In 1984, a local band, Freeman Cockram and The Bluegrass Travelers, moved into the building now known as The Floyd Country Store. Back then, Cockram’s General Store was a perfect fit to hold the group as well as the large group of people that started to come around to listen to some tunes, dance, and enjoy each other’s company. Freeman Cockram named it “The Friday Night Jamboree,” beginning this historic gathering.
In 2024, The Floyd Country Store, home to the now world-renowned Friday Night Jamboree, is celebrating its 40th anniversary, marking a milestone of caring for the rich heritage of Appalachian music and culture. Thanks to a series of caretakers that preceded them, Floyd Country Store co-owners Dylan Locke and Heather Krantz consider themselves stewards of this hidden gem that has been captivating visitors and locals alike for four decades.
In addition to taking care of the Store, Locke and Krantz founded The Handmade Music School and adopted a mission of cultivating and strengthening community through experiences in music, dance, food, and art rooted in Appalachian traditions. To ensure that these traditions are alive and well, the couple nurtures an environment that is welcoming to everyone and provides constant opportunities to engage in the century-old mountain traditions. These experiences strengthen community and use the power of music and dance as a means of connecting people in ways that they might not expect.
Krantz and Locke have paid close attention to the way the community uses and values the space. There is a deep sense of pride held by many of the local folks who come week after week, some of them being regulars since the beginning. Participants show up and extend a hand to dance with new friends who are showing up to experience the Jamboree for the first time. They sincerely want to get to know new people, and the welcoming environment makes this easy to accomplish. People who experience the Friday Night Jamboree and the Floyd Country Store for the first time immediately feel the sense of community and care that is extended to them.
“The community of people who were here before us have taught us how to take care of this place. They are the ones that really keep the Jamboree going and now a younger generation of people and families are learning how to take care of this community as well and I believe it is in good hands and will continue to thrive for a long time” says Krantz, who has been with the Store now for over 18 years.
Every week, The Floyd Country Store comes alive with the shuffle of the fiddle, the strumming of banjos, and the rhythmic tapping of flatfoot dancers. The Friday Night Jamboree is a weekly celebration of traditional music, showcasing local talent and drawing in music enthusiasts from all corners of the globe. Musicians and dancers gather in the store, but also spill out onto the streets of this one stoplight town in the mountains. It is common to see a 2 year old, a 90 year old, and people of every age in between out on the dance floor together.
The longer story is that since the early 1900s, the site of The Floyd Country Store has been a hub for people. Originally called Farmer’s Supply, it was a place where farmers, craftsmen, laborers, and travelers all converged to trade wares and discuss the topics of the day. At that time, when the workday was done, people of all ages and backgrounds would come together to dance and share the music and lore traditional to the mountainous area known today as the Blue Ridge Plateau. The fact that centuries later, the tradition of gathering at the end of the day or week to play music and dance emphasizes the fact that this is a tradition is highly valued in the community.
In honor of the 40th anniversary, the Store has planned a series of special events and performances throughout the year, including dances, workshops, concerts, local interviews, and documentary screenings. These events offer visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the legacy of The Floyd Country Store, home to The Friday Night Jamboree. Stay tuned for event dates and updates throughout 2024. For folks who cannot attend all of the special events, The Floyd Country Store has launched an incredible opportunity to tune in from anywhere in the world with Floyd Country Store TV.
For those seeking a truly authentic and immersive experience, a visit to The Floyd Country Store is a must. Whether you are a seasoned music enthusiast or simply looking to soak in the charm of rural Appalachia, the Friday Night Jamboree offers a one-of-a-kind experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who attend.
As the 40th anniversary festivities continue to unfold throughout the year, the Floyd Country Store remains a renowned destination for those seeking a glimpse into the soul of thriving Appalachian culture. Whether you find yourself tapping your foot to the lively melodies or simply admiring the timeless craftsmanship of handmade instruments, The Floyd Country Store and its Friday Night Jamboree are an enchanting ode to the enduring legacy of traditional music in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The Floyd Country Store • Dylan Locke & Heather Krantz 206 South Locust Street • www.floydcountrystore.com