The annual High Knob Outdoor Fest is set for Aug. 10-19, 2023. The festival features a variety of outdoor trips and activities, culminating in a celebration from 4-9 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19, in downtown Norton.

 

The festival highlights the variety of outdoor recreation opportunities in the High Knob Region and celebrates the organizations, businesses, and communities working to promote and grow these activities. The High Knob Region primarily includes communities in Wise, Scott, and Lee counties and the City of Norton. More information about the festival at highknoboutdoorfest.com.

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Close out the High Knob Outdoor Fest with a downtown celebration featuring outdoor vendors and demos, live music, food trucks, craft beer, and more from 4-9:00 p.m. in the vicinity of the Norton Expo Center, 115 8th St. SW, Norton.

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MUSIC LINE-UP:

EMPTY BOTTLE STRING BAND | 4:00 p.m.

The Empty Bottle String Band originally formed to play a one-time stint at a local farmers market, but have already reached new heights in popularity all over the Southeast US. They specialize in playing toe-tapping, highly danceable traditional Appalachian music and are known for their upbeat fiddle tunes and feel-good music. Their impressive stage presence is coupled with a delightfully self-effacing strength and confidence in their music. Their sound is inventive, while still staying close to the old time string band tradition of the 1930's. The band features Tyler Hughes (banjo/banjo uke and vocals), Kristal Harman (guitar and vocals), and Stephanie Duckworth (autoharp/bass and vocals).

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HONEY MAGPIE | 5:30 p.m.

Honey Magpie is an indie-folk band from Chapel Hill, NC whose sound is both traditional and modern, blending classical string instruments and three part harmonies with pop, rock, and indie influences. Known for vocal harmonies, classical string instruments, and nature-inspired lyrics, Honey Magpie is fronted by Millennial singer-songwriters Rachael Hurwitz (guitar), Pippa Hoover (cello) and Mandy Mears (piano). Their sound invites comparisons to all-female folk groups like I’m With Her, but draws more influence from pop than bluegrass or old time.

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RARE FICTION | 7:00 p.m.

Rare Fiction is an indie rock band from Bristol, TN. Their music is a mixture of upbeat guitar-driven songs and acoustic-focused tunes that offer a variety of sounds and textures. Rare Fiction features Chris Blevins on drums, Lee Jones on bass, and Chris Martin on vocals, acoustic guitar and electric guitar.

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ALPINE MOTEL | 8:30 p.m.

Alpine Motel are an Indie rock band from Abingdon, Virginia. Influenced by music both new and old, their sound consists of nostalgic soundscapes, vintage vibes, and wistful soundtracks for late night drives. They released their debut EP in 2022 and are at work on their next big release!

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Pro-Art partners with a variety of venues, therefore individuals with mobility issues or general questions are encouraged to call (276) 376-4520 or email the Pro-Art office at pro-art@uvawise.edu. For evolving conditions related to weather cancellations, or similar unforeseen circumstances, patrons are encouraged to check proartva.org for up-to-date information.

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Pro-Art is supported in part by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, which receives support from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as the C. Bascom Slemp Foundation, The University of Virginia’s College at Wise, Mountain Empire Community College, the Columbus Phipps Foundation, and the Lee County Community Foundation.

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