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Scholar, performer and educator Lee Bidgood will introduce a global range of string band sounds and stories during the next Speaker Session at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, slated for March 11 at 7 p.m. ET. The program, entitled “Musical Traditions & the Global String Band,” is open to the public; there is no cost to attend.

“Common stringed instruments we consider ‘Appalachian’ are used within a variety of genres of music all over the world,” said museum Head Curator Dr. Rene Rodgers. “Lee Bidgood’s presentation offers live examples and other media to explore these global threads and examines how the music and musicians connect us all.”

An early member of Steep Canyon Rangers, Lee Bidgood’s research on Czech bluegrass has been supported by two Fulbright grants and inspired the documentary film Banjo Romantika and his book Czech Bluegrass: Notes From the Heart of Europe. Bidgood is a professor at East Tennessee State University’s Department of Appalachian Studies, where he teaches courses in ethnomusicology and bluegrass, old-time and roots music studies. He also leads a mandolin orchestra and global string band and directs the Institute for Appalachian Music and Culture.

Those unable to attend the Speaker Session in person may also enjoy it from home via WBCM Radio Bristol’s YouTube channel.