The Birthplace of Country Music

Museum Volunteer Orientation
2026-04-18 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-06-20 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Birthplace of Country Music Museum, 101 Country Music Way, Bristol, VA, 24201, United States
We want YOU to join our wonderful team of volunteers at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum!
Dates: Every other month on a Saturday

February 21, 2026
April 18, 2026
June 20, 2026
August 15, 2026
October 17, 2026
December 19, 2026

Time: 10 a.m.-Noon
Location: Birthplace of Country Music Museum, Learning Center
If you have a passion for Bristol and its musical legacy and love helping others, our museum volunteer program is the perfect fit for you!
Museum volunteers play a vital role in a number of key areas behind the scenes and on the front lines, such as working as a gallery assistant or docent, helping out in The Museum Store, working with the public at events, concerts, and programs, assisting with behind the scenes administrative or collections work and so much more! Our Museum Volunteer Orientation session gets you acquainted with every aspect of the museum to help you find your area of interest. Volunteer schedules are flexible and fun!
If you are interested in coming to our Museum Volunteer Training, call 423-573-1927 or email volunteercoordinator@birthplaceofcountrymusic.org.

Weekly Music Lessons with JAM Kids at the Museum!
2026-04-18 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-04-25 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-05-02 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-05-09 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-05-16 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-05-23 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-05-30 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-06-06 10:30 - 11:30 and 7 more dates | VA
Date: Weekly on Saturdays
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. ET
Location: The Learning Center, Birthplace of Country Music Museum
Cost: $5 per class or $45 for 10 lessons
Through a new partnership with Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM), the Birthplace of Country Music Museum is a new affiliate location for the program, offering weekly music lessons at the museum for children grades 4-8 and beyond. JAM Kids introduces music through small group instruction on acoustic instruments common to the Appalachian region, such as guitar, banjo, and fiddle. Students may bring their own instruments, or they can be provided as a loan while your child is participating in the program. Other instruments may be introduced as to be determined by instructors. Weekly classes will be held throughout the year, and students can join the program at any point in the year.
Registration is required to participate in this program. You can download the Registration Forms and bring it with you when you drop off your child for their first lesson or complete it at the museum’s front desk upon arrival. Each week, lessons will be filled based on arrival and capped at 30 students. Registration allows you to participate but does not guarantee your spot each week.
We do not offer online registration or spot reservations for this program. Lessons can be purchased as-you-go for $5 or as a bundle of ten pre-paid lessons for $45. The bundle is a discounted rate and will expedite your check-in process, but does not guarantee your spot each week. The class will be closed if capacity is reached before your arrival. Scholarships are available upon request. For more information about signing up for JAM or to inquire about scholarships, email Erika Barker at ebarker@birthplaceofcountrymusic.org.
Registration Forms: Please bring all three forms with you when you arrive for your first lesson.

Registration Form
Student Contract
Media Release Form

Junior Appalachian Musicians is a non-profit and the parent organization for 50+ after-school programs for children in grades 4 – 8. We provide communities with the tools and support they need to teach children to play and dance to traditional old-time and bluegrass music. JAM introduces music through small group instruction on instruments common to the Appalachian region, such as fiddle, banjo and guitar. Each JAM program is individually operated and funded. By affiliating with the JAM organization, each program is eligible to receive support and resources for free and is licensed to use “Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM)” to identify their traditional music education program.
Be sure to check out JAM Kids on Facebook and Instagram!

The JAM Program Model
JAM is an after-school program for children in grades 4 – 8 and beyond that introduces music through small group instruction on instruments common to the Appalachian region, such as fiddle, banjo and guitar. Each JAM program is individually operated and funded. By affiliating with the JAM organization, each program is eligible to receive support and resources for free, and is licensed to use “Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM)” to identify their traditional music education program.
Junior Appalachian Musicians ® is a registered trademark of Junior Appalachian Musicians, Inc.
In JAM, instrument instruction is often augmented by dance and vocal instruction as well as string band classes and group enrichment lessons, which introduce children to additional Appalachian culture and history. The JAM program model provides children with opportunities to not only learn traditional music, but to also perform in small and large groups. Field trips, visiting artists and an introduction to the rich history of music unique to each local community further supplement program offerings. Each JAM program is encouraged to foster musical traditions by teaching local styles of traditional mountain music and dance to children. Instructors are also encouraged to teach students to learn music by ear, as to preserve oral traditions as much as possible. Other teaching methodologies and instructional skills are covered in regional professional development and training sessions held multiple times per year and hosted by JAM. JAM also encourages student engagement across programs with regional performance and learning activities throughout the year. For a full list of benefits to affiliates, click here.
JAM believes that all children should have access to traditional old time and bluegrass music. It is recommended that each program provide financial assistance through scholarships to children in need. The program model bases tuition fees on student lunch status: $10/week for full pay children, and $5/week for reduced pay children.
Class sizes typically have a student teacher ratio of 8:1 or less. JAM mandates that each affiliated program conduct criminal background checks on their instructors, directors, and other staff members and volunteers. Programs must be held in public facilities accessible to the community. Junior Appalachian Musicians, Inc prohibits discrimination against any persons on the bases of race, color, national origin, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, political beliefs, familial or parental status, and sexual orientation.
For a full listing of affiliation requirements, click here.
History of JAM
Realizing the need to preserve a vital aspect of mountain culture as well as the need for positive activities to underserved youth, Helen White, then a guidance counselor at Sparta Elementary School, founded the first JAM program in Alleghany County, NC in the spring of 2000 with help from other local musicians and educators. Interest in the program spread rapidly with assistance from the National Endowment for the Arts, NC State Arts Council, Blue Ridge National Heritage Area and “The Crooked Road – Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail.”
In 2007, the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation provided funding to allow the development of a regional infrastructure. The Dana Foundation, Virginia Commission for Arts, the Virginia Foundation for Humanities, the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Harris and Frances Block Foundation and the Tides Foundation have provided funding for materials development.
“Junior Appalachian Musicians” was incorporated in 2008 as a non-profit 501(c)3 tax exempt corporation to promote a shared vision of JAM and to provide an umbrella through which to offer resources, training materials and activities to benefit programs individually and collectively. Currently in nearly 30 locations in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia, JAM affiliates are providing access to the joy of music to thousands of youth while instilling renewed interest and pride in their heritage.
Interested in learning more about JAM? Click here.

Monthly Bluegrass Jam
2026-04-25 15:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-23 15:00 - 17:00, 2026-06-27 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.

Museum Story Time - Moss & Moonlight
2026-05-01 10:30 - 11:30 | Birthplace of Country Music Museum, 101 Country Music Way, Bristol, VA, 24201, United States
Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
Time: 10:30 a.m. EST
Location: The Learning Center, Birthplace of Country Music Museum
Cost: Free and open to the public
Theme: Moss & Moonlight: “Thez stories we follow on tiptoe, between the brushstrokes and the trees.”
Join us in the museum’s Learning Center for our monthly Museum Storytime program. Aimed at toddler-age children and their grown-ups, we will gather on the first Friday of each month for a music- or Appalachia-related storybooks, a tune or two by WBCM Radio Bristol show host Ella Patrick, and a related activity or coloring sheet.
*This month’s Story Time ties in heavily to the Charles Vess Special Exhibit.
Books that will be featured at Story Time include:

Backyard Fairies by Phoebe Wahl
Children of the Forest by Matthew Myers

Songwriters Circle
2026-05-09 14:00 - 17:00, 2026-06-13 14:00 - 17:00, 2026-07-11 14:00 - 17:00 | Birthplace of Country Music Museum, 101 Country Music Way, Bristol, VA, 24201, United States
2026 Dates: Monthly, every 2nd Saturday

January 10
February 14
March 14
April 11 (SHOWCASE)
May 9
June 13
July 12
August 8
September 12 (TBD)
October 11
November 14 (SHOWCASE)
December 12

Time: 2-5 p.m. ET
Location: The Learning Center, Birthplace of Country Music Museum
Cost: Free and open to the public, donations encouraged at quarterly showcases
In partnership with Songwriters of Highlands Appalachia, the Birthplace of Country Music Museum will host a monthly Songwriters Circle every 2nd Saturday, 2-5 p.m. ET, in the Learning Center. Beginners, experienced songwriters, and aspiring songwriters are invited to share songs, brainstorm ideas, and encourage each other to keep writing. There is no fee to participate.
At the end of each session, the group will choose three prompts to inspire ideas for the following month. The prompts may be objects, phrases, feelings, colors, senses, or any other topic. Writers may use those topics to help them write a song or two to share for the following session. Songwriters do not have to play an instrument in order to participate.
Songwriters Circle is an opportunity to perform, workshop, and network with other artists, with an emphasis on clarity and telling a story. The goals of the group are to encourage songwriting, introduce songwriting shows to audiences in the region, and enlighten the public about the craft of songwriting and its value as an art form.
Fans of music and songwriting are welcome to sit in for a listen at no cost.

About Songwriters of Highlands Appalachia

Songwriters of Highlands Appalachia is led by Mary Munsey, a local musician and educator, recently retired from Virginia Highlands Community College. The program offers a great deal of flexibility in its format for attendees, with varied songwriting interests and abilities. Some of the attendees play instruments and some are curious about songwriting and the process. Lyrics can sometimes only pare up with others that play instruments and put music with the words. Some writers don’t sing, but enjoy hearing others perform their songs. Some of the performances can be a cappella. Some members of the group write one to three songs between sessions and some write more. Sometimes as busy as life gets, writers don’t get to write new material between meetings. We don’t pressure anyone to write, and we don’t criticize anyone. We treat each other with respect. We don’t discuss politics, use profanity, or write antagonistic lyrics.

The focus is not on the beauty of the voice or skill of the instrumentation, but the clearness of the pronunciation and the effect of the song. We work on making sure the audience can hear every word. We are not professional musicians but we are creators of musical stories and that is the beauty of it. The sessions are open to anyone visiting the museum. Genres are not specified. Songs can be instrumental, folk, country, bluegrass, Americana, blues, humorous, jazz, R&B, electronic, and even pop, to name a few. Writers are allowed to bring CDs for sale and to accept tips after performances.
As an extension of this program, each quarter we invite songwriters to attend “Writers-in-the-Round” or WITR concerts. WITR consists of three to five writers together in a circle or on stage. Each writer introduces themselves, gives the title of their song, and then sings it with or without accompaniment. Discussion will follow concerning the origins of the song, how they wrote it, and the song’s inspiration, along with any questions from the audience.

To learn more about Songwriters of Highlands Appalachia, visit the website at HighlandsAppalachia.org.

Speaker Sessions: Dom Flemons on Lesley Riddle
2026-05-12 19:00 - 20:30 | https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/hh1BDoTKRf-GBeO_J9Rs9g#/registration
Join us on Tuesday, May 12, 7:00pm for our Speaker Session program with Dom Flemons, “The American Songster.” Dom has transcribed over a dozen hours worth of audio recordings on Lesley Riddle, and during this program, he will share his insights on a pivotal figure whose influence fundamentally shaped the sound of early country music. As a Black musician who traveled with A.P. Carter, Riddle was instrumental in collecting traditional Appalachian songs and teaching the Carter Family his unique guitar picking techniques and blues-influenced arrangements. Flemons illustrates how Riddle’s contributions bridged the gap between African American blues and American folk music, proving that the roots of country music are deeply multicultural. By centering Riddle’s legacy, Flemons restores a crucial, often overlooked chapter of American music history that underscores the essential role of Black artistry in defining the genre.

REGISTER TO ATTEND IN PERSON HERE

Date: Tuesday, May 12, 2026

Time: 7 p.m. ET

Location: Virtual ONLY via Zoom

Cost: Free and open to the public

Dom Flemons received an Honorary Doctorate from Northern Arizona University, and he’s a GRAMMY Award Winner with four GRAMMY nominations, Two-Time EMMY Nominee, International Acoustic Music Award Grand Prize Winner, and was a United States Artists Fellow. Dom is a musician based in the Chicago area, and he is famously known as “The American Songster” since his repertoire covers over 100 years of American roots music, including country, folk, bluegrass, Americana, and the blues. Flemons is a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, music scholar, historian, actor, narrator, host, slam poet, record collector, podcaster, and the creator, host, and producer of the American Songster Radio Show on WSM in Nashville. He is considered an expert player on the banjo, guitar, harmonica, jug, percussion, quills, fife, and rhythm bones. He is the co-founder of the Carolina Chocolate Drops and the founder of American Songster Productions. He is currently serving on the Board of Directors at the Steve Martin Banjo Prize, Folk Alliance International, and Music Maker Relief Foundation, and was elected as a Governor on the Board of Directors for the Washington, D.C. Chapter of the Recording Academy.

1927 Society Concert Series: Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show
2026-05-27 18:00 - 21:00 | Birthplace of Country Music Museum, 101 Country Music Way, Bristol, VA, 24201, United States
The Birthplace of Country Music proudly presents the intimate 1927 Concert Series experience featuring live music by Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show. 1927 Society Concert Underwriting Support Provided By Meade Tractor and Freedom Automotive.
Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Time: Reception starts at 6 p.m. Show starts at 7 p.m.
Location: Performance Theater, Birthplace of Country Music Museum
Tickets: $117.61
GET TICKETS
—Presale for 1927 Society Members starts on Wednesday, February 25 at 12 p.m.
Check email to 1927 Society Members for Presale Access Code
—Public Onsale starts on Wednesday, March 4 at 12 p.m.

The 1927 Concert Series is an intimate concert experience set in the “acoustically perfect” performance theater at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. It’s more than a night of music, it’s a very personal event with some of the most renowned roots music artists performing today. Guests are asked to arrive promptly at 6 p.m. to enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres and an open bar before the show (ages 21+ with valid ID), food and drinks included with ticket. Music begins at 7 p.m.
Members of the Birthplace of Country Music’s 1927 Society are given access to exclusive ticket pre-sales to the 1927 Concert Series before they go on sale to the public. To learn more about becoming a member of the 1927 Society and all its advantages, click here.
About Ketch Secor
Ketch Secor was 6 years old when he first visited Nashville. Sitting in the church pews of the Grand Ole Opry, he watched Minnie Pearl command the stage, transfixed by country music’s ability to bridge the gap between past and present. When he returned to town in 1996 — two years before forming Old Crow Medicine Show, the Grammy-winning string band that would turn him into a kingpin of American roots music — it was as a busker, playing old-time songs on street corners before shuffling back home to North Carolina.
“There was a real spontaneity and quixotic passion to my early days in Nashville,” he remembers. “It took me a few years to move here permanently, but it was always my intention. I set my sights on it. Nashville was the town for me.”
Now a Nashville resident for 25 years, Ketch reflects on a quarter century spent in Music City and beyond with Story The Crow Told Me. Sharply written and wildly creative, the album marks his first full-length solo release. Its 12 songs tell the story of a Kerouac-worthy journey through the misfit wilderness of life, love, longing, and leaving home, filled to the brim with spoken-word vocal performances, punky tempos, bluegrass harmonies, honking harmonica, and fiddle. There are cameos from simpatico artists like Molly Tuttle and Marty Stuart, and even poignant samples from Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash. Gluing that expansive mix together is Ketch himself: a roots-music ringleader, countrified carnival barker, and torchbearer of twang, skilled in reinterpreting the sounds of the past for today’s audience. Here, he’s much more than the fiddle-playing frontman of a beloved band; he’s practically the entire band himself, playing nearly a dozen instruments (“including things like organ, bass, spoons, and electric guitar, which people don’t necessarily know I play,” he says) and co-writing every track. The result is a record that’s equal parts coming-of-age story, road-warrior autobiography, and love letter to the city that watched him grow into a man.
www.ketchsecor.com

Museum Story Time - Start Your Story Engines
2026-06-05 10:30 - 11:30 | Birthplace of Country Music Museum, 101 Country Music Way, Bristol, VA, 24201, United States
Date: Friday, June 5, 2026
Time: 10:30 a.m. EST
Location: The Learning Center, Birthplace of Country Music Museum
Cost: Free and open to the public
Theme: Start your Story Engines
Join us in the museum’s Learning Center for our monthly Museum Storytime program. Aimed at toddler-age children and their grown-ups, we will gather on the first Friday of each month for a music- or Appalachia-related storybooks, a tune or two by WBCM Radio Bristol show host Ella Patrick, and a related activity or coloring sheet.
Books that will be featured at Story Time include:

Hot Rod Hamster by Cynthia Lord
Buster’s Trip to Victory Lane by Dale Earnhardt Jr.

2026 Pick Along Summer Camp - Beginners
2026-06-15 09:00 - 2026-06-19 15:00 | Birthplace of Country Music Museum, 101 Country Music Way, Bristol, VA, 24201, United States
At Pick Along Summer Camp, kids will receive foundational skills from instructors on the same style of acoustic instruments played on the 1927 Bristol Sessions recordings (banjo, guitar, and fiddle). Campers also get to explore the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, learn about the music of Bristol and our region, work on projects with Radio Bristol, and receive instruction in singing, dancing, and more while making new friends. Campers receive the opportunity to hone their skills as a budding musician while busking in Historic Downtown Bristol and will give a final performance for parents at the museum at the end of the week.
No previous musical experience required just an interest in music and a desire to learn more!
Pick Along Summer Camp for beginners is designed for students aged 8-14. No previous musical experience is required, just an interest in music and a desire to learn!
June 15-19, 2026
Beginner Level – First time campers and those wanting a refresher in the basics
June 22-26, 2026
Intermediate Level – Return campers & those who already have basic skills in music

Schedule

Monday – Thursday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Friday 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Fees

$200 for Birthplace of Country Music Museum members
$250 for non-members

Optional Instrument Rental

$25

* Discounts are available for families with multiple campers. Scholarships may be available upon request.
If you are selecting the Beginners option June 16-20, see below to pay registration fee and fill out registration form:
PAY REGISTRATION FEE

Summer Camp - 2026 Registration Form

Date*

MM slash DD slash YYYY

Which week are you registering your child for:*

June 15-19, 2026 (Beginner)

June 22-25, 2026 (Intermediate)
Camper's full name*Name camper wishes to be called*Name of Person Submitting Payment for Camp*

First

Last

Camper date of birth*MonthMonth123456789101112DayDay12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031YearYear202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841983198219811980197919781977197619751974197319721971197019691968196719661965196419631962196119601959195819571956195519541953195219511950194919481947194619451944194319421941194019391938193719361935193419331932193119301929192819271926192519241923192219211920Grade*T-shirt size*Does your camper have an instrument they will be bringing to camp?*

Yes

No
If "Yes", which instrument?

Acoustic Guitar

Banjo

Fiddle
The Birthplace of Country Music Museum's Pick Along Summer Camp offers the opportunity to learn about several traditional string band instruments and then choose one to focus on for the week. Please use the dropdown menus to select the order of instruments that your camper is most interested in learning:First ChoiceAcoustic GuitarBanjoFiddleSecond Choice:Second Choice:Acoustic GuitarBanjoFiddleThird choice:Third choice:Acoustic GuitarBanjoFiddleAre parents living in the same household? If "Yes", then it is not necessary to fill out address information for secondary parent/guardian, however, phone numbers should be entered.*

Yes

No
Parent/Guardian #1 living with child*Parent/Guardian/Child Address*

Street Address

Address Line 2

City

AlabamaAlaskaAmerican SamoaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaGuamHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaNorthern Mariana IslandsOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaPuerto RicoRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahU.S. Virgin IslandsVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingArmed Forces AmericasArmed Forces EuropeArmed Forces Pacific
State

ZIP Code

Email*

Primary phone*Secondary phone*Work phoneParent/Guardian #2 name (if applicable)Address (if living in a separate household)

Street Address

Address Line 2

City

AlabamaAlaskaAmerican SamoaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaGuamHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaNorthern Mariana IslandsOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaPuerto RicoRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahU.S. Virgin IslandsVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingArmed Forces AmericasArmed Forces EuropeArmed Forces Pacific
State

ZIP Code

Email

Primary phoneSecondary phoneWork phoneDoes your child have any known allergies (including foods) or general dietary restrictions?*

Yes

No
If "Yes", please specifyDoes your child require medication on an ongoing basis?*

Yes

No
If "Yes", please specifyIf "Yes", is the medication self-administered or do you require camp staff member to administer the medication?

Self-Administered

Staff-Administered
Please include dosage, schedule of dosing, and storage instructionsFor the safety of your child, it is important that we be made aware of any possible health issues he or she may be experiencing. In addition, please make us aware of any special needs or medical problems in the field belowDate of student's last tetanus shot*MonthMonth123456789101112DayDay12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031YearYear202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841983198219811980197919781977197619751974197319721971197019691968196719661965196419631962196119601959195819571956195519541953195219511950194919481947194619451944194319421941194019391938193719361935193419331932193119301929192819271926192519241923192219211920Emergency Contact #1 (Besides Parents/Guardians)*

Name

Relationship to child

Primary phone

AlabamaAlaskaAmerican SamoaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaGuamHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaNorthern Mariana IslandsOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaPuerto RicoRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahU.S. Virgin IslandsVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingArmed Forces AmericasArmed Forces EuropeArmed Forces Pacific
State

Secondary phone

Emergency Contact #2 (Besides Parents/Guardians)*

Name

Relationship to child

Primary phone

AlabamaAlaskaAmerican SamoaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaGuamHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaNorthern Mariana IslandsOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaPuerto RicoRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahU.S. Virgin IslandsVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingArmed Forces AmericasArmed Forces EuropeArmed Forces Pacific
State

Secondary phone

Other Persons Approved to Drop Off & Pick Up Campers:Please list the names and contact information of all persons other than Parents/Guardians who are allowed to pick up and drop off your child from Pick Along Summer Camp at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum.

NOTE: Your child will not be released to anyone not listed here and designated individuals will be required to show photo ID.

*Additional rows created by selecting the + symbol with mouse click.Name:Primary Phone #:Secondary Phone #:Email Address: Does the parent/guardian(s) authorize the Birthplace of Country Music to obtain immediate medical care and consents to the hospitalizations of, the performance of necessary diagnostic tests upon, the use of surgery on, and/or the administration of drugs to his/her child or ward if any emergency occurs when parent/guardian(s) cannot be located immediately? It is also understood that his/her agreement covers only those situations which are true emergencies and only when parent/guardian(s) cannot be reached. Otherwise parent/guardian(s) can expect to be notified immediately.*

Yes

No
Name of Insurance CompanyPolicy NumberOther ArrangementsChild's Physician Contact Information

Name

Phone number

Please check any of the following that can be administered to your child by our camp counselors:

Tylenol

Bactine

Bee sting topical treatment

Aspirin

Benadryl

Peroxide

Ibuprofen

Neosporin

Ice or heat packs
I authorize the Birthplace of Country Music to capture, use, publish, and reproduce photographs, slides, moving pictures, or television video tapes of my child/ward for its records, public relations programs, social media, news coverage, and promotional purposes. Permission is granted for the camper to participate in all planned activities and programs, except as otherwise noted.*

Yes

No
I understand that payment is due in full at the time of registration to reserve a spot for my child. No refunds will be given to camp registrants if canceled less than two (2) weeks in advance. I also understand that no refunds or transfer funds will be made for withdrawal, failure to send, or incomplete attendance.*

Yes

No
In choosing "yes" below I state that I release and agree to hold harmless the Birthplace of Country Music, its agents, officers, employees and instructors, from any and all liability, claims, demands, or actions in any way related to injury and/or sickness which the child may suffer or incur as a result of program participication.*

Yes

No
Additional Comments:The information contained in this form will remain valid for one year unless amended by a parent/guardian/child. For more information or assistance, please call 423-573-1927 or email education@birthplaceofcountrymusic.org.

2026 Pick Along Summer Camp - Intermediate
2026-06-22 09:00 - 2026-06-26 15:00 | Birthplace of Country Music Museum, 101 Country Music Way, Bristol, VA, 24201, United States
At Pick Along Summer Camp, kids will receive foundational skills from instructors on the same style of acoustic instruments played on the 1927 Bristol Sessions recordings (banjo, guitar, and fiddle). Campers also get to explore the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, learn about the music of Bristol and our region, work on projects with Radio Bristol, and receive instruction in singing, dancing, and more while making new friends. Campers receive the opportunity to hone their skills as a budding musician while busking in Historic Downtown Bristol and will give a final performance for parents at the museum at the end of the week.
“Intermediate” generally indicates a musician who has progressed beyond the basics and possesses a solid foundation in technique and understanding of musical concepts, such as chord progressions and melodic ideas. For a camper to enroll in the intermediate camp, they should have knowledge of the following: the strings/tuning of their instrument, basic chord progressions, and a comfortable bowing technique (for fiddlers)
Pick Along Summer Camp for beginners is designed for students aged 8-14. No previous musical experience is required, just an interest in music and a desire to learn!
June 15-19, 2026
Beginner Level – First time campers and those wanting a refresher in the basics
June 22-26, 2026
Intermediate Level – Return campers & those who already have basic skills in music

Schedule

Monday – Thursday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Friday 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Fees

$200 for Birthplace of Country Music Museum members
$250 for non-members

Optional Instrument Rental

$25

* Discounts are available for families with multiple campers. Scholarships may be available upon request.
If you are selecting the Beginners option June 23-27, see below to pay registration fee and fill out registration form:
PAY REGISTRATION FEE

Summer Camp - 2026 Registration Form

Date*

MM slash DD slash YYYY

Which week are you registering your child for:*

June 15-19, 2026 (Beginner)

June 22-25, 2026 (Intermediate)
Camper's full name*Name camper wishes to be called*Name of Person Submitting Payment for Camp*

First

Last

Camper date of birth*MonthMonth123456789101112DayDay12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031YearYear202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841983198219811980197919781977197619751974197319721971197019691968196719661965196419631962196119601959195819571956195519541953195219511950194919481947194619451944194319421941194019391938193719361935193419331932193119301929192819271926192519241923192219211920Grade*T-shirt size*Does your camper have an instrument they will be bringing to camp?*

Yes

No
If "Yes", which instrument?

Acoustic Guitar

Banjo

Fiddle
The Birthplace of Country Music Museum's Pick Along Summer Camp offers the opportunity to learn about several traditional string band instruments and then choose one to focus on for the week. Please use the dropdown menus to select the order of instruments that your camper is most interested in learning:First ChoiceAcoustic GuitarBanjoFiddleSecond Choice:Second Choice:Acoustic GuitarBanjoFiddleThird choice:Third choice:Acoustic GuitarBanjoFiddleAre parents living in the same household? If "Yes", then it is not necessary to fill out address information for secondary parent/guardian, however, phone numbers should be entered.*

Yes

No
Parent/Guardian #1 living with child*Parent/Guardian/Child Address*

Street Address

Address Line 2

City

AlabamaAlaskaAmerican SamoaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaGuamHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaNorthern Mariana IslandsOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaPuerto RicoRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahU.S. Virgin IslandsVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingArmed Forces AmericasArmed Forces EuropeArmed Forces Pacific
State

ZIP Code

Email*

Primary phone*Secondary phone*Work phoneParent/Guardian #2 name (if applicable)Address (if living in a separate household)

Street Address

Address Line 2

City

AlabamaAlaskaAmerican SamoaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaGuamHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaNorthern Mariana IslandsOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaPuerto RicoRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahU.S. Virgin IslandsVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingArmed Forces AmericasArmed Forces EuropeArmed Forces Pacific
State

ZIP Code

Email

Primary phoneSecondary phoneWork phoneDoes your child have any known allergies (including foods) or general dietary restrictions?*

Yes

No
If "Yes", please specifyDoes your child require medication on an ongoing basis?*

Yes

No
If "Yes", please specifyIf "Yes", is the medication self-administered or do you require camp staff member to administer the medication?

Self-Administered

Staff-Administered
Please include dosage, schedule of dosing, and storage instructionsFor the safety of your child, it is important that we be made aware of any possible health issues he or she may be experiencing. In addition, please make us aware of any special needs or medical problems in the field belowDate of student's last tetanus shot*MonthMonth123456789101112DayDay12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031YearYear202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841983198219811980197919781977197619751974197319721971197019691968196719661965196419631962196119601959195819571956195519541953195219511950194919481947194619451944194319421941194019391938193719361935193419331932193119301929192819271926192519241923192219211920Emergency Contact #1 (Besides Parents/Guardians)*

Name

Relationship to child

Primary phone

AlabamaAlaskaAmerican SamoaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaGuamHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaNorthern Mariana IslandsOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaPuerto RicoRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahU.S. Virgin IslandsVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingArmed Forces AmericasArmed Forces EuropeArmed Forces Pacific
State

Secondary phone

Emergency Contact #2 (Besides Parents/Guardians)*

Name

Relationship to child

Primary phone

AlabamaAlaskaAmerican SamoaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaGuamHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaNorthern Mariana IslandsOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaPuerto RicoRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahU.S. Virgin IslandsVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingArmed Forces AmericasArmed Forces EuropeArmed Forces Pacific
State

Secondary phone

Other Persons Approved to Drop Off & Pick Up Campers:Please list the names and contact information of all persons other than Parents/Guardians who are allowed to pick up and drop off your child from Pick Along Summer Camp at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum.

NOTE: Your child will not be released to anyone not listed here and designated individuals will be required to show photo ID.

*Additional rows created by selecting the + symbol with mouse click.Name:Primary Phone #:Secondary Phone #:Email Address: Does the parent/guardian(s) authorize the Birthplace of Country Music to obtain immediate medical care and consents to the hospitalizations of, the performance of necessary diagnostic tests upon, the use of surgery on, and/or the administration of drugs to his/her child or ward if any emergency occurs when parent/guardian(s) cannot be located immediately? It is also understood that his/her agreement covers only those situations which are true emergencies and only when parent/guardian(s) cannot be reached. Otherwise parent/guardian(s) can expect to be notified immediately.*

Yes

No
Name of Insurance CompanyPolicy NumberOther ArrangementsChild's Physician Contact Information

Name

Phone number

Please check any of the following that can be administered to your child by our camp counselors:

Tylenol

Bactine

Bee sting topical treatment

Aspirin

Benadryl

Peroxide

Ibuprofen

Neosporin

Ice or heat packs
I authorize the Birthplace of Country Music to capture, use, publish, and reproduce photographs, slides, moving pictures, or television video tapes of my child/ward for its records, public relations programs, social media, news coverage, and promotional purposes. Permission is granted for the camper to participate in all planned activities and programs, except as otherwise noted.*

Yes

No
I understand that payment is due in full at the time of registration to reserve a spot for my child. No refunds will be given to camp registrants if canceled less than two (2) weeks in advance. I also understand that no refunds or transfer funds will be made for withdrawal, failure to send, or incomplete attendance.*

Yes

No
In choosing "yes" below I state that I release and agree to hold harmless the Birthplace of Country Music, its agents, officers, employees and instructors, from any and all liability, claims, demands, or actions in any way related to injury and/or sickness which the child may suffer or incur as a result of program participication.*

Yes

No
Additional Comments:The information contained in this form will remain valid for one year unless amended by a parent/guardian/child. For more information or assistance, please call 423-573-1927 or email education@birthplaceofcountrymusic.org.

Museum Story Time - One Big Country Song
2026-07-10 10:30 - 11:30 | Birthplace of Country Music Museum, 101 Country Music Way, Bristol, VA, 24201, United States
Date: Friday, July 10, 2026
Time: 10:30 a.m. EST
Location: The Learning Center, Birthplace of Country Music Museum
Cost: Free and open to the public
Theme: One Big Country Song
Join us in the museum’s Learning Center for our monthly Museum Storytime program. Aimed at toddler-age children and their grown-ups, we will gather on the first Friday of each month for a music- or Appalachia-related storybooks, a tune or two by WBCM Radio Bristol show host Ella Patrick, and a related activity or coloring sheet.
Books that will be featured at Story Time include:

This Land is Your Land by Woody Guthrie
Passing the Music Down by Sarah Sullivan
