Behind the Music with Center Street Sound Company

There is one GOOD thing that came out of COVID. Center Street Sound Company got their whole family together to bring beats to the Center of the Universe–and the party hasn’t stopped since. Co-owner Tim Robinson goes behind the music in this exclusive interview with Downtown Ashland Association.

DAA: Thanks for joining us today, Tim! To start us off, tell us how Center Street Sound Company came to be.
TIM: Center Street Sound is certainly a product of COVID. Quarantine was a time of reflection for Cristy and I with long hours to ponder our goals in life and how free time would be spent once the world opened back up. Ultimately, we decided on a venture that would lead to adventures and allow music to be a much larger part of our family. We hope to be leaders in our community and leverage what we think to be natural talents. Basically, there is a desire to help people make their events incredible, immerse ourselves in the music culture, and create opportunities for our kids’ futures.   

DAA: The future certainly looks bright! Still, you’ve already had an impressive history. Can you say more on your legacy so far?

TIM: Following the encouragement and support of friends, we launched our brand in 2021. Prior to that I often found myself running sound for bands or local events with Cristy as a backbone bringing skills in finance, logistics, and planning. Music is a huge part of my life and it just made sense to do something more official that supports our passions and expands our boundaries.  To date, we have been rehired for every single gig we have supported. We are excited folks keep asking us to come back.

DAA: Including us! Center Street Sound Co generously provides the sound for Light Up the Tracks, and we can’t wait to have you back on Saturday, November 18, 2023. What do you enjoy about this work?

TIM: Every time an event hits a crescendo and it sounds larger than life, I get the biggest grin on my face! Live sound is really tough to do well, and it takes so much effort and planning to put on a good show. When it all goes right, and the band drops the hammer on the crowd it is so cool to be a part of it all. As a gigging musician I know how great it feels to play with great sound, so we strive to give that to every artist and event we support. 

DAA: There is a lot to love there. What is your favorite thing about Center Street Sound Company?
TIM: It’s so fun to help take something to the next level and surprise people with what is possible. I also really enjoy great live music, so I can't think of a better way to spend a Saturday night than helping a band bring down the house. Further, the entire music culture around Richmond is pretty special and it is fun that we have become a sought-after resource by musicians I really look up to.

DAA: It sounds like you’ve made some amazing memories already - and you get to share them with your family! 

TIM: The family adventure is by far the best part. We rise with the sun and load out with the moon as a unit and my kids are learning valuable lessons about life and hard work. Folks seem to enjoy our family dynamic and especially take my son Cooper under their wings to teach him tips and tricks about the art of sound and performing. We have already met lifelong friends and mentors along the way.  The community has been incredibly welcoming and helpful.   

DAA: A true family affair! How are you growing together?

TIM: I think the overall capacity of CSSC is quickly becoming impressive. We have strategic alliances with other companies that allow us to partner up and handle sizable events with ease. Music festivals, DJ services, corporate events, religious services and large public gatherings are all in our wheelhouse. CSSC offers full backline meaning we can provide professional drums kits, keyboards, amps, and instruments. Every penny we make goes into equipment to make the next event even better. We have big plans to quickly scale to our target events.

DAA: Can’t wait to see your big plans come to life! What are you dreaming of for Center Street Sound Company moving forward?

TIM: That it stays humble and authentic and is something that is always focused on creating joy.  Hopefully one of the kids can leverage it to do something amazing with their life, but if not, it's pretty cool the way it is right now.  We are making great memories and having fun along the way.

Ashland Fourth Fridays July Line Up

🔥 Fired up for Ashland Fourth Fridays? Your July event guide for Friday the 28th’s culinary, performing, and fine artists are just a scroll away 👇

Live entertainment:

🩰 5 PM Ashland Dance Academy’s junior dancers perform a number inside The Depot.

🎵5 - 8 PM Zbey tha Poet performs uplifting spoken word hip-hop live.

🕺 6 PM Ashland Dance Academy invites everyone to a dance party on Ashland Town Hall Lawn.

👢 7 PM Boot Scooters lead line dancing at Ashland Town Hall.

🏛️Ashland Museum tells the story of our town through historical artifacts, oral histories, biographies, and more.

👻 Ashland Haunted History Tours reenacts the haunted history of our Victorian town.

🐇 RED VEIN Escape challenges guests to puzzling games.

🎥 Ashland Theatre shows a movie at 7 PM.

Eat and Drink:
🍜 Ban Thai Restaurant dishes out authentic Thai tea and cuisine for carryout.

🥘 The Henry Clay Inn provides dine-in options inside the historic space. 

🍺 Origin Beer Lab pours craft brews inside, on the patio, and in their beer garden.

🥘 The Iron Horse Restaurant serves seasonal elevated southern cuisine on the patio.

🥘 The Caboose Market & Cafe pairs beers and wine with farm-to-table meals indoors and out.

🥘 Ashland Meat Co. At Cross Bros serves up sandwiches, salads, ice cream, and beverages indoors and out.

🥘 The Depot serves pizza and libations with three art vendors on display and a 5 PM performance by Ashland Dance Academy.

🥘 Trackside Kitchen and Wine show off their renovated space with all-American meals.

🍨 Sweet Frog lets you make your own frozen yogurt dreams come true.

🍹 Casa Herradura Family Mexican Restaurant offers a can’t-miss margarita special on the patio or in the expanded dining room.

🥘 Huddle Up Sports Bar is the destination for a giant dance floor, drinks, and dining.

🥘 Andy's Restaurant & Lounge’s homestyle plates pair perfectly with their outdoor patio and billiards. 

🍲 Tops China serves Chinese food favorites for dine-in or takeout.

Food trucks:

😋 Hungry Hungry Arrow is a Native American-owned food truck and catering business dishing out community-focused food.

🥤Easy Squeezed pours fair-styled drink to keep you cool all Friday.

🧁 Sugar Florist Bakery specialty baker sets up their booth for custom-made cupcake bouquets, floral sugar cookies, and boozy treats in Origin Beer Lab’s beer garden.

🍋 The Ashland Kiwanis Club sets up a good old-fashioned lemonade stand outside Ashland Meat Company to benefit the Children's Hospital of Richmond.

Art:

🎨 Refunkit shop with funky, handcrafted art and gifts created by artists from Virginia and beyond.

🖼️ The Shop at 112 fabulous vintage finds with an eye towards Chinoiserie chic, classic French, English & Italian accents.

🌟 Tiny Tim’s Trains & Toys generates playful delight for kids and kids-at-heart.

🌱 Heartspace Hydration on Town Hall lawn provides handmade jewelry and preserved nature home decor made with foraged materials.

🖼️ Marigold Art Studio on Town Hall lawn sells affordable watercolor prints on paper, mugs, totes, tee-shirts, and more.

🎨 Immagine', LLC on Town Hall lawn produces art prints, stationery, and gift items.

🌟 Sazha Star’s Closet feat Phoenix Moon on Town Hall lawn repurposes jewelry and art.

📝 Handmade Greeting Card Factory on Town Hall lawn creates custom cards and journals.

🪴 KP Jenkins Jewelry and Fine Arts on Town Hall lawn has jewelry inspired by nature.

🕯️ Scentzbyjavonllc on Town Hall lawn sells candles, room sprays, carpet deodorizers, lotion, body oils, and cups.

🖼️ Aergase Art on Town Hall lawn displays original stained glass art.

PinPaalz on Town Hall Lawn creates cuddly crochet cuties.

🕯️ Living with Grace inside The Depot offers stylish home decor.

🎨 On Point Accents inside The Depot offers unique handmade signs, paint parties, tumblers and more.

🐸 Toad Hill Goods inside The Depot reclaims wood and linoleum block prints for handmade and homemade items.

🖼️ The Asylum on Robinson Street is a self-publishing and collaborative press working in the traditional printmaking techniques of intaglio, woodcut, and monotype.

💎 a4ordablebeauty Jewelry Accessories, LLC on Robinson Street sells handcrafted jewelry for a bargain.

🕯️ Sweet Heat Candles on Robinson Street repurposes recycled bottles to house beautiful soy candles.

🏠 SkyCart Crafts on Robinson Street has homemade decor like wreaths, serving boards, and even gnomes.
🐢 The Box Turtle Sanctuary of Central VA on Robinson Street totes their turtles to Ashland Fourth Fridays for meet and greets as well as educational activities.

Scholarships for Emerging Business Leaders

LEADERSHIP HANOVER, presented by the Hanover Chamber Foundation, is an interactive learning experience that guides participants through philosophy and skill development. Cohorts include participants from a wide array of industries. Monthly sessions - led by accomplished presenters, panelists and facilitators – will ensure LH graduates demonstrate:

1. Improved self-awareness capability

2. Stronger personal leadership competency

3. Growth as an effective communicator

4. Increased skill in time management

5. Growth as a team builder and leader

6. Ability to empower, coach, and hold others accountable

7. Improved networking skills

8. Evolving ability to create a vision and alignment for projects and plans

Additionally, participants will deepen their understanding of key concepts to run an effective business, their ability to develop and implement business processes on a daily and annual basis, and their understanding of the impact both local government and community engagement has on businesses and individuals.

Over the 9-month academy, participants stay engaged by learning in many ways - Small group discussions, top-notch presenters, workshops, class socials, mentorships, expert panels, team-building activities, and more! Class size is limited to ensure the best experience.

Monthly sessions take place on the second Tuesdays from 1-5 PM, October 2023 to April 2024. An orientation dinner will be held in September. Two post-session class socials will be held, one each semester. The group will take a day trip to the VA Capitol during the General Assembly. The final session in May takes place prior to the graduation celebration with dinner.

Sponsorships guarantee an enriching experience and assist in keeping tuition costs attainable for participants. Donations made to our 501c3 may be tax deductible. See the Leadership Hanover Sponsor Packet for more details.

Applications are due this summer. Application forms are available for download on the Foundation website, www.HanoverChamberFoundation.org/LeadershipHanover. Tuition is $1,800 regularly or $1,500 for Hanover Chamber member companies.

Leadership Hanover is intended for those emerging into or in a new leadership role, in a transitional phase of their career, and lifelong learners. Tap the image below to join this unique opportunity!

Trending Trails, Tracks, and Parks in Ashland, VA

Ashland’s picturesque parks and trails along the tracks make for a full day of fun in the sun. Celebrate Parks and Recreation Month this July at our town’s favorite outdoor venues.

Ashland Trolley Line Trail
Get your steps while you take in history. This 2-mile linear trail follows the historic Ashland-Richmond Trolley Line, extending from 11644 Gwathmey Church Road, at the southern end, to the intersection of Maple Street and England Street in Downtown Ashland.

Carter Park
The centerpiece in the Center of the Universe park system, Carter Park contains a junior Olympic size swimming pool with a slide and kiddie pools, one-half basketball court, a picnic area, playground, and gravel trails through wooded areas.

DeJarnette Park
Eight acres of untamed natural beauty open to hiking, fishing, and biking. 

Kiwanis Pufferbelly Park
Roll up to Pufferbelly Park’s skate park, climb the renovated playground, lounge in the grassy play section, and beat the heat in the shaded picnic area.

Railside Park and Trail
One acre of open space with a picnic table and benches perfect for trainspotting.

South Taylor Street Park
This half acre park packs in a playground, tot lot, picnic area, pavilion, grill, and one-half basketball court.

Stony Run Trail
Bike, walk, hike, or run from the intersection of Ashcake Road and South Center Street over the creek and through the woods.

Town Hall Pavilion
Ashland’s ADA Accessible Pavilion hosts live performance during Ashland Fourth Fridays, is available for rental and free to enjoy from the grass and picnic benches.

Train Watching 
You can’t visit Ashland without trainspotting. More than 40 freight and passenger trains per day pass through the center of our main street. Check out 7 Tips for Railfans to make your visit extra special!

US Bike Routes 1 & 76
The United States’ two cross-country bicycle trails intersect in only one place: Ashland, Virginia. Click here to see a map of the bike routes.

Celebrate Parks and Recreation month with these awesome Ashland events:

“You’ve Been Noticed” awarded to RED VEIN Escape

You can’t help but notice RED VEIN Escape. Their unique artistry has transformed Ashland’s oldest trackside brick building into a destination for original art, immersive storytelling, and an iconic mural. For these investments and ongoing support of the community, Downtown Ashland Association recognizes RED VEIN Escape with the “You’ve Been Noticed” Award!

The “You’ve Been Noticed” award is a fun and friendly way for Downtown Ashland Association and our partners to recognize organizations that make inspiring investments in commercial properties. Since RED VEIN leased the historic space in 2019, the team has rebuilt, rewired, plumbed, painted, and upgraded the space. Additionally, they hired local artist Steph Mayton to paint a spooktacular mural. These are just a few examples of the extensive renovations and artistry made by RED VEIN to build its own business and support neighbors in the Center of the Universe.

“Our artists design some incredible tech so just when guests think they know what to expect, they get something completely different,” says co-owner and operator Kitty Barnes. The escape room now offers three games–20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Mark of the Witch, and Phobia–that transport players to another world. Seasonal and mobile games are offered too. “We love how people respond to the startles we include in all of our experiences,” says Kitty. “There is usually lots of laughter… and just a few screams.”

Historic photo courtesy of Ashland Museum

You’re invited to celebrate RED VEIN Escape outside 108 Robinson Street on July 12 at 5:30 PM. Join volunteers and Town of Ashland leaders as we present RED VEIN with the community’s “You’ve Been Noticed” award. It is sure to be a scream.