Seedtime Celebrates Appalachian Music Traditions

Central Appalachia offers the richest living tradition of old-time music. Once again Appalshop’s annual Seedtime on the Cumberland festival welcomes some of the finest traditional musicians of the region to its stages. The Appalshop grounds will host such talents as Wayne Henderson, Lee Sexton, the Elkville String Band, Brett Ratliff, Ginny Hawker, Kay Justice, and Tracy Schwarz, the Cowan Creek Pick and Bow All-stars, Jim and Ada McCown with Paul Smith, and Roger Cooper.

The Seedtime festival, consistent with Appalshop’s mission, promotes the traditions of old-time music within the commuinity by providing a venue for these dedicated artists. The living history of this musical genre is revitalized by live performances, workshops, and established music-makers. Old-time music has found a home in Appalshop through regular programming on WMMT-FM, June Appal Recordings, monthly old-time jams, and the Pick and Bow afterschool program, as well as the Seedtime festival. Young pickers such as the Cowan Creek Pick and Bow All-Stars are mastering the cultural heritage while experienced musicians like Paul Smith lend expertise. The festival will also feature musical performances by John McCutcheon, Jeni & Billy, Paula Larke, Ras Alan, and Turbo Pro Project, all of whom build upon these old-time traditions in creating original music.