Flashlight Shows pair music and nonprofits in out-of-the-box ways
“On the Verge,” the theme for this year’s Pulse State of The Arts issue, can be interpreted many ways. For years we’ve watched our music and arts scene change. Many times our favorite local bands and artists have been “on the verge.”
Today, I declare that along with many talented others in this issue I too am on the verge... of continuing to encourage my fellow music and arts lovers as patrons and neighbors. You may not have a guitar or paintbrush to support and embrace our city’s growth, but have your voice heard as it is built.
It’s time to start shaking hands again and paying a $10 cover, because while you were worried about Riverbend or how long the History Museum has taken to build, a whole new generation of talent has been climbing the ladder and finding its way into our city.
Some are new to the area and of all ages.
Some are lifelong residents just now finding their feet.
Some have been sharing their selves with Chattanooga for years.
The fact is that they are talented and they need us.
And we sure as hell need them.
If you are ready to mix and mingle and see more talent, then one of the best way is at a Flashlight Show.
What started out as a flicker of imagination from founders Charity Painter and Jessica Bartet has become a high beam of success in the form of Flashlight Shows. Flashlight Shows pair our local nonprofits and talents in all mediums with out-of-town musicians in a community-engaging monthly event.
Who are these ladies of the light and why are they on the verge of making this a staple for us?
Jessica Bartet is a marketing and promotions coordinator at a local venue and Charity Painter is an American Sign Language translator. They met through a local venue street team and shared a knack for uniting fans and making friends. Starting off strong—but not without a few bumps and learning curves—they gained the attention of The Unfoundation and were chosen as grant recipients for February 2015.
With Flashlight Shows, Bartet and Painter are able to draw the attention of national and regional acts, ensuring their return or good favor when other talents in their circuit are passing through, showing off the city to some who may pass us up for Nashville or Atlanta. This becomes their way to pay it forward to a city that has given so many experiences to them.
Their “Passion Before Profit” philosophy was born out of love for music and our city, not a spreadsheet and an agenda. With both of them holding down jobs and committed to families, this monthly event is monetarily supported by you. Many local businesses and venues wanting to stretch their horizons and gain a larger audience have pitched in, providing space or items from whiskey to doughnuts.
In past events, they have showcased up-and-coming indie artists such as Tall Tall Trees, Sales and Torres. They’ve raised funds for Art 120, Story Creators and involved the H*art Gallery, along with sharing the gifts of the Chattanooga Film Festival and visual artists Ellen Zoharac, Dillan McMillan and JW Butts.
Spotlighted local charity for August is the Humane Educational Society of Chattanooga. Adoptable critters will be on site, along with a Doggy Fashion Show, hosted by none other than Collective Clothing of the North Shore and owners Sondra and Travis Aten.
This upcoming Flashlight Show will slide down the folk and Americana strings of artist Christopher Paul Stelling at The Granfalloon on August 27. Stelling has played worldwide and has been featured in Rolling Stone , Paste, NPR, Tiny Desk Concerts and more. Visual artist Ashley Hamilton will be on site and her art adorns the walls of Granfalloon as well as other establishments in Chattanooga. (See feature on Hamilton, The Pulse, Aug. 6.)
The Granfallon has become a hotspot for music and tasty beers on the Southside. Still in its early stages. it shines as a collaborative space to listen and be heard. The Granfalloon is also run by two female entrepreneurs, Chelsea McInturff and Amanda Halligan. The space is a perfect match for such an event.
If you are interested in supporting Flashlight Shows or learning more about their mission and partnerships, head to flashlightshows.com
“…We bring music and social causes together, founded on the belief that music is capable of producing an exponential amount of good, both for the concert-goer and the community alike.” — Jessica Bartet and Charity Painter
Photo by Amy Kenyon Photography