On Feb. 5, Tim Smith will play his last show with the local band Winter of ’74. But as Smith puts it, “I feel good you know. This is a turning point of us.”
Smith has decided to leave Winter of ’74 to open a new buy/sell/trade fashion store. He has had the idea to open a fashion since returning from Portland, Ore. Smith was so blown away by some of the stores in Portland that he wanted to open one up in Johnson City.
On Feb. 8, Smith will see his vision come to life as the doors to his fashion store, Bettye Jane’s Fashion Exchange, will open.
Bettye Jane’s will work like most buy/sell/trade stores. People can bring in clothes to sell to the store. Based on the clothes the person brings in, they can sell it to the store for cash, or trade those clothes and have the amount go toward a purchase in the store.
Smith thinks the store will work out for college students who are in need. “If a student needs some cash, they can bring things like a hat, clothes or some jewelry and get some cash that way,” he said.
Bettye Jane’s will sell used clothes, but will also sell its own clothes.
“We’re not going to use brand names,” Smith said. “We plan to use underground labels such as Rocket Brand and some Johnny Cupcake. We also plan to sell sour own T-shirts.”
Bettye Jane’s also has plans to sell CDs of indie bands and local bands.
Smith hasn’t had much experience in the business world, but his grandparents have. His grandparents owned a couple of KFCs, so Smith had an upbringing in the business world. Now, he is using his knowledge from his grandparents’ business, street smarts and word of mouth to draw attention to the store.
Smith used his personal time to set up the rock show on Feb. 5.
This Saturday, Bettye Jane’s will host its Grand Opening Kickoff Show at The Casbah. There will be two shows to attend.
The first is an all-age show. The doors will open at around 5:45 p.m., with the show being at 6. From 6:05 to 6:25 p.m., Winter of ’74 will take the stage. At 6:40, Commerce will be on stage and rock until 7:05. In Remembrance of Me will finish the first show, playing from 7:20 to 8 p.m.
The Casbah will then clear out and gear up for the second show, which is an 18-and-up show. The doors will open at 9:30 p.m. Then 10 minutes later, Commerce will take the stage and rock on until 10:15 p.m. At 10:30, In Remembrance of Me will plow on stage and jam until 11:05. Afterward, Winter of ’74 will play their tunes until 11:55. Ten minutes after midnight, Jet Jaguar will take the stage and play until 12:45 a.m. And finally, at 1 a.m., Scullsoup will take the stage.
Tickets prices for the show are $3 for those under 21 and $2 for those over 21. The Casbah is located at 807 W. Walnut St. Those who attend the show will receive a discount coupon toward their first purchase at Bettye Jane’s.
How will Smith feel when he plays that last note on his drums?
“Oh, you know it’s a mixed bag,” he said. “It’s sad to let go, but this is opening a new chapter for me and the band. I’m not going to give up on drums, but the store is my main focus. [Winter of ’74] is a great band and a great bunch of people. I wish them well.”
Bettye Jane’s, named after Tim’s grandmother, who also invested in the store, will open Feb. 8. The store will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The store is located at 411 W. Walnut St.
For more information on either the kick off show or Bettye Jane’s, you can visit www.bettyejanes.com

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