Crossing the Cumberlands

For over 200 years, with bold notes and fine lyrics, musicians have crafted vivid portrayals of Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau. On Saturday, Nov. 17, stories and sounds from acclaimed traditional and modern musicians will converge at the Tivoli Theatre for ‘Crossing the Cumberlands’, a night of eloquent music to benefit the Cumberland Trail.

Traditional music from Tennessee’s past will be the concert centerpiece, led by Leroy Troy, A Tribute to Fletcher Bright, blues and gospel by the Nancy Westmoreland Group, Ed Brown, and Joseph Decosimo, among others. Frontier solo fiddling and balladry, fiery bluegrass, new acoustic music, rock and British skiffle appear throughout the concert as well, all with roots leading back to the Cumberland region.

The concert will also feature Sierra Hull, a stunning new leader in the acoustic music world with mandolin albums produced by Alison Krauss and Béla Fleck. You can find her in the American Currents exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville. Additional musical acts include Chuck Mead, an alt-country icon, and banjo masters Tony Trischka and Alan O’Bryant.

“While these performers all provide a different music styling, they all speak clearly about the region’s history and landscape through their instruments and song,” said Bobby Fulcher, manager of the Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail State Scenic Trail State Park, who was a 2017 recipient of the Governor’s Arts Award for his documentation of traditional Tennessee music.

In addition to the concert, two one-hour workshops are being held for ticket holders on Nov. 17 for an additional $10 – Hicks Family Ballads and History at 1 p.m. and Cumberland Fiddle Styles at 2 p.m.

Concert proceeds will support the maintenance and protection of the Cumberland Trail, a 300-mile–long corridor and hiking trail, running from the Cumberland Gap to the edge of Chattanooga.

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/CrossingtheCumberlands/. Tickets can be purchased directly from the Tivoli Theatre at https://www.tivolichattanooga.com/events/721236/Crossing_The_Cumberlands.