Appalachian String Band Music Festival underway in Clifftop

CLIFFTOP, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The sounds of Mann’s Creek and Glade Creek in Clifftop have been drowned out by the playing of string instruments from musicians from around the globe.

The Appalachian String Band Music Festival returned to Clifftop on Wednesday, July 31, and will continue until Sunday, August 4.

Held atop the mountaintop at Camp Washington Carver, this five-day gathering brings together musicians and friends for contests, concerts, workshops, square dances, camping, and vendors.

The festival showcases old-time Appalachian music to an audience of over 3,000 music lovers from around the world, including attendees from all 50 states and more than 20 foreign countries.

Schedule Highlights:

Wednesday, July 31

9-10am: Daily Contest Registration (Youth, Senior, Open categories)

10:30am: Banjo Contest lineup announced

11am: Youth & Senior Banjo Contests, followed by Open Banjo Contest

1-2pm: Flatfoot Dance Workshop with C. Burton

3:30-5pm: New Music Open Mic

5pm: Banjo Finals and Awards

8-11pm: Square Dance with the Long Point String Band

Thursday, August 1

9-10am: Daily Contest Registration (Youth, Senior, Open categories)

10:30am: Fiddle Contest lineup announced

11am: Youth & Senior Fiddle Contests, followed by Open Fiddle Contest

5pm: Fiddle Contest Finals and Awards

8-11pm: Square Dance with Critton Hollow

Friday, August 2

9-10am: Daily Contest Registration (Youth, Open categories)

10:30am: Neo-Traditional Band Contest lineup announced

11am: Youth Neo-Traditional Band Contest, followed by Open Neo-Traditional Band Contest

1-2pm: Master’s Showcase featuring 2023 Grand Master Fiddler Champion Tessa McCoy

5pm: Neo-Traditional Band Finals and Awards

8-11pm: Square Dance with Allemande

Saturday, August 3

9-10am: Daily Contest Registration (Youth, Open categories)

10:30am: Traditional Band Contest lineup announced

11am: Youth Traditional Band Contest, followed by Open Traditional Band Contest

2pm: Flatfoot Dance Contest Registration

3pm: Flatfoot Dance Contest with Juanita Fireball & the Clifftop Drifters

6pm: Traditional Band Finals and Awards

8-11pm: Square Dance with Juanita Fireball & the Clifftop Drifters

No events are planned for Sunday.

With activities ranging from workshops to contests and performances, there is something for everyone to enjoy.