The 2nd Annual Blue Ridge Acoustic Uprising will be held April 11th and 12th at the Wytheville Meeting Center in Wytheville, VA. Thirty-three bluegrass, old time and Americana bands will be showcasing their talents on stage and there is a wide array of other events scheduled at the gathering. The Appalachian Cultural Music which is a non-profit organization presents the Blue Ridge Acoustic Uprising each year at the Wytheville Meeting Center which is adjacent to Wytheville Community College.
“In addition to the two days of band showcases there is also a trade show, musical instrument auction, jam sessions, dance contest, networking with musicians and other professionals in the music business, great food and a whole lot of fun,” states Johnny Williams the chairman of the event for the ACMA. “Musicians from all over the southern Appalachian and Blue Ridge region agree this is a great opportunity for bands to be seen and heard by not only the public but also music producers, record labels, booking agents and others who can help their careers”, says Williams.
The trade show will feature displays from regional organizations that promote this music. Also several instrument makers will be displaying their hand made wares and there will be venue displays from such organizations as Song of the Mountains from the Lincoln Theatre in nearby Marion, VA and displays from Galax Virginia Tourism and Smyth County Tourism, Wytheville Visitors and Convention Bureau and others. “There is something here for everyone who loves bluegrass, old time and Americana Music”, says Karl Cooler who serves on the Uprising committee and is owner of the Bristol, TN based Mountain Roads Recordings record label. “If a person wants to connect with business leaders in this music, the Uprising is the place to be”, says Cooler. “This is a fantastic gathering where fans, professional artists, jammers, dancers, and vendors can get together and network”.
Besides the thirty-three showcase bands there will also be an awards show on Saturday night. The awards ceremony will honor Wayne Henderson, the Whitetop Mountain Band and Willard Gayheart & Bobby Patterson. These musicians are scheduled to perform as well. Friday and Saturday evenings will also showcase a flatfoot dance contest which is always a favorite part of the event. Several regional radio stations will be broadcasting from the event and doing on air interviews with folks at the Uprising. Campers are welcome to stay on site but there are no hook-ups available. There is a wide selection of area motels available close by the venue.
Organizers urge anyone who loves to pick music and sing to be sure to attend and bring along their instruments for jam sessions. “Fans of this music are going to have a great time”, says Williams.
Information on the event and tickets is at www.acousticuprising.com or at 423-444-2893. Tickets are $ 10 per day advance thru March 31. After March 31 ticket pricing is $ 12 per day. Children under 12 years admitted free with paying adult. Proceeds from the event go back to the ACMA and the Blue Ridge Acoustic Uprising.