News Category: Museum

The Birthplace of Country Music Museum is celebrating Groundhog Day throughout the month of February with a special Buy 1, Get 1 Free Admission on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

We also have a special Facebook Groundhog Day giveaway for a chance to win a museum gift package containing two (2) plush Tenneva Phils, two (2) passes to the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, two (2) $10 gift cards to The Museum Store, and (2) BCM t-shirts. The contest ends February 29 and a winner will be selected once a week.

Tickets are available at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum.

GAS ‘EM UP!

Did you know that most schools have to pay for every bus that they use for field trips? It’s a costly and often determining factor in whether or not a field trip will be approved. Serving students of all ages is something very important to us at BCM. We have hosted many local and regional schools for tours and programs at the museum but, unfortunately, budget constraints have prevented many schools from visiting. You could help us help classrooms visit the museum by sponsoring a bus.

By sponsoring a bus, you would help cover the cost of transportation for schools to visit the museum and, in exchange, be recognized on the “BCM Bus Line” in the museum as a contributor. Your donation is also tax deductible.

If you are interested in a bus sponsorship please call us at 423-573-1927 to contribute—we have many levels from $10 to $150.

DATES

Week 1: June 19-23
Intermediate Level, ages 8-14 (for return campers and those that already have basic knowledge & skill with music)

Week 2: June 26-30
Beginner Level, ages 8-14 (for first-time campers or those who may like to go through the basics again)

Week 3: July 10-14
Intermediate Level, ages 8-14

Week 4: July 17-21
Beginner Level, ages 8-14

All four camp weeks will run Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Friday 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

ABOUT CAMP

At the Birthplace of Country Music Museum’s Pick Along String Instrument Summer Camp not only will your child learn about Bristol’s important role in the history of country music history and its lasting influence, they’ll also receive instruction in how to play a string instrument.

Children will get instruction on several of the same style instruments that were used in the 1927 Bristol Sessions recordings (including banjo, acoustic guitar and fiddle), then learn fundamental skills in various music styles. Campers will explore the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, learn about the music of Bristol and our region, receive instruction in singing and dancing, and be introduced to other concepts and disciplines that make up the rich tapestry of country music.

No previous musical experience is required for Pick Along Summer Camps, only interest in music and a desire to learn and have fun! This camp is designed for beginners and anyone interested in our musical heritage. Whether you know just a little or absolutely nothing, this is the place for you!

Class size is limited.

OTHER INFORMATION

Our professionally trained museum staff ensures a fun, safe, and enriching environment for music instruction as well as museum play, theme-related activities and experiments, and healthy snacks and friendship building opportunities for everyone.

REGISTER NOW

Volunteers are needed to assist in the galleries on a daily basis, help in archives and collections, provide curatorial research and exhibit assistance, support special events, assist in The Museum Store, and act as docents for guided adult and school tours at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. If you’ve got a passion for Bristol’s rich music heritage and want to help, we’d love to meet you at our volunteer training session on January 10, 2017.

Training consists of two 2-hour sessions that give an introduction to the museum and the volunteer program. As a volunteer, you will also have many opportunities for continuing learning and training. A follow-up session, focused on the details of volunteering at the museum, is scheduled for the following week. For more information on becoming a museum volunteer, contact us at 423-573-1927.

Read more…

The talents and repertoires of Southwest Virginia musicians proved to be a deep musical well for the nation’s growing recording industry. Few other parts of the country produced so much commercially recorded music in the pre-World War II era. Still, only a handful of Southwest Virginia performers saw real fame or money. Most were simply hometown stars, playing music locally and living average lives. “Hometown Stars,” an exhibit produced by the Blue Ridge Institute & Museum, tells the stories of these artists — including the Powers Family, Dock Boggs, Carl Martin, The Roanoke Jug Band, and Jack Reedy & His Walker Mountain Stringband — through text, photographs, and artifacts.
“Hometown Stars” will be on display in the Special Exhibits Gallery at the Birthplace of Country Music from February 7, 2017 through June 4, 2017.

The holidays are a wonderful time to bring friends and family to the museum—and a great chance to see our current special exhibit “We Are the Music Makers: Preserving the Soul of America’s Music” before it closes on January 6, 2017.

For nearly three decades, Tim Duffy has recorded musicians’ songs and stories. He has also taken photographs that powerfully reflect their lives—from the calluses on their fingers from years of playing to the lines on their faces that come from working hard and making music.

“We Are the Music Makers” reflects Duffy’s quest to preserve Southern traditional music by partnering with the artists who make it. The exhibit features stunning Giclee-printed and mounted portrait photographs, a variety of instruments and artifacts from Music Maker artists, and colorful folk art. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn more about these extraordinary artists and the Music Maker Relief Foundation at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum.

Read more…

Visit The Museum Store at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum Thanksgiving Weekend to pick up incredible gifts and great prices.

Downtown Open House

Kick off your holiday shopping at The Museum Store at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Downtown Bristol TN, VA.

The Museum Store is located in the Birthplace of Country Music Museum at 520 Birthplace of Country Music Way, Bristol, VA.

Hours: 5:30 p.m.  – 8:30 p.m.

For more information about Downtown Bristol’s Annual Christmas Open House, Click HERE.

To shop The Museum Store online, Click HERE.

Coupon Details

Coupon redeemable for (1) one single retail item excluding books, CDs, DVDs, BRRR tickets, and artisan items. Coupon only good at The Museum Store at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. Coupon must be surrendered at time of redemption. Coupon not redeemable for cash or credit. Artisan items are on consignment and, therefore, cannot be included in special offer. Only (1) one coupon is redeemable per purchase and only on specified products. Coupon only valid through November 21, 2016.