The Appalachian Festival: Bluegrass in Appalachia

Frostburg State University stands on the scenic route of the Appalachian Trail. The Appalachian Mountains stretches up the east side of North America and has developed its own society and customs. On Saturday, September 19, 2015 The Appalachian Festival took place in the upper quad of Frostburg State University. A variety of people came to take pleasure in the wonderful culture of Appalachia. Whether it was the sweet and refreshing cider, the soothing music of bluegrass or the symposium on sustainability in and on these beautiful mountains, the festival goers were more than thrilled.

Bluegrass is a popular genre of music that was created in the Appalachian Mountains. Irish and Scottish pioneers combined their ballads creating a unique sound that reflects the lives of the people living in Appalachia. Bluegrass has a mixture of instruments that produce its distinctive harmonizing melodies. From the fiddle to the banjo, to the mandolin, bluegrass fans love its comforting tune.

Davis & Elkins Appalachian Dance Ensemble studies a variety of music, including North American Bluegrass. They are accompanied by student dancers who attend Davis and Elkins College in Elkins, West Virginia. Many grouped around these performers and watched as they rhythmically clogged to the band. With smiles on their faces and pure passion for the art of clogging, student Kathorine Manor (19) stated, “I have studied tap for 15 years. Clogging was very new and challenging for me”. Will Roboski (23) also confirms, “We study a lot of social dance forms and I like clogging a lot.”

Cloggers: Kathorine Manor (Left) Will Roboski (Right)

Lovonah, resident of the Alleghany area, explains that “The cloggers were wonderful and they’re extremely talented!” Second time viewers, Gary and Denise (Who would not like their last name mentioned) stated, “The show was terrific! It is really great to see and have the younger people involved or the music will die”.

The Alleghany Drifter performing at The Appalachian Festival 

in front of Compton Science Center at Frostburg State University.

After the Davis & Elkins Appalachian Dance Ensemble, Chuck Dickens (host) brings in the Alleghany Drifters with such excitement. With confidence, Dickens introduces the band and says, “When I saw the line up and saw that these guys were going to be on the stage, I threw my hands up in the air and I was like YEAH!” The Allegheny Drifters opened their show with “Im on my Way Back Home” originally by singer, Bill Monroe. Dickens was correct! I watched the as the audience toes tap and smiles paste against their face as they indulged in the melodies of Bluegrass. Jim Scott, banjo player for The Allegheny drifters (see far left in image above), was more than excited to perform. Scott has only played with the band since July of 2015 but Scott says, “The band has some wonderful, great people and I value all of their dynamics”. 

There was not a still audience member in site. Whether it was the Davis & Elkins Appalachian Dance Ensemble and Dance Team or The Alleghany Drifters, the toe tapping fans enjoyed the appreciation and exposure of Bluegrass and Appalachia.