Appalachian String Band Music Festival, West Virginia, USA
Posted by Jill Bowen on Sun 29th July 2007 at 03:41 PM, Filed in August
A West Virginia mountaintop (Camp Washington Carver, at Clifftop in Fayette County) plays host to a five-day gathering of musicians and friends in this fun filled informal event.
Starting on 1st August and ending 5th August with most events starting at 11 am, it’s a paradise for lovers of traditional mountain music.
Over 3,000 musicians and string band lovers from around the world descend here for the fiddle and banjo contests, workshops, square dancing, camping and a ‘hymn-sing’. Over 20 countries and around 40 US states have been represented at the festival over the years. Known simply as ‘Clifftop’ throughout the music world it centres round what is called ‘old time music, which is the fiddle based sound and pre-dates blue-grass. Most visitors return after their first visit and bring friends and families to enjoy the fresh mountain air and the non-stop music.
Many arrive days before the actual festival officially starts to find a good spot in the campsite. ‘Late’ tourists miss out on the prime shady places, and end up having to camp under the hot sun. Most folk come for the whole 5 days and are given wristbands that enable them to wander freely in and out of the festival site. This works out about $20 cheaper than buying daily tickets.
Music competitions are divided into four categories:
• Individual banjo
• Fiddle
• Traditional band
• Neo-traditional band
Many rehearse all year just to take part in the contests, it’s the taking part that counts, and not necessarily the winning – though all would like to reach the finals!
The event attracts festival-goers of all ages, with something for everyone. From traditional pastimes to modern amusements, it’s packed with concerts, workshops, dancing and singing. You can start your day with yoga, and once refreshed, kick up your heals at a square dance. All of the festival’s square dances have traditional bands with fiddle, bass and callers. If you are new to square dancing help is on hand with many workshops for beginners and experts alike. Or if you are to dance, sit back and enjoy the music.
Activities to keep the children occupied, including, nature hikes, mystery art activities, games and workshops in art and dance. Budding musicians can learn to make a PVC bow and fiddle, tie dye their own clothes, weave wheat baskets and split bottom stalls, and play with traditional mountain instruments.
Everyone who brings and instrument is encouraged to bring it along and jam with friends both new and old.
There is a full itinerary each of the five days, with heats for the various music contest, flatfoot and square dance workshops, showcase dancing, storey telling, workshops for traditional crafts.
For full details of each day’s events go to: http://www.wvculture.org/stringband/stringschedule.html
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