Tour
Taking books beyond the page
Sound Archive Books is beginning to take our work on the road—presenting at select conferences, partnering with artists, and launching our Sound Archive Sessions events. Explore our early tour schedule below, and check back as the network grows—or join us in bringing a stop to your community.
Upcoming Events
American Folk Society (AFS) Conference (2026)
The in-person part of the 138th Annual Meeting will be held at the Renaissance Asheville Downtown Hotel in Asheville, North Carolina from October 27–31, 2026. Sound Archive Books (and Million Memory Project) are part of the event. Please find us at our pop-up bookstore during the entire meeting.
Sheila Kay Adams: Carrying the Song | Marshall Book Launch
Old Marshall Jail Ballad Swap
This annual Halloween-themed Old Marshall Jail Ballad Swap marks the first opportunity to celebrate the Marshall release of Carrying the Song, a new documentary book honoring the life, music, and legacy of Sheila Kay Adams.
American Folk Society Book Talk | Carrying the Song: An Evening with Sheila Kay Adams
Carrying the Song: An Evening with Sheila Kay Adams
As part of the 2026 American Folklore Society program, join acclaimed Appalachian ballad singer, storyteller, author, and recipient of the 2026 US Artist Fellowship and National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowship, Sheila Kay Adams, for an intimate presentation celebrating the launch of her new documentary book and archive — Carrying the Song.
Sheila Kay Adams Book Release @ Plott Hound Books
Come celebrate the release of Carrying the Song, a new documentary book honoring the life, music, and legacy of Sheila Kay Adams, with Sheila, her friends, and her family at Plott Hound Books. This special evening in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains will feature stories, traditional ballads, conversation, and a celebration of the community that continues to carry the song.
Brooklyn Folk Festival
Visit the Sound Archive Books pop-up bookstore throughout the weekend at the Brooklyn Folk Festival and celebrate the release of Carrying the Song, the new documentary book honoring the life and legacy of Sheila Kay Adams.
Sound Archive Sessions @ Hed Hi Studio
Join us for a special celebration of music, storytelling, and books as Hed Hi Studio hosts the inaugural Sound Archive Sessions, featuring artists from the Sound Archive Books family.
Past Events
Chatham Rabbits Music and Literacy Celebration!
Book talk and performance @ Inglewood Public Library (Los Angeles, CA)
Launch of Abigail @ 2026 Public Library Association Conference
Public Library Association Conference
Chatham Rabbits‘ Sarah McCombie is a songwriter, a storyteller — and now, a published author. Her illustrated children’s book, Abigail and the Journey of a Pack Horse Librarian, illustrated by Kelley Wills, brings an unsung piece of American history to life through the band’s beloved song Abigail. The band celebrated the launch with two live performances at PLA:
- Chatham Rabbits at the Ingram Library booth — April 1 | 4:30 PM
- Chatham Rabbits at the Ingram VIP Party — April 2 | 6:00 PM
From Ballads to Broadcast: Activating Music Culture for Tourism Growth
Georgia Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Conference
What happens when deeply rooted music traditions become engines for tourism and civic renewal? That was the focus of this featured session with leaders from Madison County, NC and Macon, GA — including our own Donna Ray Norton, alongside panelists from Georgia Music Foundation and The Creek 100.9 American Roots Radio. From Appalachian ballads to independent radio, the panel explored how music culture is driving visitation, resilience, and regional identity.
Sign up to host a stop on the tour
Sound Archive Sessions is our growing tour network—bringing touring artists into libraries and other public spaces for intimate performances, conversation, and book signings that deepen community connection.