Elkhenge Returns to Two Day Format

Organizers of the Ninth Annual Elkhenge Music Festival announced today that the benefit concert will be held on September 18 and 19, 2009 at the Field of Fire Campground of the Rich Mountain Battlefield. "Last year's attendees were so enthusiastic about the venue," said promoter Bret Rosenblum, "and we wanted to return to the weekend format. Making it possible was the generous offer from El Gran Sabor to sponsor Friday's entertainment."

Now in its ninth year, Elkhenge has raised over $11,000 for area non profits. This year, beneficiaries will be the Highlands Trail Foundation, a group dedicated to recreational rail trails, and the Rich Mountain Battlefield Association, the organization charged with preserving the Civil War site. As in the past, Elkhenge will feature an eclectic mix of musical styles performed by the finest area and regional musicians.

On Friday September 18, the show will open at 6pm with Sam Lamont, the West Virginia Blues Society's acoustic solo artist of the year. His set will be followed by Vince Farsetta, two time national old time banjo champion.  The Greens, a rising Morgantown based rock trio will play next, kicking off the electric portion of the weekend. New Jersey's top jamband and Elkhenge favorite, Juggling Suns, will conclude the first night's festivities.

Saturday's show will start with Elkhenge's inaugural open mike session at 2pm. Also for the first time in concert history, there will be a late afternoon contra dance featuring the music of the Lackawanna Longnecks, a Pittsburgh based old time band. The dinner hour will feature the cool jazz of Elkins' own Appalachian Jazz Project with Rob Masten, Billy Kaiser, Seth Young, and Jeff Brouschart, plus another set by Farsetta. Juggling Suns will then play the second of their two night run.

Concluding Elkhenge will be Young Funk Sung, a 'not to be missed' collaboration promising to bring down the pavilion with a driving set of funk. Food, including authentic Jamaican jerk chicken and Louisiana style gumbo, will be provided by Smokin' Joe. Kids activities will occur on Saturday, and in the past have included a magic show, crafts, and puppets. Camping is strongly encouraged for the rain or shine event.

All proceeds from Elkhenge will be shared between HTF and RMBF, and advanced $10 tickets will be available at El Gran Sabor, and online from www.elkhengefestival.com Directions and other information is> also posted on the official website.