The highly anticipated Ken Burns documentary, Country Music premiers Sunday, September 15 on PBS.  It is often said that the musical talent came from the “hills and hollers” of Appalachia, and that those skills were honed in church choirs and on front porches.  Talk to any old timer in East Tennessee, and they can tell you a story of a time when gathering to pick and play was part of daily life.  The Burn’s documentary shines a light on the musicians whose journeys began in small rural communities from across the region and the music they brought to a nation.

Music is still a large part of rural life in East Tennessee.  September and October are chock full of festivals featuring aspiring local artists seeking to be the next Chet Atkins, Dolly Parton,  or Kelsea Ballerini.  Here are some upcoming festivals that are showcasing talent from around the region:  Pickin in the Park, Newport Harvest Street Festival, and Louie Bluie Festival.   Country, Americana, Blues, Gospel, and Bluegrass are all rooted here.  Bring a chair and experience the traditions of East Tennessee’s musical heritage