Everyone loves attending a well organized celebration. I do too, but even more, I love to plan them. I have regularly volunteered to organize parties for friends, family, and even strangers because I just flat out love a good party. Though I’ve been at Appalachian Voices for a relatively short time, I have admired our organization’s work for many years. I was beyond pleased when I found out that I would be in charge of organizing Appalachian Voices’ 15 year anniversary celebration and benefit concert here in my town of Charlottesville, Virginia. What better way is there to celebrate 15 years of protecting the beautiful and unique Appalachian region but to bring people together with Appalachian inspired music and revelry? With that in mind I started planning Artists for Appalachia at the beginning of the year.

I aimed to get local, regional and nationally-known artists under the same roof for one inspirational night, and bring out a crowd of members and supporters to enjoy the show, all while raising funds to help us continue our work. It was by far the largest celebration I’ve ever planned. But, the truth of it is, it was shockingly easy to plan this event.

The artists that joined us last Thursday on the downtown mall in Charlottesville, Virginia, eagerly wanted to celebrate our work. Not only were they willing to be there, donating their talent and time, but they were excited to be there. Each artist had a personal connection with the region and with its culture, and it shined through as they took the stage. (more…)