Festival at Camp Bethel offers entertainment-filled weekend with storytelling, music and camping
Following a decade of entertaining thousands of visitors from all over the East Coast, the annual Sounds of the Mountains Festival held at Camp Bethel is back for its 14th year, April 17-18. This year’s line-up features nationally known professional storytellers, including Donald Davis, Dolores Hydock, Patrick Ball, Baba Jamal Koram and music performances by After Jack.
“Each storyteller has their own unique style of storytelling, such as incorporating the Celtic Harp or African Drums, that will capture your imagination, draw you into their tales and hold your attention until you wonder where the time went,” Alan Hoal, co-founder of the festival, said.
“The tellers are true professionals that have previously performed nationally and internationally and offer top-notch performances you don’t want to miss. Paired with the musical talents of the Appalachian Cultural Music Association’s 2014 Americana Vocal Group of the Year, After Jack, the festival offers a blend of music and storytelling unlike any other event in Virginia.”
The Sounds of the Mountains Festival presents several fun activities not usually found at other storytelling events. After the performances Friday night, the tellers will gather by a large campfire to share s’mores and stories at a special Meet and Greet (weather permitting). On Saturday afternoon, there will be a Story Slam in which contestants can tell a 5-minute story and win up to $400 in prize money.
All festival performances are held indoors and the festival will take place rain or shine. Food, snacks, drinks and homemade desserts will be served throughout the weekend. On Saturday, several vendors, including the Noke Truck, will provide lunch and dinner during the meal breaks.
This year’s festival kicks off at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 17 and will run through 9 p.m. on Saturday, April 18 at Camp Bethel near Troutville. The festival provides a relaxing and entertainment-filled weekend for the whole family. A complete festival performance schedule can be found at www.soundsofthemountains.org.
For more information, call 919-607-0993, email [email protected] or visit www.soundsofthemountains.org.
