Music is an integral part of life in Southwestern Virginia and that life extends far beyond any particular kind of musical offering.

I’ve been trying to capture that life for a decade now in print, photos and video and each attempt brings more insight and understanding of the role that love of music brings to the area.

That love comes from those who attend the weekly Friday Night Jamboree, regular appearances by bands at venues like Dogtown Roadhouse, Oddfellas Cantina and other locations and summer events like FloydFest or the Chantilly Bluegrass Festival.

It’s part of what makes this region so unique.