More young musicians playing more traditional old-time music…That’s what we enjoyed seeing on our third visit to Clifftop for the annual Appalachian String Band Music Festival. We were among the hundreds who set our camp chairs and cooler in front of the competition stage on a glorious Saturday afternoon. The four-day Fayette County fest draws old-time musicians in from around the state, region, nation and globe. Vickie noted that so many more of the fiddle, banjo guitar and bass players this year were in their 20’s and 30’s – joining seasoned players extending into their 90’s! And that what this event is all about, celebrating the evolving tradition of old-time music and the community of people who keep in thriving – and folks like us, who just love to hear that down home music.
The festival take place each summer at historic Camp Washington-Carver and is sponsored by The West Virginia Division of Culture and History.
The Appy String Band Music Fest is a musical community unto itself. The big outdoor stage is a hub – with more music and dance echoing day and night thru the campgrounds, lodge, vendor booths and one of Vickie’s favorites, the Flatfoot Dance Contest at the Picnic Shelter. But it’s the friendly, outgoing, people – musician and fans – who make this fest so enjoyable.
night thru the campgrounds, lodge, vendor booths and one of Vickie’s favorites, the Flatfoot Dance Contest at the Picnic Shelter. But it’s the friendly, outgoing, people – musician and fans – who make this fest so enjoyable.