Preserving the authentic sounds of Appalachia for future generations
The Appalachian Heartland Foundation serves as a cultural steward and economic catalyst, operating at the intersection of heritage preservation, education, and community development. We exist to ensure that the authentic musical traditions of the Great Smoky Mountains region remain vibrant and accessible for generations to come.
Through integrated programming including podcasting, live events, archival work, and our signature Little River Music Festival, we celebrate the rich heritage that makes this region special while creating sustainable economic opportunities for our community.
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."
The principles that guide everything we do
We honor the true spirit of Appalachian music, avoiding commercialization and preserving the genuine traditions passed down through generations.
We believe in the power of music to bring people together, creating spaces where all generations can gather, learn, and celebrate our shared heritage.
We take seriously our responsibility to protect and pass forward the musical traditions entrusted to us, ensuring they remain vibrant for future generations.
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.
Townsend, Tennessee—known as "The Peaceful Side of the Smokies"—offers something increasingly rare: an authentic, non-commercialized connection to Appalachian culture. While nearby Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge have embraced tourism development, Townsend has maintained its character and charm.
Nestled at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (14 million annual visitors), Townsend provides the perfect setting for authentic cultural experiences. The Little River Valley has been home to mountain musicians for generations, making it the ideal location for preserving and celebrating this heritage.
We'd love to hear from you. Whether you're interested in volunteering, performing, or supporting our mission, reach out today.
Email:
info@greatsmokymountainsmusic.com
Location:
Townsend, Tennessee
Great Smoky Mountains Region
Your support helps keep authentic Appalachian music alive for future generations