Believe in Bristol Responds to Downtown Noise Meeting

Bristol, TN/VA (December 6, 2016) — Over the last 10–15 years, Historic Downtown Bristol has transformed itself through the vision, dedication, and hard work of entrepreneurs, organizations and individual supporters who recognized what a wonderful center for life and culture it could become. Believe in Bristol’s mission is to foster the collaborative nature of both Bristols by building a community of culture, lifestyle, heritage, music, and economy, and the organization supports all of the efforts that are made to continue that downtown revitalization.

The recent noise ordinance meeting, which was called by the Bristol, Virginia City Council, brought several community members together to discuss noise levels downtown. Bristol’s foundation is our music heritage, and that is wonderfully supported through the downtown restaurants, bars, and events. There is no desire to restrict music, but the meeting’s purpose was to allow downtown stakeholders to share their concerns and come to a compromise that works for both businesses and residents. Believe in Bristol supports both cities’ future efforts to further explore this issue and to bring parties together in a way that benefits all.

For more information about Believe in Bristol or Historic Downtown Bristol, please visit www.believeinbristol.org or contact the Believe in Bristol office at 276-644-9700, info@believeinbristol.org.

Downtown Bristol Blog

Tri-Cities Escape Game benefit for Gatlinburg disaster relief

In an effort to aid disaster relief efforts in Gatlinburg, Tennessee following the state’s worst forest fire event in more than 100 years, the Tri-Cities Escape Game is donating 100% of its profits from games played on Wednesdays in December 2016 to Tennessee disaster relief efforts.

“In light of such terrible devasation, this is a very small way that we can work alongside our customers and do something ‘good’ together that will directly benefit those who are in great need in Tennessee,”says David Crowe, owner of the Tri-Cities Escape Game.

100% of the profits received from games played on Wednesdays in December 2016 (Dec. 7, Dec., 14, Dec. 21, and Dec. 28) during regular business hours, will be given to Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR) aiding disaster and victim relief efforts in Tennessee. SBDR relief teams are currently on the ground, working alongside the Red Cross, providing food, laundry services, clean-up assistance, and childcare to those recovering. More than 1,000 buildings were either damaged or destroyed within Sevier County and the Gatlinburg city limits. Most tragically of all, the death toll has climbed to thirteen.

At the conclusion of the month, the Tri-Cities Escape Game will use its social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIN) to publish the amount given.

To book a Wednesday escape game expereince for December 2016, visit www.tricitiesescapegame.com. Or, for more information, contact kellie@tricitiesecapegame.com.

Downtown Bristol Events

The Diamonds

From East Tennessee, The Diamonds play a diverse mix of music, specializing in jazz standards. The group performs at various venues and events throughout the region, including weddings, parties, and restaurants. They have also volunteered at many nursing homes, assisted living homes, and charitable organizations in the area.

Kids' Painting Class: Flowers

Your child will paint their own tree in this two-hour painting class with artist Laura King at A Work of Art Gallery & Gifts on State Street in Downtown Bristol! This class will contain an overview of the basics of painting with acrylics, the difference in artistic styles, and all students will come home with their work of art. All supplies are included in the cost of the class. Make sure your child wears clothing they won’t mind getting a little messy — just in case! Class limit is 10 students. Registration closes December 2. To find out more information, contact the gallery via Facebook, or email info@aworkofartgallery.com. To register, visit the gallery.

Instructor: Laura King
Cost: $25
Time: 6-8pm

Farm & Fun Time Christmas Spectacular with Larry Sparks

Radio Bristol is getting in the holiday spirit with a very special Farm and Fun Time featuring bluegrass legend Larry Sparks! With holiday jingles provided by Bill and the Belles and yule tide stories and song from Larry Sparks and Corbin Hayslett this will be a very merry evening you wont soon forget!

About Larry Sparks
Larry Sparks is a dedicated leader for bluegrass music. Larry is among the most widely known and respected touring musicians in bluegrass and gospel music today. Larry began his career in the mid-1960s as a guitarist with the Stanley Brothers and later became lead vocalist for Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys. Larry went on to form his own band in 1969. (The Lonesome Ramblers) He has recorded and toured with his band for over four decades, releasing over 60 albums and delighting countless fans with his soulful vocals and unparalleled musicianship.

Hustle Lesson

Join Bristol Ballet for a Hustle lesson at Bristol Ballet Studio. The lesson will begin at 7:30pm, followed by dancing from 8:30 – 10:30 pm.

Cost is $5 per person. All proceeds benefit Bristol Ballet, a 501(c)3 non-profit.

Refreshments will be provided, but a snack to share is always welcome!

Bristol Ballet presents The Nutcracker

Visions of Sugar Plums... and Nutcrackers and Rat Kings! The mighty battle between the mice and soldiers that brings Clara’s dream to life begins right here at the Paramount Center for the Arts with Bristol Ballet’s full length production of this popular holiday classic. Eighteen local company dancers, 35 students from Bristol Ballet, 20 community members, and three professional guest artists make up the cast for this production. Guest artists Erin Ginn (originally from Kingsport Tennessee) and Israel Rodriquez (who most recently was the Prince in Bristol Ballet’s “Cinderella” in May 2016) return to Bristol Ballet to perform as The Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier/Nutcracker, and local thespian and Head Football Coach Mike Locke returns as Drossylmeyer. Full of beautiful costumes and scenery, breathtaking music, and great dancing, this is a show you’ll love to see.

To purchase tickets, visit bristolballet.org or phone the Paramount box office at 423-274-8920.

Kids Our Age

Kids our Age is a three piece combo (guitar, keyboard, drums), that has provided professional musical entertainment for 100's of clients in Northeast Tennessee, since 1990. This band provides rock to beach music and everyting in between.

Breakfast with Santa

Join Bank Street for this annual holiday tradition – Breakfast with Santa!

Cost: $10 child, $15 adult

Contact Bank Street for reservations: (423) 764-3889.

Yoga Nidra Workshop

A beautiful, calming guided meditation to soothe your senses and gentle release into deep relaxation to physically, mentally and emotionally reduce your stress and anxiety. Yoga Nidra is translated to "yogic sleep" to awaken your inner self by withdrawing your senses and surrendering to the power of your own healing.

Join Sudha at Wellness Yoga of Bristol on Saturday, December 10, 2016 and give yourself the "Gift of Healing"

Pre-registration is required so please phone 423-646-1958 to reserve your spot. Cost is $15

Blue Reign

Blue Reign is a distinctive blues and soul band based out of BucksCounty, PA. Full of passion, intensity and depth, their shows have that dance-inspiring energy that captivates, invigorates and satisfies. Blues is in the name and blues is the mainstay. However, there is a healthy dose of Motown, funk, current hits and dance-inspiredclassics, providing a solid, well-rounded and interesting show.

Bonnie Blue

Like its namesake, the Bonnie Blue band hails from the home state of Florida, and continues to bring their formula of old-fashioned rock, country, soul, and blues to a steady growing fan base in the southeast. With the mantra, "the music never stops", Bonnie Blue continues to soar high with a strong collection of original tunes, an infectious and organic live act, andan understanding of the importance of paying homage to the great ones of the past.

Cookies with Santa

Ho, Ho, Ho! Santa's coming to Blackbird! Be sure to drop by and share your wish list with Santa. He'll be giving away cookies (while supplies last).

Tuesday, December 13th at 6pm
Thursday, December 15th at 6pm
Tuesday, December 20th at 6pm

Also Coming Up

Community Notice Board

Is Santa bringing you a tax deduction?

Bristol Office Supply would like to remind you that you can take a Section 179 deduction for up to $500,000 in qualifying business property/equipment purchased in 2016.

What's Eligible?

• Office equipment (MFPs, copiers, large format or plotters, etc.)
• Office furniture
• Business equipment
• Computers
• "Off the Shelf" software
• Property attached to your building that is not a structural component of the building (e.g. a printing press, large manufacturing tools or equipment)

Yoga 101 Series

No yoga experience? No problem! This 4 week series is for those curious about yoga or for true beginners that want to start off with a strong foundation. This series will be led by Nicole and will consist of a small group. We all start somewhere, so do not let age, fitness level, body shape, gender, or anything other ‘buts’ discourage or intimidate you from trying something new. Offer yourself this opportunity and your future self will thank you!

We will explore the basics of a yoga class and how to get into and out of foundational poses safely. We will learn modifications that can make these poses accessible to meet your needs and help you develop your practice. We will take a look at alignment, breathing, mindfulness and relaxation techniques, diet and recipes, and how these can all intertwine into our everyday lives.

Saturdays — January 14, 21, 28 & Feb 4th. Time: 2:00 pm — 3:30 pm

Investment in self: 55$ OR 50$ if you sign up by January 3rd
**If you are interested in the series but these times/dates do not work please let Nicole know at lettucebeefree@gmail.com**

Bristol Office Supply Weekly Specials

Click here to view specials.

BRRR Tickets make a great holiday gift!

Though the holiday discount has ended, you may still purchase your Weekend Passes to Bristol Rhythm for just $62.50 (plus taxes/fees) when you order online or at The Museum Store inside the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. It's a price too good to pass up! Mark your calendars for Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion September 15-17, 2017!