Across the country, communities are commemorating America’s 250th anniversary through a variety of programs and events. As part of this anniversary, the Birthplace of Country Music is hosting exhibits, film screenings, a trivia night and Songs of the Revolution(s), a concert that will combine history and music in an engaging extravaganza.
Created through a partnership between the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, the Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail, Mountain Empire Children’s Choral Academy and Theatre Bristol, Songs of the Revolution(s) explore revolutionary moments in American and Virginian history through song and spoken word — from the American Revolution and the Civil War, to the fights for civil rights and women’s suffrage, to the evolution of industry and internet, and more. This concert connects important moments when groups, communities and even individuals brought about change throughout our nation’s history with musical pieces that reflect those changes.
While the lineup isn’t finalized yet, the organizers are working to bring together a variety of performers, including MECCA’s choral groups, Lee Street Baptist Church choir, Earl White, Jim Lloyd and Ron Short, and more, along with historians, community members and Theatre Bristol actors who will provide historical context to the featured musical pieces. The diversity of voices, songs and stories showcased in Songs of the Revolution(s) provide an engaging and entertaining lens into America’s past, present and future.
“We are excited to be working with such wonderful partners to create a meaningful community-focused program to mark America’s 250th,” said René Rodgers, director of the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. “Bringing together a wide range of musicians, historians and other folks on stage to explore our nation’s history will provide an accessible and fun experience for everyone.”
Two performances are offered Friday, Nov. 13: a free performance for Bristol, Virginia, students during the day and a ticketed performance for the public at 7 p.m. in the evening, which will be held at Theatre Bristol’s Cameo Theater. The museum also will create a complementary K-12 lesson plan to go along with Songs of the Revolution(s) as an educational component to support the community’s schools. This lesson plan will be created by Autumn Roe and Christine Mitten, two K-12 public school teachers who are taking part in BCMM’s Educator Fellowship program this summer.
Full details including the lineup and how to purchase tickets, will be available on the Birthplace of Country Music website www.birthplaceofcountrymusic.org.
