By Charles Romans
Carter County Times
The Fraley Festival of Traditional Music is an annual event at Carter Caves State Park and was held this year from September 4 – 7. The festival features seasoned professionals and beginning amateurs alike, with the sound of their music heard throughout the park. Throughout the weekend, musicians of every stripe take the stage, hold impromptu parking lot mini concerts, and play around the campfire.
The festival has its roots in a family reunion for the Fraley family and friends and was organized and run by Annadeene Fraley for many years. If ever there was a master of the fiddle, then JP Fraley was his name – and just like the fiddle, he was as comfortable on stage as he was playing with his friends and whomever could appreciate the instrument that, more than any other, spoke to the soul of Appalachia.
Many of the musicians whose music drifted over the caves were those who simply turned out to enjoy the music of others and enjoy participating in the music. Among the invited musicians were Robin Kessinger, The 1937 Flood, Joe Burdock, Tangled Roots, Roger Cooper, Michael Garvin, Dave Haas, Jenny Allinder, Scott Rucker, and Matthew Stallard. Along with that impressive list were John Harrod, Billy Cornette & Betty Vornbrock, the Corn Drinkers, Karly Dawn Milner, Steve and Donna Bing, Wiley Dew, Rich Kirby, Hunter Walker, Andrew Bevan, and the Rabbit Hash String Band. But any list of talents would fall short in a festival where everyone was invited to play and listen.
And what is music without food and refreshment? Festival patrons could dine at Tierney’s Cavern Restaurant which served three meals daily. And resting between musical sets made comfort its own entertainment at the Carter Caves Lodge and vacation cottages. But those who didn’t want to miss a note could set up an RV or primitive camp and rest or be lulled to sleep by the sounds of Appalachia.
Some of the more organized activities included ‘Jammin in the Round’ at the campground shelter where everyone was encouraged to bring their own instruments and join in. There was also an Open Stage, and Old Time Banjo Gatherin’ led by Tom Duffee, an evening concert with MC’s Tom Duffee and John Harrod, and a Dulcimer Gatherin’ led by Hunter Walker. In addition, the event featured storytelling, ballads, the music of JP and Annadeene Fraley led by Tom Duffee, a Fiddle Gatherin’ led by John Harrod, and a Guitar Gatherin’ led by Robin Kessinger. And for those whose feet couldn’t be still, there was a Square Dance with caller Joe Burdock.
Contact the writer at charles@cartercountytimes.com
