About the Earl Scruggs Center Project

The Earl Scruggs Center: Music & Stories from the American South celebrates the tradition and innovation of renowned banjo player, Earl Scruggs. His development of a unique 3-finger playing style continues to influence music around the world.

Drawing on the region's rich history and music the Scruggs Center will enlighten, educate and celebrate the people, traditions and values of Cleveland County and the region and honor native son and music legend Earl Scruggs.

Exhibits

Portray the area's history using existing artifacts

Showcase the life of music legend Earl Scruggs

Offer rotating displays of local history and regional music

Facilities

Refurbish old courtroom as a community gathering place

Create public areas for music, storytelling, and more

Install new bathroom facilities, an elevator, new lighting system, administrative offices and gift shop

Programming

Active programming and outreach appealing to many special and diverse groups (i.e. students, families, history lovers, music lovers, etc.)

Stay tuned for opening date.

The Run

The inaugural Rhythm & Roots 5K/10K Run served as the opening event for a 2010 Smithsonian exhibit about American Roots Music and is now an annual event on behalf of the Earl Scruggs Center: Music & Stories from the American South. Run or walk and then return to the Don Gibson Theatre for post-race refreshments, live music and awards ceremony.

Awards

Awards will be presented to the top three male and female finishers in each run and the top male and female finisher in each age group. All youth 12 and under receive a medal for completion. A trophy and cash prize of $250 will be given to the PTO of the school with the most race participants.

The Route

The race kicks off at 8:30 a.m., November 3rd to a live banjo tribute to Earl Scruggs with live music at the 5K/10K split and following the race in the Don Gibson Theatre. Runners start and finish at the theatre and run through Uptown Shelby and around the historic 1907 courthouse, future home of the Earl Scruggs Center. Runners return through historic Uptown to finish at the Don Gibson Theatre. Click registration links for more information about the run.

Packet Pick-Up

On Friday, November 2nd from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., pick up packets at the Well House at the Earl Scruggs Center. MAP
On Saturday, November 3rd (day of the race) from 7:00 a.m. – 8:15 a.m., pick up packets at the Don Gibson Theatre. MAP