For enthusiasts of early banjo

Sweeney Early Banjo Convergence 2017

Event Details

Time: September 8, 2017 to September 10, 2017
Location: Appomattox Courthouse National HIstoric Park
City/Town: Appomattox, va.
Event Type: banjo, gathering, festival
Organized By: David Wooldridge, Mark Weems
Latest Activity: Sep 15, 2017

5 members like this

Schedule to follow soon!

Comment by Strumelia on August 8, 2017 at 7:48am: A few tips to those considering attending:

The two least expensive motels actually in Appomattox are the Super 8 and the Budget Inn. The Budget Inn has awful reviews..I stayed at the Super8 last year, and it was fairly adequate for an economy motel....so of the two choose super8. Many other motel options are about 30 min away in Lynchburg, but Appomattox itself has only a few choices.

Bring a folding seat or chair that you can take around for jamming. There are long benches on the building porches, and seating at the official activities, but for wandering about and jamming, including at the period campsite, you do well to bring your own seat. There is a substantial amount of walking, so something lightweight and/or folding can be handy.

Keeping a cooler in your car with ice and easy stuff to eat is recommended. Sandwich fixings, drinks, fruit, granola or travel energy snacks. Food and drinks are not provided.

Make sure you have sturdy walking shoes and flashlight. Once it gets dark the park is closed to the public but you may be walking on uneven grass and gravel roads with no street lighting.

Plan for mosquito protection for nighttime.

Comment by Scott Danneker on August 8, 2017 at 6:48pm: I'm booked into the Super8.

Comment by Tom Taggart on August 8, 2017 at 8:10pm: I was going to do the period camping in the park like last year, if that is an option this year. I have a tarp that can be set up as a large open-ended dog tent.

Comment by Mark Weems on August 8, 2017 at 8:27pm: Good tips Strumelia. There are also some B&B's in town and the Appomattox Inn, where James and I will be staying which is extremely close to the Park. Yes, period tenting is fine. And yes, bring some food or snacks. Meals are on your own. But remember - there is also no Attendance Fee! The park has many metal folding chairs (not ideal for reenactment) that can be used. But if you want to bring a folding wooden chair that would be great!

Comment by Strumelia on August 8, 2017 at 8:42pm: Jacalyn and I both booked rooms at the LongAcre B&B in town.

Hey Tim, are you coming?

Can't wait to see all my buddies! :D

Comment by Scott Danneker on August 11, 2017 at 10:40am: I will bring a period A-frame and two period chairs for the period campsite if there be one. Period.

Comment by Strumelia on August 11, 2017 at 11:54am: Yes, not to beat a dead horse, but- for those not camping, don't assume that the people with campsites will have enough extra chairs at the (period) campsites for the rest of us. I got (and assembled) a canvas & wood folding stool that I can carry with me... slightly less heavy and awkward than carrying a full folding wooden chair, like i did last year. (!) Period . lol .

Comment by Tom Taggart on August 11, 2017 at 9:20pm: After rethinking my situation, I opted for booking a room at the Super 8 in town. I will still bring the tarp in case it is needed and I have my own folding canvas and wood stool I also use for reenactments.

Comment by Roberta Perkins on August 11, 2017 at 9:37pm: Strumella: Where did you get the stool?

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