Music of the Mountains celebrates rural music, dance

Musicians play at the Music of the Mountains event/NPS

GATLINBURG, TN - The popular "Music of the Mountains" event returns to Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Saturday, September 8, 2018. The free event will take place at Sugarlands Visitor Center from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Music of the Mountains pays tribute to the traditional music and dance of the Smoky Mountains and east Tennessee with lively old-time mountain music, clogging, square dancing, and singing.

“We are excited to host some of the best and most knowledgeable musicians, dancers, and dance instructors for a day of fun and hands-on education,” said Stephanie Sutton, Supervisory Park Ranger. “We’re setting up a stage, tents, and a dance floor on the visitor center lawn. It’s going to be quite a fun time.”

There will be something for everyone at the “instrument petting zoo,” held from 11:30 a.m to 1:00 p.m. Anyone can try their hand at playing spoons, a wash tub, or wash board. Park rangers will also offer dulcimer lessons for beginners and kids will have the opportunity to create their own instruments. At 2 p.m., an old-time square dance begins. The event is free, and attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch, blankets and/or chairs to enjoy the day.

Schedule:

10:00 am - Old Time Fiddle & Banjo Music: A tribute to Charlie Acuff with John Alvis, Juanita Johnson, Austin Stovall, Matt Morelock, and other pickers

11:00 am - Talking Feet!: Clogging, buck dancing, and flatfooting with lesson and performance from the Fabulous Liden Sisters

11:30 am - 1:00 pm - Instrument Petting Zoo, Dulcimer Lessons, Kids Activities

1:00 pm - Mountain Songwriting, Singing & Balladry: a performance by Josh Oliver

2:00 pm - Old-Time Square Dance: Stan Sharp teaches and leads as many dances as feet can handle; live old-time music from the Sugarlands Stringband

Published September 3, 2018