By Cristy Dunn and Lewis Chapman
Step into the stories, songs, and places that shaped one of Appalachia’s richest musical traditions during this year’s Long Journey Home Heritage Arts and Music Festival. From historic landmarks to live performances and unforgettable storytelling, this three day-long journey offers a unique opportunity to experience the people, history, and music that make Johnson County unlike anywhere else.
Beginning Friday, September 4, at 6:00 p.m., the sounds of traditional mountain music will fill the air of Mountain City as Buskin’ On Main kicks off the Long Journey Home heritage music festival weekend. For the past eight years this free event has become a favorite of musicians and traditional music lovers as buskers of several musical genres are positioned along Main Street.
Buskin’ on Main goes until 8 p.m. with many of the downtown restaurants and businesses staying open late for the event. Along with the buskers there will be food trucks, including Uncle Himm’s Barbeque and Fuego Taquito as well as a special Friday evening edition of the Mountain City TN Cruise-In, a classic car get together group. The Young at Heart Square Dance Club will provide dance demonstrations and give spectators a chance to learn a few steps.
Saturday’s events begin at 11:30 a.m. at the Johnson County Center for the Arts Gallery on Main with an author talk and book signing by Chuck Walsh, author of The Isolate. Walsh will share the fascinating story of Nick Grindstaff, the legendary hermit who made his home on what is now the Appalachian Trail.
The Heritage Oak History Timeline will be unveiled at 1 p.m. with live music by the Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM). The timeline will use a historic cross-section of the Heritage Oak that once stood in Cunningham Park, paired with a laser-etched acrylic timeline telling the story of Johnson County—from the arrival of Daniel Boone and the county’s founding to the Fiddlers’ Convention, the Green Bean era, Hurricane Helene in 2024, and the many chapters in between.
RJ Snyder of RJ Snyder Tree Service has been working with the center on this very special piece, and they are grateful for his time, expertise, and partnership. Projects involving a historic tree take patience—and this one will be done right!
Once the tree slice is ready, one of the talented anonymous volunteers will prep the surface and mount the slice. Then Kyman Matherly at 865 Fab Lab will create the laser-etched acrylic timeline, bringing the history of our community together with the story told by the tree itself.
The tour continues at 3:30 p.m. at the historic Clarence “Tom” Ashley Homeplace, where the music that grew from these mountains comes alive once again. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy performances by Kenny Price, Jerry Moses, and Jack Proffitt, and Backroads Bluegrass from the front porch of one of Johnson County’s most influential traditional musicians. This event is free.
The day will conclude at 7:00 p.m. with Portraits of Home at Heritage Hall Theatre—an evening of authentic Appalachian storytelling and traditional music celebrating the people, places, and memories that define Johnson County. Through a collection of heartfelt stories and timeless songs performed by local community members, you’ll experience the spirit of the mountains—from bean picking and tobacco farming to front porch music, family traditions, and the everyday moments that have shaped generations. This one-of-a-kind performance offers an inspiring glimpse into the rich culture and enduring heritage of our mountain home. Advance Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students. ($20/$5 at the door) and are available at the Center for the Arts or online.
The Long Journey Home weekend will close with a traditional Sunday Singin’ at Heritage Hall, on September 6, from 2:00-3:30 p.m. You’ll hear traditional mountain gospel that will leave with your spirit filled with joy.
