The Rockbridge Mountain Music and Dance Festival returns to Glen Maury Park in Buena Vista this Friday and Saturday, Sept. 5 and 6.
Held the weekend after Labor Day every year since 1986, the festival was started 39 years ago by beloved musician Mike Seeger, who wanted to showcase traditional mountain music and dance with no playing contests.
The fun gets underway Friday at 6 p.m. with a youth showcase and dance with caller Ipi Hello. A square dance follows at 8 p.m. The Mustard Cutters, an all-women old-time band from Southwest Virginia, will be playing. Tyler Hughes will be the caller.
On Saturday afternoon there will be music workshops, beginning with a fiddle workshop at 1 that will be led by Gina Dilg. There will be a banjo workshop at 2 with Hannah Traynham, a guitar workshop with Ivy Sheppard at 3 and a dance workshop at 4 with Andrea Smith.
Music continues Saturday evening. The Gerry Milnes Band and The Mustard Cutters will present mini-concerts beginning at 6:30. A square dance will commence at 8 p.m. with the Gerry Milnes Band and caller Ben Nelson.
The youth showcase is a first for the festival. At the Appalachian String Band Festival in Clifftop, W.Va., earlier this summer, Tranham played with the firstplace band and Milnes took first place in senior fiddle.
The festival is known for its dancing and traditional music in a relaxed setting. The park is along the Maury River and in full view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Jamming at the campsites is always a favorite and ongoing activity. Concessions will be available.
For more information, visit the www.rockbridgefestival. org,or the Facebook page, or call the park at 261-7321.
