Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion set for
Sept. 19-21
Americana Festival features outstanding lineup

By Jeff Eason

In seven short years, the Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion has established itself as one of the premiere Americana festivals in the country. I guess that’s what happens when you host a three-day musical party in the city where Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family recorded their first songs.

This year’s Rhythm and Roots Reunion will be held in Bristol, Tennessee on Friday through Sunday, September 19-21. The event will feature live music, a chili cook-off, activities for children, musical workshops, food and souvenir vendors, a 5-K walk for charity and much more.

Performers at the 2008 Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion include Doc Watson, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Sam Bush Band, Dan Tyminski Band, the everybodyfields, the Infamous Stringdusters, Darrell Scott, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Ralph Stanley, Red Stick Ramblers, Bombadil, Blue Highway, Chatham County Line, Cherryholmes, the Dixie Bee-Liners, Holy Ghost Tent Revival, Langhorne Slim, Larry Keel & Natural Bridge, Otis Taylor, R.B. Morris, Ras Alan, RobinElla, Scott Miller & the Commonwealth, the Near Misses, Wayne Henderson and many others.

Special events at this year’s festival include a songwriters workshop with Darrell Scott on September 20 at 3 p.m. at Theatre Bristol, a Midnight Pickin’ Party hosted by Darol Anger and Mike Marshall, the inaugural Rhythm and Roots photography competition, and contra dances with live music.

Tickets

Tickets for the Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion are $40 for 3-day passes, $20 for Friday only or Saturday only tickets, and $15 for Sunday only tickets. Children 12 and under are admitted free.

For more information, visit the festival’s official site at www.bristolrhythm.com or call (423) 573-4898.