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Search Results for fire

• Archives and History Tuesday Lecture: A Historical Perspective of a Movie and the Fight Against Southern West Virginia Forest Fires

  July 01, 2014 — Charleston, Kanawha

  On Tuesday, July 1, 2014, Robert Beanblossom and Richard Fauss will present “Time’s Runnin’ Out: A Historical Perspective of a Movie and the Fight Against Southern West Virginia Forest Fires” in the Archives and History Library in the Culture Center in Charleston. The program will begin at 6:00 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

  The documentary Time’s Runnin’ Out was made in 1969 by Wheeling filmmaker Ellis Dungan for the Cooperative Extension Service of the West Virginia Center for Appalachian Studies and Development and the Division of Forestry of the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources. Scholars and educators with the cooperative extension service thought that a well-made film might be able to lower the number of forest fires in southern West Virginia.

  As a high school student interested in the health of West Virginia’s forest land, Bob Beanblossom showed the movie to youth groups, service clubs and civic organizations as part of the program to bring attention to the harm that forest fires can do to the land and the ecosystem. Beanblossom was able to learn the background story of this film and how it came to be made by Dungan. Richard Fauss first saw the movie several years after it was made but was immediately impressed by the way it was presented and always remembered the name of the filmmaker who made it. Many years later, Dungan donated his collection to the West Virginia State Archives. Through a study of his collection and his autobiography, Fauss was able to see how some of what Dungan learned in his early career as a feature filmmaker in India translated into his later work as a documentary filmmaker in Wheeling. The approximately 20-minute film Time’s Runnin’ Out will be shown to attendees, and Beanblossom and Fauss will discuss the making and impact of the film.

  Mingo County native Robert Beanblossom joined the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry in 1973 as a forest ranger and supervised forest fire control activities in his home county. In 1980 he transferred to DNR’s Parks and Recreation Section as the superintendent of Panther State Forest in McDowell County, where he was charged with the administration of an 8,000 acre state forest. He later was superintendent of Watters Smith Memorial State Park before being promoted in 1989 to regional administrator with supervision of 25 state parks and forests.

  Beanblossom is a member of the West Virginia Recreation and Parks Association and a life member of the West Virginia University Forestry Alumni Association. He has held several positions with the Society of American Foresters and has served on the West Virginia Fire Mobilization Advisory Council, the Governor’s Advisory Committee to the State Forester, and the Governor’s Advisory Committee on State-owned Forests. He routinely accepts Incident Management Team assignments and is deployed as a public information officer to critical wildfire situations and other emergencies throughout the United States. Beanblossom edited the 3rd edition of the Histories of the Southeastern State Park Systems (2011) and was presented the Ney C. Landum History Award at the National Association of State Park Directors Conference in Iowa this past September for his effort.

  Audio/Moving Images Archivist Richard Fauss has worked at Archives and History since 1982. He is a longtime member of the Association of Moving Image Archivists (AMIA) and a founding member of the group’s Local Television Task Force Steering Committee. He was honored by AMIA in 2002 with its Dan and Kathy Leab Award for service to the archival community.

  On July 1, the library will close at 5:00 p.m. and reopen at 5:45 p.m. for participants only. For additional information, call (304) 558-0230.
• Under Fire: The Battle of Bolivar Heights, 1862

  August 02, 2014 to August 03, 2014 — Harpers Ferry, Jefferson

  August 2, 3 Demonstrations at 12pm, 1pm, & 2pm | Bolivar Heights Battlefield

  Join the members of the park’s artillery crew as they demonstrate the might and intimidation of field artillery.

  http://www.harpersferryhistory.org/events.html
• “Reacting to the Raid: The US Marines”

  October 12, 2014 — Harpers Ferry, Jefferson

  October 12 | 11am to 4pm | Lower Town, Fire Engine House

  Witness a living history demonstration on how 1859 Abolitionist Brown was captured by US troops.

  http://www.harpersferryhistory.org/events.html
• Under Fire: The Battle of Bolivar Heights, 1862

  October 25, 2014 to October 26, 2014 — Harpers Ferry, Jefferson

  October 25, 26 Demonstrations at 12pm, 1pm, & 2pm | Bolivar Heights Battlefield

  Join the members of the Baltimore Light Artillery crew as they demonstrate the might and intimidation of field artillery.

  http://www.harpersferryhistory.org/events.html
• Capon Bridge Founders Day

  September 27, 2014 to September 28, 2014 — Capon Bridge, Hampshire WVHC Event

  Lectures at Capon Bridge Founders Day include Windsor chair making, surveying, 18th century herbs, 18th century children’s clothing, basket weaving, how to make stringed instruments, and more. Lectures begin at 11:30 a.m. on September 27, and 12:00 p.m. on September 28, at the Capon Bridge Volunteer Fire Company. For more details contact Maggie Dillsworth at 304-856-3118. http://www.cbfoundersdayfestival.com/

  This project is funded in part by a West Virginia Humanities Council grant.
• Skirmish on the River: Civil War Re-enactment

  April 24, 2015 to April 26, 2015 — Gilbert, Mingo WVHC Event

  “Skirmish on the River: Civil War Re-enactment” is scheduled for Saturday April 25 at 2 p.m. and Sunday, April 26 at 1 p.m. at the Larry Joe Harless Community Center in Gilbert. The cannons are scheduled to be fired on Saturday at 9:30 p.m.

  Friday, April 24, is scheduled as an education day and students will attend to learn about the Civil War period. The students will be involved in a show and tell designed especially for this historical period.

  For more information contact Cheryl Mitchem at 304-664-2500.

  This project is funded in part by a West Virginia Humanities Council grant.
• West Virginia Peach Festival

  July 31, 2015 to July 02, 2015 — Romney, Hampshire

  3rd Annual WV Peach Festival, July 31-August 2

  Sponsored by the WV Peach Festival Committee and Hampshire County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau

  During the entire three-day event peach pies, peach ice cream and peach drinks as well as other desserts will be sold. Pies will be sold by Future Farmers of America students.

  Entertainment will include Rain Crow, N2Pickin, a banjo-fiddle contest, country singing sensation Josh Oldaker and Flashback, among others. The festival begins on Friday morning with Romney Rotary grill, which is free and open to the public.

  Also on Friday at noon, Walt Helmick, commissioner of the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, will crown the king and queen of the festival. Essay contest winners will be chosen from statewide entries.

  Romney ON TRAC, sponsored by the peach festival committee, will facilitate two performances by Joe Santoro and his Wonderment Puppet Theater at the Marketplace Co-op beginning at 1 p.m. Friday. Also on Friday, Flashback, a band that specializes in 1950s and 1960s music, will perform from 6-9 p.m. at the gazebo on the lawn of Taggart Hall. From 6-8 p.m. the Springfield Fire Department will cook dinner, which will include ribs, chicken, baked beans and potato salad.

  Taggart Hall, 91 South High St, Romney WV 26757
• 43rd Annual Open Studio at Sycamore Pottery

  May 08, 2015 to May 10, 2015 — Leetown, Jefferson

  Sycamore Pottery will host their 43rd Annual Open Studio the weekend of May 8,9,10, 2015. The public is invited to visit the studio and workshop located at 5210 Paynes Ford Road, Leetown, WV. Hours are 10 to 4.

  Ren & Pam Parziale make stoneware and salt glazed pottery. Their classical shaped bowls, pitchers, and platters are made on the potter’s wheel and high temperature fired. They also make earthenware pots decorated with colorful majolica glazes.

  Ren and Pam Parziale founded Sycamore Pottery in Jefferson County in 1971. Ren’s early training was as a production potter within the tradition of early American folk pottery. Pam studied at the Haystack School of Crafts with Cynthia Bringle.

  The Parziales are featured on a YouTube video “Risk and Peace” by filmmaker Jack Kelly. This is part of the online series ArtVoiceWV.com which profiles West Virginia artists. Risk and peace can be viewed at: http://youtu.be/byAWD3sGurM

  “Our customers enjoy handmade objects. In a high-tech world, objects made the old fashioned way are valued by people who come to the pottery,” says Pam. “Pots made on the potter’s wheel are a way to connect to the past, to our country’s history,” says Ren.

  Directions: From intersection of Route 9 and 480 (Kearneysville), go south on Rt. 1 towards Leetown 3 miles. Turn onto Paynes Ford Road at historical marker “The Bower.” Go one mile to 5210 Paynes Ford Road. Turn up hill and follow signs to Sycamore Pottery. Or call 304-725-4251; email: pamo.ren2@gmail.com
• Eleanor Roosevelt, History Alive!

  June 28, 2015 — Dailey, Randolph WVHC Event

  Eleanor Roosevelt, History Alive!, 2:00 PM June 28 at the Fire Station in Dailey. Free.

  History Alive! is a project of the West Virginia Humanities Council.
• Wyoming County Civil War Days

  July 24, 2015 to July 26, 2015 — Oceana, Wyoming WVHC Event

  The Wyoming County Civil War Days are happening July 24, 25, and 26 at the Oceanna Middle School and Gilliland Park. Events include a living history encampment, battle reenactments, a Civil War Ball, Cannon firing after dark, and a Church service. For more information contact Jim Cook at 304-682-5096.

  This project is funded in part by a West Virginia Humanities Council grant.
• 2nd Annual BBQ and Live Music

  July 17, 2015 to July 19, 2015 — Rock Cave, Upshur

  Join us in Rock Cave, West Virginia for a weekend of BBQ & Live Music on July 17th – 19th!

  Hosted by the Banks District Volunteer Fire Department, the BBQ & Live Music festivities will begin at 7 PM Friday Evening, and continue all weekend until Sunday afternoon! Come for live music, food vendors and family fun.

  Sunday will be Free Admission with live music & entertainment by three Gospel groups.

  Schedule of Events:

  FRIDAY, JULY 17TH | $6 ADMISSION – CHILDREN 12 AND UNDER ARE FREE

  7 PM – 9 PM: Ryan Cain & the Ables

  SATURDAY, JULY 18TH | $12 ADMISSION – THIS IS AN ALL DAY ADMISSION PRICE – CHILDREN 12 AND UNDER ARE FREE

  • 12:00 – 12:45: The Country Ramblers
  • 1:00 – 2:45: The Band Wagon
  • 3:00 – 4:45: The Laurel Creek Band
  • 5:00 – 6:45: Rachel Burge & Blue Dawning
  • 7:00 – 8:45: The Lilly Mountaineers

  SUNDAY, JULY 19TH | FREE ADMISSION!

  • 1:00 – 1:45: The Silvertones
  • 2:00 – 2:45: Soldiers of the Cross
  • 3:00 – 3:45: The New Beginnings

  Any questions regarding this request can be directed to David Taylor, Public Information Officer, Banks District VFD, 260 Rock Cave Road ,Rock Cave, WV 26234 304.9246864

  Additional information can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/events/597008440441847/
• Battle of Rich Mountain reenactment

  July 11, 2015 to July 12, 2015 — Beverly, Randolph

  Battle of Rich Mountain Civil War Reenactment, July 11-12 at Rich Mountain Battlefield Civil War site near Beverly.

  The “Skirmish along the Turnpike” will take place Saturday afternoon, July 11, at 3:30 west of Camp Garnett. In the original action the day before the battle, Union troops tested the defenses of Confederate Camp Garnett by advancing along the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike and adjoining woods. Met by strong resistance and cannon fire, the Federals retreated and determined not to make a frontal attack on the Camp. Spectators can view this reenactment along the roadway between Camp Garnett and Field of Fire Park. Those arriving earlier can participate in living history tours starting at 1 p.m. Tour participants will encounter a variety of activities with Civil War soldiers and 19th century citizens.

  The next day, Union troops took a roundabout route around Camp Garnett to the top of Rich Mountain, and encountered there a Confederate outpost guarding the pass at the Hart Farm. The reenactment of this battle will take place on Sunday July 12 at 2 p.m. on grounds near Field of Fire Park.

  The public is invited to take part in the full range of activities over the weekend.

  Saturday, July 11

  • 10:30 am Civilian Social
  • 1 – 3 pm Living History tours with dramatic Civil War scenarios
  • 3:30 pm Skirmish along the Turnpike, battle reenactment
  • 5:00 pm Civil War musical program by Tower Street Stringband
  • 6:00 pm BBQ Dinner (Tickets $10 in advance)
  • 8:00 pm Camp Dance with Rich Mountain String Band

  Sunday, July 12

  • 11:00 am Period Church Service
  • 1:30 pm Memorial Ceremony
  • 2:00 pm Battle of Rich Mountain reenactment

  Activities will take place near Field of Fire on the west side of the Rich Mountain Battlefield Civil War Site. Located along Rich Mountain road, the site can be reached by continuing about one mile east from Mabie, or over Rich Mountain seven miles west of Beverly. Please allow enough time to get to the site and get parked before the events you wish to see.

  All activities are free to the public. Donations and food proceeds will go to help preserve and care of the Rich Mountain Battlefield Civil War site. The battle site at Rich Mountain pass, and Camp Garnett earthworks at the base of the mountain, have interpretive signs and are open for visitation. Exhibits and more information about the battle are at the Beverly Heritage Center in Beverly.

  Rich Mountain Battlefield Foundation manages the site and sponsors the reenactment weekend. The reenactment is hosted by West Virginia Reenactors Association, with support from the Randolph County Convention and Visitors Bureau. For directions, more information or meal tickets contact Beverly Heritage Center, PO Box 227, #4 Court Street, Beverly, WV 26253, 304-637-7424, or see www.richmountain.org.
• Capon Bridge Founders Day Festival

  September 26, 2015 to September 27, 2015 — Capon Bridge, Hampshire WVHC Event

  The Capon Bridge Ruritan club is hosting its annual Capon Bridge Founders Day Festival on September 26 and 27 at the Volunteer Fire Company Grounds in Capon Bridge. The programming includes lectures about Lord Fairfax, life in West Virginia during the Reconstruction Era, herbal folklore, and furniture making among other topics. For more information visit www.cbfoundersdayfestival.net.

  This project is funded in part by a West Virginia Humanities Council grant.
• Stonewall Jackson, History Alive!

  September 26, 2015 — Capon Bridge, Hampshire WVHC Event

  Stonewall Jackson, History Alive!, 11AM September 26 at Capon Bridge Fire Department. Free. More information at http://wvhumanities.org/event/events-102/

  History Alive! is a project of the West Virginia Humanities Council.
• 2015 Charleston Boulevard Rod Run and Doo Wop

  September 30, 2015 to October 04, 2015 — Charleston, Kanawha

  Come out and enjoy free concerts each night and a world class fire works display on Saturday night. Enjoy nearly 1000 show vehicles and many related displays to the automotive industry. September 30 to October 4 on Kanawha Boulevard in downtown Charleston. http://charlestonwvcarshow.com/
• Creators Workshop- 3D Animation with Steve Gilliland

  April 23, 2016 — Charleston, Kanawha

  Want to create your own worlds? Better yet, blow ’em up – and let the computer calculate the physics for explosions, smoke, and fire. This hands-on workshop will introduce beginners to Blender, a powerful, open-source 3D software that is available as a FREE download. A series of exercises will send you flying through 3D space. Learn the basics of sculpting your own sets and characters and how to animate and render your own 3D CGI videos. Anything is possible with animation!

  Saturday, April 23, 2016 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (EDT)

  WVSU EDC – 1506 Kanawha Blvd W Charleston, WV 25312

  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/creators-workshop-3d-animation-with-steve-gilliland-tickets-20566639372
• The Shamrock Shore

  October 18, 2016 to October 23, 2016 — Cedar Lakes, Jackson

  This discussion of Irish culture and history at home and abroad is led by Mick Moloney. He will share the folklore and myths that were told around ancient fires. October 18-23 at Cedar Lakes Conference Center
• Archives and History Thursday Lecture: Growing Up in Charleston and Other Lesser Known Facts

  March 17, 2016 — Charleston, Kanawha

  On Thursday, March 17, 2016, Jerry Waters will present “Growing Up in Charleston and Other Lesser Known Facts” in the Archives and History Library of the Culture Center in Charleston. The program will begin at 6:00 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

  Jerry Waters was born and raised in Charleston, West Virginia, on the back side of town, and he has been a sailor, radio announcer, newspaper photographer, and fire department captain. He will talk about Charleston from the perspective of those experiences and will include a number of images in his presentation.

  Waters’ love of photography and local history goes back to 1968, when he took photos along the path of the newly arriving interstate. A collector of photographs for years, he provided images for volumes I and II of Kanawha County Images by Stan Cohen and Richard Andre, and he also designed the cover for Vol. II. Seven years ago, Waters launched mywvhome.com, a website primarily devoted to area photos. Now retired, Waters spends his time adding to his website and collecting photos.

  Participants may park behind the Culture Center after 5:00 p.m. on March 17 and enter the building at the back loading dock area. There also is limited handicapped parking available in the new bus turnaround.

  For additional information, contact the Archives and History Library at (304) 558-0230.
• Way Back Weekend: Cast-Iron Cook-Off

  October 01, 2016 — Huntington, Cabell

  Way Back Weekend/Cast-Iron Cook-Off: Set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, the Cast Iron Cook Off is part of the Way Back Weekend series at Heritage Farm Museum & Village, 3300 Harvey Road, Huntington. Area chefs faceoff in this regional competition featuring cast-iron cooking over open fires. Visit http://www.heritagefarmmuseum.com/.
• 11th annual Charleston Boulevard Rod Run & Doo Wop

  October 06, 2016 to October 09, 2016 — Charleston, Kanawha

  Come out and enjoy free concerts each night and a world class fire works display on Saturday night. Enjoy nearly 1000 show vehicles and many related displays to the automotive industry. October 6-9 on Kanawha Boulevard in downtown Charleston. http://charlestonwvcarshow.com/
• Under Fire!: Hold the High Ground, 1862

  July 29, 2017 to July 30, 2017 — Harpers Ferry, Jefferson

  Harpers Ferry National Historical Park invites the public to witness the power of field artillery that defended the Union garrison during the Siege of 1862. The park’s Living History staff will present artillery demonstrations July 29-30 and August 5-6 at 1, 2, and 3 p.m., on the battle that led to General Stonewall Jackson’s capture of 12,500 Federal soldiers. A military camp will be open for visitation on the Bolivar Heights Battlefield from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Shuttles from the park’s Visitor Center to the Bolivar Heights Battlefield will be available.

  “We are surrounded by enemy batteries,” wrote a Union officer garrisoned at Harpers Ferry on September 15, 1862. On that day, the 12,500-man Union garrison surrendered to Confederate General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson. This military action at Harpers Ferry was the largest surrender of Union troops during the American Civil War. Following the surrender of Federal troops, Jackson’s men marched northward to join Confederate General Robert E. Lee near Sharpsburg, Maryland, arriving in time to save Lee’s flank from annihilation during the Battle of Antietam.

  For further details, call the Information Center at 304-535-6029
• Under Fire!: Hold the High Ground, 1862

  August 05, 2017 to August 06, 2017 — Harpers Ferry, Jefferson

  Harpers Ferry National Historical Park invites the public to witness the power of field artillery that defended the Union garrison during the Siege of 1862. The park’s Living History staff will present artillery demonstrations July 29-30 and August 5-6 at 1, 2, and 3 p.m., on the battle that led to General Stonewall Jackson’s capture of 12,500 Federal soldiers. A military camp will be open for visitation on the Bolivar Heights Battlefield from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Shuttles from the park’s Visitor Center to the Bolivar Heights Battlefield will be available.

  “We are surrounded by enemy batteries,” wrote a Union officer garrisoned at Harpers Ferry on September 15, 1862. On that day, the 12,500-man Union garrison surrendered to Confederate General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson. This military action at Harpers Ferry was the largest surrender of Union troops during the American Civil War. Following the surrender of Federal troops, Jackson’s men marched northward to join Confederate General Robert E. Lee near Sharpsburg, Maryland, arriving in time to save Lee’s flank from annihilation during the Battle of Antietam.

  For further details, call the Information Center at 304-535-6029
• Creators Workshop: 3D Animation Workshop

  September 23, 2017 — Charleston, Kanawha

  Want to create your own worlds? Better yet, blow ’em up – and let the computer calculate the physics for explosions, smoke, and fire. This Creators fan favorite, hands-on workshop will introduce beginners to Blender, a powerful, open-source 3D software that is available as a FREE download. A series of exercises will send you flying through 3D space. Learn the basics of sculpting your own sets and characters and how to animate and render your own 3D CGI videos. Anything is possible with animation!

  Gilliland has extensive experience in both live-action and animated filmmaking. He has worked as a cinematographer, videographer, and editor on scores of projects including documentaries, commercials, and music videos. He has production designer credits on three feature films. He has conducted dozens of workshops for all ages – from elementary school students to Elderhostel scholars. He has given presentations for organizations such as the West Virginia Governor’s Honors Academy, the West Virginia Filmmakers’ Guild, and the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, Africa. He has enjoyed learning from his own students as a faculty member in West Virginia State University’s Department of Communications for the past 30 years.

  Cost- $20 Public / Free for WVSU Students with ID

  WVSU EDC, 1506 Kanawha Blvd West. Charleston, WV 25387

  Sat, September 23, 2017, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM EDT

  Registration required
• Wyoming County Civil War Days

  July 13, 2018 to July 15, 2018 — Twin Falls State Park, Wyoming

  This family friendly event is held annually in Wyoming County to promote the education of the events, personal stories, weaponry, clothing, food, dance, etc. during the Civil War. This is an excellent opportunity to explore and learn about the ways our ancestors lived in the mid 1800’s and the impact the Civil War had on their lives and on Wyoming County.

  Schedule of Events

  (Dates/Times Subject to Change – Check our Facebook page for updates. https://www.facebook.com/events/412432442562976/)

  Friday, July 13

  • Reenactors will begin arriving and setting up.

  Saturday, July 14

  • 10 a.m. Camp open to the public
  • 2 p.m. Battle Reenactment
  • 5:00 p.m. Dinner for Reenactors
  • 7:00 p.m. Ghost Stories with Bugs Stover
  • 9:00 p.m. Cannon Night Fire

  Sunday, July 15

  • 10 a.m. Camp will open to the public
  • 10:30 a.m. Church Service
  • 1:30 p.m. Battle Reenactment
• 15th Annual Culturefest World Music & Arts Festival

  September 06, 2018 to September 09, 2018 — Pipestem, Summers

  The 15th annual Culturefest World Music and Arts Festival will take over Appalachian South Folklife Center in Pipestem, WV September 6-9 with a weekend long immersion in the creative arts featuring music & dance performances, unique artisan and retail vendors, workshops, a robust roster of kids’ activities, camping and much more. This unique event is a cornerstone of the dynamic creative community in Southern West Virginia. Three stages feature artists from all around the East coast with styles ranging from Americana and Appalachian Folk to Soul, Rock, Funk and World Fusion to experimental genres like Quantum Dub, plus performance art, performance poetry, fire dance and more. Workshops are offered in yoga, drumming, belly dance, hoop dancing, up-cycled art and more, plus facilitated discussions called “Conversations at Culturefest” explore topics such as Appalachian art, cultural exploration and finding and following your passion. Astronomer Dave Buhrman of WV Sky Tours will be on hand with his telescopes for star and planet gazing and fire spinners will light up the night.

  Artisans will vend their wares from handmade clothing to jewelry to fine art and more. The children’s village will feature 2 different craft activities each day, special yoga classes, found object art, a kids’ costume parade, a bounce house and other activities. Furniture lounges make relaxing spots to kick back and relax, and provide shelter so the fun can continue in case of rain. Guests may camp on site for the weekend, and immerse themselves in the colorful experience in the beautiful WV Mountains, or they may enjoy the amenities of nearby Pipestem State Park. The goal of the festival is to promote unity and respect for diversity, and bring people together though music and the arts in a beautiful mountain setting.

  Organizers say they take great care in curating the performance lineup, searching for musicians who have passion and purpose, unique styles and seasoned skills. This year’s performance lineup is, as always, stacked with amazing talent:

  • Based in Kentucky, Appalatin’s foot-stomping, hip-swinging sounds organically unite Appalachian folk and high-energy Latin music. The name, Appalatin, reflects the unexpected meeting in Louisville, KY of Kentucky-raised musicians and masterful Latin émigrés from Ecuador, Nicaragua, and Guatemala. Their all-acoustic performances of traditional strings of guitar, mandolin, upright bass, and charango, indigenous Andean flutes, hand percussion, harmonica and vocal harmonies have brought joy and happiness to listeners of all ages. In 2014, the band was awarded the Americana Award by the Louisville Music Awards Academy. They are also the feature of an Emmy-nominated PBS-affiliate documentary in the KY Muse series, now distributed nationwide on public stations. appalatin.com
  • Africa Unplugged is a dynamic group, led by djembe master, guitarist and songwriter Atiba Rorie. The band uses traditional percussion instruments from West Africa in combination with guitars and bass to play traditional rhythms while drawing from influences across the world. Their creativity results in a funky, soulful blues and dance music that keeps the audience moving as they tell stories from the old world and the new. reverbnation.com/africaunpluggedmusic
  • The Company Stores are a folk fusion band from Charleston, WV, that smoothly blends elements of many genres from Delta blues, Appalachian folk, gospel, jazz, and other Americana music, then layer in their own modern styles and rhythms. Vocalist Casey Litz’s sultry and soulful voice captivates the audience, while the band lays down bluesy grooves between dynamic builds. Since their start as a full band in May 2013 they have released two albums, have been on the iconic Mountain Stage Radio Show, countless festivals and have toured all over the East coast. Their latest album “Little Lights," released in April 2017, has received countless positive reviews proclaiming it as one of the best regional releases of the year. thecompanystores.com
  • Mystic Warriors is dedicated to exposing the essence of Andean Music in a completely unique way. While their music style appears to fit into the “New Age” category, it often sounds like world music, contemporary jazz, Latin or mainstream popular. They believe their music is a fusion that crosses over all of these without leaving the boundaries of Andean Music. More important than categorizing their style is their ability to deliver a message of universal peace and harmony transmitted by the combination of Andean ancient flutes and panpipes with contemporary instruments. Joining the ancestral sounds of the Incas with today’s newest sounds, Mystic Warriors will transport you to places and times long forgotten, but yet to come. mysticwarriors.com
  • Fresh off of a performance debut on the world renowned Mountain Stage, Beckley’s The Parachute Brigade is soaring. The sounds of this 5 piece Indie/Folk Rock band is a mixture of acoustic Americana and ambient Indie Alt Rock. Their vocal harmonies and driving instrumentation provide a unique sound and an emotional listening experience.They recorded a 5 song EP of original music in Nashville, TN over the summer of 2017, and are in the process of touring these songs as emerging artists at festivals and venues this summer. You can soon find the album, titled “The Gold EP,” on their website, ITunes, and Spotify. theparachutebrigade.com
  • After Jack is a musical celebration of togetherness. Named 2014 Americana Vocal Group of the Year by the Appalachian Cultural Music Association, the trio combines expressive songwriting, captivating vocals and a unique take on traditional mountain music. Combine your most beloved musical memories with a foot-stomping string band and top it off with harmonies that spring straight from the soul of the mountains, and you’ve got After Jack. afterjackband.com

  Other WV acts include Black Garlic (Instrumental Rock Fusion), The Charleston Rogues (Irish Punk & Folk), Kathleen Coffee (Healing Folk), CassieRaye (Post-Ambient Folk), Ball & Chain (Blues/Rock), The Gin Mills (Blues/Rock), Independent State (Americana), James Hart (Blues/Soul), Holly and the Guy (Soul/Pop), Nathaniel Altare & Amy McIntire (Folk), Douglas John (Singer-Songwriter), Liberty High (Unconventional Marching Band), The One Voice Project (Pop/Rock), Jermaine Jay Lane (Poetry), Samadhi Tribal Fusion (Belly Dance), Silly Strings (Old Time), Ashleigh Surface (Contemporary Christian) Tiffany Freed (Poetry) and Tim & Maggie (Celtic).

  Other out-of-state acts include Lobo Marino (earth-folk/experimental/indie), Gypsy Funk Squad (World Music), Spaceship Earth (QuantumDub), Richie Olivera (Instrumental Music with Andean Flutes), Groova Scape (Funky Blues/Reggae/Rock), AllTheBestKids (Alternative Hip Hop ), Ignes Proles (Fire Dance), Star Baby & The Rolling Oms (Folk/Hip-Hop), LucasTheFlow (Electronic), J.Q. Yay (Contemplative World Roots Mystic Folk), Mr. Daywalker (Glitter Soul) and Spunday Morning (Indie Rock).

  Attendees will also have the chance to participate in music-making during facilitated workshops in West African drumming, Mid-Eastern Doumbek and Mouth Council, a space for free vocal expression as well as drum circles in early evening and at midnight. Late night jams by the fire pit are a popular feature, and guests will encounter opportunities to connect with the performers and workshop providers in a laid back atmosphere throughout the site. A popular Culturefest tradition is the community art boards, which will be available throughout the weekend stocked with paint and brushes, and anyone is welcome to leave their mark. These spontaneous, collaborative works of art are a vibrant centerpiece of the festivities. A variety of delicious food and drink will be available for purchase including but not limited to homestyle Mexican, sandwiches, vegetarian options, specialty teas, coffee and ice cream.

  Tickets are available online at culturefestwv.com and at the gate; advance tickets are recommended. A full weekend pass costs $50 online and includes all four days’ activities plus camping. Day passes do not include camping. They are $15 on Thursday, $20 on Friday, $25 on Saturday and $15 on Sunday. Children’s tickets are sharply discounted; see the website for those prices. Kids 5 & under are free.

  The event is presented by LLyniuM entertainment and The RiffRaff Arts Collective in cooperation with the Appalachian South Folklife Center with assistance from these sponsors: Princeton Health Care Center, Princeton Community Hospital, Seaver Funeral Home, Star-95, Kiss-FM, WVVA, Ramey Princeton, Princeton Rescue Squad, Adventure Radio, Little Buddy Radio, Princeton Health & Fitness Center, and a host of advertisers. The program is presented with financial assistance from the West Virginia Division of Culture & History, and the National Endowment for the Arts, with approval from the West Virginia Commission on the Arts.

  Additional information can be found online at culturefestwv.com and by calling 304-320-8833.