bluegrass capital of the world (?)

pictured: Town Mountain at Friday's Blue Plate Special

A few weeks ago we asked what Knoxville's identity was. The only thing that seems to be clear on this issue/crisis is that nothing is clear. I had a few thoughts on Friday while I was at the Blue Plate Special:

We don't need to import anything new to "snazz-up" our town (i.e. the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame). We have something here that is largely ignored except for aficionados. Most people know we have a "Bluegrass Scene", but couldn't really tell you who what or where this scene entails. WDVX and the BPS have become the most visible indicators of this Scene.

You may not know this, but Knoxville used to be a center of music: rural music, now mainly known as Country with a capital 'C'. Bristol claims to be the birthplace, but the genre came alive here. We had WNOX and the Mid Day Merry Go Round. It was as big as the Opry. Many famous acts got their start here. And it wasn't that long ago- people remember when Knoxville the place to be, enough so that I hear it mentioned all the time by artists passing through. What happened? Well, Country music moved west- stolen, as it were, from us by the "Music City". They crafted an identity around the music and prospered. And our musical heritage became part of our past, celebrated only by small makers at downtown parking lots where palaces of entertainment once stood.


However, as the glamor of mainstream Country Music became entrenched in Nashville, its old deep roots have remained alive here. Much like how it formed in isolated valleys of our mountains, this music remained on our neighborhood porches, in small cinder block bars on alleys. A small radio station played records in a camper. Dolly never left. The music remained.

Call it Old Time, Hillbilly, Appalachian Folk. But "Bluegrass" is the title that most people recognize. In terms of identity, this is important. We've lost 'Country', and given it's current state, I'm not sure we'd want it back. Bluegrass, however, is a decentralized genre. There aren't many major cities in the Appalachians- maybe that's why. Knoxville is about as close as it gets. Consider this-
the Tennessee state quarter is based on music. A guitar (Country/Nashville), a trumpet (Blues/Memphis) and a fiddle (Bluegrass/???). You fill in the blank. These reasons, plus many more, are why we should make ourselves the Bluegrass Capital. It makes sense.

It's here, it's part of what makes Knoxville unique. No one else has claimed/stolen it. We have the music infrastructure (I'm looking at you, AC Entertainment). We need a festival. Not just another little Bluegrass festival, a big national-scale Bonnaroo of Bluegrass. We need a Bluegrass Hall of Fame and Museum. We need more live radio shows. We need an University Institute dedicated to preserving traditional Appalachian music. We need to make our city The Mecca of Bluegrass fans.

It wouldn't take much more effort that we've invested in other abortive attempts to brand Knoxville. It'll take focus, something Knoxville isn't very good at, to hang our hat on one thing and to do it well.

the best free concert in town

This post has unfortunately been a long time in coming. These concerts have been going on for a few weeks, so forgive me for missing the scoop and letting our dear readers live in ignorance. So here it is:

Knoxville has secrets. It even has free secrets. Like the homeless guy who will backflip off a 6 foot fence for a dollar. OK- that's technically not a free secret. But it's cheap entertainment, like the following secret. It has three parts. First off, Knoxville has one of the best Bluegrass radio stations (if not the best) in the country. No kidding, it's bona fide.. The famous WDVX brings Bluegrass, not to mention Blues/Country/Roots/Americana music to the world and is based here in Knoxville. Secret Part Two: everyday they have a free live "Blue Plate Special" concert at noon at their downtown studio. That's not much of a secret anymore, though. It's been going on for years and has gained a cult status in downtown. The studio is small, however, and often you'll have to get there a half an hour early to get a seat. What to do? That's the third and newest part of the secret: every Friday WDVX migrates to The Square Room on Market Square and has a special full-size concert. And let me tell you- it's a phenomenal musical experience. You feel like you must of snuck in because there's NO WAY you could see music this good for free. Like a bouncer is gonna come drag you out the door any minute. But believe it, kids. WDVX is bringing excellent music to the people for no charge. Where else could you find this? Even if you're not into Bluegrass ect., I challenge you to come to a few of these concerts a see if you don't start getting into it. I wasn't a fan when I first came to Knoxville, but WDVX has since converted me. The Blue Plate also may be one of the easiest ways to get connected with Knoxville's general musical scene. Artists of all stripes, local and visiting, come through and play at WDVX. All you have to do is show up and listen. And if you have to pick one day to come, make it Friday.

Consider yourself informed.

Walden's Way Ramblers to Play at WDVX BPS Tuesday, July 29

If you are downtown on your lunch Tuesday July 29, please stop by the WDVX Blue Plate Special from 12 to 1 PM, located at the corner of Gay Street and Summit Hill, to see the Walden's Way Ramblers play a little bluegrass.



You may have seen these guys gettin' down in Market Square and the surrounding area during the Farmer's Market, Sundown in the City, and when they've needed a little extra change. You can't miss them, being that there are six of them and one is holding an upright bass. I hold a special place in my heart for this band since they've been serenading social gatherings for the past few months in Maplehurst, where two members, Joe and James live. Joe, the fiddle player actually lives above me, and I've been listening to his foot-tapping through my ceiling for a few months now. I couldn't be more excited to see their radio debut.

So come hear these guys as they lay it down. I know they'd appreciate it and wouldn't mind grabbing a beer with you later on in the evening.