Whether you prefer the toe-tapping rhythm of bluegrass or the sultry swing of Jazz, Virginia's Blue Ridge is humming with spirited musical performances that will keep you grooving.

Rooted in the region's diverse metro-mountain heritage, the Roanoke Valley's vibrant music scene is rife with outdoor concerts, themed music trails, historic venues and casual downtown stages. This fall, nationally and internationally renowned artists will add their inspirational flare to live performances at the Jefferson Center, the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, and the Hotel Floyd Concert Series, among many other festivals and events.

Celebrating the arts renaissance in the Roanoke Valley, the Jefferson Center looks to take its reputation of hosting diverse, world-class entertainment to new heights with its annual concert and performing arts series. The Star City Series will continue through April featuring such artists as Acoustic Africa on November 2, Rosanne Cash on March 2, 2013 and Bobby McFerrin on April 12, 2013.

Live shows will continue in the Shaftman Performance Hall with the Jazz Series, which will welcome 2011 Grammy award winner, singer and bassist Esperanza Spalding on October 23 and the Branford Marsalis and Joey Calderazzo Duo on March 22, 2013, just to name a few. With its opening night set to feature Ben Williams and Sound Effect on October 19, the Jazz Club Series seeks to bring the big city jazz club experience to Virginia's Blue Ridge with inspiring performances in the intimate setting of the Jefferson Center's Rehearsal Hall.

Revel in Tchaikovsky's stirring 1812 Overture and relish great romantic orchestral showpieces like Finlandia, all in one powerhouse opening night with the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra's performance of Fireworks, October 1 at the Roanoke Performing Arts Theatre. Founded in 1953, the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra is the largest professional orchestra in western Virginia. Led by Musical Director and Conductor David Stewart Wiley, the ensemble offers a season of 11 concerts including five Classics, three Virtuosi (chamber orchestra) and three Pops concerts. On Oct. 27, two-time Grammy Award winner LeAnn Rimes will join the ensemble for its annual Picnic at the Pops Series at the Salem Civic Center.

The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra also accompanies all full productions of Opera Roanoke. Each year the opera presents fully staged, professional productions and a variety of programs for patrons of all ages. This season, the opera will present the zany pirates, misfit soldiers and star-crossed lovers of the musical comedy The Pirates of Penzance, April 26 and April 28, 2013 at the Jefferson Center's Shaftman Performance Hall.

Trace the roots of country music and mountain traditions along the Crooked Road: Virginia's Heritage Music Trail. The winding trail pulses straight through the heart of southwest Virginia with stops in some of the region's most scenic cities and towns. Along with attractions and museums, the region showcases old time Bluegrass and traditional American music with live performances at numerous venues along the trail.

Among them is the popular and historic Floyd Country Store in downtown Floyd. The store is a haven for mountain music enthusiasts as it hosts numerous year-round concerts, tributes and other live performances - most often offering free admission. Now through Oct. 25, the store is presenting the Hotel Floyd Concert Series, Thursdays from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

The store also hosts weekly events including the Friday Night Jamboree, featuring an hour of gospel music followed by two dance bands, and on Saturdays, Americana Afternoon and Americana Open Mic, which features an array of performers from blues to bluegrass, and other diverse genres. Each Sunday the store hosts local traditional mountain music bands. Enjoy a home-cooked southern meal as you sway to your favorite tunes as the store extends its hours on music nights, serving soup, sandwiches, ice cream and home baked goods.

For more information about upcoming performances, visit our Calendar of Events.