Doc at 100: A Doc Watson Tribute Concert
Saturday, August 19, 7 p.m.
$25 Advance, $30 Day of Show, children 12 & younger $10

Doc at 100: A Doc Watson Tribute Concert

Doc at 100 explores the history and legacy of Doc Watson, who was born in Deep Gap, N.C., in 1923, and went on to become one of the most influential acoustic guitar players in the world of folk music. Hosted by author Ted Olson, the concert program celebrates the anniversary of what would have been Doc Watson’s 100th birthday and honors his life and legacy with performances, stories and songs by artists who performed with him, who were profoundly influenced by his music, and who called him a friend.

Doc at 100 includes T. Michael Coleman and Jack Lawrence, who performed, recorded, and toured with Doc longer than any other musicians he worked with. Joining them are fellow guitarists Wayne Henderson and Jack Hinshelwood, who were both heavily impacted by Doc’s music through his many recordings and performances.

T. Michael Coleman toured with Doc and Merle Watson from 1974 to 1986, and continued recording with Doc after Merle’s death. Coleman rejoined him on the road, along with David Holt, during the final years of Doc’s life. Over the many years of traveling and playing with Doc, he amassed a treasure trove of stories as well as music.

Jack Lawrence began playing with Doc in 1983, filling in for Merle as he pursued other interests. After Merle’s death in 1985 Lawrence became Doc’s full-time musical partner. They played side-by-side for over 25 years with a guitar partnership that capitalized on both of their strengths.

Wayne Henderson is well-known for his guitar playing and instrument building. He and Doc first met in the late 1960s, and went on to form a long friendship, especially in Doc’s later years when Doc would make regular visits to Henderson’s guitar-making shop in Rugby, Virginia. Henderson frequently includes Doc’s tunes and tells stories about Doc when he performs. He made a couple of instruments for Doc, including a mandolin and a guitar, and Doc played several times at the Wayne C. Henderson Festival.

Jack Hinshelwood began playing bluegrass guitar in the early 1970s, was strongly influenced by Doc’s guitar picking and repertoire. He has won many guitar contests over the years, including taking the top guitar prize at the Galax Old Fiddlers’ convention in 2014. Hinshelwood co-hosts Doc at 100 with Olson.

Doc at 100 was recently named one of the 5 nominees for the 2023 “Event of the Year” award presented by the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA).

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Doc at 100

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Doc Watson

ADDITIONAL CONCERT DETAILS

Gates open to ticket holders at 5:45 p.m. Season pass holders are allowed into the amphitheater 15 minutes early, at 5:30 p.m.

Bring a chair or blanket to sit on. You may bring a coolers or picnic basket, but no alcohol please.

Concerts are held rain or shine, and it can be cool in the mountains when the sun goes down, so bring a raincoat, poncho or umbrella, and a sweater or jacket.

Please note that advance ticket purchases are nonrefundable.

For more information, view our concert FAQs

SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR ATTENDEES

The Roots of American Music concert series is held in the Blue Ridge Music Center’s spacious outdoor amphitheater on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

To make the experience as safe as possible, please stay at home if you have a fever, cough, aches and pains, loss of smell or taste, difficulty breathing, or are sneezing and coughing.

Concert attendees are asked to maintain six feet of distance between groups throughout the evening, including when standing in line and selecting seating locations in the amphitheater.

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