Thursday, January 23, 2020

Job Posting - Full-Time Firefighter/Fire Code Official Town of Abingdon


Abingdon’s music scene is on the rise: January Jams in Rolling Stone Magazine


Abingdon’s music scene is on the rise: January Jams in Rolling Stone Magazine

Abingdon, VA – Abingdon has long been known for its art, history, and quaint downtown. Now it’s getting media mentions for… rock n’ roll? It might seem surprising, but over the past eight years, the January Jams concert series has been building a reputation for electrifying live shows at Barter Theatre.  A new Rolling Stone article profiles singer Lilly Hiatt and her national tour, including her January 25th concert in Abingdon, VA. 

Lilly Hiatt has been getting rave reviews for her new album.  ”If Lucinda Williams had contributed a track to the Reality Bites soundtrack, it might’ve sounded a bit like “Brightest Star,” the first taste of Hiatt’s upcoming Walking Proof.” - Rolling Stone, January 13, 2020

Her music is “an irresistible slice of jangle-rock that finds Hiatt pushing her voice into its highest register and using a subtle trill to great effect.”   Rolling Stone, January 9, 2020

NPR notes that her musical genre, and her voice, are hard to pin down. Her third album Trinity Lane draws on “elements of grunge and twang, and give[s] her the space to experiment with vocal attacks that range from steely to spun-sugar sweet.” NPR Music, August 17, 2017

Lilly Hiatt plays Barter Theatre Saturday January 25, 2020 at 8:00pm.  She’s joined by opener Momma Molasses, a Bristol-based singer with a rolling contralto voice which scales over homespun finger-picked guitar. Her sound is warm, rich, and passionate, with songs that embrace, and captivate listeners.

January Jams has made Abingdon a music destination since 2013, drawing visitors from across the southeast and beyond. One particular draw is the chance to see these performers at Barter Theatre, an intimate, 500-seat venue with a unique history rooted in the Great Depression.  A full-service concessions stand is available for adults 21 and up.

New in 2020: Abingdon’s live music continues in February with a brand-new concert series at Barter Theatre. The Abingdon Sessions celebrate the Appalachian influence on American Roots Music, February 14 – 29, 2020. Featuring seasoned and rising artists in American Roots music, Abingdon Sessions is an exciting lineup of award-winning acts including hometown favorite Amythyst Kiah, fresh off her first Grammy nomination for Best American Roots Song, “Black Myself.”
All concerts are at 8:00pm, and doors open at 7:15pm.

For a full listing of musical acts and dates, visit www.abingdonmusicexperience.com. For tickets, call Barter Theatre at (276) 628-3991 or visit www.bartertheatre.com.



Thursday, January 16, 2020

The Crooked Road On Tour Featured at Old Country Church @ WestView, Swoope, VA


Abingdon, Virginia – The Crooked Road On Tour will be featured in a concert at Old Country Church @ WestView in Swoope, VA near Staunton, VA on Saturday, January 25th at 7:00 p.m. This concert highlights the music of The Loose Strings Band and Erynn Marshall & Carl Jones.

The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail performances celebrate the traditional music that has been kept by families and communities of Southwest Virginia since colonial times. Settlers of this mountainous region since the 1700’s have brought various ingredients – a cappella gospel music from German tradition that lives in the Old Regular Baptist churches today; spirituals, emotive singing and a musical gourd we now call a banjo from African tradition; and ballads and fiddles brought by the Scots-Irish and English. Mixed together, these ingredients have produced one of the richest musical traditions on earth.

The Loose Strings Band makes their home in the Blue Ridge Mountains – a place which influences their unique sound. The group came together 15 years ago, and have drawn inspiration from a variety of artists such as Dolly Parton, Alison Krauss, and The Dixie Chicks. Over the years, the group has evolved and continues to make their mark as singer/songwriters, making an impact on the music industry and touching the lives of their listeners.  

Erynn Marshall & Carl Jones are award winning old time musicians and inspired tunesmiths from Galax, Virginia. They sing southern song duets and play powerful fiddle, guitar, mandolin, banjo tunes. Carl & Erynn tour internationally and have many recordings between them including their new duet recording Old Tin.

The Crooked Road On Tour performance at Old Country Church @ WestView is sponsored by the Shenandoah Music Trail and The Crooked Road. The Old Country Church @ WestView is located at 1529 Parkersbirg Turnpike, Swoope, VA 24479. Ticket prices are $10 advance and $12 at the door. For more information and reservations call (540) 209-3540.

This concert marks the opening of a three-day tour, with The Loose Strings Band and Erynn Marshall & Carl Jones, through the state including performances at the American Theatre in Hampton on January 26th and a school concert sponsored by JAMinc in Richmond on January 27th.

For more information about The Crooked Road, please visit www.thecrookedroad.org, call (276) 492-2400 ext. 2409, or email: info@thecrookedroad.org.

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Photos of The Loose Strings Band (contributed photo) and Erynn Marshall & Carl Jones (photo- Jackson & Moser Photography) are attached.




Friday, January 3, 2020

The Yates Family Band Featured in Crooked Road



Abingdon, Virginia – The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail presents the Yates Family Band in concert on Thursday, January 9th from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace (formerly Heartwood) in Abingdon, VA. This concert is part of The Crooked Road Music Series.

The Yates Family Band features Molly Yates (age 19) performing on guitar, mandolin, and banjo and Sadie Yates (age 17) performing on the doghouse bass and guitar. The girls have been performing on stage with their parents Tim (guitar) and Debbie (banjo/fiddle) since they could hold an instrument in their hands. This family-based old-time and bluegrass band from Smyth County, VA has performed at The Carter Fold, the International Bluegrass Music Association festival, and many more venues. Tim and Debbie have combined their lives, talents, and musical roots to create one of the area’s most entertaining musical groups.

The Crooked Road Music Series takes place each Thursday at the SWVA Cultural Center & Marketplace. Visit the SWVA Cultural Center & Marketplace and experience Southwest Virginia's creative and authentic culture. Located off I-81 at Exit 14 in Abingdon, VA, the Cultural Center features youth artists each 2nd Thursday along with open jams on the 1st, 3rd, 4th (and 5th) Thursdays to showcase Southwest Virginia performers.

As part of The Crooked Road's Thursday night live music, the SWVA Cultural Center & Marketplace Cafe features SWVA patty melt and black bean, beef and sweet potato chili. Admission to the concert is free and donations will be accepted for Crooked Road Traditional Music Education Program (TMEP).

More information can be found at The Crooked Road website,www.thecrookedroad.org, and at SWVAculturalcenter.com. For additional information, please call (276) 492-2400, ext. 2409 or email: admin@thecrookedroad.org.

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Photo of the Yates Family Band (credit – Dawn Waters) is attached.

HPRB agenda for the January 8, 2020 meeting