Amy Grant
This event has been postponed.
When the Blue Stocking Club members identify a community need, they kick it into high gear, collaborate, strategize and make things happen, which is exactly what they are doing now with their Paramount Revival 2020 project.
In celebration of the organization’s centennial anniversary, members scoured the community to find the “perfect” non-profit entity to support. Realizing that the Paramount Center for the Arts in downtown Bristol was in need of refurbishing, the group decided to honor their 100 years of community service by orchestrating a fundraising event with all proceeds benefiting the Paramount. Entitled, An Evening with Amy Grant, the event is scheduled for Sunday, April 19 at 7 p.m.
Planning began and so did an enormous amount of fundraising. BSC members collected more than $187,000 in tax deductible donations for the Paramount to purchase and install new, state-of-the-art LED stage lighting to replace the antiquated lighting system which had become outdated and unreliable. And that was just the beginning.
The charge is being led by three co-chairs, Nell Bieger, Jan Massengill and Karen Vann. Beiger says, “There is no question that the Paramount is a focal point of downtown Bristol and has been for the past 90 years. Blue Stocking Club members knew that with our volunteerism, commitment, and hard work, we could orchestrate an amazing evening of entertainment to not only showcase our extraordinary Paramount Theatre, but raise necessary funds to kick start a major renovation and upgrade for the facility.” She added, “We are very proud of what we’ve accomplished thus far, but we are still working hard to make April 19 a day to remember in Bristol.”
Miles Marek, executive director of the Paramount Foundation, is ecstatic to be the deserving beneficiary of the group’s fundraising prowess. “When I first met with a few of the Blue Stocking Club members and learned that they were seeking to identify a worthy recipient for the proceeds of their upcoming fundraiser, I had no idea to what extent they meant. We are thrilled that the organization chose to host their special centennial celebration at the Paramount and are absolutely humbled by their decision to help us restore and upgrade this fabulous 1931 structure, said Marek. He added, “When these woman set their sights on a goal, they dive all in and work like Trojans. It’s been a sheer pleasure working with the BSC members on this exciting event and we’re looking forward to spectacular performances on April 19.”
This is not a ticketed event, but a fundraiser where a gift of $500 or more enables a contributor to enjoy an evening with legendary singer-songwriter, author, television host and speaker, Amy Grant. Grant, who holds six Grammy Awards, 26 Dove Awards and two Walk of Fame titles, was the Contemporary Christian Music’s first artist to earn a platinum record and hit #1 on the pop charts.
In addition to Grant’s concert, those choosing to support the Paramount Revival 2020 begin the evening’s BCS centennial celebration at 5 p.m. with a lively patron’s tent party featuring Nashville’s The Time Jumpers. The group is comprised of top studio session players who enjoy jamming with an array of western swing, jazz, country and pop music. Bristol’s historic State Street will be closed in and around the Paramount area so patrons can enjoy the live music while literally dancing in the street. This same donation automatically provides membership in the Paramount’s Producer’s Guild with free newsletters and opportunities for special offers at Paramount functions.
Donors contributing $5,000 and above will also be treated to a private VIP centennial celebration called, “A Conversation with Amy Grant” held at the Birthplace of Country Music earlier in the day. Grant will share personal stories and songs from her successful 30-year career, while candidly discussing her musical inspirations, her benevolence and compassion for others, and life with her famous artist-husband, Vince Gill.
To contribute to the Paramount Revival 2020 project or to learn about attending The Time Jumpers and An Evening with Amy Grant event, contact the Paramount at 423-274-8920, Tuesday through Friday, noon to 6 p.m. or visit the website at www.paramountbristol.org.
