From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Coalfields region, Southwest Virginia has historic and contemporary music venues, musicians, and fretted instrument makers. Because the region was historically isolated, it retained a strong musical legacy by passing traditions down through musical families to an appreciative community. Old time mountain music, bluegrass, and gospel can be enjoyed all year long, and several museums showcase the area's rich musical heritage. The Crooked Road winds through the ruggedly beautiful Appalachian Mountains and leads to major hotspots of old time mountain music, country music, and bluegrass. Alive and kickin' for today's fans, these venues preserve and celebrate musical traditions passed down through generations. Annual festivals, weekly concerts, radio shows, and jam sessions ring out to large audiences and intimate gatherings.