The New Ballard's Branch Bogtrotters' name comes from the original Bogtrotters, the famous Galax-area band of the 1930s. From the musically rich region surrounding Galax, Virginia, and known for playing high-energy dance tunes, the group has won the prestigious first place old-time band prize at the Old Fiddlers' Convention in Galax several different years. The Bogtrotters have played at several notable festivals including the Chicago Folk Festival, Merlefest, and Smithsonian Folklife Festival. Eddie Bond, the band's fiddler, is also a fine vocalist, and he knows many of the old mountain ballads that date back to previous generations.