Kicking off its fourth year, the Music On The Mountaintop festival is gearing up for an epic 2-day event at the Grandfather Campgrounds in Foscoe, North Caroline.  Since its inaugural year in 2008, MOTM has doubled in size, which means it has doubled the reach of its mission.  That mission is to bring “first class entertainment as well as educational awareness on current environmental issues.” 

For 2011, the event will be held from August 26-27.  MOTM is exceptionally unique in its ecologically driven nature.  Within the three years the festival has been held, over $11,000 have been donated to both AIRE (Appalachian Institute of Renewable Energy) and Appalachian Voices.  Not only are they giving back, but more than 15 North Carolinian-based non-profits lend their services by bringing interactive educational exhibits to help spread environmental sustainability and awareness.  The success of MOTM speaks for itself.  Having grown from a one-day event with 2,500 attendees three years ago, MOTM saw 5,000 guests in 2010 and are expecting even more this year. 

A few of the artists and bands showcased in previous years include: Sam Bush, Keller Williams, Railroad Earth, The Steep Canyon Rangers, Toubab Krewe, Acoustic Syndicate and more. 

As a very special treat for this year’s festival, 7 Walkers featuring Bill Kreutzmann (of Grateful Dead) and Papa Mali have been added to the bill.  They will be playing along side Infamous Stringdusters; Possum Jenkins; Simplified: Major Sevens; Strange Lady; Grand Funktier; Greensky Bluegrass’ Acoustic Syndicate; Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band; Sol Driven Train; The Mantras; Do it to Julia; Naked Gods; The Lazybirds; The Native Sway; The New Familiars; Uncle Mountain; Bafoodus; Secret B-Sides; Swift Science; and Town Mountain. 

In reference to MOTM, Sam Bush said, "It is important that Music On the Mountaintop is trying to give back," states festival veteran and 2011 headliner Sam Bush. "It's not just a music festival, it's helping out with environmental issues and helping their community." Check out Bush’s video support message for Music On The Mountaintop below. 

Tickets are already on sale at www.musiconthemountaintop.com.  Single-day tickets start at $40 and for the full 2-days it’s $70, plus and additional $15 for standard camping or $12 for primitive camping.  There are limited Car Camping Passes available, so get yours fast.  Accommodations for the event include, “potable water throughout, several public restrooms and bathhouses, a public store, and over 200 shaded campsites.”  If you’re anything like the rest of us, you’ll want to do your part to help shape the future of our world.  We hope to see you all at Music On The Mountaintop.