Concert celebrates the Life and Legacy of Doc Watson
BLACKSBURG – The Montgomery Museum of Art & History is expanding its definition of the arts by presenting the “DOC AT 100” concert program at the Moss Arts Center on Nov. 1, 2023, at 7 p.m.
“DOC AT 100” is a traveling concert program, which celebrates the life and legacy of Doc Watson by artists who performed with Doc, were profoundly influenced by his music, and called him a friend. This includes T. Michael Coleman and Jack Lawrence, who performed, recorded, and toured with Doc longer than any other musicians he worked with. Joining T. Michael and Jack are fellow guitarists Wayne Henderson and Jack Hinshelwood, who were both heavily impacted by Doc’s music through his many recordings and performances. Wayne counted Doc as a close friend, especially in Doc’s later years when he enjoyed visiting Wayne in his guitar-making shop in Rugby, Va.
Ted Olson, Professor of Appalachian Studies at East Tennessee State University, is the author of “Doc’s World: Traditional Plus,” the book that accompanies the four-CD compilation of recordings from Doc’s career released in 2022 by Craft Records called “Doc Watson, Life’s Work: A Retrospective.” “DOC AT 100” begins with a talk led by concert host, Ted Olson on the legacy of Doc Watson followed by stories shared by the artists who knew Doc as a friend and fellow performer. Audience members will also be encouraged to share their stories of Doc and the impact he had on them. Enjoy an evening of story-telling and traditional music under the lights to celebrate the legacy and life of Doc Watson.
A humanities talk will take place on Nov. 1 at 2 p.m. at the Moss Arts Center “CUBE” and will be hosted by Ted Olson, Jack Hinshelwood, and Patrick Salmons, Adjunct Professor in conjunction with Virginia Tech’s Liberal Arts and Human Sciences Religion and Culture program.
Students within Appalachian Studies and the Graduate Program in Material Culture and Public Humanities at Virginia Tech are invited to participate in the discussion about Doc Watson and his cultural influence on Appalachia.
Concert tickets may be purchased online at the Montgomery Museum of Art & History’s website, www.montgomerymuseum.org/events/music, or by calling the Moss Art Center Box Office at 540-231-5300. The presale cost will be $25, and $30 at the door. Proceeds will benefit the Montgomery Museum of Art & History. This event is generously sponsored by Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Asset Solutions Corp., Shelter Alternatives, Inc., and Mike Eggleston Realtor at Coldwell Banker Townside Realtors.