Community News: Martinsville’s 1st TGIF of 2008 Friday April 25th

News release
Published: April 22, 2008

Read the news release below

Martinsville Uptown Revitalization Association (Martinsville Uptown) is pleased to announce that the Virginia Lottery will be the presenting sponsor for the 2008 TGIF Concert Series, which kicks off Friday, April 25 featuring great tunes by the band 58 West. 

“We’re thrilled to receive Virginia Lottery’s support for Martinsville Uptown’s important revitalization event.  TGIF acts as a vehicle to promote historic Uptown Martinsville to people near and far,” said Susan McCulloch, executive director of Martinsville Uptown.

58 West performs beach, R&B, soul, disco, rock and oldies. Members of the band are Tony Smith, lead vocals; Jimmy Stone, bass and vocals; Rickie Fox, guitar and vocals; Bill Adams, keyboard and vocals; and Scott Thompson, drums.

The event is hosted by Martinsville Uptown and will be held in the Bridge Street parking lot from 7:00 to 10:30 pm. Admission to the concert is $4, children 12 and under accompanied by an adult will be admitted free.  Kids’ toys will be available for purchase at $2 each. 

Local sponsors of the TGIF concerts make it possible for Martinsville Uptown to continue this popular event for that’s loved by the community.  The Presenting Sponsor is Virginia Lottery.  The Season sponsors are Coors Light, Smirnoff Ice, Comcast, Nelson Family Automotive, Brooks Septic Tank & Port-A-John Service, Pepsi Bottling Group, and Collinsville Printing Company.  Event sponsors for April are Martinsville Uptown (Silver) and S&K Office Products (Bronze).  The food sponsor is Tasty Crème.  Activate Martinsville/Henry County will receive part of the proceeds from the April concert and will provide volunteers to staff the event. 

The Event sponsors are categorized by different levels of sponsorship, which are Gold, Silver and Bronze.  The TGIF Gold sponsor for 2008 is Taco Bell.  The Silver sponsor is EMBARQ.  Bronze sponsors include BB&T, Burch Hodges-Stone Inc, GSI Commerce, Hooker Furniture Corporation, Martinsville DuPont Credit Union, S & K Office Products, Southern Classic Collinsville, LLC, and Southern Virginia Properties.  Tasty Crème is the food sponsor for April, May, June, July, and August.  Martinsville Uptown will sell Coors/Smirnoff Ice and Pepsi products.  Martinsville Uptown coordinates the outdoor concerts to supplement its funding for the organization’s revitalization efforts for Uptown Martinsville. The event began in 1994 as a way to bring people Uptown.  TGIF is an event where the whole family can have a great time each fourth Friday evening from April to September. 

Martinsville Uptown partners with other local nonprofit organizations to staff the events and a portion of the proceeds are shared with the volunteering organization to support their mission for the community.  The donation portion is based on the attendance profits of the concerts, so come out and support your favorite local non-profit.  The non-profits chosen to participate in this year’s events are:  Activate Martinsville/Henry County, the Boys and Girls Club of M/HC, Charity League of M/HC, Gateway Streetscape Foundation, M/HC Mental Health Association, and the VMNH Foundation. 

Please no pets and no skateboards, skates, or bikes allowed due to insurance liability.  Bring your blankets and/or lawn chairs and come out for an evening Uptown.  For additional information, you may contact Martinsville Uptown office at 276-632-5688 or visit the web site at http://www.martinsvilleuptown.net