With an exciting lineup this community-driven fundraiser, returning after a four-year disjunction, is set to be the best yet
The Lewisburg Winter Music Festival (LWMF), a two-day event organized by the Southern Appalachia Musician’s Association (SAMA), returns this year with an exciting lineup and a mission to support musicians in need. Based in Lewisburg, West Virginia, SAMA is a nonprofit organization that has relaunched the festival, aiming to raise funds for its ongoing initiatives to assist musicians facing crises and to promote music education. This year’s festival promises not only stellar performances but also a chance to make a real difference in the lives of musicians in need.
SAMA was founded to support musicians who are struggling due to unforeseen disasters or difficult circumstances. Whether it’s recovering from a house fire, medical expenses, or other crises, SAMA is dedicated to helping musicians rebuild their lives. Along with disaster relief, SAMA’s mission includes fostering music education through funding and grant writing.
The nonprofit is governed by an 8-person, all-volunteer board made up of musicians and music professionals. Their goal is to extend their efforts beyond Lewisburg, holding events and festivals in other cities, allowing their efforts to reach as many people as possible including those in Virginia, Kentucky and North Carolina. Each event helps distribute funding to musicians in those immediate areas, with the board ensuring that all allocations are approved through a vote and disclosed publicly in their annual report.
This year’s festival, taking place on January 24-25 in downtown Lewisburg, is set to impress with a diverse mix of musical genres. Over 100 bands from West Virginia and surrounding states, including Kentucky and Virginia, submitted their performances for consideration. After careful evaluation of different genres, SAMA’s board selected approximately 50 bands that exemplify the spirit of the festival. With 5-7 performances per venue, including genres from bluegrass and country to funk, hard rock, jam, and jazz, the festival promises something for everyone.
Josh Baldwin, President of SAMA, shared his excitement about the event, stating, “The lineup this year is absolutely stellar. We were really impressed with the caliber of bands willing to donate their time, free of charge, to help make a difference for fellow musicians in need of disaster relief.”
The LWMF was established when, in 2012, Tim Pyne, a member of the band Deep State, and his family tragically lost their home in a devastating fire. The family lost everything, including Tim’s beloved drum set. In response, the local community came together to organize a benefit concert to support the Pyne family. The success of this event inspired the creation of the Lewisburg Winter Music Festival, which has since grown into an annual celebration of music and charity until the pandemic paused its efforts.
Now, with the festival back on track, it continues its tradition of helping those in need, one concert at a time. When a musician faces hardship, SAMA’s board will meet to discuss and vote on where donations should be distributed. It’s important to note that committee members are disqualified from receiving assistance, ensuring that funds go directly to those in need.
The festival is also an excellent opportunity for musicians to connect, network, and show support for their peers. Musicians who perform at the festival not only gain valuable exposure but are also appreciated with special gift bags as a thank you for their participation.
Baldwin expressed an abundance of gratitude to the initial sponsors of the event and stressed the robust need for volunteers as they are key to the success of the event. Those interested in lending a hand will receive a free two-day pass to the festival. Volunteers can register directly on the festival’s website, and their support will ensure that the event runs smoothly while helping to raise funds for a great cause.
As part of the festival’s fundraising efforts, a special T-shirt design created by Mary Baldwin will be available for pre-order when purchasing tickets. These shirts can also be purchased in person during the event, offering attendees a unique keepsake to remember their experience.
Ticket prices are set at an affordable rate of $20 for a one-day pass and $30 for a two-day pass. Tickets can be purchased online at www.lewisburgwintermusicfest.com/tickets
The Lewisburg Winter Music Festival is more than just a music event; it’s an opportunity to be part of a community-driven effort to support musicians in need and to promote music education. By attending the festival, you’re not only enjoying live performances from talented regional bands but also contributing to a meaningful cause that makes a real impact on the lives of musicians. Join in on a wonderful celebration of music, community, and support!
The musicians performing are as listed: Alabaster Boxer, Jared Stout Band, Hello June, Kindred Valley, Matt Mullins & The Bringdowns, Steel Pterodactyl, Deep State, Ma’am, Ruchard Hefner & His Fan Bass, State Birds, Lawless Brown, Allan Sizemore & The Lost Souls, Chad Nickell & Loose Change, Emmalea Deal & The Hot Mess, Chucktown Allstars, Tupelo Drive, The Heavy Hitters, Thomas Taylor Band, Rust Kings, A Rally Cry, Jarmovers, Dan Yell Sun, Brasstaxx, Madly Backwards, The String Chiefs, A.M.D, Zona Hester, Space Freq, Caleb Carpenter, Living Room, Never Zero, CE Jone & Friends, Somber Side, Cathead Biscuit, Buddy Allen & The Cheat River Band, Bad Keys of the Mountain, Hylomorphic, Athiotic, Great Highway, Distant Light, Kit Lindsey, Jason Jobe, Ben Luckett, Annie Wolfe, Nathan Seldomridge, Cooter Guthrie, Matthew Malinoksi, Makenna Hope, J-Mane, Hoffman, Robinson, and Miles; Purple Rose, Paul Johnson & Corey Lee McQuade, Charbelle, Verge of Madness, Whiskey & Wine, Dem Donkey Boys, Uncle Mikey & Them, Kodie Brooks, Zach Elmore, Laura Holliday, Absolute Love Affair, DJ Lord Gnord, and DJ Greybeard.
