Southwest Virginia Cultural Center – Abingdon, Virginia
Eight major venues tell the story of our rich musical traditions. Flatfoot at the Carter Fold or the Floyd Country Store: learn about the music’s history at the Blue Ridge Institute, the Ralph Stanley Museum or the Blue Ridge Music Center; join in a jam at the Country Cabin II: hear a live radio show and attend the Old Fiddlers Convention in Galax; and enjoy the sights and sounds of State Street in Bristol, the birthplace of country music. There are concerts and performances year round at or near many of these venues, and they’re a great place to experience our old-time and bluegrass music heritage.
- Blue Ridge Institute and Museum, Ferrum, Franklin County
- The Floyd Country Store and County Record Sales, Floyd, Floyd County
- Rex Theatre and Old Fiddlers Convention, Galax, Grayson County
- Blue Ridge Music Center, Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 215
- Birthplace of Country Music Alliance, Bristol, Washington County
- Carter Family Fold, Hiltons, Scott County
- Country Cabin, Norton, Wise County
- Ralph Stanley Museum, Clintwood, Dickenson County
The major venues tell the story of this region’s rich musical traditions, but there’s a lot more music to be found on and off The Crooked Road. Most communities sponsor a weekly jam, a great place to hear music and learn more about what’s going on in town. Music competitions or conventions are a tradition around here-the biggest one is the Old Fiddlers’ Convention every August in Galax, but there are lots more. Festivals are held annually in dozens of locations, with
several going on every weekend from the first sign of spring to the end of fall color.
JAMS. sit and sway, or join right in. Weekly jams take płace in almost every town and crossroads, and you’re welcome to bring your instrument and join in. At some you can even take lessons or borrow an instrument. Or you can just enjoy listening to the music and meeting the musicians.
COMPETITIONS. make the music better. Competition is an important part of traditional music, one that keeps is strong and growing in Southwest Virginia communities. The Galax Old Fiddlers’ Convention is probably the most famous music competition in the region, but there are plenty of others where musicians vie for prizes and fame. Even more important is the opportunity to test their virtuosity against other players. It keeps musicians sharp – and recognizes and rewards music excellence.
FESTIVALS. every weekend. On every spring, summer and fall weekend, you’ll find festivals in several Southwest Virginia locations. From the Ralph Stanley Hills of Home Festival in the coalfields near Clintwood to the Wayne Henderson Festival at Grayson Highlands State Park, from the Blue Ridge Folklife Festival to Honaker’s Redbud Festival, towns and communities gather to celebrate the great musicians of Southwest Virginia. Bring a lawn chair and be sure to check out the music in the parking lots and campgrounds. Many also feature crafts and food.
DYNAMIC DOWNTOWNS
As you drive through Southwest Virginia’s towns and cities, you’ll see charming old buildings from theaters and storefronts to churches and courthouses. These downtowns were the mecca of daily shopping and the center of community life in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Now they’re the anchors of a cultural renaissance, linking artisan studios, coffee shops, community centers, gift, specialty and antique shops and more. Spend a day or an evening in one of these downtowns and you’ll hear live music, find one of a-kind treasures, talk to interesting folks and get a home-cooked meal.
who’s BEHIND ALL THIS?
The Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Commission, created in 2008 by the Virginia General Assembly, is coordinating efforts to preserve and promote our region’s historic, cultural and recreational resources. Working closely with communities, the commission is identifying and focusing resources to develop sites where visitors can experience the region’s music, crafts, cultural history and outdoor recreation.
Partners include the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, Virginia Tourism Corporation and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Resources.
Funding partners include the Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission and Appalachian Regional Commission.
Sustaining the creative-culture of Southwest Virginia starts with recognition of its unique assets – and letting the world know about them. Our work includes:
- Enhancing opportunities to enjoy outdoor recreation and our region’s incredible biological diversity.
- Helping artisans market and build their businesses through networks like “Round the Mountain.”
- Showcasing our rich musical heritage at major music venues, festivals, jams, and competitions.
- Renovating our downtowns as cultural centers with restaurants, shops, live music and more.
- Bringing high-speed broadband into our communities and enabling you to plan your next adventure.
