A Sweet Release

Vivian Bryan | Feb. 17, 2026

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On Sunday, Feb. 15, the Warren Wilson College (WWC) campus band The Swannanoa Sweethearts performed an album release show at the Garden Cabin. Members Dakota Ward, Rachel Gaskins, Lydia Blake, Emma Taylor McCallum, August Bass and Josephine Bate played old-time tunes from their upcoming self-titled album to a crowd sipping on tea made by the Garden Crew and square dancing along to Ward and Bass’ calling.

From left, Lydia Blake plays guitar, Dakota Ward plays banjo and Josephine Bate plays dulcimer at The Garden Cabin in Swannanoa, N.C. Feb. 15. (Vivian Bryan/Echo)

Students at Warren Wilson College participate in a square dance at The Garden Cabin in Swannanoa, N.C., Feb. 15. (Vivian Bryan/Echo)

Members of the Swannanoa Sweethearts perform during album release debut at The Garden Cabin at Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, N.C. on Feb. 15. (Vivian Bryan/Echo)

Warren Wilson College junior Rachel Gaskins plays the hammered dulcimer at The Garden Cabin in Swannanoa, N.C., Feb. 15. (Vivian Bryan/Echo)

Grace Payton and Lola Beall, students at Warren Wilson College, watch The Swannanoa Sweethearts perform at the Garden Cabin in Swannanoa, N.C. on Feb. 15. (Vivian Bryan/Echo)

You can keep up with The Sweethearts on their Facebook or their Instagram.