Flourishing Entertainment in the Dan River Region Entertainment
consists of any activity which provides a diversion or permits people to amuse themselves in their leisure time. A few familiar examples are: cinema, social dances, beauty pageants, comedy shows, festivals, rodeos, story-telling, book signings, lectures, concerts, and live theatre. Now that is just a short list of the many things that make Southside Virginia and North Carolina a popular destination. The cities of the Dan River region share dates and dollars in the effort to build a solid scene for serious entertainment that will appeal to various cultures and citizens who are longing for an escape from work without having to drive 80 to 120 miles, round trip. Creativity is essential in being a wonderful artist, whether you are a performer, chef, event organizer, or simply someone who loves to display his or her talent. It takes heart and a good vision to bring quality entertainment to this region. It takes thoughtful networking to bring together the minds and egos of the brave souls that understand good timing, a great brand, and a signature event that could transcend race, gender, age, class, or any negative vibe.
The Dan River region is blessed with many great restaurants, hotels, and churches. Our region is privileged to have museums, antique shops, and historical mansions on basically every corner. Also, we have one of the best man-made walking trails complete with magnificent and surprising scenery that is entertaining all on its own. The city of Danville has what most American cities only dream of having; a gorgeous downtown with potential, smooth accessible highways, and a beautiful river, the magnificent Dan River. There are opportunities everywhere. There are issues we can solve and areas we can improve. One particular area is the north main hill area and the north theater is of great interest to many, a theater I have had the pleasure of visiting on many occasions. In the theater, I’ve seen great comedy shows, listened to wonderful music, and I have even had the pleasure of performing on the North Theater stage in a play titled Mama’s Pearls. I pray for a grand re-opening of the theater, as well as, a tenant who is willing to sit, listen, and support our efforts. We must believe that unity will move us in the right direction. There are many events thriving all around this site. So, get ready riverside; an overflow will occur when the hill comes back to life.
African American Consumption of Music By: Bryant Hood With music being the soundtrack to ones life, today’s times and consumptions of music have changed. Here are a few interesting statistics: *Genre listened to by majority [ages 18 - 49]: Rap & Hip Hop - 47.4% R&B - 38.4%
*How music is acquired: Retail store - 30% Online (iTunes, etc) - 27.7% Illegal downloads - 27%
*How people play their music: Computer - 32% CD player - 10.3% Radio - 2.9%
I’d like to say a big ole thank you to those who are motivated to deliver and share the key ingredient that makes it all turn out alright. Whether you are a musician, artist, author, poet, athlete, retiree, community activist, consumer, or any other citizen, I say thanks for that key ingredient; l-o-v-e, pure and simple. Without love, failure is the only sure thing. So, let’s get the ball rolling and put it in play to allow this region, our home, to flourish for the good of all citizens and visitors who simply enjoy life.
*Where people listen to music:
<Tim Malone
“Personally, I feel the consumption of music and the way we listen to it is based on the quality and passion put into it by the artist,” said Bryan Hood.
Home - 58.1% Work - 18.4% Car - 11.9% When asked how important it is to you to have your own personal music collection, on a scale of 1-5, 1 being not at all important and 5 being very important, 82.9% chose 5, very important.
- Research from Amplitude Research, Inc.
16 | EMERGE! | SUMMER 2011 | EMERGEVA.COM