Resilient Roots

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In September 2024, Hurricane Helene ravaged Appalachia, leaving behind catastrophic destruction and economic turmoil. Echoing the 1916 flood, the community has united to rebuild, drawing strength from its deep cultural roots. Amid the wreckage, three women from one family tree and an unbroken oral tradition—eighth-generation ballad singers and keepers of Appalachian folk music—are using centuries-old songs to heal the people of the mountains, preserve their heritage, and stand resilient against the rising waters.

Synopsis

Madison County, North Carolina, is home to an unbroken lineage of ballad singers, first documented by Cecil Sharp during the great floods of 1916. Sheila Kay Adams, a seventh-generation singer and recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts Heritage Award, is the primary guardian of this tradition. In early 2023, Sheila, her daughter Melanie, and cousin Donna Ray began hosting a monthly 'ballad swap' at the historic Old Marshall Jail. But when devastating floods

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Madison County, North Carolina, is home to an unbroken lineage of ballad singers, first documented by Cecil Sharp during the great floods of 1916. Sheila Kay Adams, a seventh-generation singer and recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts Heritage Award, is the primary guardian of this tradition. In early 2023, Sheila, her daughter Melanie, and cousin Donna Ray began hosting a monthly 'ballad swap' at the historic Old Marshall Jail. But when devastating floods ravaged downtown Marshall, the venue was destroyed. Now, the women of the
ballad swap, along with other folk musicians, are fighting to restore the swap and revive the oral tradition. In doing so, they discover a renewed sense of power in the ancient songs, which have long served as a healing force in times of hardship.

This film is timely and relevant as it explores the intersection of cultural preservation, community resilience, and environmental crisis in Appalachia. The ballads of Madison County, an oral
tradition passed down through generations, are a powerful symbol of Appalachian heritage—one that is being threatened by both environmental destruction and social change. The destruction and loss from Hurricane Helene in the region reflects the broader challenges faced by rural communities in the wake of climate change, economic decline, and the erosion
of cultural spaces.

At its heart, the project raises questions about the role of art and tradition in times of crisis, the fight for cultural survival, and the resilience of rural communities facing both environmental and
socio-economic challenges. It is a celebration of heritage, hope, and the unbreakable bonds of family and community.

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Background

Just four months before Hurricane Helene struck, I moved to western North Carolina, seeking a connection to the region’s culture & natural beauty. When the storm displaced me, I found community and solace in the ballad singers of Madison County. This encounter, during a time of personal upheaval, sparked my passion to tell their story. As both a newcomer and storyteller, I bring a unique, empathetic perspective to the project, with a deep respect for the

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Just four months before Hurricane Helene struck, I moved to western North Carolina, seeking a connection to the region’s culture & natural beauty. When the storm displaced me, I found community and solace in the ballad singers of Madison County. This encounter, during a time of personal upheaval, sparked my passion to tell their story. As both a newcomer and storyteller, I bring a unique, empathetic perspective to the project, with a deep respect for the resilience of the people I’ve come to know. The entire production team is based in Appalachia, reflecting a shared commitment to preserving the region’s cultural heritage. With initial funding from the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, the film underscores the importance of safeguarding local traditions and amplifying community voices. My personal journey mirrors the themes of the film—resilience, healing, and the power of art. My connection to the ballad singers, their music, and the land they inhabit is rooted in the fabric of Appalachian life. This film is not
just about preserving a tradition, but about discovering, rebuilding, and healing in the face of disaster—both for the community and for myself.

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Style & Tone

This film will celebrate the resilience of the ballad singers of Madison County, blending the beauty of Appalachian folk music with the powerful stories of cultural survival. The narrative will be built around the intimate lives of these musicians, capturing the raw emotion and tradition
embedded in their songs. Through close-up moments—weathered hands, flickering firelight, and the distinct voices of each singer—we will create an immersive experience that showcases

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This film will celebrate the resilience of the ballad singers of Madison County, blending the beauty of Appalachian folk music with the powerful stories of cultural survival. The narrative will be built around the intimate lives of these musicians, capturing the raw emotion and tradition
embedded in their songs. Through close-up moments—weathered hands, flickering firelight, and the distinct voices of each singer—we will create an immersive experience that showcases both the music and the people who keep it alive. Visually, the film will draw on the natural beauty of the Appalachian landscape, capturing the deep connection between the ancient mountains and its people. The aesthetic will be intimate, rooted in the artistic strength of the ballad singers, allowing the audience to experience both the challenges and triumphs of their journey to protect a centuries-old tradition. If funding allows, an impact campaign will be designed to share the music and teach schoolchildren about Appalachian ballad singing through song, capturing the lived experiences, struggles, and emotions of the people who shaped the region’s history.

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Our Ask

This projects seeks financial contributions, brand partnerships, grant assistance, and in-kind donations.

Fiscal sponsorship has been provided by the Association for Cultural Equity, with means all donations are tax-deductible. Initial funding from the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Resilient Roots has received a letter of support from PBS North Carolina, expressing their intent to broadcast the film and provide comprehensive marketing support across both television and digital platforms. PBS NC also plans to collaborate with national PBS affiliates to amplify the film’s reach to audiences across the country.*

Here’s what the PBS NC Greenlight Team had to say about the project:
“PBS North Carolina is deeply committed to preserving and showcasing the diverse cultural heritage of our state, while also telling timely stories that reflect the resilience of our communities. Resilient Roots is a powerful exploration of the enduring Appalachian ballad tradition, and its role in helping a community recover and heal after the devastation of Hurricane Helene.
We believe Resilient Roots has the potential to connect with viewers across North Carolina and beyond, highlighting the importance of cultural preservation in times of crisis. The project’s blend of intimate storytelling, musical heritage, and environmental themes aligns closely with PBS North Carolina’s mission to share authentic, relevant, and impactful stories.”
*The broadcast will include 30 seconds at both the beginning and end to acknowledge key funders. This offers a valuable opportunity for supporters across television and digital platforms to connect with millions of viewers.

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Resilient Roots

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Lindsay Blatt

Our Ask