Fabulous winter landscape in the mountains. Carpathians Ukraine Europe
A Swannanoa Solstice returns to the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday, December 21, with performances at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. This long-running holiday tradition brings together musicians, storytellers and community members for a warm, reflective gathering at the darkest point of the year. As always, the program blends Celtic and Appalachian music, spoken-word pieces and seasonal themes.
GRAMMY-nominated multi-instrumentalist Josh Goforth has long been a feature of the program. “A Swannanoa Solstice is like a homecoming,” he says. “I’m most excited about seeing friends and family that I rarely get to see, both performers and audience members. For many, this concert is a holiday tradition and as a result, it feels like we are one big family.”
That feeling extends directly into his performance plans. “I’ll bring numerous instruments and do a blend of storytelling and songs that hopefully get everyone in the holiday spirit,” he says. “I always do a different show each time I perform at the Solstice. This year I’m thinking of incorporating some different instruments like the piano or mouthbow. I also have some new holiday stories from my childhood growing up in Madison County.”
Like many in the region, Goforth is still mindful of last year’s recovery from Hurricane Helene, and he sees this year’s event as an opportunity for communal healing. “Last year, we were in the middle of Helene recovery,” Goforth says. “It was an emotional year. Although people are still hurting and we are still rebuilding, I think there is a renewed sense of hope. This time of year brings a mix of emotions, both joy and sadness. I’m hoping through my performance I can help folks experience the joy. After the events of last year, we sure need it.”
Storyteller and emcee Becky Stone shares that sense of anticipation for this year’s lineup. “I am most excited about hearing the performers who are new to Swannanoa Solstice,” she says. “I’ve been impressed every year by the line-up.”
Her own contributions continue a beloved ritual. “I will bring a poem, maybe two, that has been a tradition of A Swannanoa Solstice starting with the founder, Doug Orr. Every year I get to tell a story. I’m exploring Native American tales at the moment…I never can tell where I’ll find the appropriate spoken-word piece to bring to our audience.”
Along with Goforth and Stone, this year’s event features John Doyle, Cathie Ryan, Maura Shawn Scanlin, Zoe & Cloyd, EJ Jones, the Piper Jones Band, Elizabeth McCorvey, and the A.C. Reynolds Chorale.
“This program is important every year,” says Stone. “It’s like comfort food for the spirit. Last year it helped restore hope after the impact of Helene. This year we face all kinds of struggles, but we still have things we can cherish—like time, the seasonal changes, the comfort of familiar things and each other. It’s a great way to welcome the holidays.”
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts is located at 18 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville. Learn more and get tickets at WorthamArts.org/events/A-Swannanoa-Solstice-2025.
