Birthplace of Country Music Museum debuts “In The Pines” music event

BRISTOL, Va. (WJHL)—The music stage returned to Bristol as the Birthplace of Country Music Museum presented the first “In The Pines” music event.

The inaugural event was a fundraiser for the Museum, with the goal of funding its educational programs. It got its name from a song recorded in the heart of Bristol.

“The 1927 Bristol Sessions had a song recorded by a little-known band, the Tenneava Ramblers,” said Kris Truelson, Program Director for Radio Bristol. “[The song was] called ‘The Longest Train’, also known as ‘In The Pines’. It was the first commercially recorded version of that song.

Wyatt Flores, Paul Cauthen, Elle King, and Dwight Yoakam were among the musicians for the event. While all the artists produce music of the same genre, Truelson said they all bring something different to the stage.

“The idea of this lineup is to show the diversity in country music and to hit audiences of all different ages and people who like different styles,” said Truelson. “So all of these artists fit under the umbrella of country music, but that’s a very wide and diverse genre of music. So we think all four of these acts are very, very different but work together in a great way.”

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The lineup’s diversity was a significant factor in drawing in the crowds.

“The lineup is incredible,” said Bristol Resident Larry Kirksley. “Absolutely incredible.”

“[It’s the] same thing with Rhythm and Roots,” said Bristol Resident Mark Haynes. “You get to see a lot of startup artists that go on to be big.”

Both Kirksley and Haynes said the fundraiser is something they could support.

“It’s not just for Bristol,” said Kirksley. “It’s for the whole reason, and that’s the great thing about it: it’s really elevating the region, and we’re proud of it.

“We’re very much behind it,” said Haynes.

Event organizers said they plan for this to become an annual event.

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