Ramsey Center

BASCOM LAMAR LUNSFORD
"MINSTREL OF APPALACHIA" FESTIVAL

This is an all-day festival celebrating regional music and dance traditions. The event is the second oldest folk festival in Western North Carolina and was named in honor of cofounder Bascom Lamar Lunsford. Lunsford was a musician and folklorist who dedicated his life to collecting and promoting the music of the Southern Appalachians. Through his work he became known as "Minstrel of the Appalachians." The festival, which is now in its 43rd year, brings out the region’s finest musicians and dancers. Numerous music and dance performances, jam circles, and a ballad & story swap will occur throughout the day. In addition to this year’s daytime main stage performances, the festival will now feature a gospel stage. The gospel stage will be located in the college’s outdoor amphitheater. The traditional evening concert will take place inside Moore Auditorium and will feature more than 15 different performances by ballad singers, dancers, and string bands. Join us in honoring the rich cultural traditions of the Southern Appalachians!

The festival will take place on October 2, 2010. The daytime segment will be located on the upper quad of Mars Hill College’s campus from 11 am until 4 pm; admission is free. The evening concert will be held in the college’s Moore Auditorium. It will begin promptly at 7 pm and conclude around 10 pm; admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children, and free for MHC students.

Please contact festival director Amy Carraux for more information at (828) 689-1571.

Below are some photos from last year’s festival: