An official press release of theVirginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
Marty Stuart to headline Big Stone Gap’s Gathering in the Gap Music Festival May 26, 2012
(BIG STONE GAP, VA) – Country music great Marty Stuart and the Fabulous Superlatives headline this year’s Gathering in the Gap Music Festival, held May 26 at the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park in Big Stone Gap.
The day-long festival on and around the grounds of the museum celebrates the region’s rich tradition of old-time and bluegrass music with competitions, jams, and performances by local and regional musicians.
Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the gate. Children 12 and younger are free.
Other performers include Ron Short and the Possum Playboys; Dale Jett and Hello Stranger (Jett is a third generation member of the legendary Carter family – the son of Janette Carter and the grandson of A. P. and Sara Carter); and Dave Eggar and Deoro’.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Southwest Virginia Museum, the festival also offers Appalachian crafts and food, as well as a children’s area with arts and crafts activities.
Also, competitions will be held in old-time and bluegrass divisions. Categories include lap dulcimer, banjo, fiddle, bluegrass guitar, bluegrass mandolin, bluegrass band, and old-time band. All categories, except bands, will feature two age groups: 18 and over; 17 and under. Cash prizes and trophies will be presented in each category.
Contestant must fill out a registration form and pay admission to the festival, but there is no additional cost for the competition. Competing bands must consist of three or more members. For a complete set of competition rules or for more information, visit www.gatheringinthegapmusicfestival.com or call 276-523-1322.
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation manages the award-winning Virginia State Park system. For more information about Virginia State Parks activities, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.