Bristol, VA-TN On June 7th, the Birthplace of Country Music Alliance held a special concert and fundraiser at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Bristol, VA, just off exit 7, interstate 81.

According to Tim White, event chairman, the daylong event was a special tribute to honor Doc Watson with a celebration of his 80th birthday. “The day began at 1:00 pm with music from area Bluegrass, Old Time, Celtic and Acoustic Bands and the music continued all day into the evening when Doc Watson and his Grandson Richard Watson took the stage.”

Arthel "Doc" Watson, from Deep Gap, N.C. is credited as being one of the first to develop the modern style of flat-picking guitar. Blind from infancy, Doc has spent his lifetime making music. "Discovered" in the heat of the sixties folk revival, Doc Watson is a legendary performer who blends his traditional Appalachian folk music roots with blues, country, gospel, and bluegrass to create his unique style and expansive repertoire.

Doc has recorded dozens of albums in his long career and, although he stopped performing briefly after Merle died in a tractor accident in 1985, he does continue to tour with his grandson Richard Watson. He is also the host of the annual Merle Watson Memorial Festival in Wilkesboro, NC on the last weekend of April.

In addition to Doc Watson, local and regional bands also performed throughout the day, beginning at 1:00 PM. Bands scheduled to perform included Fesuce, Wild Blue Yonder, Robby Spencer and His Grandchildren, Mack Puckett and the Good Company Band, Moccasin Gap, Solomon Branch Band, Booher Family, and Twin Springs Bluegrass Band. White commented that the musical line-up for the event showcases the diversity of styles and richness of talent from our region.

During the day there was a silent auction of items donated by individuals and local businesses to the BCMA. Some of the items available were an autographed Martin guitar that was part of last summer’s 75th anniversary celebration of the Bristol Sessions, autographed CDs by various Bluegrass and Country music artists, gift certificates for services, collectables, and items from area artists and craftsmen. “Because the mission of the BCMA is to highlight this region’s culture and heritage,” stated Bill Hartley, BCMA Executive Director, “we have made a particular effort to try to have items by local craftsmen, artists, and musicians.”

Between 6:00 and 7:00 PM, there was a special reception with music by 12-year-old Trey Hensley, who has performed on the Grand Ole Opry with Earl Scruggs and Marty Stuart. and Appalachian Celtic music by Fire in the Kitchen. Hartley noted that the proceeds from the reception and all the day’s events will go to help fund the administrative costs of the organization. “While as an organization, we have done a good job increasing awareness of this region’s musical and cultural heritage through the many events that we have had over the last year, including the 75th anniversary of the Bristol Sessions, the Roots to Folklife concert series, and this summer’s Smithsonian Folklife Festival, we still have a great need for funding, particularly given the current economic climate, to maintain our daily operations and build upon these success.”

This event is sponsored by Tennessee Communications, Bristol Herald Courier, WJHL TV NewsChannel 11, WGOC Radio/Citadel Broadcasting, and Bryant Label Company.

For more information, call (276) 645-0035.