Move to the Music in MHC

Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and just 20 minutes away from The Crooked Road Heritage Music Trail, Martinsville-Henry County offers a wide variety of musical opportunities for bluegrass, old-time, traditional country and music fans of every genre to enjoy.

From packed-house performances, including the Virginia Symphony, to flat-footin' jamborees and weekend music festivals, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So during your next visit to Martinsville-Henry County, be sure to experience...

Billy's Flea Market Music Jamboree- Billy hosts a weekly "Music Jamboree" every Sunday afternoon with music and dancing. The location, Billy's, couldn't be more fitting. The flea market is a rustic, weather-worn building that reminds you of days gone by. This event is the perfect way for visitors to mix with locals.

You can't miss Billy's Flea Market. Just look for the giant banjo mounted on the front of the building. The jam begins at 2:00, but come early and enjoy a delicious homemade sausage biscuit‚ cup of coffee or some other bit of local fare before the music starts.

The music and dance session occurs in a spacious interior room furnished with a large dance floor so you can cut a rug. While the music is played inside‚ other musicians gather outside in the yard to jam and joke around.

Hardee's Tuesday Morning Jamboree- "The Hardee Bunch" invites everyone out on Tuesday mornings to the Stanleytown Hardee's to enjoy old-style Country & Gospel music. The weekly session started in 1994 as a birthday celebration for a member who was celebrating his 91st birthday. The band, friends, customers and restaurant employees enjoyed it so much that the group decided to meet each week and play music.

According to Eleanor Kendrick, long time member and Hardee employee, "We don't know who will come to help sing or play, but we know everybody will join in." Little did she know that what started out with 5 singers and 1 guitar would now involve more than 25 individuals singing and playing instruments. Folks will be singing, clapping and dancing the morning away and they invite you to do the same.

The musicians even accept song requests from the audience. Enjoy breakfast, friends and music: a great way to start your day!

Mountain Music Jam at Fieldale Antiques- If you are planning on visiting Fieldale Antiques, make sure it's on a Friday afternoon because you will get a double dose of fun. Not only will you get to visit the 1950's Shell prototype antique store filled with collectibles, but you can enjoy the Mountain Music jam session taking place in the front room.

Good old-fashioned Mountain Music is what you hear when you step through the doors. Musicians will be seated in a circle blowing harmonicas, singing, and strumming all types of string instruments, some of which were made by a local resident who loves music.

While you browse the shop, enjoy listening to great music. You can even bring your instrument, grab a seat and join the jam session already in progress. There's no such thing as too many players! At this Mountain Music Jam, everyone's welcome. Spend your Friday afternoons shopping for antiques, singing, dancing and playing at Fieldale Antiques.

Spencer-Penn Center Music Night- On the second Friday of each month, head out to the historic Spencer-Penn Centre to enjoy a great night of Bluegrass and Gospel music. Spencer-Penn was a public school for 77 years and is now a community and special events center. Bring your appetite because delicious concessions featuring homemade desserts, chicken salad, BBQ and lip-smacking hotdogs will be served beginning at 5 p.m. The evening starts off with a jam/open mic session during dinner followed by 1 or 2 featured bands then the main act. This month, Chords of Faith, Jason Harris and Friends and Jus Cauz will be performing. 

Pickers and Fiddlers Bluegrass Gospel & Mountain Music Songfest- Musicians and music lovers are invited to the Pickers and Fiddlers Bluegrass Gospel and Mountain Music Songfest at Pocahontas Bassett Baptist Church. This event is held the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. If you play the guitar, banjo or mandolin, they want you to chime in! Bring your instrument and join fellow music lovers and musicians to play a few songs together. If you love music but can't play, you may pick it up by attending each month. No one is a stranger at the Songfest. This event is free. Coffee and doughnuts will be provided. Residents and visitors are invited to come out for a great Saturday morning filled with fellowship and music.

Bluegrass At The Rives Concert Series- These monthly bluegrass concerts are presented by the Lions Club of Martinsville & Henry County. The series brings outstanding bluegrass concerts to the Rives Theatre in Uptown Martinsville on the 3rd Saturday of each month.

The lineup consists of many familiar favorites that music lovers have grown to love. The doors open at 5 p.m. with a Pot Luck band and the featured performer begins at 7 p.m. Concessions are available. This month the Rives will host Skyline Drive. 

Rooster Walk Music & Arts Festival- Rooster Walk is held on Memorial Day weekend each year at the Blue Mountain Festival Grounds and provides attendees with four days of music and fun. One of the best things about RW is that the series features a variety of musical genres including: funk, rock, bluegrass, country, blues, reggae, jazz, Americana and more. In addition to great music, there are arts & crafts, food and children's activities. Even better, children 12 and under are admitted free with a paying adult. Primitive camping is available. Campers are welcome including RVs, tow-behinds and pop-ups. (No electricity). Also, on Sunday afternoons, the festival grounds welcome the Tuff Strutter 5K Trail Run. Talk about a great running opportunity. You won't even need your iPod to pump you up!

Named one of the Southeast's top 100 outdoor events in 2012 by Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine, Rooster Walk is an experience that you should not miss! (Photo by Roger Gupta) 

TGIF Summer Concert Series- Martinsville Uptown invites you to come dance, sing and enjoy great music at the TGIF Outdoor Summer Concert Series! For 20 years now, TGIF has been the most popular musical entertainment event in the city of Martinsville. On the third Friday night of each month, the public gets to hear terrific music at a great price. Beginning in 2014, all concerts will be held in the Broad Street parking lot, across from Studio 107. The 2014 officially marks the 20th anniversary of the TGIF concerts and Martinsville Uptown is preparing a two night event to kickoff the season. That's right! Two shows; Thursday, May 15th and Friday, May 16th.The fun begins at 7pm and tickets are just $5.  

Fun Fact- Did you know that Martinsville-Henry County is home to singer-songwriter Josh Shilling of Mountain Heart? Shilling, who also plays guitar and the keyboard, made his first appearance with Mountain Heart at the Grand Old Opry. What a way to start! Shilling currently lives in Hendersonville, Tennessee. (Source: JimEanes.com)

You can also take part in the following weekly events:
Karaoke at Wild Magnolia on Sunday
Karaoke at The Flying Dutchman Lounge on Tuesday
DJ Ryan at Mtn' Jax and Karaoke at Wild Magnolia on Wednesday
Open Jam Session at Mtn' Jax on Thursday

We hope to see you stomping your feet and clapping your hands in Martinsville-Henry County soon!