J.A.M. -Junior Appalachian Musicians Program of the Madison County NC Arts Council Marshall NC

A brief performance from the Junior Appalachian Musicians Program hosted by the Madison County Arts Council in Marshall NC. Madison County is the home of collector, musician, and festival organizer Bascom Lamar Lunsford, who originated the concept of a folk music festival with his Mountain Dance and Folk Festival, which began in 1928, and is the longest running festival of its kind in the nation. The Englishman Cecil Sharp traveled through the county in the early 20th century, and declared, "singing is as common and almost as universal a practice as speaking." Madison County NC has been known for decades as a rich repository of traditional music, story, dance, and craft forms. This tradition is carried on today by multiple generations of native-born and outlander residents. For more info on music and art happenings in Madison County, visit www.madisoncountyarts.com.