Explore Music & Theater in Virginia’s Great Southwest
Virginia’s Great Southwest is home to the finest pedigree of music. The homeplaces and families of the area’s old-time and country music royalty keep the traditions of mountain music alive and well to this day.
The Carter Family Fold, home of A.P., Sara and Mother Maybelle, honors the family legacy with weekly shows at their more than 800-seat venue in Hiltons. The Carters were one of two groups to record in the Bristol Sessions in 1927, giving birth to country music as we know it today. Tour the restored cabin and birthplace of A.P. Carter, and comb through the artifacts of a lifelong legacy at the Carter Family Memorial Music Center. Pose for photos on the stage that has seen the likes of Johnny Cash, June Carter-Cash, Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart, and John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin.
Just a hop, skip and a bit of flat footin’ down the road, make plans to visit the Allen Hicks Jam in nearby Nickelsville. In addition to the Fold, this is one of several of venues along the Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail. Jam sessions here began with local musicians eagerly waiting to try out Allen’s handmade mandolins. Over time, the jam has drawn a slew of prestigious pickers. You never know who you might see.
Musical stages across the Heart of Appalachia celebrate the music of the region, including the Jettie Baker Center in Clintwood, Country Cabin II in Norton, and the Historic Lay’s Hardware in Coeburn.
Earning itself the distinction of being the longest continuously running site for traditional music along the Crooked Road, Country Cabin was built around 1937. Country Cabin II was constructed some 65 years later for larger audiences and provides a great opportunity for line-dancing, clogging, and that old-time favorite – flat-footing. Speaking of folk dancing, Lay’s Hardware is another ideal location for foot-stomping fun. A replica of Jim and Jesse McReynolds’ mother’s front porch, the Lay’s Hardware stage has seen a host of the region’s favorite musical acts. Don’t forget to check out the walls of the arts center for a host of incredible artwork, all paying homage to the area’s music heritage.
Eclectic venues, such as Axe Handle Distilling in Pennington Gap, attract local and regional musicians. With an outdoor stage and featured weekly food trucks, Axe Handle combines the best of country comfort and sound with a wrap-around porch and rocking chairs, as well as a wide variety of song and spirit.
Theatre also has early roots in the Heart of Appalachia. As far back as the 1890s, coal companies brought in shows from Broadway to entertain families in the coal camps. Theaters were soon built, becoming the focal point for social lives.
Today, many theaters have been restored, including the Lee Theatre in Pennington Gap, the Lyric Theatre in St. Paul, and the Russell Theater in Lebanon. With a wide array of musical and theatrical shows announced regularly, these historic venues offer the best of the area’s entertainment wrapped in nostalgic southern charm.
Notably, The Trail of the Lonesome Pine, which brings the history of the region to life at the June Tolliver Playhouse in Big Stone Gap, is the official outdoor stage drama of Virginia. Its tale of feuding families, long lost love, and music make it a must-see experience.
Nearly every weekend, you’ll find regional venues alive with the music, dance, and pageantry of Southwest Virginia. We look forward to seeing you in the audience.