Where: Downtown Rocky Mount

When: Aug. 19-20

What: Franklin County's annual celebration of the African-American heritage features lots of music, most of it Christian gospel music. The festival celebrates the history of black-owned Rocky Mount businesses along the street named for Stephen Warren, a former slave who built a home there in the late 1800s.

Contact: Franklin County Parks and Recreation and Tourism at (540) 483-9293

Patrick County Peach Festival

Where: The old Rotary Club ballfield in Stuart (Patrick County)

When: Aug. 8-13

What: Music, a street party and sweet, juicy peaches provide a basket of fun. Traditional mountain music will be featured Aug. 12 and the street festival follows Aug. 13.

Contact: Patrick County Chamber of Commerce at (276) 694-6012

Weekly Jam Session at Bernard's Carpet Shop

Where: 1696 Franklin St. in Rocky Mount, west on Virginia 40 toward Ferrum

When: 7 p.m. every Wednesday

What: Local performers play among the remnants and floor coverings each week. Many of the pickers are weekly regulars, but the red carpet is always rolled out for visitors.

Contact: (540) 483-5119

On the dial ...

WYTI (1570, AM)
Rocky Mount

WYTI still mixes a little bluegrass with its classic country and local call-in shows. The programming is intensely local and reflects the personality of its audience: neighborly, civic-minded and hard-working.