The Birthplace of Country Music

Special Exhibit | Boot Scootin' History: The Craft and Stories of Cowboy Boots
2025-10-14 - 2026-04-06 | Birthplace of Country Music Museum, 101 Country Music Way, Bristol, VA, 24201, United States
Dates: October 14, 2025 – April 6, 2026
Location: Special Exhibits Gallery, Birthplace of Country Music Museum
Cowboy boots are an iconic element of country music. Bespoke boot maker Lisa Sorrell’s creations illustrate how cowboy boots can fulfill both art and function. Boot Scootin‘ History: The Craft and Stories of Cowboy Boots explores the history and craft of boot making and cowboy boots, shares a behind-the-scenes view into the materials and techniques used, and considers the impact of cowboy boots in country and bluegrass music. With more than 35 of Sorrell’s boots on display – accompanied by personal stories and insights from Sorrell – along with a few cowboy boots connected to industry stars and professionals, visitors will encounter a riot of color and craft, gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation into the boot making tradition and the important place of cowboy boots in country music history.
There will be several complementary programs to go along with Boot Scootin‘ History: The Craft and Stories of Cowboy Boots. Sign up for BCM’s newsletter or pay close attention to the Events page on our website for more information.
This programming is made possible through the support of the United Company Foundation.
About Lisa Sorrell

Sorrell Custom Boots was established in 1996 in historic Guthrie, Oklahoma, by Lisa Sorrell. Lisa is a master bootmaker and fine artist whose canvas is the cowboy boot. Every boot she builds is custom fit and handcrafted for each client. Inspired by the art of the cowboy boot, its heritage and tradition, Lisa’s work has been featured in several books, numerous magazines, and the PBS series “Craft in America.” Distinguished by intricate leather inlay, overlay and topstitching, Sorrell Custom Boots has a reputation of pleasing the most discerning clients with boots that invite investigation and tell a great story.
BOOKS:
Written by Lisa: “The Art of Leather Inlay and Overlay” 2015, Schiffer Publishing
Featured in: “The Art of the Boot” by Tyler Beard, “Cowboy Boots” by Tyler Beard, “Cowboy Boots: The Art and Sole” by Jennifer June, and “Portraits of the American Craftsman” by Tadd Myers
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS AND AWARDS:
2022
Oklahoma-themed boots installed at the Oklahoma State Capitol as part of their permanent art collection
2020
Academy of Western Artists
Boot Maker of the Year
2016
International Efficiency Contest of the Shoemaker’s Trade, Wiesbaden, Germany
Award: Gold Medal and Silver Master Cup, Luxury Shoe category
2013
International Efficiency Contest of the Shoemaker’s Trade, Wiesbaden, Germany
Award: Gold Medal, Luxury Shoe category
2011
Western Design Conference, Teton Home and Living Magazine, Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Award: Best Artist, Leather category
2010
International Efficiency Contest of the Shoemaker’s Trade, Wiesbaden, Germany
Award: Gold Medal, Luxury Shoe category
2009
“17th Annual Western Design Conference”, Teton Home and Living Magazine, Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Award: Honorary Mention, “Art to Wear”
2008
Western Design Conference, Teton Home and Living Magazine, Jackson Hole, Wyoming
“Craft in America”, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
2007
“15th Annual Western Design Conference”, Teton Home and Living Magazine, Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Award: Best Artist, “Art to Wear”
2005
“Boot and Saddlemaker’s Roundup”, Eddie and Kathy Kimmel, Wichita Falls, Texas
Award: First Place, Master Category

Boot Scootin' Block Party
2026-03-27 17:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Axe and Ale House, 155 Moore Street, Bristol, VA, 24201, United States
Date: Saturday, March 27, 2026
Time: 5-8 p.m. EST
Location: Special Exhibits Gallery, Birthplace of Country Music Museum, and Axe and Ale House Dance Tent
Cost: FREE, Donations at the door appreciated to support the Birthplace of Country Music Museum
REGISTER TO ATTEND HERE

Celebrate the last week of the Boot Scootin’ History: The Craft and Stories of Cowboy Boots Special Exhibit with a Boot Scootin’ Block party! Bring out your best boots for the Cowboy Boot Contest, explore the Special Exhibit for free to learn about the history of cowboy boots and what it takes to make boots by hand from one of the best bootmakers in the business, and boogie the night away Line Dancing with Carla at the Dance Tent outside Axe and Ale House!
This event is open to all ages and no experience is necessary. Space is limited, so sign up to participate soon!
Food and drinks are available for purchase inside Axe and Ale House and can be consumed at the Dance Tent. No food or drinks are allowed inside the Special Exhibit.
Cowboy Boot Contest
Sign up for the contest at the registration table by the Dance Tent. Registration ends at 6:15 p.m. or when the 20-person limit is reached. The contest starts at 6:30 p.m. Each contestant will be called up to strike a pose, do a jig, or otherwise show off your boots in the best way you know how. Once all contestants have displayed their boots, three guest judges will choose the top three boots of the evening.

First Place – Two 3-Day GA tickets to Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion
Second Place – Two tickets to Radio Bristol’s May 14 Farm and Fun Time and an Axe and Ale House gift card
Third Place – Two tickets to the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, a Boot Scootin’ History exhibit poster, boot-themed playing cards, and swag from Axe and Ale House.

Monthly Bluegrass Jam
2026-03-28 15:00 - 17:00 | Birthplace of Country Music Museum, 101 Country Music Way, Bristol, VA, 24201, United States
The Birthplace of Country Music Museum, in partnership with the East Tennessee Bluegrass Association, hosts a monthly gathering of local musicians for a bluegrass jam session. The jam events are intended to provide a space for local musicians to gather and pick, collaborate, share their experiences, and—most importantly—to have fun. The jams are acoustic and only feature traditional bluegrass instruments: acoustic guitar, upright bass, fiddle, mandolin, banjo, and dobro.
The jams are free and open to the public. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Those just interested in joining as a spectator are welcome at no charge.
Bluegrass Jams will be held every fourth Saturday of the month from 3-5 p.m., serving as a great warm-up for Saturday night gigs. Musicians are asked to bring their own instruments.
The sessions will be held in the Learning Center at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum.
For more information call 423-573-1927.
