Event Type : Live Music|Festival

The Papa Joe Smiddy Mountain Music Festival is a celebration of Appalachian music. Old Time and Bluegrass music have a long history in the mountains of Appalachia and the Cove Ridge Foundation wants to preserve these traditions as well as instill a passion for them in our youth. The Festival is named for University of Virginia at Wise Chancellor Emeritus Dr. Joseph C. “Papa Joe” Smiddy, a well-known educator, entertainer, and old time musician.

The 21th annual Papa Joe Smiddy Mountain Music Festival will be held at the Natural Tunnel State Park amphitheater on Sunday, September 1 beginning at 5 p.m. Admission will not be charged, $5 parking fee. Guests to the festival can expect the same high-quality performances as in the past, vendors and activities for children will be on-site.

This annual gathering seeks to promote the musical heritage of the area’s Appalachian Mountain culture and honors the tireless work of “Papa Joe,” who promoted the music of our region for many decades. In addition to being an accomplished old-time banjo player, entertainer, and educator, Smiddy was Chancellor Emeritus at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise. This year’s performers will be Dr. Joe Smiddy & Reedy Creek, the Empty Bottle String Band, Twin Taters, an old time student band from the ETSU Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music program, and the DGB Band.

Please watch their website and Facebook page for updates and information.