Thanks for being here. This is the space where I'm going to share the stories about Kingsport that matter to me - the ones that show who we are and where we're headed.
In today’s post:
National Artist: Why Kingsport was chosen for a Keith Wallen, Breaking Benjamin guitarist's, music video.
Next Projects: The KATS Bus documentary and Church Circle's history
This Week: What's happening around town this weekend
Your Stories: How you can help shape what we cover next
A MUSIC VIDEO IN KINGSPORT
A few weeks ago, Keith Wallen - guitarist for Breaking Benjamin and solo artist - chose Kingsport as the backdrop for his latest music video. Not Nashville. Not LA. Kingsport.
Keith has deep ties to our city, and when it came time to create visuals for his latest single, he came here to film in the places that mean something to him. We got to be part of the production, capturing the whole process, and the final video is something I want you to see.
Keith Wallen - “A Thin Line” (Official Music Video)
This matters because it's a reminder that Kingsport is the kind of place that stays with people. Artists at the national level are choosing to tell their stories here, in our streets and our spaces. That says something about this city.
Next week, I'll be sharing the full behind-the-scenes documentary showing how we brought this production to life. You'll want to see it.
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STORIES I’M WORKING ON
KATS “Kingsport Area Transit Service” Full Route Map
I'm deep into research for the March documentary: "One Week On The KATS Bus." I'll be riding every route, talking to drivers and passengers, and documenting what daily life looks like for the people who depend on public transit in our city. It's a story that doesn't get told enough, and I think it's going to surprise people.
Also planning a piece on Church Circle's history and what the future could look like for that space. If you've got memories or thoughts about Church Circle, hit reply. I want to hear them.
WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEK
The Close Live Band at Gypsy Circus - Thursday, January 30 at 7:00 PM
Local band The Close brings their sound to Gypsy Circus for a night of live music downtown.
Beginner Bladesmithing: Seahorse Knives - Saturday, February 1 at 10:00 AM
Part of the Art for All series, learn the basics of bladesmithing and forge your own knife to take home at The Inventor Center.
Singer-Songwriter Open Mic Competition at The Sports Mill - Friday, January 31 at 5:00 PM
Local musicians compete in this open mic showcase, celebrating original songwriting talent in downtown Kingsport.
QUICK HITS
Cream cheese filling, pilled high with fresh strawberries tossed in strawberry jam! Friday & Saturday ONLY. Starting Feb 6th.
Pizza Oven: Model City Tap House is installing a wood fired pizza oven.
Dutch Bros: Kingsport is getting a Dutch Bros on Stone Drive.
New Pastry: Crumbum announced a ridiculously delicious looking strawberry pastry for February.
WHAT I NEED FROM YOU
This newsletter works best when it's a conversation. If you know a story that needs to be told, a person doing something interesting, or a place in Kingsport that matters to you, send it my way. Every documentary, every feature, every post starts with someone saying "you should look into this."
That's it for this week. Thanks for trusting me with your inbox. Let's tell some stories.
Talk soon,
Ryan