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.
Location and Culture
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.
Atmosphere
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
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.
Artisanal Crafts
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.
Workshops
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.