One of the more notable iconic places to visit when in downtown Bristol is the massive Country Music mural that resides on the side of a building facing the Downtown Center. It has been there for years, as a matter of fact – almost 30 years. In commemoration the 30th anniversary of the mural from design to realization, the City of Bristol, Tennessee along with the Appalachian Cultural Music Association (ACMA) will host an evening of music and tributes to the man whose dream it was to create this one of a kind piece of art, Tim White.
The event is set for Tuesday, August 25, beginning at 7 PM at the Downtown Center located at 810 State Street, in Bristol, Tennessee. There will be an anniversary cake served to the first 150 people arriving for this anniversary party. Everything is free and open to the public. Additional concessions are available on site. More information will be coming soon on the city website and Facebook page.
Everyone who plays music from the area has most likely played on the stage in front of the mural. “We are inviting all the bands who have played on the mural stage to come out and join us for a full evening of entertainment. Tim White and the VW Boys will be playing along with a great bluegrass band, Turkey Creek,” said Angie Rutherford, with the Department of Community Relations. “The mural has been showcased in commercials, magazines, album covers, publicity pictures for an array of bands, high school prom pictures, and lots more,” continued Rutherford. “It is one of the first places country music aficionados flock to when they get to the birthplace of country music. Just about any day when passing by the mural you can see someone taking a picture of the mural or having their picture taken in front of it.”
The ACMA will have a booth at the mural and will have mural tee-shirts and other items for purchase. They will also be there to answer questions about the museum, its hours of operation, and what it features. Memberships to the organization will also be available at the booth.
“We have had rock bands from Michigan to Texas come through along with the young country artists to play the Full Moon Jam concert series at the Downtown Center. They all ask about the story and the people featured on the mural. The one thing they all do is have their picture taken in front of it,” said Rutherford. “We use each opportunity to educate the artists on the origins of the music and what it means in Bristol today. They are encouraged to visit both the Birthplace of Country Music Museum and the Appalachian Cultural Music Museum before they leave town, to learn more about our heritage.”
For more information on the event contact Angie Rutherford at 423-989-5500 Ext. 2054 or email [email protected]
