The Blue Ridge Heartland is immensely rich in its heritage of music and dance. This region of southwestern Virginia and northwestern North Carolina is regarded nationally and internationally as a wellspring of American traditional music. The ancient roots of American music pass directly through the Blue Ridge Heartland. Today the hills and valleys ring out with the sounds of old timers as well as a younger generation who has been energized by a respect for Appalachian traditions and folklife. Fiddlers' conventions are a focal point of regional culture and a savvy visitor can fill a summer with weekend excursions to conventions in Elk Creek, Fries, Galax, Marion, Mount Airy, Sparta, and many other communities. Whether it's a performance by the legendary Doc Watson before an audience of over 50,000 at Wilkes County's Merlefest in April, musical performances at the Blue Ridge Music Center or an impromptu gathering of pickers and flatfooters at a farmers' market, our region is filled with the spirit of its music.

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