Appalachian String Band Music Festival facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Appalachian String Band Music Festival |
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The main stage at the 2007 Appalachian String Band Music Festival
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| Genre | old-time music |
| Dates | founded 1990 |
| Location(s) | New River Gorge in West Virginia |
| Years active | 1990-present |
| Founded by | Will Carter and The WV Division of Culture & History |
| Attendance | 4000 |
| Website | Official site: http://www.wvculture.org/stringband/index.html |
The Appalachian String Band Music Festival is a big, week-long party for musicians and their friends. It's often called "Clifftop" because of where it takes place. Every year since 1990, thousands of people gather near the New River Gorge in West Virginia. They come together in late July or early August to celebrate old-time music. This festival is all about keeping old musical traditions alive and sharing them with new people. It's a special community that loves this kind of music.
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What Happens at Clifftop?
The Clifftop Festival offers many exciting activities. There are contests for different types of music and dancing. You can join in square dancing or watch concerts. There are also workshops where you can learn new skills, like making baskets or singing hymns.
But the real fun of the festival happens in the campsites. This is where musicians play acoustic music (music without electric instruments) together. You might hear old-time music, but also other styles like Americana, Cajun, Celtic, and even reggae! Often, people start dancing right there when the music begins.
When Does the Festival Start?
The festival officially begins on the Wednesday before the first full weekend in August. However, people start arriving earlier. The grounds fill up the weekend before, with many campsites set up. Music is often played through the night in these camps.
The Neo-Traditional Contest
One special part of the festival is the Neo-Traditional Band Contest. This contest takes place on Friday. Bands get high scores if they are creative and add new sounds or instruments to traditional old-time music. It's a way to keep the music fresh and exciting.
Famous Musicians at Clifftop
Over the years, many talented musicians have visited the festival. Some famous names include John Hartford and Tim O'Brien. Legendary old-time musicians like Melvin Wine and Lester McCumbers have also been there. Newer generations of old-time musicians, such as Mike Seeger and Jake Krack, also attend.
The festival happens every summer at Camp Washington-Carver Complex in Clifftop, Fayette County, West Virginia. The West Virginia Division of Culture and History helps to organize it.
See Also
- List of bluegrass music festivals
