Celebrate Country

Celebrate Country
Included with paid museum admission; free for members

Celebrate country music! Discover the genre’s origins, enjoy live performances, and learn a new dance step.

Supported by Greater Arizona Country Music Association and West Valley Country Music Association

Programming supported in part by the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture and Arizona Commission on the Arts

All activities happen on Saturday and Sunday unless noted otherwise.

Craft: Washboard
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Create your own one-of-a-kind washboard and play along with the day’s performances!

Photo Booth
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Have your picture taken in our hands-free photo booth! Digitally share your pictures and tag us with #MIMphx for a chance to be featured on our social media.

Instrument Spotlight: Washboard
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Experience making music with an authentic washboard from MIM’s collection!

Curator Talk: Country Music: How It Started and How It’s Going
10:30–11:00 a.m.
MIM’s curator for United States / Canada, Rich Walter, will discuss the roots of early country music, the distinctive sounds that continue to define much of popular country music today, and relevant instruments from MIM’s galleries.

Performance: Robert Creelman and CrossRoad
11:30 a.m.–noon
Enjoy traditional and original country songs with local honky-tonk musicians Robert Creelman and CrossRoad.

Gallery Talk: Historic Instruments and Legendary Soloists
12:30–12:45 p.m.
Join curator Rich Walter for a closer look at highlights from MIM’s Country exhibit, including personal instruments played by influential musicians from country music history.

Performance: Dirt Rhodes
1:00–1:30 p.m., Saturday
Join Diné country artist Dirt Rhodes for some original Navajo country music.

Performance: Young Country Band
1:00–1:30 p.m., Sunday
Experience the energetic style, diverse arrangements, and unique blend of old and new of one of the premier country bands in the Southwest, Young Country Band.

Film: DeFord Bailey: A Legend Lost
2:30–3:00 p.m.
Watch a short documentary following the career of country’s first African American star, “Harmonica Wizard” Deford Bailey.
Film courtesy of Nashville Public Television

Performance: Pick and Holler
3:15–4:00 p.m.
Enjoy a live bluegrass performance and try learning some square dance moves with local band Pick and Holler!

Weekend Extras Available for Purchase

Lunch at Café Allegro
Offered daily 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Enjoy a menu of delicious global cuisine with fresh entrées, salads, soups, and grill items showcasing local produce and flavors from around the world.

Shop the Museum Store
Discover books, CDs, and LPs featuring country music legends, along with a selection of musical instruments perfect for playing country, bluegrass, and folk music.

Members save 10% on most items in the Museum Store and online. Every purchase benefits MIM and its programs.