link below.
|
|
Date: July 31st, 2021
1-day class, with an optional second day
Time: 10:00 – 4:00 (CST)
Where: JSU’s Little River Canyon Center-Fort Payne, Alabama
Fee: $150 supply fee. Pre-registration required by July 17th by emailing Brittney Hughes (NOT via Facebook).
For details and to pre-register email Southernchick888@hotmail.com
|
|
Traditional Chair Weaving Workshop July 31
|
The craft of chair seat weaving and chair caning has been practiced for centuries and is still a viable craft today, experienced all over the world. Only a few common tools are necessary to repair chair seats, making this a craft that nearly anyone can master with just a little patience and tenacity. Participants will discover how to weave a simple chair bottom, while learning the herringbone pattern using flat reed. Small ladderback chairs will be provided, as well as all tools & supplies. For ages 12 years and up.
|
|
|
|
The Shop at Little River Canyon
|
|
Now Open Tues-Sat | 10 am - 4 pm
|
|
Shop local & support environmental education
|
The Shop at Little River Canyon features a wide variety of unique, eco-friendly and USA made merchandise, many exclusive to the Canyon Center!
|
25% off Reversible Dog Bandanas
|
|
40% off Fairy Garden Boxes & Accessories
|
25% off Blue Planet Polarized Sunglasses
|
|
The Canyon Center is currently open Tues - Sat 10 am - 4 pm. Please be patient as we will be operating under limited hours and capacity. Masks are appreciated!
|
|
JSU Canyon Center to Remain Closed
March 2020 FORT PAYNE, AL. As a sign of the times and with significant regret, the Jacksonville State University Canyon Center will remain closed until its deemed safe to reopen.
After being one of the first public facilities in Alabama to close its doors to prevent the spread of Covid-19, the Canyon Center closed its doors and gates to the public on March 14th. The National Park Service staff has continued to work with a limited number of JSU staff on site. However, the facility is closed to the public until further notice.
Due to these cautionary actions all building rentals are also cancelled including corporate meetings, proms and private events.
From the staff at JSU and the Canyon Center, we sincerely hope that you are safe, socially distanced and as healthy as possible. We hope to resume normal operations as soon as possible.
If there are any questions regarding the operation of the Canyon Center, feel free to call 256-845-3548 or text 256-282-5784.
Pete Conroy, Director
Bluegrass on the Rim Goes Virtual
Take the boredom out of your stay at home time by watching the 7th annual Bluegrass on the Rim show Saturday, June 13th - virtually!
Brought to you by the Jacksonville State University Canyon Center and thanks to some brilliant musicians, JSU is excited to announce performances from renowned Nashville recording artist Megan Mullins as well as the top bluegrass bands Foggy Hollow Revue and Valley Road.
“Nothing is better than to sit under a summer sky, with family and friends, near the river and with bluegrass in the air,” said Canyon Center Director Pete Conroy. “Since that’s not happening, we lined up some VIRTUAL Grass. With our truly awesome talent, high definition video, multi-channel recording, and some funny stuff, we hope it will be the next best thing to being there!”
Due to the possibility of infection, a live show at the Canyon Center isn’t possible. Notably, this year’s concert will be dedicated to front line workers, first responders and all of those impacted by Covid-19.
“We hope that folks will take the time to relax and sit down behind their favorite screens for some good old fashion summer fun,” said event Master of Ceremony Glen Williams. “Bluegrass on the Rim is a great tradition and I’m so glad it won’t be lost in 2020” he said.
You can experience the VIRTUAL Grass via the Canyon Center Facebook page @littlerivercanyoncenter beginning at 5:00 pm on Saturday, June 13th. The show is free but a donation link will be made available. Viewing will be available on demand, so listen at your leisure anytime, enjoy and don’t forget to share the show!
Campus Location: Virtual Event
Event Type: Performance, Special Event
Audience: Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Public, Student
Sponsor: Little River Canyon Center
Learn More About This Event on Facebook