Here’s a round-up of news briefs from around Southwest and Southside. Send yours for possible inclusion to news@cardinalnews.org.
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Jimmie Rodgers’ guitar on display in Bristol
The guitar owned by the iconic “Father of Country Music,” Jimmie Rodgers, was unveiled today at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum and will be on display at the museum in Bristol for a limited time. Officially called the “Blue Yodel,” Rodgers’ custom-ordered the Martin 000-45 guitar and features the crooner’s name in pearl inlay on the neck. The word “Thanks” is written upside down on the back, and inside the sound hole there is a note from C. F. Martin & Company’s founder that reads: “To Jimmie Rodgers, America’s Blue Yodeler, with all good wishes – C. Frederick Martin III July 27, 1928.”
Jimmie Rodgers’ “Blue Yodel” is on display on the second floor of the Birthplace of Country Music Museum and will stay there through March 2023. The museum is also planning public programming that will delve deeper into the life and career of Rodgers, including the story surrounding his very first recordings on the 1927 Bristol Sessions, which celebrates its 95th anniversary this year. The 1927 Bristol Sessions took place from July 25 – August 5; the recordings were produced by Ralph Peer for the Victory Talking Machine Company. Over that two-week period, 76 songs by 19 acts were recorded, including Rodgers, Ernest Stoneman (with family and friends), and the Carter Family, along with a variety of other musicians and singers. This moment in American history created what many musicologists refer to as the “big bang of country music.”
“Jimmie Rodgers is the ‘Father of Country Music,’ but his legacy stretches well beyond that,” said Thomas Ripsam, current CEO of C. F. Martin & Co. in a statement. “He inspired generations of musicians across many genres with his playing, his songwriting, and his showmanship. We’re proud that a Martin 000-45 is a big part of that legacy.”
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Carilion Clinic introduces two new digital tools
Carilion Clinic has introduced two new digital tools for patients:
- CarilionNow: Access to on-demand, 24/7 urgent care visits. Carilion providers have teamed up with Amwell-a telemedicine solution that connects patients with providers over secure video-to offer 24/7 urgent care. This way to access care any time and anywhere is available through a mobile app or the website CarilionNow.com.
- MyChart direct scheduling: Patients can now schedule, change or cancel appointments for most pediatric and primary care practices through MyChart.
Disclosure: Carilion is one of our donors but donors have no say in news decisions. See our policy.
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Danville’s Start Up Slam moves to new location
The River District Association in Danville has moved the location of its inaugural Start Up Slam.
The date and time and format will be the same: June 28 from 6-8 pm. The new location will be 136 S. Ridge St.
The association also advises that all of the presenter spots are filled but it is still taking registrations for audience members. To reserve a seat, call the RDA office at 434-791-0210 or email alyssa@riverdistrictassociation.com.
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Pulaski County arts center seeks vendors
The Fine Arts Center for the New River Valley is seeking rib, barbecue, dessert and snack foods vendors, as well as art, craft and other handmade goods makers for Rhythm and Ribs/Art in the Park. The event will be in Jackson Park in downtown Pulaski from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 13. This free, all-day event will feature a variety of live bands and other performances, children’s activities, ribs and barbecue, and other main courses, snacks and desserts.
New to this year’s event is an expanded opportunity for artists, crafters and other makers selling their unique handmade wares by doubling the maximum number of vendors to 50. In previous years, Rhythm and Ribs has attracted more than 1,000 visitors throughout the year.
For more information about selling your food or handmade goods at Rhythm and Ribs/Art in the Park, please visit FACNRV.org for an online application, email info@FACNRV.org, call 540-980-7363 or visit in person at 21 W. Main St., Pulaski
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Roanoke’s Clean Valley Council sponsors rain barrel workshop June 28
Clean Valley Council is offering a rain barrel making workshop to residents of the northwest area of the City of Roanoke on Tuesday, June 28, from 6pm-8pm. All necessary supplies will be provided, and the rain barrels are yours to keep.
The workshop will be held at Grace Covenant Church on 756 Peters Creek Road. Campfire s’mores will be provided to participants at the conclusion of the workshop.
Space is limited to 10 participants/households, so register now to be part of this workshop. If you live in another area, follow us on social media and subscribe to our email list to be notified of future offerings.
Register here for the workshop: Rain Barrel Workshop Registration
The Rain Barrel Workshop is generously supported by Roanoke Stormwater.