Tucked into the mountains of Kentucky, the Laurel Cove Music Festival has become one of the most beloved and authentic music gatherings in the country. No barricades. No distractions. A ticket that’s about the toughest to get in all of music. Almost no cell phone service. Just artists, fans, dedicated staff, and the kind of connection that’s getting harder to find. Laurel Cove is where music, mountains, and community come together to create something rare and real.

Where the Mountains Sing is a cinematic documentary capturing the spirit of Appalachia through the Laurel Cove Music Festival. The film will be released in January 2027.

Through musical performances, personal stories, and the stunning landscape itself, the film explores something deeper than a festival: that we are still and always the UNITED States of America, that Appalachia is an integral part of our nation that must be preserved and uplifted, and that one of our most tried and true uniting forces is music. And boy is there amazing music happening at Laurel Cove -- Where the Mountains Sing will feature interviews and legendary performances from artists including the Red Clay Strays, Wyatt Flores, Charles Wesley Godwin, Ole 60, Kaitlin Butts, Kashus Culpepper, Evan Honer, Noeline Hoffman, The Creekers, Cole Chaney, Sierra Ferrell, 49 Winchester, and many, many more.

This movie already will be seen: U.S. distribution is secured through Amazon Prime and international streamers are on board as well.

We're fortunate to have also been afforded an amazing opportunity to increase engagement, impact, and awareness of this unique and vital part of our nation, with a broadcast of the movie on PBS and a scholastic version -- complete with lesson plans for teachers -- to make sure audiences of all ages can learn Appalachian history and experience this beautiful event and the film documenting it.

WE NEED YOUR HELP TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN!

The minimum cost to re-cut the movie and create the required educational materials is $5,000 -- we've found $1,000 so far, so $4,000 to go! If we raise more, 100% of additional funds will be used for amplifying outreach, community engagement, and bringing this movie around the world to showcase the amazing work the festival does for the community.

We know not everyone is in a position to give, but if you are, we'd be much obliged, and if not, you can still help by sharing this (or our charity auction). However, if you are inclined to give, we've come up with some fun ways to get you involved with the film and show our appreciation, and we're pleased to offer the following benefits to donors:

ANY Donation: Fan

Whether it's $1 or $1,000,000, it all helps, and we'd like to thank you by including you -- via a picture of your choice -- in our closing credit montage! This donation tier has no limit on members.

$25 Donation: Bub

You have earned our gratitude and access to exclusive content and digital extras once the movie is released! This donation tier has no limit on members.

$50 Donation: Friends & Family

You have our eternal gratitude, all lower tier benefits, and a downloadable digital screener of the movie once it’s released! This donation tier has no limit on members.

$100 Donation: VIP

We think you rock, and we’ll prove it by giving you all lower tier benefits AND thanking you in the credits of the movie! This donation tier has no limit on members.

$250 Donation: Backstage Pass

You’re in! Not only do you get all lower tier benefits, but we’ll also send you a full-sized copy of the movie and festival posters and stickers to paste anywhere you deem appropriate! This donation tier has 20 available spots and we'll ship your items out for free.

$500 Donation: All Access

Welcome to the green room and after-party, where you get all lower tier benefits and the opportunity to host a pre-release digital screening or a live, in-person screening of the movie once it’s released with a Q&A with artists, filmmakers, and more! This donation tier has 10 available spots and we'll ship your items out for free.

$1,000+ Donation: Associate Associate Producer

Welcome to Hollywood – you’re now officially an Associate Associate Producer – with an official WTMS hat to prove it, along with credit in the movie, an IMDB listing, links on social media, and recognition everywhere there’s press. You'll also get all lower tier benefits. This donation tier is limited to 3 spots, and of course we'll ship your items out for free.

$2,500+ Donation: The Big Cleave

You are the one and only Big Cleave! As such, you get a 2027 festival meet & greet with artists, screen-time in the movie, an invite to one of the red carpet screening events, and all lower tier benefits! There is, of course, only one of these titles available!

Any amount helps, any sharing of this campaign would be great, and your generosity -- of time, money, or spirit -- is much appreciated.

Thank you!

Where the Mountains Sing Educational Outreach Crowdfunding

Raising Money to Expand the Reach of Where the Mountains Sing via PBS and Local Schools

Team Members