Local Venues serving Live Music
Looking for live music near Mathews County is an easy task. Mathews is home to many talented musicians, and music fans alike. It’s no surprise that live music can be found somewhere on most weekends in this coastal, country town.
Donk’s Theater: Home to Virginia’s Li’l Ole Opry
If you have not visited Mathews County before, you may not know the story of Donk’s theater and the Lil Ole Opry. The history of Donk’s theater brings some fame and flavor to our town, including the time Dolly Parton performed at Donk’s. Unfortunately, the original Theater collapsed after a storm in 2015. But the show must go on! These days concerts and shows are held at the Harry M. Ward Auditorium at Mathews High School in downtown Mathews. It may be a different location, but it’s got the same charisma and charm.
The Opry House band is a staple at Donk’s and features Mathews own local talent stars, Lynda Smith Greve and Richard Smith. Lynda and Richard are children of “Uncle Jimmy” Smith, the founder of the Lil Ole Opry. The music performances at Donks are mainly country and bluegrass, but be sure to also check out the Jimmy Buffet tribute band, and many other performances showcasing our local talent. Check out the Donk’s performance schedule and get your tickets today.
Flat Iron Crossroads
One of our areas more recent live music venues is Flat Iron CrossRoads. Flat Iron Crossroads is a non-profit organization that hopes to revive the concept of small performance art venues of yesteryear.
The building is a 100 year old restored and remodeled gas station. Performances are held inside with a more intimate feel, and outside under the stars, complete with fire pits and food trucks for snacks.
Flat Iron Crossroads boasts a broad variety of genres of music. From folk, to reggae, funk, and swing. They host a yearly Reggae Fest in the summer months, and a Halloween party in the Fall. Check out their Facebook page as well for up to the minute news on upcoming performances and the performance schedule. You can even get your tickets online.
“Just as gas stations have prepared travelers for journeys since the advent of motor transportation, Flat Iron Crossroads strives to help patrons discover “avenues” of musical adventure both familiar and untraveled.” ~Flat Iron Crossroads
Southwind Pizza and Cafe
Looking for a great date spot? Dinner and music? Maybe you dabble in guitar playing? Southwind Pizza has got you covered. This unique venue hosts a jam night for aspiring musicians of all skill levels who want to play a little music and imbibe in great food and drinks with like-minded music folks. Southwinds also hosts musicians and other local bands to our area on some Saturday nights. Follow their social media page for daily specials and info on music nights.
Mathews Farmers Market and Williams Wharf Landing
During the Farmers Market on Saturdays while you meander through fresh veggie stands and other market treats you can hear local musicians playing in the historic court green.
On the 3rd Saturday of each month Mathews hosts a special farmers market called Markets on Main with extended hours, more vendors and artisans, and live musicians.
When there is an event or party in Mathews you can bet live music will always accompany. Williams Wharf is a waterfront landing on the East River operated by the Mathews Land Conservancy. Many community events are held here like oyster roasts and seafood festivals.
Every year the weekend before Memorial Day, the wharf hosts a “Party at the Wharf”. This event coincides with the Tour de Chesapeake, a cyclist festival. A second “Party at the Wharf” comes at the end of summer, the weekend after Labor Day. That Party coincides with the Mathews Market Days festival.
All are open to the public and provide live music and entertainment. For event info check the Mathews Visitor Center page and for daily updates follow their Facebook page.
