Birthplace of Country Music Alliance presented “Heritage and Harmonies” as part of From Roots to Folklife series

The Birthplace of Country Music Alliance presented "Heritage and Harmonies," which showcased the region's living cultural traditions, on Saturday, May 17, 2003 at Rocky Mount Historic Site in Piney Flats, Tennessee.

The event served as a precursor to the Birthplace of Country Music Alliance's presentation of the musical heritage of Appalachia at the 2003 Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, DC in June/July 2003. Bill Hartley, Executive Director of the Birthplace of Country Music Alliance, noted that concert is the fourth in series celebrating the contributing roots to the formation of the music of our region, bringing attention and appreciation to the cultural diversity, of the people and their music, and how these traditions are still continued. “Each month this spring, we have held an event to focus attention on the region’s musical traditions, and build awareness leading toward the Smithsonian Folklife Festival,” Hartley added.

The focal point for the event was the main musical stage, where musicians played a variety of styles of traditional music, including Celtic, old-time fiddle and banjo, bluegrass, and balladry. The concert featured performances by Robby Spencer, Twin Springs Bluegrass, Leisure Time, Sapling Grove, Tune Town Old Time Band, Ted Olson and Katie Doman. It also included a craftsman workshop and storytellers to give a greater understanding of the region's culture by explaining why it has been and remains a fertile ground for the musical traditions.

Hartley noted that the format will be very similar to what will take place on the national mall in Washington, DC during the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. “The musicians will not only demonstrate the region’s various styles of music, but also interacted with the audience.” He stated that they discussed the various traditions they represent, how they came to learn these traditions, how the traditions have changed over time, and how they are carried on.

The project took place on the grounds of Rocky Mount State Historical Site in Piney Flats, Tennessee. Owned by the State of Tennessee and operated by the Rocky Mount Historical Association, Rocky Mount was the first Territorial Capital of the Southwest Territory, which became the State of Tennessee in 1796. Today, it is a living history museum, interpreting the history of this region’s first settlers. Hartley stated that, “Rocky Mount Historic site provides an excellent backdrop to a presentation of the region’s culture and heritage.” He added that audience members are encouraged to bring a blanket, lawn chair, or picnic lunch, to enjoy springtime beauty of the region as they hear the region’s continuing music legacy.

This concert is sponsored by grants from the Tennessee Arts Commission, UDSA – Cherokee National Forrest, National Endowment for the Arts, Appalachian RC & D Council, and Johnson City Area Arts Council. Media Sponsors include WGOC, WETS, WCYB, Kingsport Times News, and Johnson City Press.

The Birthplace of Country Music Alliance is a non-profit group dedicated to the music and culture of Appalachia and the role played by the region in the development of Country Music. For more information the concert, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, or to learn more about of the Birthplace of Country Music Alliance, call (276) 645-0035