Dwight Yoakum performs Friday, Sept. 15
The Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion is Sept. 15-17 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 130 bands grace the 19 stages and venues in downtown. Musical genres include Americana, folk-rock, country, bluegrass, old-time, Piedmont blues, Celtic and progressive Appalachian music.
This year's headliner Dwight Yoakum performs Friday, Sept. 15 at 9:30 p.m., on the Piedmont Stage.
Other entertainers include Judah and the Lion, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Deer Tick, American Aquarium, Mandolin Orange, Southern Culture on the Skids, Elliot Root, The Whiskey Gentry and many more.
Other activities include a 5K road race and 2 mile fun walk which begins at Anderson Park at 8 a.m., Sept. 16. Register in advance on the festival's website or from 6:30-7:30 a.m., the day of the race.
A Jam Camp is held Sept. 12-15 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. 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Cumberland Square Park at the War Memorial. This free event includes games, crafts, square dancing, performances and other fun activities for kids.
Also on Saturday in the park is the annual Chili Cook-Off. Cooking begins at 9 a.m., judging and tasting is at 12 p.m., and winners are announced at 1 p.m.
The Dr. Jambo Jam Tent is in the grassy area in front of the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. If you want to jam with others, the tent is open 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 for Dr. Jambo guests.
Bristol Rhythm hosts the fourth annual Youth Music Competition at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, Saturday, Sept. 16 at 10 a.m. The competition is open to youth ages 5 to 18 playing the banjo, fiddle/violin, guitar or mandolin. Preregistration is suggested.
A complete schedule of concerts and events is available atwww.birthplaceofcountrymusic.org. Visitors can create a custom schedule on the website or download an app for their smartphones.
