I live on State Street in Bristol VA, having just moved here last July. As a member of the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, I helped the Rhythm and Roots Reunion executive director, Leah Ross, prepare a PowerPoint presentation about the festival to show to at the chamber membership breakfast. After that project, I bought tickets and couldn't wait to attend. Putting the presentation together with Leah taught me how people come, and from all over - including several foreign nations - to listen to music and enjoy this festival. I also learned how the community deeply supports the event - with many corporate supporters, volunteers, in-kind service donors and musicians all chipping in to make the magic happen. When BRR threw out the welcome mat, my husband and I were there within the first hours, and we were blown away. BRRR is part block party, part hoe-down, part gospel revival, and ALL Americana roots music all the time. So many people crowded downtown, yet everyone was having a fun time. I saw no issues. That kind of success takes strong leadership and a core group of volunteers who share a clear vision. I cannot wait to get more involved this year and enjoy it all over again.

Last year was our first experience with BRRR and our experience with the event was excellent. We live out of town so we don't have access to the traditional media in the area but the organization has done a great job of keeping us informed. We are so pleased to see the positive effects that the September event and the other year round events are bringing to a wonderful downtown area that really needs a boost. We especially love how BRRR celebrates the pioneers who started Country Music with the Bristol Sessions yet really embraces music as self-expression that can take many forms. One of the best things about BRRR is how hard they have worked to make the festival accessible by keeping ticket prices low. It was such a pleasure to see so many generations enjoying the traditional and new music side-by side.

From the professionalism of the staff, to the friendliness of the volunteers, this event could not be better run. The choices of the artists is outstanding, all of them being so accessible to the general public. I discovered the festival in 2006, the year I moved to Bristol and have been going ever since. I, of course, have my favorites, but it is great to discover new talent. The weekend pass is a steal, some artists you can't even get a ticket for that price. Other festivals charge that much for one day. I hope this festival becomes number one in the country.

This year will be our 6th Bristol Rhythm and Roots. There is no doubt that we will attend, come hell or high water!
We love this festival for so many reasons. The many venues, indoor and out, offer the opportunity to see big name bands and smaller lesser known acts. That's often the best part, going home with new favorites that we have discovered for ourselves at BRR.
Weather is never a problem-if it's rainy, there are any number of places to duck into and still hear great music.
The vendors are great, we look forward to the food almost as much as the music! Fabulous barbecue for my meat eating husband and lots of vegetarian options for me.
It's fun, too to see the musicians at each others' shows. It really is a reunion for them and has gotten to be one for us when we meet friends we have seen year after year at BRR.
We go to the big expensive festival in N Wilkesboro every year, too and Bristol has just as much to offer as far as talent and non stop music-at a fraction of the price. But we would go to BRR at any price, it's just a great festival.

This festival and it's beyond-belief talented band line-up will BLOW YOUR MIND! The first time I went, it was with a 'sure, why not?' attitude. Now, I wouldn't miss it!

Bristol Rhythm and Roots is one of the most family friendly music festivals around. What other festival has a place for families to stop in and rest for a while before heading off to the next venue! The Baby Comfort Station, hosted by La Leche League of the Mountain Empire, is such a fantastic place for families to stop in to nurse, change, or simply rock and rest while enjoying the amazing musical offerings at RRR.

I have worked closely with Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion for the past two years, producing the "Virginia Folklife Stage." I work with about 10-15 festivals per year. This is clearly one of the very best. It showcases a wonderful creative and diverse array of musical styles, and succeeds in reaching a broad audience. The programming at the festival is consistently top notch, and there is a real, concerted and thoughtful effort to compliment the music with educational initiatives, providing a truly intimate experience for the visitors.
To me, though, the greatest thing about this festival is the way it engages the entire business community, with stages in practically every restaurant, coffee shop, storefront, and tavern. It truly is a festival for and by the community!

Rhythm and Roots is one of our favorite weekends in Bristol! The talent is always tremendous. The vendors are fantastic. We always show up first thing Saturday morning and have more than once closed it down after midnight! Even my kids enjoy the long day! If you have never attended the Rhythm and Roots Reunion, do yoursef a favor and plan to show up this year. You will not be sorry!

The Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion continues to exceed my expectations and the expectations of all in attendance. Each year provides the best in Roots and Americana music with a focus on local, regional and national performers. The multi-venue scheme is a non-stop entertainment weekend with a surprise around every corner.
If you have not been to Rhythm and Roots you are missing the perfect opportunity to experience small town America at it's best in the official birthplace of country music.

i live in bristol,tn. and have attended this event ,it is a great time for all..