Gatlinburg is a mountain resort city in Sevier County, Tennessee. The city is a popular vacation spot that borders the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It has an old-world Appalachian charm that is reflected in the music and culture around Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg is full of old-time folk and Appalachian music, or "mountain music." The guitar, banjo and violin are popular instruments used in this type of music. Every year, several music festivals and events entertain tourists and locals.
Music of the Mountains
Music of the Mountains is Gatlinburg's most famous festival; it showcases "mountain music," or old-style Appalachian folk music. The free festival takes place every spring; it lasts all day and is followed by evening concerts. Kent Cave, the North District Supervisory Park Ranger, says that "musical expression was often, and still is, a part of daily life in the southern mountains, and mountain music is tied to Smokies history like no other part of our culture." Old-time, traditional and bluegrass performers all take to the stage to give authentic performances of American folk. Popular local acts, including the Lost Mill String Band, Lisa Free, Boogertown Gap, Tony Thomas, Matt Morelock, Brian Volmer, renowned pianist Dr. Eric Littleton, Mountain Strings, Greenbriar, and Jimbo Whaley and Friends, return every year. The festival showcases the evolution of southern Appalachian music over time, from the traditional to more modern interpretations of Appalachian music. Music of the Mountains tells the story of what life was like before the Great Smoky Mountains National Park's establishment in 1934.
Oktoberfest at Ober Gatlinburg
Though there will be plenty of other sights to see at Gatlinburg's Oktoberfest, don't miss its Bavarian-style music festival. The Bavarian Fun Makers Band performs traditional Bavarian folk dances in authentic costumes, oompah music, sing-a-longs, schuhplattling, yodels and more with shows every weekend during October. Other Oktoberfest music events take place in various locations every Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout October.
The Smoky Mountain Music Festival
The Smoky Mountain Music Festival showcases the talents of high school choruses, band and orchestras. It started in 1983 and takes place every year in the spring. More than 3,500 groups from 28 states and Canada participate. Concert band, jazz band, and choral competitions take place in The Gatlinburg Convention Center, while the main street in Gatlinburg is closed off for a parade of bands.
Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales
This street festival on the Great Smoky Mountains Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg showcases the distinctive sounds of southern Appalachian folk music and dance. The festival features costumed musical performers, artisans and storytellers portraying mountain life from the 1800s to modern times. Dozens of acts perform and interact with the audience.
