Bristol, VA
The Birthplace of Country Music Museum explores the story of the 1927 Bristol Sessions, the ways that evolving sound technology shaped their success, and how this rich musical heritage still thrives in the Appalachian region and beyond. Through multiple theater experiences, interactive and stationary displays—along with a variety of educational programs, music performances, and community events—the exciting story of these recording sessions and their far-reaching influence comes alive.
The museum’s current special exhibition is “I’ve Endured: Women in Old-Time Music,” which highlights the many women who have been integral to old-time music, exploring the challenges they’ve faced making a career in the field, the ways they have impacted the genre, and their vision for the future of old-time.
The Birthplace of Country Music Museum, together with the Virginia Folklife Program, is a part of the Greater Bristol Folk Arts & Culture Team, a culture collaborative that awarded $52,000 in April 2023 to community artists and organizations in the region, supported by Mid Atlantic Arts’ Central Appalachia Traditions initiative. Meet Head Curator Rene Rodgers and curatorial staff members Toni Doman and Erika Barker and learn about the museum in the Appalachian Traditions tent Saturday, October 14 and Sunday, October 15.
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