About Us
“Music rings out of these mountains. I can’t explain it, but it’s just a tradition here… good, down-to-earth music started right here in this area.”
RALPH STANLEY
Since December 1991, New River Community College has brought live bluegrass and old-time music to our region through its monthly Fiddle, Banjo and Dance Club jamborees.
Dr. Charlie White, then chair of the NRCC Division of Arts and Sciences, organized the musical programs. He said the music reminded him of his early days growing up in the coal mining area of Dickinson County. “We didn’t have a television or radio. Everybody would get together and make music. That was our entertainment,” he said.
The concerts were first held in the gymnasium at the New River Valley Fairgrounds. Later, when Edwards Hall was built on the college’s campus in Dublin, the jamborees moved to the large training room.
Over the years bluegrass greats, including Ralph Stanley, have made multiple appearances generating record-breaking attendances at the event. Olen Gardner, In the Tradition, Big Country Bluegrass, John Viers and many others have performed here and entertained thousands of local music fans.
When Charlie White became president of Wytheville Community College in 2006, Roger Adkins became director of the NRCC Fiddle Banjo and Dance Club.