Pictures from the Crooked Road Events held in September and October of 2006

Author Follows a Crooked Road to Make Library Visit

Author Joe Wilson, who was too ill to attend an earlier book signing, was able to make it to the library on Wednesday, September 27. Wilson was scheduled to appear at the library at 4:00 PM, but called from Floyd at 3:50 PM to say that his GPS system led him astray. In spite of the delay, a crowd waited at the library for Mr. Wilson to locate us, and "Crooked Road" fans were not disappointed. Mr. Wilson talked about the talent and the rich musical history of this area and then autographed copies of A Guide to the Crooked Road. Before leaving for another engagement, the popular author posed for pictures with the library staff and an authentic "trash-can bass" that was on loan from local musician Alan Messenger. A special thanks to Dorothy Hodges for the following pictures:

Joe Wilson arrives at the library.	Wilson discusses the Crooked Road.	Joe poses with Janice and the trash-can bass.
Mr. Wilson signed lots of autographs...
	WE LOVE YOU, JOE!

Crooked Road program held without author

The popularity of the Crooked Road in this area is evident. Even though author Joe Wilson was hospitalized with significant health problems, the event went on as scheduled. A large group came to see the talented young cloggers from the Blue Ridge Performing Arts Academy.

Rocky Mount's Town Manager Keith Holland came to the rescue when Wilson was taken ill, and brought an impressive group to discuss the mission and scope of the "Crooked Road." One of Joe Wilson's associates, Debbie Robinson, was on hand and the panelists included Holland, CPR Director Jerry Robertson, Director of Tourism Deborah Weir, Director of the Blue Ridge Institute Roddy Moore, and owner of the Floyd County Country Store (recently featured in the USA Today) Woody Crenshaw.

One of the night's biggest treats was the music of the Harwell Grice Band. Their showmanship and musical ability was matched only by their incredible harmony. Josh Grice (vocalist and guitarist) assembled this group. Matt Hubbard played mandolin, Jamie Wood played banjo, Kenny Spence (also a vocalist) played guitar and Sherry Young played the bass and sang.

The Friends of the Library sold 56 copies of A Guide to the Crooked Road and served refreshments in the upstairs foyer which also served as a warm-up area for the band..

And, by the end of the evening, everyone agreed with the words on this sign...

(photographs by library staff member Dorothy Hodges)