Colby T. Helms & The Virginia Creepers

Free music on the Elmwood Stage, presented in partnership with 5 Points Music Sanctuary!

At the bottom of the Southwest Virginia foothills, in Franklin County, south of Roanoke, about a half-mile from the nearest neighbor, Colby T. Helms resides in an underground house built by his late father. He chops wood daily for the stove, hunts, and takes care of his mom. He also pens raw and real storytelling music that cuts to the bone. Colby suffered the loss of his dad to cancer when he was only 12 years old. Beset by sadness and loneliness, he turned to music. He taught himself guitar, banjo, and mandolin by watching local performers and videos. He amassed a growing record collection, combing through the stacks at flea markets and browsing online. He began to perform countless gigs around the area with his band, The Virginia Creepers. He also shared a series of performance videos on YouTube. Colby’s honest songwriting, raw vocals and talented guitar licks began turning heads, and with a debut album on the not-too-distant horizon, it won’t be long before the music world takes notice of Colby T. Helms.