Blue Plum Festival lineup just peachy
Doc Watson to perform at Johnson City event June 6th

By Jeff Eason

On Monday, March 3rd, the Blue Plum Festival in Johnson City, Tenn., announced that it had signed legendary folk musician Doc Watson as one of its headlining performers for the two-day event scheduled for June 6-7. March 3rd was also, coincidentally, Watson’s 85th birthday.

Watson will give a free concert on Friday night, June 6th, during the 9th Annual Blue Plum Festival in downtown Johnson City. Other artists scheduled to perform on Friday are guitarist Wayne Henderson, the Half Runners, Sigean, and the Roan Mountain Hilltoppers.

On Saturday, the festival’s main stage will feature the Ozone Rangers, Town Mountain, Malcolm Holcombe, Broken Valley Road Show, Scott Miller & the Commonwealth, and the Subdudes.

“Once we were able to book Doc, we tried to book groups that honor our regional heritage with their music,” said Ellen Buchanan, booking agent for the Blue Plum Festival. “For instance, Wayne Henderson has been recognized by the White House for his contributions to regional music.” Henderson was a 1995 recipient of the National Heritage Award.

“Ellen Buchanan had the idea to put together (an) old time music day,” said Christine Murdock, festival coordinator. “We also hope to have that day declared Doc Watson Day in Johnson City.”

Currently, the community relations department of Johnson City is in the process of making Doc Watson Day a reality on June 6th of this year.

Festival organizers pointed out that Watson has long ties to the area and in 1953 joined a Johnson City country and swing band led by Jack Williams. More recently, Watson plays regular shows to sold out crowds at Johnson City’s acoustic music venue the Down Home.

“I remember hearing Doc sing ‘Tennessee Stud’ and thinking that it just doesn’t get any better than that,” said Steve Darden, a Johnson City commissioner working on behalf of the proposed Doc Watson Day.

“I think it’s very appropriate for such an icon of traditional music,” said Darden. “We are excited about Doc headlining this year’s Blue Plum Festival and hope everyone will come out and help the mayor and the city to honor this legend of Appalachian music.”

In addition to the musical performances, the Blue Plum Festival features a digital media competition, art shows, children and family activities, plus food, craft and souvenir vendors.

For more information about the 9th Annual Blue Plum Festival, visit www.blueplum.org.