Blog Author: Charlene Baker
I started working as a volunteer with Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion in 2002, prior to the third annual event. I co-chaired the festival’s marketing committee and later became chair. When the opportunity to become an employee presented itself in 2010, I never looked back.
I equate my job at BCM as that of a professional cheerleader. Between sending out press releases, working on newsletters, and updates on web and social media, I am constantly shouting praises for our organization and urging folks to visit Bristol. You gotta be clear, flexible, and fast on your feet. I just can’t do the splits.
My background is actually in media, an experience that began as a broadcasting student at East Tennessee State University when I thought it would be fun to work at the campus radio station. I ended up in television working for WCYB-TV, the NBC/Fox/CW affiliate here in the Tri-Cities. From running camera to directing, I eventually joined the marketing and promotions department there. One of the best parts of my job now is having the opportunity to call on my former TV colleagues to pitch story ideas.
As a proud Bristolian and daughter of a musician and luthier – and as a former struggling singer myself – music has always been a big part of my life in one way or another. Sometimes I feel fate has drawn me here, and I am very proud of my work, our organization, and my hometown.
My proudest accomplishment in life is being a wife and mother. When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me out and about with my husband Tim and my daughter Callie – the two loves of my life. We do our best to take part in everything Bristol and our region has to offer, from live music to the great outdoors.
Recent Posts by Charlene Baker
April 14, 2021
By
Charlene Baker
We always say that once we get someone to Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion for the first time, they’ll be back. We love hearing stories from visitors who tell us how they discovered our event and return every year, and […]
March 20, 2021
By
Charlene Baker
Getting the festival to where we are today hasn’t been easy, but it has been a joy; a journey shared by a everyone who has helped us evolve into what we are today.
February 10, 2021
By
Charlene Baker
Exploring safer, must-see attractions in and around Bristol during the pandemic.
January 21, 2021
By
Charlene Baker
Exploring the Birthplace of Country Music & Beyond Navigating travel during a pandemic can be tricky, but it’s not impossible. So if you’re itching to get out on the open road for an overnight or weekend, why not visit Bristol […]
December 16, 2020
By
Charlene Baker
Back in November, we began our first in a series of blogs highlighting three talented artisans whose work we have commissioned to sell in The Museum Store at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. These creatives elevate the idea of […]
November 24, 2020
By
Charlene Baker
The Birthplace of Country Music Museum prides itself on its world-class exhibits, but did you know that attention to detail also carries over into The Museum Store? The goal: To create a gallery-like shopping experience for visitors by offering one-of-a-kind […]
August 13, 2020
By
Charlene Baker
COVID-19 may have interrupted plans for Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, but Bristol is still a great weekend trip for those who wish to safely travel during the pandemic.
August 7, 2020
By
Charlene Baker
I think we can all agree 2020 has been one giant dumpster fire. As we enter the Halloween season, you might be thinking reality has become a little like living a scary movie. This got me to thinking: if this were a scary movie, how could we flip the script? Hasn’t the horror genre taught us everything we need to know about surviving until the credits? And because every good Halloween flick needs a killer soundtrack, I’ve included a Spooktacular Bristol Rhythm playlist on Spotify to aid in your assault on COVID-19, with nearly five hours of music by your favorite festival artists! Enough to get you though a double feature!
May 27, 2020
By
Charlene Baker
As Virginia and Tennessee reopens, locally we’re seeing more and more people in restaurants and shopping centers, and some local music venues are starting to test the waters of hosting live music after a three-month draught. The opportunity for musicians to get back to work is a great thing, right? But I can’t help asking, is it safe?
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