The Fifth Annual Big Stone Gap, VA, is a music festival celebrating the rich tradition of old-time, Americana, and bluegrass music found in Southwest Virginia.
Shape Note Singing with Alexander Garden & Friends
A team, led by Alexander Garden, will teach the shape note singing workshop. This class will explore the origins of shape note singing and the social role of "singings" in Appalachian communities. After a brief discussion on the history of shape note singing, participants will learn the basics of the singing style in this moderated workshop in a large group setting. Spectators are welcome at this class.
TIME: 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Museum’s Victorian Parlor
COST: Free, pre-registration & special workshop ticket required.
Traditional Dance with Martha and Emily Spencer
Martha and Emily Spencer of Whitetop Mountain Band will lead the Traditional Dance workshop. Both instructors have worked to preserve regional dance techniques: Emily has taught dancing as part of the Mt. Rogers School music program since its inception, and Martha has participated in numerous Master Flatfoot Dancing workshops and performances. Participants in this workshop will have the opportunity to learn footwork from this mother/daughter duo in a small group setting.
TIME: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Museum's Victorian Parlor
COST: Free, pre-registration & special workshop ticket required
Songwriting Workshop with Suzanne Mumpower Johnson and Jamie Johnson
Always a festival favorite, you won’t want to miss this exciting and unique opportunity! The 2011 Songwriting Workshop will be taught by Suzanne Mumpower Johnson and Jamie Johnson of The Grascals. Individually, and as a gifted songwriting duo, their songwriting talents have become powerful forces in bluegrass and country music with songs made famous by The Grascals (Mourning Dove, Lefty Flynn, Baby's Waiting on the Other Side, Where I Come From, Long List of Heartaches, Keep on Walking, Indiana), The Del McCoury Band (I Never Knew Life), Music of Coal (Coal Dust Kisses), Bill Anderson (Good Time Getting Here), Lonesome River Band (Lonesome Won’t Get the Best of Me), Bobby Osborne (Where I Come From), and the list continues. Suzanne and Jamie also contributed their exceptional talents to “I Am Strong” with a star-studded lineup including Dolly Parton, Randy Owen, Darryl Worley, Charlie Daniels, actor Steven Seagal, Tom T. Hall, Terry Clark, and Joe Nichols. Participants will have an opportunity to discuss songwriting in this moderated workshop in a small group setting.
TIME: 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Museum's Victorian Parlor
COST: Free, pre-registration & special workshop ticket required
In addition to the workshops, the festival will also include an excellent lineup of regional musicians, an annual songwriting competition, musical competitions, jams, a children’s area, and the “Stitch in Time” Quilt Show. Antique, food, and craft vendors will also be on hand.
Tickets for the Gathering in the Gap Music Festival and its workshops are now available through the Southwest Virginia Museum. Festival admission for adults ages 13 and over is $10.00 in advance or $15.00 if purchased the day of the event. Children under 12 are free. To purchase tickets using a check or credit card, please call the museum at 276-523-1322. You may also purchase tickets in person at the Southwest Virginia Museum during regular operating hours. For additional information and a full schedule of events, please visit the festival website.
The Southwest VA Museum Historical State Park is located at 10 W First Street, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219. General park information can be found at our website.