One of the Appalachian Mountain region’s greatest contributions to the world is Bluegrass music. Born in hills and hollows, Bluegrass is simply mountain folk music with heavy Celtic influences.

Today, you can hear the sweet harmonies of Bluegrass instruments and smooth vocals throughout the United States, and indeed the world. Bluegrass festivals abound, featuring performers from all over the globe. But the heart and soul of Bluegrass remains securely in the Appalachian region.

One night a few years ago I was taking a walk down the Tennessee side of Bristol’s State Street when all of a sudden I heard music coming from somewhere in the distance. As I got closer and closer I finally realized there was a live concert in progress, and the music they were playing was nothing short of amazing. Up ahead, on a small wooden stage, was a group of musicians “pickin’” a plethora of acoustic instruments and singing songs that I had never heard before – but somehow knew I loved. That hot, sticky July evening gave me my first taste of Bluegrass music, and I’ve been hooked on it ever since!