Ralph Stanley II to Headline Grand Reopening of Mountain Music Museum, 1/27

Grammy Award-winning bluegrass singer/songwriter Ralph
Stanley II & the Clinch Mountain Boys have been tapped to headline the grand
reopening of the Mountain Music Museum at its new location in Kingsport, Tennessee, on Saturday, January 27.

Opening acts will include country singer Kaitlyn Baker and bluegrass artist and museum cofounder Tim White, host of the nationally syndicated public television concert series "Song of the Mountains." White will perform with his band, Troublesome Hollow.

Originally located in nearby Bristol, the Mountain Music Museum celebrates the history of music brought to the region by Europeans and Africans during in the 19 th century, which later evolved into what is now recognized as bluegrass, country and gospel.

"It's no coincidence that bluegrass music sounds similar to a lot of Irish and Scottish music," White said. "What people think of as American mountain music is really an off- shoot of music that immigrants brought with them from other countries."

Watch a clip here:

"Our region is rich in the traditions of mountain music," added Kingsport Mayor John
Clark. "From bluegrass to gospel to old time and classic country music, we are excited
to see them on display in Downtown Kingsport."

The museum features vintage musical instruments, recordings, photographs and other artifacts. Executive Director Rick Dollar said the decision to relocate to Kingsport was based partly on funding incentives offered by city and business leaders, as well as the need for more space. Among the new exhibits being planned is one dedicated to the late Dr. Ralph Stanley, consisting of memorabilia donated by Ralph Stanley II.

"I'm honored to play at the grand reopening of the Mountain Music Museum," Stanley
said. "It's important to preserve the history of mountain music. This museum is a great
asset for education and tourism for East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia."

In addition to educational exhibits, the Mountain Music Museum features live musical
performances, through its weekly "Pickn' Porch Show." The preliminary lineup for 2018
includes Presley Barker & Shadowgrass, The Po' Ramblin' Boys, Jeff Little & Wayne
Henderson, Chosen Road, and Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley.

Dollar said he hopes the Mountain Music Museum's new location will help to further
distinguish it from the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol, which is focused primarily on the 1927 Bristol Sessions, the famed recordings produced in Bristol that launched the country music industry.

"The two museums complement each other, and they are just minutes apart," Dollar
said. "I think anyone who is interested in the musical and cultural history of Appalachia will enjoy both the Birthplace of Country Music Museum and the Mountain Music Museum."

The Mountain Music Museum will re-open on Saturday, January 27, from 10:00 a.m.
until 9:00 p.m., at 316 Broad Street, Suite 102, Kingsport, Tennessee 37660. Ralph
Stanley II & the Clinch Mountain Boys will perform at 7:00 p.m. Admission is free during the grand reopening. For more information, visit www.AppalachianCulturalMusic.org or call 423-765- 2552.

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