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Galax’s Music Scene & History
Welcome to Galax, Virginia, where the hills echo with the rich and vibrant sounds of bluegrass and old-time mountain music.
The “Old-Time Music Capital of the World”
Galax is known as the “Old-Time Music Capital of the World” and a key stop on Virginia’s musical heritage trail, The Crooked Road, our city is a haven for preserving and passing down the authentic sounds of the Appalachian region. Explore historic venues like The Rex Theater, and join us during the oldest and largest fiddlers’ convention in the world – The Galax Old Fiddler’s Convention. Galax invites you to discover the melodies that have shaped our community and continue to resonate through the mountains.
Explore the Melodies of the Mountains
The Historic Rex Theater
The Rex opened its doors in 1940 and was the only movie theater in the Twin Counties. Today, this iconic venue plays host to a diverse array of live performances, including music concerts spanning genres like bluegrass and folk, captivating theatrical productions, and community events.
The Crooked Road
Galax is a proud participant in Virginia’s musical heritage trail, “The Crooked Road.” This route connects the major musical heritage venues of Southwest Virginia, including Galax, highlighting the traditional sounds that define the region. Follow The Crooked Road to explore the roots of American music and experience the culture that has shaped Galax.
Watch A Short About Galax Music!
Weekly JAM Sessions
Local Jam sessions are held weekly in the area. Bring your instrument and your dancing shoes and join in the fun! The jams are a great way to experience our authentic, traditional music.
MONDAY:
VFW Hillsville
6:30pm
701 W. Stuart Drive
Hillsville, VA
TUESDAY:
Mathews Living History Farm
6:00pm Potluck Supper and Music Jam
476 White Pine Road
Galax, VA
(late May through September)
Creek Bottom Brewery
7:00pm
307 N. Meadow Street
Galax, VA
WEDNESDAY:
Historic 1908 Courthouse
6:30 – 9:00pm
107 West Main Street
Independence, VA
THURSDAY:
DAILY MUSIC AT THE BLUE RIDGE MUSIC CENTER
FREE live music is presented on the covered breezeway from noon to 4 p.m. every day the Music Center is open. Midday Mountain Music features local musicians who play, sing, and tell stories about the songs, people, and traditions of the area. Come sit a spell to listen, learn, and enjoy.
The Blue Ridge Music Center
700 Foothills Road
Galax, VA
Events & Concerts
Galax Old Fiddlers Convention
The Galax Fiddlers Convention is a cherished annual event that brings together musicians and music enthusiasts from all corners of the country to celebrate the rich heritage of Appalachian and bluegrass music. This week-long event features nightly competitions, lively jam sessions, and performances by some of the most talented old-time and bluegrass musicians around. This event occurs the first full week in August.
Blue Ridge Music Center
Located at milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Galax, Virginia, the Blue Ridge Music Center celebrates the music and musicians of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The Visitor Center and Museum are open May through October. Admission to the Visitor Center and Museum is free. The grounds are home to an outdoor amphitheater and an indoor interpretive center.
The indoor center features a theater, gift shop, and museum that highlights the American musical culture still thriving in the region. Guests are welcome to dance to and learn about the music we are proud to support.
While the outdoor amphitheater is a magical, natural venue to enjoy live music by bluegrass, old-time, blues, folk, and Americana artists from across the region and country with the mountains as a breathtaking backdrop
Legends of Grayson Old Time Weekend
The festival includes music performances, master-led open jams, workshops, lectures, film screenings and concerts.
More resources on the history of Old Time Music in Galax:
Wayne Henderson Music Festival
On the third Saturday of every June at Grayson Highlands State Park in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia, the Wayne C. Henderson Music Festival and Guitar Competition features some of the region’s best traditional musicians!
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