2017 YEAR IN REVIEW REPORT
BIRTHPLACEOFCOUNTRYMUSIC.ORG
TABLE OF
Contents 3
INTRODUCTION
5
ORGANIZATION INITIATIVES 90th Anniversary Fundraising Campaign
11
MUSEUM Special Exhibits Educational Events Volunteers The Museum Store
19
FESTIVAL Recap Volunteer Overview
23
RADIO Update Stats
27
PRESS
28
AWARDS
29
BOARD
31
CONTACT INFORMATION
The Malpass Brothers played to a full house in April at Radio Bristol’s Farm and Fun Time.
3 | INTRODUCTION
an
2017
EXTRAORDINARY YEAR for
the BIRTHPLACE of
COUNTRY MUSIC
In 2017, the Birthplace of Country Music (BCM) celebrated another great year of growth and progress. Highlights included commemorating the 90th Anniversary of the 1927 Bristol Sessions; hosting three special exhibits at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, including one exhibit from the Smithsonian Institution; celebrating the 17th annual Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion music festival; and experiencing the continued growth in both listenership and programming on Radio Bristol. There’s no doubt that 2017 was definitely another banner year for BCM. This year also saw us continuing to build a strong foundation through all the behind-the-scenes work inherent in our organization – working with our downtown merchants to make the festival welcoming and a truly special experience for all our festivalgoers, exploring our musical heritage – past and present – through Radio Bristol, cataloging and archival work in the museum collections, deepening the content on our website through our new online blog Listen While I Tell: From Bristol’s Birthplace of Country Music & Beyond, developing a variety of educational and engaging programs, supporting our community through partnerships and collaborations, and advocating for the arts. This Year in Review report will highlight significant achievements of all three branches of the organization, as well as provide details to key special events that took place throughout the year. 2017 Year in Review Report | 4
The descendents of Ralph Peer and Jimmie Rodgers gather for a photo in the museum’s atrium prior to the 90th Anniversary of the 1927 Bristol Sessions Symposium where Ralph Peer II (third from the right) was the keynote speaker.
5 | ORGANIZATION INITIATIVES
ORGANIZATION INITIATIVES
2017 Year in Review Report | 6
90 TH ANNIVERSARY of the 1927 BRISTOL SESSIONS the
From July 25 through August 5, 1927 Ralph Peer recorded 76 songs by 19 groups or individual artists for the Bristol Sessions. Throughout 2017, BCM celebrated the 90th anniversary of those seminal recordings at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum with a series of events that explored the impact of the Sessions and their timeless influence on American music. Along with a concert and special admission pricing to the museum that brought nearly two thousand people through our doors over the week of July 25 – 30, 2017, three specific events really highlighted this anniversary year:
90 TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 1927 BRISTOL SESSIONS SYMPOSIUM July 15, 2017 The 90th Anniversary Symposium was a day-long discussion and family reunion of sorts that delved into the technology, impact, and legacy of the 1927 Bristol Sessions. Following a screening of a portion of the PBS documentary American Epic with producers Allison McGourty and Bernard MacMahon, author Barry Mazor —a journalist with the Wall Street Journal and author of The True Impact of the Bristol Sessions: What Ralph Peer Was After, What He Found—and What Difference it Made discussed the significance of the Bristol Sessions. Ralph Peer II, son of Ralph Peer and CEO of peermusic, and his wife Liz Peer provided the keynote.
Barry Mazor, Bernard MacMahon, Ralph Peer II, Liz Peer, and Alison McGourty were the speakers for the day’s event, focusing on the impact of the Sessions.
7 | ORGANIZATION INITIATIVES
Donna Stoneman, daughter of Ernest “Pop” Stoneman who recorded at the 1927 Bristol Sessions, signs a book about her musical family.
Several descendants of Sessions artists attended the symposium and a private reception held in their honor. We were honored to host relatives of the Carter Family, Jimmie Rodgers, Ernest “Pop” Stoneman, Alfred Karnes, Blind Alfred Reed, the Shelor Family, and the Tennessee Mountaineers, and it was wonderful to see Peer taking time with each family member, taking photos and sharing stories. Museum staff also took video oral histories from family members to keep for the museum’s digital archive.
Descendents of 1927 Bristol Sessions artists gather with descendents of Ralph Peer and museum director Jessica Turner for a “family photo” in the museum.
FRIENDS OF 1927 CONCERT WITH CARL JACKSON, LARRY CORDLE, AND JERRY SALLEY July 29, 2017 To celebrate the 90th Anniversary, the Birthplace of Country Music hosted a special concert that featured the respected talents of musician and Grammy Award-winning producer Carl Jackson, Kentucky Music Hall of Fame inductee Larry Cordle, and SESAC Country Music Songwriter of the Year Jerry Salley. Jackson produced the album Orthophonic Joy: The 1927 Bristol Sessions Revisited in 2015, and the show celebrated several Bristol Sessions songs. Fans filled the intimate Performance Theater, and after the event, the performers mingled with audience members for more than an hour.
Leah Ross, Executive Director of the Birthlace of Country Music, happily introduces the night’s performers - Carl Jackson, Larry Cordle, and Jerry Salley.
2017 Year in Review Report | 8
BORN IN BRISTOL FILM PREMIERE AND RED CARPET EVENT August 3, 2017 The Birthplace of Country Music, along with Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) and the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC), debuted the highly-anticipated film Born In Bristol as part of the 90th anniversary celebration of the 1927 Bristol Sessions. A private premiere and red carpet event – attended by cast members, community stakeholders, film lovers, and media – was held at Marquee Cinemas–Pinnacle 12 in Bristol; approximately 450 people came out to enjoy the premiere. Born in Bristol is a docudrama that explores the impact of the 1927 Bristol Sessions and its lasting influence through artist interviews and visual recreations. The film is a companion piece to the 2015 CD release Orthophonic Joy: The 1927 A visual recreation in Born in Bristol of the Carter Family recording. Bristol Sessions Revisited, a re-imagining of the historic 1927 Bristol Sessions by some of the biggest names in the music industry, many of whom appear in the film, including Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, Eric Church, Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle, Marty Stuart, Sheryl Crow, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, and Eddie Stubbs (the voice of the Grand Ole Opry) among others. Eddie Stubbs - voice of the Grand Ole Opry, narrator of the Orthophonic Joy album, and contributor to the film Born in Bristol - is interviewed on the red carpet at the premiere.
9 | ORGANIZATION INITIATIVES
After months of prep for the red carpet event, an immensely proud BCM staff gathers for a celebratory photo on the red carpet.
Filmed on location in Bristol and Nashville and featuring several locals as extras and cast, Born in Bristol was produced by TDTD with support from VTC and directed by Sundance Award-winner Chusy Haney-Jardine of Plan A Films. Born in Bristol received shortlist consideration at the 2016 Cannes International Festival of Creativity. TDTD is now in talks with networks for wide distribution of the film.
Leah Ross, Executive Director of the Birthplace of Country Music, with Kevin Triplett, Commissioner of Tourism for Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.
FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN In July 2017 we rolled out our “Perpetuating the Legacy” donor events to create awareness of our annual fundraising campaign. The events feature a reception for guests followed by a presentation detailing all three branches of the Birthplace of Country Music – the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion music festival, and Radio Bristol. The presentation features live music by Bill & the Belles along with video and slides highlighting the impact and achievements of the Birthplace of Country Music organization. The “Perpetuating the Legacy” donor events have proven to be our most successful fundraising campaign to date. Outside Flap
WHAT PEOPLE are SAYI We support the BCM because it is our heritage, our music, our city, our friends – well built, well run, well governed, and it makes all of Bristol proud!
As a supplement to our donor events, we have created an arsenal of WH AT ’S NE informational takeaway materials for W ? prospective supporters, including our Perpetuating the Legacy development booklet (left), as well as benefit materials for committed donors, suchMIK E RIL EY as the quarterly-printed 1927 Society Newsletter (right). — Ben and Anne Cowan
THIS NEWSLET TER
This is “Issue 1” of the 1927 Society Newsletter, which will be published quarterly for members of BCM’s 1927 Society – in the fall (October), winter (January), spring (April), and summer (July). We will complemen t this newsletter in the other months with a short “Update Report” to the society members.
As members of the 1927 Society, you provide essential support to our organizatio n and are a key element of our team consisting of the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, and donors. Accordingly, we want you to be informed and knowledgea ble in what we are doing and how your money is being used. Most importantly , we want you to be proud to be part of what we are accomplishing together. We will work to continuousl y improve this newsletter in the same way as we strive for excellence in all that we do. In that regard, we would welcome any ideas, suggestions, or constructive criticisms. We want this newsletter to be what you want it to be. So do not hesitate to call, write, or email us with your ideas or thoughts. Your feedback will be appreciated!
WHY
A native of Jacksonville , Florida, Mike Riley first came to the area in 1973 where he spent the next 20 years working in the coal industry. In 1992, he moved into financial services where he today he owns Riley Insurance & Financial Services. Mike and his wife, Linda, are longtime supporters of BCM both as donors and volunteers.
The proud parents of three daughters and three grandchildren, Mike and Linda Riley support the
Back
NG...
We support the Birthplace of Country Music because are proud of Bristol's we legacy as ground zero of the "Big Bang" of country music and are enthusiastic about sharing the story of this seminal event, along with the rich history of our community, with others through both education and entertainment. The Museum and its dedicated staff effectively achieve these goals museum experience, engaging by providing a unique visitors through interactive exhibits as well as through live concerts, lectures, and other special events. — Susan and Clyde Long
NEW SPECIAL EXHIBIT: THE
LUTHIER’S CRAFT
The Luthier’s Craft: Instrument Making Traditions of the Blue Ridge, open November 3, 2017 to March 4, 2018, explores the traditional arts of fiddle, guitar, banjo, and dulcimer making in Southern Appalachia and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Featured craftspeople include guitar maker Wayne Henderson, fiddle makers Audrey Hash Ham and Chris Testerman, banjo maker Johnny Gentry, and dulcimer maker Ernest Combs, along with several local luthiers. The exhibit showcases craftspeopl e and their instruments, and offers visitors a hands-on, interactive exploration of the rich history of this traditional craft.
I TELL
I S S U E 1 • FA L L 2 0 1 7
The 1927 Society is for individua ls, couples, and families. Membership is based on giving during a rolling 12-month period.
CHAMPIONS ($10,000+)
MARVIN & MARCIA GILLIAM ROB NICAR DON & GINIA SHAWL PAUL & JULIE THOMAS CLARK THOMAS & KAY SHANNON JOHN & ANN TICKLE JEFF WALLING SCOTT & BRENDA WHITE
BENEFACTOR S ($5,000-$9,9
99)
BILL & ROSE MARIE BURRISS JOHN & BRENDA FINCHER KEITH & BONNIE LISKEY MYERS & JAN MASSENGILL MIKE & LINDA RILEY LARRY KIRKSEY & TERRY SMITH MICHAEL & NITA VOLLMER
AMBASSADORS ($2,500-$4,9
BCM’S BLOG: LISTEN WHILE
Earlier this year, BCM started an online blog – Listen While I Tell: Stories from the Birthplace of Country Music & Beyond. The blog brings you behind-the-scenes views into the work that we do each day at the museum, festival, and radio station; content-driven stories related to early country music history; features on instruments and musicians; exploration s of the continuing music traditions in this region; and so much more. We want this blog to be a resource for you to gain a better understanding of our legacy and the music that made that history. Check it out and learn more at www.birthplaceofcou ntrymusic.org/blog.
Front
THE 19 27 SO CI ET Y
RICHARD & PEGGY HORNER LOGAN & ALISON MCCABE TOM & SANDY MCGLOTHLIN THOMAS & BARBARA SMITH JEFF & ROBIN TICKLE SPIKE & LISA TICKLE
*This list includes donations
99)
received or pledged on or
TOG ETH ER WE CAN DO GRE AT THIN GS PROMOTERS ($1,000-$2,4
ADVOCATES ($500-$999)
DAN & NELL BIEGER KENNETH & LINDA BRITTLE SR before October 10, 2017. As our campaign continues, we expect this list to grow
BIRTHPLACE OF COUNT DAN BIEGER LARRY GORLEY EDD HILL LARRY KIRKSEY EMILY LEE
99)
PETE & MELANIE BUHLS SCOTT & CONNIE BULLOCK JAMES & SHARON BUNN BOB & CHARLOTTE CAMPBELL CHARLES & PEGGY CARTER MARK & LISA COFER BEN & ANNE COWAN JOHN & BARB DAHLQUIST EDD HILL THOMAS & LEIGH KING BETTY KIRKSEY ZACHARY & EMILY LEE CLYDE & SUSAN LONG CHARLES & MARY BETH RAINERO JOSEPH & DANA ROBINETTE JOHN & LEAH ROSS H.D. & MARY LYNN SATTERWHITE FRED & JUDY SLAUGHTER STEVE & JESSICA TURNER DONNA STIDHAM TIM WELLS
THERESA BURRISS & JAMES WERTH JR LARRY & LOIS CLARKE MARK & SUSAN DAVIS DAVID & NANCY DEAL JOSEPH MOORE JOHN & JULIA RAINERO BILL & KAREN SORAH STEPHEN & BETH SPANGLER ED & LINDA STOUT JOHN & KAREN VANN JACK & JANICE WEISENBURGE R BILL & BILLIE WHISNANT TED & JUDY WOOD JANET WOOLWINE SARFRAZ & AUDREY ZAIDI
FANS ($250-$499)
TONY & EMILY ANDERSON GLENN BAREFOOT & JANET WALTERS BOBBY & TRACIE BLEVINS BILL & PATTY CANTER DAVE & PATTY FAULKNER RYAN & MEREDITH MATHESIUS JACKIE RINGERSMA CRAIG & BRENNAN ROCKETT J.B. WEILEPP significantly before the next
RY MUSIC BOARD OF DIRECT
KEITH LISKEY KEVIN MUMPOWER ROB NICAR LEA POWERS DANIELLE STARNES
issue.
ORS
ED STOUT BRENT TREASH CRAIG TURNER NITA VOLLMER JANET WOOLWINE
BELIEVE S IN BCM
BCM because of its impact on community engagemen t and economic developmen t. Mike mentioned the impact of having
a Smithsonian-affiliate museum and how much he appreciates the “reunion” aspect of the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion music festival.
GET IN TOUC
H Contact Shane Simmon s, Director of Development, SSimmons@BirthplaceofC at ountryMusic.org or by calling 423-573-1927.
P E R P E T U AT I N G T H E LEGACY
The new Donor Wall in the Birthplace of Country Music Museum sits “In Grateful Acknowledgement of Those Who Support Our Mission.” 2017 Year in Review Report | 10
A Carter Family display from the special exhibit Hometown Stars: Southwest Virginia’s Recording Legacy, 1923—1943.
11 | MUSEUM ACTIVITIES
MUSEUM ACTIVITIES
2017 Year in Review Report | 12
SPECIAL EXHIBITS
HOMETOWN STARS: SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA’S RECORDING LEGACY, 1923—1943 February 7— June 4, 2017 Hometown Stars: Southwest Virginia’s Recording Legacy, 1923–1943, a special exhibit from the Blue Ridge Institute and Museum at Ferrum College, was on display at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum February 7, 2017–June 4, 2017. The talents and repertoires of Southwest Virginia musicians proved to be a deep musical well for the nation’s growing recording industry, and few other parts of the country produced so much commercially recorded rural music in the pre-World War Two 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. These are just a few of the many community contributions to the “Who’s Your Hometown Star?” section of the exhibit, where visitors had the chance to recognize “hometown stars” of their choice.
13 | MUSEUM ACTIVITIES
Hometown Stars told the stories of those artists – including the Powers Family, Dock Boggs, Carl Martin, The Roanoke Jug Band, Jack Reedy & His Walker Mountain Stringband, and several Bristol Sessions artists – through text, photographs, and artifacts. The exhibit also gave visitors the opportunity to share their favorite “hometown stars” by writing the names on star-shaped Post-It notes and displaying them on a large panel.
Visitors took pleasure in learning about talent that originated close to home.
THINGS COME APART July 15— October 8, 2017 From July 15 to October 8, 2017, the museum hosted Things Come Apart, a Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service exhibit. Through extraordinary photographs, disassembled objects and fascinating videos, the exhibit highlighted the inner workings of common, everyday possessions. Images of dozens of objects explored how things are designed and made and how technology has evolved over time. For example, the individual components of a record player, a Walkman, and an iPod illustrated the technical changes in sound reproduction over the years. As a visual investigation of design and engineering, Things Come Apart also celebrated classic examples of industrial design like the sewing machine, the mechanical pencil, and the telescope. Additionally, the exhibit explores ideas about reuse, repair, and recycling. Things Come Apart embraced key STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math)
concepts and provided an ideal environment for hands-on experimentation, tinkering, and creative makerspaces. In fact, several school groups and classes visited the museum to use the exhibit as an educational supplement to their curriculum. Through support from the Smithsonian Women’s Committee, the exhibition also included three hands-on Activity Kits created by the Smithsonian’s Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation’s SparkLab, which were very popular with schools and families. We would like to extend a special thank you to our local partners, the Eastman Foundation and Strongwell for their generous support of this exhibit. Visitors enjoyed hearing Head Curator René Rogers (formerly Curator of Exhibits and Publications) discuss the exhibit.
THE LUTHIER’S CRAFT: INSTRUMENT MAKING TRADITIONS OF THE BLUE RIDGE November 3, 2017— March 4, 2018 Luthiers – skilled makers of stringed musical instruments – are both keepers of tradition and innovators. They carry on the old ways of working wood and strings to create beautiful and functional instruments, while also bringing new creativity and technology to the fore in their pieces.
Supplementary panels highlighting luthiers Randal Eller, Jimmy Edmonds, Kevin Fore, and Chuck Tipton were also included. The exhibit showcased these craftspeople and their instruments, and offered visitors an interactive exploration of the rich history of this traditional craft.
The exhibit invite visitors to interact with the instruments.
The Luthier’s Craft explored and documented the traditional arts of fiddle, guitar, banjo, and dulcimer making in Southern Appalachia and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Featured craftspeople included guitar maker Wayne Henderson, fiddle makers Audrey Hash Ham and Chris Testerman, banjo maker Johnny Gentry, dulcimer maker Ernest Combs, and guitar and ukulele maker Jayne Henderson.
The museum hosted two public programs to go along with the exhibit in January 2018 – Breaking Up Christmas, a concert featuring three regional bands with luthier band members from the exhibit, and a night of stories and music with luthiers Jayne Henderson and Wayne Henderson. The Luthier’s Craft was produced by the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History with financial support provided by The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, Interlam, Hibco Plastics, and Dr. Mac and Becky Sumner; it opened at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum on November 3, 2017 and ran through March 4, 2018. 2017 Year in Review Report | 14
EDUCATIONAL EVENTS BCM offered a variety of educational events in 2017. Highlights included partnering with Sullivan Central High School’s Teaching as a Profession students to present Cultural Arts Day at Indian Spring Elementary. Museum director Jessica Turner to an enthusiastic group at All grade levels had the speaks Indian Springs Elementary. opportunity to learn about our region’s rich music culture, to construct instruments from recycled goods, and to participate in a musical collaboration with a local musician. We hope to work with Sullivan Central again in 2018 to take this event to other elementary schools in Tennessee. We also worked with Kid Pan Alley to offer a wonderful songwriting learning activity to two elementary schools in Virginia; Kid Pan Alley then came back to Bristol for the festival to present some of the songs that came out of these workshops. With the Things Come Apart exhibit, we focused on the invention/maker side of things with our programs for both children and adults. This included participating in the Kingsport Mini Maker Faire where we hosted a Rene Rogers provides activity take-apart table and did instructions to a young visitor at a sound demonstration, the Kingsport Mini Maker Faire. screening films about Edison, Tesla, and the making of a Steinway piano, and hosting our own Family Fun Day maker-type event. We saw around 150 people come through our doors for the free Family Fun Day where 15 | MUSEUM ACTIVITIES
participants got the chance to tour Things Come Apart, get an introduction to 3D printing by staff from the Bristol Public Library, talk with local artisan Terry Clark about his “art from found objects,” create a make-and-take recycling craft with the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Green Team, and play with the Smithsonian Spark!Lab’s soundscape activity kit. The museum also offered several special teacher in-service days focused on the exhibit and its STEAM-focused learning opportunities.
(Left) Children were able to put their engineering skills to the test with the take-apart activities at Family Fun Day. (Right) Thanks to a partnership with the Bristol Public Library, families received a fun introduction to 3-D printing at Family Fun Day. (Bottom) Teachers from Sullins Academy had an interactive in-service day learning about the special exhibit Things Come Apart.
PICK ALONG SUMMER CAMPS June 19— July 21, 2017 This was the third year of our successful Pick Along summer camps. The weeklong sessions offered campers the chance to learn playing techniques and old-time tunes on their chosen instrument of guitar, fiddle, and banjo. Along with music instruction, campers participated in other activities: learning about the history of the Bristol Sessions, songwriting, dancing, hands-on crafts and learning activities, and an introduction to radio, including some time on-air. The campers also learned how to play together as a band, performing around Bristol’s downtown as “buskers” and in a final camp performance for family and staff.
Campers gathered in the Learning Center of the museum to practice together.
These camps draw students from our local and regional area, but also from as far away as Atlanta, and we have seen repeat campers who follow up with individual instruction and attend museum events after their summer camp experience.
Burger Bar was a perfect stop for campers to experience busking.
CHILDREN’S DAY AT BRISTOL RHYTHM & ROOTS REUNION September 16, 2017 The Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion Children’s Day is another space for engaging families with educational fun. In 2017 the free event featured a variety of hands-on music-related and arts-focused activities, and participants got the chance to dance and sing, play instruments, create take-home crafts, watch a variety of performers, and learn about BCM and other nonprofits in the community. Farmer Jason kicked off our festival weekend with a concert for Bristol, Tennessee school children grades 3—4, and then he performed at Children’s Day, creating a mini-festival atmosphere filled with kid-focused music for visiting families.
Students were excited to perform with Kid Pan Alley on the Cumberland Stage.
The free craft activities and games were a huge hit with the families who attended.
Farmer Jason’s fun and entertaining songs were a highlight of the day 2017 Year in Review Report | 16
MUSEUM VOLUNTEERS As a nonprofit, the Birthplace of Country Music is fortunate to tap into the time and talents of hundreds of volunteers each year. We recruit these dedicated people throughout the year – from calls for volunteers for Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion to regular training sessions for museum volunteers. Our museum volunteers act in several important roles. They act as gallery assistants, work behind the scenes in our archives and on exhibits, help facilitate Radio Bristol’s live radio shows and museum events, lead adult and school tours as docents, and so much more. People interested in becoming a museum volunteer participate in a training session that provides a detailed introduction to the museum and the volunteer program, including a chance to pinpoint their area of interest at the museum and learn more about the ins-and-outs of being a museum volunteer. Museum volunteers also have many opportunities for continuing learning and training at the museum – and most of all, they have fun as part of the volunteer team!
There is no doubt that volunteers are integral to our success. Because our volunteers are dedicated, welcoming, and knowledgeable, they have a direct and meaningful impact on our visitors. Our museum may be an engaging and enjoyable experience, but it is our volunteers who make your time with us special.
Our friendly docents enhance our visitor experience with their enthusiasm and knowledge of each exhibit.
Camps provide a unique experience, where volunteers have the ability to work directly with students to teach music.
In 2017 we utilized approximately
70 ACTIVE VOLUNTEERS that provided nearly
2,900
Activity kit training days, such as the one pictured here, are always fun and interactive!
17 | MUSEUM ACTIVITIES
VOLUNTEER HOURS
THE MUSEUM STORE The Museum Store had a solid year in 2017 as museum attendance increased and as the store became more recognized as a shopping destination for local and regional shoppers. Some of the favorite standard museum “gift shop” merchandise ranged from the expensive (Mary Frances purses) to the inexpensive (guitar picks). Books and music CDs, One of our popular Mary Frances particularly those relating purses. to the 1927 Bristol Sessions, continue to be hugely popular as visitors are interested in learning more about what they experienced in the museum. Our store staff often order merchandise to go along with our special exhibits – especially related books and CDs – so keep your eye out for these items!
There are many attractive options for BCM and Bristol souvenirs and merchandise.
As you might expect, BCM-branded merchandise also did well with out-of-town visitors who wanted a souvenir showing people the places they visited on their trip. Since opening in 2014, we have continued to learn what branded merchandise sells best – mainly regarding colors and designs on clothing. Items like BCM hats, t-shirts, magnets, and other merchandise with the BCM or BCM branch logos continued to be some of the bestselling items in the store.
(Above) Joan Manross’s quilted “Mug Mats” are a favorite artisan gift. (Right) These delicate pumpkins are by the skilled glassblower Johnny Glass, and some of our most popular items.
By December 2017, The Museum Store featured consigned goods from 59 regional juried artisans, and throughout the year we received many compliments on the variety and quality of handcrafted goods being offered – and we sold a lot of them! A number of our artisans had record sales years in 2017, and we believe having high-quality, regional handcrafted goods on display makes the store more like a “gallery,” providing an added “experience” for museum visitors. We also served many businesses with gift boxes and baskets (often comprised of a combination of branded merchandise and handcrafted consigned items) Gift baskets are customizable, making for their visitors or them a great option for customers. customers throughout the year. One local company even gave its employees the gift of a museum membership plus a store gift certificate. We hope to increase our service to businesses from the store in 2018. 2017 Year in Review Report | 18
Festival-goers had a great experience watching Love Canon play on Cumberland Stage which featured a fun, updated atmosphere this year.
19 | FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES
FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES
2017 Year in Review Report | 20
FESTIVAL RECAP Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion celebrated its 17th annual festival with more than 130 acts of live music performing on 20 stages, covering 8 city blocks of Historic Downtown Bristol, and with 43,835 in attendance from all over the world. A diverse mix of artists from a wide range of genres filled the stages, with country superstar Dwight Yoakam leading the pack. Other headliners Low Cut Connie put on included Judah & The Lion, a high-energy show in the Dance Tent. Jerry Douglas and The Earls of Leicester, Son Volt, Deer Tick, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, The Infamous Stringdusters, Mark O’Connor ft. The O’Connor Band, and The SteelDrivers.
(Left) Visitors of all ages enoyed the three-day event. (Right) A Bristol Rhythm favorite, the Black Lillies never fail to deliver. The 90th Anniversary of the 1927 Bristol Sessions Tribute culminated with an ensemble of artists gathered together singing a heartfelt rendition of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.”
21 | FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES
Festival highlights included the lighthearted, non-partisan pairing of Senator Tim Kaine (Virginia Democrat) and Senator Lamar Alexander (Tennessee Republican) — a.k.a. The Amateurs. The unlikely duo’s set made national headlines in USA Today and The Washington Post. Also, the Paramount Stage was at maximum capacity for Radio Bristol’s Farm & Fun Time live radio show with The Earls of Leicester and The Cactus Blossoms Senator Tim Kaine and delivering solid, memorable Senator Lamar Alexander put aside their political differences performances. to join musical forces. The crowning point of Bristol Rhythm 2017 was the ambitious 90th Anniversary of the 1927 Bristol Sessions Tribute. Curated by Cruz Conteras of the Black Lillies, the epic set showcased an ensemble cast including Jerry Douglas, Elizabeth Cook, Langhorne Slim, Mandolin Orange, The War & Treaty, Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams, Nora Jane Struthers, BJ Barham, Robert Ellis, Josh Oliver, Christian Lopez, Dale Jett, Annabelle’s Curse, and Bill & the Belles. All of the participants gathered together on stage for a “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” jam that had audience members singing along word for word.
“An
AMERICAN TREASURE,
the [downtown] music fest that is the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion once again outdid expectations in a myriad of musical feastings and festivities that showed the continuing evolution of roots music.”
Ron Wray, No Depression
FESTIVAL VOLUNTEERS Volunteers play a very important role in the success of the Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion, and we are very appreciative of everyone who gives their time to this wonderful event.
The merchandise trailer is a fast-paced, fun volunteer position.
Many volunteers return year after year to lend their involvement!
Ticket booth volunteers are essential to the festival’s success.
In 2017, over
900 VOLUNTEERS assisted and supported the festival! 2017 Year in Review Report | 22
Josh Littleton, show host and Radio Bristol Engineer and Technical Administrator, enjoys some on-air time in the studio booth.
23 | RADIO ACTIVITIES
RADIO ACTIVITIES
2017 Year in Review Report | 24
RADIO UPDATE This past year yielded tremendous growth for Radio Bristol not only in our programming but also in our listenership, with the radio team working diligently to get the word out about this unique platform. We have gone to great lengths to develop creative programming to ensure listener growth while taking into account some of the limitations the station has as an LP-FM. Through this creative “outside of the box” approach, the station has garnered industry recognition including three nominations at the 2017 International Bluegrass Music Association Awards: Broadcaster of the Year – Kris Truelsen; Event of the Year – Farm and Fun Time; and Industry Leader – Kris Truelsen; and a nomination for Ameripolitan DJ of the Year – Bailey George.
“Every morning when I wake up I listen to your radio. It gives me energy and a good mood for the whole day. Now I can not imagine my normal day without your radio. My whole family also listens to your radio!” Julia A. Fufkova Spirovo, Russia
FARM AND FUN TIME Our Hit Monthly Program
Farm and Fun Time, our flagship program, has found a dedicated following and was sold out for the last two quarters of 2017. We have worked hard to build a following for the program not only locally but internationally. Thanks to generous support from our underwriters, Radio Bristol has utilized social media to its fullest potential bringing high-quality video to Facebook Live as a way to broadcast Farm and Fun Time to a wider audience.
25 | RADIO ACTIVITIES
In November, John McEuen played to a full and delighted audience in the museum’s Performance Theater.
ON THE ROAD from New York to Virginia Not only are all Farm and Fun Time and Radio Bristol Sessions video-streamed, but we have also had success in taking the station on the road for some groundbreaking remote broadcasts, including a star-studded lineup of Radio Bristol Sessions from IBMA World of Bluegrass in Raleigh, a live broadcast from the celebrated Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival in New York, and a recent live broadcast from worldrenowned record collector Joe Bussard’s record room, which garnered nearly 30,000 views during its 3-hour live broadcast on our Facebook page.
(Left) The radio crew took the show on the road to festivals from New York to North Carolina and Virginia. (Right) Radio Bristol was able to host nearly 20 live Radio Bristol Sessions during IBMA last year, such as this set by Chatham County Line.
NEW PROGRAMMING On-air and Online
Many new shows were launched in 2017. Some highlights include Diggin’ with Big Lon with record collector Lonnie Salyer, a program dedicated to 45 RPM records recorded locally over the years in the Tri-Cities; Old Kentucky Bound with Rich Kirby, a show dedicated to the musical traditions of Kentucky; and the Farm and Fun Time Noon Show with the Po Ramblin’ Boys, a throwback to the original WCYB
broadcast celebrating the format of live country music radio programming. Those are only a few examples. The radio programming schedule has filled up over the past year and there are many more exciting shows planned for 2018. It is Radio Bristol’s specialized programming and formats that set it apart and draw listeners from all over the world.
2017 STATS
335%
online listenership growth
10% listeners are international*
75% increase in social media following
*Our biggest international audiences are in Brazil, UK, India, Germany, China, Canada, and Japan. 2017 Year in Review Report | 26
TOP
Press AARP January 2017 Top Travel Picks for 2017
The Daily Country April 2017 Birthplace of Country Music Museum and Radio Bristol Announce April Events
Billboard Country Magazine August 2017 From Jimmie Rodgers To Jason Aldean: 90 Years Of Country’s Big Bang (The Bristol Sessions)
Atlanta Journal Constitution December 2017 Tennessee: Country music, Elvis, Dollywood, Tina Turner draw visitors
Bluegrass Today July 2017 90th Anniversary Bristol Sessions Symposium at the Birthplace of Country Music
CMT.com July 2017 The Unbroken Circle: Remembering the Bristol Sessions
Music Industry News Network May 2017 Dwight Yoakam, Judah & The Lion to Headline Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion 2017
Tennessean Newspaper November 2017 Tennessee’s 10 best music festivals
USA Today September 2017 Sens. Lamar Alexander and Tim Kaine, aka The Amateurs, get ready for music festival debut
No Depression September 2017 Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion Celebrates Landmark Recordings’ 90th Anniversary
Huffington Post (Canada) September 2017 Escapade en Virginie sur la route du country Un voyage exaltant sur traces des pionniers du country.
27 | PRESS & AWARDS
2017 NOTEABLE
Awards NORTHEAST TENNESSEE TOURISM ASSOCIATION PINNACLE AWARDS
AMERICAN ADVERTISING FEDERATION OF SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA
PINNACLE AWARD, SPECIAL PROJECTS
OUT OF HOME AMBIENT MEDIA—GOLD ADDY
“Tennessee Ernie Ford: A Life On Stage” Special Exhibit, Birthplace of Country Music Museum
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion Festival Poster
PINNACLE AWARD, JUDGES CHOICE
ELEMENTS OF ADVERTISING, FILM & VIDEO— GOLD ADDY
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion Artist Reveal Video
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion Lineup Video
PINNACLE AWARD, ADVERTISING & PROMOTIONS
SALES & MARKETING SALES PROMOTION PACKAGING—SILVER ADDY
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion Artist Reveal Video
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion Wristband Box
PINNACLE AWARD, PUBLIC RELATIONS (SHARED WITH BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY & BRISTOL CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU) Integrated Public Relations for the World’s Largest College Football Game, Battle At Bristol
MERIT AWARD, ADVERTISING & PROMOTIONS Birthplace of Country Music Branding Video
AMERICAN ADVERTISING FEDERATION OF SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA FILM VIDEO SOUND, ONLINE FILM —SILVER ADDY Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion Video Campaign
MERIT AWARD, ADVERTISING & PROMOTIONS Birthplace of Country Music :30 Second Commercial
TENNESSEE ASSOCIATION OF MUSEUMS AWARD OF EXCELLENCE, VOLUNTEERISM
SOUTHEAST FESTIVALS AND EVENTS ASSOCIATION KALEIDOSCOPE AWARD: SILVER Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, Best Social Media Marketing Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, Best TV Ad or PSA
Richard Horner
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE, EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING YWCA Bristol TechGYRLS Museum Day Live! Radio Program
KALEIDOSCOPE AWARD: BRONZE Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, Best Festival or Event Video Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, Best Event Program Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, Best Promotional Poster
2017 Year in Review Report | 28
29 | BOARD
OUR 2017
Board Dan Bieger Larry Gorley Edd Hill Larry Kirksey Emily Lee Keith Liskey Kevin Mumpower Rob Nicar Lea Powers Danielle Starnes Ed Stout Brent Treash Craig Turner Nita Vollmer Janet Woolwine
2017 Year in Review Report | 30
31 | CONTACT US
HOW TO
Contact Us For more information on the Birthplace of Country Music, please contact us or visit our website.
Birthplace of Country Music Museum 520 Birthplace of Country Music Way Bristol, VA 24201 (423) 573-1927
Birthplace of Country Music Business Office 416 State Street, Suite A Bristol, TN 37620 (423) 573-1927
Mailing Address: PO Box 1927 Bristol, VA 24203
Website: BirthplaceofCountryMusic.org
2017 Year in Review Report | 32