Elizabethton residents to learn about the ‘Thrill of Hope’ Thursday

For this month’s Artist Spotlight series at the Bonnie Kate Theater, local artists Tony Marr and Steven James will arrive Thursday evening to give viewers the “Thrill of Hope,” telling the story of one of the most well-known Christmas carols in history.

Tom and Karen Hitchcock with Blue River Studios said they have been hosting artists like Marr and James since May.

“I have tapped many talented musicians,” Tom Hitchcock said. “We are trying to get interest in the theater.”

Marr said he has been doing professional story-telling for a while, and the joy of telling these stories to people never gets old.

“I love stories,” Marr said. “I want people to discover their own stories.”

Marr described a “Thrill of Hope” as a variety show, because even with the main storyline surrounding “O Holy Night,” several other layers come into focus, including a telling of the Nativity story and a few comedy bits sprinkled throughout.

Marr, a resident of the tri-cities region for the last 15 years, said he loves his work.

“Stories are the greatest resources we have,” he said.

Marr has performed story-telling activities all over the region, including a Veterans celebration a few months ago. Most recently, he put out a new story-telling album for fans to purchase.

“The message behind our program is, wherever people are in the holiday season, you will leave with a sense of hope for life,” he said.

This month’s event, Hitchcock said, is important because it will most likely be their last for a while, saying a lack of turn-out for this and other Bonnie Kate events is part of the decision.

“We are just trying to get artists out here,” Hitchcock said.

He said people in the community often do not know what is happening at the Bonnie Kate, even despite recent community outreach for the past several months.

“They still do not know what is going on there,” he said.

In the meantime, Blue River Studios is encouraging as many people to attend Thursday as they can, so the community can witness their local talent in action.

“The story is really phenomenal,” Marr said. “We get to see the impact this song has had all over the world.”

The Thrill of Hope will take place Thursday, Dec. 5, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Bonnie Kate Theater, located at 115 South Sycamore St. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Beverages from the Riverside Taphouse will be there, though participants will need to bring their own food.

For more information, contact either Blue River Studios or the theater.

SportsPlus

Local news

RipTide Car Wash gets final site OK; city may review zoning code

Community

Senior Center Schedule

Local news

Carter County Legends Lunch: A tradition of fellowship and memories

Local news

Seeger Chapel improvements improve spiritual development, cultural experiences at Milligan

Local news

Betsy Band does it again

Local news

Celebrate the season with ‘Mickey’s Christmas Carol’

Local news

Milligan Musical Theatre presents ‘The Marvelous Wonderettes’

Local news

Food City kicks off Race Against Hunger campaign

Community

Hampton and Watauga Lodges to host Thanksgiving Dinner

Local news

ETSU introduces new awards at Celebration of Research

Local news

Experience the magic of ‘The Polar Express’ at the newly renovated Jackson Theatre

Local news

Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department honored at 2024 TRPA Conference with multiple awards

Local news

Carter Mansion Specialty Tours will focus on Christmas traditions

Local news

Autumn Heritage Celebration is this weekend at Sycamore Shoals

Church News

Church Briefs

Church News

Can I know I’m in the place where God wants me?

Local news

FEMA hosts Industry Day for owners of rental property

Arrests

Johnson City woman arrested on assault, underage consumption charges

Local news

Study reveals TN child care workers face poverty wages

Local news

Region A.H.E.A.D. shares $436,000 in flood recovery grants to small business owners

Local news

Local girl will play in softball tournament in the Netherlands

Local news

Step into the ‘Cabaret’ with ETSU Theatre

Local news

Carter voters overwhelmingly back Trump, Blackburn, Harshbarger

Local news

Tri-Cities area McDonald’s honoring veterans with free meals