Appalfolks of America Association

Appalfolks of America Association (AAA), a Clifton Forge based nonprofit organization founded by M. Ray Allen in 1985, has organized and held more than 40 musical benefits for worthwhile causes during the past 38 years.

Appalfolks is dedicated to serving the Alleghany Highlands, and some of the work we have been involved with includes: 

• Teaming up with Total Action for Progress (TAP) to establish Literacy Volunteers of the Alleghany Highlands
• Restoring and operating the Historic Masonic Theatre before donating the theatre to the Town of Clifton Forge in 2003
• Conducting benefit concerts for many worthwhile causes including for Clifton Forge Little League, and 9/11 support fund, the Wounded Warrior Project, the Alleghany Highlands Free Clinic, and many more. 
• AAA founded The Virginia Opry in 1992, and Governor Ralph S. Northam designated The Virginia Opry as the Commonwealth of Virginia’s official Opry in 2020.
• Special Theatrical Artists Revue & Showcase (STARS) was founded by AAA in 1996, and STARS has a troupe of 30 performers who have physical disabilities or face intellectual challenges. 
• The Virginia Opry’s musical benefit enabled AAA to donate $3,500 in support of the widow of Caleb Ogilvie, the fallen Covington police officer.
• The Virginia Opry has grown from 10 original members and one band to 71 members and 12 bands.  STARS has grown from its original 10 members to 30 members.
• Additionally, AAA has organized and performed musical benefits and poetry-a-thons that have helped many individuals in the Alleghany Highlands who were suffering from life-threatening diseases or injuries.

Please checkout some videos and pictures of our programs below!

Check out the Virginia Opry in action!  Now the official opry of the state of Virginia!