ABINGDON, VA - The Crooked Road has opened the application period for Cultural Events for the fourth annual Mountains of Music Homecoming, June 8-16. Cultural and civic organizations, colleges, churches, businesses, and individuals are encouraged to submit applications to present authentic cultural events as part of the Homecoming. In 2017, 47 communities in Southwest Virginia participated in the Homecoming through Crooked Road concerts in 25 different communities and over 130 cultural events such as community meals, craft exhibits, canoe floats, jam sessions and many other experiences unique to the communities of the region.
"Cultural Events play a major role in shaping the experience of attendees to the Mountains of Music Homecoming," said Crooked Road Executive Director Jack Hinshelwood. "Our goal is to highlight the authentic culture and natural beauty of Southwest Virginia, and the cultural events are the primary means of doing that. The region abounds in unique experiences based on our music, culture, cuisine, history, crafts and outdoor adventures."
Eligible Cultural Events fall into categories including: Community Meal and Food Events, Community Hosted Concerts, Visual or Performing Arts, Agritourism, Participatory Events, Learning Opportunities, Outdoor Events and Jam Sessions. Cultural Experiences focus on traditional mountain music, culture and arts and should provide authentic views into SWVA heritage and culture. The Cultural Events are meant to enhance the appreciation for what makes each community exceptional.
Mountains of Music Homecoming Cultural Event applications will be accepted online from Nov. 1 to Jan. 9. The application form for proposed cultural events can be found on the event website at www.mtnsofmusic.com. Proposed cultural events will be reviewed in January and applicants will be notified of their application status by no later than Feb. 1.
Cultural Events are marketed by The Crooked Road and local affiliates with The Crooked Road at no charge to the presenter. Detailed information on the Homecoming's Cultural Events will be featured on the MoMH website, the 76-page Homecoming Guide, community programs and social media.
"Last year, Southwest Virginia's communities hosted music and flatfoot dance workshops, local wine and craft beer tastings, woodcarving demonstrations, Indian artifact exhibits, genealogy workshops, songwriting events, scenic hikes, instrument and quilt making demonstrations, music film showings, canoe and kayak trips, wild cave tours, community storytelling, community meals, and lots of jam sessions where locals and visitors shared songs and played tunes together," said Hinshelwood. "The cultural experiences presented in the communities are where the Homecoming spirit really shines the brightest."
In addition to cultural experiences, Crooked Road concerts will be held throughout the Mountains of Music Homecoming. These Crooked Road concerts present the finest traditional artists the region has to offer as well as national and international touring artists.
For more information about The Crooked Road's Mountains of Music Homecoming, call 276 492-2409 or visit www.mtnsofmusic.com to sign up for e-newsletter updates.
