The 2015 ASA Conference will be held at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee, a public university of approximately 15,000 students. The conference will take place at two primary locations on the ETSU campus. The D. P. Culp University Center will serve as the central hospitality location, where registration, silent auction, exhibits, breaks, the Many Mountains Plenary, and the Many Musics Concert will take place. The Culp Center also houses dining facilities and a Starbucks. Concurrent sessions will take place in Rogers-Stout Hall, which is fully equipped with smart classrooms. For maps and directions see:
http://www.etsu.edu/etsuhome/maps.aspx

The theme of this year’s conference undefined MANY MOUNTAINS, MANY MUSICS undefined challenges you to view Appalachia from a fresh perspective and discover its emergence as a creative, dynamic force. U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander, the invited KEYNOTE speaker, will provide special insight into Appalachia in the 21st Century. Senator Alexander, who was instrumental in establishing ETSU’s Center of Excellence in Appalachian Studies and Services, has committed a lifetime of public service to advancing the lives of the people of Appalachia. In keeping with the theme, the MANY MOUNTAINS PLENARY will bring together a noteworthy panel to discuss “Opportunity & Enterprise in Appalachia.” Also scheduled is a MANY MOUNTAINS SERVICE PROJECT along with group tours that include the new Birthplace of Country Music Museum.

The Mary B. Martin School of the Arts at ETSU will sponsor RICKY SKAGGS AND KENTUCKY THUNDER in concert. Deeply rooted in tradition but with an innovative edge, this MANY MUSICS performance will embody the best of Appalachia. The photography of Ricky Skaggs will also be on exhibit at the Reece Museum on the ETSU campus. ETSU’s Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music Studies Program will provide music throughout the conference and will be featured in the MANY MUSICS: BISCUITS, BLUEGRASS, AND GOSPEL HOUR.