The Crooked Road Opens Cultural Event Applications for the 2019 Mountains of Music Homecoming

ABINGDON, VA - The Crooked Road has opened the application period for Cultural Events for the fifth annual Mountains of Music Homecoming, June 7-15. 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 2018, 50 communities in Southwest Virginia participated in the Homecoming through Crooked Road concerts in 24 different communities and over 70 cultural events such as community meals, craft exhibits, canoe floats, jam sessions and many other experiences highlighting the qualities of each community.

“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 Events 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 are accepted online only through Dec. 31. The application form for proposed cultural events can be found on the event website at www.mtnsofmusic.com. Proposed cultural events are reviewed in January and applicants are notified of their application status by no later than Jan. 15.

Cultural Events are promoted by The Crooked Road and its partners 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. A new feature this year is trip itineraries designed to help travelers plan their visit that include cultural events.

“For past Homecomings, 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.