KNOXWALLS AT EMORY PLACE
A New Large-Scale Public Art Destination in North Knoxville
PICK YOUR OWN BLOOMS
Make a new tradition with Harvey Family Farm
CURTIS GLOVER
Get to know a local mural artist designing around the world
UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP
Presents the up-and-coming Lily Rose
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Fall is the Loveliest Season.
Fall has always held a special place in my heart. There’s something truly enchanting about this season, where the days, though shorter, grow increasingly pleasant and inviting. For me, fall symbolizes a time of renewal and reflection, a moment when life seems to restart, even as the vibrant beauty of summer begins to fade. As the leaves transform into a breathtaking tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows, the air takes on a crispness that invigorates the senses. It’s a season that brings people together after their summer escapades, fostering a sense of community and connection. Fall is filled with wonder, grace, and an undeniable charm that captivates the soul.
Although fall often feels fleeting, it is a season packed with some of my most cherished memories. I treasure the moments spent at pumpkin patches with my son, our laughter mingling with the scent of cinnamon and the crunch of leaves underfoot. Driving through the mountains to witness the breathtaking spectacle of changing foliage fills me with awe and gratitude. Nights spent around a crackling campfire, sharing stories and warmth, are some of the
most comforting experiences I know. And, of course, fall signals the beginning of my beloved baking season, where the kitchen fills with the aromas of spiced treats and freshly baked goods.
In many ways, fall feels like a warm embrace after a long, chaotic year. It provides me with an opportunity to pause, to reflect on the value of what I am cultivating in my life. This season reminds me to seek comfort amidst change, to practice patience as nature unfolds its beauty, and to feel deep gratitude for all that I have. There were moments of frustration with this issue, yes, but they are often accompanied by a reminder of how far I’ve come. I recall days not too long ago when I prayed for the very blessings I now enjoy.
While this past season has had its challenges, I am genuinely proud of how everything has turned out. We’ve forged new connections, learned about inspiring young athletes, and engaged in meaningful conversations with local businesses about their hopes and aspirations. Each experience adds to the rich tapestry of this season, reminding me once again why fall is, indeed, the loveliest season of all.
Nick Giecek’s passions come together in adaptive recreation sports.
“I am passionate about sports,” says Nick Giecek, who played hockey and lacrosse during his years at Knoxville Catholic High. “But more importantly, I am passionate about helping people with disabilities.”
Giecek’s twin brother, Drew, has an intellectual disability and autism. “Having a brother who has special needs has made me more patient, understanding, and willing to help people who need care.”
As an undergraduate at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Giecek majored in recreation and sport management with a concentration in therapeutic recreation. This incorporated enriching, hands-on learning environments and outside-the-classroom opportunities that included Camp Koinonia, an outdoor education program for children who have disabilities. He started as a camp counselor during his sophomore year and quickly fell in love with it. “Without Camp Koinonia,” he says, “I don’t know if I would have found out about therapeutic recreation and the direction I wanted to take in life.”
Giecek recently graduated with his master’s degree in recreation and sport management. As a graduate assistant, he oversaw UT’s Adaptive Recreation program, which allows every student to get involved with different sports no matter their abilities or skill sets. He saw teaching and implementing sports within the program as one of his greatest achievements.
“I’ve been fortunate to put my thumbprint on how the program should be shaped,” he says. “Students with and without disabilities take the class and come out of it with knowledge of the type of environment we can create in our community around disabilities.” Giecek has received scholarships that have helped him on his journey as a Volunteer.
“Donations extend far beyond me benefiting from the scholarship. Because of the financial support, I was able to dedicate more time to the program and the students that it was influencing. I was able to put more of myself into UT and that branches out to fellow students.” —Nick Giecek
Taking his experiences at UT, Nick is now the general manager of Nothing Bundt Cakes in Mount Pleasant. He has been a champion to the community and families’ concerns when their disabled loved ones age out of education and other programs. Giecek’s twin brother Drew has developmental delays. Once
he aged out of school, Drew’s family wanted to ensure he was still living life to the fullest. While he cannot be entirely independent, the thought that Drew would have to live without a creative outlet, professional goal and continued personal growth was frightening and overwhelming, explained Giecek.
Their family took over ownership of Nothing Bundt Cakes in November 2020. Giecek pivoted from a career in therapeutic recreation and adaptive sports to managing the business and working with his brother. Giecek said Drew is putting in good work. “He contributes and is a productive member of the team just like everybody else,” he added. Drew didn’t start speaking until he was five years old; the family now jokes that he’s making up for lost time when engaging with customers and colleagues.
Drew’s duties include making boxes, assisting at off-site events, co-piloting deliveries and taste-testing. During his employment at Nothing Bundt Cakes, Drew has developed social skills and manners, has a better understanding of personal space, is improving his communication skills and is more confident. On days that he doesn’t work, Giecek notices that Drew is more wound-up; he misses the team and being a part of something.
Giecek appreciates that the university helps students find passions that fit their life. “With all the support, I’ve been given the opportunity to flourish and find myself. I’ll take UT with me wherever I go and use my experience in a positive light.” And that’s just what he did, positively impacting the Mount Pleasant community.
When you make a future gift to UT, you make dreams like Nick Giecek’s a possibility. Contact the Office of Gift Planning at 865974-3388 or visit giftplanning.utk.edu to get started.
See why we have declared Southern Made your go-to “Vol Headquarters” this season!
Page 12, Top L-R: The Vols Orange Varsity-$137. You had me at GBO Button $6. Queen of Sparkles Orange & White $149. Gingham Cosmetic Bags $20. Left Cami Denim Romper $62 Right Strapless Pleated Skirt Romper $70. Touchdown Top $62.
Page 13: Top L-R: Kids Orange & White Checkered Tulle Skirt $28 paired with Pink with Orange “Tennessee” ShortSleeve T-Shirt$30. Vols Sticker $5. Go Vols Button $6. Dolly Button $6. Western Vols Hat $67 with Denim Mini Romper $70. TN Thin Boutique Headband $55. Power T Wristlet Pouch $54.
Page 14, L-R: Orange Thunder Road Boot $130. Ukiri Ivory Long Boots $120. Dolly Black Denim Boot $130. Go Vols Sticker $5. Orange Star Platform Sneaker $62. Orange Festival Bag $49. TN Beaded Accessory Case Wristlet $65. TN Logo White Bow Scrunchie $38.
volauto.com - Winners shop here!
By: Felicia Slattery
In the ever-evolving landscape of the automotive industry, the Volunteer Auto Group stands out not just for its vehicles, but for its commitment to service and community. Jamie Eady, a key player in the group’s success and a 27-year veteran of the car business in Knoxville, shares insights on how the company has integrated its mission with a focus on athletes at the University of Tennessee and the wider Knoxville community.
The Journey Begins
Volunteer Auto Group recognized that revitalizing the brand was essential. The transition from Hepperly Auto Sales to Volunteer Auto Group meant losing some previous traction with customers, but managers Ryan & Nick saw an opportunity when they brought Jamie on board. “We wanted to reintroduce ourselves and work with the legacy that was built over the years,” he recalls.
Initially, they collaborated with Vols’ star wide receiver Bru McCoy, who also happens to be a long-time friend, to brainstorm ways to involve local athletes in their marketing efforts. “We had some ideas, but we never dreamed it would grow this big,” he admits. This partnership has allowed Volunteer Auto Group to cater not only to athletes but also to students, parents, and University of Tennessee employees, fostering a supportive community environment.
At the core of Volunteer Auto Group’s mission is what they call the “Volunteer Experience.” This dedication to service extends to every person, ensuring that every purchase is carefully considered before completing and for the players they involve consultations with the athletes’ advisors and parents to maintain their financial well-being. This initiative includes affordable services for customers who purchase a car like $9 oil changes, free detailing on weekends, and meticulous vehicle maintenance. “We want to keep their vehicles in top condition,” Jamie explains.
Volunteer Auto Group’s community commitment goes beyond the university. For East Tennessee residents who haven’t purchased from Volunteer Auto Group, the dealership offers a $19.99 oil change to ensure affordable vehicle maintenance for all, reinforcing its role as a trusted business. Vol Auto Group believes that positive experiences lead customers to return when purchasing their next vehicle.
For the business, it is more than just selling cars—it’s about building relationships. Since joining Volunteer Auto Group, Jamie’s perspective has transformed while watching University of Tennessee athletics. “I’m not just a fan of the game; I’m a fan of the individual players,”
he says. This personal connection drives Jamie and his team to foster a supportive environment for the athletes they serve.
Understanding the concerns of most parents wanting a safe vehicle for their children, especially those far from home, is another priority. “Parents worry about their kids getting to work, class, or games safely. We take the car issue out of the equation,” Jamie explains. This sense of responsibility provides families with peace of mind, knowing their children are supported. Volunteer Auto Group strives to foster a supportive relationship with everyone they work with, not just University students but everyone they encounter.
Vol Auto Group’s business ethics are rooted in Christian faith, which guides their approach to integrity in an industry often associated with negative stereotypes. “It’s important to break the negative connotation associated with car dealers,” Jamie says, emphasizing that it’s about relationships, not just sales. A portion of Volunteer Auto Group’s profits also supports charitable missions, further demonstrating the company’s dedication to giving back. “We use our success to further the Kingdom,” Jamie shares, highlighting the connection between business and community service.
Looking ahead, Volunteer Auto Group envisions significant growth. With five current locations, including Callhan Drive in Knoxville, two locations in Maryville, and a location each in Lenoir City and Sweetwater, they anticipate the potential for expansion, creating more partnerships with student athletes and continuing to make a community impact. The company’s focus is not just on business growth but also on maintaining their contributions to the mission field.
Additionally, they are excited to announce a new campaign launching on October 1st: no payments for six months, which aims to create an even more appealing purchasing experience for the next year and help those who have felt the economic impact.
Vol Auto Group is family legacy long worked for, their dedication their faith, community and customers helps make them stand apart from other dealerships.
In a world where the car industry often grapples with negative stereotypes, Volunteer Auto Group are rede-
fining what it means to be a car dealership—one that prioritizes community, ethics, and genuine service. As they continue to grow and innovate, their legacy as a trusted partner in East Tennessee is set to flourish.
It all began in 1840 with a land grant of 1,000 acres. Back then, people farmed to survive. The generations passed down this beautiful piece of property, getting divided among family members. Our family owns 15.4 acres of prime farm land, but we’re surrounded by cousins and other family members who inherited their share.
But our real story begins in the 1940s. TC Harvey, who grew up farming the land, married a young lady from North Carolina, who became Marie Harvey. Marie is my husband’s dear grandmother. I was blessed to know her for most of my life as well. TC built the home and the barn with his own two hands. He never owned a tractor. He did all his farming with mules, horses, and hard work.
TC & Marie had two daughters, Gay and Lindola (Scott’s mom). TC kept cows and bees, grew tobacco, and even made moonshine! Marie worked hard beside her husband but enjoyed creating her own lush flower garden, and in the evenings she would take up needle and thread to make quilts. We have several of Marie’s quilts in use today.
When TC passed away, Marie was still rather young, so she went on to nursing school. She leased the land, and it hosted various farmers. Gay and Lin have mostly let the land be used for hay in recent years.
Lin married Clyde Chisam and has 2 kids: Scott & Becky, who now own the farm. Scott has dreamed for years of farming this land. He’s thought about blueberries, bees, row crops, and even an RV park. It’s funny that his dream has become mine.
Scott does most of the infrastructure and upkeep on the farm, and I focus on the agricultural side of things. My ADHD and high energy levels fuel an excitement about the project that he finds contagious. He’ll often text me that he’s excited to see what I plant next.
The flowers are truly a nod to Marie. She died in 2007, but so many of her plants live on at the farm, a testimonial to her love of color and texture. The first blooms to greet me when I started walking the property in 2023 were her daffodils.
But our farm isn’t just living history. Scott and I have two little boys. TC & Marie would’ve loved those little rascals. And the boys love life on the farm. They’re so at home in the dirt. They’re just 8 and 3 now, but one day they will inherit this land. And we want to make it into something they love. Something they’re proud of.
Our family would like to invite you to visit us at the farm. Feel the deep roots. Smell the flowers. Bask in the sunshine. Connect with the earth. If you’d like to visit, check out our You-pick or Workshops & Events. We’d love to have you over.
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Discover the beauty of fresh, local blooms at Harvey Family Farm’s You-Pick Flowers. Located just a few minutes from ETSU and Downtown Johnson City, nature beckons.
Take some time to escape to a Flower Farm where you pick the blooms that charm you. This self-serve flower farm is open daily May through October, sunrise to sunset, for you to experience the joy of choosing your very own blossoms from an array of what each season shares. Dahlias, sunflowers, snapdragons, zinnias and so many more await your visit.
Take in the mountain views, the sound of the stream, and the birdsong as you select your ideal bouquet. Harvey Family Farm is committed to quality and sustainability so each visit is a unique experience of scents and sights.
As a self-serve flower farm, each guest has a unique opportunity to use your own shears or those provided whenever it’s convenient for you. This hands-on experience allows you to craft a personalized bouquet while reminding you of your connection to the natural world.
A visit to Harvey Family Farm offers you a chance for a retreat into nature, a fun outing with family and friends, a way to brighten your home, and so much more: a memory making opportunity.
Harvey Family Farm has been in existence almost as long as the country itself, and current owners Scott & Jennifer Chisam are revitalizing the farm as they open this lovely space to visitors. If you’re planning a visit to Johnson City, this is a must! It’s more than just a flower farm, it’s a chance to step away from the busy-ness and immerse yourself in local beauty, fresh air, and the serenity of nature.
Make your plans to take home a bit of that beauty and serenity with your very own picked-by-you bouquet. Blooms are abundant until the first frost (usually around Halloween), and then again starting in May.
About me: Melissa Merkle, a longtime personal trainer and health coach, is now pursuing a license as a mortgage loan originator, combining her passion for wellness with her new endeavor of building healthy homes and communities.
Resources: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/shortbursts-of-exercise-may-offer-big-health-benefits
There comes a time in an empty-nester’s life when the sweet childhood bedroom becomes a space that is scarcely used or enjoyed. It’s bittersweet to paint over the boyish stripes and take down the high school football jerseys, but when the result is as chic and cozy as this one, suddenly it’s all worth it!
Our latest project was a transformation of a childhood bedroom into a sophisticated guest room that perfectly balances style and comfort. This redesign not only revitalized the space but also highlighted our knack for blending textures, prints, and colors to create a cohesive and inviting environment.
Revitalizing the Color Palette
The original room featured a bland beige-on-beige color scheme that did little to excite the senses or enhance the space. To breathe new life into the room, we opted for a modern gray on the walls, creating a more dynamic and contemporary backdrop. This choice not only refreshed the room but also offered a more versatile canvas for layering textures and prints. To harmonize the carpeting with the updated wall color, we incorporated warm neutral highlights into the bedding, providing a seamless transition from the walls to the floor and ensuring the room felt balanced and grounded.
Blending Textures and Prints
One of the standout features of the redesigned guest room is our thought-
ful approach to blending textures and prints. We selected fresh bedding and textiles that add layers of interest and comfort. Soft, high-thread-count sheets provide a luxurious feel, while plush pillows and a stylish duvet introduce an array of textures that invite relaxation.
To enhance the aesthetic appeal, we chose an elegant wallpaper for the feature wall. This decision introduced a subtle pattern that complements the new gray walls without overwhelming the space. The feature wall now serves as a striking focal point, enriched by the choice of coordinating art pieces that break up the pattern and add visual interest. The two art pieces are perfectly aligned to emphasize the symmetry of the room’s two-bed layout, creating a balanced and harmonious look.
A guest bedroom with twin beds is a clever way to maximize functionality. These clients in particular already had a guest room with a queen bed – stay tuned for that renovation soon – we opted to create even more space with two beds. This layout works perfectly for future grandkids and friends who come to visit and gives our clients many options for guests.
A key aspect of the transformation was decluttering the decor and simplifying the furnishings. By removing outdated or unnecessary items, we were able to enhance the sense of space and openness. The streamlined furniture choices
not only make the room feel larger but also contribute to a more chic, minimalist aesthetic.
The new furnishings are carefully selected to complement the room’s updated color scheme and design. With clean, organic lines and a contemporary style, they align seamlessly with the room’s modern yet cozy vibe. This approach ensures that the space remains uncluttered and visually appealing, while also providing ample functionality for guests.
Despite the simplified furnishings and refreshed color palette, we ensured that the guest room remains cozy, inviting, and full of personality. Lush linens and soft textiles add warmth and comfort, making the room a welcoming retreat for visitors. The use of natural elements such as wooden finishes, feather-embellished cushions, and wildlife themed artwork adds just a touch of a rustic feeling, enriching the update with a unique blend of styles perfectly suited to our client’s taste. The careful layering of these elements creates a sense of luxury and relaxation, essential for any chic guest room.
Let’s grow up together!
Rowan Hall Interiors has successfully transformed a childhood bedroom into a chic guest room that embodies both elegance and comfort. By refreshing the color palette, blending complementary textures and prints, and simplifying
furnishings, we’ve created a space that feels larger and more sophisticated while maintaining a cozy and inviting atmosphere. This project exemplifies our commitment to thoughtful design and attention to detail, ensuring that every guest feels right at home in their beautifully appointed surroundings.
Our clients were thrilled with how the space turned out. They shared a bit about how the transformation changed their home. “Our kids were sad to see their childhood rooms
go, but somehow they spend more time at home now that this space feels like a luxurious getaway! We’re always sure to stock up with plenty of snacks and drinks, and that keeps them coming back!”
You deserve to have guest bedrooms you’re proud to share! Don’t let them sit empty any longer. Our talented team of designers can set up your home to feel like a retreat to your visitors. Call us today to get started!
A stylish home is just within reach! Whether you have a Knoxville area interior design project or a remote project you’d love our take on, our Rowan Hall Interior Design team can’t wait to say hello and help you towards your design goals.
Book a consultation for uninterrupted working meeting time with principal designer, Alfie Rowan. Learn more to decide if a consultation is right for you. If y0u need more information before you dive in, book a free 15-minute discovery call. If you’re not sure where to begin, fill out our contact form and let us know what the Rowan Hall interior design team can do for you.
809 Belle Grove Rd, | Knoxville, TN 37934
865.585.2945 | www.rowanhallinteriors.com
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Artists from across the country are traveling to Knoxville to leave their mark on KnoxWalls at Emory Place. Work is well underway on the new immersive art destination in North Knoxville — a joint venture between Dogwood Arts, Visit Knoxville, and Lilienthal Gallery. Representatives from Dogwood Arts and Lilienthal Gallery selected the thirteen artists from a pool of over 90 submissions — including four of our own supremely talented local artists — who will create more than 7,000 square feet of murals once the project is complete. The murals will be located in the space behind Lilienthal Gallery, Pivot Point Gallery, French Fried Vintage, Design AF, NOI Knoxville, and Harb’s Carpeting & Oriental Rugs between N. Central Street and N. Broadway.
KnoxWalls at Emory Place will officially open to the public in on Friday, October 4th.
Participating Artists Include:
•Orel Brodt (Knoxville, TN)
•ARCY - Ryan Christenson (North Haven, CT)
•Cole Eisenhour (Ogden, UT)
•Detour - Thomas Evans (Denver, CO)
•Curtis Glover (Knoxville, TN)
•Naomi Haverland (Titusville, FL)
•Megan Lingerfelt (Oak Ridge, TN)
•Gared Luquet (Knoxville, TN)
•Pat Perry (Detroit, MI)
•Juan Rozas (Buenos Aires, Argentina/Miami, FL)
•Don Rimx - David Sepulveda (Puerto Rico/Orlando, FL)
•The Obanof - Hannah Webb (Los Angeles, CA)
•Rachel Wolfe-Goldsmith (Oakland, CA).
Pat Perry’s 1,100 sq. ft. mural (cover image) was one of the first to be completed. Now visible from N. Central Street, Perry’s mural is the largest of the twelve and welcomes visitors at the main entrance to the space through a patchwork of recognizable imagery in a variety of styles — exhibiting the artist’s representational skill alongside more playful moments of bright color and abstract shapes — a composition that he hopes the Knoxville community will be able to ‘see something that relates to their own life’ in.
KnoxWalls at Emory Place is funded by Dogwood Arts, Visit Knoxville, Lilienthal Gallery, the Tennessee Arts Commission, and ORNL Federal Credit Union - presenting sponsor of Dogwood Arts. This project could not happen without the support and commitment of the property owners Ilana Brodt and Johnny and Libby Harb (owners of Harb’s Rug Gallery - on Broadway since 1926). Dogwood Arts would also like to thank Ken Knight and the Crowne Plaza for their incredible hospitality as the host hotel for the muralists during their time in Knoxville.
The project will transform an unassuming, little used space into an extensive outdoor art gallery, putting Knoxville on the map alongside cities like Asheville, Miami, and Philadelphia as a must-visit destination to appreciate public art.
If you’ve driven through East Tennessee lately, you’ve likely seen the artistic stylings of Curtis Glover, and you didn’t even know it.
Curtis was born on the other side of the Smokies in Charlotte, N.C. He moved around quite a bit, until he settled in Knoxville 16 years ago and decided to call the Heart of the Tennessee Valley home.
Just by looking at the incredible art he creates, you wouldn’t think that he didn’t have any formal artistic schooling, aside from mandatory classes before graduating high school. But he didn’t.
Curtis was always doodling in sketchbooks and creating on canvases that he received as gifts, though, and his passion and skills grew as he did.
When he realized he could make a living with his sketches and share his creative abilities with the world, it only further fueled Curtis’ passion for art and convinced him to stick to it.
His artwork has taken him to other countries and across the SouthEastern United States. One trip at a time, he is sharing his gift with the world.
“So far, I’ve been up to Toronto through a Visit Knoxville gig and Costa Rica three times for a non-profit, school project to help beautify the area,” he said. “Also, I will be in Florida in a few weeks for a mural festival. My work spans across the state of Tennessee as well.”
Recently Curtis has been working on the KnoxWalls project in Downtown Knoxville.
The project is a collaboration between Dogwood Arts and Lilienthal Gallery Owner Ilana Brodt, in efforts to fulfill Ilana’s dream of taking Emory Place and turning it into a hub for art and culture - according to the Dogwood Arts’ website.
The partnership brought in artists from across the country to contribute to the beautification of the Knoxville cityscape.
Curtis applied to the national call when it was announced, and — spoiler alert — he was accepted.
This is only one of many projects Curtis has worked on in Knoxville. Earlier this year he did a series of stunning murals for the Sarah Moore Greene Magnet School.
“I did a tribute portrait of Sarah Moore Greene, who was a civil rights activist and community leader in the area,” Curtis said. “The other two murals depict my interpretation of their mascot, the eagles, flying over the Smoky Mountains and the third mural is pictures of fruits and vegetables to show the kids a variety of food that are healthy for you.”
When working on a new piece, Curtis tends to add his own influences and twists, growing on the vision presented by clients.
In September, he completed a new mural at the Townsend Visitor Center that perfectly depicts what the Smoky Mountains is to so many locals.
“I worked with Smokies Life depicting the local flora and fauna in the region to best represent the area. These are all things you would find on the trails in the area at different times of year,” he explained. “It also serves as a learning tool as there are many identifiable plants and animals throughout the mural. I believe the locals and tourism board enjoyed it when I finally completed it in time for their members’ weekend celebration.”
Curtis posts updates and murals regularly at www.facebook.com/curtisglovercreative. To stay up-to-date on local art and events in Knoxville, follow hushh.club on Facebook and Instagram.
The Knoxville-based Boyd Foundation has donated $500,000 to hurricane relief efforts in Johnson County and $1 million each to efforts in Carter, Unicoi, and Cocke Counties.
The Boyd Foundation consists of Jenny and Randy Boyd, Thomas and Lindsey Boyd, and Harrison Boyd.
“Jenny and I have friends in each of the counties ravaged by Hurricane Helene,” Randy Boyd said, speaking for the foundation. “So, on Sunday, Oct. 5, we drove to visit with mayors and other community leaders to ask directly what they needed.
“They were inundated with bottled water and paper goods. But their needs were so varied, ranging from barbed wire for cattle fencing to books and computers for schools, to restoring an animal shelter.”
Boyd said that the family decided that the best way to help was by donating money to relief efforts in each of the four counties. “Their needs are hundreds of times greater,” Randy Boyd said. “While no one of us can fix everything, if we all work together, we can do anything! I hope others will join us. As Tennesseans, we take care of each other.”
In Elizabethton, the county seat of Carter County, Jenny and Randy Boyd met with Mayor Patty Woodby. She told them that the town of Hampton
had lost its historic high school and that 450 students were now being crammed into an elementary school with a shortage of books and supplies and with no computers.
Of Carter County’s 21 bridges, 14 have been destroyed. Cat Island Park in the city of Elizabethton, which provided tennis courts and ball parks for area residents, is gone. The isolated communities of Elk Mills and Posy are completely cut off and are having supplies brought in by Black Hawk helicopters.
In Johnson County, the Boyds met with Mayor Larry Potter. He told them they need fencing for their farm animals and that their biggest concern is for families without shelter.
In Cocke County, the Boyds were told that 250 homes were deemed “unlivable,” and all local restaurants were
closed. The building holding county offices is beyond repair and must be relocated.
While visiting Erwin in Unicoi County, Randy Boyd said the couple discovered that “none have suffered more.” The most pressing problem, he said, is the lack of water treatment. In addition, the community has lost its animal shelter and sixty percent of its industrial park. Eighteen homes are destroyed and 100 more have serious damage. The largest employer is closed indefinitely.
With such varied needs, the Boyd Foundation determined that financial resources could be the most useful. “I think it brings comfort to those suffering to know that others are helping and care for them and that help is on the way,” Randy Boyd said.
Photo caption: The Knoxville-based Boyd Foundation has donated a total of $3.5 million to hurricane relief efforts across Carter, Cocke, Johnson and Unicoi counties. Randy and Jenny Boyd visited mayors and community leaders throughout Northeast Tennessee on Sunday, Oct. 5, including Carter County Mayor Patty Woodby.
“Jenny and I met with the leadership in Mountain City and Johnson County on Sunday. They’ve been overwhelmed with water and supplies coming in, but many needs remain. The 8 Volunteer Fire Departments have been working heroically with 16-hour days, but they’re exhausted and running low on resources. Feed and hay are arriving for farm animals, but fencing has been destroyed. While they managed to get the wastewater treatment generator back online, the biggest concern is still for families without shelter and other urgent needs. Please join Jenny and me in supporting Mountain City and Johnson County. Donations can be made through PayPal or Venmo.”.
from left: Jenny Boyd, Mayor Patty Woodby and Randy Boyd.
To open with guitarist and singer John Pizzarelli and tribute to The Beatles
The Knoxville Jazz Orchestra’s 25th anniversary concert season will kick off with acclaimed guitarist and singer John Pizzarelli and a musical tribute to The Beatles. Series and individual performance tickets for the 2024-25 season are on sale now.
“KJO Plays the Beatles featuring John Pizzarelli” will be held Tuesday, Oct. 15, at 8 p.m. at the Bijou Theatre with a program that will include hits such as “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “Here Comes The Sun,” “Eleanor Rigby,” “When I’m 64,” “Got To Get You Into My Life,” “Honey Pie,” “Oh Darling,” “Get Back,” “I Feel Fine,” “I’ve Just Seen a Face” and others.
“We welcome everyone to help us celebrate our 25th anniversary,” said Vance Thompson, who founded the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra in 1999. “Our first Big Band concert will feature some of the greatest songs of The Beatles with an elite talent in John Pizzarelli. The full lineup includes our annual Christmas and Valentine’s concerts, an evening with clarinetist, saxophonist and composer Anat Cohen and the Silver Anniversary concert.”
Big Band Concert series subscriptions, individual tickets and concert details can be found at knoxjazz.org/2224-big-bandconcert-series.
Live at Lucille’s brings the tradition of exciting and innovative PBS music programming to East Tennessee by featuring performances by acclaimed jazz artists that are recorded in Knoxville
and broadcast by PBS stations across the state of Tennessee.
“Live at Lucille’s is a series that is truly community-driven with multiple collaborators,” Thompson said. “Our first concert will feature a renowned drummer in Barber and his band. The full season lineup will include the Jon Hamar Quartet, Jazzmeia Horn and Rudresh Mahanthappa. These concerts always are popular, and we look forward to another loaded lineup to support jazz in East Tennessee.”
Individual tickets, Live at Lucille’s series subscriptions, and concert details can be found at knoxjazz.org/lucilles.
The series is a collaboration among the KJO, East Tennessee PBS and the Pellissippi State Community College audio production engineering program. The KJO recruits and books talent from across the country for the Live at Lucille’s series; Pellissippi State’s team records the audio; and East Tennessee PBS records and edits video, and then airs and distributes the final shows.
Longtime Knoxville residents fondly remember Lucille’s Jazz Club in the Old City. The club was in operation throughout the 1990s and played host to local, regional and national talent. When the club closed in 2001, East Tennessee PBS production manager Chris Smith bought the neon sign that hung in the window at the business’ estate sale and secured the rights to the name, Live at Lucille’s, in hopes of one day being able to create something that built on that legacy.
The series began in 2018 but was halted during the pandemic and returned in 2022. This year marks the fifth season of the collaboration.
“We have a diverse lineup with something for everyone from jazz aficionados to newcomers to the genre for our silver anniversary season,” Thompson said. “We invite everyone to experience the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra and celebrate with us. We are especially excited for our Big Band concert opener as it will fuse jazz and pop music in what promises to be an electrifying performance.”
The Knoxville Jazz Orchestra is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting jazz music in East Tennessee through public performance and educational outreach. In addition to presenting its popular Big Band concert series at the Bijou and Tennessee theatres each year, the organization presents Jazz on the Square, Live at Lucille’s, Jazz at the Emporium and educational programs, such as the Knoxville Jazz Youth Orchestra, KJO Middle School Band and Knoxville Jazz Workshop. Visit knoxjazz.org for more information.
Atlanta, Georgia native Lily Rose burst onto the scene with her viral hit “Villain,” instantly propelling her into the national spotlight almost overnight. Signed to Big Loud/Back Blocks Music/Mercury Records, Lily toured with Country’s hottest stars as she hungri ly chased down her dreams and married her wife Daira in 2023. Lily has been on multiple tours with fellow stylistic maverick Sam Hunt and opened shows for Country-pop icon Shania Twain, and even experienced her own global pop moment when she sang on Diplo’s 2023 EDM-Country banger “Sad in the Summer” as she introduced herself to a whole new group of fans through performances on NBC’s The Voice and ABC’s Good Morning America. She’s already been nominated for ACM Best New Female Artist and took home GLAAD’s Outstanding Breakthrough Artist Award in 2022, and now, she emerges with a crisp, edgy new sound and a renewed understanding of what matters most to her. It’s obvious that her dedication to authenticity and personal growth shines through in every note,
Hushh attended an exclusive press conference with lily and here’s our takeaways:
dirt road country asked, “Runnin’ outta time has been out for 4 months now, how does it feel having it out in the world all summer up until now?”
lily: Yeah, you know, we chose “running out of time” as the title track because we were talking about how hadn’t put out music since 2022. So it was kind of like the pressure was on of like ‘ohh man is there’s somebody that’s next In line that is gonna Take my spot’. but since we’ve put it out, it’s actually just showing me that we’re just getting started and it’s been four months of not only people consuming the new music, but asking for more. Which is always, you know, a good thing and what you want. So it’s just been a Really cool thing and I hope it opens the gate and the door to even more music,
Universal Music Group asked: you’ve accomplished so much over your career and this EP is such a special collection of songs, What can everyone expect when seeing you live this fall?
Ohh man, uh, you know energy. I’ve kind of beat that horse. We just kind of go crazy on stage. I think we have one of the best shows at this level in country music. My band’s incredible productions are awesome. But we’ve really put in a part in our show- Stripping it down and doing some of these songs fully acoustic. it Bring the fans into the writing room. When I was writing these songs and what it felt like when we just wrote them with the guitar and you know, the lyric and the melody is the most important part. So I’m excited to really, real ly get in everybody’s face with the energy and all that. But in the middle of the show, doing those 3 or 4 songs intimately just with them. Is it’s gonna be awesome. can’t wait.
want to find out more about lily rose? visit her site at www.lilyrosemusic.net with her upcoming show schedule, her music videoS and more. Follow hushh on social media for the video of the press conference with lily coming soon.
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