Root 2 Music will be performing at the July installment of Music on the Lawn.
Christiansburg Library and the Friends of the Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library will continue to host Music on the Lawn, a free concert series, Saturday, July 26.
On the fourth Saturday of the month, a local band will play a concert on the Christiansburg Library lawn after hours.
The remaining line-up is as follows:
Saturday, July 26, 6 -7:30 p.m. – Root 2 Music
Root 2 Music, an inspired fusion of Celtic fiddle and Delta blues, has been captivating audiences for nearly two decades with its distinctive sound and magnetic performances. Founded by the dynamic duo of Nancy Reid (fiddle, vocals) and David Frank (guitar, vocals), the band has charted a course marked by passion, evolution, and musical innovation.
In an exciting new chapter, Root 2 Music recently welcomed a powerful new addition: Mary Beth Young Coffey, Nancy’s sister and a longtime member of the acclaimed ensemble Beggar’s Circus. Her vibrant fiddle playing, rich vocal harmonies, and percussive energy bring fresh dimensions to the group’s already unique sound.
Renowned for their musicianship and originality, Root 2 Music has earned acclaim both locally and internationally. They are multiple-time participants in the Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge on Beale Street in Memphis, TN, advancing to the semi-final round while representing blues societies in Lynchburg, VA; Richmond, VA; and Charlotte, NC. Furthermore, they were twice finalists in the prestigious Neo-traditional competition at the Appalachian String Band Festival in Clifftop, WV, and further cemented their reputation by winning the coveted award for Best Original Song at the same festival.
Root 2 Music’s discography reflects their rich musical roots and genre-blending artistry. Their albums, Appalachian Blues and Day Creek in Celtic Time, showcase the group’s breadth and originality. Additionally, their rendition of “Church Bells” appears on the acclaimed A Tribute to Bluesman Luke Jordan compilation.
Whether on stage or on record, Root 2 Music delivers a truly unforgettable experience—where the haunting soul of the Delta meets the soaring spirit of the Celtic tradition.
Visit them at https://root2music.com/.
Saturday, August 23, 6 -7:30 p.m. – Eight Point Star
Cosmic Appalachian string band Eight Point Star, led by Mike Gangloff’s droning Norwegian Hardinger-style fiddle and Matt Peyton’s finger-picked guitar, mines the modal traditions of both old-time Appalachia and far-out drone music to produce beautiful tunes that are equal parts memorable and psychedelic.
Isak Howell provides old-timey banjo and evocative harmonica. Tim Thornton’s doghouse bass thumps and throbs below it all. The band plays a mix of old-time tunes and original compositions employing everything from shruti box to dulcimer to fill out its sound.
UK-based music magazine UnCut said Eight Point Star tackles “quite a few forms of American roots music on their self-titled album” but chose a “rowdy, raucous blues” cut for the magazine’s compilation CD Rollin’ & Tumblin’ featuring a “a powerful new group” of artists. In addition to their LP and a spot in the compilation, Eight Point Star also recently released Old New, a CD of music featured in the Blue Ridge PBS documentary The Story of the New River.
Visit them at https://www.facebook.com/eightpointstarband.
Saturday, September 27, 6 -7:30 p.m. – Virginia Hollow
Hailing from the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia Hollow is based out of Floyd. Virginia Hollow’s sound is a blend of Americana, Country and Folk, with a hint of Bluegrass and Rock. The trio plays original songs with a few hand-picked covers occasionally sprinkled in.
Virginia Hollow shows are filled with good-natured and ever-changing banter between the band members and audience. Lighthearted, fun, quippy, and sometimes serious, their off-the-cuff commentary adds to the entertainment factor. Their curated sets will take you on a journey through life’s ups, downs and in-betweens. On stage, through heartfelt songs and genuine performances, Virginia Hollow connects with their audience on an emotional level leaving listeners with a lasting memory. Band members include:
Carrie Hinkley: Lead vocals and acoustic guitar
Sue Winchester: Upright bass and harmony vocals
Brad Collier: Lead guitar, multi-instrumentalist
Visit them at https://virginiahollow.com/epk
Bring your family, friends and dancing shoes to these free concerts! For more information on this series of events please call the Christiansburg Library at 540-382-6965.
Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library
