Despite a move to Ashland, Healing Appalachia remains a regional cornerstone

By Anna Knapp, RealWV

This story begins in the middle of a Cheddar’s restaurant in Ashland, Kentucky, when I got a message asking if I would like to go to Healing Appalachia. 

Tears formed in my eyes as I passed my phone over to my boyfriend, Chase, because I was no longer able to speak. Healing Appalachia had been held in my home county of Greenbrier, West Virginia, since it started, and this was the first time it would be held in another state. This year, the two-day music festival was moving to Ashland, Kentucky.

Well, guess who lives 20 minutes away from Ashland, Kentucky, now? 

Yeah, it’s me.

I love being from Appalachia to the point where it has become kind of a personality trait. I love music and I love what Healing Appalachia has done for the Appalachian region, Oh, and I am a huge Tyler Childers fan. I have song lyrics from his song “Universal Sound” tattooed on my arm. Being from Appalachia means you ‘ve seen your fair share of what the drug epidemic has done to the region. 

Tyler Childers is a co-founder of Healing Appalachia – a celebratory-event intended to help bring awareness and raise money for people who are in active addiction, and seeking treatment. Tyler has been outspoken about the struggles he has faced throughout his life, and with his journey to sobriety, and it’s been amazing to see the support this event has brought to our region through his music. 

On the first day of the festival, we arrived in time to catch the tailend of Lukas Nelson, and Chris Stapleton’s full performance. They both sounded amazing, but we were ready to experience the entirety of what day two had to offer. And to ensure we got the full experience we arrived an hour before the gates opened on Saturday. 

Once inside, we were able to experience all of what Healing Appalachia had to offer, including local vendors, great food and, our personal favorite, Austin’s Ice Cream.

I was looking forward to all of the bands and artists who were performing on Saturday. Some of my favorites were Cole Chaney, American Aquarium, Blackberry Smoke, and Remi Wolf. All of these artists mixed different genres with alternative country/indie. 

To no one’s surprise, the highlight of the night was Tyler Childers and his band, The Food Stamps. 

They hit the stage, beginning with “Eatin’ Big Time” from their new album, “Snipe Hunter.” Tyler and the band performed a showcase of nearly two-hours of his biggest hits, including favorites like “Bittlin’ List,” “House Fire,” “Universal Sound,” and “Cuttin’ Teeth.” 

The overall experience at Healing Appalachia did not disappoint. We were able to listen to people’s testimonials and experiences with overcoming drug addiction, which is the real reason for Healing Appalachia. 

The Appalachian region has come together to fight and bring awareness for an issue that so many are struggling with. The drug epidemic spreads far and wide while impacting our friends, family and community. Healing Appalachia brings awareness through a weekend of music, but it will take all of us doing our part to help heal Appalachia.