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From left, Zach Thomason and Robin Fronrath work on Tuesday getting everything ready for the Sprang Thang musical festival to be held at Lands Creek Log Cabins Thursday-Saturday.
Jessica Webb
editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com
On Tuesday afternoon, things were starting to take shape at Harmony Hall at Lands Creek Log Cabins, located at 3336 Balltown Road, just a short drive outside of downtown Bryson City. A wooden stage was set up on the patio, a big tent was going up in the grass in front, speakers were stacked high and show lights were being installed.
It was all in preparation for the third annual Sprang Thang, a free music festival to be held tonight Thursday, April 25-Saturday, April 27. From the looks of things, it’s going to seriously rock and be an all-around groovy time.
The community is invited to pack up their picnic blankets and chairs and bring their families out to enjoy the music. Food trucks will also be there.
The festival grew out of family and friends post-Covid, and the goal is to offer an event before the season starts that brings people together.
“This is a community thing, everyone is invited. With all the politics, Covid and stuff, it’s time for folks to loosen up and love on each other,” Fronrath said.
Bringing people together is the central idea.
“Music’s always been that central thing that breaks the barriers down with people,” Fronrath said. “We’ve had similar events, but this is the biggest.”
Those familiar with the place will recognize many of the musicians who will take the stage from Johnnie Floor with the Still Misbehavin Band to Shane Meade & the Sound.
Music has always been intertwined with Lands Creek. Fronrath has been a musician his whole life, and there’s a history of musicians coming together at the property.
Previous musical events have included Fiddle Frolick hosted by local bluegrass artist Frank Lee. Several area musicians recorded at the Lands Creek Recording Studio.
“We’ve all known each other since we were children,” Fronrath said of his band mates in Lands Creek Groovers, and many of the other musicians who will take the stage this weekend. They grew up in Lantana, a small town in south Florida. Several also played together in other places, like Austin, Texas. Several are traveling to town just for this event.
Sue and Robin Fronrath are nearing 25 years as the owners and operators of Lands Creek Cabins.
“Playing music took me around, and like many people from Florida, I was looking for a way to get out of Florida,” Fronrath said. “It was by the Grace of God, truly, this happened, and we built it cabin by cabin.”
Many people who stay in the cabins return on an annual basis. It’s also been a place of gathering for Swain County residents.
“There’s people here in this town that have big connections to this place,” he said. “We’ve had weddings, family reunions and even celebrations of life. The PAWS event has been here for 20 plus years. So, people know we’re here, we just want them to come back out.”
Zach Thomason, co-organizer of the event and bandmate, also said the event is all about fostering community.
Of the location, he said, it’s a great place, saying “because of the land, it’s its own natural amphitheater.”
It’s a place with a history of people dedicated to its care, also, he said, adding that’s why it’s a great place for Sprang Thang.
“Let’s spread the love, be nice to each other, eat some good food and listen to some great music,” Thomason said.