BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//The Birthplace of Country Music - ECPv6.15.4//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for The Birthplace of Country Music REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250623T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250627T150000 DTSTAMP:20260210T011209 CREATED:20250407T195018Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250617T160848Z UID:10045484-1750669200-1751036400@birthplaceofcountrymusic.org SUMMARY:2025 Pick Along Summer Camp - Intermediate DESCRIPTION: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. \nNo previous musical experience required just an interest in music and a desire to learn more! \nPick 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! \nJune 16-20\, 2025\nBeginner Level – First time campers and those wanting a refresher in the basics \nJune 23-27\, 2025\nIntermediate Level – Return campers & those who already have basic skills in music \n\nSchedule\n\nMonday – Thursday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.\nFriday 9 a.m.-1 p.m.\n\n\nFees\n\n$200 for Birthplace of Country Music Museum members\n$250 for non-members\n\n\nOptional Instrument Rental\n\n$25\n\n\n\n* Discounts are available for families with multiple campers. Scholarships may be available upon request. \nIf you are selecting the Beginners option June 23-27\, see below to pay registration fee and fill out registration form: \nPAY REGISTRATION FEE \n\n\n \n \n Summer Camp - 2025 Registration Form\n \n \n \n Date*\n \n MM slash DD slash YYYY\n \n Which week are you registering your child for:*\n \n June 16-20\, 2025 (Beginner)\n \n \n June 23-27\, 2025 (Intermediate)\n Camper's full name*Name camper wishes to be called*Name of Person Submitting Payment for Camp*\n \n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n Camper date of birth*MonthMonth123456789101112DayDay12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031YearYear202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841983198219811980197919781977197619751974197319721971197019691968196719661965196419631962196119601959195819571956195519541953195219511950194919481947194619451944194319421941194019391938193719361935193419331932193119301929192819271926192519241923192219211920Grade*T-shirt size*Does your camper have an instrument they will be bringing to camp?*\n \n Yes\n \n \n No\n If "Yes"\, which instrument?\n \n Acoustic Guitar\n \n \n Banjo\n \n \n Fiddle\n 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.*\n \n Yes\n \n \n No\n Parent/Guardian #1 living with child*Parent/Guardian/Child Address* \n \n \n \n Street Address\n \n \n Address Line 2\n \n \n City\n \n 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\n State\n \n \n ZIP Code\n \n \n Email*\n \n Primary phone*Secondary phone*Work phoneParent/Guardian #2 name (if applicable)Address (if living in a separate household) \n \n \n \n Street Address\n \n \n Address Line 2\n \n \n City\n \n 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\n State\n \n \n ZIP Code\n \n \n Email\n \n Primary phoneSecondary phoneWork phoneDoes your child have any known allergies (including foods) or general dietary restrictions?*\n \n Yes\n \n \n No\n If "Yes"\, please specifyDoes your child require medication on an ongoing basis?*\n \n Yes\n \n \n No\n If "Yes"\, please specifyIf "Yes"\, is the medication self-administered or do you require camp staff member to administer the medication?\n \n Self-Administered\n \n \n Staff-Administered\n 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)* \n \n \n \n Name\n \n \n Relationship to child\n \n \n Primary phone\n \n 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\n State\n \n \n Secondary phone\n \n \n Emergency Contact #2 (Besides Parents/Guardians)* \n \n \n \n Name\n \n \n Relationship to child\n \n \n Primary phone\n \n 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\n State\n \n \n Secondary phone\n \n \n 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. \n\nNOTE: Your child will not be released to anyone not listed here and designated individuals will be required to show photo ID. \n\n*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.*\n \n Yes\n \n \n No\n Name of Insurance CompanyPolicy NumberOther ArrangementsChild's Physician Contact Information \n \n \n \n Name\n \n \n Phone number\n \n \n Please check any of the following that can be administered to your child by our camp counselors:\n \n Tylenol\n \n \n Bactine\n \n \n Bee sting topical treatment\n \n \n Aspirin\n \n \n Benadryl\n \n \n Peroxide\n \n \n Ibuprofen\n \n \n Neosporin\n \n \n Ice or heat packs\n 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.*\n \n Yes\n \n \n No\n 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.*\n \n Yes\n \n \n No\n 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.*\n \n Yes\n \n \n No\n 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. URL:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/event/2025-pick-along-summer-camp-intermediate/ LOCATION:Birthplace of Country Music Museum\, 101 Country Music Way\, Bristol\, VA\, 24201\, United States CATEGORIES:Museum ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2025_BCMM_SummerCamp_Web.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250628T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250628T120000 DTSTAMP:20260210T011209 CREATED:20250101T210845Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250225T151412Z UID:10044504-1751104800-1751112000@birthplaceofcountrymusic.org SUMMARY:Museum Volunteer Orientation DESCRIPTION:We want YOU to join our wonderful team of volunteers at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum! \nDates: Every other month on a Saturday \n\nFebruary 15\, 2025\nApril 26\, 2025\nJune 28\, 2025\nAugust 23\, 2025\nOctober 18\, 2025\nDecember 13\, 2025\n\nTime: 10 a.m.-Noon \nLocation: Birthplace of Country Music Museum\, Learning Center \nIf you have a passion for Bristol and its musical legacy and love helping others\, our museum volunteer program is the perfect fit for you! \nMuseum 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! \nIf you are interested in coming to our Museum Volunteer Training\, call 423-573-1927 or email volunteercoordinator@birthplaceofcountrymusic.org. URL:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/event/monthly-museum-volunteer-orientation/2025-06-28/ LOCATION:Birthplace of Country Music Museum\, 101 Country Music Way\, Bristol\, VA\, 24201\, United States CATEGORIES:Museum ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Volunteers-Image.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250628T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250628T113000 DTSTAMP:20260210T011209 CREATED:20231002T122338Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241016T190216Z UID:10030779-1751106600-1751110200@birthplaceofcountrymusic.org SUMMARY:Weekly Music Lessons with JAM Kids at the Museum! DESCRIPTION:Date: Weekly on Saturdays \nTime: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. ET \nLocation: The Learning Center\, Birthplace of Country Music Museum \nCost: $5 per class or $45 for 10 lessons  \nThrough 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. \nRegistration 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. \nWe 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. \nRegistration Forms: Please bring all three forms with you when you arrive for your first lesson. \n\nRegistration Form\nStudent Contract\nMedia Release Form\n\nJunior 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. \nBe sure to check out JAM Kids on Facebook and Instagram! \n \n \nThe JAM Program Model \nJAM 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. \nJunior Appalachian Musicians ® is a registered trademark of Junior Appalachian Musicians\, Inc. \nIn 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. \nJAM 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. \nClass 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. \nFor a full listing of affiliation requirements\, click here. \nHistory of JAM \nRealizing 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.” \nIn 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. \n“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. \nInterested in learning more about JAM? Click here. URL:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/event/weekly-music-lessons-with-jam-kids-at-the-museum/2025-06-28/ LOCATION:VA CATEGORIES:Museum ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Callie-Camp-3-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250628T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250628T170000 DTSTAMP:20260210T011209 CREATED:20250605T193521Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250605T193521Z UID:10047194-1751122800-1751130000@birthplaceofcountrymusic.org SUMMARY:Monthly Bluegrass Jam DESCRIPTION: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. \nThe 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. \nBluegrass 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. \nThe sessions will be held in the Learning Center at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. \nFor more information call 423-573-1927. URL:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/event/monthly-bluegrass-jam-3/2025-06-28/ LOCATION:Birthplace of Country Music Museum\, 101 Country Music Way\, Bristol\, VA\, 24201\, United States CATEGORIES:Museum,Ongoing Exhibits ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/BluegrassJamWeb.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250705T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250705T113000 DTSTAMP:20260210T011209 CREATED:20250602T190232Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250602T191930Z UID:10046812-1751711400-1751715000@birthplaceofcountrymusic.org SUMMARY:Weekly Music Lessons with JAM Kids at the Museum! DESCRIPTION:The July 5 Weekly Music Lessons with JAM Kids at the Museum is canceled due to the July 4 holiday.\nDate: Weekly on Saturdays \nTime: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. ET \nLocation: The Learning Center\, Birthplace of Country Music Museum \nCost: $5 per class or $45 for 10 lessons  \nThrough 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. \nRegistration 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. \nWe 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. \nRegistration Forms: Please bring all three forms with you when you arrive for your first lesson. \n\nRegistration Form\nStudent Contract\nMedia Release Form\n\nJunior 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. \nBe sure to check out JAM Kids on Facebook and Instagram! \n \n \nThe JAM Program Model \nJAM 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. \nJunior Appalachian Musicians ® is a registered trademark of Junior Appalachian Musicians\, Inc. \nIn 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. \nJAM 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. \nClass 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. \nFor a full listing of affiliation requirements\, click here. \nHistory of JAM \nRealizing 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.” \nIn 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. \n“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. \nInterested in learning more about JAM? Click here. URL:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/event/canceled-july-5-weekly-music-lessons-with-jam-kids-at-the-museum/ LOCATION:Birthplace of Country Music Museum\, 101 Country Music Way\, Bristol\, VA\, 24201\, United States CATEGORIES:Museum ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Callie-Camp-3-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250708T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250708T203000 DTSTAMP:20260210T011209 CREATED:20250326T230740Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250703T215254Z UID:10044938-1752001200-1752006600@birthplaceofcountrymusic.org SUMMARY:Speaker Session: The History and Archives of Maggard Sound Studios with Ryan Bernard DESCRIPTION:Join us on Tuesday\, July 8 with Ryan Bernard as we explore the history and archives of Maggard Sound Studios in our next Speaker Sessions. Ryan will share the background and history of the Archives of Appalachia (the current repository for this collection); the importance and relevance of Maggard Sound Studios; why it is important to preserve this collection and how it came to the Archives\, and the future prospects for the collection and scholarship.\nDate: Tuesday\, July 8\, 2025 \n\n\nTime: 7 p.m. ET \n\n\nLocation: In-person at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum and streamed on Radio Bristol’s YouTube Channel \n\n\nCost: Free and open to the public \nREGISTER TO ATTEND IN PERSON\n\n\n\nRyan Bernard is the Education and Outreach Archivist at the Archives of Appalachia\, where he is responsible for offering primary source instruction\, developing workshops and other public programs\, and coordinating reference assistance for patrons onsite and via distance. In addition to these duties\, Ryan also maintains audio and video digitization projects and requests for the Archives of Appalachia. Bernard is also an instructor in the Appalachian Studies Department at ETSU\, where he teaches courses on the history and culture of the region. Prior to his work at ETSU\, Bernard worked at King University as an Outreach Librarian and Program Coordinator/Associate Professor of Appalachian Studies. In 2013\, he was part of the curatorial content team that designed the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol\, Virginia. Bernard holds master’s degrees in Appalachian Studies from East Tennessee State University and Library and Information Science from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. URL:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/event/speaker-session-ryan-bernard/ LOCATION:https://www.youtube.com/@radiobristolwbcm/streams CATEGORIES:Museum,Speaker Series ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Ryan-Bernard-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250711T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250711T113000 DTSTAMP:20260210T011209 CREATED:20250101T200736Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250709T173920Z UID:10044478-1752229800-1752233400@birthplaceofcountrymusic.org SUMMARY:Museum Storytime - Moon Bound Girl DESCRIPTION:Date: Friday\, July 11\, 2025 \nTime: 10:30 a.m. EST \nLocation: The Learning Center\, Birthplace of Country Music Museum \nCost: Free and open to the public \nTheme: Moon Bound Girl \nJoin 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 storybook\, a tune or two by WBCM Radio Bristol show host Ella Patrick\, and a related activity or coloring sheet. The craft will be creating moon craft plates. \nBooks that will be featured at Storytime include: \n\nMoon Bound Girl: Melody’s Music by Leigh Ann Agee\nMoon Bound Girl: Harmony’s World Tour by Leigh Ann Agee\n\n  \n  \n  URL:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/event/museum-storytime-moon-bound-girl/ LOCATION:Birthplace of Country Music Museum\, 101 Country Music Way\, Bristol\, VA\, 24201\, United States CATEGORIES:Museum ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025_BCMM_Storytime_Web-Jul-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250712T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250712T113000 DTSTAMP:20260210T011209 CREATED:20231002T122338Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241016T190216Z UID:10030781-1752316200-1752319800@birthplaceofcountrymusic.org SUMMARY:Weekly Music Lessons with JAM Kids at the Museum! DESCRIPTION:Date: Weekly on Saturdays \nTime: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. ET \nLocation: The Learning Center\, Birthplace of Country Music Museum \nCost: $5 per class or $45 for 10 lessons  \nThrough 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. \nRegistration 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. \nWe 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. \nRegistration Forms: Please bring all three forms with you when you arrive for your first lesson. \n\nRegistration Form\nStudent Contract\nMedia Release Form\n\nJunior 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. \nBe sure to check out JAM Kids on Facebook and Instagram! \n \n \nThe JAM Program Model \nJAM 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. \nJunior Appalachian Musicians ® is a registered trademark of Junior Appalachian Musicians\, Inc. \nIn 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. \nJAM 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. \nClass 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. \nFor a full listing of affiliation requirements\, click here. \nHistory of JAM \nRealizing 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.” \nIn 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. \n“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. \nInterested in learning more about JAM? Click here. URL:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/event/weekly-music-lessons-with-jam-kids-at-the-museum/2025-07-12/ LOCATION:VA CATEGORIES:Museum ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Callie-Camp-3-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250712T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250712T153000 DTSTAMP:20260210T011209 CREATED:20250327T053505Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250711T180216Z UID:10044952-1752328800-1752334200@birthplaceofcountrymusic.org SUMMARY:Songwriters Circle Showcase DESCRIPTION:Songwriters Barnett Carr\, Patrick Alan Green and Peter Gagnon share the spotlight in July’s Songwriter Circle Showcase.\nThe Birthplace of Country Music Museum and Songwriters of Highlands Appalachia are proud to present an exciting event designed to highlight the art of songwriting and the talented songwriters of our region. The public is invited to attend at no cost\, though donations are appreciated.\nHeld quarterly each year\, the Songwriters Circle Showcase features participants of our monthly Songwriters Circle. The Songwriters Circle meets every 2nd Saturday of the month at 2 p.m. ET.\nUpcoming Showcase Dates: July 12\, October 11 \nUpcoming Songwriters Circle Dates: August 9\, September 13\, November 8\, December 13\nTime: 2 p.m. ET\nLocation: Birthplace of Country Music Museum performance theater \nCost: Free and open to the public\, though donations encouraged \nREGISTER TO ATTEND\n\nAbout the Songwriters \nAfter years of failing to write what Barnett Carr perceived as the “perfect song\,” he re-invented himself in the hill country of Texas and began writing from the heart. His album\, “Dark Side of the Mountain\,” is a concept album about Appalachia and features two GRAMMY winners. \nPatrick Alan Green\, a singer-songwriter from Bluff City\, Tenn.\, describes his style as “genreless.”The first artist to record at downtown Bristol’s Audioasis\, Green began his musical journey later in life. His music\, including his latest album “Without A Halo & Wings\,” is available on all streaming platforms. \nPeter Gagnon\, originally from New York\, developed a love for the mountains during family vacations and later gravitated toward music\, spending 15 years playing bass in his local church’s band. In 2021\, he and his wife Barbara moved to Northeast Tennessee where they’ve found a new home among the mountains\, its music and welcoming community. Peter regularly performs in local venues and with fellow songwriters from Songwriters of Highlands of Appalachia. \n  \n\nAbout the Program \nThe quarterly Songwriters Circle Showcase is an extension of the weekly Songwriters Circle program\, organized by Songwriters of Highlands Appalachia\, and will consist of artists who participate in the monthly Circle. The Showcase event is structured similarly to “in the round” events\, with each songwriter introducing themselves and their song\, which will be performed with or without accompaniment. The songwriter will then hold a discussion about the piece–the origins of the song\, its structure\, and inspiration–and take questions. \nLed by Mary Munsey\, a local musician\, educator and founder of Songwriters of Highlands Appalachia\, the monthly Songwriters Circle is open to songwriters of all ages and skill levels. The Circle encourages participants to share songs\, brainstorm ideas\, and support one another in their creative endeavors. Songwriter Circles are held the second Saturday of each month at the museum\, 2-5 p.m. There is no cost to participate. \n“The Songwriters Circle aims to foster a collaborative environment for songwriting\,” said Munsey. “Importantly\, aspiring songwriters do not need to play an instrument to join in the fun.” \nThe Songwriters Circle not only provides an opportunity for performance and networking\, but also emphasizes the importance of clarity and storytelling in songwriting. The group’s mission is to encourage creativity\, introduce songwriting shows to regional audiences\, and elevate the appreciation of songwriting as a valuable art form.  \n\nAbout Songwriters of Highlands Appalachia\n\nSongwriters 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. \n \nThe 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. \nFor more information about the Songwriters Showcase and Songwriters Circle programs\, visit the Events page at BirthplaceOfCountryMusic.org. For more information on Songwriters of Highlands Appalachia\, HighlandsAppalachia.org. URL:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/event/songwriters-circle-showcase/ LOCATION:Birthplace of Country Music Museum\, 101 Country Music Way\, Bristol\, VA\, 24201\, United States CATEGORIES:Museum,Special Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Songwriters-Circle-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250714T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250715T150000 DTSTAMP:20260210T011209 CREATED:20250427T181019Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250711T133750Z UID:10046011-1752480000-1752591600@birthplaceofcountrymusic.org SUMMARY:Teacher In-Service Workshops DESCRIPTION:THESE WORKSHOPS ARE NOW AT CAPACITY AND CLOSED FOR REGISTRATION. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ADDED TO THE WAITING LIST\, PLEASE EMAIL RRODGERS@BIRTHPLACEOFCOUNTRYMUSIC.ORG WITH YOUR NAME AND DATE CHOICE. \nDates: Monday\, July 14\, 2025 (Elementary)\n             Tuesday\, July 15\, 2025 (Middle & High School) \nTime: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.  \nLocation: Birthplace of Country Music Museum \nCost: FREE \nProfessional Development Credit: Six (6) hours \nThis summer the Birthplace of Country Music Museum (BCMM) is offering free K-12 Teacher In-Service Workshops\, scheduled for Monday\, July 14 (elementary) and Tuesday\, July 15 (middle and high school). Each workshop will consist of: \n\n8:30–9 a.m. – Sign in\, pick up educator packets\, enjoy doughnuts and coffee\n9 a.m.–12 p.m. – Birthplace of Country Music Museum activities and resources\n12–12:30 p.m. – Lunch (provided)\n12:30–3 p.m. – Activities and learning experiences with William King Museum of Art and Steele Creek Nature Center\n\nWith the Birthplace of Country Music Museum\, educators will get an introductory museum tour\, exploring the different TN and VA state standards that connect with museum content\, including ELA\, social sciences\, music\, STEM\, and physical education; an introduction to museum-based lesson plans and/or learning activities\, such as Banjo Bingo\, Instrument Petting Zoo\, or the History of Listening/Science of Sound; and access to a variety of educational resources. \nWe are awaiting confirmations on the second part of the workshop so watch this space (and we will update anyone who signs up as we have further details). In the past\, we have partnered with a variety of cultural organizations for this section of the in-service\, including the Tennessee State Museum\, Teaching with Primary Sources\, Virginia Humanitites and Virginia Folklife\, Local Learning\, and several local and regional museums. \nTeachers will each receive an educator packet filled with information and resources\, classroom and other swag\, a complimentary ticket to the Birthplace of Country Music Museum\, and a VISA gift card. They will also receive a certificate recording six (6) hours of professional development (licensure) credit\, and there will be door/raffle prizes! \nSign up today for a distinctively fun and educational professional development opportunity to learn more about a variety of learning resources and ideas! URL:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/event/teacher-in-service-workshops/ LOCATION:Birthplace of Country Music Museum\, 101 Country Music Way\, Bristol\, VA\, 24201\, United States CATEGORIES:Museum ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Teacher-visit-to-museum-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250719T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250719T113000 DTSTAMP:20260210T011209 CREATED:20231002T122338Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241016T190216Z UID:10030782-1752921000-1752924600@birthplaceofcountrymusic.org SUMMARY:Weekly Music Lessons with JAM Kids at the Museum! DESCRIPTION:Date: Weekly on Saturdays \nTime: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. ET \nLocation: The Learning Center\, Birthplace of Country Music Museum \nCost: $5 per class or $45 for 10 lessons  \nThrough 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. \nRegistration 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. \nWe 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. \nRegistration Forms: Please bring all three forms with you when you arrive for your first lesson. \n\nRegistration Form\nStudent Contract\nMedia Release Form\n\nJunior 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. \nBe sure to check out JAM Kids on Facebook and Instagram! \n \n \nThe JAM Program Model \nJAM 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. \nJunior Appalachian Musicians ® is a registered trademark of Junior Appalachian Musicians\, Inc. \nIn 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. \nJAM 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. \nClass 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. \nFor a full listing of affiliation requirements\, click here. \nHistory of JAM \nRealizing 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.” \nIn 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. \n“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. \nInterested in learning more about JAM? Click here. URL:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/event/weekly-music-lessons-with-jam-kids-at-the-museum/2025-07-19/ LOCATION:VA CATEGORIES:Museum ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Callie-Camp-3-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250726T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250726T113000 DTSTAMP:20260210T011209 CREATED:20231002T122338Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241016T190216Z UID:10030783-1753525800-1753529400@birthplaceofcountrymusic.org SUMMARY:Weekly Music Lessons with JAM Kids at the Museum! DESCRIPTION:Date: Weekly on Saturdays \nTime: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. ET \nLocation: The Learning Center\, Birthplace of Country Music Museum \nCost: $5 per class or $45 for 10 lessons  \nThrough 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. \nRegistration 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. \nWe 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. \nRegistration Forms: Please bring all three forms with you when you arrive for your first lesson. \n\nRegistration Form\nStudent Contract\nMedia Release Form\n\nJunior 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. \nBe sure to check out JAM Kids on Facebook and Instagram! \n \n \nThe JAM Program Model \nJAM 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. \nJunior Appalachian Musicians ® is a registered trademark of Junior Appalachian Musicians\, Inc. \nIn 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. \nJAM 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. \nClass 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. \nFor a full listing of affiliation requirements\, click here. \nHistory of JAM \nRealizing 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.” \nIn 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. \n“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. \nInterested in learning more about JAM? Click here. URL:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/event/weekly-music-lessons-with-jam-kids-at-the-museum/2025-07-26/ LOCATION:VA CATEGORIES:Museum ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Callie-Camp-3-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250726T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250726T170000 DTSTAMP:20260210T011209 CREATED:20250605T193521Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250605T193521Z UID:10047195-1753542000-1753549200@birthplaceofcountrymusic.org SUMMARY:Monthly Bluegrass Jam DESCRIPTION: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. \nThe 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. \nBluegrass 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. \nThe sessions will be held in the Learning Center at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. \nFor more information call 423-573-1927. URL:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/event/monthly-bluegrass-jam-3/2025-07-26/ LOCATION:Birthplace of Country Music Museum\, 101 Country Music Way\, Bristol\, VA\, 24201\, United States CATEGORIES:Museum,Ongoing Exhibits ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/BluegrassJamWeb.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250801T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250801T113000 DTSTAMP:20260210T011209 CREATED:20250101T201237Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250728T200724Z UID:10044479-1754044200-1754047800@birthplaceofcountrymusic.org SUMMARY:Museum Storytime - Country Music History DESCRIPTION:Date: Friday\, August 1\, 2025 \nTime: 10:30 a.m. EST \nLocation: The Learning Center\, Birthplace of Country Music Museum \nCost: Free and open to the public \nTheme: Country Music History \nJoin 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 storybook\, a tune or two by WBCM Radio Bristol show host Ella Patrick\, and a related activity or coloring sheet. The craft will be creating a paint stick guitar. \nBooks that will be featured at Storytime include: \n\nThe Long Gone Lonesome History of Country Music by Bret Bertholf\n\n  \n  \n  URL:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/event/museum-storytime-country-music-history/ LOCATION:Birthplace of Country Music Museum\, 101 Country Music Way\, Bristol\, VA\, 24201\, United States CATEGORIES:Museum ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025_BCMM_Storytime_Web-Aug.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250802T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250802T113000 DTSTAMP:20260210T011209 CREATED:20231002T122338Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241016T190216Z UID:10030801-1754130600-1754134200@birthplaceofcountrymusic.org SUMMARY:Weekly Music Lessons with JAM Kids at the Museum! DESCRIPTION:Date: Weekly on Saturdays \nTime: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. ET \nLocation: The Learning Center\, Birthplace of Country Music Museum \nCost: $5 per class or $45 for 10 lessons  \nThrough 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. \nRegistration 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. \nWe 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. \nRegistration Forms: Please bring all three forms with you when you arrive for your first lesson. \n\nRegistration Form\nStudent Contract\nMedia Release Form\n\nJunior 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. \nBe sure to check out JAM Kids on Facebook and Instagram! \n \n \nThe JAM Program Model \nJAM 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. \nJunior Appalachian Musicians ® is a registered trademark of Junior Appalachian Musicians\, Inc. \nIn 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. \nJAM 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. \nClass 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. \nFor a full listing of affiliation requirements\, click here. \nHistory of JAM \nRealizing 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.” \nIn 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. \n“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. \nInterested in learning more about JAM? Click here. URL:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/event/weekly-music-lessons-with-jam-kids-at-the-museum/2025-08-02/ LOCATION:VA CATEGORIES:Museum ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Callie-Camp-3-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250809T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250809T113000 DTSTAMP:20260210T011209 CREATED:20231002T122338Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241016T190216Z UID:10043466-1754735400-1754739000@birthplaceofcountrymusic.org SUMMARY:Weekly Music Lessons with JAM Kids at the Museum! DESCRIPTION:Date: Weekly on Saturdays \nTime: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. ET \nLocation: The Learning Center\, Birthplace of Country Music Museum \nCost: $5 per class or $45 for 10 lessons  \nThrough 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. \nRegistration 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. \nWe 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. \nRegistration Forms: Please bring all three forms with you when you arrive for your first lesson. \n\nRegistration Form\nStudent Contract\nMedia Release Form\n\nJunior 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. \nBe sure to check out JAM Kids on Facebook and Instagram! \n \n \nThe JAM Program Model \nJAM 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. \nJunior Appalachian Musicians ® is a registered trademark of Junior Appalachian Musicians\, Inc. \nIn 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. \nJAM 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. \nClass 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. \nFor a full listing of affiliation requirements\, click here. \nHistory of JAM \nRealizing 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.” \nIn 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. \n“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. \nInterested in learning more about JAM? Click here. URL:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/event/weekly-music-lessons-with-jam-kids-at-the-museum/2025-08-09/ LOCATION:VA CATEGORIES:Museum ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Callie-Camp-3-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250809T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250809T170000 DTSTAMP:20260210T011209 CREATED:20250220T213042Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250709T174307Z UID:10044948-1754748000-1754758800@birthplaceofcountrymusic.org SUMMARY:Songwriters Circle DESCRIPTION:Dates: Monthly\, every 2nd Saturday\nFebruary 8\, March 8\, April 12 (showcase)\, May 10\, June 14\, July 12 (showcase)\, August 9\, September 13\, October 11 (showcase)\, November 8\, December 13\nTime: 2-5 p.m. ET\nLocation: The Learning Center\, Birthplace of Country Music Museum\nCost: Free and open to the public\, donations encouraged at quarterly showcases\nIn 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.\nAt 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. \nSongwriters 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. \nFans of music and songwriting are welcome to sit in for a listen at no cost. \n\nAbout Songwriters of Highlands Appalachia\n\nSongwriters 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. \n \n\nThe 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. \nAs 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. \n\nTo learn more about Songwriters of Highlands Appalachia\, visit the website at HighlandsAppalachia.org. URL:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/event/monthly-songwriters-circle/2025-08-09/ LOCATION:Birthplace of Country Music Museum\, 101 Country Music Way\, Bristol\, VA\, 24201\, United States CATEGORIES:Museum,Special Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Songwriters-Circle.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250812T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250812T203000 DTSTAMP:20260210T011209 CREATED:20250327T015925Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250728T143448Z UID:10044939-1755025200-1755030600@birthplaceofcountrymusic.org SUMMARY:Speaker Session: Chords of Community with Ryan Nedrow DESCRIPTION:Join us on Tuesday\, August 12 for a Speaker Session with Ryan Nedrow. “Chords of Community” focuses on the importance and vitality of community-based music in small-town America. Whether through the parlor piano in the comfort of your home or in a crowd-fueled parade down Main Street\, music finds a way into our hearts and minds becoming a staple of community life the world over. In small-town America\, Jonesborough\, Tennessee\, is a case study for grassroots musical performance to the tune of an ever-changing national identity. \nDate: Tuesday\, August 12\, 2025 \n\n\nTime: 7 p.m. ET \n\n\nLocation: Birthplace of Country Music Museum\, also streaming on Radio Bristol’s YouTube Channel \n\n\nCost: Free and open to the public \nREGISTER TO ATTEND IN PERSON\n\n\n\nRyan Nedrow\, Public Historian and Digital Humanist\, is the Museum Manager for the Heritage Alliance of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia\, managing its collections\, archives\, and museums. In facilitating museum operations\, Ryan recently created two exhibits: “Jonesborough Through the Lens” on Washington county’s photographic Culture and “Ashes to Ashes” on the Victorian Era origins of traditions surrounding death\, memory\, and mourning. \nRyan is a current graduate student at Middle Tennessee State University working towards a Masters of Arts in Public History with a concentration in Museum Studies and Digital History. As a scholar of the American Civil War Era\, he focuses on military music studies. His Masters of Arts thesis will highlight the power of music for the common soldier. Ryan completed his undergraduate studies at Gettysburg College earning a Bachelor’s of Arts in History and Anthropology with minors in Civil War Era Studies and Public History. \n Ryan is incredibly excited to work with the community\, improve collections management\, increase the museum’s public engagement\, and plan some incredible events for a growing audience. Ryan has recently coordinated volunteer efforts encouraging local community members to become docents at the Chester Inn State Historic Site and Museum\, work as archivists transcribing manuscripts in our written collection\, conduct classes in the Oak Hill School\, build town tours for the general public\, and research any number of personal interest projects. Ryan also has plans for additional temporary and traveling exhibits to better utilize the Heritage Alliance’s collections. Ryan wants to connect people with their shared history and the vast and storied past of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. \nFor more information on Ryan and his work\, check out his online portfolio at ryannedrowportfolio.wordpress.com. URL:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/event/speaker-session-ryan-nedrow/ LOCATION:https://www.youtube.com/@radiobristolwbcm/streams CATEGORIES:Museum,Speaker Series ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Ryan-Nedrow.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250816T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250816T113000 DTSTAMP:20260210T011209 CREATED:20231002T122338Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241016T190216Z UID:10043467-1755340200-1755343800@birthplaceofcountrymusic.org SUMMARY:Weekly Music Lessons with JAM Kids at the Museum! DESCRIPTION:Date: Weekly on Saturdays \nTime: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. ET \nLocation: The Learning Center\, Birthplace of Country Music Museum \nCost: $5 per class or $45 for 10 lessons  \nThrough 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. \nRegistration 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. \nWe 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. \nRegistration Forms: Please bring all three forms with you when you arrive for your first lesson. \n\nRegistration Form\nStudent Contract\nMedia Release Form\n\nJunior 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. \nBe sure to check out JAM Kids on Facebook and Instagram! \n \n \nThe JAM Program Model \nJAM 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. \nJunior Appalachian Musicians ® is a registered trademark of Junior Appalachian Musicians\, Inc. \nIn 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. \nJAM 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. \nClass 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. \nFor a full listing of affiliation requirements\, click here. \nHistory of JAM \nRealizing 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.” \nIn 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. \n“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. \nInterested in learning more about JAM? Click here. URL:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/event/weekly-music-lessons-with-jam-kids-at-the-museum/2025-08-16/ LOCATION:VA CATEGORIES:Museum ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Callie-Camp-3-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250823T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250823T120000 DTSTAMP:20260210T011209 CREATED:20250101T210845Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250225T151412Z UID:10044505-1755943200-1755950400@birthplaceofcountrymusic.org SUMMARY:Museum Volunteer Orientation DESCRIPTION:We want YOU to join our wonderful team of volunteers at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum! \nDates: Every other month on a Saturday \n\nFebruary 15\, 2025\nApril 26\, 2025\nJune 28\, 2025\nAugust 23\, 2025\nOctober 18\, 2025\nDecember 13\, 2025\n\nTime: 10 a.m.-Noon \nLocation: Birthplace of Country Music Museum\, Learning Center \nIf you have a passion for Bristol and its musical legacy and love helping others\, our museum volunteer program is the perfect fit for you! \nMuseum 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! \nIf you are interested in coming to our Museum Volunteer Training\, call 423-573-1927 or email volunteercoordinator@birthplaceofcountrymusic.org. URL:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/event/monthly-museum-volunteer-orientation/2025-08-23/ LOCATION:Birthplace of Country Music Museum\, 101 Country Music Way\, Bristol\, VA\, 24201\, United States CATEGORIES:Museum ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Volunteers-Image.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250823T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250823T113000 DTSTAMP:20260210T011209 CREATED:20231002T122338Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241016T190216Z UID:10043468-1755945000-1755948600@birthplaceofcountrymusic.org SUMMARY:Weekly Music Lessons with JAM Kids at the Museum! DESCRIPTION:Date: Weekly on Saturdays \nTime: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. ET \nLocation: The Learning Center\, Birthplace of Country Music Museum \nCost: $5 per class or $45 for 10 lessons  \nThrough 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. \nRegistration 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. \nWe 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. \nRegistration Forms: Please bring all three forms with you when you arrive for your first lesson. \n\nRegistration Form\nStudent Contract\nMedia Release Form\n\nJunior 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. \nBe sure to check out JAM Kids on Facebook and Instagram! \n \n \nThe JAM Program Model \nJAM 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. \nJunior Appalachian Musicians ® is a registered trademark of Junior Appalachian Musicians\, Inc. \nIn 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. \nJAM 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. \nClass 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. \nFor a full listing of affiliation requirements\, click here. \nHistory of JAM \nRealizing 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.” \nIn 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. \n“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. \nInterested in learning more about JAM? Click here. URL:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/event/weekly-music-lessons-with-jam-kids-at-the-museum/2025-08-23/ LOCATION:VA CATEGORIES:Museum ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Callie-Camp-3-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250823T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250823T170000 DTSTAMP:20260210T011209 CREATED:20250605T193521Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250605T193521Z UID:10047196-1755961200-1755968400@birthplaceofcountrymusic.org SUMMARY:Monthly Bluegrass Jam DESCRIPTION: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. \nThe 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. \nBluegrass 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. \nThe sessions will be held in the Learning Center at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. \nFor more information call 423-573-1927. URL:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/event/monthly-bluegrass-jam-3/2025-08-23/ LOCATION:Birthplace of Country Music Museum\, 101 Country Music Way\, Bristol\, VA\, 24201\, United States CATEGORIES:Museum,Ongoing Exhibits ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/BluegrassJamWeb.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250830T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250830T113000 DTSTAMP:20260210T011209 CREATED:20250826T162412Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250826T162655Z UID:10043469-1756549800-1756553400@birthplaceofcountrymusic.org SUMMARY:Weekly Music Lessons with JAM Kids at the Museum! DESCRIPTION:Date: Weekly on Saturdays (Canceled on August 30) \nTime: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. ET \nLocation: The Learning Center\, Birthplace of Country Music Museum \nCost: $5 per class or $45 for 10 lessons  \nThrough 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. \nRegistration 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. \nWe 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. \nRegistration Forms: Please bring all three forms with you when you arrive for your first lesson. \n\nRegistration Form\nStudent Contract\nMedia Release Form\n\nJunior 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. \nBe sure to check out JAM Kids on Facebook and Instagram! \n \n \nThe JAM Program Model \nJAM 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. \nJunior Appalachian Musicians ® is a registered trademark of Junior Appalachian Musicians\, Inc. \nIn 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. \nJAM 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. \nClass 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. \nFor a full listing of affiliation requirements\, click here. \nHistory of JAM \nRealizing 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.” \nIn 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. \n“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. \nInterested in learning more about JAM? Click here. URL:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/event/weekly-music-lessons-with-jam-kids-at-the-museum-5/ LOCATION:VA CATEGORIES:Museum ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Callie-Camp-3-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250905T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250905T113000 DTSTAMP:20260210T011209 CREATED:20250101T201655Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250902T182932Z UID:10044480-1757068200-1757071800@birthplaceofcountrymusic.org SUMMARY:Museum Storytime - Books & Appalachian History DESCRIPTION:Date: Friday\, September 5\, 2025 \nTime: 10:30 a.m. EST \nLocation: The Learning Center\, Birthplace of Country Music Museum \nCost: Free and open to the public \nTheme: Books & Appalachian History \nJoin 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 storybook\, a tune or two by WBCM Radio Bristol show host Ella Patrick\, and a related activity or coloring sheet. The craft will be creating folded paper books. \nBooks that will be featured at Storytime include: \n\nMiss Dorothy and Her Bookmobile by Gloria Houston (Author)\, Susan Condie Lamb (Illustrator)\nThat Book Woman by Heather Henson\n\n  \n  \n  URL:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/event/museum-storytime-books-appalachian-history/ LOCATION:Birthplace of Country Music Museum\, 101 Country Music Way\, Bristol\, VA\, 24201\, United States CATEGORIES:Museum ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025_BCMM_Storytime_Web-Sep.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250906T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250906T113000 DTSTAMP:20260210T011209 CREATED:20231002T122338Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241016T190216Z UID:10043470-1757154600-1757158200@birthplaceofcountrymusic.org SUMMARY:Weekly Music Lessons with JAM Kids at the Museum! DESCRIPTION:Date: Weekly on Saturdays \nTime: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. ET \nLocation: The Learning Center\, Birthplace of Country Music Museum \nCost: $5 per class or $45 for 10 lessons  \nThrough 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. \nRegistration 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. \nWe 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. \nRegistration Forms: Please bring all three forms with you when you arrive for your first lesson. \n\nRegistration Form\nStudent Contract\nMedia Release Form\n\nJunior 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. \nBe sure to check out JAM Kids on Facebook and Instagram! \n \n \nThe JAM Program Model \nJAM 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. \nJunior Appalachian Musicians ® is a registered trademark of Junior Appalachian Musicians\, Inc. \nIn 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. \nJAM 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. \nClass 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. \nFor a full listing of affiliation requirements\, click here. \nHistory of JAM \nRealizing 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.” \nIn 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. \n“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. \nInterested in learning more about JAM? Click here. URL:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/event/weekly-music-lessons-with-jam-kids-at-the-museum/2025-09-06/ LOCATION:VA CATEGORIES:Museum ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Callie-Camp-3-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250906T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250906T150000 DTSTAMP:20260210T011209 CREATED:20250708T150438Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250826T140818Z UID:10047255-1757163600-1757170800@birthplaceofcountrymusic.org SUMMARY:Art & Music Workshop for Adults DESCRIPTION:Join Ellen Elmes for an Art & Music workshop for adult artists or artists-to-be! With this program\, you’ll get the chance to nourish your artistic side through hands-on art exercises and live music. Ellen will guide participants in the creative process using a variety of materials to explore line\, shape\, color\, and texture\, which can be tapped into and inspired by music – singer-songwriter Ella Patrick will play a tune or two while the art is being made. The cost of this program includes the necessary art supplies. Participants are also welcome to visit Ellen Elmes: The Art of Music & Mountains for free before or after this workshop. \nDate: Saturday\, September 6 \nTime: 1-3 p.m. \nLocation: Birthplace of Country Music Museum Learning Center \nCost: $26 (includes related taxes and all art supplies) \nClass Size: Limited to 16 participants \n\n\nREGISTER TO ATTEND HERE\nThis event is complementary programming to the Ellen Elmes: The Art of Music & Mountains exhibit on display at the museum through September 30. Special thanks to the United Company Foundation for their support of programming related to this exhibit. URL:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/event/art-music-workshop-for-adults/ LOCATION:Birthplace of Country Music Museum\, 101 Country Music Way\, Bristol\, VA\, 24201\, United States CATEGORIES:Exhibits,Museum,Special Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Ellen-Elmes.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250909T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250909T203000 DTSTAMP:20260210T011209 CREATED:20250327T022317Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250905T153846Z UID:10044940-1757444400-1757449800@birthplaceofcountrymusic.org SUMMARY:Speaker Session: Emily Hilliard on Making Our Future: Visionary Folklore and Everyday Culture in Appalachia DESCRIPTION:Join us on Tuesday\, September 9 for a Speaker Session with Emily Hilliard. In this Speaker Session\, the folklorist talks about the future-focused and collaborative approach to cultural work she explores in her book\, Making our Future: Visionary Folklore and Everyday Culture in Appalachia. From diverse examples such as the West Virginia Teachers’ Strike\, non-professional women songwriters\, hot dogs\, and the tradition of independent pro-wrestling\, Hilliard paints a picture of folklore as a unifying concept that puts diverse cultural forms in conversation and creates a framework that helps us understand our past and shape our future.\nDate: Tuesday\, September 9\, 2025 \n\n\nTime: 7 p.m. ET \n\n\nLocation: In-person at the Birthplace of Country Music\, Performance Theatre and streamed on Radio Bristol’s YouTube Channel \n\n\nCost: Free and open to the public \nREGISTER TO ATTEND IN PERSON\n\n\n\nEmily Hilliard is a Folklorist at Berea College and the former West Virginia State Folklorist and Founding Director of the West Virginia Folklife Program. Her book\, Making Our Future: Visionary Folklore and Everyday Culture in Appalachia (UNC Press\, 2022) was named a finalist for the 2022 Weatherford Award in nonfiction for books “best illuminating the challenges\, personalities\, and unique qualities of the Appalachian South.” She is also the co-founder and co-owner of the feminist record label SPINSTER. Find more of her work at emilyehilliard.com. URL:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/event/speaker-session-emily-hilliard-on-making-our-future-visionary-folklore-and-everyday-culture-in-appalachia/ LOCATION:https://www.youtube.com/@radiobristolwbcm/streams CATEGORIES:Museum,Speaker Series ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Emily-Hilliard.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250913T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250913T113000 DTSTAMP:20260210T011209 CREATED:20231002T122338Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241016T190216Z UID:10043471-1757759400-1757763000@birthplaceofcountrymusic.org SUMMARY:Weekly Music Lessons with JAM Kids at the Museum! DESCRIPTION:Date: Weekly on Saturdays \nTime: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. ET \nLocation: The Learning Center\, Birthplace of Country Music Museum \nCost: $5 per class or $45 for 10 lessons  \nThrough 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. \nRegistration 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. \nWe 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. \nRegistration Forms: Please bring all three forms with you when you arrive for your first lesson. \n\nRegistration Form\nStudent Contract\nMedia Release Form\n\nJunior 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. \nBe sure to check out JAM Kids on Facebook and Instagram! \n \n \nThe JAM Program Model \nJAM 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. \nJunior Appalachian Musicians ® is a registered trademark of Junior Appalachian Musicians\, Inc. \nIn 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. \nJAM 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. \nClass 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. \nFor a full listing of affiliation requirements\, click here. \nHistory of JAM \nRealizing 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.” \nIn 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. \n“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. \nInterested in learning more about JAM? Click here. URL:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/event/weekly-music-lessons-with-jam-kids-at-the-museum/2025-09-13/ LOCATION:VA CATEGORIES:Museum ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Callie-Camp-3-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250913T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250913T170000 DTSTAMP:20260210T011209 CREATED:20250220T213042Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250709T174307Z UID:10044949-1757772000-1757782800@birthplaceofcountrymusic.org SUMMARY:Songwriters Circle DESCRIPTION:Dates: Monthly\, every 2nd Saturday\nFebruary 8\, March 8\, April 12 (showcase)\, May 10\, June 14\, July 12 (showcase)\, August 9\, September 13\, October 11 (showcase)\, November 8\, December 13\nTime: 2-5 p.m. ET\nLocation: The Learning Center\, Birthplace of Country Music Museum\nCost: Free and open to the public\, donations encouraged at quarterly showcases\nIn 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.\nAt 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. \nSongwriters 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. \nFans of music and songwriting are welcome to sit in for a listen at no cost. \n\nAbout Songwriters of Highlands Appalachia\n\nSongwriters 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. \n \n\nThe 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. \nAs 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. \n\nTo learn more about Songwriters of Highlands Appalachia\, visit the website at HighlandsAppalachia.org. URL:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/event/monthly-songwriters-circle/2025-09-13/ LOCATION:Birthplace of Country Music Museum\, 101 Country Music Way\, Bristol\, VA\, 24201\, United States CATEGORIES:Museum,Special Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Songwriters-Circle.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250919 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250924 DTSTAMP:20260210T011209 CREATED:20250708T212701Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250930T110126Z UID:10047254-1758240000-1758671999@birthplaceofcountrymusic.org SUMMARY:VMFA on the Road Artmobile at Birthplace of Country Music Museum DESCRIPTION:DATES\n \nFor school visits : \n\nWednesday\, September 17–Thursday\, September 18\n\nFor drop-in visitors and Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion festival goers: \n\nFriday\, September 19–Sunday\, September 21\n\n\nScroll down for schedule \nLocation: Cumberland Square Park parking lot\, corner of Cumberland & Moore Streets\n(directly across from the Birthplace of Country Music Museum) \nThe Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is bringing traveling art exhibitions and educational offerings to audiences across the state with VMFA on the Road: An Artmobile for the 21st century! This state-of-the-art mobile museum and education studio will be at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum and open to school groups\, drop-in visitors\, and Bristol Rhythm festivalgoers for several days in September. \nExhibit Description: This year’s VMFA on the Road exhibition – Love\, Laughter\, Tears: An Artist’s Guide to Emotions – examines the complex relationship between art and emotion across various cultures and time periods. Despite their different backgrounds\, the wide range of artists and cultures showcased demonstrate the unifying nature of human emotion. \nEmotion and expression have always been integral to the creative process of art making. Artists convey emotions through their use of color\, shapes\, symbolism\, and text. Artworks can reflect personal emotions or the wider mood of a culture or historical period\, shedding light on significant events and their impact on people. The power of art lies in its ability to communicate these feelings and messages\, fostering conversations and understanding among viewers and communities. \nIn the aftermath of the Covid-19 lockdown and amid growing societal divisions\, emotions\, empathy\, and self-reflection hold great significance. We invite you to consider the emotions you experience throughout the exhibition. How does the artwork influence your emotional state? What can you learn about your reactions? Engaging with these emotions can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and others\, promoting dialogue and connection. \nFamily Visit Guide: A Family Visit Guide is available online\, and paper copies will be available at the Artmobile for visitors to use and take with them. \n \nCOVID Protocols: The VMFA on the Road Artmobile is following these protocols: \n*Not requiring visitors to wear masks on the artmobile \n*Have a maximum of 15-20 persons on board at the same time \n*There’s no time limit on general visits \n*30-minute school tour group visits \n*Hand sanitizer will be available \n****************************************************************************** \nDROP-IN VISITORS \nDrop-in visitors can view the Artmobile for free on Wednesday\, September 17 and Thursday\, September 18\, 2025 at times when school groups are not booked\, see below (BOOKED and OPEN FOR DROP-IN VISITORS times will be marked as such). \nDrop-ins are also welcome Friday\, September 19–Sunday\, September 21 (see open times below) because the Artmobile will be just outside the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion festival gates\, but entry into the festival footprint requires a BRRR 2025 wristband.  \nTake an art break! Bring your friends\, family\, kids\, grandma\, or whoever you know who would enjoy a wonderful art experience and drop-in on the VMFA on the Road Artmobile. This is a FREE opportunity! \nThe Artmobile will be closed Wednesday and Thursday 11:50am–12:50pm for lunch. \n \nThe VMFA on the Road team gives a warm welcome to the new and improved Artmobile. Inside is the exciting new exhibiton\, Love\, Laughter\, Tears: An Artist’s Guide to Emotions. The exhibition includes works from the museum’s permanent collection and the first video installation in an artmobile exhibition: “First Landings\,” which was created by Ethan Brown (Pamunkey) and Federico Cuatlacuatl (Nahua\, born in Coapan\, Cholula\, Mexico)\, and recently debuted to critical acclaim at the Pocahontas Reframed Film Festival at VMFA. Photo by Sandra Sellars © Virginia Museum of Fine Arts \n****************************************************************************** \nSchool Information \nSchool groups can visit the Artmobile on Wednesday\, September 17 and Thursday\, September 18\, 2025. This is a FREE visit! \nThe VMFA on the Road Artmobile will be open to middle school\, high school\, and college groups on September 17–18\, 2025. A field trip to the Artmobile exposes students to multiple art mediums and concepts using visual thinking\, sketching\, and writing. Admission is free to the Artmobile. \nSeveral time slots are available for school group visits\, and schools can book multiple/consecutive time slots if needed (please get in touch if you need another time than the ones shown below\, e.g. later in the day): \nWEDNESDAY\, SEPTEMBER 17 \n10:00–10:30am BOOKED \n10:40–11:10am BOOKED \n11:20–11:50am BOOKED \n11:50–12:50pm CLOSED FOR LUNCH \n12:50–1:20pm BOOKED \n1:30–2:00pm BOOKED \n2:10–2:40pm BOOKED \n2:50–3:20pm \n3:30–4:00pm \n4:45–5:45pm BOOKED \nTHURSDAY\, SEPTEMBER 18 \n10:00–10:30am BOOKED \n10:40–11:10am BOOKED \n11:20–11:50am \n11:50am–12:50pm CLOSED FOR LUNCH \n12:50–1:20pm BOOKED \n1:30–2:00pm \n2:10–2:40pm \n2:50–3:20pm \n3:30–4:00pm \nEducators can pick from a variety of learning activities for their student visit. You can access Artmobile educational resources HERE. \nA tour of the Artmobile is a 30-minute experience. An optimum visit has 10–12 students (with one adult); larger groups will be divided into groups of 20 (with two adults). Teachers can also add a FREE guided tour of the Birthplace of Country Music Museum’s special exhibit Ellen Elmes: The Art of Music & Mountains (also a 30-minute experience) to your visit to the Artmobile. This exhibit is a wonderful companion to the Artmobile experience\, giving students and teachers the chance to learn about the artists who have written the soundtrack of country music. If you would like to also book a tour of the museum’s permanent exhibits\, our usual student group admission applies. \nFor further information about a VMFA on the Road Artmobile experience for your students and to book a tour\, please contact Hollie Moody at hmoody@birthplaceofcountrymusic.org\, providing the following information: Date of tour\, preferred time of tour\, name of school\, teacher’s name\, grade level\, and size of group. \nBookings must be made by September 12\, 2025. \n \n****************************************************************************** \nBristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion Information \nFestivalgoers can visit the Artmobile on Friday\, September 19– Sunday\, September 21\, 2024 \nThe VMFA on the Road Artmobile will be free and open to festivalgoers on September 19—21\, 2025\, just one more way to make your Bristol Rhythm experience even more special! A fun arts & crafts table will also be set up outside the Artmobile for anyone who needs a creativity break! \nThe Artmobile will be open at the following times: \nFriday\, September\, 19: 1:00–7:00pm \nSaturday\, September 20: 9:00am–6:00pm (closed 1:00–2:00pm for lunch) \nSunday\, September 21: 10:00am–5:00pm (closed 1:00–2:00pm for lunch) URL:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/event/vmfa-on-the-road-artmobile-at-birthplace-of-country-music-museum-5/ LOCATION:Birthplace of Country Music Museum\, 101 Country Music Way\, Bristol\, VA\, 24201\, United States CATEGORIES:Festival,Festival Activities,Museum,Special Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/VFMA_2024_graphic.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR