By Peggy Ratusz

Where would we be without our local, live music lovers? Live music fans are cultural catalysts, for sure. Research says that those who attend concerts are generally happier and healthier people. In Asheville, there are a plethora of rosy-cheeked devotees who spread the word and plan their weekends around who is playing where. But, there is a queen among these enthusiasts, and I feel it’s time to shine a spotlight on the one and only, crazy and fabulous, mega advocate, Christine OntheScene!

You’re probably familiar, acquainted, or friends with the red-headed firecracker whose given name is Christine Breininger. If you haven’t met her, then be delightfully forewarned: sparks from her vivacious and exuberant personality will surely fly when you do.

That’s what happened to me 15 years ago when I first met Chris at a local pub in Hendersonville. A friend brought her in for dinner on a night that my blues band, The Daddy Longlegs was playing in the lounge. On our first break she approached me with urgency, calling out to me, “Hey! You are fabulous! Where did you come from? I’m so glad I came here tonight! I think we could be great friends!” With her infectious laugh and unabashed overture, I knew I’d just met a friend for life.

Christine deserves this recognition because she’s the type of super-fan that helps make livelihoods thrive. She epitomizes community cultural and arts patronage; namely, the live, local, music scene.

Hendersonville singer-songwriter, Eric Congdon christened her “Christine Onthe Scene” a few years back, inspired by her tireless and thoughtful, colorful posts on Facebook and Instagram that to this day consist of high praise for, and video snippets of bands and solo artist’s shows and gigs she attends as well as creative, grassroots marketing strategies she implements to promote upcoming events. Today she’s revered as the champion for musicians, bands and vocalists. Practically anyone who plays regularly in town knows they can count on Christine to cultivate a crowd. We shared a lovely conversation, and the gist of it consisted of the following questions:

Your championing of musicians, bands and singers from every genre and generation started how and why? “Eight years ago, my path began to shift. With the end of my marriage and an abrupt change in my fifteen year career as a math and science teacher, I simultaneously realized I needed a new start. After I moved here from Florida, I went into semi-retirement but knew I had to try new things to figure out what was next for me.

When I was a kid, all I liked to listen to was rock music. The night I met you at Cypress Cellar was the catalyst, reigniting a passion for music that lay dormant and lost in me since my teen years. I heard your style of music and it touched my soul. You introduced me to dozens of other musicians and it moved that something inside me that had long been put away. What with being in academia, a teacher, wife, and stepmother, I thought that was the path I’d always be on.

And yes, now I promote, support, and share my joy for many genres. My motivation to continue comes from a yearning to inspire more people to get up and get out so they can experience what I experience. If I can get one person to go to one show to hear one band, then I’ve done the community and my heart a good turn.”

Your reputation has garnered requests for collaborating. In particular, a new business called Asheville Explore Tours employs you as a part time music blogger. How did that happened?

“Former 98.1 radio Disc Jockey, Heather Hogsed mentioned me to the owner and operator of Asheville Explore Tours, Kristin Shelly. Heather graciously described me as ‘The Music Guru of Asheville’ and felt our alignment would enhance AET’s structure. The model for Kristin’s business is guided van tours where clients customize their trips to popular locations and events that interest them. When Kristin and I met, it was a passion for entertainment promotion that inspired the inclusion of my music blog on her website. The blog informs potential customers who together with Kristin, plan an evening’s music-related tour. Chauffeuring riders to concerts and music events within the city is an element to her business called, Music After Dark.”

Seems to me, it all began when you started taking tip jars around to collect gratuity for whatever act at whatever venue you were there to hear. You’re still doing it. What’s your secret when soliciting tips?

“For one thing, if a venue doesn’t allow a tip jar or someone to take a tip jar around, I respect it though I totally disagree with the practice of not allowing a band to have a tip jar. People can be shy or apprehensive about getting up and putting money in a tip jar. Those instances where it’s appropriate, I approach patrons with authentic spirit and my intention is not to intrude, but to share with them how a particular act is helping me feel right then, that night.  “What a band, right? Gosh I admire their expertise, don’t you? Can you believe this show is free (or can you believe you only paid $5) to hear this incredible music?” When the person drops money in the jar, I offer a hug or a kiss on the cheek and these days, if I forget a hug or a kiss on the cheek, they let me know it!” Like I always say, it’s all about love.”

facebook.com/christine.breininger.96?ref=br_rs

ashevilleexploretours.com/asheville
musicblog

Peggy Ratusz is a vocal coach, song interpreter, and songwriter. For vocal coaching email her at [email protected]