Past Events | Rock the Plateau | 270 Main Street, Highlands, NC 28741, USA

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It is an honor for us to welcome amazing artists to the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau - Thursday December 18th at @highlandermountainhouse. While part of our mission is to encourage visitors to the area for special events, it is also to provide our local community with well-rounded entertainment. People who we would not otherwise see unless we travel. If you are local and haven't been to the Salon Series, consider this a time to join us!

Tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/highlander-mountain-house-salon-series-with-waylon-payne-tickets-1976263795211?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

It is an honor for us to welcome amazing artists to the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau - Thursday December 18th at @highlandermountainhouse. While part of our mission is to encourage visitors to the area for special events, it is also to provide our local community with well-rounded entertainment. People who we would not otherwise see unless we travel. If you are local and haven't been to the Salon Series, consider this a time to join us!

Tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/highlander-mountain-house-salon-series-with-waylon-payne-tickets-1976263795211?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

JUST ADDED! Waylon Payne returns to the Salon Series for a special performance on Dec. 18th at 8 pm at @highlandermountainhouse.

The first time @billsamson14 and I ever saw Waylon, he wasn't even singing. He played Jerry Lee Lewis in Walk the Line. It was a small role, but he stole the show. I then happened to hear him sing one night at the @bluebirdcafetn in Nashville. That started our decades-long fascination with him. He has put out two albums of his own, written Grammy-nominated songs performed by LeeAnn Womack, written songs for Miranda Lambert, and toured with Willie Nelson. He returns to the Highlands and the Salon series after selling out here previously.

Don't miss this special show. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/highlander-mountain-house-salon-series-with-waylon-payne-tickets-1976263795211?aff=ehometext
#visitnc #visithighlands #salonseries

JUST ADDED! Waylon Payne returns to the Salon Series for a special performance on Dec. 18th at 8 pm at @highlandermountainhouse.

The first time @billsamson14 and I ever saw Waylon, he wasn't even singing. He played Jerry Lee Lewis in Walk the Line. It was a small role, but he stole the show. I then happened to hear him sing one night at the @bluebirdcafetn in Nashville. That started our decades-long fascination with him. He has put out two albums of his own, written Grammy-nominated songs performed by LeeAnn Womack, written songs for Miranda Lambert, and toured with Willie Nelson. He returns to the Highlands and the Salon series after selling out here previously.

Don't miss this special show. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/highlander-mountain-house-salon-series-with-waylon-payne-tickets-1976263795211?aff=ehometext
#visitnc #visithighlands #salonseries

What a special time to reflect and be grateful. We recently had our first fundraiser for Rock the Plateau. It is such an honor to host amazing artists like Autumn Defense, which happened later that evening. As a result, we received donations and signed up members to join us in this adventure! None of this happens without the generosity of other partners as well. Thanks to @reeves_jason and @highlandermountainhouse and @Shellycolvin for curating the amazing Salon Series and hosting the fundraiser. And a very special shout-out to @highlands_smokehouse for providing the food for the event - and sustaining us for the evening. Another amazing partner that shows up in so many ways for so many people and events. I am deeply grateful for this very special community on the Plateau.

What a special time to reflect and be grateful. We recently had our first fundraiser for Rock the Plateau. It is such an honor to host amazing artists like Autumn Defense, which happened later that evening. As a result, we received donations and signed up members to join us in this adventure! None of this happens without the generosity of other partners as well. Thanks to @reeves_jason and @highlandermountainhouse and @Shellycolvin for curating the amazing Salon Series and hosting the fundraiser. And a very special shout-out to @highlands_smokehouse for providing the food for the event - and sustaining us for the evening. Another amazing partner that shows up in so many ways for so many people and events. I am deeply grateful for this very special community on the Plateau.

Still reveling in this amazing night at Highlander Mountain House.

See how you can be a part of this amazing place and series. www.rocktheplateau.org.

Still reveling in this amazing night at Highlander Mountain House.

See how you can be a part of this amazing place and series. www.rocktheplateau.org.

Thank you to all who joined us for cocktails and stayed to experience the magic of The Autumn Defense — an unforgettable evening with John Stirratt and Pat Sansone of Wilco, performing in our intimate Salon setting.

Your presence and support remind us why we founded Rock the Plateau — to bring world-class musicians to our mountain community and create shared moments that stay with us long after the final note.

Together, we’re building the Plateau into a premier destination for extraordinary music and meaningful connection. Let's keep building something beautiful together. Learn more about becoming a member at www.rocktheplateau.org.

#RockThePlateau #SalonSeries #HighlanderMountainHouse #TheAutumnDefense #AmericanaMusic #LiveMusicNC

Thank you to all who joined us for cocktails and stayed to experience the magic of The Autumn Defense — an unforgettable evening with John Stirratt and Pat Sansone of Wilco, performing in our intimate Salon setting.

Your presence and support remind us why we founded Rock the Plateau — to bring world-class musicians to our mountain community and create shared moments that stay with us long after the final note.

Together, we’re building the Plateau into a premier destination for extraordinary music and meaningful connection. Let's keep building something beautiful together. Learn more about becoming a member at www.rocktheplateau.org.

#RockThePlateau #SalonSeries #HighlanderMountainHouse #TheAutumnDefense #AmericanaMusic #LiveMusicNC

Ever wondered how we get the caliber of artists we do at the Salon Series? 🎵✨
Now's your chance to be part of the magic. Join us for an evening of cocktails and learn exactly how Rock the Plateau makes it all happen—then stay for one of this year's most anticipated performances.

Get tickets to The Autumn Defense here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/highlander-mountain-house-salon-series-with-the-autumn-defense-tickets-1735364705549?aff=ehometext

#Rocktheplateau #highlandermountainhouse #Visithighlands #HIchlandsCashiers #autumndefense

Ever wondered how we get the caliber of artists we do at the Salon Series? 🎵✨
Now's your chance to be part of the magic. Join us for an evening of cocktails and learn exactly how Rock the Plateau makes it all happen—then stay for one of this year's most anticipated performances.

Get tickets to The Autumn Defense here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/highlander-mountain-house-salon-series-with-the-autumn-defense-tickets-1735364705549?aff=ehometext

#Rocktheplateau #highlandermountainhouse #Visithighlands #HIchlandsCashiers #autumndefense

Ready for a really big show! Please join us as Autumn Defense makes a tour stop at the @highlandermountainhouse on November 10th. The show starts at 8:30 and tickets are available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/highlander-mountain-house-salon-series-with-the-autumn-defense-tickets-1735364705549?aff=ehometext

This is a rare opportunity to see these guys in a unique, intimate setting!

Ready for a really big show! Please join us as Autumn Defense makes a tour stop at the @highlandermountainhouse on November 10th. The show starts at 8:30 and tickets are available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/highlander-mountain-house-salon-series-with-the-autumn-defense-tickets-1735364705549?aff=ehometext

This is a rare opportunity to see these guys in a unique, intimate setting!

Halloween Eve!

We’re thrilled to welcome T. Hardy Morris and Tyler Ramsey — two of the South’s most soulful songwriters — for an intimate evening of music at Highlander Mountain House.

✨ Expect raw honesty, lush guitar work, and the kind of storytelling that reminds you why live music matters.

While both artists play theaters and festivals across the country, Thursday night, they are playing for the Plateau.

Get your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/highlander-mountain-house-salon-series-with-tyler-ramsey-t-hardy-morris-tickets-1689355480719?

#RockThePlateau #SalonSeries #storytellers #HighlandsNC #LiveMusic #TylerRamsey #THardyMorris #AmericanaMusic #SupportTheArts

Halloween Eve!

We’re thrilled to welcome T. Hardy Morris and Tyler Ramsey — two of the South’s most soulful songwriters — for an intimate evening of music at Highlander Mountain House.

✨ Expect raw honesty, lush guitar work, and the kind of storytelling that reminds you why live music matters.

While both artists play theaters and festivals across the country, Thursday night, they are playing for the Plateau.

Get your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/highlander-mountain-house-salon-series-with-tyler-ramsey-t-hardy-morris-tickets-1689355480719?

#RockThePlateau #SalonSeries #storytellers #HighlandsNC #LiveMusic #TylerRamsey #THardyMorris #AmericanaMusic #SupportTheArts

The music on the Plateau in October and November will have you dancing! Check out upcoming events at @highlandermountainhouse

Kick off Halloween festivities with Tyler Ramsey and T. Hardy Morris on October 30th

Kick off Highlands Food and Wine with The Autumn Defense on November 10th.

Visit www.highlandermountainhouse.com for ticket details!

The music on the Plateau in October and November will have you dancing! Check out upcoming events at @highlandermountainhouse

Kick off Halloween festivities with Tyler Ramsey and T. Hardy Morris on October 30th

Kick off Highlands Food and Wine with The Autumn Defense on November 10th.

Visit www.highlandermountainhouse.com for ticket details!

Off the plateau and in the world today. Hello, Nashville! @mjlenderman at the @theryman tonight! Here he is at Shoalsfest this past weekend.

Off the plateau and in the world today. Hello, Nashville! @mjlenderman at the @theryman tonight! Here he is at Shoalsfest this past weekend.

✨ Why Music Matters—to a Place ✨

Lately, I’ve been thinking about why music matters—really matters—to a place.

This past weekend, we traveled to Muscle Shoals, AL for Shoalsfest. On the banks of the singing Tennessee River, you can still feel the echoes of what happened in those legendary studios — FAME. Muscle Shoals Sound.
The places where Aretha Franklin found her voice.
Where the Rolling Stones cut “Wild Horses.”
Where Etta James, Wilson Pickett, and countless others made records that defined American music.

A small town that somehow became the heartbeat of soul and rock.

That legacy still ripples outward. It gave rise to Patterson Hood and the Drive-By Truckers. Jason Isbell. The Secret Sisters.

These artists have traversed through our Plateau - Jason played here at Bear Shadow. The others have played our Rock the Plateau Salon Series at Highlander Mountain House — to a room of 90 people.

That’s exactly why we founded Rock the Plateau:
To bring world-class artists to our region.
To make Western North Carolina a destination for those unforgettable nights — the ones that stay with you for years.

Because when musicians travel here, they’re following the same thread between places that honor music.
🎶 Follow the rivers. Follow the music. Come to the mountains. 🎶

Every show we bring is about building something lasting — making our region worthy of the music that shaped the South. #shoalsfest #highlandermountainhouse #jasonisbell #mjlenderman #waxahachie #dtph

✨ Why Music Matters—to a Place ✨

Lately, I’ve been thinking about why music matters—really matters—to a place.

This past weekend, we traveled to Muscle Shoals, AL for Shoalsfest. On the banks of the singing Tennessee River, you can still feel the echoes of what happened in those legendary studios — FAME. Muscle Shoals Sound.
The places where Aretha Franklin found her voice.
Where the Rolling Stones cut “Wild Horses.”
Where Etta James, Wilson Pickett, and countless others made records that defined American music.

A small town that somehow became the heartbeat of soul and rock.

That legacy still ripples outward. It gave rise to Patterson Hood and the Drive-By Truckers. Jason Isbell. The Secret Sisters.

These artists have traversed through our Plateau - Jason played here at Bear Shadow. The others have played our Rock the Plateau Salon Series at Highlander Mountain House — to a room of 90 people.

That’s exactly why we founded Rock the Plateau:
To bring world-class artists to our region.
To make Western North Carolina a destination for those unforgettable nights — the ones that stay with you for years.

Because when musicians travel here, they’re following the same thread between places that honor music.
🎶 Follow the rivers. Follow the music. Come to the mountains. 🎶

Every show we bring is about building something lasting — making our region worthy of the music that shaped the South. #shoalsfest #highlandermountainhouse #jasonisbell #mjlenderman #waxahachie #dtph

OCTOBER 30th - Next up in the Salon Series - Tyler Ramsey and T. Hardy Morris. Both have played the @highlandermountainhouse previously, but this time, the fun grows exponentially as they play together. This promises to be quite an entertining evening. Get your tickets now. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/highlander-mountain-house-salon-series-with-tyler-ramsey-t-hardy-morris-tickets-1689355480719?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

OCTOBER 30th - Next up in the Salon Series - Tyler Ramsey and T. Hardy Morris. Both have played the @highlandermountainhouse previously, but this time, the fun grows exponentially as they play together. This promises to be quite an entertining evening. Get your tickets now. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/highlander-mountain-house-salon-series-with-tyler-ramsey-t-hardy-morris-tickets-1689355480719?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Not sure if you know Kendell Marvel? Chances are you do! One of the more prolific songwriters out of Nashville today, he has worked with everyone from King George (George Strait) to Chris Stapleton - and many in between. Join us for a magical night as he presents his songs in his own voice. Get tickets here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/highlander-mountain-house-salon-series-with-kendell-marvel-tickets-1598965973269
#visithighlands

Not sure if you know Kendell Marvel? Chances are you do! One of the more prolific songwriters out of Nashville today, he has worked with everyone from King George (George Strait) to Chris Stapleton - and many in between. Join us for a magical night as he presents his songs in his own voice. Get tickets here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/highlander-mountain-house-salon-series-with-kendell-marvel-tickets-1598965973269
#visithighlands

Another amazing evening ahead for Us and @highlandermountainhouse

Another amazing evening ahead for Us and @highlandermountainhouse

Life on the Plateau becomes magic when favorite places and events overlap! An inaugural film festival, featuring award-winning BBQ! September 18-21. I can't wait! #highlandscashiersfilmfestival #bluehoundbbq #highlandsnc

Life on the Plateau becomes magic when favorite places and events overlap! An inaugural film festival, featuring award-winning BBQ! September 18-21. I can't wait! #highlandscashiersfilmfestival #bluehoundbbq #highlandsnc

Only a few tickets remain for an intimate live performance by the @thelonebellow on Thursday, August 28th as the final summer installment of our Salon Series✨
Close out summer the Highlander way - with incredible artists and surreal harmonies in our cozy little Bluebird Cafe of the mountains🥰

Only a few tickets remain for an intimate live performance by the @thelonebellow on Thursday, August 28th as the final summer installment of our Salon Series✨
Close out summer the Highlander way - with incredible artists and surreal harmonies in our cozy little Bluebird Cafe of the mountains🥰

What a night this will be! Join us for a special performance this Thursday with Fancy Hargood. A unique voice in an intimate setting. You won't want to miss this.

Get tickets at eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/highlander-mountain-house-salon-series-with-fancy-hagood-tickets-1348793520729

What a night this will be! Join us for a special performance this Thursday with Fancy Hargood. A unique voice in an intimate setting. You won't want to miss this.

Get tickets at eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/highlander-mountain-house-salon-series-with-fancy-hagood-tickets-1348793520729

Looking ahead to July events on the Plateau. Don't miss this special evening with SUSTO's Justin Osbourne. on July 24th 8:30ish.

Get tickets at Eventbrite. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/highlander-mountain-house-salon-series-with-sustos-justin-osborne-tickets-1303346918719?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Looking ahead to July events on the Plateau. Don't miss this special evening with SUSTO's Justin Osbourne. on July 24th 8:30ish.

Get tickets at Eventbrite. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/highlander-mountain-house-salon-series-with-sustos-justin-osborne-tickets-1303346918719?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Please join June 27th as we welcome Fancy Hargood as the next performer in the Salon Series at Highlander Mountain House! Get tickets at Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/highlander-mountain-house-salon-series-with-fancy-hagood-tickets-1348793520729

Please join June 27th as we welcome Fancy Hargood as the next performer in the Salon Series at Highlander Mountain House! Get tickets at Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/highlander-mountain-house-salon-series-with-fancy-hagood-tickets-1348793520729

THIS THURSDAY! Join us as Highlander welcomes the lovely and supremely talented @nicoleatkins to our Salon Series for an intimate night of story and song, fireside of course🔥

Get tickets now - selling out fast.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/highlander-mountain-house-salon-series-with-nicole-atkins-tickets-1303072748669?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

THIS THURSDAY! Join us as Highlander welcomes the lovely and supremely talented @nicoleatkins to our Salon Series for an intimate night of story and song, fireside of course🔥

Get tickets now - selling out fast.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/highlander-mountain-house-salon-series-with-nicole-atkins-tickets-1303072748669?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

UPDATE: SOLD OUT

On Thursday April 24th, enjoy a rare, unplugged performance by the legendary Lucero front man, Ben Nichols, as the April installment of Highlander’s Salon Series.

Nichols will perform a mix of Lucero favorites, along with songs from the band’s new album “Should’ve Learned By Now,” bringing you the raw introspection that this force of nature rock n roll band is known and loved for. It’s a night you won’t want to miss, by candlelight of course✨

Get tickets at highlander Mountain House.

UPDATE: SOLD OUT

On Thursday April 24th, enjoy a rare, unplugged performance by the legendary Lucero front man, Ben Nichols, as the April installment of Highlander’s Salon Series.

Nichols will perform a mix of Lucero favorites, along with songs from the band’s new album “Should’ve Learned By Now,” bringing you the raw introspection that this force of nature rock n roll band is known and loved for. It’s a night you won’t want to miss, by candlelight of course✨

Get tickets at highlander Mountain House.

If you attended @bearshadownc last year - you know how much American Aquarium rocks! Join us for a very special show with BJ Barham on Thursday night! An amazing way to kick off the week going into Thanksgiving and the holidays. Come join us on the plateau. get tickets here. @bjbarham @highlandermountainhouse #highlandsfoodandwine Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/highlander-mountain-house-salon-series-with-bj-barham-of-american-aquarium-tickets-935708247557?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

If you attended @bearshadownc last year - you know how much American Aquarium rocks! Join us for a very special show with BJ Barham on Thursday night! An amazing way to kick off the week going into Thanksgiving and the holidays. Come join us on the plateau. get tickets here. @bjbarham @highlandermountainhouse #highlandsfoodandwine Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/highlander-mountain-house-salon-series-with-bj-barham-of-american-aquarium-tickets-935708247557?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

An amazing evening of magical @highlandermountainhouse with @jezziebaylin and the mazing band that supported her. A room filled with candlelight, old friends, new friends, and lots of healing. Don't sleep on the special guests that show up for the Salon Series!

An amazing evening of magical @highlandermountainhouse with @jezziebaylin and the mazing band that supported her. A room filled with candlelight, old friends, new friends, and lots of healing. Don't sleep on the special guests that show up for the Salon Series!

THIS FRIDAY! Come to @highlandermountainhouse for a very special night with one of the best. Tickets at EventBrite - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/highlander-mountain-house-salon-series-with-kim-richey-tickets-926520245997?aff=ebdssbehomepeforyou

THIS FRIDAY! Come to @highlandermountainhouse for a very special night with one of the best. Tickets at EventBrite - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/highlander-mountain-house-salon-series-with-kim-richey-tickets-926520245997?aff=ebdssbehomepeforyou

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