The Birthplace of Country Music Museum’s grand opening in Bristol, Tn./Va. will take place at 9 a.m. on Friday, to 7 p.m. on Sunday, with a ribbon cutting, special appearances by legislators and members of the local government.
Tours of the museum will include multi-media stations, short films, and a chance for patrons to sing and record a song. Live performances by Dr. Ralph Stanley, Jim Lauderdale and Carlene Carter, Martina McBride and Dale Jett will take place.
The Orthophonic Joy contest winner Corbin Hayslett will also perform.
Those attending will be Governor Terry McAuliffe of Virginia, Tennessee Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey, Delegate Israel O’Quinn of Virginia, Commissioner Susan Whitaker, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, Rita McClenny, president & CEO of Virginia Tourism, Catherine Brillhart, Bristol, Va. Mayor, Ed Gerace, TN Arts Commission, Dr. Jessica Turner, director and head curator for The Birthplace of Country Music Museum, and Alma Douglas of the Smithsonian.
The Smithsonian Institution-affiliated Birthplace of Country Music Museum is dedicated to preserve the legacy of the 1927 Bristol Sessions and their lasting influence on American popular music through interactive, multi-media exhibits, film, and more. Johnny Cash referred to the famous Sessions as “The single most important event in the history of country music.” Also known as the “Big Bang of Country Music,” the legendary recordings by Ralph Peer took country music to a new level and produced pioneers of the genre such as Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family.
For more information or a complete schedule, contact Charlene Tipton Baker, director of Marketing/Communications for the Birthplace of Country Music Museum at cbaker@birthplaceofcountrymusic.org or 423 573-1927.