SNOW FORK EVENT CENTER — Stuart’s Opera House announces that the second annual Happy Hollow Hootenanny will be free to attend this year, thanks to the generous support of Creston Stewart and Sarah Helfrich. Taking place from May 30 to June 2 at the Snow Fork Event Center, this unique event invites attendees to unplug and connect with the diverse music, art, and cultural practices that have shaped our Central Appalachian region.
Unlike traditional music festivals with a distinct divide between performers and audience, participation is at the heart of Happy Hollow Hootenanny. Attendees are invited into the rich legacy of Old Time music by learning tunes and techniques passed down through generations of musicians. Participants of all ages and musical skill levels are welcome, with instrument classes in fiddle, banjo, guitar, and mandolin.
Instructor John Harrod, who has been performing traditional fiddle music for over 45 years, called the inaugural event in 2023, “One of the best, most perfect music weekends I ever experienced. Perfect setting, perfect size crowd, good mixes in all the classes, and absolute masters for the evening concerts.”
The event’s schedule is packed with engaging activities. From Thursday to Saturday, attendees can enjoy music classes, performances, jamming sessions, and workshops covering dance, traditional arts, and native plant foraging. Highlights include a community square dance on Thursday evening led by percussive dancer Becky Hill, and evening concerts at the enchanting Creekside Stage, home of the Nelsonville Music Festival’s Sycamore Sessions.
Audiences on Friday night will be treated to songs, tunes, and stories from Kentucky Wild Horse, who play roots music from the traditions of their home state. The ensemble features Hoot Instructors John Harrod, Nadia Ramlagan, and Blakely Burger. Possum Queens, an old-time string band from Lexington, Kentucky, will open. Saturday night will feature a headlining performance by Dr. Dom Flemons, the Grammy-Award-winning co-founder of the Carolina Chocolate Drops. The multi-instrumentalist is famously known as The American Songster since his repertoire covers over one hundred years of American roots music. West Virginia duo Jesse Milnes and Emily Miller will open.
As the weekend winds down, attendees can enjoy a catered Bluegrass Brunch on Sunday at Stuart’s Opera House, featuring the music of First Day in Town, a band of veteran musicians with nearly two centuries of combined playing experience. Note that this brunch remains a paid, ticketed event.
Surrounded by the Wayne National Forest and atop reclaimed mine land, Snow Fork Event Center provides a backdrop that both highlights the natural beauty of Appalachia and promotes the conservation of its long-term well-being.
Whether you’re learning traditional quilting techniques, picking up a new instrument, or jamming with friends around a campfire, the Happy Hollow Hootenanny promises an enriching and unforgettable experience. Join us for a day or stay for the weekend to celebrate and preserve the cultural traditions of our unique region.
For information and to register, visit happyhollowhoot.org .
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