Micheal,

I grew up a couple of counties south of Roanoke. I joined the army, moved away, and finally settled near Richmond, VA. You didn't specify your musical tastes, but you shouldn't have any trouble finding bluegrass pickers, and maybe even some old time fiddlers. I don't know that any of them are mudcatters though. There are some small colleges in Lynchburg, VA Tech in Blacksburg, and Radford College in Radford. There's no telling what kind of music scene you might find in those towns.

If you happen to like history, make sure you visit Explore Park. It's an open air living history museum, open in the spring and summer. There's a fellow there who plays fife and tin whistle. He may know more about the local music scene.

I get back to visit the old folks every month or so. Once you get settled in maybe we can meet somewhere and do a little pickin'. I play guitar, and my son plays fiddle. At least he did yesterday. Now he's trying to start a rock band with a couple of his buddies.

At any rate, keep us up to date on how things shape up.

Take care
Timehiker