Time to Start Planning for the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion

I just started making plans for this year's Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion held September 19-21 in various outlets within the city. This is easily my favorite music festival; no need for camping, musicians perform at all types of venues; and easy access to food and beer. Plus shuttles buses to the area hotels. Bristol, itself, is considered the Birthplace of Country Music with the likes of the Carter family, Jimmy Martin, and the Stanley Brothers as a short representation on musicians who first recorded there. Coverage our of past ventures to Bristol can be read here, but needless to say, we are quite excited with this year's lineup - starting with Sturgill Simpson. This guy is the future of country music and we are ready to pair him with Emmylou Harris, Shaver, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Dale Watson, and other country - americana legends. Then there's old friends Holy Ghost Tent Revivial and local players in Roger Rasnake, Ed Snodderly, Scotty Melton, Annie Robinette, and Wayne Henderson. Bluegrass fans will be sure to catch Donna Ulisse & the Poor Mountain Boys and Marty Raybon & Full Circle. I'm also excited about The Kruger Brothers, Truth & Salvage Co., Folk Soul Revival, The Black Lillies, M.S.G. – The Acoustic Blues Trio, among many others. And as usual, tickets are extremely affordable - a weekend pass is only $70. See you there.

Texas Country Takes over 2012 Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion

 The 2012 Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion has come and gone and once again reinforced why this is the best music festival in the country. The lineup is always impressive, with Robert Earl Keen and Billy Joe Shaver the main headliners; but how many times do you have the opportunity to listen to a banjo playing priest (Father Edward Richard) while sipping a local brew. Or watch college football while listening to the most soulful guy in Nashville, Sam Lewis. Or listen to Slaid Cleaves in a historical theater.  Only in Bristol.  There was also Ha Ha Tonka, The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band, the beauties of Della Mae, local legends Ed Snodderly and Roger Rasnake; and new favorites The Apache Relay.

But with the large contingent of Texas performers, Lone Star Beer should have been in the house and not just for Dale Watson - he brought his own. With REK, Shaver, Watson, Cleaves, and Uncle Lucius - Texas music and "real" country music was on full display. REK was energetic; Shaver was his wily self; Watson - deviant and entertaining; and Cleaves- just impressive. Even Girls Guns and Glory got into the act by playing their rockin' version of traditional country - New England style.

More photos are available at our Facebook page and here's what you missed: