Beginning at 10 am and ending at 10 pm Saturday and 9 pm Sunday, the two-day event at Hinton's City Sidetrack Park, "Festival of the Rivers 2010" remains FREE to the public.The festival features something for every member of the family the City's "Wild Water Express" waterslide and "Railroad Train" swimming pool is opened each day from 11 am till 7 pm.
Saturday Night Headliner
Taylor Made
Their sound is pure country. Taylor Made's powerful music will electrify your senses while soothing your soul
with their trademark harmonies. Siblings Brian, Wendy, and Greg have taken their unique style, which began on a back porch in Taylor County, WV and crafted it into the rich country sound, that is truly Taylor Made.
Having thrilled local fans for the past several years, Taylor Made has now teamed up with Dale Morris and Associates from Nashville Tennessee. Dale Morris was the man responsible for such acts as; Kenny Chesney, Gretchen Wilson, Big and Rich and the country legends Alabama. Taylor Made continues to be one of the most requested country groups on local and Nationwide radio stations with the release of their new hit single Heavy Duty Beauty on the DMP WeBlast Record Label. Heavy Duty Beauty is being played nationwide on over 2000 country stations and, as of March 16, was #58 on the Music Row Chart.
Taylor Made's Greg Duckworth captures criminals by day and
croons country music to thousands of fans in his off-duty hours.
The 38-year-old is a sergeant with the West Virginia State Police
and the detachment commander at Beckley. He also is a member
of the band Taylor Made, a group he started about two years
ago with his brother, Brian, 36, and sister, Wendy Williams, 30.
He recalls singing as a kid with his mom and siblings on their back
porch, where they all belted out gospel music together. He and
his siblings also were in the church choir. The three grew up in
Taylor County. Although they eventually moved to other parts
of the state, they never forgot their musical past.
About three years ago, they learned about a contest hosted by
Beckley radio station Power Country 105. The contest, called the Colgate Country Showdown, has produced some national stars. On a whim, Greg and his siblings decided to form a band and enter the competition.
All three sing and play both acoustic and electric guitar. Greg and Wendy also play mandolin. But they knew they would need some more musicians to be successful. So they found five people to join them and called themselves
I-79. The band's other members are Don Drummer on steel guitar, Dan Bailey on lead guitar, Tom Mallory on bass guitar, Rick Lloyd on drums and Dino Pastino on keyboard.
Although I-79 did not win the Colgate Country Showdown,
it did continue playing and eventually was heard by the
assistant to a Nashville talent agent when it played at a
benefit for Hurricane Katrina victims. The agent, Dale Morris,
represented A-list stars such as Gretchen Wilson and Kenny Chesney. Morris agreed to manage the band and suggested some changes. He recommended the band change its name because he said "the road sign thing" had already been done by Highway 101. He suggested Taylor Made because of the siblings' roots in Taylor County.
The band agreed to change its name, and its fan base is steadily increasing. In July it played on the same stage as B.J. Thomas and Charlie Daniels for a crowd of more than 30,000 fans at a regional music event.
The feeling was surreal, Brian and Wendy said. "It's just a different level. You're singing with one of your idols," Brian said. "It's very humbling. It's very flattering." "It's an honor to be able to perform with those kind of people," Wendy added.
Jeff Furrow
“Jeff Furrow is a hometown boy from Hinton, WV, who has played his share of music all the way to Nashville. He has played in venues such as "The Country Music Highway Museum" located in Pikeville, KY and "Legends" on Broadway in Nashville. He has competed several times in the Colgate Country Showdown, in Beckley, WV, and this will make his third year in a row, playing The Festival of the Rivers.
Although he may look the same, and use similar acoustic guitar licks, something has changed about Jeff. He has taken his music, as well as his life, back to his roots...the church. Although not exactly traditional, he enjoys bringing the word of the gospel, through song. He will be performing, some of the more contemporary music, such as Mercy Me, Casting Crowns, etc. along with a mix of traditional hymns, that will get your toes tapping. This is a must see act.”
Alan Kinsler
Although music is his passion, it is Alan's first and foremost priority to
spread the word of God throughout the world, for it is He who died for us
and not us for him.
There is no greater love or passion than that, without him where would we
be today? There's only one answer to that question we would not be.
Growing up on rock-n-roll as most kids did and at the same time attending
church was pretty confusing for him as a teenager to know which way to turn.
Backsliding in and out of church through those years and finally meeting the
love of his life at the age of sixteen, his wife Lisa of whom he gives all the credit
for keeping him somewhat grounded and possibly alive for that matter.
Through the 20s were the bars and Honkey Tonk scene where Alan cut his
teeth on country music. "Falling in and out of Gods grace became pretty
regular at that point in my life also," he says, "Then in September of 2003
the Lord gave me a wakeup call with the death of one of the greatest people
to ever be in my life, my brother Ralph." His wife Lisa and Alan are very happy raising their four children Alan (19), Justin (15), Payton (13) and Nicholas (8) and spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to anyone who will hear.
Jan Marra
A two-time winner of the Kerrville (TX) Folk Festival “New Folk” award
for songwriting, has been featured on National Public Radio’s A Prairie
Home Companion hosted by Garrison Keillor, American Music Shop on
The Nashville Network, and on many local television and radio
programs.
Her first album, These Crazy Years (Flying Fish/Rounder), received excellent
reviews in the New York Daily News and England’s Folk Roots magazine.
Her latest album of original music, Songs For Collectors, was released in 2002.
“A traffic-stopping voice,” says folk legend and songwriter Rosalie Sorrells.“A voice like a silk handkerchief and lyrics sharp as spike heels,” noted the Louisville (KY) Courier-Journal. “A master of the musical expression of her soul,” said the Kerrville Daily Times.
Jeff Robbins
From the hills of southeastern Virginia, Jeff Robbins grew up with the authentic mountain sounds that he has taken to colleges, the Library of Congress, the World's Fair, television, and countless schools and libraries throughout the United States. Before audiences of all ages and backgrounds, Jeff permits no passive listening, quickly involving them in sing-a-longs, rhythmic clapping and simple square dances. Equally adept at the fiddle, banjo, mandolin and guitar, Jeff Robbins perpetuates America's richest musical tradition, Southern Appalachian Music.
Jeff holds a Bachelor Degree with a Major in Music and a Minor in Sociology from Warren Wilson College in Black Mountain, N.C. His first major project was working on the production team that brought the number 1 rated show at the time, "Fire on the Mountain," to the Nashville Network.
Recent projects include a celebration of Johnny Cash with a new CD release by "The Buddy Davis Band" featuring Jeff on bass guitar. In addition to this project, Jeff has 11 previous recordings, one of which features Doc and Merle Watson.
Doug & Shelly Harper
The first time they sang together, their voices united like two old friends.
Since then, Doug and Shelley haveperformed throughout central
Appalachia in a variety of venues. Some include NPR's Mountain
stage,
Tamarack, Theatre WV's Music in the Mountains in Grandview National
Park, Douthat State Park in Virginia, The Clay Center, Charleston, WV
and The Pocahontas County Opera House, Marlinton, WV. Long time
friend and accompanist,Dave Fondale joins them on bass.
“Hybrid Folk” is a term coined to describe Doug's writing style and play list. Audiences come away from performances Warmed, Amused & Inspired. A gratified listener once commented, "I feel like I was just read to!" Recording projects include Scrapbook 2000, Travelogue 2002, Seasons 2004 and Keepsakes 2007. Also, hear two cuts on The Road Home and one cut on The Road Home II. The Road Home CDs are compilations of songs by West Virginia songwriters and are produced by Ron Sowell, music director for West Virginia Public Radio’s Mountain Stage.
Bear Hill
Bear Hill Bluegrass is not your typical bluegrass band. Even though they take pride in performing traditional bluegrass and gospel, they
add just the right mix of classic country and comedy to please the audience and have fun. Bear Hill take pride in playing the familiar bluegrass, gospel, and a few country songs that you will recognize.
the band has a friendly down-home manner on stage. The audience
is involved with the band and the songs throughout the show.
When you come to see Bear Hill Bluegrass perform you will find energetic musicians always in motion around a single microphone. You will be impressed by the strong vocals, harmony, and great songs.
Option 22
They consider themselves creative visionaries and healers and believe in the
power of music.They are based in downtown Princeton, West Virginia where
Option 22is the creative focal point of ,The RiffRaff Arts Collective and they
are involed inSacred Ground Healing and Meditation Center.They breathe
positive, creative energy into a downtown which was once dark and depressed.
They play didgeridoos on the sidewalk andhold drum circles in the town square.
They are the organizers ofCulturefestWorld Music & Arts Festival.
The band came together at a time when we were all seeking... for that something. Each of them had music in their hearts and minds as they sought the next open door. From the first strum of Robert's guitar connecting with Lori's lonely river of melody, a horizon opened before them. They knew that they had found it.Years down the road, when Clayton stepped up to bring the bass to the equation, the roots began to grow into what is now Option 22.
Mark Spangler
Mark Spangler has been writing and performing his songs for many years. His ability to capture and reveal his thoughts and feelings through lyrics invites the listener to connect at a personal level. His melodies are fresh and eclectic. This combination provides for a listening experience that inspires, challenges and entertains. Drawing from the influences of rock, folk, gospel and the blues he has developed a style that enjoys a wide appeal.
Mark was very involved in the Christian rock and contemporary Christian music scene throughout the 80's. After the release of "Shelter" in 1989 he had three nationally released singles that were playing on both Christian and rock radio. Throughout the 90's Mark concentrated on his work as a licensed professional counselor and became passionate about serving emotionally disturbed youth. His songwriting continued and he performed on a limited local level.
Currently, Spangler has returned to performing and has released a CD entitled Transition on Lost Cauz Records. This folk/rock album is a long awaited project that will be appreciated by many who have heard the songs in live performances. Mark's concerts are full of energy and interaction. His ability to communicate with an audience is a trade-mark. He is an artist, lyricist and composer that is authentic and relevant.
Clinton Collins & The Creek Boys
Clinton Collins is an award winning singer/songwriter from the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. His musical poetry is filled with the mystery, fascination, and stark beauty of his natural surroundings. Blends of rock, country, blues, folk, gospel, and mountain music are creatively woven into a sound that retains the fingerprints of his own personality. Clinton offers a unique sampling of original songs about people and places that seem familiar and stories that resonate with us all. He was a winner of the 2005 New Song Festival {the Sundance for performing songwriters} for his song We’re Watching Home & Garden and also won The Next Great West Virginia Song Contest with The Appalachian Way. Clinton has also been involved recently producing other artist projects.
Dale Elswick has been performing and playing throughout the southeast the last 25 years. He is a music teacher and member of the Creekboy band. He currently plays banjo, mandolin, bass, dobro, and guitar depending on what the song needs. He is a prolific player and a great performer of bluegrass, rock, blues, and other genres. We're glad that he's part of the musical makeup of the Creekboys
Randy Fielder has been involved with music most of his life. He's been in soul, rock, country, and gospel bands throughout his musical career. He and Clinton have been performing together for over 15 years. He currently plays fretless bass and percussion with the Creekboys and also sought after as a session musician on other projects. He brings a lot of joy and creativity to the band.
Hinton, West Virginia
Hinton is the county seat of Summers County WV. The town and county are rich in outdoor activity with superb fishing, two state parks, rail and coal history, and home of the Legend of John Henry, The Steel Drivin' Man. For more information on Hinton and the surrounding area visit the Summers County Convention & Visitors Bureau website. Beginning with the Gay 90's of the nineteenth century, the community experienced explosive growth. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the historic district includes over two hundred architecturally distinctive buildings. Styles encompassed are American Gothic, Classical, High Victorian, American Foursquare, and Greek Revival. The community is literally a living architectural exhibit.
Flannagan-Murrell House
The free festival is held by the Flannagan-Murrell House, Inc. (FMH),
a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit corporation dedicated to using the arts for the
benefit of the people of Hinton, Summers County, and West Virginia
in general. FMH is maintained through community support and staffed
by volunteers. For more information on the organization please call
publicity coordinator, Fred Long, at (304) 466-0005.
Flannagan-Murrell House, Inc. (FMH) was founded in 1990 with the
purpose of preserving the oldest extant house in the Hinton National
Historical District. A group of concerned citizens of Hinton and Summers County banded together and obtained a loan to purchase the abandoned house in order to save it from being razed. The cost of an annual membership in the organization is $15 for an individual, $25 for a family, or $50 in in-kind donations or services. FMH also offers lifetime memberships for $1000 and welcomes support for the continuing restoration of the building and program development in the arts. For more information contact Fred Long at hinton1000@aol.com.
Festival of the Rivers is sustained through the ongoing support of the State of West Virginia, corporate sponsors, and private donors.
- Individuals or companies interested in vending at the festival should contact vendor coordinator, David Williams, at (304) 890-4602 or email by davesele@hotmail.com . The vendor fee is $25/day and spaces are limited. Click here for more information about vending or to apply online.
- Anyone wishing to be considered for this year's festival should contact event and publicity coordinator, Dwight Emrich, (304) 466-1401.
Held on Labor Day Weekend, Festival of the Rivers is a two-day music festival featuring Grassroots Appalachian music in celebration of our rivers and railroad culture. Blues, Roots and Traditional musicians join us to showcase the influence Appalachian music has had on the world. This free festival is located in Hinton, Summers County, West Virginia at the confluence of the Greenbrier, Bluestone, and New rivers. As the "Gateway Community" for the New River Gorge National River, the community and festival are near both the National Park Service's New River Gorge Visitors Center on Interstate 64 and the breathtaking beauty of Sandstone Falls.
