The 2014 Gathering of Sweet Folk Instruments at Mountain Empire Community College will introduce and promote the autoharp, hammered and lap dulcimers, folk harp, psaltery, and folk singing to beginning musicians and extend the knowledge and skills of musicians already familiar with these instruments. The goal of the festival is to preserve the traditional performance of these instruments by attracting and teaching youth and adults the culture and musical heritage of the region.

Workshop Information
Participants may enroll in up to four workshops. Each workshop is $20 per person. Instrument workshops are limited to 14 students and require at least five students to meet. Youth ages 6-18 who have participated in Wise County Jams programs and/or MECC Mountain Music School can register for instrument workshops at half price.

Children's Corner workshops are $5 per workshop, with the exception of the Instrument Petting Zoo activity which requires an addition $50 materials fee ($55 total). Children's Corner workshops are limited to 20 students and require 15 students to meet.

Registration Deadline
Pre-registration is required with application and fees due by Friday, February 28. When classes are filled, registration will close.

Evening Concert Information
Students who register for four classes will receive one admission ticket to the evening concert.  A workshop packet, including the performance ticket, will be provided upon check-in at the event. Tickets for the evening concert can also be purchased separately.

Lodging/Dining

Lunch on the day of the event is on your own. There are several nearby fast food and restaurant options to choose from.

Big Stone Gap offers several nearby lodging options. Please consider the following:

Hotels/Motels

Comfort Inn

Country Inn & RV Park:  (276) 523-0374

 

RV Parks

• Jessie Lea RV Park
• Natural Tunnel State Park