We spoke today with Jack Hinshelwood, Executive Director of Virginia’s Crooked Road. He had some interesting news about the Mountains of Music Homecoming, their big summer event with music and cultural happenings all across the southwestern portions of the state.
First of all, Jack was happy to share that shows and concerts have been going gangbusters this week in many locations, supported by locals and out-of-out-of-towners alike. There are still several days of shows to go, and he feels confident that their business partners are sufficiently pleased with how things have gone to make a second edition in 2016 likely.
“In this first year, we have laid some pretty heavy duty foundation and infrastructure, and the message was sent out with a lot of clarity that it’s a complete cultural experience – it’s more than going to a concert, it’s going to a place where the music lives.
We have a blue million ideas about how to improve the experience for attendees, and to allow them to make a real connection between the people in these little communities and the visiting artists and music lovers.”
Jack also said that all the shows this week have been professionally recorded, with the release of a CD expected in the near future. He couldn’t say for sure what will be included, but did mention a version of the Star Spangled Banner performed by Jesse McReynolds at The Carter Fold, and twin fiddling from young Carson Peters with Mark O’Connor at The Lincoln Theatre in Marion.
We hope to learn more about the CD once all of the recordings are competed this weekend.
If possible, Hinshelwood said he hopes to include more Southern cuisine in the various offerings next year. There a number of celebrated chefs who operate established restaurants in major cities, but who have a background in the Appalachian region.
Mountain food… mountain music… mountain culture. Sounds like a great way to spend a few days.
Hinshelwood also shared a few photos taken at the Carter Fold in Hiltons, VA last Friday night, courtesy of Virginia Tourism. It featured local guitar hero Wayne Henderson, and southwestern Virginia native Jesse McReynolds and his Virginia Boys.
Mountains of Music shows in southwestern Virginia continue through June 20.
