The Birthplace of Country Music Alliance announced the selection of an Artistic Council for it's proposed cultural heritage center project on Tuesday, 3.4.2008 at the Bristol Public Library.

Those present representing this distinguished panel of artist / musicians, music industry executives, and local affiliated organizations were Doyle Lawson, Dale Jett, Tim Stafford and Bill Clifton. The selection of this group has been a multi-month process. All those who have accepted this position with the exception of one individual have past and long term relationships with Birthplace of Country Music, most since its inception in 1994 and are all very supportive of the mission of the organization and its goal of establishing a "home" for capturing the history and legacy of the region.

Those on the panel are: Mick Buck, Country Music Hall of Fame; Bill Clifton, Artist / Musician; Larry Groce, Mountain Stage; Dale Jett, Artist / Musician and descendant of A.P. and Sara Carter; Kevin Lamb, Peer International; Doyle Lawson, Artist / Musician; Patty Loveless, Recording Artist / Musician; Brad Paul, Rounder Records; Jeff Place, Smithsonian Folkways Recordings; Andy Ridenour, Mountain Stage; Rick Rose, Barter Theatre; Leah Ross, Rhythm & Roots Reunion; Mike Seeger, Artist / Musician; Jimmy Neil Smith, International Storytelling Center; Tim Stafford, Artist / Musician; Ralph Stanley, Artist / Musician; and Roni Stoneman, Artist / Musician and descendant of Ernest "Pop" Stoneman.