Join us next Saturday, May 28,2011 on the grounds of theBig Stone Gap, VAis, Gathering in the Gap, a music festival celebrating the rich tradition of old-time, Americana, and bluegrass music found in Southwest Virginia.
There is something for everyone at the Gathering in the Gap Music Festival
We’ve been telling you about it for a while now and the time is just around the corner. Make you plans to visit the Fifth Annual Big Stone Gap, VA, Gathering in the Gap is a music festival celebrating the rich tradition of old-time, Americana, and bluegrass music found in Southwest Virginia.
"A Stitch in Time" Quilt Show is also going on at the Southwest VA Museum
The festival Main and Acoustic Arbor Stages will include performances you won’t want to miss, including If Birds Could Fly.
Gathering in the Gap also offers an opportunity for area musicians to test their skills in a variety of musical competitions. Performers can compete in old-time and bluegrass divisions in lap dulcimer, banjo, fiddle, bluegrass guitar, bluegrass mandolin, bluegrass band, and old-time band. Cash prizes and trophies will be presented to winners in each category. The Old-Time and Bluegrass Band winners will perform on the Gathering in the Gap’s Main Stage starting at 5:00 p.m. For a complete set of competition rules, please here.
Make sure you catch this year’s Songwriting Contest finalists at 1 p.m. on the festival Main Stage. An annual crowd favorite, the songwriting contest showcases outstanding, but under-recognized, performing songwriters who represent the spirit and traditions of Appalachian culture.
Workshops are an important part of Gathering in the Gap, and this year’s lineup won’t disappoint! Begin your experience with a Shape Note Singing Workshop with Alexander Garden & Friends at 10a.m., find your dancing shoes and join Emily and Martha Spencer for the Traditional Dance Workshop at 2 p.m., and learn songwriting from some of today’s finest at the Songwriting Workshop with Suzanne Mumpower Johnson and Jamie Johnson at 4 p.m.. All workshops are free but require pre-registration and a special workshop ticket. Sign up early to claim your spot!
To entertain the kids, Gathering in the Gap will include a variety of activities for children ages 12 and under. Children can try their hand at the art of instrument making, including rain sticks, tambourines, and box drums. Children will be enthralled with storytelling featuring the Jack Tales. Little ones will also enjoy a special bubble-making area just for them. All of these activities are free. Additionally, parents and children can enjoy all the stages and music throughout the day. Nearby, an “Old-Time” photo station will be set up for “kids” of all ages to play dress up and have their photo taken with various costumes and backgrounds. The charge for the photo is $5.00.
Enjoy a relaxing day making memories with family and friends
Tickets for the Gathering in the Gap Music Festival are now available through thewebsite.
For general information about Virginia State Parks, click here.