Except for John and David traveling was not required to this inaugural event as it took place in our home town of Huntington, West Virginia. From the various local papers this all came about due to the efforts of “City Councilman Dave Ball, who began working on the concept more than a year ago when it was announced Appalachian Uprising, an annual outdoor music festival in Scottown, Ohio, that dates back to 2002, was calling it quits.”
We thought all of David’s and the city’s efforts was worth it. The jamboree did not have the large volume of people we have found at other and older music festivals but there were many who came to walk along the camp grounds and listen to the various performers. As well as this event was staged it is certain that it will grow over time. Our hosts provided a great venue, River Front Park, which sits along the banks of the Ohio river. We listened to various Old Time jams and thoroughly enjoyed all of the professional bands that performed over the weekend. Looking forward to returning next year.
Friday night we joined an excellent evening jam with Dennis and friends and played until way past our bed times. Saturday Mountain Color set up at the 12th street entrance and played while Tim (a volunteer) helped to make sure visitors were properly “checked in.” We were joined by our favorite fiddle player, Taylor. That evening Dennis treated us to a relaxing cook out with good food, friends, and, of course, music. Our special thanks to him and his wife for having us. We learned a bunch of new songs over the weekend such as “ Moses Hoe Your Corn,” “Banjo Tramp,” “Sweet Bama,” and “Squirrel Heads and Gravy.” And, YES these are the names of the songs! It’s great, isn’t it!