by James Cassara

As the leader of local contemporary bluegrass favorites Buncombe Turnpike, Tom Godleski wears many hats.

He writes and sings lead on virtually all their songs, plays bass, handles the booking arrangements, publicity, and all the myriad details necessary in keeping the ship afloat. And while the band’s personnel has, after a period of flux, stabilized in recent years Godleski has no doubt played the role of negotiator and ego wrangler, balancing individual needs with those of the group.

A Western North Carolina native he’s also a self-professed “mountain boy,” one with a genuine reverence for the people and traditions of the area. As such he’s written and performed the stage presentation Fresh Preserves — also the title of his 2008 CD-based on stories he’d heard in his youth.

The show, capably combining acting, storytelling and music, has previously been performed at the Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre (SART), the Folk Art Center, and downtown’s NC Stage. Ever evolving, the 2014 edition of Fresh Preserves promises to be as fresh as the tales it is dedicated to preserving.

James Cassara: Talk about the latest incarnation of Fresh Preserves. If someone has previously seen the play, what might be different enough to entice them in?

Tom Godleski: This is our fifth staging of Fresh Preserves, and there have been some changes since our first show at SART back in 2010. It is really cool when you figure out things that make the show better, and it evolves into what you want. One little change, but a vital one, came as we were rehearsing for the show at NC Stage last January. The thought just came to me during rehearsals.

JC: No different than the improvisation that takes place when the band is playing. I guess one thing leads to another.

TG: Exactly! I also wanted to get across more clearly that while the character of Uncle Robert is no longer alive to tell the stories, they will live on because of the songs. Bill Gregg, the director of SART, was instrumental in putting together a scene that does that very well.

Another great thing about this version of the show is the lead actor, Bradshaw Call. Bradshaw is a WNC native, and really does a tremendous job with the role of Uncle Robert.

JC: Do you see the play as an extension of Buncombe Turnpike or is it a result of a desire on your part to branch out? How do the play and the band intersect?

TG: At this point in my life creativity is most important. Fresh Preserves is another creative outlet for me. This play started out being a tribute to my mom, my grandfather, and my uncle. I’m very happy that I can honor my family and be creative as well. I am also thrilled that Buncombe Turnpike is a part of this show. The band is on stage for both acts.

Fresh Preserves is also another way to expose the band, and bluegrass, to an audience that may not necessarily be drawn to that type of music.

JC: Talk a bit about the band. In 2013 it seemed you took a bit of time away and yet I see you’re still being played on WNCW. Would you like to record and play out more in the coming year?

TG: It might have seemed we took some time away, but we really didn’t. When you are an independent artist without a manager or marketing company, it’s difficult to be in the mix with all the musical talent in the Asheville area.

In June we released a new CD Forever It Will Be. The new disc finished number 56 on WNCW’s top 100 list for 2013, and has received some good airplay. Given the amount and range of music they play, we were honored to be on the list. Also, for the first time in our 15 year history, we’ll be playing Merlefest this year. How great is that!?

Buncombe Turnpike has also been working on a new CD project, and recently recorded at Asheville’s Echo Mountain Studio. There is no timeline for when the new disc will be released; we just felt that this winter, while the gigs are slow, it would be a good time to record.

We have some really cool gigs booked for 2014, and we think it is going to be one of our best years yet. Hopefully, by playing Merlefest and with a new CD, we can keep this thing moving forward!

Fresh Preserves, written by Tom Godleski, starring Morganton native Bradshaw Call, music by Buncombe Turnpike. Performances at the Folk Art Center on Friday, February 7 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, February 8 at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, February 9 at 2 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for students, and seniors. The Folk Art Center is located at Milepost 382 Blue Ridge Parkway, just off Hwy 70 in east Asheville.