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Residents of Ocracoke Island, NC often like to remind visitors of the island motto "We don't care what folks do, we just want to HEAR about it!" A naturally curious bunch, Ocracoke villagers are very expressive and are always looking for a reason for social gathering and music making.
As with many mountain communities, Ocracoke Island's isolation has helped preserve its rich tradition of impromptu back-porch music sessions and tale swapping and traditional square dances. Residents' appreciation of the melding of old and new musical styles is a storybook illustration of "Americana" culture. In a time when mainstream media overruns our small towns, residents of this quaint island still look forward to frequent gatherings with "real live people."
Some of our performers might have reached your ears from their travels beyond the Ocracoke . . . Martin Garrish (Ocracoke musical legend), Molasses Creek (Prairie Home Companion Award Winners), Coyote from Warner Brother’s “Nights in Rodanthe” movie, Capt. Rob Temple (National Geographic specials on Blackbeard). Others, you may listen to right here for the first time!
What is Ocrafolk? The Ocrafolk name came about when Gary Mitchell of Ocracoke's Molasses Creek band set out to record some of the amazing talent flowing from island residents visiting his Soundside Studios. The resulting Ocrafolk Music Sampler, spawned a pound-net full of albums, tours, an annual Ocrafolk Festival, and an Ocrafolk School.
As the Ocrafolk movement grows, it gathers independent spirits and community lovers from both on the island and off. At Soundside Records, we pay homage to the rich Americana heritage that sparks when performers from Ocracoke mix their talents with the off-islanders. We dedicate ourselves to bringing you all the best in folk, roots, and Americana music and stories from Ocracoke Island and our extended Ocrafolk family.
Keep up with Ocracoke performances and news. Click the News link above to go to the Soundside Records/Molasses Creek newsletter blog. You can also join our email list by clicking the button below. We’ll let you know when we post a new blog. We don’t share your information with anyone. You can unsubscribe at any time.