Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: April 19, 2007
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Big Stone Gap's 'Gathering in the Gap' is May 26
BIG STONE GAP, Va. - The Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park in Big Stone Gap will host a new festival celebrating the region's rich tradition of old-time and bluegrass music. The day-long "Gathering in the Gap" will be held on and around the grounds of the museum May 26. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children.
Activities on two stages feature competitions, jams, and performances by local and regional musicians. The days events culminate in a main-stage concert by the Carolina Chocolate Drops and Robin and Linda Williams and Their Fine Group.
Robin and Linda Williams have entertained folk, bluegrass and country audiences for 30 years. From their many appearances on National Public Radios A Prairie Home Companion to appearances on Austin City Limits, their music reaches deep into American traditions.
The Carolina Chocolate Drops, a band of three young and talented musicians, revive the traditional African-American, antebellum combination of banjo and fiddle once popular in most black rural communities in the South.
The festival also features many other outstanding old-time and bluegrass musicians including Dale Jett and Friends, Appalachian Dream Spinners, Rich and the Poor Folks, Boozy Creek, and Ron Short and the Music of Coal. Also, competitions will be held in old-time and bluegrass music categories.
The festival also offers Appalachian crafts and food, as well as a childrens area with music and arts and crafts activities.
"Gathering in the Gap" takes place on the grounds of the Southwest Virginia Museum as well as Town of Big Stone Gap Parks and Recreation property and the public library grounds.
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation manages the award-winning Virginia State Park system. For more information, call (276) 523-1322 or visit www.gatheringinthegap.com . For more information about any of Virginia's 34 state parks visit www.dcr.virginia.gov or call toll-free, 1-800-933-PARK (7275).
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