BRISTOL, TN/VA - Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion announced a partnership with BVU Authority and BTES Sept. 17. This partnership includes providing improved digital connectivity for 2013 festival goers. BVU and BTES have volunteered to connect a total of eight stages, split between the two states, for live public video streaming by ETSU Online and Heritage TV during the three-day event. Some live footage will be recorded by Heritage TV, BVU's local access channel, and will also be aired after the festival on OptiNet channel 3.
Leah Ross, executive director of Birthplace of Country Music, parent non-profit of Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, states "Bristol is two states with one state of mind. Bringing BVU and BTES together for this project is just another example of how our festival brings people together. We are very grateful to BVU and BTES for their support."
BVU has also installed a large WiFi zone throughout downtown Bristol VA – allowing ticket holders to connect to the live streaming via OptiNet's network. This permanent infrastructure is in addition to the "BVU Pavilion," a technology hotspot for festival attendees. The BVU Pavilion, located at 709 State Street, will offer free WiFi access, public laptops, as well as high-definition televisions and seating for festival guests. BVU has also provided point-of-sale terminals at four Virginia locations for credit card processing at ticket booths, and has facilitated the electrical connections for the festival venues.
"Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion has become such a huge part of our community, and we are avid supporters of making the communities we serve great places to live and visit," explains Gail Childress, director of community outreach for BVU. "These complimentary services are just one way that we can say "Welcome' to our visitors and "Thank you' to our local residents."
Mike Browder, CEO of BTES, added "Partnering with Rhythm & Roots Reunion in providing these high-speed data services is just another way that we can exceed our community's expectations and continue to showcase our Gigabit Community."
Festival guests and general public will be able to access the live video streaming at www.BristolRhythm.com and www.bvu-optinet.com/data_elements/brrrcams.html.
