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WCTE PBS Broadcasts and Streams the 51st Annual Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree
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Cookeville, Tenn. - WCTE PBS will air both nights of the 51st Annual Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree on Friday, July 1, from 7-11 p.m., and Saturday, July 2, from 5-11 p.m. The event on Saturday will air live statewide on Tennessee PBS stations.

The festival began as a small-town event, as a way to celebrate the Independence Holiday, just as generations before had done on the court square. It continues that tradition today – a throwback to days gone by – paying homage to the music and art of ancestors, reminding us of the simple pleasures to be had from gathering together and enjoying the pure, unadulterated sound of live Appalachian music. 

WCTE PBS will produce a national show from the footage taken from this year’s festival and distribute the show through NETA (National Educational Telecommunications Association) to public broadcasting stations. The show has grown in popularity across the country, putting a spotlight on our region and the Smithville community. The national show is currently scheduled to air Labor Day weekend in September. 

 

“WCTE PBS’ live broadcast of The Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree’s has been an annual tradition for more than three decades,” aid Brent Clark, Director of Content & Digital Media, “We are fortunate to have worked closely with the Jamboree’s board of directors to also bring viewers across the state of Tennessee this annual competition and a national show to be released in September.”


Clark said the 51st annual celebration will have many surprises in store, including a special Saturday performance by this year's Blue Blaze Award Winner, The Kody Norris Show. The country bluegrass band will accept the award live at 5 p.m., and a mini-concert will follow on the main stage. Viewers interested in the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree can watch it on WCTE PBS or by visiting wcte.org and clicking on the Watch Live TV button for a streaming option.

 

WCTE Central TN PBS has served the Upper Cumberland 40+ years as the region’s premier storyteller and is the only television station in a 75-mile radius of Cookeville, TN., making it a strategic partner in education, health services, government, arts and music. WCTE is a 501(c) 3, and is owned and operated by the Upper Cumberland Broadcast Council. WCTE Central TN PBS is one of only 350 PBS member stations nationwide.