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Music Venues Highlighted at Third Trail Event
From staff reports
Last week, tourism officials welcomed the new director of the Crooked Road, Virginia's Musical Heritage Trail at the best-known musical venue in Scott County.Last Thursday, Scott County Tourism Director Kathie Noe introduced Jack Hinshelwood during his first official visit to the county at the Carter Family Fold at the third meeting to highlight the county's "trail" system.
This time round, the attention was focused on a new county music trail, which includes a map of the destinations that was complied by Levi Coldiron of the Scott County E-911 Office.
"It all started with gathering in and pickin’ and singing at A. P. Carter’s store all those many years ago," Noe explained. "Therefore it is fitting that on this day the music venues of Scott County – the very places that are carrying on this tradition – are introduced at the museum that honors and pays tribute to our famous music family – the Carter Family."
As the county's tourism cheerleader, Noe has been spreading the word about the county's many attractions and has featured a different aspect each month. On Aug. 5, the county's musical heritage and numerous venues playing traditional music were emphasized.
"There are so many venues for people to go listen to music in the county," she said. "And I want you all to tell those who say there's nothing to do in Scott Count about all of these musical venues we have."
Hinshelwood, who officially began his position in late July, remarked he was thrilled to be on the job and part of an "awakening" of the region.
"I am happy to be part of the awakening of the region's cultural heritage and assets and how they can be an economic driver for the region," he noted. "In Scott County, it's good to see folks who get it and it's impressive to see the potential out there."
Hinshelwood said the development of the Crooked Road, which was named as one of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s 2010 Dozen Distinctive Destinations, had accomplished much during its short existence. Most importantly was the establishment of a brand for the region's music.
He noted three potential ideas in the works included a continuous music festival that travels to stops on the Crooked Road, an annual awards program and the establishment of traditional music programs at high schools and community colleges.
"My hat's off to Scott County for what's happening here," Hinshelwood concluded.
Venues featured at the event included Natural Tunnel State Park, Front Porch Deli, The Silver Spur, Estillville Bed & Breakfast Friday Night Concerts, McMurray Grocery Friday Night Jams, Pickin' at the Spot, The Lazy Time Pickin' Parlor, Scott County Telephone Community Music, the Carter Fold and Allen Hicks Friday Night Jams.
Festivals included on the music trail map Clinch Mountain Music Fest, The Punkin Patch, Nickelsville Days, Duffield Daze, 'Papa' Joe Smiddy Festival, Mountain Music Day, Mountain Treasures Festival, Explore Scott County Outdoors Festival and Share the Blessing.
Other speakers at the event included E-911 Director Tim Addington, Scott County EDA Director John Kilgore Jr. and Rita Forrester - Director of the Carter Family Fold.
Help Wanted
Church MusicianGate City United Methodist Church in Gate City, VA currently has an opening for a part-time Church Musician. The successful candidate must be available 2 hours on Wednesday nights and 2 hours on Sunday mornings plus special events as needed. Five years of experience is required. The Church Musician must work with the Choir Director, Choir and other musicians. Salary is negotiable. To apply, please mail resume and references to: Staff-Parish Relations Committee, Gate City United Methodist Church, 255 Walnut Street, Gate City, VA 24251 or gatecityumc@yahoo.com. Please call 276-386-7083 for more information.