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
May 24, 2019
By
Charlene Baker
As the school year winds down and we head into the longer and hotter days of summer, it’s time to start thinking about festivals – Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, of course, and all the other festivals on your lineup. […]
April 25, 2019
By
Charlene Baker
Cool Bristol Rhythm ’19 Playlist included! Every year we try to come up with new and exciting ways to announce the lineup for Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion. We always throw a big press conference, and look forward to sharing […]
January 31, 2019
By
Charlene Baker
As we settle into the winter months, our cozy pjs become more and more appealing. The skies darken earlier, beckoning us to retreat to our homes where the warmth of comfort foods fill our bellies and the urge to snuggle […]
November 22, 2018
By
Charlene Baker
Nothing brings people together like music and the holidays so, for those of us who are really missing the festival atmosphere of Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion and are looking for a way to extend that joyful noise into the Christmas […]
October 5, 2018
By
Charlene Baker
Though I choose to protect the identities of the severely misguided, I have been told – on more than one occasion – that female headliners don’t sell tickets (imagine me rolling my eyes so hard they nearly fall out of […]
September 14, 2018
By
Charlene Baker
I’m just going to say it. I loathe derogatory representations of people from the south in the media. Though not as prevalent today as it once was, I despise the backward caricatures made up to represent us. Insults like “hillbilly” […]
June 26, 2018
By
Charlene Baker
They’re the darlings of DIY, the princesses of Pinterest — the makeover mavens who form the semi-secret sisterhood of the Atmosphere Committee at Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion. Each year these fine ladies take a diamond and manage to add […]
April 18, 2018
By
Charlene Baker
By Charlene Tipton Baker, April 18, 2018 The first time Old Crow Medicine Show played Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, it was 2004. I have particularly fond memories of that year because, in my mind, that’s when we became a […]
March 27, 2018
By
Charlene Baker
“Hey, man, what do I have to do to play your festival?” It’s a question I’ve been asked a million times – and, in turn, one I’ve asked other event organizers as a band member, and as an artist manager […]
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