Down from the Mountain

The evening of May 24, 2000, would prove to be a defining moment in musical history as the world of country and folk came together to create a spectacle of unbridled beauty at the iconic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. The venue, often referred to as the "Mother Church of Country Music" due to its hallowed halls that had witnessed some of the greatest performances in country music history, played host to an extraordinary concert that would be remembered for generations to come. The concert was the brainchild of label executives and soundtrack producers, who were inspired by the success of the soundtrack to the Coen brothers' critically acclaimed film, O Brother, Where Art Thou?. The score, which featured a mix of classic and traditional bluegrass, folk, and country music, had captivated audiences worldwide with its authenticity and timelessness. Recognizing the potential for live performances to do justice to the music, they conceived the idea of a benefit concert to raise funds for the Country Music Hall of Fame. The Coen brothers, directors of the highly acclaimed film, saw great potential in this idea and hired the seasoned documentary filmmaker, D.A. Pennebaker, to capture the essence of this momentous event on film. Pennebaker, known for his documentary work on films such as Don't Look Back and Monterey Pop, was the perfect choice to bring this musical extravaganza to life. The night of the concert, May 24, 2000, was electric as the Ryman Auditorium was packed with fans and admirers of the music. The performers assembled that evening were a veritable "who's who" of country, bluegrass, and folk music talents. John Hartford, a renowned mandolin player and singer-songwriter, and his band were the first to take the stage, setting the tone for the rest of the evening with their rousing renditions of traditional folk songs. Alison Krauss, one of the leading voices in country music, joined forces with her Union Station bandmates to deliver a series of mesmerizing performances that highlighted the beauty of country music. Emmylou Harris, the legendary singer-songwriter, also made a memorable appearance, her poignant vocals weaving a captivating spell over the audience. Gillian Welch, the critically acclaimed singer-songwriter and bluegrass musician, along with her musical partner Dave Rawlings, brought a touch of elegance to the proceedings with their beautiful harmonies and nuanced instrumental arrangements. Chris Thomas King, a master of roots music, and the Fairfield Four, a quartet of gospel singers, added a rich tapestry of sounds to the evening's lineup. The Cox Family, a country-bluegrass band known for their high-energy performances, brought a lively atmosphere to the stage with their exuberant renditions of traditional folk songs. Colin Linden, a respected singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, and the Nashville Bluegrass Band, a highly respected group of bluegrass musicians, also delivered outstanding performances. One of the highlights of the evening came when the incomparable Ralph Stanley, a bluegrass music legend, took the stage with his trademark banjo playing and poignant vocals. The Peasall Sisters, a family trio of young singers, stole the hearts of the audience with their angelic vocals and poignant performances. The Whites, a respected family band known for their harmonious vocals and bluegrass roots, brought a touch of nostalgia to the evening's proceedings. As the concert progressed, the performers came together in a series of impromptu collaborations that showcased the rich musical history of the Ryman Auditorium. As the evening drew to a close, the performers gathered on stage for a rousing finale that featured a range of instruments and an ensemble of singers. The concert was a true celebration of the music and spirit of the Ryman Auditorium, and its legacy continues to live on through the film "Down from the Mountain." Filmed and directed by D.A. Pennebaker, this documentary captures the essence of the concert in all its glory. Featuring performances by an eclectic mix of talent, the film is a testament to the enduring power of traditional American music. "Down from the Mountain" has become a cult classic, widely regarded as one of the greatest concert films of all time. The concert that unfolded at the Ryman Auditorium on May 24, 2000, was a moment of sublime beauty that will be remembered for generations to come. It was an evening that celebrated the rich musical heritage of the Ryman and the world of country, bluegrass, and folk music, bringing people together in a shared love of music. The film "Down from the Mountain" serves as a visual and auditory testament to this magical night, freezing in time a moment that will forever be etched in the memories of those who were fortunate enough to witness it.