Elizabeth Price Branham believes the first show at the Roanoke Rapids Theatre should be one all ages can enjoy.

“It makes sense the first one should be old school,” she said after appearing before city council in closed session today. “It should be something that spreads across age groups.”

She envisions something like .38 Special or another act people of all ages will enjoy.

Branham and Gil Cunningham, who owns Neste Event Marketing, were unanimously chosen to be temporary operators of the venue and they will be attending a weekend expo in Nashville where buyers meet.

Mayor Emery Doughtie was pleased with the decision. “I think it will be a good thing,” he said following the meeting. “I feel like we’re getting professional people to get the venue up and operational again at minimum risk to the taxpayers.”

Branham told council earlier in the meeting she and Cunningham were forming a corporation which would be adequately funded. Cunningham said he believes there are sponsorship opportunities for the market.

Branham also told council she was glad to be partnering with Cunningham, a nationally known talent buyer. “It’s a really difficult industry where everything is not as it seems. That’s why I was so excited and honored. I think it’s a healthy opportunity to be associated with someone of the utmost character and integrity in the industry.”

Neste is responsible for 200 concerts a year with acts like Kenny Chesney and Keith Urban. “You can go to our website. We’ve won numerous awards as talent buyers. You can call any agent in this business for a reference,” Cunningham said.

Cunningham credited Branham for his interest in joining the partnership. “One of the reasons is the history she has promoting shows in this market. The shows she’s done over the years were some of the most successful shows promoted on the East Coast that year. She’s got her own reputation. That’s one of the reasons I decided to come to Roanoke Rapids and look at the market.”