Music In the Mountains Folk Festival is sponsored by the Toe River Arts Council, includes bluegrass and traditional music, ballad singers, and dancing. Instruments range from fiddle to dulcimer to guitar. Each year the festival recognizes an honoree for their contribution to the preservation of traditional music.
Music In the Mountains Folk Festival is a tribute to our region’s diverse musical heritage. Our evening celebration of traditional performers is uncommon in diversity and artistic excellence. Let’s bring in the Fall together! Come join us in September!
2023 Music In the Mountains Festival
Mark your calendars for September 16th, at Homeplace Beer Company & Hog Hollow Pizza for an afternoon of workshops, traditional craft vendors and an evening filled with Appalachian music.
The 2023 festival honorees are Joyce Johnson and Denise Cook in appreciation for their dedication to the Music In the Mountains Festival since its earliest days. We’re grateful to them for bringing local, traditional mountain music to the forefront of the event and helping to create a wonderful way to celebrate and promote this important part of our regional cultural heritage.
We’ll kick off this year’s event with afternoon workshops from 2:30-3:30.
These intimate workshops, taught by Appalachian legends, will give the participants an introduction to Ballad Singing, Flatfooting or Mountain Dulcimer. The workshop fee is $30/person. Space is limited so be sure to register online to reserve your spot.
Ballad Singing with Donna Ray Norton – register here
Flatfooting with Phil Jamison – register here
Mountain Dulcimer with Don Pedi – register here
From 4-8 you are invited to shop with local artists in our traditional craft market.
On the stage from 5-8 you will be treated to some fantastic tunes. With our MC Phil Jamison behind the mic, the line-up includes emerging musicians Newfound Gap, Ballad Singer Donna Ray Norton, Old Time musicians Roger Howell & Jerry Sutton, and Carolina Bluegrass Style.
Suggested donation for attending is $15, although everyone is welcome.
Since 1985, the Music in the Mountains Folk Festival has showcased local and regional traditional music. With your support in the way of donations and the purchase of limited-edition t-shirts, tank tops or hoodies through the Bonfire fundraising site which you can access through this link: https://www.bonfire.com/music-in-the-mountains-2023/
If you would like to be an event sponsor or make a donation directly to the event, please contact Alena Applerose, Toe River Arts Community Outreach Coordinator at alena@toeriverarts.org or by phone 828-765-0520
