The Appalachian Fiddle and Bluegrass Association (AFBA) is dedicated to preserving and promoting the unique American country folk music genre known as bluegrass. Established in October 1973 in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, the AFBA was founded by Louie Setzer, Larry Setzer, and Andy Tomsic. Bluegrass music, a blend of Appalachian and Scots-Irish folk tunes, is performed acoustically on stringed instruments like banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, and upright bass fiddle.
Since its inception, the AFBA has organized bluegrass festivals and monthly indoor jams known as "shindigs" in various locations across Pennsylvania. In 1980, the association purchased Mountain View Park in Wind Gap, Pennsylvania, where the annual "Wind Gap Bluegrass Festival" is held. The park features a permanent band shell adorned with a mural by D.E. Johnson showcasing prominent Bluegrass figures like Bill Monroe and Doc Watson.
Today, the AFBA is the only 501(c)(3) non-profit Bluegrass association in the USA that owns a park. The park hosts a range of events, workshops, and vendors, attracting bluegrass enthusiasts of all ages from Pennsylvania and surrounding states. Members and volunteers dedicate their time and effort to organize festivals, maintain the park, and promote bluegrass music, ensuring the legacy of this beloved musical tradition continues for years to come.
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