The live music scene in Radford is sometimes hard to find. But a growing movement among local live music enthusiasts is growing at a little place called The Side Door.

On Feb. 21, music lovers from the New River Valley gathered at The Side Door to hear live musical performances from local musicians in what has become known as The Side Door Sessions. The most recent event featured bluegrass, folk, and acoustic music from Simple Gifts of the Blue Ridge, Bob Browder and Russ Boyd , Jim Kern and Friends, and The Due South Bluegrass Band.

These musicians gathered together to offer a piece of the culture that they hold so dearly to their hearts. Each music note by the string of a banjo, guitar, and fiddle carries and transports us back to the majestic mountains. Hearing the lyrics out of the mouth of a musician tells a story of their lives, their love of the land, and the traditions and folktales of the Appalachian culture. The lyrics and instruments knit together a diverse culture and rich heritage that has been preserved over time.

The Side Door in Radford is an old meeting hall venue at the corner of Grove and Third where space is rented and used for parties, get togethers, and club meetings. Musician Chris Burgoyne saw the lack of live musical venues in Radford and wanted to do something about it. “There’s not many places to hear live music,” Burgoyne said.

He heard about The Side Door and saw and an opportunity to rent space for live musical performances for the New River Valley community. Since October 2007, Burgoyne has organized 11 shows.

“We are not putting on a show to tour around America,” Burgoyne said. “The idea is that people come out here and listen.”

The point is to provide a place to listen to live musical performances that people can rarely get from the New River Valley area. The Side Door Sessions is “essentially a music club,” Burgoyne said. For each show, Burgoyne typically books four nonprofessional musicians and bands that can vary from a duo, trio, and even a quartet. Performers come out and show off their talents.

“I’m interested in giving people a chance to play,” Burgoyne said.

Performers can play as many songs as they desire but the usual average time on stage is 30 minutes. Most of the music played is bluegrass and folk. The rich Appalachian heritage unfolds through the ears of the audience.

Flyers are sent out but usually each Side Door Sessions are word of mouth. A $5 contribution would be appreciated at the door but isn’t required to watch the concert. Keep your eyes and ears open for the next Side Door Sessions where you can come out for a night of music, coffee, and snacks.

If you’re interested in performing at The Side Door or simply to receive more information, contact organizer Chris Burgoyne at 540.250.1260 or at chris.burgoyne@gmail.com.

Brian Seay is an intern for the New River Voice.