3rd Annual Legends of Grayson Old-time Weekend
April 5th & 6th, 2024
Grayson County is home to many world-renowned musicians both past and present. Legends of Grayson Old-time Weekend is held the first weekend in April at the Historic 1908 Courthouse in Independence, VA. Each year a legend of old-time music such as Thornton Spencer or Uncle Wade Ward is celebrated. It will take 100 years before we run out of legends!
The festival occurs Friday night and all-day Saturday in the Historic 1908 Courthouse. In between music, visitors can shop for Grayson County merchandise in the County Tourism Office.
The Crossroads Museum is also housed inside the building, so festival attendees can see and read about the rich cultural heritage of the region. Artifacts include the dress Eleanor Roosevelt wore to the Whitetop Music Festival in 1933—a true testament to how rich Grayson’s musical heritage is. This is a unique opportunity for serious students of mountain music and fans alike to come together and share their passion for Appalachian Old-time music and history.
The third annual Legends of Grayson Old-Time Weekend will be held at the Historic 1908 Courthouse in Independence, Va. on April 5-6, 2024. Benefitting Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM), The Mt. Rogers School, and The Historic 1908 Courthouse Foundation, this festive weekend celebration honors past old-time legends from Virginia’s musically rich Grayson County who continue to influence new generations. In 2024, we pay tribute to Rugby guitarist and gospel singer E.C. Ball and his wife Orna Ball, along with Fries guitar and folk singing legends Jesse Lovell and Evelyn Farmer.
Legends of Grayson is a related event of The Crooked Road and The Blue Ridge Music Center and is developed by Peach Bottom Partners for Grayson County Tourism. It’s two days of music, history, storytelling, dance, workshops and fun in the heart of the Blue Ridge.
Evening concerts will showcase Eddie Bond, Stevie Barr and friends on Friday’s tribute to Jesse and Evelyn, and Wayne Henderson and friends will perform on Saturday night. Participants will include the The Spencer Family, Tessa Dillon McCoy and Grammy Award Winner Chance McCoy, Eric Hill, Jayne Henderson, Brian Grim, Debbie Grim Yates, Tom Mylet, Jackson Cunningham, Dale Morris, Jim Llloyd, Steve Kilby and an all-star cast of musicians. Friends, family members and bandmates will be on hand to play and discuss the legacies of these legends.
Master-led jams and workshops will be held throughout both days, along with lively roundtable storytelling by those who lived the experience.
Once again, Legends will feature JAM students presented by Brett Morris with up-and-coming young players. Delicious food options will be available at the event site with plenty of lodging nearby.
Purchase tickets here now to ensure availability. Learn more at facebook.com/Legends-of-Grayson-Old-Time-Weekend-106367601744920/
