Beginning its second decade, Western Carolina University’s Spring Literary Festival will bring together writers of local origin and from outside the region to share their skills, talents and methods. All events are free and open to the public.

Starting at noon Monday, April 8, the Gilbert-Chappell Distinguished Poets Series will feature Richard Chess and student poets in the A.K. Hinds University Center theater. Chess is the author of three books of poetry – “Tekiah,” “Chair in the Desert” and “Third Temple.” He is the Roy Carroll Professor of Honors Arts & Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Asheville, where he also directs UNC Asheville’s Center for Jewish Studies.

Technology demonstrations, exhibits, workshops and a competition showcasing digital masterpieces from animation to mobile applications will take place at Western Carolina University on Thursday, April 11, as part of DigiX, a digital media and arts event.

Hosted by WCU’s Coulter Faculty Commons and supported by the Division of Information Technology, DigiX will be held in A.K. Hinds University Center from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Clarinetist Brian Hermanson of Nashville, Tenn., will be the featured musician for a Sunday, April 7, concert sponsored by Western Carolina University’s School of Music and Office of the Provost. The free performance will be presented at 7:30 p.m. in the recital hall of WCU’s Coulter Building.

Hermanson earned his bachelor’s degree in clarinet performance at the Eastman School of Music and was recipient of one of the school’s highest honors, the Performer’s Certificate. He received advanced training at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University in Texas and has performed at numerous major American music festivals and throughout Europe.

The Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts is hosting Vince Gill, one of country music’s most notable stars, in concert on Friday, April 5 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $45.

Gill started his path to fame as a bluegrass music performer, but he always dreamed of being a country music artist. He plays multiple instruments, is an outstanding songwriter, and has released multiple platinum albums. Some of his hits include, “Never Knew Lonely,” “Look at Us,” “I Still Believe in You,” and “Go Rest High on that Mountain.”

To date, Vince Gill has sold more than 26 million albums. He has earned 18 CMA (Country Music Association) Awards and is tied with George Strait for having won the most CMA Male Vocalist Awards. He is currently second only to Brooks and Dunn for accumulating the most CMA Awards in history. In addition to this fame, Gill has also received 20 Grammy Awards, the most of any male country artist.

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