LOCAL ARTS & MUSIC EVENTS
Known as Camp Barefoot, the festival will run from August 19 through 21, featuring some 40 bands on its four stages, with music beginning and noon each day and continuing through the evening. People have the option of camping out at the festival for all or part of the event.
For the first three years, McClain says the festival made its home in Gore, Virginia, at the Cove Campground.
"We just expanded and got to a point where we needed a little bit more land, not to even grow, but to feel comfortable in regards to the whole production end of things," says McClain.
In the search for a new home for the festival McClain says he crossed paths with Camp Hidden Meadows owner Tom Bryant, who was receptive to the idea of hosting a family-friendly music festival.
"We sat and talked with him, and explained the whole mission of what we're trying to do in regards to promote a grass-roots festival where it's more of a family-oriented, small-sized festival, where you camp, but you don't feel overcrowded," McClain says. "A lot of these festivals nowadays are getting so big—you know, 10,000 to 15,000 people—it's overwhelming. Obviously there's a lot of music fans out there like myself that have experienced those big festivals, but there comes a point in time you still want to go out and see the music—you just don't want to feel smothered."
The festival draws attendees from all over the United States. McClain said last year, people from 28 states bought tickets. This year, he expects some 2,500 concert-goers at Camp Barefoot 4.
Despite its national draw, McClain says Camp Barefoot has a local focus. A portion of the proceeds from this summer's music festival will benefit the Pocahontas County Humane Society.
McClain says the lineup of bands has something for everyone. He says this is largely due to the wide mix of music he and his friends enjoy, which became apparent at the first events they organized.
"I love bluegrass, and I love jazz," McClain says. "And I have friends up in Virginia that love all types of music."
"We all have our real day jobs and whatnot, and we thought, 'Hey, let's pick a weekend and just have a get-together, get all our friends and have a couple bands," McClain continues. "The idea really expanded to the real thing. And we had to start from the ground up. We really didn't have sponsors. We're so proud, in year four, of how far we've gotten. We really try to focus on the diversification of music that's not just jam music or rock-and-roll."
"We have all types of music," McClain says, "from bluegrass to rock-and-roll, jazz, funk. We have it all. Anybody that really wants to check themselves into new music that they've never heard—they've really got a great opportunity here."
If all goes well, McClain says he hopes Camp Barefoot will find a home in Bartow, and Pocahontas County, for years to come. For the complete lineup of artists and ticket information, visit CampBarefoot.org.
Here's a look at the arts calendar for the Allegheny Highlands of the two Virginias.
This Saturday and Sunday, Garth Newel Music Center, near Warm Springs Virginia, hosts the JACK Quartet, hailed as one of the world's most exciting and ground-breaking young string quartets.
On Saturday, August 28, The Garth Newel Piano quartet celebrates the music of Brahms. Then, on Sunday, August 29, the quartet travels through London, Paris and Moscow, with the music of Clarke, Ravel and Rachmaninoff. For full programs and optional menus, visit garthnewel.org or call 877-558-1689.
On Friday, August 20, Historic Downtown Clifton Forge celebrates Fun Friday with the music of the Stone Canyon Band in a free, outdoor concert 6:30 p.m. to 9:30.
The State Fair of West Virginia takes place today through August 21 at the State Fairgrounds in Fairlea. The fair features a full concert line-up through the week, including Lady Antebellum, George Jones, Rodney Atkins, Boys Like Girls, Hinder and Justin Moore. For the full schedule and ticket information, visit statefairofwv.com or call 304-645-1090.
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