Funding to promote local music history

TriCities.com, 3/15/07 - Birthplace of Country Music celebrates 80 years: "Assisted by a $5,000 grant from the Virginia Tourism Corporation, the Birthplace of Country Music Alliance, in conjunction with the Bristol Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Rhythm and Roots Reunion Festival, and Believe in Bristol’s Main Street program will work together during 2007 to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the historic Bristol Sessions and encourage visitation to the area by drawing attention to the regularly recurring events and activities in downtown Bristol, highlighting the region’s living musical heritage.

'Our goal is to make residents and visitors aware of Bristol’s unique living musical heritage and encourage them to visit Bristol and experience this legacy firsthand,' commented Bill Hartley, Executive Director of the Birthplace of Country Music Alliance. Hartley noted that the downtown area historically has been a site of great music, including Ralph Peer’s 1927 and 1928 field recordings, as well as live radio shows on stations WOPI and WCYB. 'We’re very fortunate in this community to still have that music being played in downtown at venues such as the Country Music Mural, jam sessions such as the Star Barber Shop, and at a major festival such as the annual Rhythm and Roots Reunion,' added Hartley

Among the efforts that the grant will fund include advertising campaign, a direct mail campaign to over 15,000 individuals, and electronic advertising targeted to fans of traditional Appalachian music. 'The demographics for this market match up well to the visitor profile for Bristol and the general heritage tourist,' commented Hartley. He added that these travelers are interested in an authentic experience and tend to stay longer and spend more in a community. Officials estimate that the marketing campaign will result in 7,770 new visitors to Bristol creating a potential economic impact $ 909,090 which helps to lower taxes and create a better quality of life for our residents."

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