A! Magazine for the Arts

'The Crooked Road' News

January 25, 2010

The Crooked Road: Virginia's Heritage Music Trail has announced a 100% renewal in contributions from the three cities, 19 towns and 10 counties that have maintained their commitment to The Crooked Road's mission to generate tourism and economic development in Southwest Virginia by celebrating and preserving this region's unique musical and cultural heritage.

In addition to providing organizational and operational support for The Crooked Road, these funds are essential in providing matching support that has enabled The Crooked Road to receive various grants. The Crooked Road also has forged positive and productive partnerships with eight major venues and 40 affiliated partners, musicians and luthiers, and arts and tourism agencies.

A recent Economic Impact Assessment reported that The Crooked Road generates more than $23 million in annual economic impact to Southwest Virginia. In the past three years The Crooked Road has spent more than $1 million in promoting and marketing the region throughout the state of Virginia, nationally, and internationally. Several major venues have received state and federal funding as a result of their affiliation with The Crooked Road.

Participating cities in Virginia are Bristol, Norton, and Galax. Supporting towns are: Abingdon, Appalachia, Big Stone Gap, Clintwood, Coeburn, Damascus, Floyd, Fries, Gate City, Glade Spring, Haysi, Hillsville, Independence, Jonesville, Pound, Pennington Gap, Rocky Mount, Stuart, and Wise. Participating counties include Carroll, Dickenson, Floyd, Franklin, Grayson, Lee, Patrick, Scott, Washington, and Wise.

For additional information, visit www.thecrookedroad.org or call 276-292-2085.

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