Contact: Kirsten Litz

East Tennessee State University

litzkn@etsu.edu
Kirsten Litz

Professor Fannon

January 13th, 2019

Media Kit

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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January Jams Presents: Six Nights You Can’t Miss

January Jams is back at the Barter Theatre

ABINGTON, Va. (January 13, 2019) – For the seventh year in a row, January Jams returns to the

Barter Theatre in Abingdon, VA. This year, six artists will perform Fridays and Saturdays

January 11-26th, 2019. These six concerts are going to showcase some blues, bluegrass, old time,

feel-good soul and more from this collection of award-winning musicians.

This line-up includes:

• Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn are banjo pickers with fifteen Grammy awards. This duo

will take you back in time with vivid lyrics and an old sound. Listening to their music is

like being transported into a storybook. (January 11, 2019)

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 Contact: Kirsten Litz
East Tennessee State University
litzkn@etsu.edu
• Sam Bush Band are fast-paced mandolin players with a genre that can’t be defined. From

jazz to bluegrass, Sam Bush Band delivers. Whatever is your interest, Sam Bush Band is

a high-energy and talented group of performers you wouldn’t want to miss. (January 12,

2019)

• Reverend Shawn Amos provides joyful, feel-good music that’s rock blended with R&B

and some soul. His music has depth, meaning and a beat that will get you out of your

seat. Along with Amos is special guests and award-winning folk performers Ben Hunter

and Joe Seamons. (January 18, 2019)

• Tameca Jones is best known as the “Queen of Austin Soul” with her strong vocals and

Motown-inspired melodies. Her music is soul-filled and the musicians backing her are

equally talented. Jones is well on her way to stardom, so come see her at the Barter

Theatre. (January 19, 2018)

• Drew and Ellie Holcomb are a husband and wife duo with a gorgeous sound. Together

with their acoustic guitars, they provide soft melodies as they sing love songs with voices

that complement each other perfectly. While Ellie is a solo recording artist, Drew and

Ellie are coming together once again only for January Jams. (January 25, 2019)

• Dustbowl Revival is the grand finale for Barter Theatre’s January Jams. They have a

unique sound blending folk rock, bluegrass, funk, and jazz. According to L.A. Weekly,

their “upbeat, old-school, All-American sonic safaris exemplify everything shows should

be: hot, spontaneous, engaging and, best of all, a pleasure to hear.” Fore-fronted by

powerful vocalist Liz Beebe and backed by drummer Joshlyn Heffernan, bassist James

Klopfleisch, trumpeter Matt Rubin and trombonist Ulf Bjorlin create a show that feels as

energetic and authentic as attending an orchestra. (January 26, 2019)

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 Contact: Kirsten Litz
East Tennessee State University
litzkn@etsu.edu
These concerts are at 8:00p.m. and doors open at 7:15p.m. Tickets range from $18-35

depending on the date and artist. For the first time, a student discount is available for students

with a valid student I.D. this year!

The annual January Jams brings together the community to showcase award-winning

performers and local legends. “The series has made Abingdon a music destination, drawing

visitors from across the southeast and beyond. One particular draw is the chance to see these

performers at Barter Theatre, an intimate, 500-seat venue with a unique history rooted in the

Great Depression,” says NortheastTennessee.org.

January Jams presenting sponsor is Blue Ridge Beverage. Other sponsorships include:

Abingdon Falls Plaza Hearing Center, Eastman Credit Union, Food City, Ballad Health,

AT&T, MEADE and The United Company Foundation.

The Barter Theatre during January is a place to discover new musicians, enjoy your

favorites or simply come listen to some good music. From January 11-26th 2019, January

Jams at The Barter Theatre in Abingdon, VA combines award-winning performers and local

legends for six nights you don’t want to miss.

About the Barter Theatre: Located in Abingdon, Virginia, Barter Theatre opened during

the midst of the Great Depression on June 10th, 1933. Although opening during such a

financial crisis, Barter Theatre is now the nation’s longest running professional theatre.

Barter Theatre has heavily enriched the area by creating live theatre in repertory, educating

through theatre, and providing audiences with unforgettable experiences. To learn more

about The Barter Theatre, please visit: https://bartertheatre.com/about

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 Contact: Kirsten Litz
East Tennessee State University
litzkn@etsu.edu
For more information about Barter Theatre’s January Jams, please visit:

https://bartertheatre.com/

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Sources:

https://bartertheatre.com/about

https://bartertheatre.com/

https://www.jambase.com/article/bela-fleck-abigail-washburn-announce-late-2018-and-early-

2019-dates

http: https://www.abingdonmusicexperience.com/events//www.dustbowlrevival.com/band/

https://northeasttennessee.org/january-jams/

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=dustbowl+revival

https://www.ellieholcomb.com/https://www.nashvillesymphony.org/6107

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Lthj01Pi6g

https://www.youtube.com/user/shawnamos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1XsOKhyqOk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yy4RknSDx_E

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 Contact: Kirsten Litz
East Tennessee State University
litzkn@etsu.edu
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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Barter Theatre and The Impact of January Jams

ABINGDON, Va (January 13, 2019)—The Barter Theatre is well-known for the impact

that they have left on the community. They pride themselves on enriching the lives of everyone

who visits the theatre by providing unforgettable and educational experiences. One of these

incredible experiences is the January Jams, an annual music event held at The Barter Theatre.

From January 11-26th, six performing artists will take the stage every weekend. This year

the line-up includes Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn, Sam Bush Band, Reverend Shawn Amos,

Tameca Jones, Drew and Ellie Holcomb and Dustbowl Revival.

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 Contact: Kirsten Litz
East Tennessee State University
litzkn@etsu.edu
January Jams positively impacts the community by generating large tourism along with

being an open invitation to support up-and-coming musicians. Sponsored by Blue Ridge

Beverage, January Jams doesn’t disappoint on being entertaining, enriching and an event that

brings the community and beyond together.

The Barter Theatre maintains its legacy of celebrating performance art. It’s recognized by

the community as a place of quality. “Every performance I have been to here is nothing short of

spectacular. Thank you for your dedication to quality entertainment!” says fan Brandon Hicks on

Barter Theater’s Facebook page.

Another fan writes: “Initially, I figured that this would be a campy run-of-the-mill

production company which would challenge my abilities in acting if I enjoyed the performances;

however, I was fantastically proven wrong. Barter Theatre changed my perspective of live

performance.”

Barter Theater continuously provides events that benefit the community, and January

Jams is no exception to this. For seven years, January Jams has created long-lasting memories

and has become a tradition to Abingdon locals and others. From January 11-26th in 2019, come

down to the Barter Theatre on Friday’s and Saturday’s and enjoy award-winning musicians and

local talent.

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 Contact: Kirsten Litz
East Tennessee State University
litzkn@etsu.edu
Sources:

https://bartertheatre.com/

https://www.facebook.com/BarterTheatre/?epa=SEARCH_BOX

https://www.facebook.com/BarterTheatre/reviews/

Pictures Source:

https://bartertheatre.com/

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 Contact: Kirsten Litz
East Tennessee State University
litzkn@etsu.edu
Fact Sheet About the Barter Theatre

• Located in Abingdon, Virginia in the Abingdon Historic District

• Founded by Robert Porterfield

• Opened on June 10th, 1933, making it the nation’s longest running professional theatre

• In 1946, Barter Theatre was designated as the State Theatre of Virginia

• Barter in one of the last year-round professional resident repertory theatres remaining in

the US

• Mission Statement: Resident company of passionate professional artists and leaders

dedicated to serving and enriching our region by creating live theatre in repertory;

nurturing environment; embracing and celebrating Appalachia; education through theatre;

providing the young and the old with extraordinary experiences.

• A 2013 Economic Impact Analysis Study showed that Barter generates an estimated $34

million each year in local business and tax revenue and creates over 400 jobs. Put another

way, every $1 spent on a ticket to Barter generates $10 in local revenue. With the

expansion of our production facilities, Barter's impact is expected to create additional

jobs and tax revenue.

Sources:

https://www.guidestar.org/profile/54-6000120

https://www.bartertheatre.com/about

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 Contact: Kirsten Litz
East Tennessee State University
litzkn@etsu.edu
Letter to the Media

Barter Theatre Makes Abingdon Better

In the article “Barter Theatre and The Impact of January Jams,” it is mentioned how

impactful the Barter Theatre is to the community, and more specifically the annual event January

Jams. While the Barter Theatre does affect the community positively, it does much more than

just provide a good time.

The Barter Theatre provides a safe place for diversity and celebrating culture. Barter is a

member of Equality Means Business, which is a group dedicated to diversity and acceptance in

the workplace. Members of EMB promise that their business is a safe and welcoming place for

employees and customers.

Additionally, the Barter Theatre’s legacy and mission requires that Barter programs be

affordable, relevant and appealing for economically disadvantaged citizens and underfunded

school systems. Although the Barter Theatre is the nation’s oldest running professional theatre, it

is affordable for nearly everyone.

Between being culturally and economically diverse, the Barter Theatre’s main goal is to

educate those who are not otherwise exposed to the performing arts. Barter created a multitude of

different education experiences, made for students of all ages and from every background. If you

or someone you know is interested in one of these programs, visit the Barter Theatre for more

information and to find a program best suited for you.

Moreover, the financial benefits of the Barter are astounding. As mentioned in “Barter

Theatre and The Impact of January Jams,” the Barter helps the local economy by bringing in a

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 Contact: Kirsten Litz
East Tennessee State University
litzkn@etsu.edu
lot of tourism. In fact, Barter’s estimated annual impact is $34 million dollars in local business

and tax revenues and creates over 400 jobs.

This means that every $1 spent on theatre tickets is $10 made in local revenue.

Not only is the Barter a safe place to celebrate diversity, the nation’s longest running

professional theatre, a place for quality entertainment, but the Barter Theatre makes Abingdon

better.

Kirsten Litz

ETSU

litzkn@etsu.edu

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