Summer "Old Time" Music Performance at Cades Cove in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Summer "Old Time" Music Performance at Cades Cove in
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Posted: September 14, 2008

Great Smoky Mountains National Park has announced a special musical performance by Carl and Betty Ross of “Tymes Past” on Saturday, September 20, 2008 at 8 p.m. in the Cades Cove amphitheater.

Tymes Past specializes in traditional songs and tunes played on a variety of stringed instruments reminiscent of Appalachian music played during the period between 1840s and 1920s. Carol Ross plays a long-neck banjo in the traditional claw hammer style and Betty Ross plays a rhythm bass with three strings and a “plucked ‘psaltery'” or lap harp. These musicians perform regularly at old-time music gatherings in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and involve the audience in the sharing of rhythm instruments with their toe-tapping old-time music.

This musical act is committed to preserving the unique traditions of southern Appalachian music, while at the same time providing information to the public about the history and culture of the Smoky Mountain region. Music was a part of the culture of the pre-park Great Smoky Mountains, and for many people it provided entertainment and social benefits.