Mini Mountain Laurel (Orthey) Concert Series
presented by Orthey Instruments

The Autoharp reached its peak of popularity in the late 1800’s when they were sold door to door by traveling salesmen and through the Sears Roebuck catalog. They were fundamental to American music and played by folks in the Appalachian Mountains. This early music was a means of telling about the history of simple mountain folks. The lyrics told a story about religion, love and courtship, suffering and death, railroad construction and accidents, mine tragedies, strong personalities and everyday life. These became legends.

This history was largely brought to light by the Stoneman family and the Carter family at Bristol, Tennessee at the birth of country music in 1927, led by the new radio and recording companies.

Twenty-four years ago a small group gathered on the porch of George and Mary Lou Orthey in the interest of traditional early American music beyond the common guitar and banjo to less common instruments such as the autoharp, bowed psaltry, wooden spoons and musical saw. This grew to be the Mountain Laurel Autoharp Gathering which now attracts people from all over the United States and at least ten foreign countries to celebrate the music of these instruments.

The rebirth demanded more opportunities to enjoy and participate in this kind of music. In essence, this led to the Mini Mountain Laurel Concert Series coming into existence since the Gathering as but once a year. The demand for additional performances and instruction provided Friday and Saturday concerts, teaching workshops, numerous jam sessions and camaraderie 4 to 6 times a year, and includes performers of national and world class recognition.

Throughout the year, traditional autoharp music can be heard at the Mini Mountain Laurel (Orthey) Concert Series. The concerts are free and open to the public and the musicians usually host a workshop at George Orthey's Workshop.

Find out more about upcoming Mini Mountain Laurel Concerts at www.ortheyinstruments.com

Visit the official website of the Mountain Laurel Autoharp Gathering