Granville, TN Celebrates 100 Years of Music & History

Granville, TN Celebrates 100 Years of Music & History at the 2025 Heritage Day & Uncle

Jimmy Thompson Bluegrass Festival & Old Time Fiddle Championship.

The rich musical and cultural traditions of the Upper Cumberland will take center stage in historic Granville, Tennessee, on Saturday, May 24, 2025, during the highly anticipated Heritage Day & Uncle Jimmy Thompson Bluegrass Festival & National Old Time Fiddle Championship as they celebrate 100 years of music and history.

WSM Radio, along with Charlie Mattos, will be on site as they honor the 100-year anniversary of Uncle Jimmy Thompson--the legendary fiddler who performed the first

song ever broadcast on the Grand Ole Opry in 1925. The Tennessee Department of Tourist

Development will participate in unveiling a Music Pathways Marker honoring Thompson’s

contribution to Tennessee’s musical heritage, along with appearances by Opry Legend

“Whispering Bill” Anderson – the longest-living member of the Grand Ole Opry, and guest

emcee Keith Bilbrey, long-time radio personality and former host of the Opry.

This all-day celebration, kicking off at 9am, honors the vibrant Appalachian heritage with a

blend of bluegrass music, national fiddle competitions, historic reenactments, antique car

and tractor shows, living history displays, and old-fashioned Southern hospitality. Don’t

miss this unforgettable day of music and memories on the banks of Cordell Hull Lake.

Attendees can enjoy a full schedule of live performances from acclaimed regional bands,

square dancers & music competitors, browse artisan booths, sample traditional country

cooking, and tour Granville’s historic sites, including the T.B. Sutton General Store,

Granville Museum, Decanter Museum, and Pioneer Village. The National Old Time Fiddle

Championship is a new addition to the festival and will feature top fiddlers from across the

region competing for cash and prizes. The Grand Champion Fiddler in each age category

will be honored in the National Old Time Fiddler Hall of Fame Museum, with the fiddle-off

champion winning the honor of playing the Plaza at The Ryman in Nashville, TN.

“This event is a celebration of who we are — our music, our stories, our history,” says

Randall Clemons, Festival Director. “Granville comes alive with the spirit of the past and

the sounds of Appalachia. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re a longtime

bluegrass fan, history buff, or just discovering the joy of our culture. We also have an

antique car and tractor show, great food and artisan vendors. There’s truly something for all

ages to enjoy.”

Granville’s Heritage Day has grown into one of the state’s premier cultural events, offering a

unique, family-friendly experience that brings together the best of Tennessee’s musical and

historical legacy. For a full schedule of events, band lineups, and competition entry

information, visit www.granvilletn.com

Admission: $7.00; Parking $5.00

Clover Street, Granville, Tennessee – nestled along the banks of the scenic Cordell Hull Lake

Date: Saturday, May 24, 2025

Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Come experience the magic of music, memories, and tradition at Granville’s 2025

Day & Uncle Jimmy Thompson Festival!

Photo (Uncle Jimmy Thompson) – Uncle Jimmy Thompson was the first performer to be

broadcast on the Grand Ole Opry in 1925.

Photo (Fiddle Contestant) – A fiddle contestant performs for the judges during the Uncle

Jimmy Thompson Bluegrass Festival & National Fiddle Competition.