Birthplace of Country Music Museum and Radio Bristol Announce April Events

(Press Release) The award-winning Birthplace of Country Music Museum and Radio Bristol are proud to announce a series of April events including performances and the special exhibition Hometown Stars: Southwest Virginia’s Recording Legacy, 1923–1943. These events spotlight a landmark calendar year for the Birthplace of Country Music, the parent organization of the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion music festival, and Radio Bristol, as we celebrate the 90th anniversary of the 1927 Bristol Sessions. Arguably the most influential country music recordings in history, the Bristol Sessions included the first recordings of the legendary Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers, among others, and ushered in a new era for the commercial music industry.
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“The Birthplace of Country Music provides exciting and engaging events each month, and April will not disappoint,” said Leah Ross, Executive Director of the Birthplace of Country Music. “Throughout April, in addition to our permanent exhibit, we have numerous performances and a wonderful special exhibit so our patrons can experience Bristol’s exciting music history and the lasting impact of the 1927 Bristol Sessions.”

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Through June 4 the museum will feature Hometown Stars: Southwest Virginia’s Recording Legacy, 1923–1943, an exhibit from the Blue Ridge Institute & Museum at Ferrum College. This exhibit shares the stories of Southwest Virginia musicians, including the Powers Family, Dock Boggs, Carl Martin, The Roanoke Jug Band, Jack Reedy & His Walker Mountain Stringband, and several Bristol Sessions artists – through text, photographs, and artifacts.
 
“The museum provides a variety of outreach events for all ages and interests, and we are constantly developing programming that explores how musicians interact with and play upon history and tradition,” said Dr. Jessica Turner, Director of the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. “These programs show how these traditions remain relevant in people’s lives.”

On April 8 roots music mavericks Western Centuries will perform exclusive new music before a studio audience and for radio listeners via listenradiobristol.com as part of the Radio Bristol Premieres concert series in the performance theater at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. 

On April 13 Farm and Fun Time, a revival of WCYB’s radio show from 1940s–1950s, will air live at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum before a studio audience with guest performances by The Malpass Brothers and The Price Sisters. Hosted by Kris Truelsen, the program also features the Appalachian Sustainable Development Farm Report with Corbin Hayslett, an heirloom recipe segment that’s more storytelling than instruction, fun musical segways by house band Bill and the Belles, and more.

​On April 22 patrons can enjoy an evening of music and discussion on diversity from four of our region’s finest young musicians: Southern Gothic blues singer/songwriter Amythyst Kiah, old-time country duo Tyler Hughes & Sam Gleaves, and country singer/songwriter Joy Blair. Inspired by the rich traditions of the Appalachians, these artists are boldly charting their own paths in the present music and social landscapes.
 
More information on these events and the Birthplace of Country Music can be found below.
 
Event Detail Links
 
April 8 – Radio Bristol Premieres: Western Centuries
 
April 13 – Radio Bristol Presents: Farm and Fun Time ft. The Malpass Brothers, The Price Sisters
 
April 22 – Amythyst Kiah, Tyler Hughes & Sam Gleaves, Joy Blair In Concert
 
February 7–June 4 – Hometown Stars special exhibit
Website: www.birthplaceofcountrymusic.orgWebsite: www.birthplaceofcountrymusic.org