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 15th year, April 15-16. This year’s line-up features nationally-known professional storytellers, including Kevin Kling, Bil Lepp, Barbara McBride Smith, Antonio Rocha and music performances by Carrington Kay.
Kicking off at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 15 and running through 9 p.m. on Saturday, April 16 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.
“Each storyteller has their own unique style of storytelling that has garnered them their own loyal fan base. From tales of mythical heroines, to hilarious personal stories, to stories enhanced with mime, to unbelievable tall tales, you will hear it all at this festival.” 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 an original Americana trio from Roanoke, VA, Carrington Kay, 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. On Saturday afternoon, attendees have a chance to share their own stories at the Swapping Ground sponsored by the Virginia Storytelling Alliance.
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 food truck and vendors will provide lunch and dinner during the meal breaks.
Tickets are available in weekend and partial day options, prices vary. Group rates provide a 10 percent discount to groups of 12 or more people and children under four receive free admission. Tent and dry camping are available anywhere on camp property.
Contact Camp Bethel at 540-992-2940 to reserve your spot. Hotels offering discount festival rates are also available within a 10- to 15-minute drive. Camp Bethel is conveniently located five miles off I-81 at exit 156, 10 miles north of Roanoke.
For more information, call 919-607-0993, email [email protected] or visit www.soundsofthemountains.org.
