Ten-time Grammy winner and fiddler, Bobby Hicks, performed a free public concert on Nov. 3 at the Reece Museum.
Hicks has over 50 years of experience as a bluegrass musician and fiddler. ETSU’s Bluegrass, Old-Time and Roots Music program arranged Hick’s performance along with the Reece Museum on campus.
“We want to have as many people come through the doors of the museum as we possibly can,” said Rebecca Proffitt, director of the Reece Museum. “One week we have Bobby Hicks and the next day we have a hip hop artist here. There’s visual art and music, and these chances to come in and experience these culturally significant things, live in person, are a gift that we want to give to the public for free.”
The Reece Museum utilizes the multi-purpose room for events such as these, but to accommodate the large amount of people that attended, they extended it to Gallery C. Hicks led a discussion and answered questions about his specific style and the tradition and history that surrounded the music.
“I know there was a huge line of people who were wanting him to sign their CDs,” said Proffitt. “A lot of people were emotional at the chance to meet him and speak to him. This kind of living legend experience was special to a lot of people.”
The Reece Museum continues to offer diverse exhibits and performances to the interest of all students. On Nov. 15 at 1 p.m., a lecture will be led by Dr. Regina Bradley on the history of hip hop. Bradley is the author of “Chronicling Stankonia: The Rise of the Hip-Hop South.”
“There are always opportunities to explore what you are interested in,” said Proffitt. “I think it creates a sense of community around the museum. That’s why we continue to create these programs and provide these opportunities for students in the public. It’s a great way to spend time together and do things that we learn from and enjoy.”
These exhibits allow students to explore their interests as well as create an environment of community with those that have mutual interests. For more information on upcoming events and exhibits at the Reece Museum, visit https://www.etsu.edu/cas/cass/reece/ .
