Shared by Kelsey Wilkerson, Marketing Intern, as Guest Blogger.

Living in Southwest Virginia, it is only natural to love bluegrass music. It’s a part of our culture and runs in our blood.

To celebrate our heritage and love for old time music, the 11th annual ‘Papa Joe” Smiddy Mountain Music Festival will be held at the Natural Tunnel State Park Amphitheater starting at 5 p.m. on September 1, 2013 the Sunday of Labor Day weekend. 

The festival is presented by the Cove Ridge Center to promote the musical heritage of our Appalachian Mountain culture. The Festival also honors the tireless work of “Papa Joe” Smiddy, a well-known old time musician, entertainer and educator. In addition to being an old time banjo picker, “Papa Joe’s” other identity is Dr. Joseph Smiddy, Chancellor Emeritus at University of Virginia’s College at Wise. All the money raised at the Festival, which is an official event of Duffield Daze, goes into a scholarship fund for local students.

"Papa Joe" Smiddy is well known for sharing his love of mountain music

This year’s featured performers are:

• Dr. Joe Smiddy & Reedy Creek
• Folk Soul Revival
• ETSU Old Time Pride Band
• ETSU Bluegrass Pride Band 

The ETSU Bluegrass and Old Time Pride Bands consist of some of the most talented students the program has to offer, with many years of experience accounted to each member. Over the course of the program’s history, bands have traveled internationally, including tours in Belgium, Germany, Czech Republic, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Japan among others.

These performers are not only from the Southeast, but from all over the United States, and that wide separation creates a vast difference of influence among the members. These many influences are brought together to create a fluid, yet solid, sound.

Reedy Creek, based in Kingsport, TN has played for 40 years over a wide geographic area. Inspired by the broad tastes of “Papa Joe” Smiddy, the band plays a variety of original and old time music.  “Papa Joe” has played with famous, not famous, and beginning musicians.

He loves to encourage children and looks forward to Mountain Music School at Mountain Empire Community College. He has opened the school every year for the past eight years with a concert of inimitable “Papa Joe” songs.  He hoped that Pickin’ in the Park at Natural Tunnel State Park would encourage children and families to play music. He is a born entertainer/multi-instrumentalist who has directed an Army band, inspired a college, and clogged in bib overalls in mud.

"Papa Joe" Smiddy is a favorite event at Natural Tunnel State Park

Festival tickets are general admission and may be purchased for $10.00 in advance or $15.00 at the gate.  Children 12 & under will be admitted FREE with a paying adult.

Tickets may be purchased with a credit card by calling (276) 940-2674. Tickets are on sale at Addington Oil in Weber City, Kingsport Chamber of Commerce, Midtown Quik Stop in Gate City, ETSU Bluegrass, Old Time & Country Music Office, and at Natural Tunnel State Park. Some 200 bench seats with backs are available under the Amphitheater roof.

Festival goers are urged to bring a lawn chair or blanket and lounge in the shady grass terraces of the amphitheater. Alcohol is not allowed. There will be craft and food vendors. For more information, visit our website and don’t forget to come out and join us the first day of September for food, fun, and bluegrass!

Directions (click the map below):