Appalacian String Band Festival Clifftop, West Virginia

[OldGus]

http://www.wvculture.org/stringband/ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03lus...eature=related. I have been advised that this is a good festival to attend for musicians of all skill levels to meet, play, learn and enjoy. Admission is only $45 per adult for five days. Honestly I've never been to a Bluegrass jam session, maybe this would be a good place to start. Does anyone want to share their experiences/opinions of this festival? Thanks!

[Jim Garber]

I have not been there in many years, but I am not sure how much bluegrass there is there. I have many friends who go there to play strictly old time music. You may be sorely disappointed if you play bluegrass.

[coletrickle]

Although I haven't been to this festival I have had many friends go over the years. If you play traditional old time music (fiddle led instrumentals mostly) then this if a great stop. If not, than you might find less opportunities for jams and related. I have also heard, although not personally experienced as I haven't been to this festival as I noted, that it can be a little clicky with regards to the jams and perhaps not the most inviting place for new people who don't have a "place to go". I am sure there are plenty of opportunities to join a jam, but I also know that a lot of people who go, go every year with the expectation of jamming with a close group of friends. That is just my outside knowledge. It is a great festival from what I have heard...just thought it was important to point this out.

[OldGus]

I am a big fan of Old Time music and I don't play Bluegrass but I'm not opposed to learning. I think I need a somewhat nurturing environment for that. The people who referenced this festival to me said they weren't as discriminating to the less experienced as some of the Bluegrass jams they had been to. It may be clicky as you pointed out but it's hard to tell what my personal experience might be unless I go. Thanks for sharing!