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The Appalachian String Band Music Festival
by David Fattaleh

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Each year more than 3,000 musicians and music lovers travel to Camp Washington Carver in Clifftop, West Virginia, to play and dance at the Appalachian String Band Music Festival. The five-day event is packed with concerts, contests, workshops, dancing, and singing for festival-goers of all ages.
From traditional pastimes to modern amusements, the Appalachian String Band Festival has something for nearly everyone. You can start off your day with a refreshing yoga class and then kick up your heels at a square dance. All of the festival’s square dances have traditional bands with fiddle and bass players and callers. If the Appalachian arts are new to you, never fear. There are many workshops for beginners, square and flatfoot dance among dance. Or just sit back and enjoy one of the banjo, fiddle, or “nontraditional band” contests––but don’t forget to bring your lawn chair, sunscreen, and hat.
The festival boasts a variety of fun events for children, including mystery art activities, nature hikes, games, and workshops in art and dance. Kids can learn to make a PVC bow and fiddle, tie dye their own shirt, play with traditional mountain instruments, or weave wheat baskets and split bottom stools.
Over the years, String Band has drawn musicians and dancers from more than 40 states and 20 foreign countries. One of the festival’s most popular events is the Masters’ Showcase, where exceptional artists of all ages get a chance to show off their skills. The weekend’s many contests are also a big hit.
The atmosphere at the festival is laid back, with concerts performed on porches and jamming circles taking place under shade trees. Everyone who plays an instrument is encouraged to bring it and jam with friends. And following mountain tradition, everyone is welcome to join the group hymn-sing on Sunday.
This year’s festival takes place August 3-7. Entrance fees for the entire event are $85 for families, $45 for adults, and $40 for seniors (60 and older) and youth (ages 6-17). For more information, visit www.wvculture.org/stringband/.

A group performs at Sunset.

A man playing an instrument

Man setting on fence playing Banjo

Woman standing beside tree playing violin

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