TOWNSEND, Tenn. (AP) – The haunting call of Native American wooden flutes will echo over the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center this week.

An inaugural gathering of the North American Flute Foundation will feature performances and exhibits over three days, beginning Thursday in Townsend.

The foundation is a nationwide organization that welcomes anyone with an interest in Native American flutes.

The cost to attend is $20 per day or $50 for all three days. Performances start at 10 a.m. daily.

The goal of the event is to make the flute accessible and celebrate the instrument’s role in Native American life, both past and present.