Freight Train Blues Music Series – Eastern NC Gospel Jubilee

Music Maker Relief Foundation partners with the Carrboro Recreation & Parks Department and WUNC to present the Freight Train Blues Music Series at Carrboro Town Commons (Farmer’s Market). Beginning on May 24th, the four-part series will feature performances from blues, gospel, and folk musicians on Fridays at 6:30pm.

The music series, which highlights blues and roots music, celebrates the life and legacy of Piedmont blues legend Elizabeth “Libba” Cotten, born in 1893 in Carrboro, N.C. Cotten’s style was unique and highly regarded by many musicians. Some of her best-known compositions, like “Freight Train” and “Shake Sugaree,” have been canonized into the repertoires of American popular culture.

The series honors Elizabeth Cotten’s contributions to American roots music by highlighting the cultural significance, diversity, and vitality of her North Carolina community and its connections to artists across the nation. Now in its fifth year, Freight Train Blues presents artists who continue Elizabeth Cotten’s legacy of tradition and innovation in the state of North Carolina.

These outdoor performances are all free. Food trucks and beer from a local brewery will be on hand for sale. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. No outside alcohol will be permitted at the concerts.