Culturefest Music & Arts Festival

September 4-7 in Pipestem, WV

For 11 years now, Culturefest World Music & Arts Festival has given the people of Southern WV and the surrounding region a destination like no other- a creative oasis, it's been called, on a mountaintop in Pipestem, WV. The event features four stages of music and dance performances representing Appalachian culture mixed into a melting pot of flavors from various regions of the world. Artists converge for a weekend long experience of jam sessions, workshops, inspired conversations and free flowing creative expression. With on-site camping, the festival provides an immersion in the arts and offers opportunities to discover new hobbies, new ideas and new friends. Workshops in drumming, dance, yoga and more offer enrichment and artisan vendors display their handmade fine art and wares. There's a children's village complete with a special stage and full out costume parade throughout the site, and a relaxing inflatable furniture lounge. Night-time at Culturefest features creative lighting, a fire circle and after hours cabaret, making a magical late summer atmosphere. Organizers say this year's Culturefest will offer more interactive experiences throughout the site that will wow and inspire. 

David Burhman of WV Sky Tours will offer astronomy demonstrations with his large telescopes. Dakota & Friends, life-like dinosaur puppets, will be roaming the site all weekend. Aubergine Faeries will tell stories through dance and lead belly dance and elemental dance workshops. Wee Ah Faerie Kin, enchanted stilt walkers, will sprinkle music and magic about. Fire dancers will light up the night. Artisan vendors will sell handmade clothing, jewelry, fine art, pottery, drums and much more. Workshops include drumming, belly dance, reiki, a variety of art & craft sessions, yoga and more. Food vending choices include French crepes, Thai food, authentic homestyle Mexican, ice cream and more. Children's activities include special yoga sessions, art workshops, crafts, an open mic and a colorful costume parade. A series of facilitated discussions called "Conversations at Culturefest" will explore topics such as permaculture, superfoods, the interconnection of living beings and community resilience. 

The always stellar performance lineup includes NC rock powerhouse BIG Something, renowned world music explorers Songs of Water, Eclectic Americana ensemble Option 22, The Modern Folk/Soul/Blues music of The Company Stores, the swing/rock sounds of The Judy Chops and the multi-genre dance band The Contrarians, whose set will also feature a caller for folk dances. Scores of other entertainers will be featured on stage and roaming throughout the site, such as songwriter/actor Ed Snodderly, violinista Alasha Al'Qudwa, guitar virtuoso Russell Detko and many more.  Find the complete lineup at culturefestwv.com 

The festival is an extension and celebration of the blossoming creative community in downtown Princeton, West Virginia, spearheaded by The RiffRaff Arts Collective. They have spent the past year painting the town, planting gardens and spreading positive energy to a town that was once starving for creativity. This festival is a convergence of creative people from all around the region and beyond; the collective relishes the opportunity to bring people together in the joy of music and the arts. 

Primitive camping is available for the full weekend on site, and Pipestem State Park is less than five minutes from the venue, offering RV hook-ups, cabins, a lodge and and other amenities. A variety of bed and breakfasts and in close proximity. 

The event is presented by LLyniuM entertainment with assistance from Star-95, Adventure Radio, WVVA, Little Buddy Radio, Princeton Health Care Center, Positive Vibrations, Ramey Automotive, Cole Automotive, Stages Music School, Imagine This! and multitudes of other supporters. 

http://culturefestwv.com