Healing Appalachia Wraps Sixth Annual Festival

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Tyler Childers. Photo: Emma Delavante

Hope In The Hills’ sixth annual Healing Appalachia festival hosted sold-out crowds in Ashland, Kentucky this weekend. The three-day event welcomed over 20,000 fans hailing from 40 states and 8 countries this year.

Kicking off the festival, Jeremy Short and Andy Frasco & The U.N. hosted a free welcome concert Thursday night. Short released his Live From Healing Appalachia deluxe vinyl, with all proceeds from streaming and sales donated directly to the mission of the festival.

Chris Stapleton. Photo: Neon Jackrabbit

Jesse Welles warmed up the main stage on Friday, leading into the Infamous Stringdusters, followed by Presenter’s Stage performers Abe Partridge, Desert Hollow and Sunny War and Molly Tuttle. After Lukas Nelson performed an intimate set, Chris Stapleton stepped onto the stage, calling it “a great honor” to be with the over 20,000 fans in attendance.

With Presenter’s Stage shows by Conrad Moore, Brad Goodall, Hill Country Devil and Jonas Conner, Saturday’s main stage welcomed Kentucky native Cole Chaney, American Aquarium and Blackberry Smoke. Remi Wolf dazzled the crowd before the weekend closed out with festival co-founder Tyler Childers.

The festival is run by volunteers in recovery. The Matthew Perry Foundation provided housing and amenities for the more than 400 volunteers camping on-site, alongside 500 additional day volunteers drawn from recovery facilities across Appalachia. The festival has generated more than five million in regional economic impact and reinvested over one million into grassroots nonprofits over the past five years.

Molly Tuttle. Photo: Neon Jackrabbit

Blackberry Smoke. Photo: Neon Jackrabbit

Remi Wolf. Photo: Neon Jackrabbit

Photo: Neon Jackrabbit

Lauryn Sink
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