[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 141 (Monday, September 19, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1287-E1288]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      IN RECOGNITION OF BLUEMONT CONCERT SERIES' 40TH ANNIVERSARY

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                         HON. BARBARA COMSTOCK

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 19, 2016

  Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Bluemont Concert 
Series as it proudly celebrates 40 years of providing high-quality 
concerts and cultural events in localities throughout northwestern and 
central Virginia. Originally, the organization received its name from 
its hometown of Bluemont in Loudoun County, Virginia. Since 1976, 
Bluemont has presented over 9,300 events fostering a sense of community 
in the Commonwealth through its presentations of art and culture. This 
extraordinary concert series has entertained audiences of over three 
million people including schools, health care facilities, assisted 
living centers, and nursing homes. This is an important milestone for 
this wonderful organization.
  Cultivating a cultural and artistic presence in Virginia's 10th 
Congressional District is important to the overall health of our 
community. It is organizations such as the Bluemont Concert Series that 
allow us to enjoy a broad range of diverse experiences that would be 
otherwise inaccessible. The mission of Bluemont, providing family-
oriented and affordable events, has given residents in Virginia the 
opportunity to enjoy music, song, poetry, and storytelling. The concert 
series has presented a wide range of musical genres including 
bluegrass, Hawaiian swing, folk, jazz, rock and roll, classical flute 
and Caribbean steel bands; which has helped to strengthen the cultural 
spirit within our community.
  Over the years, Bluemont has reached lives, not only through its 
concert series, but also through its school programs and its Artists-
in-Education initiative. Bluemont's Outreach Program offers quality 
entertainment at no charge to appreciative audiences in nursing homes 
and assisted living facilities. Its outstanding work has earned 
Bluemont many accolades and awards, including the Distinguished Service 
Award from the Virginia Alliance for Arts Education. The Bluemont 
Concert Series has provided a valuable service to community and their 
families.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the 
Bluemont Concert Series on 40 years of serving the great Commonwealth 
of Virginia. I wish Bluemont all the best in its future endeavors.

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