David Brower at 2025 World of Bluegrass in Raleigh, NC – photo © Todd Gunsher
PineCone, the Piedmont Council of Traditional Music in Raleigh, NC, has announced the imminent retirement of Executive Director David Brower. His departure is expected later this year.
The organization is dedicated to the preservation, presentation, and promotion of traditional music with deep roots in North Carolina, including bluegrass, old-time, folk, and gospel. With offices at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Raleigh, Pinecone has been a crucial resource in the Triangle area for roots music of every kind. They have also been responsible for management of the annual Raleigh Wide Open Music Festival, both while the IBMA’s World of Bluegrass convention was hosted in Raleigh, and since their exit.
The Pinecone Board says that Brower has played a meaningful role in strengthening PineCone’s presence in the Triangle and beyond, and in deepening its commitment to preserving and promoting traditional music.
In a statement today, they stated:
“During his tenure, PineCone expanded its programming, strengthened community partnerships, and continued to elevate artists and traditions that are central to the region’s cultural heritage. Through concerts, festivals, educational programs, and artist support, PineCone has remained a trusted steward of roots music in the Triangle.”
Brower shared his satisfaction for what he and Pinecone have done together over the past six years.
“It has been an honor to serve PineCone and to be part of a community that cares so deeply about traditional music and the artists who keep it alive. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and confident in the organization’s future.”
Armstrong McGuire & Associates have been retained to conduct the search for a new Director, working with a transition committee appointed by the Board of Directors.
