SEEDTIME ON THE CUMBERLAND FEST ANNOUNCES 2009 LINEUP
As our nation struggles through these tough economic times, we often look back at other difficult periods in our history for guidance on how to stimulate a recovery and put people back to work. Roosevelt’s “New Deal” and the Works Progress Administration is cited as one attempt to provide jobs in local communities. The WPA also created work for artists, writers and musicians and in turn helped stimulate an interest in our heritage and perpetuate folk arts.
In the 1960’s, we faced what Lyndon Johnson termed a War on Poverty. Highly criticized for creating what many saw as a welfare state, the War on Poverty did create programs to create jobs. While most of these projects have long been dismantled (with the notable exceptions of Head Start and Job Corps), there are examples of the “good” that was accomplished.
In 1969, an economic development program in Kentucky was created to recruit youth in Appalachia and provide opportunties to learn media skills. While many expected that once these people were trained, they would take their skills and find jobs in other regions of the country. Instead, many of them took their skills and focused on telling the story of their region.
That program was Appalshop, and as they celebrate their 40th anniversary, we can look at a catalog of film, video, literature, music, theater and radio that celebrates the rich traditions of the region, shares the stories and history of the people, and also focuses attention on the social issues that continue to affect Appalachia.
In 1985, Appalshop launched a radio station, WMMT – “Mountain Community Public Radio”. The award winning radio station provides unique and diverse radio to the region, including live traditional music programs.
As a radio host myself, I have cherished the recordings that have been issued by Appalshops record label – June Appal Recordings – a label that produces and distributes the music and voices of Applachia – both the traditional as well as contemporary artists.
You can visit their website – www.appalshop.org to discover some of the wonderful projects that have been created.
If you have listened to my radio program on WFDU, you probably have heard selections from the Seedtime on the Cumberland recordings. These live recordings were made at the annual festival that Appalshop has produced since the late 1980’s.
This year, Apppalshop will present the 23rd Annual Seedtime on the Cumberland Festival in Whitesburg, Kentucky from June 10th through the 13th. It is an opportuntity to witness outstanding musical performances as well as experience the unique and vibrant culture of the region.
As some of our readers might be making travel plans, I strongly recommend this event. The cost is an incredible bargain, hotel rates in the region are reasonable, and while it is an approximate 11 hour drive from NYC, it is a trip that will enrich and satisfy – and provide wonderful memories.
Below is the official press release. Discover more at their website – http://appalshop.org/seedtime/
Musical performances will include John McCutcheon, Ginny Hawker, Kay Justice & Tracy Schwarz, Ras Alan, Wayne Henderson, Jeni & Billy, Sparky & Rhonda Rucker, Roger Cooper, Turbo Pro Project, Jim & Ada McCown with Paul Smith, The Elkville String Band, Brett Ratliff, Paula Larke, Lee Sexton, Rich & the Poor Folks, and The Cowan Creek Pick and Bow All-Stars.
Seedtime will also offer film screenings, picking contests, gallery exhibits, Singing on the Mountain, literary readings, a Youth Bored concert, nature hikes, craft and food vendors, and the Carcassonne square dance. All events on Wednesday and Thursday will be free to the public, as will all festival activities before 3pm on Friday and Saturday. Admission to Saturday night’s square dance at 9:30pm will also be free to the public. 
Seedtime tickets will be available for $10 per day or $15 for the weekend, with discounts available for advance purchases, students, seniors, and groups. Advance tickets sales will begin April 1 from the Seedtime website and at area businesses.