This week the the column visits the heart of Appalachia with two roots music festivals: Earl Scruggs Music Festival (September 4-6, 2026, Mill Spring, North Carolina); and Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion (September 11-13, 2026, Bristol, Virginia/Tennessee).
The settings, only 90 miles apart as the crow flies, are also significant. Bristol being, of course, considered to be the birthplace of country music and Mill Spring being close to where Earl Scruggs was born.
While both fests are steeped in the music of the Piedmont area, the combination of traditional, bluegrass, jam band, folk, gospel, and more is completely in line with contemporary roots music fans’ proclivities. One which continues to find inspiration in other branches of roots music and pushes the music forward.
We are fortunate to have a column veteran at each to capture some striking images and report on the action. Kelly Shipe attended the Bristol Reunion and Astrida Valigorsky was at the Scruggs gathering.
