The Appalachian String Band Festival held annually at Camp George Washington Carver in Clifftop, West Virginia, is a celebration of old-time music that draws musicians and enthusiasts from across the country. Nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, this event is more than just a festival; it’s a gathering of kindred spirits who share a deep love for traditional American music. It's also within 50 miles of where I went to school in most of my elementary years, and my sophomore and junior years in high school.
The drive to Clifftop is a journey through the rugged beauty of the Appalachian landscape. Winding roads take you through dense forests, past rolling hills, and alongside crystal-clear streams. As you get closer to the camp, the air seems to hum with anticipation, as if the mountains themselves are welcoming you to the celebration.
Camp George Washington Carver, where the festival is held, is a historic site with a rich cultural heritage. Established as a 4-H camp for African American youth in the 1930s, it has since become a hub for preserving and celebrating Appalachian culture. The camp’s rustic cabins and communal spaces are surrounded by towering trees and the gentle slopes of the mountains, creating a perfect backdrop for the music that fills the air day and night.
Upon arriving at Clifftop, the first thing that strikes you is the sound. The air is alive with the tunes of fiddles, banjos, guitars, mandolins, and, of course, the mountain dulcimer. Musicians of all ages gather in informal jam sessions that spring up everywhere you look—under the shade of a tree, on a porch, or around a campfire. There’s no formal stage here; the entire camp is a stage, and everyone is welcome to join in the music-making.
My mountain dulcimer, with its sweet, resonant tones, fits perfectly into this environment. I found myself gravitating toward groups that welcomed the unique voice of my instrument. As night fell, the music didn’t stop—it only grew more intense. Under a sky filled with stars, we played until the wee hours of the morning, the sound of our instruments blending together into a harmonious symphony that echoed through the night.
The camaraderie at Clifftop is something special. In those late-night sessions, I was joined by musicians from all walks of life—some professional, some hobbyists, all united by a shared passion for old-time music. Guitars strummed steady rhythms, mandolins added their bright, sharp notes, and fiddles played melodies that seemed to have been pulled from the very heart of the mountains. The dulcimer, with its distinctive voice, added a layer of depth to the music that was both haunting and beautiful.
There’s something magical about playing music in the Appalachian Mountains. The landscape seems to inspire the tunes, and the tunes, in turn, seem to resonate with the land. As we played, I couldn’t help but feel a deep connection to the musicians who have come before us, those who created and passed down these tunes over generations. It’s a living tradition, and at Clifftop, it’s very much alive.
The festival isn’t just about the music, though. It’s also about community. Everywhere you go, you’re greeted with smiles and friendly conversation. The campgrounds are filled with people sharing stories, trading tips on playing techniques, and just enjoying each other’s company. Meals are communal, and there’s always a pot of coffee brewing somewhere, ready to fuel another round of tunes.
As the festival came to a close, I felt a sense of contentment that comes from being part of something bigger than myself. The Appalachian String Band Festival at Clifftop is more than just a place to play music; it’s a place to connect—with the music, with the land, and with each other. As I packed up my dulcimer and prepared to leave, I knew I’d be back. The music of the mountains had found a permanent place in my heart, and Clifftop would always be a part of that.
photo from: https://wvculture.org/explore/camp-washington-carver/string-band-music-festival/
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