About the Foundation
Preserving, Promoting, and Protecting Appalachian Musical Heritage
"Appalachian music didn't just happen. It was created over centuries by Cherokee people, Scots-Irish settlers, enslaved and free African Americans, and German immigrants who found themselves together in these mountains. The Appalachian Heartland Foundation exists to honor ALL those voices, preserve their traditions, and support the artists carrying this music forward today."
Our Mission
The Appalachian Heartland Foundation exists to preserve, promote, and protect authentic Appalachian musical heritage and the communities that sustain it. We recognize that Appalachian music represents a unique blend of Cherokee, Scots-Irish, African, and German traditions born in the Great Smoky Mountains. We honor the Cherokee people as the original music makers of these mountains and are committed to elevating indigenous voices alongside all cultural traditions that shaped mountain music.
We are building programming that includes the Old Time Barn Dance monthly event series, the "Melodies of the Smokies" podcast (in development), curated music playlists (live on Spotify), and the Little River Music Festival (in planning) — all designed to celebrate the rich heritage that makes this region special while creating sustainable economic opportunities for our community.
Our Vision
To become the leading authority on Appalachian music preservation and celebration, recognized nationally for our authentic approach to cultural stewardship and our innovative integration of tradition with modern community engagement.
"We envision a future where Appalachian musical heritage thrives not as a museum piece, but as a living tradition that inspires, educates, and unites communities across generations."
Our Values
The principles that guide everything we do
Authenticity
Authenticity over commercialization. We honor the true spirit of Appalachian music and preserve the genuine traditions passed down through generations.
Community
Community-centered programming. Intergenerational knowledge transfer. Creating spaces where all generations can gather, learn, and celebrate.
Ethical Stewardship
Honor indigenous heritage and Cherokee cultural contributions. Seek partnership with Cherokee communities. Support working artists.
Education
Educational integrity. Every experience teaches something about cultural heritage. Collaboration and partnership with scholars and communities.
Meet Our Founder
Josh Waters
Founder & Executive Director
Josh Waters brings over 20 years of professional music industry experience to the Appalachian Heartland Foundation. As a regular performer at the Grand Ole Opry and with established relationships throughout Nashville's music community, Josh has witnessed firsthand both the commercial success and cultural challenges facing Appalachian music traditions.
With connections spanning from legendary traditional musicians to contemporary artists like Billy Strings and Tyler Childers, Josh recognized the unique opportunity to bridge authentic heritage with modern audiences while maintaining cultural integrity. His extensive industry relationships provide the Foundation with unparalleled access to artists at below-market rates, ensuring programming quality while maintaining financial sustainability.
The vision for the Foundation emerged from years of witnessing the power of mountain music to transform lives and communities, combined with a practical understanding of cultural tourism development and nonprofit management. Josh's commitment is to create a sustainable institution that honors ALL voices—Cherokee, Scots-Irish, African American, and German—that created Appalachian musical traditions.
Why Townsend?
Townsend, Tennessee—known as "The Peaceful Side of the Smokies"—sits in Tuckaleechee Cove, a mountain valley with evidence of human habitation dating back over 10,000 years. The Cherokee name Tikwalitsi is commonly interpreted as "Peaceful Valley." While nearby Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge have embraced commercial tourism development, Townsend has maintained its authentic character.
Townsend is one of three main gateways to Great Smoky Mountains National Park — the most-visited national park in the country with over 12 million annual visitors (NPS, 2024). It's also the closest access point to Cades Cove, which draws roughly 5 million visitors per year. The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, a nonprofit museum that opened in 2006, already preserves regional heritage with 17,000+ square feet of exhibits. The foundation for cultural tourism infrastructure is here.
By the Numbers
- 12+ million annual visitors to GSMNP (NPS, 2024) — most-visited national park in the U.S.
- ~5 million annual visitors to Cades Cove, just 15 miles away
- Blount County population: 142,211 (U.S. Census, 2024)
- Home to Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center (est. 2006)
- Closest gateway to Cades Cove from the Tennessee side
- No dedicated Appalachian music venue between Knoxville and Gatlinburg
Cherokee Connection
The Cherokee people were making music in the Smoky Mountains for thousands of years before European contact. Their influence runs through every aspect of Appalachian music — from pentatonic scales to storytelling traditions to the deep connection between music and place. Townsend sits in Tuckaleechee Cove — from the Cherokee Tikwalitsi, commonly interpreted as "Peaceful Valley." Archaeological evidence shows habitation here dating back over 10,000 years. The Museum of the Cherokee People in Cherokee, NC is approximately 1.5 hours away via Newfound Gap Road. We honor Cherokee heritage not as history, but as living culture that continues today through the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Land Preservation
At the heart of our long-term vision is land preservation. The Townsend and Walland areas of Blount County face increasing commercial development pressure. Once this land is developed, its connection to Appalachian heritage is lost forever.
The Foundation's goal is to eventually acquire and permanently protect land in the Townsend/Walland corridor — preserving it for cultural programming, educational access, and environmental conservation. Protected land could serve as a home for events, workshops, and authentic Appalachian experiences while ensuring it can never be commercially developed.
This is a long-term aspiration. No land has been acquired yet. Learn more about supporting this vision on our Soul of the Smokies page.
Building Partnerships
We are reaching out to organizations that share our commitment to cultural preservation. These are the communities and institutions we hope to work with as we grow.
Music Industry
Organizations we admire and seek to collaborate with:
- Compass Records (Nashville)
- WDVX 89.9 FM (Knoxville)
- IBMA
Local Community
Townsend-area organizations we want to support:
- Country Manor Acres
- Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center
- Townsend Visitors Center
Cherokee Organizations
Indigenous organizations whose guidance we seek:
- Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
- Museum of the Cherokee Indian
- Cherokee Preservation Foundation
Contact Us
Send Us a Message
Other Ways to Reach Us
Location:
Townsend, Tennessee
Great Smoky Mountains Region
Quick Links
Join Us in Preserving Our Heritage
Your support helps keep authentic Appalachian music alive for future generations