Soundcheck Friday: 65 and Out We kick off the weekend with a powerful new release from local songwriter D. Wayne Anthony. His latest track, “65 and Out,” bridges the gap between the historical struggles of coal mining and the modern reality of digital layoffs. It is a gritty folk-rock anthem that captures the frustration of being “cast out to the pines” after a lifetime of work. You can listen to the track now on the Riverrun Digital music platform.
Weekend Gig Guide: Copper Basin & Murphy The local music scene is active starting tonight. In Copperhill, Rusted Melody brings their high-energy set to the Copper Basin Brewstillery. Across the line in Murphy, Cody King takes the stage at The Toasted Lion.
The music continues Saturday with Gabe Myers playing an acoustic set at the Brewstillery and Justin Farrington performing at The Toasted Lion. For those heading toward Asheville, the Bluegrass First Class festival is in full swing at the Crowne Plaza, featuring heavy hitters like Seth Mulder & Midnight Run.
Community Happenings: Second Saturday Downtown Murphy hosts its monthly “Second Saturday Shop & Sip” tomorrow, February 14th. From 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, residents can enjoy live buskers performing on street corners while visiting local shops. It is a great opportunity to grab a last-minute Valentine’s gift while supporting local businesses.
Weather Outlook Expect typical mountain weather for Friday with a high of 52 degrees and some mist. Saturday looks clearer with temperatures staying in the mid-50s, making it a solid day for walking around downtown.
Sources:
* Riverrun Digital
* 2026-02-12 | https://music.Riverrun.digital/65-and-Out
* Escape to Blue Ridge
* 2026-02-12 | https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/february-events-2026
* Blue Ridge Music NC
* 2026-02-12 | https://www.blueridgemusicnc.com/event/bluegrass-first-class/2026-02-13/
* Town of Murphy
* 2026-02-12 | https://www.townofmurphync.com/main-street-murphy/page/events
* Weather Channel
* 2026-02-12 | https://weather.com/weather/today/l/28906
Appalachia Daily Update (ADU) is your hyper-local source for news and events in the Murphy, NC area and beyond. Stay connected to your community by subscribing to our daily briefings and following us on social media. Take care of your neighbors, and they will take care of you. Listen to the full podcast at https://podcasts.riverrun.digital/adu.
