Austin Stanley - The Smyth County Jam welcomes Austin Stanley to our venue. Austin is fourteen years old and is in the eighth grade at the Glade Spring Middle School. Austin brought his autoharp (which incidentally belonged to his great, great grandmother; Henrietta H. Belcher.) Austin sang really well and played his harp with talent. He says he has not been playing a year yet. He says he plays a little piano. He has recently begun to learn to play dulcimer. Austin has an older sister. His kinfolks are quite musical. He says he is in the process of writing a book about his remarkable family. This book was started by his grandmother and Austin is bringing it up-to-date. He says he is learning more songs as well. He performs at churches; especially at the Assembly of GOD Church. Austin's favorite musician is Dolly Parton and his favorite song is her outstanding song: Coat of Many Colors. We ask Austin to come back to visit us and play at the Smyth County Jam, when he can.
Austin lost his great- grandmother about two weeks ago. The hospice folks who cared for her helped grant her wish which was to purchase a new autoharp for Austin. Austin is justifiably proud of this wonderful gesture.
