MORGANTOWN — At first, organizer Judy Werner couldn’t recall any new features of the upcoming Gardner Winter Music Festival, which returns Friday and Saturday to South Middle School.
But, she assured, the reason the festival’s namesake Worley Gardner started the gathering one cold, snowy winter in 1978 and why it continues 41 years later, will certainly remain.
“For some people, jamming is the only thing they come for,” she said. “And there are people playing wall to wall, in little corners. Lots of people congregate in the same location year after year, so you know where to find them.”
The festival, though, isn’t just a place for established old-time players — even if it does attract plenty.
“It’s also a place where you can try different instruments you’ve never been able to try before,” Werner said.
That’s where the workshops come into play. And, there will be a couple of new ones this time around. For instance, Dave Harbst will go over mandolin instrument tips, comparing designs and materials that can affect sound and playability, as well as discussing general maintenance.
“We have someone coming who specializes in the history of southwestern Pennsylvania fiddle tunes and another woman who’s an a cappella Appalachian ballad singer,” Werner said. “We have a variety of workshops, because we have a huge range of ages and experience levels, so there’s something for everyone.”
Among the offerings are workshops for fiddle, hammered dulcimer, lap dulcimer, spoons, Appalachian dance, guitar, whistle and banjo.
Festival-goers can also see these instruments in action on stage in the school’s auditorium, where dozens of acts are set to perform over the weekend.
“This is a neat venue for people to share their music,” Werner said. “You can learn a lot of it by ear. … Also, it’s not considered rude to bring a tape recorder and record, so you can take it home and hear how it goes.”
Saturday’s square dance, featuring caller Taylor Runner, from 8-10 p.m., is another popular part of the festivities. And a couple of years ago, organizers also added a swing dance, set for 7:30-9 p.m. Friday. Both dances are in the cafeteria.
“It’s a wonderful thing to add to the festival,” she said. “And you don’t have know what you’re doing, you can just get out there and have fun.”
From the beginning, the intent of the festival has been just that — a place for friends to gather, enjoy music and beat the winter blues.
The first year, despite blizzard conditions whirling outside, Worley, his wife Margaret and their pals managed to bring together a crowd at the Marilla Center. And in the intervening decades, even after the couple died (in 1992 and 2000, respectively), the festival continues to be a haven for old-time music fans.
To honor those who keep the traditions alive, there will be a Heritage Award Presentation at 4:20 p.m. Saturday.
While the recipients’ identities are kept under wraps until the ceremony, Werner revealed one hint.
“This year, the person receiving it is not somebody who’s known as a musician but in their own special way has given back to the festival and given support to the old-time music community.”
- The Gardner Winter Music Festival is set for 6-11 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday at South Middle School. Admission is $3 on Friday and $5 on Saturday. Musicians with instruments and children younger than 7 get in free. Info: gwmf.org.
