News Category: BCM News

Northeast Tennessee (April 4, 2024) – In a landmark collaboration, the Tennessee Entertainment Commission (TEC), Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD), Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development (TNDECD), and the East Tennessee State University Research Corporation have joined forces to announce a new, community-led music initiative designed to bring musicians, venues, music industry professionals and music nonprofits in Northeast Tennessee together to gain a better understanding of the needs of the music ecosystem in the region. The announcement was made during a press conference at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum on Thursday. Central to the initiative is the Northeast Tennessee Music Census, slated to launch in May of this year. Details for the census will be announced soon, but local partners are currently being invited to participate in the outreach efforts.

Starting now, the Initiative is opening a call for community engagement partners to help conduct an extensive survey of the Northeast Tennessee music and live entertainment ecosystem. The initiative invites civic organizations, media, public sector, companies, music educators, and arts organizations across the region to become a community partner and help spread the word about the upcoming music census. Those interested in becoming a community partner may do so by signing up today at NETNmusic.com.

“Tennessee’s thriving music and entertainment industry supports more than 61,000 jobs statewide and contributes $6.4 billion to our annual GDP,” said TNDECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter. “It’s an honor to take part in announcing the Northeast Tennessee Music Initiative alongside our partners at TDTD, ETSU and TEC, and through this collaboration, we have a unique opportunity to grow and strengthen the music ecosystem across the Tri-Cities and replicate these efforts statewide to spur additional economic growth and tourism.”

The agencies will work in partnership with Sound Music Cities on a Northeast Tennessee Music Census, a pivotal component of the initiative designed to engage individuals from all facets of the Northeast Tennessee music scene, providing leaders and policy makers with potential solutions that will help uplift the music community and give each individual a voice. The objective is to garner comprehensive insights that will inform strategies to bolster the music ecosystem, identifying its strengths, challenges, and opportunities for growth.

The Northeast Tennessee Music Initiative serves as a model for supporting communities across the state in their efforts to cultivate dynamic music communities, thereby enhancing their cultural appeal and economic diversity. The census will survey eight counties in the Northeast Tennessee Music Initiative region including Hancock, Hawkins, Greene, Washington, Unicoi, Carter, Johnson and Sullivan, as well as Bristol City.

“The Northeast Tennessee Music Initiative embodies the spirit of innovation and collaboration that defines Tennessee’s thriving music scene,” explains Commissioner Mark Ezell, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. He continues, “By nurturing our state’s vibrant ecosystem of talent, venues, and cultural experiences, this initiative supports Tennesseans and solidifies our position as a global music destination. As we harness the power of music to tell our state’s story, we attract investment in our state and create powerful memories that resonate with visitors for years to come.”

The power of music extends beyond its entertainment value, acting as a keystone for economic development. It creates a variety of job and business opportunities, invigorates local tourism through music events like festivals and concerts, and influences sectors like fashion, film, and advertising with its cultural reach.

Bob Raines, Executive Director of Tennessee Entertainment Commission, shares: “The Northeast Tennessee Music Initiative serves as a beacon of unity, bringing together members of the entertainment industry and local communities in a harmonious symphony of collaboration. Through its inclusive approach, this initiative not only strengthens bonds within our state but also extends its reach to the entertainment industry nationally and internationally. By showcasing the diverse talents and cultural treasures of Northeast Tennessee, we pave the way for meaningful connections and collaborations that transcend geographical boundaries. Together, let’s build bridges of creativity and camaraderie that resonate far and wide.”

The Northeast Tennessee Music Initiative is spearheaded by ETSU’s Research Corporation in collaboration with the Birthplace of Country Music, Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association, Sync Space, Launch Tennessee and the Dobyns-Bennett High School Bands. It is supported by funding from TEC and TNDECD with Sound Music Cities providing administrative support for the census.

“We are filled with immense pride and gratitude that Northeast Tennessee was chosen for this initiative,” said Leah Ross, Executive Director of Advancement for the Birthplace of Country Music. “This initiative not only recognizes the value of our region’s rich music culture, but also reaffirms our commitment to fostering a vibrant and supportive environment for artists, industry professionals, and music lovers alike.”

To learn more, please visit NETNmusic.com.

Bristol, Va.-Tenn. (March 27, 2024) – Selected by an expert panel and voted by readers, the annual Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion music festival and the Birthplace of Country Music Museum are listed among the very best in the country in separate USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice travel polls. Located in Historic Downtown Bristol, Va.-Tenn., these cultural touchstones have captured the hearts of music enthusiasts worldwide.

“We are immensely proud to receive these prestigious accolades from USA Today and their readers,” said Paula Hurt, Managing Director of the Birthplace of Country Music (BCM), the parent nonprofit of the festival and museum. “This recognition underscores our commitment to celebrating and preserving the legacy of the 1927 Bristol Sessions, ensuring that future generations continue to be inspired by our region’s music heritage.”

Here’s a look at USA Today’s 10Best polling results:

BRISTOL, Tenn.-Va. (Jan. 29, 2024) – Three songwriters rose to the top of Tennessee Songwriters Week qualifying round competition, held at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum last Saturday. Katie Powderly of Frederick, Md., Austin Barrett of Fairview, N.C., and Linda Mckenzie of Lebanon, Tenn. were chosen by judges to advance to the showcase event at The Down Home in Johnson City, Tenn. on Feb. 22 at 7:15 p.m. ET.

Katie Powderly is an award-winning touring musician and recording artist who has performed on PBS and NPR stations and shared bills with Tony Rice, Del McCoury Band, Yonder Mountain String Band, Lake Street Dive, and many others. She was voted “Best Country/Bluegrass Performer” in her home town of Madison, Wis. and has deep ties to our regional music scene. Katie was a qualifying winner in Bristol last year with her song “Tobacco,” a tale of a two-timing man. “Revolving Door,” this year’s winning song, is a continuation of the doomed love saga.

Raised in Bristol, Austin Barrett is a talented multi-instrumentalist who holds degrees in Psychology and Bluegrass, Old-Time and Country Music Studies from East Tennessee State University. He also holds a Masters in Business from Berklee. His music draws from a variety of genres including folk, country, and Southern Gothic. Austin’s winning song, “Porch Light,” was written as a serenade to his wife.

Originally from New Orleans, La., Linda Mckenzie is a singer-songwriter and musician with roots in Southern blues, rock and pop-country. She splits her time between Nashville and Red Lodge, Mont. where her music often reflects western life and Native American issues. In 2020 she was a nominated for a Native American Music Award. Linda’s Tennessee Songwriters Week entry, “A Son with a Gun,” was written soon after learning that her son had enlisted in the military.

Two Abingdon, Va. residents were chosen as alternates in the Bristol competition, Roger Ramsey with his song “Love Her Anyhow,” and Kevin Michael Duggan performing “Bipolar.” Alternates will be called upon if one or more of the winning qualifiers is unable to perform in the showcase round.

Tickets to the showcase round at The Down Home are on sale now for $15 and may be purchased online at TheDownHome.com.

Tennessee Songwriters Week supports music venues, songwriters with live performances in all genres of music, drives visitation and inspires travelers to experience the state’s music stories, history, attractions and venues.

TDTD partners with The Bluebird Cafe, Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), Taylor Guitars, and music venues and local convention and visitors’ bureaus, chambers of commerce and partners across the state, all committed to make sure songwriters can share their original work onstage with other writers.

Follow along with Tennessee Songwriters Week by following @tnvacation and #madeinTN, #NowPlayingTN

BRISTOL, Tenn.-Va, (Jan. 23, 2023) – The Birthplace of Country Music (BCM), in partnership with with the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD), has announced the names of 20 songwriters set to compete in the Tennessee Songwriters Week qualifying round at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Historic Downtown Bristol. The event will be held this Saturday, Jan. 27, 1 – 4 p.m. ET.

Congratulations and best of luck to the following:

Adam Bolt, Abingdon, VA

Austin Barrett, Fairview, NC

Beth Lee, Black Mountain, NC

Brayden Mullins, Wise, VA

Caroline Larke, Chapel Hill, NC

Claire Childress, Big Stone Gap, VA

Corey Snowden, Bristol, TN

Ella Folk, Troutville, VA

Hannah Smith, Bristol, TN

Jayme Chadwell, Ewing, VA

Jenna Greene, Abingdon, VA

Jim Street, Johnson City, TN

Kailee Amburgey, Johnson City, TN

Katie Powderly, Frederick, MD

Kevin Duggan, Abingdon, VA

Landon Camper, Bristol, TN

Linda Mckenzie, Lebanon, TN

Madison Denhardt & Lonijonti Fox
(Honeysuckle Dream)
Big Stone Gap, VA

Roger Ramsey, Abingdon, VA

Sarah Trunzo, Belfast, ME

The public is invited to be part of the audience at the museum to cheer on participants competing in the Bristol event. Tickets for spectators are $10+ tax/fee, visit the Events page at BirthplaceOfCountryMusic.org to purchase.

Three (3) semi-finalists and two (2) alternates will be chosen from the Bristol qualifying round to compete in the Tennessee Songwriters showcase event at The Down Home in Johnson City, Tenn. on Feb. 22. From there, one finalist from The Down Home will go on to perform at the legendary Bluebird Cafe on March 24, along with other finalists from across the state.

Tennessee Songwriters Week supports music venues, songwriters with live performances in all genres of music, drives visitation and inspires travelers to experience the state’s music stories, history, attractions and venues.

TDTD partners with The Bluebird Cafe, Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), Taylor Guitars, and music venues and local convention and visitors’ bureaus, chambers of commerce and partners across the state, all committed to make sure songwriters can share their original work onstage with other writers.

Follow along with Tennessee Songwriters Week by following @tnvacation and #madeinTN, #NowPlayingTN

BRISTOL, Va.-Tenn., (Dec. 13, 2023) –  The Birthplace of Country Music (BCM) has announced it will again partner with the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development to host a qualifying round for Tennessee Songwriters Week in 2024. The event will be held on Jan. 27, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. ET, at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Historic Downtown Bristol. From there, songwriters will compete for the chance to earn a coveted gig at The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville. Applications open on Dec.15; there is no fee to enter.

Twenty (20) songwriters will be chosen from the pool of applicants to perform for judges during the Bristol qualifying round competition. From there, four (4) semi-finalists will advance to compete in the Tennessee Songwriters showcase event at The Down Home in Johnson City, Tenn. on Feb. 22. One finalist from The Down Home will be chosen to perform at the legendary Bluebird Cafe on March 24, along with five other finalists from across the state.

Last year veteran singer-songwriter, musician and playwright Ron Short, a Bristol qualifying round contestant, advanced all the way to The Bluebird Cafe – along with six other finalists from across the state – where he performed his winning song, “France.”

The public is invited to be part of the audience at the museum to cheer on participants competing in the Bristol event. Tickets for spectators are $10 and go on sale Dec. 15. To purchase, visit the Events page at BirthplaceOfCountryMusic.org.

Other qualifying rounds in East Tennessee will be held at Boones Creek Opry in Johnson City, the International Storytelling Center in Jonesborough, Model City Tap House in Kingsport, and Bonnie Kate Theater in Elizabethton. Check venue websites for dates.

During qualifying, songwriters will perform one original song they wrote or co-wrote. Songwriters must own the rights to the song they will perform. Entrant may sing acapella or have live accompaniment with up to two performers; only light percussion is allowed. Back up tracks are not permitted.

To enter, songwriters must submit their contact information, song lyrics for the song they plan to perform, and a YouTube link to a video of the song they will perform during the competition. Songwriters will be judged based on their overall performance, originality and connection to the audience. Songs deemed inappropriate or inflammatory will not be considered. Songwriters are only permitted to register with one venue during qualifying rounds. Internet access is required to enter, with no purchase necessary. The deadline to enter the qualifying round in Bristol is Jan. 12.

Legal residents of the United States, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, qualify to enter. To enter the Tennessee Songwriters Week qualifying round at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, visit the Events page at BirthplaceOfCountryMusic.org where you’ll also find complete rules of entry and more details.

Tennessee Songwriters Week supports music venues, songwriters with live performances in all genres of music, drives visitation and inspires travelers to experience the state’s music stories, history, attractions and venues.

The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development partners with The Bluebird Cafe, Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), Taylor Guitars, and music venues and local convention and visitors’ bureaus, chambers of commerce and partners across the state, all committed to make sure songwriters can share their original work onstage with other writers.

Follow along with Tennessee Songwriters Week by following @tnvacation and #madeinTN, #NowPlayingTN

For more information about BCM, visit BirthplaceOfCountryMusic.org.

BRISTOL, Va.-Tenn., (Dec. 13, 2023) –  The Birthplace of Country Music (BCM) has announced it will again partner with the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development to host a qualifying round for Tennessee Songwriters Week in 2024. The event will be held on Jan. 27, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. ET, at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Historic Downtown Bristol. From there, songwriters will compete for the chance to earn a coveted gig at The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville. Applications open on Dec.15; there is no fee to enter.

Twenty (20) songwriters will be chosen from the pool of applicants to perform for judges during the Bristol qualifying round competition. From there, four (4) semi-finalists will advance to compete in the Tennessee Songwriters showcase event at The Down Home in Johnson City, Tenn. on Feb. 22. One finalist from The Down Home will be chosen to perform at the legendary Bluebird Cafe on March 24, along with five other finalists from across the state.

Last year veteran singer-songwriter, musician and playwright Ron Short, a Bristol qualifying round contestant, advanced all the way to The Bluebird Cafe – along with six other finalists from across the state – where he performed his winning song, “France.”

The public is invited to be part of the audience at the museum to cheer on participants competing in the Bristol event. Tickets for spectators are $10 and go on sale Dec. 15. To purchase, visit the Events page at BirthplaceOfCountryMusic.org.

Other qualifying rounds in East Tennessee will be held at Boones Creek Opry in Johnson City, the International Storytelling Center in Jonesborough, Model City Tap House in Kingsport, and Bonnie Kate Theater in Elizabethton. Check venue websites for dates.

During qualifying, songwriters will perform one original song they wrote or co-wrote. Songwriters must own the rights to the song they will perform. Entrant may sing acapella or have live accompaniment with up to two performers; only light percussion is allowed. Back up tracks are not permitted.

To enter, songwriters must submit their contact information, song lyrics for the song they plan to perform, and a YouTube link to a video of the song they will perform during the competition. Songwriters will be judged based on their overall performance, originality and connection to the audience. Songs deemed inappropriate or inflammatory will not be considered. Songwriters are only permitted to register with one venue during qualifying rounds. Internet access is required to enter, with no purchase necessary. The deadline to enter the qualifying round in Bristol is Jan. 12.

Legal residents of the United States, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, qualify to enter. To enter the Tennessee Songwriters Week qualifying round at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, visit the Events page at BirthplaceOfCountryMusic.org where you’ll also find complete rules of entry and more details.

Tennessee Songwriters Week supports music venues, songwriters with live performances in all genres of music, drives visitation and inspires travelers to experience the state’s music stories, history, attractions and venues.

The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development partners with The Bluebird Cafe, Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), Taylor Guitars, and music venues and local convention and visitors’ bureaus, chambers of commerce and partners across the state, all committed to make sure songwriters can share their original work onstage with other writers.

Follow along with Tennessee Songwriters Week by following @tnvacation and #madeinTN, #NowPlayingTN

For more information about BCM, visit BirthplaceOfCountryMusic.org.

ABINGDON, Va. (Nov. 2, 2023) – The Birthplace of Country Music (BCM) proudly presents The Blue Ridge Opry at the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace in Abingdon, Va. at 7 p.m. ET, Nov. 18, hosted by Kelley Breiding and featuring her band, The Cowboys. Special guests include Emily Spencer & Debbie Bramer, Bayla Davis & Cary Fridley, Donna Ray Norton, Jim Lloyd, and Ashlee Watkins & Andrew Small. The wholesome variety show brings music, dancing, and comedy together for an evening of great entertainment the entire family will enjoy.

“The Blue Ridge Opry is a traveling musical variety show featuring our area’s premier traditional musicians and dancers to promote cultural pride and awareness in the region,” said Breiding. “We’re thrilled to work with BCM to bring the show to Abingdon for the first time and to join them in honoring the contributions of women in old-time music.”

The Blue Ridge Opry is a heartwarming country music variety show that draws its inspiration from the early era of the Grand Ole Opry and the golden age of iconic country legends such as Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, Uncle Dave Macon, The Carter Family, Loretta Lynn, and more. The program is hosted and produced by the talented singer and multi-instrumentalist Kelley Breiding and showcases an array of musical guest stars in addition to the host’s band Kelley and The Cowboys. Additionally, the program features a delightful blend of comedy and dancers from the Blue Ridge Mountains, bringing the essence of genuine country music home to the Appalachian region.

“The Blue Ridge Opry performance will be a grand celebration of women in old-time music in conjunction with the Birthplace of Country Music Museum‘s special exhibit I’ve Endured: Women in Old-Time Music, which is on display at the museum through the end of this year,” said Dr. Rene Rodgers, head curator of the museum. “We are thrilled to partner with our friends at Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace for the opportunity to bring the program to our region, with special thanks to the East Tennessee Foundation Art Fund for programming support.”

For more information about The Blue Ridge Opry, visit the website at BlueRidgeOpry.wordpress.com. Tickets to The Blue Ridge Opry in Abingdon are $20 (plus tax/fee) and on sale now through the events page at BirthplaceOfCountryMusic.org.

BRISTOL, Tenn.-Va. (July 5, 2023) – Country singer-songwriter Karen Collins pays tribute to groundbreaking artist and Bluegrass Music Hall of Famer Hazel Dickens during a special performance at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Historic Downtown Bristol at 7 p.m. ET, July 7. Tickets are on sale now for $10.

“The program celebrates the life and legacy of the great Hazel Dickens as Collins performs some of Hazel’s best-loved songs,” said museum Head Curator Dr. Rene Rodgers. “Our Curatorial Specialist Toni Doman will also share stories of Hazel’s life within the context of our current special exhibit, I’ve Endured: Women in Old-Time Music.”

Karen Collins grew up in the mountains of Southwest Virginia in a coal mining community and spent her youth listening to country music radio and singing in her church. The echoes of those early country sounds stand out in her singing and songwriting. A prolific performer, Collins is the lead singer of the honky tonk outfit The Backroads Band, performs with a Cajun group called Squeeze Bayou, and sings in the acoustic country quartet The Blue Moon Cowgirls. Collins is an award-winning songwriter and has won multiple Wammies (Washington Area Music Awards) as a bandleader.

Singer, songwriter, musician and social activist Hazel Dickens’ career in music spanned five decades, leaving behind a legacy of songs that drew attention to the struggles of coal miners and the hard-working people of her West Virginia home and the Appalachian region. Her music spoke of truth to power about black lung, equality for women, the labor movement, and poverty, drawing on the sounds of Baptist hymns, Appalachian ballads, and country harmonies by groups such as the Louvin Brothers. Her musical partnership with Alice Gerrard broke new ground for women, influencing many generations to come. A few of Hazel’s best-known compositions are “West Virginia, My Home,” “Hills of Home,” “They’ll Never Keep Us Down,” and “Don’t Put Her Down, You Helped Put Her There.”

Dickens appeared in the Oscar-winning documentary Harlan County, USA, which centers on the struggle of the county’s miners union against scab workers, wage rights, and health conditions. She also contributed songs to the film’s soundtrack. Dickens also appeared in the films Matewan and Songcatcher. She received an International Bluegrass Music Association Merit Award in 1994 and became a National Heritage Fellow in 2001. Dickens passed away of complications due to pneumonia in 2011 at the age of 85.

Hazel Dickens is one of 50 women featured in the museum’s special exhibit I’ve Endured: Women in Old-Time Music, on display now through Dec. 31. Ticketholders to the concert are invited to take a free, curator-led tour of the exhibit prior to the concert at 6:15 p.m.

For tickets and more information on the Hazel Dickens tribute concert featuring Karen Collins, visit the Events page at BirthplaceOfCountryMusic.org. For more information about the special exhibit, visit the website at WomenInOldTimeMusic.com.