ELKINS — Music, community and mountain spirit will come together on Saturday, Sept. 20 as Davis & Elkins College hosts the Davisson Brothers Band Birthday Bash, a free, all-ages concert to benefit the Elkins/Randolph County YMCA. The event will take place at the Citizens Bank of West Virginia Amphitheatre on the College campus. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved indoors to Harper-McNeeley Auditorium at Myles Center for the Arts.

This all-day celebration of Appalachian music and community will feature seven live acts ranging from local up-and-comers to nationally recognized talent. While the event schedule is still being finalized, gate time will be announced soon.

Headlining the event is the acclaimed Davisson Brothers Band, whose signature blend of country, Southern rock and bluegrass has made them ambassadors of West Virginia’s musical heritage. Known for their dynamic live shows and deep roots in the region, the band will celebrate their birthday in true Appalachian fashion — on stage and among the people who helped shape their journey.

Joining the Davisson Brothers Band is a dynamic and diverse lineup of regional talent. Mike Morningstar, a legendary folk musician and storyteller, brings decades of powerful songwriting and an unmistakable Appalachian voice. Rising country artist Tucker Knisell blends modern style with heartfelt, relatable lyrics, while Nick Davisson adds a soulful new dimension to his family’s musical legacy. Landon McFadden offers introspective Americana rich with raw emotion, and Ella Wheeler delivers emotionally resonant songs with a clear, confident voice beyond her years. Rounding out the lineup is Emily Lehr & The Foxglove Fellows, an imaginative folk/Americana ensemble celebrated for their lush harmonies and poetic depth.

This celebration has been months in the making, thanks to the dedication of several key contributors including Chris Harris of Rainmaker Music Management, Chris Davisson of the Davisson Brothers Band, Scott Goddard of Davis & Elkins College, and Garry Tuner of Tuner Stage Lighting. Their behind-the-scenes leadership and collaboration have been instrumental in organizing an event that blends music, mission and mountain pride.

The concert is proudly underwritten by a committed group of sponsors whose support ensures the event is free and open to all. Sponsors include Blue Ridge Risk Partners, Carte Hall & Associates, Citizens Bank of West Virginia, Davis & Elkins College, Davis Trust Company, Elkins Auto, Elkins Shop & Save Express, J.F. Allen Company, MegaCorp Logistics, Northern Eagle Distributing, Polino Contracting Inc., Randolph County Commission and WVU Medicine.

“This event is a true celebration of what makes our community strong — music, generosity and the spirit of coming together for a shared purpose,” said Sidney Gillispie, executive director of the Elkins/Randolph County YMCA. “The support we’ve received from the sponsors, the artists and Davis & Elkins College has been overwhelming. It’s more than a concert — it’s an investment in the health and future of our community.”

Festivalgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and settle in for a full day of live music, local food trucks and community fun in a stunning mountain setting. In the event of inclement weather, the celebration will move indoors to Harper-McNeeley Auditorium, with the same exciting lineup and energy.

Stay tuned to Davis & Elkins College and Elkins YMCA social media channels for final schedule announcements and gate time.