HJ319: Commending the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion.

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 319

Offered February 25, 2020
Commending the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion.

Patrons-- O'Quinn, Kilgore, Morefield and Wampler; Senators: Chafin and Pillion

WHEREAS, the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, an annual music festival honoring Bristol’s legacy as the birthplace of country music, celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2020; and

WHEREAS, beginning in 2001 and produced since 2012 by Birthplace of Country Music, Inc., the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion gathers over 100 bands on several stages in downtown Bristol for three days of enchanting musical performances each September; and

WHEREAS, the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion features both leading and up-and-coming acts, with an aim to highlight genres, such as country, Americana, progressive roots, traditional bluegrass, old-time, Celtic, and blues, that have been influenced by the legendary 1927 Bristol Sessions, a series of recording sessions often hailed as the “big bang” of country music; and

WHEREAS, alongside the music, many artisans selling handmade wares and food vendors serving culinary wonders contribute to an event that draws approximately 45,000 attendees annually; the economic impact of the festival is estimated in the millions and has been a major contributor to the financial prosperity and vitality of Bristol in recent years; and

WHEREAS, the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion has been honored with many accolades, including the Grand Pinnacle Award from the International Festival and Events Association and recognition from Rolling Stone magazine as one of the country’s “Top 20 Tours and Festivals”; and

WHEREAS, the accomplishments of the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion have been made possible by the efforts of hundreds of volunteers, numerous community organizations, and several municipal departments in both Bristol and Bristol, Tennessee; and

WHEREAS, for two decades, the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion has fulfilled its mission to promote and celebrate Bristol’s musical heritage, entertain and delight those attending, and bring recognition and economic benefit to Birthplace of Country Music, Inc., and its local and regional communities; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, an award-winning musical event and homage to Bristol’s place in music history, on the occasion of the festival’s 20th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Birthplace of Country Music, Inc., producer of the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for the event’s contributions to Bristol and the Commonwealth.