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Pass the Mic: Creating a Stage for Change


This podcast is a part of the Tennessee Theatre’s Pass the Mic: Creating a Stage for Change series, providing an opportunity for artists from marginalized and underserved communities to share their art with others. Through podcast episodes, concerts/performances, visual art displays, discussions and panels focusing on important issues, and educational opportunities, artists have the chance to engage with the community. The Tennessee Theatre is proud to provide a space for audiences and artists to better understand one another.

Feb 1, 2024

For this episode of Pass the Mic, we had the pleasure of talking with mandolin virtuoso Sierra Hull at the 2023 Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion. Sierra’s career launched at a young age— at just 12, she performed at Carnegie Hall. Only one year later, she signed a record deal with Rounder Records. In this conversation, Sierra describes ways that the enthusiasm of her family and support of her bluegrass community helped her thrive as a young musician. Sierra also describes what she values within a musical collaborations. Her album Weighted Mind, produced by Bela Fleck, was nominated for Best Folk Album at the 2017 Grammy Awards. While Sierra is immersed in the world of Bluegrass, her music ventures into expansive and imaginative soundscapes beyond its traditions— evidenced beautifully by her most recent full-length release, 25 Trips. The music you hear in this episode was performed live during our interview, and is written by Sierra Hull. Special thanks to Seth Hopper for recording this interview in Bristol.

Music featured on this episode was performed live by Sierra Hull during our interview. These include "Beautifully Out of Place" and "The Last Minute", both of which appear on Sierra's 2020 album, 25 Trips.

Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by William Wright.