The Macon Grass Band is comprised of four seasoned musicians from the Franklin area. Although they are an acoustic, bluegrass based group, their repertoire includes country, folk, pop and country rock tunes.

Formed in early 2012, the group includes Mitch Patterson, band leader, guitarist, and lead vocalist, he also plays fiddle and bass. Patterson is retired from the food service business. Having a strong background in country and country rock, he has formed and fronted four other bands in the past, Bustin' Loose, The Alverez Kelly Band, Kickin' Grass and the Mountain Man Bluegrass Band.

The Jackson County Public Library is hosting a free concert with Lori Sealy on Tuesday, April 30, at 7 p.m. in the Community Room.

Sealy began playing piano at the age of five and was classically trained until the age of 20. At the age of 10, she started writing her first songs - creating compositions that fell along jazz, classical, folk, and electronic genres. She has just released a new CD of original songs called “Begone Unbelief.” Her live performance will be an acoustic event with Sealy on guitar and piano along with background vocalist/percussionist Megan Connor.

For some people, adversity brings new blessings. Linda Anderson is one such person. Discovering a talent for drawing and painting in her middle years, Anderson has become a prolific artist of colorful, narrative art depicting real and imagined scenes from her life in rural North Georgia. The Bascom has assembled a collection of her work in A Never Ending Stream: The Art of Linda Anderson, on view through July 28.

Born in Georgia’s Floyd County in 1941, Anderson and her four siblings had a family life that was poor in money, but rich in experiences. They shared a close community and church ties, along with a natural creative spirit. As an adult, Anderson tended her daughter B.J. after she suffered a stroke in 1981and from that experience sprang new hope and inspiration. Revitalized, Anderson began to paint and has continued ever since. Beginning with stories from her childhood, her subjects expanded to include Biblical accounts, animals, movie stars and anything else that interests her.

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Open dress rehearsals as well as performances will highlight the 2013 Jazz Festival at Western Carolina University, with public events April 27 and 29.

Donny McCaslin, tenor saxophonist from New York City, will conduct a jazz improvisation masterclass in the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 27, followed by dress rehearsals with the WCU Jazz Ensemble at 2:30 p.m. and with jazz faculty and guests at 4 p.m. These events are free and open to the public.