Music & Tradition Come Alive on the Handmade Music School Stage

One of the highlights of the Floyd Living Traditions Festival is a full day of live music celebrating the rich musical heritage of Floyd County and the Appalachian region.

Presented in partnership with the Floyd Country Store's Handmade Music School, the Outdoor Stage showcases artists and tradition bearers who are helping preserve, share, and carry forward the living traditions of Appalachian music. From gospel singing and traditional ballads to old-time string bands and community favorites, each performance reflects the deep cultural roots that continue to shape our region today.

Outdoor Stage Schedule

10:00–10:45 AM

Little River Missionary Baptist Church Choir

The Handmade Music School and Floyd Center for the Arts are proud to welcome the Little River Missionary Baptist Church Choir from right here in Floyd County. Their uplifting blend of traditional and contemporary gospel music honors a deep commitment to faith while celebrating the power of community through song.

11:00 AM–12:00 PM

Ballads of Southwest Virginia and North Carolina featuring Elsa Howell & Murphy Campbell

Traditional Appalachian ballad singers Elsa Howell and Murphy Campbell explore the rich tradition of mountain ballad singing through songs passed down across generations. Their performance highlights the enduring stories, melodies, and voices that have shaped Appalachian culture for centuries.

12:15–1:15 PM

Handmade Music School Youth String Band

Experience the next generation of Appalachian musicians as students from the Handmade Music School demonstrate how traditional music is passed from one generation to the next. Through old-time and bluegrass music, these young performers help ensure the region's musical traditions continue to thrive.

1:30–2:30 PM

Virginia Hollow

Hailing from Floyd, Virginia, Virginia Hollow blends Americana, country, folk, rock, and bluegrass influences into soulful mountain music. Led by songwriter Carrie Hinkley, the trio performs original songs inspired by life in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

2:45–3:45 PM

Skinny Creek

Founded in 2020, Skinny Creek is a celebrated old-time dance band known for its driving fiddle tunes, lively dance music, and deep roots in Virginia's traditional mountain music scene. Festival audiences can expect an energetic performance full of old-time favorites.

4:00–5:00 PM

Handmade Music School Harmonic Heritage Series Honoring Marvin Harlow

The day concludes with a special performance honoring legendary Floyd County musician Marvin Harlow. As part of the Handmade Music School's Harmonic Heritage Series, this program celebrates the voices and music of elder tradition bearers whose contributions have helped shape the musical identity of Floyd County and Southwest Virginia.

Celebrating Living Traditions

The Outdoor Stage is more than a concert series - it's a living celebration of Appalachian culture. Through music, stories, and shared experiences, these performers help connect audiences with traditions that continue to inspire new generations.

Join us Saturday, August 22, from 10 AM–5 PM for the award-winning 4th Annual Floyd Living Traditions Festival at the Floyd Center for the Arts. Admission is free.

Learn more and view the full festival schedule:https://www.floydartcenter.org/floyd-living-traditions-festival