The family that plays together ...

There’s a proud tradition of family bands in Appalachian roots music, one of the first commercially successful ones being the Carter family of Maces Spring, Virginia. The Carters’ example provides a foundation for the old-time sounds of Western North Carolina’s Sheets Family Band, who will bring their energetic instrumentals and close vocal harmonies to White Horse Black Mountain on Friday, Oct. 13.

Deborah Jean, Kelly and Randy Sheets share a belief that music is an essential part of life, a conviction that’s clear to their listeners when they hear the goose bump-inducing mountain music they create. Their repertoire includes lively dance tunes and songs out of the rich Appalachian trove, framed by an instrumental core of fiddle, clawhammer banjo and guitar and seamless mother-daughter harmony singing.

“Their music truly sounds like it comes from three people who have grown up together. It is honest, pure and beautiful,” said Mark Freed, cultural resources director for the town of Boone.

The popularity of the Sheets Family Band is evident in the many high profile venues and festivalsit has been invited to play, including Merlefest, Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion, The Library of Congress, the Blueridge Music Center, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the Carter Fold. The family has recorded three CDs together, "The Sheets Family," "The Birds Were Singing of You" and their most recent,  "A Southern Girl’s Reply."

Circle be unbroken

Who: Sheets Family Band

When: 8 p.m. Oct. 13

Where: White Horse Black Mountain

Cost: $10 advance, $12 door