History of the Virginia Folk Music Association
The Virginia Folk Music Association, Inc.was formed by Uncle Ed Silverman in 1947 to promote and preserve country music. A group of music lovers, then known as "Hillbillies" formed this independent organization and became chartered as a non-profit, volunteer organization, on March 26, 1957 with the help of the late William "Bill" Tuck (Then Governor of Virginia) and the late Watkins M. "Watt" Abbitt (then Congressman, and later Director of the VFMA). The organization went on to become a pioneer of music "Festivals".
The VFMA became the official organization chartered to hold the "State Championship Contest" through lobbying efforts and with the assistance of Governor Tuck (and remains today the only organization in the state sanctioned as such). In the beginning, there was one contest. This was later separated into Bluegrass and Country divisions.
In 1973, the VFMA formed the Virginia Music "Hall of Fame". Since that time many famous and accomplished musicians have been inducted into the "Hall of Fame".
The year 2000 brought the Bluegrass festival to the world via the internet and the creation of the "Special Recognition Award". The year 2002 brought monthly "Music Jams" and the "Heritage Music Youth Scholarship."
As an early pioneer of music festivals, sponsoring spectacular shows with parades, queens, radio and tv coverage and music contests second to none, the VFMA made another pioneering step forward in 2009 by introducing the first $5 a day, top quality Bluegrass Festival.
The VFMA is Governed by a "volunteer" Board of Directors who elects officers to form the Executive Board. The mission of the VFMA remains the same over the years, as set forth by the founders; "To Promote and Preserve Country, Bluegrass and Gospel Music; " the music of our heritage Virginia folk music.
