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Events can be submitted to jsage@wythenews.com by 5 p.m. each Monday.
July 11
Floyd Country Store: Nadine Landry and Sammy Lind play traditional fiddle music that has been passed on for hundreds of years. Nadine was born and raised in a musical family on Quebec’s Gaspé Peninsula. Equally comfortable on guitar and upright bass, she has played in bands that perform old-time, honky-tonk, swing, and Cajun music. Born in Minnesota, Sammy has established himself as one of the most critically acclaimed old-time fiddle players in the USA. Their recordings reflect their versatility, as they alternate between fiddle, banjo, guitar, and accordion, while always staying true to the roots of traditional American music. Both Nadine and Sammy are members of the Portland, Oregon-based Foghorn Stringband. Catch the show at 7 p.m.
Chateau Morrisette: Will host Music on the Courtyard on Saturday, July 11, featuring Kinnfolk from 1-4 p.m. and will feature Ryan Patterson on Sunday, July 12, from 1-4 p.m. This free event is held every weekend and features various local artists. We welcome families to relax and enjoy the music--including leashed dogs. Chateau Morrisette is located at 291 Winery Rd SW, Floyd, VA 24091.
July 16
Small Town Summer: Jstop Latin Soul will provide a Salsa dance party in Floyd on Thursday, July 16. On the bill with the Roanoke-based group that blends Afro-Cuban rhythms, Latin soul and jazz is the Robert Jospe Quartet. Cap off the night with the film “How to Train Your Dragon.”
July 18
Floyd Country Store: Multi-Grammy nominated Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen is a torrent of mind-blowing bluegrass. Known for their meaty, pile-driving rhythms and Frank’s dynamic and bold vocals, the band’s last two albums have both received a Grammy nomination for Best Bluegrass Album. They have twice been named IBMA Instrumental Group of the Year and earned numerous other IBMA noms including Male Vocalist of the Year, Mandolin Player of the Year, and in 2013, received Banjo Player of the Year. Their massive sound and show stealing performances command the most prestigious stages in the country and abroad; from The Grand Ole Opry to the biggest international festivals across Europe, South America and Australia. The band has performed at the most renowned bluegrass festivals including Telluride, MerleFest, Grey Fox, RockyGrass, Delfest, Strawberry Music Festival, Pickin’ in the Pines, ROMP, and countless more. The band’s respect and deep understanding of the bluegrass tradition collides, live on stage, with rock-tinged fiery virtuosity that pushes the boundaries of the genre.
July 30
Small Town Summer: Southern rocker, blues man and jazz fuse together Thursday, July 30, with the Willie Williams Band. Opening the night is Downriver Collective, a 2024 IBMA Momentum Band award winner.
Aug. 13
Small Town Summer: Rock and roll mainstays American Aquarium will take the stage on Thursday Aug. 13. Buskers turned band The Deer Run Drifters are also on the bill.
Aug. 22
Floyd Country Store: Join us at 7 p.m. for an evening of stories and songs in tribute to the legendary Herschel Sizemore with Alan Bibey & Grasstowne — one of the hottest and most energetic bands touring today! Band leader, Alan Bibey, is a multi-award winning and Grammy nominated artist known for his exceptional mandolin mastery. Joined by two-time SPBGMA Bass Player of the Year, Zak McLamb, one of the most highly respected banjo players in bluegrass, Justin Jenkins, flat picker and rhythm guitarist, Jeff Huffman and Kati Penn, well known as one of the greatest voices and fiddle players in Bluegrass.
New Standard brings together a variety of styles and influences ranging from traditional music to contemporary bluegrass and gospel artists. The band continues to expand its performance horizons up and down the Blue Ridge today. Spencer Blankenship studied mandolin with Herschel Sizemore for many years and carries Herschel’s mandolin style forward through his work with New Standard.
Aug. 27
Small Town Summer: Close out the concert series on Thursday, Aug. 27, with a honky tonk party brought to you by the SWVA Honky Tonk All Stars featuring Redd Volkaert, Rachael Hester, Silas Hamilton, Adam Clark and Chris Blankenship. Opening is Jesse Smathers and Nick Goad.
Aug. 22
Floyd Country Store: Carson Peters & Iron Mountain are scheduled to perform at 7 p.m. Carson Peters and Iron Mountain has quickly become one of the most energetic and hottest bands in the business, making numerous trips to the Grand Ole Opry, multiple international appearances, and having countless songs on the bluegrass and bluegrass gospel charts. Their traditional style and a cappella arrangements are a refreshing reminder that the bluegrass of old is alive and well.
Sept. 5
Floyd Country Store: For nearly four decades, Laurie Lewis has gathered fans and honors for her powerful and emotive voice and her versatile, dynamic songwriting. She is a sought-after recording producer and an equally skilled teacher and mentor. And she is an inspiration and a ground-breaker – across genres, across geography and across gender barriers. Laurie has shown us how a woman can blend into any part of the classic bluegrass singing trio, and she showed us how a great voice could move fluidly between bluegrass and other types of music. She showed us how a female fiddler could emulate the strength and grit of the early bluegrass musicians. She has shown how a Californian can appeal to traditional bluegrass audiences, as well as winning acclaim in the worlds of Americana and folk music. Lewis takes the stage at 7 p.m.
Sept. 6
Floyd Country Store: Della Mae is a GRAMMY-nominated all-woman string band featuring founding members Celia Woodsmith (lead vocalist/guitarist) and 2-time Grand National champion fiddle player Kimber Ludiker, along with guitarist Avril Smith, and two-time IBMA Bass Player of the Year Vickie Vaughn.
Hailing from across North America, and reared in diverse musical styles, Della Mae is one of the most charismatic and engaging roots bands touring today. They have traveled to over 30 countries spreading peace and understanding through music. Their mission as a band is to showcase top female musicians, and to improve opportunities for women and girls through advocacy, mentorship, programming, and performance. Catch Della Mae at 7 p.m.
Sept. 12
Floyd Country Store: Jake Blount Band & Hubby Jenkins are scheduled for 7 p.m. A powerfully gifted musician and a scholar of Black American music, Jake Blount speaks ardently about the African roots of the banjo and the subtle, yet profound ways African Americans have shaped and defined the amorphous categories of roots music and Americana. Opening the evening will be multi-instrumentalist Hubby Jenkins. As an integral member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops and later Rhiannon Giddens band, Hubby has performed at festivals and venues around the world, earning himself both Grammy and Americana award nominations.
Sept. 26
Floyd Country Store: Square Dance Night is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Caller will be L.P. Kelly.
Oct. 10
Floyd Country Store: The Seldom Scene return for a 7 p.m. show. The Seldom Scene never disappoint! Fifty-three years into a legendary career, much has changed about The Seldom Scene, starting with the venerable progressive bluegrass quintet’s various lineup iterations over time. But even as band members have stepped in and out of various roles, what’s most important is what hasn’t changed: an undeniable knack for blending both old and new music and traditions without sacrificing what makes either potent and durable. Their current iteration is a true blue lineup: guitarist mandolin player Lou Reid, bassist Ronnie Simpkins, banjoist and fiddler Ron Stewart, dobro player Fred Travers, and guitarist Clay Hess.
Oct. 10
Floyd Country Store: The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys take the stage at 7 p.m. At a time when most people feel constantly distracted by technology and barraged by the news, authenticity and straightforward honesty are paramount. There’s something about the music of The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys that cuts right through the noise of the world and speaks plainly to the soul. Formed in the Smoky Mountains, The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys are at once exactly what you would expect and not at all what you would expect from a tattooed East Tennessee Bluegrass outfit. They take pride in being ambassadors of their genre, and the group has brought their music from rural bluegrass festival stages to the rock clubs of Europe, with stunning results.
Nov. 7
Floyd Country Store: Nic Gareiss & Simon Chrisman are set to play at 7 p.m. as part of Step-A-Tune Dance Weekend! Join us for a breathtaking evening of song, instrumental music, and percussive dance. Nic Gareiss (percussive dance, vocals) and Simon Chrisman (hammer dulcimer, vocals) are both leading innovators within their practices, Nic and Simon meld their unique approaches, weaving traditional percussive dance, instrumental tunes, improvisations, traditional songs, and new compositions through interlocking rhythms and dynamic textures. Well-known for his work with the groundbreaking new acoustic string bands Kittel & Co. and the Bee Eaters, Simon's music combines "chamber music’s finely calibrated arrangements with bluegrass’s playful virtuosity and pop music’s melodic resourcefulness." (Boston Herald) One of Dance Magazine's "25 to Watch," Nic Gareiss has been hailed for his "dexterous melding of Irish and Appalachian dance" (New York Times) and called "the most inventive and expressive step dancer on the scene" by the Boston Herald.
Nov. 14
Floyd Country Store: Jerron Paxton & Dennis Lichtman are scheduled for a 7 p.m. show. Jerron Paxton and Dennis Lichtman are world-renowned multi-instrumentalists and vocalists whose mutual love of the history, stories, and significance behind the music they play is apparent as they romp through an energetic and engaging set of acoustic blues, ragtime, Tin Pan Alley pop songs, 1920s jazz, twin fiddle hoe-downs, and original songs and compositions. The duo were artists-in-residence at Symphony Space in New York City for the 2024-25 season and recently released their first full-length duo recording. As a soloist, Paxton is a Smithsonian Folkways recording artist, mainstay of the international blues festival circuit, and former artistic director of the Port Townsend Acoustic Blues Festival. Lichtman is a master of the clarinet, mandolin, and fiddle whose performance and recording credits include David Byrne, Pokey LaFarge, HBO’s Succession and The Plot Against America, Jim Kweskin, and his own solo projects.
Nov. 28
Floyd Country Store: Lonesome River Band take the stage at 7 p.m. LRB returns to the Floyd Country Store for their annual, much-loved, post Thanksgiving celebration! Since its formation decades ago, Lonesome River Band continues its reputation as one of the most respected names in bluegrass music. Five-time International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Banjo Player of the Year, and winner of the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass, Sammy Shelor leads the group that is constantly breaking new ground in acoustic music. With two stellar lead vocalists, Jesse Smathers (guitar) and Adam Miller (mandolin), and the impressive talents of Mike Hartgrove (fiddle) and Kameron Keller (bass), the band seamlessly comes together, performing the trademark sound that fans continue to embrace.
