Standing Room Only in Downtown Buena Vista   Just about everyone enjoys live dinner music and it happens again with side by side entertainment on June 13th in downtown Buena Vista. As the clock strikes seven the bands start to play for a free evening of family fun on Magnolia Avenue. It’s bluegrass at Alexander’s Emporium and country-pop at Original Italian Pizza. This marks the sixth month the two restaurants have offered the free music night. “It really wasn’t planned,” said Tim Reamer, director of Economic Development for the city. “It just sort of happened and it’s been going on for six months now. Magnolia Avenue is filled with families moving in and out of the restaurants, chatting on the sidewalks and even dancing in the streets. The community loves it,” Reamer said. The spirit of friendly competition started last December, and the show has repeated on the second Wednesday of every month since. Me and Mrs. Jones, a local trio featuring Randy Billiel, Betty Jones and Devon Lively is returning for the 5th appearance at Original Italian Pizza. The Maury River Bluegrass Band is scheduled for a repeat appearance at Alexander’s Emporium. Carol Billiel, a local business woman who suggested the idea of a music night to Original Italian Pizza, said, “This is one of those things, when someone has an idea— tries it—customers respond well, so they do it again. It wasn’t advertised except for posters in the restaurant windows and it turned out to be a big night for everyone.” Alexander’s Emporium has a stage and has provided local artists a venue for the past year. Elaine Pence, co-owner of Alexander’s said, “Everything is unstructured and everyone moves from restaurant to restaurant just enjoying themselves.” There are tip buckets for people to express there appreciation for the bands. Buena Vista is gaining a good reputation for open family events. The ‘Kar Kruise’ gathering of antique and classic automobiles happens monthly on Magnolia Avenue, and Glen Maury Park is nationally renown for outstanding music programs. Buena Vista Mayor Todd Jones said, “ It shows the kind of energy this community has and says a lot about our quality of life.”

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