Roxy Regional Theatre’s Roxy Reads series features “Empanada Loca”, Wednesday
Clarksville, TN – Take a break from our full-size mainstage productions and join us as we continue our Roxy Reads series with a reading of “Empanada Loca” by Aaron Mark this coming Wednesday, September 29th, 2021 at 7:00pm. This is the perfect opportunity to sit back and listen to what makes great plays work: the story.
Now living deep under Manhattan in an abandoned subway tunnel with the Mole People, a very hungry Dolores recounts her years selling weed with her boyfriend, her return to Washington Heights after thirteen years in prison, her fortuitous reunion with an old stoner friend who lets her give massages for cash in the basement under his empanada shop, and the bloodbath that sent her fleeing underground.
Montgomery County Ranks 9th in Tennessee for Tourism Spending in 2020
Clarksville, TN – Clarksville-Montgomery County visitor spending outpaced the state and nation during 2020, despite a global pandemic.
Local tourism generated $252.14 million in domestic and international travel spending in 2020, a 28 percent decline from the previous year according to newly-released economic impact data from U.S. Travel Association and Tourism Economics. Tourism spending decreased 32 percent in Tennessee and 42 percent in the nation in 2020.
A visiting family masks up at the TSSAA Middle Cross County State Finals held in Clarksville in October 2020. (Visit Clarksville)
During the Governor’s Conference on Tourism, last week Department of Tourist Development Commissioner Mark Ezell announced that Tennessee’s leisure and hospitality industry was on a record track the first two months of 2020. COVID-19 was the largest crisis to hit the leisure and hospitality industry in history.
“Tennessee proved our resiliency by outperforming the nation,” he said. “During April, May, and June [2021] our tax revenue is out-performing pre-COVID numbers. And from April 2020 through January 21, Tennessee is one of only seven states with a positive percentage change in consumer spending.”
The 2020 economic impact report used a new research model that provided international data at the county level, which had previously only been available at the state level, as well as more comprehensive lodging information using mobile data. The report also breaks down spending by industry sector for the first time. All county-level reporting was adjusted back to 2015 to incorporate the more thorough and detailed data.
Between 2015 and 2019, annual visitor spending in Montgomery County increased from $281 million to $352.5 million, a 25.4 percent increase, then decreased to $252 million in 2020. Average visitor spending in Montgomery County totaled just under $689,000 per day in 2020.
“We’ve experienced record-breaking growth in tourism during the previous five years,” said Visit Clarksville Board of Directors Chairman Matt Cunningham. “And we’ve not stopped marketing, so we’re well-positioned for a strong economic rebound. Like the state, we saw the beginnings of a big bounce-back in the early summer. Visitors and residents have made excellent use of our outdoor assets and recreational opportunities. We also have such a variety of restaurants here, and most all of them adapted well to meet safety protocols. These have given visitors and residents opportunities to experience our community safely and still support the local economy.”
Data from the Tourism Economics report showed that direct state and local taxes generated by tourist activity totaled $21 million. As a result of visitor spending, each household in Montgomery County pays $290 less in state and local taxes. Counting indirect spending throughs supporting industries, that amount totals $436 per household annually.
Other report highlights for Montgomery County:
- Direct labor income, or payroll, totaled $81.46 million, with 3,300 persons directly employed in tourism sectors.
- Food and Beverage spending totaled $90.5 million
- Lodging spending totaled $44.95 million
- Retail spending totaled $36.8 million
- Recreation spending totaled $20.56 million
- Transportation spending totaled $59.3 million
Visitor spending in Tennessee’s top nine counties in 2020:
- Davidson County, $4.48 billion, down 43.2 percent
- Shelby County, $2.57 billion, down 31.7 percent
- Sevier County, $2.38 billion, down 13.5 percent
- Knox County $1.16 billion, down 31.7 percent
- Hamilton County, $1.07 billion, down 30.2 percent
- Williamson County, $775 million, down 31.1 percent
- Rutherford County, $472 million, down 27.6 percent
- Blount County, $337 million, down 33.8 percent
- Montgomery County, $252 million, down 28.5 percent
During 2020, Visit Clarksville hosted sports competitions in soccer, track & field, baseball, and softball that generated $9.3 million in visitor spending. In 2021, outdoor events kicked off again in May with baseball, track & field, and softball.
In July, Visit Clarksville hosted its first indoor sports competition with the AAU Boys National Basketball Championship, followed by another large outdoor softball tournament. This fall the TSSAA Middle School Cross Country State Finals takes place October 1st-2nd at Weakley Park, and the TACA East vs. West All-Star Football Championship happens December 7th-10th at Austin Peay State University.
“Fortunately, we weren’t completely shut down,” said Visit Clarksville Executive Director, Theresa Harrington. “Competitive sports, especially outdoor events, did still happen. We are blessed to have facilities that can accommodate those, and we worked with event organizers to make sure protocols were in place that kept everyone safe and still provided an excellent guest experience. In most cases, we are seeing fewer teams and attendance, but the good news is that people are traveling again, and that boosts the economy and benefits everyone.”
Cunningham also expressed optimism about the future of tourism in Montgomery County.
“From a tourism standpoint, we have a well-rounded economy because we’re not dependent on one primary attraction,” he said. “We have outstanding recreational assets and scenic beauty, historic attractions, family fun centers, entertainment, performing and visual arts, local shopping, a diverse food scene, and an emerging craft beverage scene. It’s been a hard year and many businesses have felt losses from reduced travel, but we’ve fared better than many places. We’ve had a good first quarter, so we’re looking ahead, planning ahead, and expecting economic prosperity again for all of our industries.”
About Visit Clarksville
The Clarksville-Montgomery County Tourism Commission was established by the State of Tennessee in 1979 to positively influences tourism in the Clarksville-Montgomery County area by promoting tourist attractions, hosting conventions and group tours, and engaging in large-scale marketing efforts. In 2015, the organization adopted the Visit Clarksville brand. Visit Clarksville is governed by a nine-member board of directors and is funded by a portion of the local hotel/motel tax.
Roxy Regional Theatre presents “Cumberland Winds Jazz Project: 1940s Radio Days” on October 1st and 2nd
Clarksville, TN – With a nod to yesteryear, the Cumberland Winds Jazz Project is teaming with Clarksville’s oldest professional live theatre, the Roxy Regional Theatre, this fall to recreate an old-time radio show from the 1940s.
Traditional big band music will combine with radio skits, vintage advertisements, and maybe a war newsflash or two at the “Cumberland Winds Jazz Project: 1940s Radio Days” at the Roxy Regional Theatre on Friday, October 1st, and Saturday, October 2nd, 2021 at 7:30pm.
Cumberland Winds Jazz Project
Welcome Home Veterans Celebration kicks off with Remembrance Ceremony, Wreath Laying
Oak Grove, KY – Welcome Home Veterans, five days of activities in Clarksville and Oak Grove to honor and celebrate American Veterans has begun. The events are once again hosted by Visit Clarksville.
The main location for this year’s activities will be Oak Grove Gaming, Racing & Hotel. A caravan delivering the exhibits, including the Korean War Memorial, The AVTT Vietnam Wall, and the Field of Honor Tribute to Veterans, traveled from Clarksville Regional Airport to Oak Grove on Wednesday.
2021 Welcome Home Veterans Remembrance Ceremony and Wreath Laying at the American Traveling Tribute Wall.
Nashville Symphony to hold Concert at Downtown Commons September 23rd
Montgomery County, TN – The Montgomery County Downtown Commons will host the prestigious Nashville Symphony on the evening of September 23rd, 2021.
Beginning at 7:00pm, the community will have the option to enjoy a variety of music on the lawn by some of the country’s most talented musicians. Chairs will be available for the first 500 guests in attendance.
The Nashville Symphony has been an integral part of Middle Tennessee and Music City since 1946. Performing over 150 concerts a year, they are an established leader in Nashville’s growing arts and cultural community.
The Nashville Symphony
Clarksville’s Customs House Museum October 2021 Exhibits, Activities
Clarksville, TN – The Customs House Museum and Cultural Center is located in Historic Downtown Clarksville, Tennessee. Come explore an entire city block featuring large gallery spaces filled with fine art, science, and history.
Some of the events in October at the Museum are Familiars: Interactions: Paintings by Judy Lavoie, Still: Ceramics by Anne Beyer, Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, Start Your Engines! A Celebration of Racing in Montgomery County, Artsville Fest, Little Explorers: Dino Delight.
Customs House Museum and Cultural Center
Roxy Regional Theatre to perform “Tea For Three” in theotherspace, September 20th – October 5th
Clarksville, TN – What is it like for a woman when her husband becomes the President of the United States, and she is suddenly thrust into the spotlight?
Witty, sly, and deeply moving, “Tea For Three” — opening upstairs in theotherspace at the Roxy Regional Theatre on Monday, September 20th, at 7:00pm — explores the hopes, fears, and loves of Lady Bird Johnson, Pat Nixon, and Betty Ford.
In keeping with the theatre’s pay-what-you-can opening night tradition, all tickets not pre-sold at the regular price will go on sale at 6:30pm September 20th for a $5.00 minimum donation.
Yarissa Tiara Millan, Sara Anderson and Kelsey McCollaum star in “Tea For Three” in theotherspace at the Roxy Regional Theatre, September 20th – October 5th.
Downtown @ Sundown concert this Friday features Jon Langston
Montgomery County, TN – Downtown @ Sundown will feature country musician Jon Langston during this week’s concert at 7:00pm September 17th, 2021 at Downtown Commons.
Langston grew up in Georgia and has worked with country music artist Luke Bryan on multiple tours and was recently signed under Bryan’s new label 32 Bridge Entertainment with EMI Records Nashville. Langston’s debut major label single, “When It Comes To Loving You” reached No. 1 on the all-genre iTunes Chart. His most recent single, “Now You Know”, reached the Top 30 on the radio charts.
Roxy Regional Theatre’s Company Cabaret sings Disney Hits this Wednesday, September 15th
Clarksville, TN – There’s no denying that Disney movies just would not be the same without the songs. Musical numbers make these beloved films even more magical and memorable.
For one evening only, join the Roxy Regional Theatre for a special night of music and entertainment featuring company members from our Elvis Presley-inspired musical “All Shook Up” (playing on the mainstage through September 24th) as they perform your favorite Disney songs in our Company Cabaret: Disney Hits this Wednesday, September 15th, 2021 at 7:00pm.
Roxy Regional Theatre’s Company Cabaret to perform your favorite Disney songs.
Presented on the mainstage, selections will include such favorites as “Kiss the Girl” and “Part of Your World” from The Little Mermaid, “I Wanna Be Like You” from Jungle Book, “Colors of the Wind” from Pocahontas, “Go the Distance” from Hercules, “A Change in Me” from Beauty and the Beast, “Rainbow Connection” from The Muppet Movie and many more!
Don’t miss our talented company of professional actors who come to the Roxy Regional Theatre from all over the country as we showcase their vocal talents in one special evening.
Tickets are $25.00 and may be reserved online via the button below, by phone at 931.645.7699, or at the theatre during regular box office hours (9:00am to 2:00pm, Monday through Friday, and one hour prior to curtain). Military and APSU students can receive two tickets for the price of one.
Health And Safety Precautions
Facial coverings masking the nose and mouth are now REQUIRED inside the Roxy Regional Theatre (except when eating or drinking) for everyone, regardless of vaccination status. The Roxy Regional Theatre reserves the right to change this COVID-19 Coronavirus policy at any time and will communicate any necessary changes electronically or in person.
About the Roxy Regional Theatre
The Roxy Regional Theatre is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to producing professional live theatre and promoting the arts, with emphasis on education, in Clarksville, Middle Tennessee, and the Southeast. The theatre is located at 100 Franklin Street in Historic Downtown Clarksville.
For more information, visit www.roxyregionaltheatre.org
How a photo in APSU’s Art Collection connects with the discovery of famed French Photographer
Clarksville, TN – Earlier this summer, the director of the Austin Peay State University (APSU) The New Gallery and his summer research fellow discovered a striking photo of a red-haired girl with a face splashed with freckles.
The photo’s labeling indicated that the image had been captured by a well-known French photographer, Michel Thersiquel, in 1970 and that famous photographic printer Philippe Salaun printed the photo 11 years later.
Freckled Girl. (APSU)
