Lunsford Festival

Saturday October 3, 2020, 10:00-7:30

53rd BASCOM LAMAR LUNSFORD
“MINSTREL OF APPALACHIA” FESTIVAL

The Lunsford Festival is an all-day festival celebrating regional music and dance traditions. The event is the second oldest folk festival in Western North Carolina and was named in honor of cofounder Bascom Lamar Lunsford. Lunsford was a musician and folklorist who dedicated his life to collecting and promoting the music of the Southern Appalachians. Through his work he became known as the “Minstrel of the Appalachians.” The festival, which is now in its 53rd year, brings out the region’s finest musicians and dancers.  It happens on the same day as the Madison Heritage Arts Festival, so downtown will be abuzz. Everything is free of charge except for the instrument workshops. Join us in honoring the rich cultural traditions of the Southern Appalachians!

10:00-5:00: Concert on the Upper Quad
Presentation of the Lunsford Award
Fiddle, Banjo, Guitar, Dulcimer, Shaped Note Workshops
Open jam (Sunken Garden)
1:30-3:30: Ballad Swap (Blackwell Hall)
5:30-7:30: Community Dance (Chambers Gym)

For more information, please contact Leila Weinstein at (828) 689-1115 or lweinstein@mhu.edu.

Click here for downloadable Lunsford Festival Map

The Ramsey Center is a proud site on the Blue Ridge Music Trails of North Carolina.

Thank you to our generous 2019 Festival Sponsors and Partners