The Floyd Country Store and Friday Night Jamboree
2019-01-24 17:12:44If you're a fan of mountain music and find yourself near Floyd, VA you owe it to yourself to stop by The Floyd Country Store. It's not only a genuine country store that has been in operation for over a century, it's also a center of authentic Appalachian music!
The Floyd Country Store is a real store that has been serving the good people of Floyd and their visitors for over 100 years.
Stepping over the threshold is a bit like stepping back in time. Creaking wood floors, barrels of old-fashioned candy, shelves of bib overalls, rolling pins, and other household and farm goods. They carry a healthy supply of locally made items like preserves, soaps, and lotions, too.
What the Floyd Country Store is most famous for, however, isn't its historic retail operation.
The for-sale collection of hard-to-find, old-time and bluegrass CDs is your first clue. Then there's the likelihood that you'll see someone - or many someones - strolling through the store with an instrument case at the ready.
As it turns out, the store's real fame comes from having become a traditional gathering place for musicians and music lovers.
It all started in the 1980's when a local bluegrass band started using the store as a Friday, after-hours rehearsal space. Passerby would often stop and ask if they could come in and listen. After a while, the band tired of the intrusions and decided to just leave that darn door open.
They've yet to shut it, having accidentally birthed the core of a tradition.
Floyd Country Store Friday Night Jamboree
The Friday Night Jamboree attracts musicians, dancers, locals, and visitors from all over the world. It remains an outstanding opportunity to experience authentic gospel, old-time, and bluegrass music. Flatfoot dancers and cloggers, too. Go ahead and join in!
In warmer seasons, the music spills off the stage and out of the store. You'll find folks playing in the alleys, driveways, and parking lot. The Jamboree is held from 6:30pm to 10:30pm, every Friday. Because of limited seating - and unlimited enthusiasm - tickets are required but only if you intend to sit inside.
Friday Night Ain't All There Is
The music seemingly never stops at The Floyd Country Store. Saturday sees Americana Afternoons with a live-music lunch. Sunday offers an Afternoon Jam Session.
There are also scheduled episodes of the Floyd Radio Show. Listen to new episodes live or catch the shows you've missed in the archives. A variety of listening options are available.
You can even get musical instruction here, at the Handmade Music School. If all that great music is making you hungry, don't fret - the Floyd Cafe has a full menu of delicious eats!
Visit the Floyd Country Store at 206 South Locust Street Floyd, VA 24091
The store is open 6 days a week (closed Mondays) and can be found online. You can also follow the store on Facebook.
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You can't beat a Virginia Bed and Breakfast when it comes to the best lodging in the Blue Ridge Highglands! In fact, no matter where your Virginia getaway takes you, you can rest assured that a locally owned and operated Virginia inn is somewhere close nearby. Find your Virginia B&B today!