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Have you heard of.......
Bristol Busk Stop Central?
Bristol or "Busk" Premieres In Historic Downtown Bristol!!
If you have special talents you'd like to share with the shoppers, walkers and bikers in downtown Bristol, consider applying for one of
Bristol's Busk Stop Central locations. Street entertainers also called "buskers" may apply for a permit to perform downtown at one of three locations designated by the city. The City of Bristol Tennessee announced Friday September 4, 2009 the premier of the new downtown program that allows any artist an opportunity to showcase their particular talent in a relaxed downtown setting.
"Busker" is the old English word for "street performer". The art of busking has been around for centuries in almost every country and culture. "It is perfect entertainment for spectators of all ages," stated Terrie Talbert, Director of the city's Department of Community Relations which will be overseeing the downtown program. Talbert continued, "A busker has been defined as a masterful entertainer of extraordinary talent who performs in any open public area. They bring live theatre to the streets for your enjoyment."
The city would like for the community to always think of the downtown area as a place where there is something going on continuously and as a place where there is always some type of entertainment nearby. The city has established a set of rules and regulations along with an application process that each artist must complete in order to participate in the program. Each time an artist wishes to participate in the program they must obtain a permit from the city that is displayed at the performance location. The performer will be allowed to accept donations in a city allocated donation box.
For more information on the program artists may contact the Department of Community Relations at 423-764-4171.
Check it out at
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Paramount Center for the Arts
presents
Wilson Williams and The Platters!
Thursday, October 1, 2009 at 7:30 PM
With an impressive line-up of personality and talent, and a most colorful history, The Platters live on and on. If the faces change (and they do from time to time), The Platters' sound never changes. A Texas reporter once wrote, "The Platters have a franchise on the time machine. They forever stay young while the rest of us just grow old."
This is the group and these are the songs that continue to be cherished by anyone of any age. They have "That Magic Touch."
All seats are reserved. $35 Adults; $31 Seniors/Students Charge by phoning the Box Office 423-274-8920 or order on-line at www.etix.com |
Cruise to the Border
Friday Night Car Cruise-in
The Appalachian Region Antique Automobile Club of America and Celebrate Bristol present a weekly gathering of Antique Cars and hot rods each Friday till October 30 at the Tri-Summit Bank parking lot on State Street. This year's Cruise to the Border will also involve the local merchants, who will sponsor trophies and gifts every week. All proceeds will benefit local charities.
Come join us for some good fellowship at the Cruise to the Border each Friday night! If you love old cars, you're also qualified to be a member.
For more details on the Appalachian Region Antique Automobile Club of American, contact Dr. John Rice at (423) 360-2767. |
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10th Annual
Beaver Creek Cleanup
Saturday, October 3rd
Volunteer registration begins at 9 a.m. at the Downtown Center (Shelby Street entrance) or Beaver Creek Campground (corner of Hwy. 394 and Beaver Creek Road). Cleanup lasts from 9 to noon. Lunch will be provided after.
For additional information, contact Genette Yates, Keep Bristol Beautiful, 423.989.4850.
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Downtown Farmer's Market
With a 10th Anniversary cookbook, new banners for downtown, a new market poster and a new Market Manager, the Farmer's Market has much to offer its clientele!
Many new vendors have signed-up for the 2009 market season, offering new selections of crafts and produce. Of course, don't forget your favorite farmer who is returning this year in their same booth location as in years past. The new year will be filled with entertainment; including several Chef at the Market programs, live musical events and numerous other events for every age. Come out and be part of the State Street Farmers Market 10th Anniversary celebration.
The State Street Farmers Market is located at the Downtown Center, 810 State Street, Bristol, Tennessee. The market opens at 7:00 AM each Saturday through October and 3-7 PM on Wedensdays.
Call 423-764-4171 for more information.
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The Paramount Center
presents:
Unity in Community -
A Musical Extravaganza
Saturday, October 3rd at 5:00 pm
The joyful voices of regional church choirs will fill the Paramount in this spiritual celebration in song. Unity in Community brings together area church choirs including Virginia Avenue United Methodist Church Adult Choir, Valley Forge Baptist Church, New Hope Baptist Youth Choir, John Wesley United Methodist Church Youth Choir, First Christian Church, Thankful Baptist Church Men's Choir, Mt. Calvary Community Church, Lee Street Baptist, Hallelujah Chorus, Val-ley Combined Choir of Elizabethton, Philipi Baptist, and a reading by Ralph Coffey of Lee Street Baptist Church.
Donations accepted as admission
Paramount Center for the Arts
518 State Street
Bristol, TN 37620
423.274.8920
www.theparamountcenter.com
info@theparamountcenter.com |
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The Jazz Ambassadors
will appear at
The Paramount Center for the Arts
on
Sunday, October 4th at 3:00 p.m.
The Jazz Ambassadors is the United States Army's premier Big Band. This 19 member ensemble, formed in 1969, has received great acclaim both at home and abroad perfoming America's original art form, jazz.
Concerts by the Jazz Ambassadors are designed to entertain all types of audiences. Custom compositions and arrangements highlight the group's creative talent and gifted soloistes. Their diverse repertoire includes big band swing, bebop, Latin, contemporary jazz, standards, popular tunes, Dixieland, vocals,and patriotic selections.
Tickets are free and available at the Paramount Box Office. Limit 4 per person. Please bring one non-perishable food item per ticket.
(No phone orders please)
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"The Triplets of Belleville"
October 09, 2009
3:00 pm
Bristol Public Library
BPL is pleased present a screening of this award winning animated film about a grandmother and a jazz trio that try to outsmart the French mafia to rescue an orphaned boy.
For more information call - 276.645.8780 |
at Bristol Ballet Studio
A Ballroom Dance will be held in the Bristol Ballet Studio on Friday, Oct. 9. Meet-and-greet begins at 7 p.m. with a dance class at 7:30, followed by social dancing and refreshments. 276-669-6051,
or www.bristolballet.org
628 Cumberland St.
Bristol, VA 24201
276.669.6051
bristolballet@yahoo.com
Admission: $10 |
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Dana Priest, Investigative Reporter- Saturday, October 10th at 1:30 p.m.
*At Virginia Intermont College, Kegley Auditorium
Dana Priest covers the intelligence community and national security issues for The Washington Post and is an analyst for NBC News. In her 20 years of work for the Post, Priest has written extensively on the CIA's covert counterterrorism operations around the world, the agency's secret rendition and detention practices and the intelligence lapses involving the Sept. 11 plot and the failure of pre-war intelligence in Iraq.
In 2006, Priest received a number of awards for her reporting on CIA secret prisons and counterterrorism operations overseas. These include The Pulitzer Prize for Beat Reporting, The George Polk Award for National Reporting and The Overseas Press Club's Bob Considine Award for Interpretation of International Affairs. She also received the first Distinguished Social Sciences Alumni Award from the University of California at Santa Cruz in 2006.
Ms. Priest's widely acclaimed 2003 book about the military's expanding responsibility and influence, "THE MISSION: Waging War and Keeping Peace With America's Military", won the prestigious New York Public Library Bernstein Book Award and was a finalist for The Pulitzer Prize. In 2004, she was a Pulitzer Prize finalist twice, for her reporting on clandestine intelligence, and for her contribution to the Post's reporting on the Abu Ghraib prison abuse scandal.
This event is free and open the public. No ticket is required. The doors of Kegley Auditorium will open at noon. The presentation will start at 1:30 pm. Students selected from area high schools will attend a private luncheon with the speaker and receive premium seating to the presentation as part of the Worldview Scholarship Series.
For questions about this event or any other library programs, call 276.821.6148 or email emily@bristol-library.org.
***The press conference for Dana Priest will be held at the Bristol Public Library at 11:00 am
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Beginning Geneaology
at The Bristol Public Library!
Have you always wanted to trace your family tree, but weren't sure where to start? Then plan to attend an introductory workshop offered by the Bristol Public Library Monthly. On the second Saturday of every month (October 10th, November 14th, December 12th) at 10:00 am, the library will host a workshop to help people starting their genealogical research featuring:
· Beginning Genealogy: Get Started Researching Your Family History
·Roots on the Web: Using the Internet for your Genealogy Research
The Bristol Public Library houses one of the area's largest family history/genealogical collections. These free sessions take place in the library's Computer Lab. To pre-register for a workshop or for more information about these events, call 276-645-8781. |
'A Walk Through Art History'
October 10, 2009
S.B. Paul Gallery
606 State Street
Bristol, TN S.B. Paul Art Gallery recently opened in downtown Bristol, Tenn. Featured are oil paintings by Sheryl Theriault, who is also offering "A Walk Through Art History," a hands-on program introducing and demonstrating the techniques and styles of well-known artists - a different one each month. The workshop will be held on Saturdays (Oct. 10, Nov. 7, Dec. 5) from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Theriault studied art education and psychology at Rhode Island College and has taught art for grades K-12 as well as adults. 423-573-2199, www.sbpaulartgallery.com
Admission: $5
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MISS FOOD CITY PAGENT
Saturday, October 17th @7:00 p.m.
The winner will represent Food City during its sponsorship of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Food City 500 and the Nationwide Series Food City 250 at Bristol Motor Speedway and race related activities along with other Food City functions.
Tickets are $8, children ages 5 and under admitted free.
Tickets sold at the door the night of the pageant beginning at 6:00 p.m. |
Bristol Public Library
October 18th-24th- Teen Read Week
While our teens realize it's important to read every week, Teen Read Week is dedicated to encouraging teens to spend time reading for pleasure. Teen Read Week is an initiative of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) and was started in 1998.
Why is it important to celebrate? For a lot of reasons! Teens have so many options for entertainment, so it's important to remind them to spend time reading for pleasure: it's free, fun, and can be done anywhere! Research shows that teens who read for fun have better test scores and are more likely to succeed in the workforce. We're letting teens know the possibilities that exist within our doors, and within the covers of books.
For more information, please contact:
Emily E. Everett
Director of Marketing
701 Goode Street
Bristol, Virginia 24201
276.821.6148
emily@bristol-library.org
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The Paramount Center presents
Stark Love, A silent film
Thursday, October 22nd at 6:30 p.m.
In 1927, Paramount released Stark Love,
a silent docu-drama filmed on location in Western North Carolina with a local cast of non-professionals. Since its rediscovery in the late 1960s, Stark Love has been of great interest to both film historians and students of Appalachia. As part of its twenty-fifth anniversary, Southern Appala-chian International Film Festival, the ETSU Film Studies Minor, and the Tennessee Archive of Moving Image and Sound will bring Stark Love to the Para-mount Center for the Arts. Mr. Rex Ward will accompany the film on the Para-mount's Mighty Wurlitzer. Additionally, Dr. John White will premiere his documentary Stark Love: Lost Master-piece. A panel of film historians, including Dr. White, Dr. Jennifer Barker, ETSU Films Study Minor and Dr. Mat-thew Bernstein, Chair of Emory University Film Studies Department will discuss Stark Love.
Admission is free. Non-perishable food items accepted at the door. |
CELTIC CROSSROADS
to perform at The Paramount
October 23rd at 8:00 p.m.
Celtic Crossroads abounds with fusions of traditional Irish Music, bluegrass, gypsy and jazz while pulsating with the rhythms of exciting Irish dance percussion. Celtic Crossroads is critically acclaimed as the most exhilarating and authentic show to come from Ireland in decades - not be missed. It is an explosion of youthfull energy and dazzling musicianship.
Reserved tickets Adult $25 Seniors/Students $20
Call The Paramount for more information
423-274-8920.
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Pumpkin Palooza!
Pumpkin Polooza is an annual event held in conjunction with the Farmer's Market on Saturday, October 31st!
Each child receives a pumpkin to decorate, a bag of treats to take home and a costume contest. Pumpkin Polooza starts at 9:00 AM and is a Free event!
Bristol Grocery Co. will be sponsoring a photographer to take a picture for a canned good or $5 donation. All proceeds will go to Bristol Emergency Food Pantry.
After kids decorate their pumpkin, they can enjoy Trick or Treating in historic downtown Bristol, several merchants participating and the treats are yummy. Don't miss this fun family morning! If you have questions, please call 423-573-2200 for more information. |
Bristol Chamber of Commerce Reveals Christmas Parade Plans
Thursday, December 3rd
- Although the memory of summer is still fresh, and the brilliant hues of autumn have yet to emerge, the Bristol Chamber of Commerce has finalized details for the 28th Annual Downtown Bristol Christmas Parade.
Grand Marshals for the parade will be J4, winners of CBS' Early Show Singing Family Face-Off. J4 is a family of six from Bluff City, TN comprised of Jessi, age 16, Jeddi, age 14, Josiah, age 9 and Sophi, age 7. Each of the siblings brings something different to their sound, which is drawn from a variety of styles. J4 will lead floats, marching bands and precede the official arrival of that notable ambassador from the North Pole, Santa.
"In recent years, the public has requested the annual Christmas Parade be held in the evening," said Lisa Meadows, President and CEO of the Bristol Chamber of Commerce. "An evening event lends to the festive holiday atmosphere downtown, and will help usher in a holiday season that harkens back to another time as our eclectic group of downtown restaurants, businesses and boutiques welcome parade-goers to a vibrant and thriving retail center," she added.
Local businesses, civic and volunteer organizations, church groups, bands, schools, neighborhood groups and beauty contestants are all invited to participate. Parade entry fees are: Commercial/Float, $130; Commercial/Non-Float, $45; Non-Profit/Float, $30; and Beauty Contestants, $35 (beauty contestants must furnish their own vehicle).
To accommodate the parade route, the cities will close Bob Morrison Boulevard and State Street to through traffic beginning at 5 p.m. on December 3. Parade participants will convene in the parking lot of the former Goody's location on Bob Morrison Boulevard beginning at 5:30 p.m., where they will be placed in the parade lineup.
Corporate sponsors for the 28th Annual Downtown Bristol Christmas Parade include: Bristol Herald Courier, Bristol Tennessee Essential Services, Bristol Virginia Utilities, Dex, Publisher of the EMBARQ Yellow pages, Snack Alliance, the Cities of Bristol, Tennessee and Bristol, Virginia and the Bristol Chamber of Commerce.
The deadline for parade entry is Wednesday, November 18, 2009. For additional information, contact: Trish Buckles, Bristol Chamber of Commerce, 423.989.4850 or tbuckles@bristolchamber.org. |
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Exclusively at Fandango
Products for Good
Own a piece of history and help us raise fundsfor the families of our wounded and fallen heroes!
Through an exclusive partnership with the non-profit organization Products for Good, Fandango is offering you the chance to own a genuine Iraqi coin. In the spring of 2003, coalition forces in Iraq were called upon to secure the banks in Basra, Iraq. The soldiers found three forms of currency in the banks: 1) US currency that was ultimately used to inject into the Iraqi economy, 2) Iraqi paper currency that was burned, and 3) Iraqi coins that were melted down for scrap metal content....with one exception.
A group of British soldiers led by Captain Chris McGinley & Reservist Robert Brannagan found a collection of brilliant un-circulated Iraqi coins that were decommissioned by Saddam Hussein at the end of the first Gulf War. Captain McGinley and his men came up with a brilliant idea, and obtained all permissions necessary to auction off those coins in London and use the proceeds to rebuild an orphanage in Basra (pictured above left) that had been destroyed during Saddam's reign of terror. Saddam's coins were sold, the orphanage in Basra was rebuilt, and the miraculous story of the coins was only just beginning....
In late 2004, the Products for Good team purchased the entire collection of Saddam's coins. The team developed a plan around utilizing the coins in accordance with Captain McGinely's original intent...selling what had at one time been Saddam's property to create good works for as many people as possible.
Products for Good has been fortunate to see its donation money at work, and the help it has provided to those in need. Monies donated so far have been utilized to help families of wounded warriors keep their homes through difficult times, build new homes for permanently injured soldiers so their handicap will not diminish their ability to live comfortably, provide scholarships to the family members of veterans, and to help build a nursing home facility on a VA hospital property...just to name a few.
Come in and check it out!
511 State Street
Bristol, VA 24201
or call
276-669-4448 for more information. |
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Festival Organizers Pleased with 2009 Rhythm & Roots!
Scythian played on the Piedmont Stage on Sunday in downtown Bristol. (Shawn Peters|Special to the Herald Courier)
Weekend Attendance Excellent!
By DAVID McGEE | BRISTOL HERALD COURIER | September 21, 2009 *** Published: Sept. 21, 2009 in the Bristol Herald Courier. *** Overcast skies and cooler temperatures greeted fans Sunday during the final day of Bristol's Rhythm & Roots Reunion.
While State Street was noticeably less crowded than Saturday night, thousands still came out to munch on $6 buffalo burgers, $3 kettle corn, $5 pizza slices and drink $5 lemonade - while listening to Gene Watson, Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, Cythian, Dailey & Vincent and many others.
Organizers of the ninth annual roots music festival said they were ecstatic, likely matching or exceeding last year's attendance of more than 31,000.
"Friday and Saturday attendance was about with or slightly ahead of last year, so it looks like we'll be about where we were last year - maybe ahead," festival Treasurer Jim Tench said. "We're really, really pleased."
Final attendance hadn't been calculated Sunday afternoon but should be available in the coming days, Tench said.
"With the weather forecast we had and - even though it really didn't rain much at the festival - it did rain at Abingdon and all around. So we're really pleased." Tench said.
Forecasters had predicted a 70-80 percent chance of rain for much of the weekend, but only one shower fell downtown Saturday afternoon.
It rained steadily for less than 30 minutes, but happened as acts on two of three outdoor stages were completing sets and had little overall effect on the schedule.
Among the weekend attendees were 11 members of a tour group of music fans from Sweden. The group - which had already visited Memphis and Nashville - attended shows Saturday night and Sunday afternoon in Bristol.
"This was a lifetime trip for me," group member Leif Porres said. "I've dreamed about this since I was 15 years old, coming to America to experience country music here. This was a dream come true."
Porres said the Twin City festival reminded him of his home country, where music festivals are held in small towns.
"I have a motorhome and we go around to these towns on the weekends and listen and play music," Porres said.
Bristol, Tenn., Councilman David Shumaker, a member of the festival executive committee, said they didn't know the group was coming but hope to work with the same tour group organizer to bring a larger contingent in 2010.
Festival Chairman Mike Braswell said the event - which featured more than 300 performances by more than 150 bands and individuals - seemingly transforms the Twin City into Mayberry - the mythical small town portrayed in "The Andy Griffith Show."
"A lot of wonderful things happen in Bristol on this weekend. A lot of people come home for this festival and our community is so supportive," Braswell said. "I'm just thrilled they let me do this."
Braswell said he tried to see as many of the performers as possible and called the lineup "unbelievable."
"There was just so much to choose from and all the bands were phenomenal," Braswell said, adding that he was most impressed by Patty Loveless, Dan Tyminski, The SteelDrivers and Bearfoot - a group from Alaska that includes two alumni of the East Tennessee State University bluegrass and country music program.
The event was largely trouble-free, Braswell said, but admitted organizers may try to address parking next year.
"We really haven't heard complaints, but parking is at a premium in Bristol anyway," Braswell said. "We run shuttle buses to the hotels, but we may have
to look at satellite parking for next year."
Police charged 11 people with public intoxication during Friday and Saturday on both sides of town, according to Capt. Maynard Ratcliff of the Bristol Virginia Police Department
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The Paramount Foundation has received the 2009 Best of Bristol Award in the Performing Arts Center Production category from the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).
The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.
Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2009 USCA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.
The U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a Washington D.C. based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.
The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.
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Things to look forward to in November:
Scythian at The Bristol Train Station - Friday, November 6th
The Junior League of Bristol's Viva La Follies - November 6-7th
Three Redneck Tenors at The Paramount - Monday, November 23rd
Downtown's Christmas Open House - Monday, November 23rd
BVU's Christmas Tree Lighting - Monday, November 30th | |
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"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending."
~Maria Robinson |
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Believe in Bristol
Contact Information
6 Sixth Street
Suite 351
Bristol, TN 37620
(423) 573- 2200
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Did you know that K.P. Duty is open for dinner and breakfast!!!
Yum!
Come and check them out from 9am until 9pm!!!
520 State Street
Bristol, TN
423-764-3889
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FALL is here and $10 is falling off of our prices here at RBS Downtown!
Call within the next two weeks to schedule an appointment
and
receive $10 off of any Massage Treatment
Appointments are going fast...
Call Today!
423-989-9100 |
Mountain Stage Show Recorded in Bristol to Air Week of October 9
Mountain Stage with Larry Groce back to historic downtown Bristol for a sold out show at The Paramount Center for the Arts. The show was the 700th produced by Mountain Stage which is now in its 26th year of production. This radio show which was recorded before a live audience in Bristol will be available to National Public Radio affiliates the week of October 10.
Mountain Stage with Larry Groce, a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, is a two-hour radio show recorded before a live audience that has established a long tradition of featuring national and international acts in almost every style of music. The two-hour show can be heard on over 100 National Public Radio affiliates throughout the United States, Voice of America, and XM Satellite Radio. Individuals should check with each affiliate for its air date. A list of affiliates is available at http://www.mountainstage.org
For listeners in the immediate Tri-Cities Tennessee-Virginia region, local Mountain Stage affiliate WETS (89.5 FM) will air the show on Saturday, October 10 at 8:00 PM and again on Saturday, October 17 at 3:00AM. These shows will also be simulcast on WETS' internet feed and can be heard through their website at http://www.wets.org
The August 16 show, which marked the fourth consecutive year Mountain Stage has appeared in Bristol, was presented by the Birthplace of Country Music Alliance,with contributing support from Alpha Natural Resources and Dent K. Burk. The artists featured during this performance include The Robert Cray Band, The Flatlanders, Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicholson, Robin and Linda Williams, and Riley Baugus.
The Birthplace of Country Music Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to telling the story of the living musical heritage of the Appalachian mountains and the cultural traditions that sustain it. The BCMA is funded in part by grants from the Virginia Commission for the Arts, Tennessee Arts Commission, and National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, call (276) 645-0111 or visit online at www.birthplaceofcountrymusic.org |
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O'Mainnin's Pub & Grille
September Music Schedule
Every Monday is Open Jam Night
Every Tuesday is Unplugged Jam Night
Live music nightly, call for more information on O'Mainnin's Music please call 423-844-0049.
712 State Street
Bristol, TN
***This is a 21 and up establishment*** |
Believe In Bristol Achieves Certification in the Tennessee Main Street Program
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Tennessee Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matthew Kisber announced thatBelieve In Bristol has achieved certification through the Tennessee Main Street Program.
"I applaud Bristol on recognizing the importance of downtown revitalization and the new industries and jobs it can bring as a result," Kisber said. "Bristol is joining the ranks of many great cities and towns across the state dedicated to preserving the businesses and neighborhoods at the heart of their communities."
The Tennessee Main Street Program is a comprehensive revitalization program designed to promote the historic and economic redevelopment of traditional business districts in Tennessee. The Tennessee Main Street Program serves as a coordinating partner with the National Main Street Center, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Valecia Crisafulli, director of preservation leadership at the National Trust for Historic Preservation, joined the communities at the certification ceremony held during the 2009 Governor's Conference on Economic and Community Development. Crisafulli, a Tennessee native, will return to Nashville Oct. 13 - 17 for the National Preservation Conference, when community leaders from across the nation will come together to gain a fresh perspective on preservation's role in sustainability and the new economy.
There are currently 23 Main Street organizations in Tennessee, joining more than 2,000 communities nationwide that have been accredited by the National Main Street Center.
ECD provides these communities with technical assistance and expertise in developing long-term strategies that promote economic growth and development, focusing on revitalization through the context of historic preservation. The department also helps communities forge public-networking and training opportunities for their downtown commercial districts.
"On behalf of ECD, it is my pleasure to celebrate with Bristol on this significant accomplishment," said ECD Assistant Commissioner of Community Development Rick Meredith. "This demonstration of Bristol's commitment to economic development and historic preservation is indicative of successes to come. We are proud of the work they have put into becoming a member of the Tennessee Main Street Program."
Tennessee communities have participated in the Main Street Program since 1983. Communities are certified by Tennessee Main Street Program through an application process and must meet accreditation standards set by the National Main Street Center, including broad-based community support for the program, a comprehensive work plan, a sufficient operating budget and adequate staff and volunteers to support the program.
To view and download photos of Believe In Bristol with Governor Bredesen and Commissioner Kisber at the Certification ceremony, visit www.tnecd.gov and click the "Photo Gallery" button. For more information on the Tennessee Main Street Program, visit the ECD Web site at www.tnecd.gov. |
The Bristol Public Library is pleased to have the work of Ernestine and Lawson Blanton in the Virgie R. Fleenor Art Gallery for the month of October.
Ernestine Blanton is not only an esteemed artist, but a master teacher of the arts she loves. Ernestine taught at Vance Middle School where she instituted a formal watercolor curriculum, which has consistently produced national award-winning student art. She has participated in nationally recognized watercolor painting workshops throughout the US, which not only furthered her expertise, but also allowed her to better infuse technique and appreciation to her students. In 1987, Ernestine was voted Bristol, Tennessee Teacher of the Year, and in 1988, she received an Excellence in Teaching Award from the University of Tennessee
Ernestine and her husband, Lawson, also maintained an art gallery and frame shop in Bristol for many years. Currently, she is the volunteer Visual Arts Coordinator for the Healing Hands Arts Festival at Bristol Regional Medical Center, an annual event that promotes the integration of healing and the arts. She is the co-founder and member of Faith in the Arts, an organization that examines the concept of art in religion. Hanging on the rear wall of First United Methodist Church, is one of her most humbling pieces, a pair of praying hands symbolizing a shield of protection for our loved ones in the Armed Forces. Her passion and compassion are widespread through her art and teaching in our community.
This display runs October 1st-31st at the Bristol Public Library in the Virgie R. Fleenor Art Gallery. Reminder: The library is open Monday- Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday- Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays 2 p.m.-5 p.m. For questions about the Art Gallery or any other library programs, call 276.821.6148. |
Patty Loveless Honored During Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion Country music artist Patty Loveless was recently honored during a reception before her performance at the 9th annual Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion. She was presented with a proclamation naming Saturday September 19, 2009 as Patty Loveless Day in Bristol from the Mayor of the Cities of Bristol Virginia and Tennessee. Phyllis Qualls-Brooks, Assistant Commissioner of Tourist Development, also presented a proclamation honoring Ms. Loveless' many achievements on behalf of Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen. Patty Loveless has recorded over fourteen albums, including four which were certified platinum and two certified gold, and had over forty singles on the Billboard Country charts, including five Number Ones. She is the 65th member of the Grand Ole Opry and a member of the Birthplace of Country Music Alliance's Artistic Council. The reception to honor Ms. Loveless was sponsored by the Birthplace of Country Music Alliance, Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion, and The United Company. The Birthplace of Country Music Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to telling the story of the living musical heritage of the Appalachian mountains and the cultural traditions that sustain it. The BCMA is funded in part by grants from the Virginia Commission for the Arts, Tennessee Arts Commission, and National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, call (276) 645-0111 or visit online at www.birthplaceofcountrymusic.org |
Get the Smartest Card @ your library®
September is Library Card Sign-up Month, and the Bristol Public Library wants to make sure that all of Bristol and especially children have the smartest card of all - a library card.
Studies show that children who are read to in the home and who use the library perform better in school and are more likely to continue to use the library as a source of lifetime learning.
Some of the activities we'll be promoting during Library Card Sign-up Month include every child who signs up for a card will receive a free gift from the Children's Department and there will be a contest for which school has the most children sign up for a card!
"A library card has always been the most important school supply of all," says library director, Jud Barry. "Kids can come to the library to get homework help and check out books, but they can also play games, check out music, books and DVDs and use the Internet to help make after school life fun. There's a lot happening at the Bristol Public Library, and the best part for both kids and parents is that it's all free with a library card."
Getting a library card is easy. Stop by with our circulation desk with two forms of id and we'll get you started. If you're younger than 18, you'll need a parent or guardian to sign-up with you.
Observed since 1987, Library Card Sign-up Month is a time when the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country remind parents that a library card is the most important school supply of all.
For more information on how to sign up for a library card, visit the Bristol Public Library at 701 Goode Street in Bristol, VA, call 276-821-6148 or visit the library online at www.bristol-library.org. |
GOOD NEWS FOR BCMA!
Alpha Natural Resources, Abingdon, VA has awarded Birthplace of
Country Music Alliance a three year, $10,000 per year commitment providing assistance to the
organization to advance its goal of offering consistent and sustainable programming. This
assistance includes a $5,000 Title Sponsorship of Mountain Stage for this year's August 16 th
radio show taping at The Paramount Center for the Arts.
Alpha Natural Resources has an extensive history of supporting the arts and culture in the region
and giving back to the communities in which it operates, including regularly partnering with
Birthplace of Country Music Alliance in hosting Mountain Stage at The Paramount. "We are
pleased to once again provide support to Birthplace of Country Music Alliance in this effort.
Mountain Stage not only highlights and brings focus to the region's musical heritage and its
impact on music around the world, it also highlights one of the region's much loved community
resources and assets, The Paramount Center for the Arts," notes Kevin Crutchfield, President of
Alpha Natural Resources. Adds Crutchfield, "Alpha Natural Resources hopes this gift will inspire
others to sponsor future Birthplace of Country Music programs and help sustain the
organization as it continues to advance the Cultural Heritage Center project."
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Auction Attention:
705 State will auction on Saturday,October 17th at 1:30 pm
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For the October Event Calendar
CLICK HERE!
Website is updated regularly. If you would like to add something not listed that is a downtown Bristol event, please email info@believeinbristol.org
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Happy Halloween! | |
