Folkways Tent
Saturday, September 19
11 AM Jay Smar
Armed with two guitars, baritone vocals, clawhammer banjo, fiddle and a talent for flat-footin’ (a form of clog dancing), Jay Smar delivers an “acoustic buffet” of traditional and original folk, old-time mountain music, bluegrass and gospel, along with coal-mining songs from Northeast Pennsylvania.
Noon Irish Dance with Madalyn Higgins
Jump into the lively world of Irish dance with Madalyn Higgins! Dancers of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels are welcome to learn the basics of Irish step and céilí dancing. Participants will practice gliding footwork, leaps and partner dancing before bringing it all together in a lively céilí, or social dance. Soft-sole or leather-bottom shoes and light sneakers are welcome. Higgins will be joined by Jeff Thomas on concertina and Myles Thomas on fiddle, adding authentic live music to this spirited and engaging session.
1 PM Chris Haddox: Music from the WV Coal Fields
Born and raised in Logan, West Virginia, and now based in Morgantown, Chris Haddox is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose music is deeply rooted in his southern West Virginia heritage. Haddox will perform selections from Voices Faintly Heard, an award-winning film set against the rugged landscapes of Logan, Lincoln and Mingo counties, as well as original songs inspired by the people, places and traditions of southern West Virginia.
2 PM Roots and Rhythm: Appalachian Music and Dance
Join Footworks for a lively journey through the roots of Appalachian music and dance. This interactive performance/workshop explores the many cultural influences that shaped the region’s musical and dance traditions through storytelling, music and movement. Enjoy spirited dancing and live music, then get on your feet and join Footworks for some easy, fun and engaging dancing and singing. It’s an entertaining experience for all ages and skill levels!
3 PM Mountain Alchemy: Black Resilience in Appalachia, Aristotle Jones
What happens when a community transforms adversity into resilience? Drawing on themes from his book Mountain Alchemy, musician, author, storyteller and cultural historian Aristotle Jones explores Black Appalachian culture and the power of community through storytelling, music and conversation. Discover how creativity, collective action and cultural memory help communities preserve identity, navigate adversity and carry their stories from one generation to the next. The session also highlights the enduring contributions of Black Appalachians to American history, music and storytelling.
4 PM Savage Mountain Punk Arts
How can DIY and punk culture inspire entrepreneurship in Appalachia? Hear from regional artisans and business owners who have built their ventures around creativity, independence and community. The panel features makers and marketers from a range of businesses, including a bakery, café, tattoo studio, skateboard company and guitar maker, offering insight into how DIY values have shaped their work and businesses.