BRISTOL, Tenn.-Va.. (May 7, 2024) – The Birthplace of Country Music Museum celebrates its 10th anniversary this year in August, but the Smithsonian Affiliate isn’t waiting ’til then to throw a party. On May 9 at 7 p.m. ET, 14-year-old mandolin prodigy Wyatt Ellis will perform at a special pop-up concert in honor of the special occasion.
“At such a young age, Wyatt is already being regarded as a bluegrass phenomenon,” said Leah Ross, executive director of advancement for the museum’s parent nonprofit, the Birthplace of Country Music. “When we heard his tour was routing through Bristol, we jumped at the opportunity to host him as a precursor to our other events we are planning around the museum’s 10th anniversary.”
A native of Knoxville who now resides in Maryville, Tenn., Ellis has been compared to Ricky Skaggs and Marty Stuart who both began their careers at a young age. Ellis received a standing ovation during his Grand Ole Opry debut last November and released his first album, “Happy Valley,” back in February. The recording is a collection of instrumental tunes, all written by Ellis when he was a pre-teen, and features guest appearances by some of his mandolin heroes including Stuart, Sierra Hull, and David McLaughlin. The artist has inked deals with Red Light Management and William Morris, and has booked major festivals including Merlefest and Big Ears; Ellis is scheduled to perform at Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion this summer. Ellis has performed with some of the most respected artists in bluegrass and Americana including Skaggs, Del McCoury, the late Bobby Osborne, and Billy Strings.
Tickets to the Birthplace of Country Museum’s 10th anniversary pop-up show with Wyatt Ellis are in short supply, but available for purchase through the Events page at BirthplaceOfCountryMusic.org for $35 (+tax/fee).