Written by Gina Smith | Photos by Anthony Harden
Arthur Grimes Keeps North Carolina’s Old-Time Music Scene on Its Toes
It’s a warm afternoon stalked by rumbling storm clouds, and the streets of downtown Boone are hopping with activity as Arthur Grimes settles his tall frame into a wooden rocker on the front porch of the historic Jones House. Perched on a shady hill overlooking West King Street, the town’s community and cultural center presides serenely over the flow of traffic and tourists as Grimes unspools a lively yarn about performing near this very spot with legendary bluegrass musician Doc Watson.
“I almost didn’t get to do it because I almost got run over by a car. I was so happy,” he explains, leaning into a deep laugh as he gestures down the hill at the busy street. “Some girl, she had to slam on the brakes and everything.”
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