An Intimate Evening with Rising Appalachia
It’s rare that one gets an opportunity to sit in on not only a truly intimate performance but also one held in such a unique setting. But that’s exactly what we had when we were able to join the lovely ladies of Rising Appalachia at their first-ever acoustic meet-and-greet session at the mesmerizing Whimzeyland house.
Rarely fully open to the public itself, Whimzeyland (also known as the Bowling Ball House), is the home of artists Todd Ramquist and Kiaralinda. They have spent the last 20 years turning this once-grey house into a treat for the senses — an ever-evolving artist compound where anything is possible. And on this balmy Florida winter night, the gazebo hosted the stunning Smith sisters, Leah and Chloe.
As they sat on swivel chairs, guitar and banjo in hand, the duo fielded questions from a small crowd of about 20 people, thoughtfully answering each one and playing acoustic songs in between.
Though the sisters were raised in what they described as a “folk art family,” they have felt that music was not what came most naturally to them. Art and dance were their primary outlets, but they feel that over the years music has chosen them, and they have embraced it as a platform to spread their message of acceptance, environmentalism and social change. One of the songs they performed acoustically was “Filthy Dirty South,” an anthem about loving the deep south where they were raised and lived but being concerned over depleting resources and environmental issues in the oil industry. They took the opportunity to discuss causes that were dear to their hearts (the Gulf Restoration Network is an organization they lend their support to), as they feel they have always been activists first and performers second.
They also touched on what being touring artists has meant to them. The fact that they never intended to tour when they first began this project 11 years ago has kept them grounded in a lifestyle that, they say, claims far too many beautiful souls to addiction and ego. That and their family, a tight-knit group that has always kept them in check. “Artists come into a conversation that has been happening for a long time,” Chloe reflected. “People have been creating art and music for thousands of years, and it helps to remind ourselves that we are just a small part of something much larger and older than we are.” They also spoke of their love and support within the herbalist community, graciously thanking the teachers that have embraced and supported them throughout the years.
Another area of discussion was the current state of festivals. “There’s nothing wrong with a party, but call it what it is,” Leah said as she talked about their goal to “transform transformational festivals.” They spoke highly of their friend and fellow activist The Polish Ambassador and his role in the permaculture movement at festivals. “Let’s have that party, but then the next day let’s show up early and get our hands in the dirt.” The Polish Ambassador, a vibrant and entertaining DJ who is no stranger to the festival circuit, is known for his support of giving back to the areas where he performs and often participates in planting trees and gardens and educating festival goers on how to be kinder to their environment, a cause the sisters are 100% behind. They also like to see education and blending of cultures and ideas at festivals, which is why they are big supporters of LEAF, an annual gathering in North Carolina.
When they speak, they speak slowly and with a certain grace that draws you into what they are saying, which makes them such a great platform for their messages. To be able to listen to them talk about what is important to them and why they do what they do was a treat indeed.
After their meet-and-greet, they toured Whimzeyland before heading over to the Safety Harbor Art and Music Center for their sold-out show. They were supported by Arouna Diarra and Biko Casini, a delight with traditional hand-drumming. Arouna also joined the full band several times throughout the performance to lend his skills, including a fun “Downtown” mashup between the Rising Appalachia song and Macklemore. “Our song was called “Downtown” first, but we aren’t mad,” joked Leah. “We love Macklemore! Someone can tell him he is more than welcome to come open for us anytime he wants to!”
The crowd was dancing, the music was moving and pulsing through the sleepy little Florida town, an unassuming space for such a powerful and personal performance. But we sure are happy they came.
