Learn how our musical culture formed and how it continues to grow today.
The culture festival at the Appalachian South Folklife center is the representation of an authenticity community.
After an adventurous day exploring American festival culture, you’ll need a comfortable place to get a good night’s rest.
History of American Folk Music, American Folk Music Festivals, and history of the Folklife Center
American Folk music, sometimes known as “roots” music is the product of many immigrant communities from all across the globe who immigrated to the United States during the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. Over time and across generations, these immigrant communities developed their own music styles including bluegrass, old time, gospel, the blues, and Appalachian music. These forms of American folk music form the foundation of modern musical genres including rock-n-roll, country, rhythm & blues, and jazz. That’s why it’s called “roots” music.
During the eighteenth century, many immigrants from Scotland, Ireland, England, Wales, Germany, Scandinavia, Spain, Greece, and all across continental Europe poured into the Appalachian mountains. They brought their own musical traditions, but they were also influence by the music of African Americans. The invention of modern technology allowed Appalachian music to be recorded for the first time in the 1920s. Some instruments often used in Appalachian music include the banjo, fiddle, fretted dulcimer, guitar and mandolin.
Appalachian life was fundamentally changed by Coal Mining in the late nineteenth century. This industry has done more damage to the lives of more Appalachians than can be expressed here. Appalachian musicians applied their folk music to mining disasters, low wages, inexcusable working conditions, unionization, strikes, and environmental concerns. This tradition continues to influence music in the region today.
All across the Appalachian mountains, numerous music festivals are held each year. These festivals both preserve the traditional music, and encourage experimentation with new music styles. These festivals have carried on every year for more than a hundred years now. Some festivals are very large; while others maintain a familiar atmosphere of good friends and neighbors.
In 1965 Don West, a poet and activist from the Appalachian mountains, founded the Appalachian South Folklife Center. One of the many aspects of Appalachian life preserved and dignified here is the Appalachian Music Festival. In 1968 the Appalachian South Folklife Center hosted its first music festival. The Folklife center maintains that tradition still.
Each September, the Appalachian South Folklife Center hosts a festival of music and culture, as has been their tradition for many years. The goal of the festival is to promote unity and respect for diversity, and bring people together though music and the arts. You can read more about the generations of history and culture which built this tradition on the history page.
The Appalachian South Folklife Center is located on top of a mountain, deep in the Appalachians, far from any city. The local community considers the mountains to be sacred. Residents often go out of their way to pick up litter. The Appalachian South Folklife Center has a long history of activism to preserve the mountains for future generations.
Some festivals are elaborate parties with large budgets. The culture festival at the Appalachian South Folklife center is the representation of an authenticity community. Attendees describe the festival as having a sense of home.
This is a genuine community. Old friends share stories. Grandparents bring their grandchildren. Each year builds upon the traditions of years past. The people you will meet at this festival are genuine and kind to everyone they meet.
I still remember the first time I attended the festival at the Folklife Center. Even though I was a new person, everyone there treated me like family. They welcomed me with open arms; I felt like I was home. I made sure to come back next year so I could welcome the next new person!
-Grace, Festival Attendee
Music fills the air at the Culture Festival at the Folklife Center. More than twenty-five bands and solo musicians play on two separate stages. These musicians bridge the musical and cultural traditions of the past with global music from across the world. Every musician in the lineup expresses a heartfelt love for the mountains and the Appalachian music culture. You may not recognize their names; none of them are from Hollywood. You will have the opportunity to hear new songs and authentic musical styles, unaffected by the machinery of the recording industry.
What really impressed me the most was the audio production values. For a small festival, they have world class sound.
-Ken, Festival Attendee
During the daytime you can learn about traditional music from some of the very most knowledgeable people in the subject. The daytime lineup includes traditional musical styles from the Appalachian mountains and around the world.
As the evening cools the mountains, the music tends towards more folk rock, Americana, or rock-n-roll. The musical lineup grows more uptempo. Electric guitars replace banjos and mandolins.
When the stars come out at night, the music is the most fun, free, and hip. Audience members often get out of their seat to dance spontaneously. Colored lights illuminate the stages and the tree line.
Painters, potters, sculptors, woodworkers, and instrument makers all put their very finest craftsmanship on display at the festival. Guests have the opportunity to buy handmade goods that you can’t find online. Local artisans look forward to showing you what they can make with their own two hands.
The festival also offers workshops at no additional fee. Release your tension in a yoga workshop. Try out sound healing or meditation. Learn to drum. Workshops are also a great place to meet new friends.
After an adventurous day exploring American festival culture, you’ll need a comfortable place to get a good night’s rest.
The very best accommodations in the area are at Pipestem Resort. Your Culture Travel Pass includes a stay at Pipestem resort for every night of your trip. Enjoy the view from your clean, comfortable, air-conditioned room. The McKeever Lodge, where you will be staying, is pictured.
Your Culture Travel Pass includes an upgraded room with a view at no extra cost to you. Admire the breathtaking view of the mountains and river valley while you enjoy your morning coffee or tea.
It looked so magical to me. I saw so many deer in the morning from my own room.
Rachel, 1st time visitor
Enjoy a soak in the indoor swimming pool. Admission to the pool is also included at no extra cost to you.
Take the opportunity to get a nice hot shower while you’re back in your room. Prepare yourself for another day of festivities.
Pipestem Resort offers the following:
The helpful staff at Pipestem Resort can also familiarize you with the local area.
Pipestem is located on top of a mountain ridge. You can enjoy the amazing views from the lookout tower or from the comfort of your own room. For the best view of all, take the Aerial Tram down the canyon all the way to the river valley below.
Once the tram takes you all the way into the river valley, you have the option to dine at the Valley Dining room. The specialties include steak, prime rib, and gourmet burgers.
Your Travel Pass to American Festival Culture. Let’s answer a few questions you might have.
Your Travel Pass to American Festival Culture. You will embark on an adventurous trip to the rural Appalachian mountains. You won’t need to worry about driving; we will send a driver to bring you all the way. By day you will explore a genuine “down home” American musical festival. By night, you will relax in the comfort of resort hotel accommodations. Culture Travel Pass is an adventure, a learning opportunity, a vacation, and an absolute ton of fun!
Culture Travel Pass is made for well-established adults in their late forties, fifties, and sixties living near Norfolk, Virginia Beach, or the greater Hampton Roads Area. Married Couples are a perfect fit for Culture Travel Pass.
You will be picked up from Norfolk, Virginia the morning of Friday, September 9th, 2022.
You will be dropped off back in Norfolk, Virginia the night of Sunday, September 11th, 2022.
Here is everything included in your Travel Pass:
Here is what you would need to pay for seperately:
This is a Culture Travel Pass for 2 Adults. Your Travel Pass includes: Transportation for 2 adults to the Appalachian Mountains, Admission for 2 Adults to an authentic American music festival, Lodging for 2 Adults in one room at a nearby resort hotel, Indoor pool included at resort, Transportation back and forth between the resort and the festival grounds
This is a Culture Travel Pass for 1 Adult. Your Travel Pass includes: Transportation to the Appalachian Mountains, Admission to an authentic American music festival, Lodging at a nearby resort hotel, Indoor pool included at resort, Transportation back and forth between the resort and the festival grounds.