August 19–30, 2025 @ Mountain City Tennessee
Busking is a term first noted in Great Britain around the middle 1860s. It referred to musicians performing on streets for tips, which at the time was the most common means for them to make a living. Early Johnson County musical pioneers, such as Tom Ashley and G.B. Grayson learned their craft by playing music on street corners, with medicine shows, and at coal mining camps on payday.
On Friday evening, Aug. 29 the pure and sweet sounds of traditional music fill the air on Main Street Mountain City as Buskin’On Main kicks off the Long Journey Home heritage music festival weekend. For the past seven years this event has become a favorite of buskers and traditional music lovers.
“It’s a wonderful family friendly event for all ages, that celebrates our musical heritage,”said Buskin’on Main co-chair Linda Hofmann.
Musicians of all levels are welcome and encouraged to participate in this free event. The musicians will be spaced apart letting event goers enjoy each performance. Many of the local restaurants and food trucks have planned extended hours so there will be plenty of good eats.
The Johnson County Center for the Arts’Gallery on Main will hold its Show Opening for Something Old Something New, the Long Journey Home community arts show that celebrates the 100 year anniversary of the 1925 Fiddlers Convention, a pivotal moment in the history of county music.
Stateliness Stomper dance studio will demonstrate their award winning clogging and Young at Heart Square Dance Club will give spectators a chance to learn a few steps. Along with Buskin’on Main, Mountain City, Tennessee, Cruise-In, a classic car get together group, will hold a special Friday evening event.
Buskin’on Main is a great time and place to share your talent.If you want to participate call the Johnson County Center for the Arts’Gallery on Main at 423-460-3313 or stop by 129 Main St., Mountain City, TN.They're open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Performers are assigned locations on the Buskin’Map on a first-come, first-served basis. You’ll need to provide your name or group name as you'd like it to appear on any publicity materials. We also need a contact person name and phone number or email address. Musicians check in at the tent in front of the Skyline Bank on Friday, Aug.30 between 5 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Music is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. All performances should be family-friendly and acoustic only.
Category: Festival