Event News Flash! Pinnacle Mountain Boys Reunion
After 40 years, the members of the Pinnacle Mountain Boys in the persons of Charlie Collins, Larry McNeely, Buster Turner, and Don Gulley reunite on the Louie Bluie Music Stage!
This all-day Festival features a wide variety of music, crafts and storytelling traditions, as well as student art, food and beverages, and a festival t-shirt. Old-time musicians and string bands in the region play throughout the day, along with musicians and actors who were influenced by Campbell County Tennessee native Howard "Louie Bluie" Armstrong.
Music The Festival will have two music stages. The Community Stage will showcase local Campbell County musicians playing fiddle, banjo, mandolin, dobro, guitar and other instruments. The Louie Bluie Stage will feature old time musicians and string bands from communities in the shadow of the Cumberland Mountains as well as musicians who knew and played with Armstrong or whose music is influenced by Armstrong’s “mountain jazz” style. Last year's headliner band, Hokum's Heroes will be returning to the Festival in 2008. Band members Bruce Millard and Matthew Berlin performed and toured with Howard Armstrong.
Arts Another new venue this year is the Howard Armstrong Theater, an educational/informational venue featuring the African-American actor's ensemble, Carpetbag Theatre of Knoxville, performing excerpts from their new play “Between A Ballad and A Blues,” a drama about Armstrong’s life. The Theater also includes displays on Armstrong’s music career and his art; Armstrong memorabilia; and an opportunity for festival-goers to interact with musicians who worked with Armstrong. Expect plenty of "jamming on the grounds," as well.
Storytelling The festival's Folklife Stage will feature local storytellers sharing tales of life in Campbell County, Tennessee and the transition from a coal mining community to an area known today for Norris Lake and mountain recreation opportunities.
Regional Food Fare A variety of food vendors will be serving up an array of Southern cooking, East Tennessee style including barbeque ribs, corn on the cob, fried pies, chicken and dumplins, cornbread hamburgers, pulled pork sandwiches, shaved ice, iced tea and fresh squeezed lemonade
Arts and Crafts The Craft Village will feature over 50 high-quality artists and crafters in a village-like setting where you can stroll down narrow lanes and buy fine crafts that are hand-made in east Tennessee. Look for crafts demonstrations -- such as wood carving, quilting, and making fish lures.
What to Bring Folding Chair or Blanket... Hat... Suntan Lotion... Money for crafts, drinks, food, festival t-shirt and donations to the festival... No Coolers, Please... pets are best left at home!