Issue 118 - Aug 8, 2007

From Your Director ...

Rock-A-Billy at the heart of Tennessee Tourism.

Rock-A-Billy is the term used to describe the unique combination of early rock and roll and hillbilly music, which became popular in the early 50’s thanks to acts like Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, and Bill Haley.  The International Rock-A-Billy Hall of Fame and Museum is a resource center dedicated to preserving and promoting Rock-A-Billy Music.

The International Rock-A-Billy Hall of Fame proudly presents the 8th Annual Rock-A-Billy Music Festival, Rock-A-Billy musicians.  Just in time for the festival, the International Rock-A-Billy Hall of Fame will reveal a new stage and a fantastic mural, right in the heart of downtown Jackson.  Come enjoy the heritage of music that all began with Carl Perkins, right here in Jackson, Tennessee! 

In commemoration of the International Rock-A-Billy Festival 2007, the Tourism Association of Southwest Tennessee (TAST) will hold their Annual Meeting in conjunction with the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development’s Marketing Roadshow on opening night of the festival. 

At 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 9th at the International Rock-a-Billy Hall of Fame, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development Commissioner Susan Whitaker will present the state's 2007-2008 marketing plan to tourism partners and associates from the West Tennessee area.  This is an opportunity for tourism partners to learn how the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development is marketing Tennessee as a tourist destination.  For more information, contact Mary Beth Hopper at 731.616.7474.    

Welcome to the future of Downtown Jackson ... one we can invent together!

The Festival will be held at two locations, The International Rock-A-Billy Hall of Fame and at the VFW on Airways. 

A shuttle bus service will be available between the two locations.  Tickets are available at the Jackson Centre, the Bank of Madison County or at the International Rock-A-Billy Hall of Fame.

Thursday          7:00 p.m.
Friday               6:30 p.m.
Saturday           6:30 p.m.
Tickets: $25/night or $45 for all three days (transferable)

For more information, contact the Jackson Centre Box Office at 425.8587.

International Rock-A-Billy Festival Autograph Party


Don’t miss the International Rock-A-Billy Hall of Fame autograph party at Artopia, with multiple international acts on hand to sign memorabilia. 

Saturday, August 11, 2007
Artopia
575 S. Royal St.
4-6 p.m.

For more information, contact the International Rock-A-Billy Hall of Fame at 427.6262.

International Rock-A-Billy Festival to Honor Sun Record Company Owner, Shelby Singleton

Sun Record Company owner, Shelby Singleton will be honored with an unveiling of a life size, oil portrait. This honor will portray his "Larger Than Life" contribution to the music industry and will be permanently displayed at the International Rock-A-Billy Hall of Fame.  Jackson native, Carl Perkins was the first Sun Record Company artist to have a coveted Gold Record for this legendary recording company.

Saturday, August 11, 2007
International Rock-A-Billy Hall of Fame
111 N. Church St.
8:00 p.m.

For more information, contact the International Rock-A-Billy Hall of Fame at 427.6262.

New Southern Art Show and Sale

New Southern residents will have an art show and art will be for sale as well.

August 7-10, 2007
New Southern Community Room
181 E. Chester
1:00 p.m.

Interpretive Exhibit Workshop            

Learn to create interesting and insightful exhibits in this interactive workshop, led by Tom McKay. 

Don’t miss this special opportunity to enhance your ability to plan and organize exhibits.   

Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Discovery Museum of West Tennessee
315 E. Lafayette St.
1:00-4:30 p.m.

For more information, contact Melissa Davis at 615.770.0006 x16 or Paul McCoy x17.

Book Signing by Author, Randy Bishop

Randy Bishop is a long-time student of the American Civil War and a collector of Civil War relics. 

He will sign copies of his book, Tennessee’s Civil War Battlefields: A Guide to Their History and Preservation.

Saturday, August 11, 2007
Jackson-Madison County Library
433 E. Lafayette St.
2:00 p.m.

For more information, contact the Jackson-Madison County Library at 425.8600.