The dogwood tree is not the only thing blooming around Knoxville this April; the local music scene is also flourishing with the upcoming Rhythm 'n' Blooms Festival scheduled for April 16-18.  Local Americana artists will share the stage with nationally-renowned roots musicians for a three-day celebration of Americana music at nine different venues throughout downtown Knoxville.

From the blues infused rock 'n' roll of The Black Cadillacs to the folk-inspired harmonies of The Songbirds, there is a wide range of classic talent to enjoy at the festival.  Rhythm 'n' Blooms is part of the annual Dogwood Arts Festival which means that along with getting in tune with local musicians, Knoxvillians can enjoy art exhibitions, film festivals and much more.

"When you meld things together, even things like art and music which seem to naturally go together, it's another way to bring people together," says Ashley Wells, singer and cellist of the Songbirds.

Despite the talent of local musicians, Knoxville's local music scene does not recieve the crowd support that it could possess if more people were aware of these musicians. "It's like unless the media is telling you the band is good or you see them on the cover of your favorite magazine, you don't give them a shot at all," says Eric Griffin, guitarist and pianist of local band The Young.  "I guess that's why the local music scene struggles in my opinion."

Artists like Taylor Brown hope that Rhythm 'N' Blooms will give exposure to local musicians and influence Knoxvillians to keep listening to their music.  "It helps the scene because it ties together fun family activities with live music, which exposes the artists to come listeners who may not otherwise be going to bars late at night," says Brown about the festival.

Knoxville is not lacking in music venues for musicians either. From Barley's and the Pilot Light in the Old City to Preservation Pub and The Square Room in Market Square, downtown is brimming with possibilities for weekend entertainment if people take the time to find out. Sometimes Knoxvillians become listeners by accident according to Wells, who says that many people stop by a venue for dinner or a drink and find music that they can appreciate.

Despite pop radio and the electronica fad consuming Knoxville, local musicians do feel that people are slowly beginning to come back to their roots, which is why Rhythm 'N' Blooms is important for the local music scene.  

"It's not completely about what show is going on in World's Fair or Thompson Boling anymore. I think people are beginning to crave something a little more genuine," says Wells.