Heart of the Alleghenies Folk Music Festival

The sounds of folk music will fill the hillsides of the Allegheny Plateau at the University of Pittsburgh in Bradford, Pennsylvania from Friday, August 8 through Sunday, August 10, 2008 during the fifth annual Heart of the Alleghenies Folk Music Festival (HOTA).

Featuring Old Time Fiddle Tunes, Bluegrass, Gospel, Country, New England, Irish, Scottish Folk and Contra Dance music in an informal college setting this festival includes workshops, jams, concerts, and dances. The always popular instrument swap and instrument and accessory sale will again be available to participants.

Thirty-five workshops, for the beginner to the advanced musician, are offered throughout the weekend. Presentations are appropriate for everyone, even if you don’t play an instrument. Examples of workshops include Playing Blues on Hammered Dulcimer, Mandolin Basics, Instant Musician, Foot Percussion and Music Games.

Friday evening events feature a staff concert, contra dance and open jams. Saturday brings open jams, workshops, concerts, contra dances and the instrument exchange. Sunday morning through the afternoon offers workshops, a gospel jam, open stage and contra dance.

Featured artisans include: Dan Duggan, Tom Hodgson, Henry Jankiewicz and special guest Sterl Van Arsdale. Rosies Ready Mix-Curt Osgood: The Allegheny Mountain Dulcimer Players; Confluence-piano, flute and feet: Scottish Fiddlers-Bonnie Loch Fiddlers; The Accordion Queen-Evelyn Jones; Sweet Harmony; Mountain Dulcimer-Diana Wagner; Dance Dulcimer-Larry Spencer and Gayle Sheets; Yodeling-Leanne Swaciak and Al Partridge.

Attendance to each workshop is $15 at the door plus $20 for a day pass. Pre-registration and all weekend passes are available. Children under 12 are admitted free with an adult. Accommodations are available on campus, including tent camping or at nearby hotels and private campgrounds. Travel information is available at visitANF.com.

For additional information or to register for the Heart of the Alleghenies Folk Music Festival, visit Hotafest.org.