FAIRLEA W.Va. (WVDN) – Despite a rainy Saturday, a crowd gathered to enjoy the last day of Healing Appalachia 2023, a three-day music festival and fundraiser for Hope in the Hills, a nonprofit organization that provides support and resources to people struggling with addiction and other challenges in Appalachia.
The festival, which was held September 21-23, 2023, at The State Fair of West Virginia fairground in Fairlea, West Virginia, featured a lineup of popular Appalachian artists, including Tyler Childers, Charles Wesley Godwin, Gov’t Mule, Amythyst Kiah, 49 Winchester, Tommy Prine, Drayton Farley, William Matheny, Marcus King, and Emily Nenni.
The festival opened on Thursday, Sept. 21. The first concert on the roster was Emily Nenni. Friday brought the crowd another round of performances. In the evening, Gov’t Mule headlined the main stage with an incredible set.
On Saturday, the rain poured down, but the crowd remained undeterred. They cheered on their favorite bands and danced in the puddles.
The day began with a set by Kelsey Waldon, followed by performances by Tommy Prine, Drayton Farley and William Matheny. The festival’s main stage concerts ended with a triumphant set by Tyler Childers, who performed some of his most popular songs.
Healing Appalachia 2023 was a success on all fronts. It raised money for a worthy cause, showcased the best of Appalachian music and culture, and brought people together from all over the country to celebrate the region’s unique spirit.
In a post-event announcement, the official Healing Appalachia Facebook page stated, “We waited all year for this weekend and already can’t wait for the next one. Thank you all for coming out and supporting us and recovery communities across the region.”
The festival may have ended, but the memories will last a lifetime.
