For Immediate Release:
-World class, interactive museum will transport visitors to the origins of traditional country and bluegrass music via Ralph Stanley�s legendary career and authentic style of music-
CLINTWOOD, Va � On Saturday, October 16 at 11:00 a.m., music legend Ralph Stanley will be joined by musicians and national, state, and local leaders to celebrate the grand opening of the Ralph Stanley Museum and Traditional Mountain Music Center. This world class, $1.9 million interactive museum features over 3,000 square feet of exhibits, listening stations, and memorabilia dedicated to the life and career of Ralph Stanley.
The Ralph Stanley Museum and Traditional Mountain Music Center will combine state of the art exhibits and innovative technology to guide visitors on their journey into the heart of old-time country music and Appalachian cultural traditions. Visitors will use plug-in headphones to listen to music selections and Ralph Stanley�s own words as he describes milestones in bluegrass music history. Stanley will also narrate parts of his personal history to visitors as he describes his childhood, early career events, and his musical influences.
The museum is housed in a majestic, Victorian mansion built in 1904. The enormous home was renovated over the course of two years using federal and state grant funds in order to accommodate Ralph Stanley memorabilia, interactive exhibits, and an extensive gift shop.
Stanley will be the guest of honor at the opening ceremony for the museum built in his name. The small, mountain town of Clintwood, Virginia will close off the streets in preparation for the hundreds of people, dignitaries, media, and musicians that are expected to take part in the celebration. Stanley will also be one of several major musicians performing at a museum fundraising concert at the Jetti Baker Center in Clintwood the evening prior to the museum opening.
�I have been blessed with many honors in my lifetime but having my own museum is one of the greatest honors I�ve received,� said Dr. Ralph Stanley. �I am proud that my work and this wonderful music will be here for future generations to enjoy.�
The Commonwealth of Virginia has provided over $1 million in funding from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, over $600,000 from the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority and funding from the Virginia Tobacco Commission and for the project. The museum will be a major cultural and heritage tourism attraction for Southwest Virginia. As an anchor on Virginia�s Heritage Music Trail, the Ralph Stanley Museum is a priority economic development initiative for the state.
Ralph Stanley is one of the most celebrated and honored traditional country and bluegrass musicians of all time. He is known throughout the world for his emotional and forlorn vocals that transport listeners to Stanley�s hometown in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia. This legendary musician has recorded over 200 albums and numerous duets with fellow superstars Bob Dylan, Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, Ricky Scaggs, Joan Baez, and others. Stanley�s work on the O Brother Where Art Thou soundtrack catapulted him and bluegrass music into international stardom. At the age of 77, this multi-Grammy winning artist shows no sign of slowing down and continues to tour the country and the world.
To request an official press kit for the museum opening celebration or for a press pass for the event, contact Tamra Talmadge-Anderson at (804) 371-7006 or . For more information about the museum go to www.ralphstanleymuseum.com.
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Contacts:
Norma Morris, The Press Office, (615) 952-9250, [email protected]
Tamra Talmadge-Anderson, Dept. Housing and Community Development, (804) 371-7006, [email protected]