Sidewalk Sideshow Lures Rhythm And Roots Visitors

BRISTOL, Va. – A handful of folks were lured off State Street by the voice of a lone man singing song lyrics in French while he strummed on his guitar Sunday.

Among those who escaped the crowded buzz were Wendy Skinner and Rachel Foster, two friends from Knoxville, Tenn., who came to Rhythm and Roots this weekend to celebrate the birthday they shared on Friday.

“I actually really like it when you can come and hear music on a smaller scale,” said Skinner, 39. “It’s really nice to hear the sound without anything distracting in the background.”

The sidewalk outside Eatz Restaurant on Moore Street was transformed into a modest stage this weekend for the 8th Annual Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion downtown. It was set about one block down Moore Street, away from the other 17 stages set on or near State Street. It was the simplicity of the scene – one man, his guitar and a microphone – that attracted some who came to the festival for its eclectic variety of music.

“I don’t prefer crowds. I like being able to move and I like being able to sit down,” Skinner said. “This is a lot more intimate.”

Charles T. Zerner was the second and last act of the day on the Eatz stage. With just 11 acts throughout the weekend, it was second least-busy stage of the weekend, and the furthest from the hubbub of State Street.

There were nine performances at O’Mainnin’s, but many said that venue was too crowded and too loud.

Lisa Canty is the owner of Eatz Restaurant, which she and her husband bought in December.  Last year when the location housed a different restaurant, Martha’s, the stage was set up inside, she said.

“We set up outside because we thought there would be more space,” she said. “We were worried about capacity and that it might be too loud ... .”

Skinner and Foster said the quieter stage was a part of what they liked about the festival – it added to the character and spirit of the event.

“I think the different locales were cleverly organized,” Skinner said. “This has a whole lot more character.”

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