Last Thursday was the last Twilight Alive concert for the summer of 2007, but it’s only just the beginning of changes coming to downtown Kingsport. As I waited for the sound crew to setup for the Hoo Doos and Tinsley Ellis show, Jeff Lane and Steve Bailey shared some great new events coming as they keep the Thursday energy rolling into September.
This week, there’s no concert on the schedule, but last week, I received an email from Leigha Williams with Visit Kingsport about the sneak-peak opening and barbecue tasting at 12 Bones on Main Street. The week after that, Steve Bailey with Abell Productions game me a flyer with news that the Jonesborough Storytellers will be gathering at On The Trax. So there’s a cool mood swing downtown and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Earlier in the afternoon, I was wrapping up at our downtown office when I heard Jackson Browne echoing down Broad Street. I smiled too, because I knew Dave Williams had just turned up the gain on the PA getting ready for the evening performances. That’s been his signature all year (except for the Eddie Rabbit) as he warmed up before every show.
I walked down the street to the sound board and I kidded him about his soundtrack while he worked to get the Hoo Doos on stage. Jeff Lane was walking Tinsley Ellis, a legendary blues man from North Carolina to the hospitality room and on his way back, he stopped to talk to me about the special barbecue and brew event next week.
Jeff has been working with Doug Beaty on the new 12 Bones restaurant on Main street next to Pappy’s Motorcycle and have undoubtedly been working every day of the week getting ready too. On Thursday though, they’re gonna throw up a beer tent outside and invite Twilight Alive sponsors in to sample the new ribs and more as they prepare for their formal opening soon.
I did get a chance to talk to Brian Seller and Gary Redden with The Hoo Doos about their set. Seems the band is in a bit a fog now as they begin to consider different directions in their music, but I was glad to hear the band carve out a hard-core blues line to start up the night. I always enjoy hearing Redden play too. Ever since my association with him in Reagan Bogg’s band, I’ve only appreciated his gutsy style more and more and he’s undoubtedly one of the region’s unsung blues masters along with Billy Crawford and Lightning Charlie.
Steve Bailey came walking toward me too with a flyer that followed up the week after the Barbecue and Brew party. Steve has invested into a small cafe near the Chamber of Commerce called On The Trax. I love how Steve’s Scottish accent rolls out that name, but I was more excited to hear about his event. Five story-tellers will appear for a performance at his new venue Thursday, September 13th. Scheduled to appear are Molly Catron, Mary Grace Walrath, Peggy Kenny, Leon Overbay and Linda Poland.
It’s been an incredible year for Downtown Kingsport. Twilight Alive is in its second season and this year was better than ever. The weather was kind too as there were no washouts this year. There were large crowds at all concerts on both Thursday and Friday night for Bluegrass and from what I heard, no trouble.
Add to the mix, a wonderful art sculpture exhibit in downtown, along with a couple of great restaurants, Kaffe Blue, Discovery Ice Cream and Divine Delicacies and we’ve got cause to congratulate everyone involved for a great year. We’re proud to work with the sponsors on this effort and look forward to the weeks ahead as we all continue the progress.