Music

He’s eleven, holding a mandolin that’s older than he is. The tune he’s picking is older still. In Galax, kids don’t just learn music—they inherit it. They learn the same way their grandparents did: by ear, through repetition, and by…

How’s this for an unlikely scenario? A group of musicians from Galax, Virginia, fresh off a barbershop jam session, lands a gig playing for the President of the United States. No slick arrangements, no polished act—just a handful of local…

Galax, Virginia, has earned its title as “The World Capital of Old-Time Mountain Music.” One name, however, stands as the cornerstone of this rich tradition—Ernest “Pop” Stoneman. Known for his pioneering spirit, Stoneman was more than just a musician; he…

Music has always found a way to seep into the cracks of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s in the air, the wind, and the heartbeat of the hills. And right at the core of this soundscape is the Galax dulcimer.…

Entering Galax, VA, from either east or west, it’s clear that the town is serious about its music: the greeting signs read, “Welcome to Galax, the World Capital of Old Time Mountain Music.” Students of traditional American music confirm that…