Looking for local gift ideas? Here’s a list of our staff’s top 10 favorites available in our gift shop!
-
1. Mary Beth Martin – Step It Up & Go by David Menconi
I highly recommend Step It Up and Go – The Story of North Carolina Popular Music, from Blind Boy Fuller to Doc Watson to Nina Simone to Superchunk by David Menconi as the perfect gift for any music or book lover. Every reader is sure to find something they’re familiar with, as well as something new to learn in Menconi’s salute to NC’s incredible music culture and history. NC musicians, including Earl Scruggs, have made such an impact on all genres of American music, and Menconi does a great job of weaving those stories together in this book. There’s a lot to love in Step It Up and Go, but my favorite chapter is Chapter 4 – Rocket Man: Earl Scruggs and the Birth of Bluegrass.
2. Jenifer Roberts – Courthouse Mug
This a beautiful handcrafted mug with an image of the historic Cleveland County courthouse. It makes a great gift for under $25.00 for anyone who grew up in or loves Shelby and Cleveland County.
3. Zach Dressel – Earl Scruggs and the 5-String Banjo
Earl Scruggs and the 5-String Banjo has remained a staple of the bluegrass instructional world for over fifty years and has been the starting point for thousands of fledgling banjo pickers. If you are seeking some hands-on learning from the master himself, look no further. This book covers everything from the importance of forward and reverse rolls to the intricacies of such Scruggs classics as Foggy Mountain Breakdown and Ground Speed. For me though, the autobiographical sections make-up some of the most important pieces of the book. Readers are treated to various stories from Earl’s childhood and his career which makes Earl Scruggs and the 5-String Banjo transcend the genre as a first-hand account that many bluegrass scholars still cite today. For that reason, this book makes a great addition to anyone’s library, even if you don’t have dreams of donning finger picks and tearing up the fretboard.
4. Stephanie Barrett – Wooden Banjo Earrings
These wooden banjo earrings make the perfect accessory to any outfit! They are super lightweight to the point you do not even know you are wearing them. Add these to any outfit, like a day at work or out to a concert. Not to mention they are only $11. You will not be disappointed in this item. They are great for any music lover in your life!
5. Melody Gamble – B is for Banjo Children’s T-Shirt
Don’t forget the kids! Our latest addition to the apparel selection is the children’s “B is for Banjo” red t-shirt. Available in toddler and youth sizes, make this unique design one of your fun and functional gifts for the children on your list. It is also super soft and comfy! This item is one of our many under $25 gift items.
6. Julie Stroupe – Signed Concert Poster
I recommend the posters from the two most recent “Remembering Earl” concerts. They are autographed by the artists who performed in each concert. These include Ronnie Milsap, Pam Tillis, TG Sheppard, Janie Fricke, Billy “Crash” Craddock, and Darin & Brooke Aldridge. A great gift for any music lover. They also look great framed and hung on the wall!
7. Pam Fish – Pewter Measuring Spoon Set
It’s a very unique gift and beautiful for a kitchen and for a family. They are a great conversation piece and very practical. We all need measuring spoons at some time. I gave one as a gift to my best friend that lives in Nashville and everyone that comes in her kitchen asks, “where did you get those measuring spoons???” Great gift for a dear friend!!!
8. Sandy Smith – Earl Scruggs Revue Shirt
This is a beautiful soft burgundy tee that would suit any occasion. It is not an “in-your-face” tee which makes it perfect under a jacket, at a concert, or taking your gardening attire to a more sophisticated level.
9. Pre-Order our NEW Ornament
10. Give the gift of music this year with an Earl Scruggs Center membership!
This gift is a gift that keeps on giving with FREE admission to the Center year-round as well as FREE admission to some programs, artist meet-and-greet opportunities, invitations to member-only events throughout the year, and member only communication.
Click here to learn more about our different membership opportunities!
Don’t forget stocking stuffers! Check out our small items
that fit perfectly in a stocking for $15 or less.