Bristol, Tenn./Va. (May 26, 2021) – The Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Historic Downtown Bristol continues its free Virtual Speaker Series with a screening of the short film “The Musicianer” followed by a discussion with filmmaker Beth Harrington on Tuesday, June 1 at 7:00 p.m. EDT via Zoom. Harrington is perhaps best known for her 2014 documentary about the American roots dynasty of the Carter and Cash families The Winding Stream: The Carters, the Cashes, and the Course of Country Music.
“We are excited to be able to share a film screening as part of our Virtual Speaker Series as it will provide another level of interest to program’s audience,” says Head Curator Dr. Rene Rodgers. “This award-winning film is a great fit for us with its to the early days of hillbilly music, and the conversation with Beth and music from actor/musician Petunia will make it even more interesting.”
At 22 minutes, The Musicianer tells the story of Vern, a yodeling hillbilly singer on the verge of stardom in the 1920s, who finds himself immortal, something he’s only vaguely aware of as he trips through various eras of American roots music history. It’s not until he encounters Jo Cullen, a present-day musicologist and expert on Vern’s past, that he begins to grasp the deal with the devil he’s made.
The time-traveling saga details Vern’s story – both past and present – while highlighting musical performances from a wide array of Americana artists. The Musicianer stars Petunia of Petunia & The Vipers in the role of Vern; music from Petunia will also be part of the Virtual Speaker Series discussion. Fans of Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion may remember the artist from his band’s performance at the music festival in 2017.
For more information and to pre-register for this free Virtual Speaker Series, click here.