Ellijay Music Festival Underway This Weekend
The fourth annual Ellijay Music Festival kicks off today and runs through Sunday, May 10. Award-winning songwriters, recording artists, and bands will perform original songs, fan favorites, and hits at venues including The Butcher and Bottle, Gilmer Arts Playhouse, Cantaberry, The Ellijay Cigar Lounge, and Cartecay River Brewing Co. Many performances are free, with a great mix of country, rock, and more. It’s the perfect way to kick off summer in Gilmer County.
Steve Sutton Fest Honors Local Music Legacy
Head to Lake Junaluska today and tomorrow, May 8-9, for the Steve Sutton Fest at the Stuart Auditorium. This nonprofit event celebrates the beloved WNC musician with bluegrass, mountain music, and community gatherings. All proceeds support music programs in Haywood County schools and JAM. Artists include Authentic Unlimited and Red Camel Collective – a heartfelt weekend for neighbors who love roots music.
Road Work Alerts for Safe Weekend Travels
Plan your drives carefully with ongoing work in Cherokee County. Lane closures and narrowed sections are active on Valley River Avenue in Murphy and Old Highway 64 West. Check DriveNC.gov for the latest real-time updates before heading out this weekend. Safe travels keep our mountain roads friendly for everyone.
Murphy Bike Nights and Andrews Events Building Momentum
Murphy’s Bike Night fundraisers continue to roll, bringing riders together downtown to support local causes. Meanwhile, the Andrews Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for Spring Fling and the return of Food Truck Fridays. Expect more live music, vendors, and good eats in the coming weeks – mark your calendars for these hometown favorites.
Local Law and Order Notes
Cherokee County courts moved quickly this week with two felony convictions wrapped up in under ten minutes each. On the positive side, Murphy Police Officer Brayden Snow was honored as Police Officer of the Year by MURPHYMADD for his outstanding service. These updates remind us that our local officers and justice system are working hard for safer communities.
Sources:
2026-05-08 | https://www.ellijaymusicfestival.com/
2026-05-08 | https://lakejunaluska.com/events-calendar/steve-sutton-fest/
2026-05-08 | https://drivenc.gov/
2026-05-05 | https://www.cherokeescout.com/ (Bike Nights & Chamber updates)
2026-05-06 | https://www.cherokeescout.com/local-newsletter/law-and-order-may-6-2026
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Notes, methods, and rights
This Appalachia Daily Update was created with the help of AI tools working alongside a human editor. All information is drawn from publicly available sources listed above. Rights for the Appalachia Daily Update are reserved by River Run Digital Media and Entertainment, which produces hyperlocal news for small towns across Appalachia and beyond.
