A culture’s identity is embodied in its folk music. Communities have invested their genius in this music for generations, across the centuries, and its vitality is our legacy and its perpetuation our responsibility. We are engaged in the transmission of culture.

Founded in 1991, we are Warren Wilson College’s educational program of summer folk arts workshops held on our campus in the Swannanoa Valley. Participants of all ages come from all over the world and all walks of life, including individuals from all 50 states and more than 25 nations. We offer an intimate, supportive community experience for students of all abilities, featuring a staff of some of the finest performers and teachers in the world.

Please visit swangathering.com to register and for more information about the Swannanoa Gathering.

Endowing the Swannanoa Gathering directorship

 After 32 years, founding director Jim Magill is in his final summer leading the program. And for those fortunate enough to know him, he strikes a chord in all our hearts. 

The new Jim Magill Endowed Swannanoa Gathering Directorship will empower Gathering leadership and enable innovation. It will allow us to recruit and feature exceptional talent as well as provide the necessary tools to update and enhance the systems that produce the Gathering and support participant experience.

Please join us in honoring Jim and his legacy by making a gift to endow the directorship in his name.

Make a Gift