FAQs

What geographical area is covered in the African American Music Trails of Eastern North Carolina?

The project highlights the musical heritage of eight counties in Eastern North Carolina: Edgecombe, Greene, Jones, Lenoir, Nash Pitt, Wayne and Wilson.

Cities in the region include Kinston and the towns of LaGrange, Pink Hill, Trenton, Pollocksville and Maysville; Greenville and the towns of Fountain and Grifton; Goldsboro and the towns of Fremont, Snow Hill and Dudley; Rocky Mount and the towns of Princeville and Tarboro; Wilson and the towns of Elm City and Lucama.

What kinds of music will I experience here?

African American Music of Eastern North Carolina features blues, funk, gospel, jazz, hip hop, rhythm & blues and soul.

Is there a designated route to follow the African American Music Trails of Eastern North Carolina?

This website and guidebook provide the information you’ll need to design your own itinerary for a music-filled trip. You can visit the cities and towns in any order. The interactive map and calendar can help plan your route based on festivals, events, and other music events scheduled.

Are certain times of year better than others to hear music in the eight-county region?

There are some indoor music events throughout the year. Concerts, jams, dances, and other indoor events happen in all seasons. We recommend that you check the events calendar to see what’s happening prior to your planning your trip.

How can I find out about lodging and dining options in the region?

The Plan Your Trip page provides links to a variety of local tourism planning websites which include listings for accommodations and restaurants.

Is the information on this website the same as what I’ll read if I buy the book African American Music Trails of Eastern North Carolina?

The website and the guidebook are companions with each offering unique special features. In the guidebook, African American Music Trails of Eastern North Carolina, you can read extended profiles of musicians and more in-depth discussions of the musical heritage of the region from the voices of the musicians. Many excerpts from interviews between the musicians and folklorist are included in the guidebook, bringing to life people and places. More than 125 beautiful photographs by Titus Brooks Heagins, a documentary and fine art photographer and Cedric N. Chatterley, also a documentary photographer are included in the guidebook. A CD of 17 recordings performed by many of the region’s outstanding artists is also included in the guidebook. We recommend both!

I’m an organizer of a music-related event or venue. Can my event/venue be listed on the website?

If your event features blues, funk, gospel, jazz, hip hop, rhythm & blues and soul within the eight counties of the African American music trails, we encourage you to submit information about the event for possible inclusion on this website. Please visit our event submission page for details. If your event is outside these counties but is dedicated to one of the above genres please call (919) 807-6500.

I’ve spotted something on the website that needs to be updated. Whom should I contact about it?

For updates or corrections to event and venue pages on this website, suggestions and general feedback please contact:

Ai-Ling Chang, Graphic & Website Manager
N.C. Arts Council
(919) 814-6501
ai-ling.chang@ncdcr.gov