Experience the Pawpaw Festival WV music lineup—live Appalachian artists, community harmony, and a full day of performances in Paw Paw, West Virginia.
Paw Paw Area Community Choir
The Paw Paw Area Community Choir returns this year, continuing their mission of music and community service.
Formed in February 2023, the Paw Paw Area Community Choir was created to bring local singers together and share music through community service. The choir has performed at nursing homes, National Day of Prayer services, and Paw Paw’s Memorial Day parade, and has joined local events such as Bethel United Methodist Church’s 4th of July picnic and Christmas caroling nights. Members from more than seven area churches unite under the direction of Diane Burkhart and accompaniment of Kim Hook. The choir takes pride in supporting local causes — raising funds for the Paw Paw Schools Band in 2023 and Starting Points family resource center in 2024 — and always welcomes new voices to join their mission of harmony and service.
Follow the Choir on Facebook
Ben Townsend
Returning from our inaugural year, Ben Townsend brings the haunting, high‑mountain sound of Appalachia back to Paw Paw.
Born and raised in Romney, West Virginia, multi‑instrumentalist Ben Townsend has spent years studying and performing Appalachian and old‑time banjo and fiddle music. His work spans styles from the haunting fiddle tunes of his home region to the Round Peak traditions of North Carolina and Virginia. As a member of groups including The Fox Hunt, Old Sledge, The Hackensaw Boys, and The Hillbilly Gypsies — and now as a solo performer — Ben has shared his unique take on West Virginia music across the country and around the world. A devoted teacher, he’s taught at the Augusta Heritage Festival, Allegheny Echoes, and Common Ground on the Hill. His latest projects blend traditional instrumentation with ambient soundscapes under the name Tabernacle, and he continues to explore the boundaries of Appalachian music through his ensemble Ice Mountain and his label, Questionable Records.
Follow Ben on Facebook
TJ Simpson
We’re thrilled to welcome TJ Simpson to this year’s lineup — a rising West Virginia artist with deep Appalachian roots.
TJ Simpson is a folk/Americana singer-songwriter from Keyser, WV. Inspired by growing up listening to records with his grandparents, he developed a deep appreciation for storytelling, timeless melodies, and American roots music. Drawing from Appalachian traditions and everyday life, TJ crafts songs that are honest, heartfelt, and relatable. He is currently working on his debut EP, bringing together a collection of songs that reflect his roots, experiences, and passion for authentic songwriting
Follow TJ on Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube
Matthew Abrell
Matthew was born and raised just outside of Paw Paw. He will be graduating from Paw Paw High School in 2027. He has always enjoyed playing the guitar.
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