Bobby Patterson and Willard Gayheart

   Nectars from different flowers, the sweet harmonies of Bobby Patterson and Willard Gayheart flow golden, like honey. The Galax native and the pencil artist from Hazard, Ky., (who’s been here since 1962 and says he’s “took root now – be hard to get rid of me”) have been playing music together for 40 years in various bands, but discovered a whole new depth of artistry through duet singing at the Blue Ridge Music Center.

   The friends and colleagues volunteered in 2007 to entertain visitors in the breezeway on Tuesdays during the season, and have ever since used their vast storehouse of song and story to add richness to the visitor’s experience. Patterson plays banjo and guitar, and sometimes mandolin. Gayheart, says Patterson, specializes in guitar.

   They launch into the Delmore Brothers’ “I’m going to lay down my old guitar.” Forty years of collaboration produce some tight harmonies. They don’t need a tune list – songs just come rolling out, one after the other. They’ll trade leads on the guitar, or Patterson will play the banjo. They do sometimes have to refer to their book of song lyrics, since they have so many in their repertoire, from Monroe Brothers to Tom Paxton.

   While you’re listening, you have a chance to admire Gayheart’s artwork on display, which he characterizes as “nostalgic glimpses of Appalachia.” You’ll see a few musicians in those prints.

   He also writes songs. You may get to hear “Virginia Beauty,” and the story of the origin of the Virginia Beauty apple in Carroll County, and of the oldest Virginia Beauty apple tree and when it died (1914). “But the song is not necessarily about the apple. It’s about all the Virginia beauties we have up here,” Gayheart will tell visitors. He picks out the tune between verses as Patterson rolls along on a locally made, Kyle Creed banjo.

   “…as we stood out by the pines, I vowed to make her mine. She’s no one but my sweet Virginia beauty.”

   Patterson will tell you a bit about that banjo made in 1978, one of the last made by the master craftsman from Galax. And he’ll demonstrate the difference between the bluegrass style of banjo playing and the old-time, clawhammer style by playing “Poor Ellen Smith” both ways.

   They’ve had so much fun with their newfound duet style that they’ve made two recordings: Howdy Folks, Welcome to the Blue Ridge  and a new one as yet untitled, available for purchase right from the artists.

   It’s easy enough for them; Patterson has a recording studio and since 1972 has been recording and preserving the work of local artists, and sending it “out to the world.” We call ourselves the ambassadors of this music,” says Patterson.

   They’ll welcome you to the music center just like it was the front porch at home. Patterson looks around contently. “We love every minute of it.”