Dear Friends of Old-Time Music;

As the dogwood and azalea blossoms begin to give way to the warm evenings of late spring here at Pioneer Park, friends will gather from all across the South to celebrate our third annual Old-Time Music Festival, "Down From the Mountains", held in historic Loachapoka, Alabama.

Loachapoka, at one time was a crossroads for agriculture, transportation, and commerce in the frontier south. The name of the town, in the Muscogee Native American language, means "A gathering place for turtles". And so, we have adopted the turtle, pictured at the top of this page, as our official mascot. Trouble is, we don't have a name for him - This calls for a contest.

From now until the festival begins on April 26, we want suggestions from you on what to name the turtle. You may enter the contest by email, telephone (334-283-3045), post card, or include it on your registration form for the festival. The prize will be a full scholarship to the next festival (2013) including, lessons, classes, concerts, and camping. You do not have to attend the festival to enter, and you do not have to be present to win.

This year we welcome the noted performers and teachers, Steve Seifert, Marsha Harris, Guy and Sharrie George, Gary and Toni Sager, and The Nameless Trio ( Deby Libby, Ginny Cliett, Linda Smith) to our festival staff. These folks will be augmented with our resident instructors, Bill Hogan, Deborah McCord, Bob Taunton, and Earnestine Robinson.

This talented staff will enable us to offer classes in mandolin, fiddle, banjo, harmonica, mountain dulcimer, bass dulcimer, hammered dulcimer, auto-harp, native flute, steel drums, penny whistle, bass fiddle, and Sacred Harp and Negro Spiritual singing. All the while classes are being held, a continuous jam session will be going under the big tent for those who don't take, or want to take a break from, their classes.

Thursday evening brings the first event as we bring out the wooden tub ice cream freezer, crank the old engine, and turn out five gallons of home-made ice cream. We'll all gather for an old-fashioned meet-and-greet ice cream social. Friday and Saturday, we'll have breakfast fixin's at the Cook House and some fabulous local BBQ for lunch. A catered dinner is available in the evenings (buy tickets when you register or arrive).

And, since we can't play music all the time (sometimes we want to just listen!) there are special musical events all weekend. During the lunch hour on Friday, in the Big Tent, enjoy a concert by a Barber Shop Quartet and a Civil War band. Friday afternoon there'll be a Sacred Harp singing presentation. Saturday noon we'll have an a capella concert, with the Heritage Singers and the Plantation Heirs (This black gospel group absolutely brought the house down every year.) Then, in the afternoon, take a mountain clogging class to sharpen your skills as you prepare for the Saturday Night Dance at the school house. The band will be the riotous Camp 1921 String Band in period dress, with Marsha Harris as dance instructor.

Sunday morning, there'll be complimentary Danish and coffee, then a time of hymn singing and a morning devotional. This is always a special time, as we worship with all our old, and new, friends.

The dates are April 26, 27, 28, and 29. We hope to see you then.