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The Crooked Road is proud to celebrate two decades of contributing to the creative economy in Southwest Virginia. The Crooked Road was designated as Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail by the General Assembly in 2004.
The Crooked Road is a roughly 330-mile driving trail that follows U.S. Route 58 to connect 10 major venues and more than 50 affiliate venues throughout Southwest Virginia that feature and celebrate the region’s traditional musical heritage. The organization offers marketing, live music, and educational programs to 19 counties and four cities in the Southwest Virginia footprint.
The Crooked Road’s marketing and musician promotion supports Southwest Virginia communities as an economic driver, promoting domestic and international travel to the region. In 2022, visitor spending across the region topped $1.3 billion.

“I am so proud of The Crooked Road’s work to foster community and economic development around Southwest Virginia’s cultural music scene. We’ve shown the world that we can build a new economy while not sacrificing our heritage and identity,” said Tyler Hughes, executive director of The Crooked Road. “As an old-time musician and Southwest Virginia native, I know firsthand the impact this organization’s support has on venues, artists, and communities.

The Crooked Road will partner with several accomplished music venues throughout the region to commemorate the anniversary year. Some of the dates include:

– April 27: Appalachia Rising, The Carter Family 

– May 25: Gathering in the Gap, Big Stone Gap

– June 15: The Crooked Road’s 20th Anniversary Celebration, Country Cabin

– July 12: Celebrating 20 Years of The Crooked Road, Moss Arts Center

– August 2: The Crooked Road’s 20th Anniversary Celebration, Rex Theatre

– August 3: The Carter Family Fold Festival, The Carter Family Fold

– September 13-15: Rhythm & Roots Reunion Festival, Bristol