BUCKHANNON, W.Va. – Looking for ways to beat the winter blues and put the kibosh on cabin fever?
Look no further than the vibrant live music scene in Upshur County, where a range of local talents will literally put a pep in your step and a song in your head.
Enjoy singer-songwriter tunes in the intimate environment of a cozy coffee shop, relax to a delicious meal in low-lighting while relishing soothing ambience music or get down in downtown Buckhannon to live string music.
Here’s a sample of what you might hear:
Live music at Stone Tower Brews of Buckhannon
Grab a toasty latte or cold craft beer and settle in for an evening of live music, which Stone Tower Brews coffee shop manager Courtney Page says is scheduled once or twice a month, usually on Saturdays.
“The atmosphere is usually pretty chill,” Page said. “We like to feature lots of different types of art forms, and that includes live music. Since Stone Tower is centrally located downtown, it’s an ideal gathering place for people to come together and enjoy some quality entertainment provided by local musicians.
“Art is really important to our town,” Page added.
Like ‘Stone Tower Brews – Buckhannon’ on Facebook to stay abreast of the coffee shop’s latest musical offerings.
Mountain Music and Dance at the Buckhannon Opera House
The second season of Mountain Music and Mountain Dance features square, two-step, flat-foot, waltz and line dancing, with a live string band and caller. On every second Thursday of the month, residents and visitors alike are invited to try their hand – or feet – at a variety of mountain dances.
Held in the Buckhannon Opera House on Main Street, events are open to everyone — you don’t need a partner or knowledge about a variety of dance genres. Doors open at 6 p.m. and there’s a free workshop at 6:45 p.m. Dancing kicks off at 7 p.m., and the caller will guide your steps throughout the evening.
Food and drinks are served, and admission is $5 per person and free for children under 12. For more information about the Opera House, a charmingly historic entertainment venue located in the heart of Buckhannon at 12 E. Main St., call 304-472-8369.
Key to Adam on Monday, bands on Friday at the 88 Restaurant & Lounge
The 88 Restaurant & Lounge features food, drinks and low-key tunes with dinner every Monday night.
Live instrumental duo Key to Adam, who specialize in relaxing ambience music for weddings and special events, will set the scene and soothe your soul during a relaxing dinner, with the live music running from 5-8 p.m. Mondays.
Key to Adam plays ear-pleasing background music that won’t overpower your conversations. The duo features West Virginia State Junior Fiddle Champion Kiara Williams on the fiddle and violin and Adam Moyer on finger-style guitar.
The 88 Restaurant & Lounge also features live bands on Friday, said manager Sandy Beam. One benefit is no cover charge is ever collected.
“We have bands here because we want to help our customers not only have a great meal with us, but also enjoy some wonderful live music as well,” Beam said. “The 88 encourages everyone to come out on Mondays and Fridays for some exceptional artists that we are booking. We do a variety of great bands that will not disappoint, and we never charge a cover.”
Check out the 88 Restaurant and Lounge Facebook page for details on upcoming performances.
Festival Fridays
During the summer months, Jawbone Park in downtown Buckhannon comes alive every Friday evening with live music and an outdoor market featuring West Virginia handmade products.
Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the sights and sounds at this family friendly event, with draws hundreds of people from the community together in Buckhannon’s central downtown park for an evening of fun and laughter.
Dozens of bands pack the Festival Fridays summer schedule. In addition to live music, you can meet with local artisans and taste the flavors of area restaurants. Children’s activities are also offered for the little ones.
In 2020, Festival Fridays runs from May 29 to August 31. Bring your family and friends to this free event every Friday during that period from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Jawbone Park.
This story was produced in partnership with the Upshur County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Visit their website to learn more about upcoming events and other activities Buckhannon has to offer.
