There are several reasons why our region is known as the “World’s Capital of Old Time Mountain Music”. Each Friday, “Blue Ridge Country” WBRF-FM 98.1 broadcasts live bluegrass and folk music from the historic Rex Theater in downtown Galax, drawing listeners over the air from four states and online from more than 50 countries. Galax also hosts the annual Old Fiddler’s Convention each August. From its roots as a gathering of local musicians in 1935, the Fiddler’s Convention has grown exponentially, now bringing together bands and individual performers from all over the world who share a passion for old-time music. The Wayne C. Henderson Music Festival, the Fries Fiddler’s Convention also attract music lovers from around the region.

With big events like these it’s no wonder that the Blue Ridge Crossroads region is a main stop on the 300-mile route known as The Crooked Road, which connects the most important heritage music sites in Southwest Virginia. Our musical culture runs much deeper than popular broadcasts and big stages, however; smaller, weekly pickin’ sessions are held in numerous locations, including the Blue Ridge Music Center, and the attentive visitor may even hear the faint song of a harmonica or fiddle as one generation, in the spirit of mountain tradition, passes their musical heritage to the next.