5th Annual Youth Talent Celebration

A Part of the 98th Mountain Dance and Folk Festival

Members of the Folk Heritage Committee are excited to announce the Third Youth Talent Celebration to be held August 2nd from 2:00-4:00 p.m., in conjunction with the 98th Mountain Dance and Folk Festival. The location will be announced at a later date. The Saturday afternoon youth showcase is presented free of charge and will serve as great encouragement to the more than 50 youth performers scheduled for this year’s event.

Performers range in age from 5 – 18 and will share traditional Blue Ridge music and dance learned from teachers at a variety of programs. The event is co-directed by Bailee Brandon and Josh Goforth. Bailee is currently a student at Belmont University in Nashville, and has been a performer at Shindig and Festival with many years experience. Josh is a highly accomplished storyteller and old-time, bluegrass, and swing musician. Goforth grew up attending events like this one and is now eager to see a new generation of talent take the stage.

“We are pleased to present this special addition as part of the 98th Mountain Dance and Folk Festival, showcasing the talents and vitality of young musicians and dancers,” said Mountain Dance and Folk Festival Co-Chair Judy Miller. “These young men and women and their teachers are at the heart of our efforts to sustain this area’s wonderful heritage of Appalachian music. We invite everyone to enjoy an afternoon of very special music and, like us, take joy as we carry forward traditions so special to this region.”