October 24th Melissa McKinney Concert

We’re thrilled to kick off our fall concert series with Melissa McKinney for our first performance!

Melissa McKinney, lives in Asheville, NC and is the lead singer of the band MAMA. Renowned for her powerful vocals, Melissa has a deep love for music and community and is dedicated to using her voice for good and empowering youth to do the same. MAMA just won 2nd place in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN and also won the Merlefest Band Competition in 2025. 

Her love for the blues began as a child. She was mentored by Nathaniel Reese, a blues musician from the coalfields of West Virginia, an intergenerational experience that laid the foundation for her life’s work. Until recently, she served as the Programming & Education Director for LEAF Global Arts, she is the co- founder of the WTF (Women to the Front) music festival, which highlights women in music and she works with AVL Sounds Fest a multi venue music festival in Asheville, NC. In addition to music, education, and community, Melissa is super passionate about dogs and all fluffy animals.

This event will be held at Dreaming Stone Arts & Ecology Center on October 24th, 2026 @ 7:00 pm. (Doors open at 6:30pm)

Wine and beer will be available for purchase.

(Sponsored by WNCW)