The Crooked Road: Virginia's Heritage Music Trail — TMEP Plan

The Crooked Road’s Southwest Virginia Traditional Music Education Plan (TMEP), funded in part by a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission, is a broad educational plan designed to provide support to existing traditional music programs and instructors, to encourage the implementation of new traditional music programs, and to incorporate traditional music coursework and instruction in public schools and community colleges throughout Southwest Virginia.
This plan will be developed in a series of strategic steps designed to draw upon the enthusiastic support and vast resources of individuals and organizations who believe in keeping our unique musical heritage alive as a vibrant and essential element of life in Southwest Virginia and passing along traditional Appalachian traditional music to future generations.
The opportunity to learn about and formally study the rich musical traditions of the Southern Appalachian Mountains will benefit students of all ages and levels, from elementary and secondary school students to adults enrolled in community colleges and continuing education programs and others studying privately.
How you can participate:
Please get in touch with The Crooked Road office with suggestions and contacts – including those affiliated with traditional music programs, individual traditional music instructors, or those who might be interested in working toward the establishment of traditional music programs. We are also interested in contacting teachers or administrators that may be able to assist with bring music into existing school curricula.
For additional information about The Crooked Road’s Southwest Virginia Traditional Music Education Plan, please contact Jonathan Romeo at (276) 492-2087 or via email: jromeo@thecrookedroad.org
Bristol's Regional Workshop is scheduled for:
Tuesday, October 26, 2010, 1:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Bristol Public Library
701 Goode Street
Bristol, VA 24201
New Preschool to open in DOWNTOWN!

Curious Minds Academy, LLC, is pleased to announce their new home at 519 State Street. Bristol’s newest preschool will open in June 2011 and will provide unique learning opportunities for Bristol’s 3-5 year olds. In addition to its focus on literacy and cognitive development, Curious Minds Academy will emphasize the teaching of the Arts. With a downtown location, students of the Academy will have unlimited access to the Bristol Public Library, will be able to attend performances at the Paramount and Theatre Bristol’s Art Space, receive formal instruction in the visual arts and performing arts, play in the park, and take Karate! There is too much to tell here, so contact Terryl Rock (423-646-2113) or Wendy Thomas (276-494-7981) for more information. Terryl and Wendy may also be reached by email at curiousmindsbristol@gmail.com. Visit Curious Minds Academy’s website at www.curiousmindsbristol.com for more information.
Downtown Bristol Blog
Rodney Dillard & The Dillard Band perform at the Paramount

Rural Rhythm Recording Artist Rodney Dillard has had a long and varied career that has so far resulted in 2 GRAMMY® Nominations, induction into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame, a well-known acting stint on The Andy Griffith Show, many other movie and television appearances, receipt of the Outstanding Missourian award, and worldwide acclaim for his over 50 years of recording both traditional bluegrass and his own brand of "Dillardgrass". Rodney first became a music star in the 1960s when Rodney (guitar), his brother Doug Dillard (banjo), Dean Webb (mandolin) and the late Mitch Jayne (string bass), formed a new group, known as "The Dillards". The Dillards impressed an Elektra Records representative at a Los Angeles club and were subsequently signed to the label. A producer with The Andy Griffith Show heard about the Elektra signing and asked The Dillards to audition for the newly created role of The Darlings, a bluegrass-playing family whose patriarch was to be played by actor Denver Pyle. Andy Griffith and the producers loved the authentic sound and felt the group was perfect. Rodney, Doug, Dean, and Mitch were cast immediately and to this day The Dillards are seen nearly every day somewhere in the world (thanks to the still enormous popularity of The Andy Griffith Show re-runs). Rodney continued to modernize and re-imagine the sound of bluegrass as he wrote and collaborated with others to write such now classic songs as "There is a Time", "The Darlin? Boys", "Ebo Walker", and "Dooley". By the late 60s Rodney had transformed The Dillards into the driving force creating new sounds in the West Coast music environment. Later called "The Father of Country Rock", Rodney was among the first bluegrass musicians to "electrify" traditional bluegrass instruments while also adding drums and a steel guitar. The band?s unique flair for songwriting and arrangement affected a broad range of important future musicians in the bluegrass and pop music world alike, and Rodney is credited with helping set the stage for the country rock movement and the burgeoning progressive sounds of bluegrass. Albums such as "Wheatstraw Suite" and "Copperfields" remain legendary paradigm shifters and influenced many musicians who are now household names. Groups and performers as diverse as The Byrds, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Ricky Skaggs, The Eagles, and Elton John have all expressed appreciation for what Rodney and his bandmates accomplished.
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Appalachian GhostWalks' Fall Season SPOOK-tacular

The fall 2010 tour season has begun and Appalachian GhostWalks' Ghost and History Tours is celebrating it's 5th Year Anniversary offering local residents of our region, as well as area travelers, the chance to experience a real lantern-lit walking tour packed with "spine-tingling" stories of real history and real ghosts!
Click here to read more.
Visit Wm. King for new fall fashions!

Since we opened our doors in 1981, Wm. King Clothiers has had the reputation as being one of the finest stores in the South. We have always brought to this area a look that is classic and timeless. Although most would consider us an "updated traditional store" we are constantly looking for new lines that will fit into our own interpretation of classic clothing.
Click here to read more.
Upcoming Events
Youth Acting Classes at Theatre Bristol
September 20 - October 25, 2010Pottery Class offered by Bristol Parks and Rec Department
September 28 - October 26, 2010Bristol Parks and Rec to offer Karate classes
October 05 - 26, 2010Stained Glass class offered through Bristol Virginia Parks and Rec Dept.
October 07 - November 11, 2010Financial Workshop offered by Bristol Virginia Parks and Rec Dept.
October 11 - November 01, 2010Children's Acting Classes at Theatre Bristol
October 19 - 30, 2010Style Your Sole at blowfish emporium
October 20, 2010Yoga Classes at The Healing Arts Center
October 20, 2010Pilates Class at The Healing Arts Center
October 20, 2010Hot Southern Nights to perform
October 21, 2010Lunchtime Yoga 2 Classes at The Healing Arts Center
October 21, 2010Yoga 2 Classes at The Healing Arts Center
October 21, 2010Painting class at blowfish emporium
October 21, 2010Ribbon Cutting at M&M Accounting Services
October 21, 2010Fused Glass for Beginners
October 21, 2010Brim Leal to perform at Machiavelli's
October 21, 2010Bristol City Bus Fare Free Day
October 21, 2010These Undowners at Machiavelli's
October 22, 2010Downtown Celebrate Bristol Car Cruise-In at Tri Summit Bank
October 22, 2010Featured Artist Reception showcasing Heather Hartz
October 22, 2010Rodney Dillard & The Dillard Band perform at the Paramount
October 22, 2010Yoga Classes at The Healing Arts Center
October 22, 2010State Street Farmers Market
October 23, 2010Oddly Well to perform at Machiavelli's
October 23, 2010Power Animals
October 23, 2010More Upcoming Events »