The Mountain State Art and Craft Fair Announces Open Mic Opportunities

Are you or your band one step from stardom? Let the Mountain State Art and Craft Fair help!

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The Board of Directors of the Mountain State Art and Craft Fair (MSACF) is thrilled to announce an exciting new opportunity for local musicians and performers to shine.  For the first time, the fair will feature an open mic segment, offering up-and-coming talent the chance to perform live on our educational stage in front of a supportive and enthusiastic audience.

This year’s fair will be held July 3–5 at the beautiful Cedar Lakes Conference Center in Ripley, West Virginia, and our inaugural open mic session on Thursday, July 3, between 3 and 5 PM.  This special addition to the fair’s program is designed to showcase local artists, whether solo performers or full bands, who are eager to share their music and connect with the community.

“Supporting and promoting local talent and Appalachian heritage arts is a cornerstone of the Mountain State Art and Craft Fair,” said Jean Smith, President of the MSACF Board of Directors.  “And what is more Appalachian than a love of music?” she continued.  “For generations, music has been an essential part of our culture. From the hills and hollers of our state, songs have echoed that tell the stories of work, worship, family, and perseverance.”

Smith emphasized that while the fair traditionally features Appalachian and folk music, the open mic session is open to a variety of musical styles. “We welcome everyone—from folk musicians with banjos to singer-songwriters with acoustic guitars, or even full bands with original tunes. If you have a story to tell through song, we want to hear it.”

Performers interested in participating are encouraged to apply early, as performance slots are limited and expected to fill quickly. The application process is simple—just visit www.msacf.com/openmicapplication and complete the short online form. Selected applicants will receive additional details about performance logistics and time slots.

This new initiative aligns perfectly with the fair’s longstanding mission: to celebrate the best of Appalachian culture through craftsmanship, music, and storytelling. In addition to live performances, the Mountain State Art and Craft Fair features hundreds of regional artisans, demonstrations of traditional skills, interactive exhibits for all ages, delicious local food, and much more.