On February 13, 2007 at 7:00 PM, the Birthplace of Country Music Alliance and the Bristol YWCA presented the second documentary in a film series which showcased the roots of traditional Appalachian music. The presentation will also include discussion and comments from the filmmaker, CeCe Conway.
The documentary, “Rufus Kasey of the Peaks of Otter”, tells the story of an exceptional African American banjo player who carried on the tradition that brought the African gourd ancestor of the banjo to the Virginia heartland. His banjo music anchors his identity in his African roots, expresses values and fears of his history and life, and helps inspire others and strengthen community. The video was produced by produced by CeCe Conway, professor of English at Appalachian State University and author of African Banjo Echoes in Appalachia: A Study of Folk Traditions, with funding from Glen Raven, National Endowment for the Arts, Virginia Foundation for the Humanities, and Appalachian State University.
“In celebration of African-American History month, this is a wonderful way for the community to learn about the roots of our region’s musical heritage.” commented Bill Hartley, Executive Director of the Birthplace of Country Music Alliance. Hartley added that most individuals do not realize the influence that African-Americans had on traditional Appalachian music.
Other films in the series will place the region’s musical heritage in a cultural and international context. The documentaries "The Appalachians" and "Orient Express" will be shown on March 9th and April 27th respectively. Admission to the documentaries is free to the public and the will held be held at the Bristol YWCA, at the Bristol YWCA, 106 State Street, Bristol TN. The series is sponsored in part by a grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission. For more information, call (276) 645-0111.