A poignant In the Pines moment as Elle King serenades her son Lucky, who joined her on stage. © Birthplace of Country Music, photographer: Aubrey Wise
BRISTOL, Tenn.-Va.- Music fans from 33 states - and Sweden- congregated to the inauguralIn the Pinesconcert event with rousing performances byDwight Yoakam,Elle King,Paul CauthenandWyatt Flores. The latest production of theBirthplace of Country Music, In the Pines is another example of how the nonprofit's work exemplifies a blend of music and cultural significance, while delivering an experience that showcases the region's rich heritage and the vibrant spirit of roots music.
"I came to Bristol to the first In the Pines with a friend from California to see the amazing lineup," said Dave Szymanski of Belmont, Mass. "It was our first time in Bristol and the whole day was amazing. From the people to the venue, it was the most organized and fun one-day musical event I've attended. We'll be back to Bristol and In the Pines."
"We had travelers from as far away as California, Oregon, Wisconsin, Coloradoand New Jersey...and, yes, Sweden," said Leah Ross, BCM executive director of advancement. "The weather was perfect, and we were really pleased with the turnout for the inaugural event."
Set against the backdrop of Bristol's historic Train Station where, in 1927, Ralph Peer first pulled into town and created the "big bang of country music," echoes of that transformative moment reverberated anew in 22-year-old newcomer Wyatt Flores from Stillwater, Oklahoma. Emerging as a force that is predicted to reach headliner status, rows of young and adoring fans, impassioned and devoted, surged up to the barrier before the stage, belting out the lyrics to the heart-wrenching "Running Out of Time," "Please Don't Go," a tune that has more than 120 million plays on Spotify, and the heartbreak banger "Losing Sleep." Flores scored extra pointswith his mashup of The Fray's "How to Save a Life" and "Russell Country Line," a song by beloved Southwest Virginia act49 Winchester- a band that cut their teeth performing at BCM's annualBristol Rhythm & Roots Reunionfestival and is now internationally acclaimed.
Paul Cauthen's set enticed the Millennials and Gen X to the forefront of the stage, instantly igniting the crowd with the fiery intensity of his newly released track "Hot Damn." As the pulse of the music reverberated, Cauthen transitioned into crowd favorites like "Holy Ghost Fire" and "Champagne & a Limo," captivating fans with his stage presence and Texas swagger. The consummate performer, Cauthen professed his love of Bristol and how he hoped In the Pines would continue year after year.
Elle King commanded the stage with her blend of cool confidence and sass, her powerful, scratchy vibrato seemingly amplified from an old 78rpm. King rocked her new single "Baby Daddy Weekend," along with crowd faves "Drunk (And I Don't Wanna Go Home)" and "Ex's and Oh's," but it was in the unfiltered moments that the artist truly shone. As she dedicated her song "Lucky" to her young son by the same name, hearts swelled as he joined her onstage. She held him close and sang to him, for a time, before he went to work on a tambourine with a drumstick at her feet. In that moment, and in many after, King laid bare not just her talent, but her humanity and authenticity; an invitation to fans to share in some of the most intimate aspects of her life. She talked about owning up to past mistakes and getting back out there to move past them, and the sentiment truly resonated. King also pointed out the fun she'd had in Bristol that day buying ten gallon hats with her band on State Street and lobbied for a spot on the bill at next year's In the Pines.
The sky had grown dark by the time Dwight Yoakam took the stage, wearing his own signature cowboy hat, boots and faded denim. Both he and Paul Cauthen had been to Bristol before, sharing a spot on the lineup at Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion back in 2017. Very aware of his surroundings, Yoakam opened the set with his rollicking rendition of "Keep On the Sunny Side," a Carter Family classic. He spoke warmly about his return to Bristol and his reverence for the 1927 Bristol Sessions, to the delight and great pride of local Yokum fans who cheered in his appreciation for their hometown. It was the perfect nightcap to a spectacular day in the birthplace of country music.
