Old Crow Medicine Show
The Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion is Sept. 21-23 throughout downtown Bristol. The festival stretches from the 400 through 800 blocks of State Street and extends into Cumberland Square Park. The festival gates open at 1 p.m., Friday; 9 a.m., Saturday; and 10 a.m., Sunday.
More than 120 bands grace the 20 stages and venues in downtown. Musical genres include Americana, folk-rock, country, bluegrass, old-time, blues, rock and progressive Appalachian music.
This year’s headliner Old Crow Medicine Show performs Saturday, Sept. 22 at 10:30 p.m., on the State Street Stage.
Other entertainers include Taj Mahal Trio, Marcus King Band, Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, Low Cut Connie, Acoustic Syndicate, Folk Soul Revival, C2 and the Brothers Reed, Birds of Chicago, The New Familiars and many more.
Other activities include a 5K road race which begins at Anderson Park at 8 a.m., Sept. 22. Runners can preregister on the festival’s website until 9 p.m., Sept. 20. Race day registration is from 6:30-7:30 a.m. Early packet pickup is at the YMCA Friday, Sept. 21 from 4-6 p.m. Fees are $30 race only, $50 race and one-day ticket to festival, $105, race and weekend festival ticket.
A Bluegrass Jam Camp is held Sept. 18-21 at the Jubilee House Retreat Center in Abingdon, Virginia. The camp is designed to teach knowledge, cues and practical experience playing by ear with others. Gilbert Nelson leads the session. Tuition is $299, which includes lunch. Register at the festival’s website.
Children’s Day is Sept. 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Anderson Street Park. This free event includes games, crafts, performances and other fun activities for kids.
The Guided Jam is in the special exhibits gallery in the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. If you want to jam with others, join in from 12-5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Gilbert Nelson leads a jam class demonstration at 2 p.m. both days. Secure instrument storage is provided.
Bristol Yoga provides Yoga Rocks in Cumberland Square Park Sept. 22 at 11 a.m. Bring your own mat. A festival wristband is required to attend this event.
A complete schedule of concerts and events is available at www.birthplaceofcountrymusic.org. Visitors can create a custom schedule on the website or download an app for their smartphones.
