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The Carter fold is a rustic, 800+ seat music shed offering traditional music every Saturday night. Museum opens an hour prior to the show.The Carter Family was discovered in 1927 by Victor Recording Studio in Bristol and recorded 300 songs between 1927 and 1942. Playing traditional Appalachian music, the family has often been credited as forerunners of modern-day country music. Janette Carter, one of three children of A.P. and Sara Carter established the Carter Family Fold...

The Blue Ridge Institute and Museum is the largest folklife museum in the Old Dominion. It is the official State Center for Blue Ridge Folklore and a major venue along The Crooked Road: Virginia's Heritage Music Trail. Since the early 1970s the institute has documented and presented the folk heritage of the Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounding regions.The daily-life traditions of music, crafts and customs take center stage at the Blue Ridge Institute, the only...

The flavors of the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace are nothing short of inspiring for a visit to the Appalachian Mountains. Let us guide you on a full experience of Southwest Virginia and our unique assets and opportunities for exploration. From the sounds of the region’s distinctive bluegrass to the sights of world renowned folk artist from around the mountains, you’ll find moments of discovery for the entire family. Stop in and sit a spell...

*Note: Your health and safety is our first priority. The museum has applied stringent social distancing guidelines to keep you as safe as possible from the threat of COVID-19. Our staff and guests are required to wear masks, and we are adhering to heightened sanitation practices for the security of all our guests, volunteers, and staff.Learn why Bristol is designated by Congress as the birthplace of country music! Visit the award-winning Birthplace of Country Music...