Andy Davis - Posted - 05/07/2022:  11:31:39

I’m from the philadelphia, PA area and am looking forward to hitting festivals this May/June with the main goal of meeting traditional pickers and jamming. I’m an intermediate/advanced picker. Anyone have any suggestions between VA and New England that has good campground jamming and is fairly welcoming to a newcomer?
Thanks!

Jimmy Sutton - Posted - 05/07/2022:  12:48:01

Mount Airy, North Carolina, first weekend in June.

m06 - Posted - 05/08/2022:  05:42:21

Henry Reed Memorial festival this year at Glen Lyn, VA 9-11 June. Small event with a lovely friendly atmosphere and good sessions among the tents.



wnrvbluegrassradio.com/henryre...ival.html



Elk Creek fiddle convention, Elk Creek Valley, Grayson County, VA 24-25 June. Probably my favourite festival. Excellent sessions around the campsite. Includes traditional instrument, band and dance contests.

I think there's also a festival at Fries, VA in June too. With Mount Airy suggested above you could short hop to all four and that's your June took care of

Just wish I lived a bit closer!

Edited by - m06 on 05/08/2022 05:58:48

Bob Buckingham - Posted - 05/08/2022:  06:01:58

Usually there are lists of festivals out on FB or other social media. PA had a lot of fiddle events as well as Commonground in Maryland in years past. Virginia has a bunch too. I know folks in the Philly area who spend most of the summer camped in the south playing tunes. I'll be seeing some of them at Mars Hill Blue Ridge Music Old Time Week in early June.

Matt Buckley - Posted - 05/08/2022:  14:09:16

Black Creek Fiddlers Reunion. Always Memorial Day weekend. Altamont, NY, near Albany.

BeeEnvironment - Posted - 05/08/2022:  14:39:07

Let me know as well if you find any in the Southeastern PA region!! I also live here and have always wanted to jam/play with others just simple traditional music.

Russ A.

Andy Davis - Posted - 05/08/2022:  18:19:24

Many thanks for all the suggestions! I think I’m going to check out Graves Mountain in Va.
As far as festivals in PA, I might head up to Windgap second week of June. Smoked Country jam third weekend of June.

Bum Ditty Brendan - Posted - 05/12/2022:  08:09:57

Seconding Black Creek Fiddlers reunion Memorial day weekend.

I know you specified may and June but in July there is the Harry Smith Frolic in Greenfield, MA on July 15-17

Then in September, I think labor day weekend, is Fiddlin Bear in Lake Ariel, PA

wtalley - Posted - 05/12/2022:  11:21:03

quote:

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Originally posted by BeeEnvironment

Let me know as well if you find any in the Southeastern PA region!! I also live here and have always wanted to jam/play with others just simple traditional music.



Russ A.

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For those interested in old-time music: brandywinerevival.com/

steve davis - Posted - 06/18/2022:  09:06:40

Thomas Point Beach is reknowned for its traditional campfire jams (all nighters are very common).

My band the Country Choir puts on the sound and plays a set at the East Benton Fiddler's Convention every year since the 70s.It's always the last Sunday in July at the Littlefield Farm.

Fiddle contests for kids and adults and a dozen bands playing all day long.

Edited by - steve davis on 06/18/2022 09:11:10