Latest Events at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum®

Old-Time String Band Demonstration: The Dust Busters

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:29:14 -0600

The Dust Busters are a string band who preserve old-time songs, ballads, fiddle tunes, and jug band blues. The group draws influence and inspiration from the Scots-Irish and African music found in early Appalachian music and the South, from colonial times through World War II. Band members have performed with folk music legends John Cohen of the New Lost City Ramblers and Peter Stampfel of the Holy Modal Rounders. Included with museum admission. Free to museum members. Made possible by Gibson Guitar Corporation.

The educational programs of the Country Music Hall of Fame^®and Museum are funded in part by grants from the Tennessee Art Commission and the Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission, through an agreement with the Tennessee Art Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Film Screening: Chet Atkins: A Life in Music (2000)

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:32:17 -0600

"To me, Chet Atkins is the guy in Nashville who did more good for more pickers, more artists, than any other human being," said Willie Nelson in the documentary Chet Atkins: A Life in Music (2000). Nelson offers memories of Atkins, alongside some of Mr. Guitar's closest friends, peers, and disciples, including Eddy Arnold, George Benson, June Carter Cash, Tommy Emmanuel, Don Everly, Peter Frampton, Waylon Jennings, Mark Knopfler, Dolly Parton, and Les Paul. Atkins is also interviewed and narrates much of his own story. 45 minutes. Free. Presented in support of the exhibit Chet Atkins: Certified Guitar Player, made possible by the Gretsch Company. Additional support provided by GAC. Made Possible by Iron Mountain Film and Sound Archives.

Songwriter Session: Georgia Middleman and Dave Berg

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:19:17 -0600

Georgia Middleman wrote "Dearly Beloved" (Faith Hill); "Don't Ruin It for the Rest of Us" (Mark Chesnutt); "Do What You Do" (Martina McBride); and "I'm In" (Keith Urban). Dave Berg wrote "Don't Make Me" (Blake Shelton); "If You're Going Through Hell" (Rodney Atkins); "Innocence" (Sarah Buxton); "Moments" (Emerson Drive); "Somebody" (Reba McEntire); "Stupid Boy" (Keith Urban); and "These Are My People" (Rodney Atkins). Included with museum admission. Free to museum members.

Poets and Prophets: Salute to Legendary Country Songwriter Sonny Curtis

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:23:40 -0600

Crickets member Sonny Curtis began his career in Texas as the lead guitarist for Buddy Holly, for whom he wrote "Rock Around with Ollie Vee" in 1956. One year later Curtis scored his first chart hit as a songwriter with Webb Pierce's "Someday." Curtis toured with the Everly Brothers and wrote the duo's 1961 classic "Walk Right Back" (later a hit for Anne Murray). A member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, Curtis also penned "I Fought the Law," "I'm No Stranger to the Rain," "More Than I Can Say," and "Love Is All Around" (theme from The Mary Tyler Moore Show). This interview and performance will be illustrated with vintage photographs, film footage, and recordings. After the program, Curtis will sign autographs in the Museum Store. Included with museum admission. Free to museum members.

This program will be streamed live. Live stream powered by NewTek TriCaster.

Autograph Signing

Sonny Curtis will sign his custom Hatch Show Print poster, purchased from the Museum Store, on Saturday, February 25 at 3:00 p.m. Live from the Museum Store is presented by CMT.

Sonny Curtis will only sign his custom Hatch Show Print poster, purchased from the Museum Store.
There is no limit to the number of posters that Sonny Curtis will sign.
Lean-in photographs will be allowed (no group photos).
Bags and items from other sources are prohibited in the Museum Store. Fans may check items in Guest Services if necessary.
All guests must maintain reasonable and appropriate behavior at all times. Guests using offensive language or engaging in disorderly conduct may be ejected from the Country Music Hall of Fame^® and Museum and barred from re-entry.

Fingerstyle Guitar Demonstration: Jack Pearson

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:16:08 -0600

Jack Pearson is a versatile guitarist who can demonstrate a variety of techniques. A personal friend of Chet Atkins, Pearson is a gifted fingerstyle player. He performed regularly with the Allman Brothers Band throughout the 1990s. His session and touring credits also include work with Rodney Atkins, Jimmy Buffett, Vince Gill, Faith Hill, Delbert McClinton, Ronnie Milsap, Lee Roy Parnell, Lee Ann Womack, and others. Presented in support of the exhibit Chet Atkins: Certified Guitar Player, made possible by the Gretsch Company. Additional support provided by GAC. Included with Museum admission. Free to Museum members.

Songwriter Session: Billy Montana and Randy Montana

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:13:24 -0600

Billy Montana wrote "Bring on the Rain" (Jo Dee Messina); "Gloryland" (BlackHawk); "More Than a Memory" (Garth Brooks); "Not Every Man Lives" (Jason Aldean); "Seven Days" (Kenny Chesney); "Stuck" (Ash Bowers); "Suds in the Bucket" (Sara Evans); and songs recorded by Tim McGraw, Collin Raye, Kenny Rogers, Blake Shelton, Lee Ann Womack, and others. Mercury Nashville recording artist and songwriter Randy Montana is Billy Montana's son. He wrote his singles "1,000 Faces," "Ain't Much Left of Lovin' You," and other songs featured on his 2011 debut album Randy Montana. As a songwriter, he is currently on the charts with James Wesley's "Didn't I." Included with museum admission. Free to museum members.

Banjo Demonstration: Pam Gadd

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:11:28 -0600

Pam Gadd is the former lead vocalist and banjoist for Grammy-nominated country band Wild Rose. She also has worked closely with Patty Loveless, Porter Wagoner, and others. Gadd's demonstration outlines the history of the banjo, from its African beginnings to becoming one of America's most treasured instruments. Included with museum admission. Free to museum members. Made possible by Gibson Guitar Corporation.

Family Program: Nashville Opera presents Sid the Serpent Who Wanted to Sing

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:09:05 -0600

HCA/TriStar and Nashville Opera On Tour present Sid the Serpent Who Wanted to Sing. Meet Sid, a dancing circus snake, who desperately wants to sing. In search of his voice, Sid and his friends travel to Rome, London, and New York to learn different singing styles. It isn't until Sid returns home that he discovers his own unique voice. Presented in English, this production features a full set, costumes, and audience interaction. No reservations required. Free. Families are encouraged to tour the museum at a discounted rate following the program. Visit the information desk or ticket window for more information.

Songwriter Session: Jerry Vandiver and AJ Masters

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:20:18 -0600

Jerry Vandiver wrote "Always in the Band" (Lonestar); "Athens Grease" (Phil Vassar); "For a Little While" (Tim McGraw); and "It Doesn't Get Any Countrier Than This" (Tim McGraw). AJ Masters wrote "Change My Mind" (John Berry), "Love Ain't Like That"(Faith Hill), and songs recorded by Diamond Rio, the Oak Ridge Boys, Randy Travis, and Gene Watson. Included with museum admission. Free to museum members.

Guitar Demonstration: Richard Starkey

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:06:21 -0600

Richard Starkey is a flatpick guitar clinician for the C.F. Martin Guitar Company who plays in the style of Doc Watson and Clarence White. Starkey has recorded or performed with Vassar Clements, Skip Gorman, Bill Monroe, New Grass Revival, Roland White, and others. Included with museum admission. Free to members. Made possible by Gibson Guitar Corporation.

Family Program: Musical Petting Zoo

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:02:42 -0600

Bang a drum, strum an autoharp, and pick a banjo! Our Musical Petting Zoo offers budding musicians a chance to try new and familiar instruments. Instructors will be on site to offer guidance. All ages. No reservations required. Free.

Songwriter Session: Erin Enderlin and Jim “Moose” Brown

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:41:30 -0600

Erin Enderlin wrote "Last Call" (Lee Ann Womack); "Monday Morning Church" (Alan Jackson); "Not Enough Tequila" (Terri Clark); "You Don't Know Jack" (Luke Bryan); and songs recorded by Trace Adkins and Randy Travis. Grammy-winning songwriter Jim "Moose" Brown penned "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere" (Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffett) as well as "For You" (James Otto); "If Something Should Happen" (Darryl Worley); and songs recorded by Jamey Johnson, Martina McBride, Julie Roberts, Josh Turner, and James Wesley. Brown is also known for his work in the studio as a keyboard player and producer. Included with museum admission. Free to museum members.

Concert and Autograph Signing: Hunter Hayes

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:59:32 -0600

Hunter Hayes and his band visit the museum for a special performance. Recently nominated for ACM's New Artist of the Year award, Hayes began his career in his native Louisiana. Cutting his teeth on Cajun standards on accordion, he first appeared on stage at age four, and by age six, he had progressed to playing guitar and writing songs. Today his success includes tour appearances with Trace Adkins, Lady Antebellum, Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift, and Keith Urban, and songwriting credits for Montgomery Gentry and Rascal Flatts. Hayes released his self-titled album late last year, writing every song including the lead single "Storm Warning." Limited seating. Made possible by Ford Motor Company Fund.

Autograph Signing: 3:00 p.m.
Museum Store

Hunter Hayes will sign his CD, Hunter Hayes, purchased from the Museum Store, on Saturday, February 4 at 3:00 p.m. Live from the Museum Store is presented by CMT.

Autograph Signing Guidelines

An autograph voucher is required to participate in the signing.
Hunter Hayes will only sign his CD, Hunter Hayes, which must be purchased in the Museum Store. A voucher will be included in transaction at time of product purchase.
There is no limit number of CDs that Hunter Hayes will sign.
Hunter Hayes will not sign personal items.
Lean-in photographs will be allowed (no group photos).
Bags and items from other sources are prohibited in the Museum Store. Fans may check items in Guest Services if necessary.
All guests must maintain reasonable and appropriate behavior at all times. Guests using offensive language or engaging in disorderly conduct may be ejected from the Country Music Hall of Fame^® and Museum and barred from re-entry.

Autograph Signing: Oak Ridge Boys

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:32:54 -0600

The Oak Ridge Boys will sign their product, purchased from the Museum Store, on Saturday, February 4 at 12:00 p.m. Live from the Museum Store is presented by CMT.

Autograph Signing Guidelines

An autograph voucher is required to participate in the signing.
The Oak Ridge Boys will only sign their product, purchased in the Museum Store. A voucher will be included in transaction at time of product purchase.
There is no limit number of CDs and books that the Oak Ridge Boys will sign.
The Oak Ridge Boys will not sign personal items.
Lean-in photographs will be allowed (no group photos).
Bags and items from other sources are prohibited in the Museum Store. Fans may check items in Guest Services if necessary.
All guests must maintain reasonable and appropriate behavior at all times. Guests using offensive language or engaging in disorderly conduct may be ejected from the Country Music Hall of Fame^® and Museum and barred from re-entry.

Hatch Show Print Demonstration

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:57:21 -0600

Hatch Show Print is one of the oldest working letterpress print shops in America. The designers invite visitors to observe a letterpress printing demonstration. Bringing along their antique printing press, the Hatch Show Print designers will hand-crank a commemorative printed memento for visitors to take home as a Ford Day keepsake.