Shelby, NC -- The Earl Scruggs Center will celebrate their Grand Opening of Scruggs Center: Music & Stories from the American South Saturday, January 11, 2014 at 7PM. An array of bluegrass music artists will be sharing in the celebration events. Sam Bush will be performing for The Earl Scruggs Center Grand Opening event. 'Remembering Earl: Music & Stories' will feature performances by Sam Bush alongside Vince Gill, Travis Tritt, Rob Ickes, Jim Mills, Gary Scruggs and Randy Scruggs. The center, Earl Scruggs Center: Music & Stories from the American South, is a tribute to Cleveland County native, Earl Scruggs, credited with the 3-finger style of playing the 5-string banjo that is a centerpiece of bluegrass music.
Daytime activities include programs, music and a ribbon cutting commemorating the Grand Opening of the Earl Scruggs Center: Music & Stories from the American South. Check back, follow us on Facebook or join our e-mail list to stay updated on new details as they are released.
On Saturday evening, Remembering Earl: Music & Stories—a sellout event—will feature a range of nationally-recognized artists as they share their memories of Earl through song and story. Special thanks to our sponsors, which include: Grand Opening Weekend sponsor, The Bank of the Ozarks; and Remembering Earl: Music & Stories event sponsors, Duke Energy, Cleveland County, City of Shelby, Gardner Webb University and the Town of Boiling Springs.
The Earl Scruggs Center combines the life story of legendary five-string banjo master and Cleveland County native, Earl Scruggs, with the unique and engaging story of the history and cultural traditions of the region in which Mr. Scruggs was born and raised. It was in the nearby Flint Hill community where Mr. Scruggs learned to play banjo and began the three-finger playing style that has come to be known around the world as “Scruggs Style.”
The Center will explore Mr. Scruggs’ innovative career and the community that gave it shape while celebrating how he crossed musical boundaries and defined the voice of the banjo to the world. Mr. Scruggs embraced tradition while also adapting to the changing times and looking toward the future—themes which resonate throughout the Center. Engaging exhibits, special event space and rich programming provide a uniquely rich experience for visitors.
Earl Scruggs made his mark with the birth of bluegrass music as a member of Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys and later with partner Lester Flatt when they performed with their band the Foggy Mountain Boys. Scruggs is credited with creating the 3-finger style of picking the 5-string banjo now called "Scruggs Style." It is that sound that has popularized bluegrass music and gives it a unique sound. Scruggs played with many other styles of music but continued to drive his banjo using the Scruggs Style.
Scruggs is in the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of fame. He was awarded the National Heritage Fellowship, National Medal of the Arts and numerous other awards. He earned multiple Grammy awards for "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Few artists have made such a lasting mark on America's music and Scruggs' banjo style is certainly at the top of the list.
The Center will explore Mr. Scruggs’ innovative career and the community that gave it shape while celebrating how he crossed musical boundaries and defined the voice of the banjo to the world. The center celebrates the tradition and innovation of renowned banjo player, Earl Scruggs. His development of a unique 3-finger playing style continues to influence music around the world.
Drawing on the region's rich history and music the Scruggs Center will enlighten, educate and celebrate the people, traditions and values of Cleveland County and the region and honor native son and music legend Earl Scruggs. Exhibits will portray the area's history using existing artifacts, showcase the life of music legend Earl Scruggs and offer rotating displays of local history and regional music
The center will refurbish old courtroom as a community gathering place and create public areas for music, storytelling, and more. The facilities will also install new bathroom facilities, an elevator, new lighting system, administrative offices and gift shop. Visit www.EarlScruggsCenter.org to hear about more events, exhibits and performances at the center.
Notes for Ticket-holders: Tickets can be picked up at the Don Gibson Theatre located at 118 South Washington Street, Shelby, NC. The Malcolm Brown Auditorium is located on the campus of Shelby High School at 230 East Dixon Blvd. Shelby, NC (Shelby High School does not permit alcohol or tobacco products on campus). Additional ticketing questions should be directed to the Don Gibson Theatre at 704-487-8114.