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50 Years Of The Stokes Stomp

Stokes County, NC

The 50th Stokes Stomp Festival on the Dan River parades in with a display of community support and memories of 50 years of the Stokes County Arts Council. Founded in 1975 after a group of local volunteers, artists and community supporters formed and put on a Music and Arts Event called the Star Spangled Stomp, after forming a non profit arts organization. Held on the second Saturday in September in Stokes County, North Carolina, Stomp celebrates the region’s rich cultural heritage and community spirit. 

The festival showcases a diverse lineup of musical performances, with genres ranging from bluegrass and country to rock and gospel, highlighting both local talent and well-known artists. In addition to music, Stokes Stomp offers a platform for local artisans to display and sell their handmade crafts, reflecting the area’s artistic traditions.

Entertainment Line Up includes local grown, now nationally touring talent Caleb Caudle and The Sweet Critters. Caudle is an American singer-songwriter known for his work in the Americana and country music genres. Born and raised in North Carolina, Caudle has a reputation for his heartfelt lyrics and soulful melodies, drawing inspiration from traditional country, folk, and rock influences. His music often explores themes of love, loss, and life in the American South. Over the years, Caudle has released several albums and has been praised for his authentic sound and emotional depth. The Sweet Critters often collaborate with Caleb Caudle, bringing a rich, layered sound to his music. The group’s instrumentation typically includes guitars, bass, drums, and sometimes keyboards or other string instruments, providing a full, dynamic backdrop to Caudle’s distinctive voice and songwriting. 

The Foddrell Brothers Tribute is a musical homage to Turner and Marvin Foddrell, two influential musicians They lived off of Hwy 8 and Foddrell Ln in Patrick County, VA near the Stokes line. The Foddrell brothers were celebrated for their unique blend of blues, gospel, and traditional folk music, which captured the essence of the Piedmont blues style. Their music was characterized by intricate guitar picking, heartfelt vocals, and a deep connection to their cultural roots. The tribute serves as an educational and cultural celebration, preserving the memory of the Foddrell Brothers and introducing their music to new generations.

Shadowgrass is known for their high-energy performances and impressive musical skills. Hailing from the Appalachian region, the band members are celebrated for their youthful exuberance and deep respect for bluegrass traditions. Despite their young ages, the musicians exhibit a remarkable proficiency with their instruments, including guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, and bass.

Shadowgrass’s music features a mix of traditional bluegrass tunes and innovative arrangements, blending the old with the new to create a fresh and engaging sound. Their repertoire includes both classic bluegrass standards and original compositions, showcasing their versatility
and creativity.


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