Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion 2022: The Asheville Interviews

Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion returns Friday, Sept. 9-Sunday, Sept. 11, just over an hour from Asheville on the Virginia/Tennessee line. Playing its various stages will be a healthy number of local artists, seven of whom spoke with Asheville Stages about their favorite memories from the music festival’s past editions and what they’re looking forward to this year.

“Bristol holds a special place in my heart after one of our first-ever festival performances there in 2018 during the band’s beginnings. It’ll be incredible to come back and bring the many ways we’ve evolved since to the stage, along with some brand new tunes.

I love that the city layout, with such a large line-up, means that around every bend there’s some exciting new layer unfolding. Last time, I had an amazing adventure with friends and bandmates roaming the streets during our down time between shows and discovering some powerhouse up-and-coming acts like Sarah Shook and the Disarmers. I can’t wait to see what I’ll find this year” —Abby Bryant (Abby Bryant & The Echoes)

Photo by Eleanor Underhill

“I've been to Bristol Rhythm & Roots a couple of times as an audience member, and The Get Right Band played for the first time last year. It was a blast and we're excited to be back this year. We got a really great reception from the crowd there — you can tell there are a lot of serious music lovers at that festival, both putting it on and attending. Last year, the big moment for me was getting to see Dr. Dog on their final tour. That band is really special to me and I'm sad to see them end their touring career. They put on a fantastic show at Bristol — I was so glad I could be there.

We're playing Friday this year and we took the rest of the weekend off so we can hang out and see all the amazing bands. It's super cool to see so many of our Asheville friends on the line-up. And I'm always thrilled anytime I get to see The Wood Brothers live — they're one of the most joyful bands to experience in concert” —Silas Durocher (The Get Right Band)

Photo by Sandlin Gaither

“I have always enjoyed Bristol Rhythm & Roots’ family-oriented vibe and the layout of the festival. I’ve shared a lot of amazing memories with the staff through the years and I’m really proud of all the hard work they’ve done. I also love that I get to go see my friends that are in other bands and catch them play their sets through the weekend. It’s not often we all get to see each other.

Some of my favorites moments from Bristol would be finding my favorite cowboy hat from a street vendor, dancing with Yarn to Sol Driven Train’s set, and playing the Shanghai Stage. My show was literally in a Chinese restaurant patio entrance and they cleared the entrance so people could come sit down and listen to the show. I think it was one of my favorite stages yet. This year will be my first time playing with my full band and I can’t wait!” —Ashley Heath (Ashley Heath & Her Heathens)

Photo by Maggie Elmore

“Bristol Rhythm & Roots is the perfect way to cap off our summer tour across the country. As a soul rock band, we are lucky to be able to perform at different types of music festivals throughout the year. It’s always an extra special treat to reunite with some of our favorite country and bluegrass bands on the road at BRRR for one last celebration of the season.

We’ve been releasing new music this year and can’t wait to perform our fresh material throughout the weekend for music lovers” —Caitlin Krisko (Caitlin Krisko & The Broadcast)

Photo by Donnie Bishop

“This is Hustle Souls’ first year at Bristol Rhythm & Roots. We are excited to be part of celebrating the region's historical and current impact on the history of music. Many of our friends’ bands — and some of our favorite touring acts — have played the festival in years past and we are thrilled to be on the line-up this year. We've been dialing in a lot of new music and expanding our sound with New Orleans swamp funk and some more serious Americana songwriting, and we hope to make a big splash this year” —Billy Litz (Hustle Souls)

Photo by Lauren Hart

“I’ve actually never been to or played this festival — but I’m looking forward to playing it. I have no idea what to expect: there are so many artists! I hope to catch Jerry Douglass and Tanya Tucker for sure. Also The Wood Brothers and my buddy Aaron Lee Tasjan, if I can squeeze it in. There’s a lot of great music to catch if you’re fleet footed” —Mike Savino (Tall Tall Trees)

Photo by Tom Netherland

“Bristol Rythym & Roots is more than a festival. It's a family and a unique celebration. It's my favorite street festival to play and attend in the South. The festival continues to introduce me to new favorites and deepens my understanding of why the city of Bristol is crucial to how popular music has evolved over the last 95 years. The festival has introduced me to fans that have become lifelong friends” —Andrew Scotchie (Andrew Scotchie and The River Rats)

IF YOU GO

What: Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion
When: Friday, Sept. 9-Sunday, Sept. 11
Where: Bristol, VA/TN, birthplaceofcountrymusic.org
Tickets: $50-125

(Abby Bryant photo by Bruce McCamish)