Rhythm & Roots resounds throughout downtown Bristol
The Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion is Sept. 20-22 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 3 p.m., Friday; 9 a.m., Saturday; and 10 a.m., Sunday.
Nineteen stages and venues through downtown Bristol host 130 bands. Musical genres include Americana, folk-rock, country, bluegrass, old-time, blues, rock and progressive Appalachian music.
This year’s headliner Wynonna and The Big Noise performs Saturday, Sept. 21 at 9:30 p.m., on Piedmont Stage. St. Paul and The Broken Bones returns to the festival, Sept. 20 at 10 p.m., in Cumberland Park.
Other entertainers include Patty Griffin, Marty Stuart, Sam Bush, Mike Farris, Folk Soul Revival, C2 and the Brothers Reed, The Black Lillies and many more.
Other activities include a 10K and 5K race/walk which begin at Anderson Park at 8 a.m., Sept. 21. Runners can preregister on the festival’s website until 9 p.m., Sept. 19. Race day registration is from 6:30-7:45 a.m. Early packet pickup is at the YMCA Friday, Sept. 20 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. 17-20 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 $350. Register at the festival’s website.
Children’s Day is Sept. 21 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.
Bristol Yoga provides Yoga Rocks in Cumberland Square Park Sept. 21 at 11 a.m. Bring your own mat. A festival wristband is required to attend this event.
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts’ artmobile is at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum throughout the festival. A festival wristband is required to visit the artmobile. (see cover story)
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.
