Blab Music
Mountain Mama Music Festival Celebrates Third Year with New Tent Camping and Hall of Fame Induction in Sistersville, WV
The third annual Mountain Mama Music Festival took place August 28‑30 at Sistersville Park along the Ohio River in West Virginia. The event added tent‑camping for the first time, honored late musician Mike Parsons with a Hall of Fame induction, and showcased a lineup of local and regional artists. Organised by community founder Josh Rice, the festival drew musicians, visitors, campers and residents for a weekend of free live music, food, vendors and family‑friendly activities.
The festival, now in its third year, has grown steadily since its inception. According to the Wetzel Chronicle, the event has expanded its programming and attendance each year, drawing musicians, visitors, campers and local residents together for three days of entertainment along the Ohio River. The weekend was described by organizers as a “weekend filled with live music, delicious food, unique vendors and family‑friendly fun.” The growth is attributed to community support and a broad range of musical styles.
Friday’s opening day featured hometown favorite PT Dabbs, who kicked off a schedule that included New Age Adenas, Ridgeline, Clinton Carsey, the Tracklayers, Corey Hager, Sunshine Murphy, Jasper Stringer, Zoe Buccella, Tanner Skym, an Elvis tribute artist, Coalfire Run, The Travellers and others. Saturday’s lineup continued with a mix of original music and tribute performances. The day’s highlight was the induction of Mike Parsons into the Mountain Mama Music Hall of Fame, a ceremony that celebrated his lifetime dedication to music and his lasting impact on the community.
Sunday began at 12:30 p.m. with the Cowgill Family Singers, followed by performances from God Stewart, Lost for the Cause and Rust Belt Radio. The festival closed with Funkbilly on the main stage from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The schedule provided a balance of acoustic sets, full‑band performances and tribute acts, catering to a wide audience.
The addition of tent‑camping was a new feature for the festival. Several attendees took advantage of the full‑weekend camping option, which offered hookups at Sistersville city park. The camping expansion allowed festival‑goers to stay throughout the event, creating a more immersive experience.
Vendors also added to the festival’s atmosphere. Wood Fellow Drum Company showcased handmade wooden drums, while Clifton Guitars displayed handcrafted instruments made from repurposed wood sourced from logs found along roads and salvaged furniture. These vendors highlighted local craftsmanship and sustainable practices.
Josh Rice, the festival’s brainchild, emphasized the community effort behind the event. “It’s been incredible watching Mountain Mama grow from an idea into something the whole community can be proud of,” Rice said. He added, “This festival has never been about one person; it’s about our community, the musicians, the volunteers and everyone who believes the West Virginia hills were made for music.” Rice’s comments underscore the festival’s focus on local participation and regional identity.
The Mountain Mama Music Festival continues to serve as a gathering point for West Virginia’s music community. With its combination of live performances, family activities, food, unique vendors and new camping options, the event reinforced the region’s reputation for a vibrant, community‑driven music scene. The festival’s third year demonstrates sustained growth and community engagement, positioning it as a key regional event for musicians and music fans alike.
The festival’s success reflects a broader trend of small‑town music festivals that prioritize local talent, community involvement and sustainable practices. As the event moves forward, organizers plan to maintain the focus on regional artists while expanding camping and vendor offerings. The next Mountain Mama Music Festival is scheduled for August 2027, with organizers announcing plans to broaden the lineup and enhance the festival’s infrastructure.
The festival, now in its third year, has grown steadily since its inception. According to the Wetzel Chronicle, the event has expanded its programming and attendance each year, drawing musicians, visitors, campers and local residents together for three days of entertainment along the Ohio River. The weekend was described by organizers as a “weekend filled with live music, delicious food, unique vendors and family‑friendly fun.” The growth is attributed to community support and a broad range of musical styles.
Friday’s opening day featured hometown favorite PT Dabbs, who kicked off a schedule that included New Age Adenas, Ridgeline, Clinton Carsey, the Tracklayers, Corey Hager, Sunshine Murphy, Jasper Stringer, Zoe Buccella, Tanner Skym, an Elvis tribute artist, Coalfire Run, The Travellers and others. Saturday’s lineup continued with a mix of original music and tribute performances. The day’s highlight was the induction of Mike Parsons into the Mountain Mama Music Hall of Fame, a ceremony that celebrated his lifetime dedication to music and his lasting impact on the community.
Sunday began at 12:30 p.m. with the Cowgill Family Singers, followed by performances from God Stewart, Lost for the Cause and Rust Belt Radio. The festival closed with Funkbilly on the main stage from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The schedule provided a balance of acoustic sets, full‑band performances and tribute acts, catering to a wide audience.
The addition of tent‑camping was a new feature for the festival. Several attendees took advantage of the full‑weekend camping option, which offered hookups at Sistersville city park. The camping expansion allowed festival‑goers to stay throughout the event, creating a more immersive experience.
Vendors also added to the festival’s atmosphere. Wood Fellow Drum Company showcased handmade wooden drums, while Clifton Guitars displayed handcrafted instruments made from repurposed wood sourced from logs found along roads and salvaged furniture. These vendors highlighted local craftsmanship and sustainable practices.
Josh Rice, the festival’s brainchild, emphasized the community effort behind the event. “It’s been incredible watching Mountain Mama grow from an idea into something the whole community can be proud of,” Rice said. He added, “This festival has never been about one person; it’s about our community, the musicians, the volunteers and everyone who believes the West Virginia hills were made for music.” Rice’s comments underscore the festival’s focus on local participation and regional identity.
The Mountain Mama Music Festival continues to serve as a gathering point for West Virginia’s music community. With its combination of live performances, family activities, food, unique vendors and new camping options, the event reinforced the region’s reputation for a vibrant, community‑driven music scene. The festival’s third year demonstrates sustained growth and community engagement, positioning it as a key regional event for musicians and music fans alike.
The festival’s success reflects a broader trend of small‑town music festivals that prioritize local talent, community involvement and sustainable practices. As the event moves forward, organizers plan to maintain the focus on regional artists while expanding camping and vendor offerings. The next Mountain Mama Music Festival is scheduled for August 2027, with organizers announcing plans to broaden the lineup and enhance the festival’s infrastructure.
