By Matt Leingang
The Cincinnati Enquirer

John Leming of Crestview Hills, Ky., plays fiddle at the Appalachian Festival Saturday. Appalachian music is the theme of this year's event, which concludes today. MIKE SIMONS for the Enquirer

You see, way back when, people playing Appalachian music would grab washboards or spoons when they needed something to accompany a fiddle and a banjo.

"There were no drums or electric guitars, and no one could afford a piano," explained Tommy Taylor, an 80-year-old musician from Rabbit Hash, Ky.

With his storytelling and colorful mountain heritage, Taylor and five other musicians captivated a crowd Saturday during an impromptu jam session at the 35th annual Appalachian Festival at Coney Island in Anderson Township.

"This music is the core of Americana," said Judy Meyer, 58, of Groesbeck, who came to the festival Saturday.

Appalachian music is the theme of this year's event, which concludes today. Nearly 20 musical acts, most of them duos specializing in two-part harmonies, were scheduled to play on five stages this weekend.

IF YOU GO

What: 35th annual Appalachian Festival When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday Where: Coney Island, 6201 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Township Cost: $7, $3 seniors 55 and older, $2 kids ages 4 to 11 Information: 251-3378

The annual event, with homemade crafts and mountain food, is always popular. More than 300,000 people in Greater Cincinnati claim Appalachian roots, festival chairwoman Allison Raisorsaid.

The event includes blacksmiths, silversmiths, quilt makers, wood carvers, weavers, candle makers and storytellers. But the music seems to tie it all together.

Taylor, who has written a song for an upcoming documentary on Rabbit Hash, said people stop to listen because it has an appealing rhythm and it's different from today's pop music.

E-mail mleingang@enquirer.com