It’s that time again! Summer is in full swing (as I’m sure you’ve noticed by the heat and humidity), which means that the Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales is strumming along. This summer-long event features storytellers, artists and musicians portraying characters as far back as the 1800s. As it returns for its seventh season in the streets of Gatlinburg, TN, this lively festival is sure to impress both visitors and locals alike.
At 6 pm each night (June 15th through August 11th) performing characters will gather in the center of town and then go their separate ways along the Parkway as they entertain with songs, stories, dancing and live crafts demonstrations until 11 pm. While enjoying the Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales, you are likely to come across lots of great characters. Zeno the Gatlinburg bear will be giving out hugs, Miss Nan the school marm and Quiltin’ Annie will be teaching guests their “old time ways,” and Ol’ Rowdy and Whitlin’ Joe will be telling stories and singing songs about the people and history of the Great Smoky Mountains area.
Music is a very important part of the Smoky Mountains’ rich historic culture, so there will be some wonderful bluegrass and Appalachian music from groups such as:
- Whiskey Bent Valley Boys
- Hammer & Strings
- Rattlesnake Holler
- Hurricane Ridge
- Flicker Tail Holler
- the Holloway Sisters
In collaboration with singles, duos, trios and larger groups of cloggers (like the Back Porch Cloggers), the music of the Smokies will fill the warm summer nights with entertainment for the whole family. There will be up to 12 acts each night during this event. Local instrument makers Denton Bragg and Mark Edelman will even be teaching Tunes and Tales goers how to make things such as lap dulcimers and gourd banjos.
No matter what you enjoy or participate in during Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales, the creators of the event wish for all those involved to see what all the city has to offer. George Hawkins, Special Events Manager for Gatlinburg, has said, “Our intent is to take what we feel is one of Gatlinburg’s greatest assets – the walkability of the community – and provide something that is fun and somewhat different than what most places are doing.”
Call 800-568-4748 for more information on this fun, free event!