If music be the food of love, play on;
Give me excess of it….
–From Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night

Ain’t Shakespeare grand? But I bet he didn’t pick a banjo! Music is definitely the food of love here at Barrs Fiddle Shop. A few days ago a couple of fantastic ladies came into the shop, following a trail of music all the way from Massachusetts, riding their motorcycles! How fun is that? One loved picking on the banjo and wanted a lesson from Stevie. She ended up extending her trip an extra day just to have a quick study with him. That’s fantastic!

Everyday I sit here designing my websites and minding Stevie’s candy shop, Candy Barrs, I meet all kinds of great people coming from all over the world who love learning about the music of our region. It’s great fun.

Local people who haven’t been in the shop for a while are always so shocked at all the changes Stevie has been making. The place is packed with all kinds of instruments and if you don’t see what you want hanging on the wall Stevie can definitely find it for you. In the lower half of the shop, Stevie has been working hard getting up photos from the Barrs past, pictures of musicians having come and played in the shop over the years. These pictures had been stapled to the walls in the work area of the basement. They are now unearthed for your viewing pleasure and take up a whole wall of the candy store. He’s also hung some black n whites of the history of the building…and the music that started here of the Hillbillies…and the music you hear randomly playing on the site are recordings of the Hillbillies! Enjoy!

So…if you’re looking for fuel to feed your musical fire, stop by Barrs Fiddle Shop. We’re open Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm!

Also we are now on Facebook so please LIKE us today and pass along the facebook link to your facebook friends!

All new kid-size guitars are now in stock, just in time for Santa! Natural Pink, Blue and Black for your budding musician!!

Full size drum sets set up and ready to play are only $349.99. Your little drummer can’t wait!

Merry Christmas and see you at Barr’s!

For the month of December, 2010, we will be open later for your shopping convenience.

Always remember to check out the Rex Theater every Friday night. Never forget about Houston Caldwell and his legacy. Remember HoustonFest in May 2011!

Stevie Barr

Line Up

Artists in Galax and surrounding communities are often referred to as a “family” of musicians, and they are always ready and willing to gather in support when one of their own is in need. When we began calling on musicians and others to help us organize this event to carry on the legacy of Houston, the response was, and continues to be overwhelming.

Numerous talented performers have stepped up to show their love and support of Houston and his family by contributing time and talent during HoustonFest. There definitely will be no shortage of incredible bluegrass and oldtime mountain music at Felts Park in Galax on May 6 & 7, 2011!

Cherryholmes

With their roots based in bluegrass, Celtic, and jazz music, Cherryholmes has stormed to the top of the music world since winning the 2005 IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) Award for Entertainer of the Year.

More about Cherryholmes:
Website | YouTube | Twitter | Facebook

♥

Mountain Heart

Mountain Heart deftly combines elements of rock, jamband, country, blues, jazz, and bluegrass into a high-energy sound that is at once fresh, accessible, and unmistakeable.

More about Mountain Heart:
Website | YouTube | Twitter | Facebook

♥

Sierra Hull

A native of Byrdstown, TN, she became well known in bluegrass circles for her skill on guitar and mandolin at age 8 and performed on the Grand Ole Opry with Alison Krauss when she was 11. As a teenager, she joined the Great High Mountain tour with Krauss, Ralph Stanley and others.

More about Seirra Hull:
Website | Twitter | Facebook

♥

Blue Highway

Indisputably one of the most esteemed and influential groups in contemporary bluegrass. The band’s nine exceptional albums and compelling live performances give proof to the stellar reviews, Grammy nominations, and numerous awards earned by the band since it first took the stage on December 31, 1994, with the same musicians that comprise Blue Highway today.

More about Blue Highway:
Website | Twitter | Facebook

♥

Ron Block

For the past fifteen years, Ron Block has been the spiritual touchstone of Alison Krauss and Union Station, contributing sterling musicianship on banjo, guitar and vocals.  Block’s first solo album, Faraway Land (Rounder, 2001), was met with great critical acclaim and raised the bar for Block as an artist for his Rounder Records follow-up, DoorWay.

More about Ron Block:
Website | Twitter | Facebook

♥

Darrell Webb Band

Darrell has been an icon for over 20 years in bluegrass music and his stage presence and ability to entertain a crowd is unmistakable. One of his greatest attributes is being humble to the fans that support him and his talents are admired throughout the bluegrass community.

More about Darrell Webb Band:
Website | Facebook

♥

Snyder Family Band

The Snyder Family Band is Bud Snyder (father) on bass, 10 year old Samantha on fiddle, and 14 year old Zeb on guitar. Samantha’s fiddling and Zeb’s guitar playing both have a progressive feel with lots of swing. Both demonstrate complete command of their instruments, play fluidly, and already display lots of talent. The bluegrass community can look forward to lots of great entertainment from these young virtuosos.

More about Snyder Family Band:
Website | Facebook

Banjo and case on sale for $229.99

Guitar and gig bag, strap, instructional DVD and picks WOW! $135.00

Guitar upgraded package with aged finish. Unbelievable Sound!  Comes with gig bag, strap, instructional DVD and picks! WOW!  $175.00

Mandolin Package with case and strap and picks $129.99