The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Partnership, will host its annual meeting,“Gather ‘Round the Blue Ridge,” at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 28, at Lutheridge Conference Center in Arden.

In addition to the annual review of heritage development projects and programs supported by the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Partnership, Secretary of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources, Linda Carlisle, will announce the results of a study of the economic impact of the Blue Ridge Music Trails of Western North Carolina. The Blue Ridge Music Trails, established in 2003, is being revitalized by the NC Arts Council and the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Partnership. The research is the first step in the revamping of the Blue Ridge Music Trails.

Keynote speaker will be musician and storyteller David ...