Participation Type
Panel
Session Title
Slick Pickers, Motorcycle Gangs, and Hillbillies: A Comparison and Exploration of Music Festivals in Appalachia
Session Abstract or Summary
This panel aims to encourage a discussion concerning music festivals, in or close to Appalachia, and examine their significance past, present, and future. Appalachia’s history is rich with festivals and gatherings of all kinds, including fiddler’s conventions, bluegrass festivals, dances, and Sunday afternoon country and gospel shows. It was 50 years ago that Carlton Haney orchestrated the first multiday bluegrass festival in Fincastle, VA. During the same era, the Berryville, VA bluegrass festival at Watermelon Park, also established by Carlton Haney, was building upon the park’s rich musical history and offering it’s own multiday event. These events are closely related to the folk boom, which produced large multiday celebrations of culture in urban centers and educational spaces. While Haney’s festivals proved financially successful, others used the events as a social platform. Summertime festivals throughout Appalachia cultivate social capital by supporting local economies and honoring community history. By telling the story of various music festivals in Appalachia, this panel will explore how these sites have evolved, discuss where they are headed, and consider their place in the fabric of strong Appalachian communities and the construction of Appalachian “culture” and “identity.” Our panel crosses disciplines and genres to address questions including: What is the musical heritage of such sites as Watermelon Park? Did Fincastle set a new standard for performing Appalachian identity? Do festivals create their own communities and a tradition of sharing space and values? What current festivals and gatherings are continuing this legacy? Do and should festivals have the same goals as they did 50 years ago?
Presentation #1 Title
Watermelon Park: History and Stories
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
Skye McFarland’s paper, “Watermelon Park: History and Stories” sparked her interest in the music gathering tradition in Berryville, VA. This paper aimed to tell the story that Watermelon Park claims for be the “first” bluegrass festival. Using this cornerstone of research Skye will be a moderator of this panel, leading discussion and asking questions.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Skye McFarland, Docent at The Chester Inn State Historical Site and Museum and Hostess at the Historic Jonesborough Visitors Center. Skye has her M.A. in Appalachian Studies from Appalachian State University. During her time at ASU, Skye’s research focused on the Watermelon Park Festival, which claims to be the first bluegrass festival.
Presentation #2 Title
N/A
Presentation #2 Abstract or Summary
With Ian’s personal connection to the current Watermelon Park Festival in Berryville, VA, Ian will also lead conversation and discussion in this panel. Ian and his family are constantly delving into Watermelon Park’s history and collecting photographs of music gatherings from past festivals.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2
Ian Watkins, Communications Assistant for the Maine Humanities Council, received a B.S. in Sustainable Development from Appalachian State University (2012) with a concentration in Community Development and a regional focus in Appalachian Studies. Ian was born and raised in Berryville, Virginia, home of the early country music shows and bluegrass festivals at Watermelon Park. Twelve years ago, Ian’s family brought music back to the historic park with Watermelon Park Fest.
Presentation #3 Title
N/A
Presentation #3 Abstract or Summary
Hicks’ thesis research focused on the History of the Augusta Heritage Center of Davis & Elkins College in Elkins, WV. She has worked for Augusta in a variety of positions for the past 11 years, and is now the Assistant Director there. Brittany has interviewed Augusta participants and staff to find out what drew them to Augusta. She has found many people came to Augusta initially because of the content we offered because they wanted to learn to play fiddle or do blacksmithing or sing harmonies, etc. but what people call the “Augusta Experience” is what brings them back.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #3
Brittany R. Hicks, Assistant Director of Augusta Heritage Center of Davis & Elkins College, received an Appalachian Studies M.A. Appalachian State University in 2014. Her thesis traces the history of Augusta, investigates the Center’s impact on participants, and describes the importance of experiential learning and the role of tradition in modern life. In her current position, she coordinates the Augusta Festival, Augusta OldTime Fiddlers’ Reunion, monthly square dances, and assists with all of Augusta’s programming.
Presentation #4 Title
N/A
Presentation #4 Abstract or Summary
Watson’s short documentary “Tradition Plus: The Doc & Rosa Lee Watson MusicFest 'n Sugar Grove” tells the story of Doc Watson’s nonprofit music festival. Founded in 1998 by a partnership between Cove Creek Preservation & Development and Appalachian State University’s Sustainable Development program, the festival is held on the grounds of the historic Cove Creek High School in Sugar Grove, NC. This festival works to restore the school, a national historic site, which is a keystone for the community’s identity while bringing together young and old to appreciate traditional music.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #4
Willard C. Watson III, holds a MA in Appalachian Studies with a concentration on Sustainability from Appalachian State University (2015). His research focuses on community development through the creative arts. He served as cochair and director of public relations of the Doc & Rosa Lee Watson MusicFest ‘n Sugar Grove from 20102014.
Presentation #5 Title
N/A
Presentation #5 Abstract or Summary
Using Robert Cantwell’s theorizations regarding the ethnomimetic process and Victor Turner’s notion of liminality, Laney will be reflecting on my fieldwork and involvement coordinating the “Remembering Fincastle” recreation event which happened at the International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) annual gathering in Raleigh, North Carolina on October 3 rd 2015. This reflection will focus largely on what can be understood regarding exclusionary practices, interventions, and the construction and remembrance of Appalachian identity through bluegrass music within a neoliberal, highly commercialized space.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #5
Jordan Laney studies in the ASPECT doctoral program at Virginia Tech. Laney received her M.A. in Appalachian Studies (Appalachian State University, 2013), B.F.A. in Creative Writing (Goddard College, 2010), and was a 2013 graduate of Leadership Bluegrass. She currently serves as a cochair of Young Appalachian Leaders and Learners (Y’ALL), and is an associate member of the Graduate Teaching Assistant Academy for Excellence at VT.
Watermelon Park: History and Stories
Skye McFarland’s paper, “Watermelon Park: History and Stories” sparked her interest in the music gathering tradition in Berryville, VA. This paper aimed to tell the story that Watermelon Park claims for be the “first” bluegrass festival. Using this cornerstone of research Skye will be a moderator of this panel, leading discussion and asking questions.
