TOPIC: Earl Scruggs Center in Shelby

SPEAKER: Mary Beth Martin, Executive Director of the Earl Scruggs Center, Shelby, NC

The Earl Scruggs Center combines the life story of legendary five-string banjo master and Cleveland County native, Earl Scruggs, with the unique and engaging story of the history and cultural traditions of the region in which Mr. Scruggs was born and raised. It was in the nearby Flint Hill community where Mr. Scruggs learned to play banjo and began the three-finger playing style that has come to be known around the world as “Scruggs Style.”

The Earl Scruggs Center explores Mr. Scruggs’ innovative career and the community that gave it shape while celebrating how he crossed musical boundaries and defined the voice of the banjo to the world. Mr. Scruggs embraced tradition while also adapting to the changing times and looking toward the future—themes which resonate throughout the Center. Engaging exhibits, special event space and rich programming provide a uniquely rich experience for visitors.

BIOGRAPHY

Mary Beth Martin has served as the Executive Director of the Earl Scruggs Center in Shelby, NC, since 2018. During her time at the Center, Mary Beth has established ongoing programming including Musical Explorations for local children, the Center Stage Concert Series, instrument camps, and K-12 educational opportunities with the Bluegrass Ambassadors. She has been instrumental in founding and producing the Earl Scruggs Music Festival, which has been nominated for the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Event of the Year Award.

She holds an M.B.A. from Gardner-Webb University and a B.A. in Political Science from North Carolina State University. She is a graduate of IMBA’s Leadership Bluegrass program and Leadership Cleveland County.

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