Tunes & Tales(TM) Brings Appalachian Heritage to Life

Smoky Mountain heritage will be celebrated every day of this summer as Gatlinburg's 6th annual presentation of Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales begins in downtown Gatlinburg on June 17, 2011 and will run through August 13. End Quote

Nashville, TN (1888PressRelease) May 25, 2011 - Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales is a summer-long street performance event featuring costumed musical performers, storytellers and artisans portraying time periods as far back as 1800.

A collection of personalities and performers arrive nightly at 6 p.m. in the center of town. Visitors witness a magical transformation of sidewalk to stage as the characters disperse along the downtown Parkway for an evening of entertainment and storytelling until 11 p.m. As many as 14 nightly acts perform throughout the evening.

This popular eight-week event truly highlights one of Gatlinburg's greatest assets - the walkability of the community - and provides guests with an interactive, educational and entertaining experience the whole family can enjoy.

"Each night at 6 p.m., performers disperse up and down the Parkway in their designated locations for the evening," said George Hawkins, Gatlinburg Department of Tourism Special Events Manager. "The rotating cast of 20 acts including storytellers, musicians and crafters will share their stories and skills during the eight-week event."

As part of Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales™, visitors can stroll along the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg and catch a toe-tappin' performance by "The Back Porch Cloggers," a group showcasing the original dance of the Appalachians.
In addition, guests can meet musical storytellers who sing and tell of living in the Smokies, and Miss Nan the school marm shares her experiences and fun stories as a pioneer teacher.

Zeno the Gatlinburg BearTM also makes many special appearances during this popular summer special event, dishing out hugs and waving to his new friends.
Other popular Appalachian characters spotted in Gatlinburg include Hammer and Strings, the dulcimer duo, the Gatlinburg Barbershop Boys, with their five-part harmonies, and The Pea Pickin' Hearts, with their 1930s and 1940s sound.

"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," Tourism Director David Perella added.

Visitors also get a chance to hear traditional mountain music by musicians such as Booger Town Gap, Rattlesnake Hollow, Earl & Pearl, and the Whiskey Bent Valley Boys - all of whom play the Appalachian music of the 1800s. The pure and rustic music and folk-like lyrics tell stories of the joys and tribulations of life of the early mountain families.

Folks enjoy hearing from Annie the Quilter as she shows off her family's quilt noting that each square has its own story. She even gives tips and show how quilts are made to any would-be stitchers.

Since Gatlinburg is the birthplace of the famous bluegrass tune, "Rocky Top", Tunes & Tales features traditional bluegrass bands each night playing favorite bluegrass standards, showcasing the talents of Steve Brown & Hurricane Ridge, The Holloway Sisters Outta the Blue, Southern Skye, Flickertail Hollow and others. All performances are free and happen all along the Parkway, seven nights a week until August 13 - making every evening a special event in Gatlinburg.

Gatlinburg's Smoky Mountain Tunes and TalesTM is an official activity of the City's Department of Tourism.

For more information on this and other special events, contact the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce at (800) 56-VISIT or visit www.gatlinburg.com.

###

space

Other Related Press Releases