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t s a l the re o t s CD nge s a h c x sc E mployee i D e of th former e y r o t l his worth of a r o An rs’ a e y by 25
NEWS
Dems’ Replacement for Rep. Armstrong Faces His Own Legal Battle
JACK NEELY
Puzzling Over the Origins of East Knoxville’s Ben Hur Avenue
MUSIC
Change Remains the Only Constant for Synthpop Duo Hudson K
OUTDOORS
Seeking Just Enough Adversity at Abrams Creek Campground
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EDITORIAL EDITOR Coury Turczyn coury@knoxmercury.com SENIOR EDITOR Matthew Everett matthew@knoxmercury.com CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Jack Neely jack@knoxhistoryproject.org STAFF WRITERS S. Heather Duncan heather@knoxmercury.com Clay Duda clay@knoxmercury.com CONTRIBUTORS
Chris Barrett Ian Blackburn Brian Canever Patrice Cole Eric Dawson George Dodds Lee Gardner Mike Gibson Carey Hodges Nick Huinker Donna Johnson
Rose Kennedy Catherine Landis Dennis Perkins Stephanie Piper Ryan Reed Eleanor Scott Alan Sherrod April Snellings Joe Sullivan Kim Trevathan Chris Wohlwend
INTERN Josh Witt
DESIGN ART DIRECTOR Tricia Bateman tricia@knoxmercury.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Charlie Finch
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
David Luttrell Shawn Poynter Justin Fee Tyler Oxendine CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATORS
Ben Adams Matthew Foltz-Gray
ADVERTISING PUBLISHER & DIRECTOR OF SALES Charlie Vogel charlie@knoxmercury.com SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Scott Hamstead scott@knoxmercury.com Stacey Pastor stacey@knoxmercury.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Michael Tremoulis michael@knoxmercury.com
BUSINESS BUSINESS MANAGER Scott Dickey scott.dickey@knoxmercury.com
KNOXVILLE MERCURY 618 South Gay St., Suite L2, Knoxville, TN 37902 knoxmercury.com • 865-313-2059 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR & PRESS RELEASES editor@knoxmercury.com CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS calendar@knoxmercury.com SALES QUERIES sales@knoxmercury.com DISTRIBUTION distribution@knoxmercury.com
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Terry Hummel Joe Sullivan Jack Neely Coury Turczyn Charlie Vogel The Knoxville Mercury is an independent weekly news magazine devoted to informing and connecting Knoxville’s many different communities. It is a taxable, not-for-profit company governed by the Knoxville History Project, a non-profit organization devoted to exploring, disseminating, and celebrating Knoxville’s unique cultural heritage. It publishes 25,000 copies per week, available free of charge, limited to one copy per reader. © 2016 The Knoxville Mercury
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KNOXVILLE MERCURY August 25, 2016
August 25, 2016 Volume 02 / Issue 33 knoxmercury.com
CONTENTS
“It ain’t no joke when you lose your vinyl.” —Afrika Bambaataa
NEWS
10 Legislative
Judgments
12 T he Last CD Store COVER STORY
There once was a time when the purchase of new music consisted of more than just a click of a button—it meant being part of something bigger than yourself and your cellphone. It offered the experience of simply being among people who knew and loved music as much as you did. With the announcement that the Disc Exchange will be closing after 25 years, Knoxville faces a gap in its cultural scene that probably won’t be filled any time soon. Owners Allan Miller and Jennie Ingram created a local institution that furthered the lives of countless musicians and music lovers, and helped build a music scene. Here are firsthand accounts of those years by just some of the former employees of the Disc Exchange.
Top Knox 2016 Ballot
This is the final opportunity to vote local in Top Knox 2016! Take a look at the categories starting on page 25 and vote at topknox.knoxmercury.com
DEPARTMENTS
OPINION
A&E
4 Howdy
6 Scruffy Citizen
20 Program Notes: The Birdhouse
Start Here: Dumpster Dive, Public Affairs, Quote Factory PLUS: “Photo Recollection: Knoxville Streets,” a photo series by Holly Rainey.
52 ’Bye
Finish There: At This Point by Stephanie Piper, Crooked Street Crossword by Ian Blackburn and Jack Neely, Spirit of the Staircase by Matthew Foltz-Gray
Jack Neely puzzles over the origins of East Knoxville’s Ben Hur Avenue.
8 Small Planet
Patrice Cole looks at Oak Ridge Reservation’s battle against invasive plant species.
The Democrats’ top pick to replace disqualifiedby-felony state Rep. Joe Armstrong is himself in the midst of a legal battle in Knox County courts. An arrest warrant was issued for Roderick “Rick” Staples in March after he failed to show for court in a case involving past-due child support, court records show. Clay Duda reports.
11 “Undue Scrutiny” One of two Knoxville police officers who tipped off University of Tennessee football coaches about a pending rape investigation involving some players is being reassigned. The other will remain as police chief. Meanwhile, Director of Athletics Dave Hart announces his retirement, highlighting a series of resignations on the UT campus, Clay Duda notes.
CALENDAR celebrates its anniversary.
21 Shelf Life: Chris Barrett
recommends a trilogy of filmmaker trilogies available at the public library.
32 Spotlights: The Knoxville Film
Festival, TCWN’s Dragon Boat Festival, Romantic Spirits at KMA, and Dwight Yoakam
22 Music: S. Heather Duncan pins down shape-shifting chanteuse Christina Horn of Hudson K.
23 Movies: Lee Gardner compares the
two halves of Korean director Hong Sang-soo’s Right Now, Wrong Then.
August 25, 2016
KNOXVILLE MERCURY 3
Photo by Clay Duda
HOWDY DUMPSTER highlights DIVE Weekly from our blog Read more at knoxmercury.com/blog DRUG DEATHS DOUBLE Between 2010 and 2015, the number of drug-related deaths in Knox County nearly doubled, according to findings from the Knox County Regional Forensic Center. About 75 percent of those were caused by prescription drugs, not illicit substances (though the prescription drugs could have been obtained illegally), according to the report released this week. UT ATHLETICS HEAD RESIGNS UT Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Dave Hart said he will step down from his position next June. Hart is the latest in a growing list of top school administrators to announce their retirement or departure from the university within the past year. (See news feature in this week’s issue.) Electrical work on Morgan Street. PHOTO RECOLLECTION: KNOXVILLE STREETS by Holly Rainey (loveh865.com)
QUOTE FACTORY “ All around the nation, people are concerned that there are not enough retail locations for the public.”
REP. MARTIN DANIEL SMILES— —for his mugshot while being booked into Knox County Jail. He faces a misdemeanor assault charge for allegedly shoving primary opponent Steve Hall on live radio. Daniel beat out Hall in the GOP primary for House District 18 (West Knoxville) in August. He faces Democratic challenger Brandi Price in the Nov. 8 general election.
—Emily LeRoy, executive director for the Tennessee Fuel and Convenience Store Association, in a story in Monday’s Tennessean that shows how Gov. Bill Haslam has “taken steps to shift the financial burden of cleaning up toxic spills at gas stations and truck stops from business owners to taxpayers.” LeRoy suggested that a gas tax on consumers to help gas stations pay for their environmental issues should be considered a “user fee” so drivers can have access to enough convenience marts.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS
8/25 MEETING: FOUNTAIN CITY LAKE WETLAND THURSDAY
5:30 p.m., Lions Club Building, Fountain City Park (5345 N. Broadway). Free. Fountain City Lake has been undergoing a restoration over the past few years and its final major infrastructure improvement will be a wetland on the north end of the lake to eliminate a stagnant section. LDA Engineering will be presenting its design for the wetland.
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8/26 FESTIVAL: “ON THE WING” FRIDAY
10:30 a.m., Stanley’s Greenhouse (3029 Davenport Rd.). Free. Stanley’s Greenhouse is holding its first celebration of the butterfly with a two-day festival. Most of the events are on Saturday with seminars and children’s activities, culminating in a release of 50 monarch butterflies at noon. Info: stanleysgreenhouse.com.
8/27 FUNDRAISER: “A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC” 8/28 ASIAN FESTIVAL SATURDAY
7 p.m., Jackson Terminal (213 W Jackson Ave.). $75. The Knoxville Gay Men’s Chorus kicks off its season with this semi-formal fundraiser. The music group is expanding its community outreach with music scholarships and mentoring LGBT youth. Tickets include a meal, complimentary drinks, and the added attraction of seeing Mayor Rogero receive an award. Info: knoxgmc.org.
SUNDAY
11 a.m.-6 p.m., Market Square. Free. The third edition of Knoxville’s Asian Festival sees an expansion to two stages featuring a wealth of cultural attractions: taiko drumming (a thunderous must-feel), kendo demonstrations, a kimono show, traditional Chinese music (and C-pop), meditation and chants, and lots of dancing—Thai dancing, Indian dancing, Philippine dancing, Laotian dancing, and more. Info: knoxasianfestival.com.
Asia and Knoxville This Sunday is the third annual Asian Festival. And Knoxville history may be more Asian than you think. Imported Asian goods, from silk fabrics to porcelain, to tea, were much prized in 1800s Knoxville. Scenes of Chinese pagodas appear on pottery fragments found at log-cabin sites from Knoxville’s earliest years.
his masters and doctorate degrees at UT’s College of Engineering. In 2005, he made a multi-million-dollar gift to his alma mater, resulting in the large, state-of-the-art Min Kao Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Building, completed four years ago.
Knoxville welcomed a small wave of Asian newcomers in the 1880s —surprisingly just after the U.S. Chinese Exclusion Act, intended to prevent Chinese immigration to America. Chinese immigrants were not allowed to become U.S. citizens, but several owned their own businesses in Knoxville. Many, perhaps most Asians in Knoxville in the 19th century were Chinese immigrants associated with the hand-laundry business. It was, at the time, a new industry, offering a new service previously tended to at home. Among the first of these was Chung Wo, who arrived around 1885. He ran a laundry for several years on Clinch Avenue near Gay Street, near the Hattie House hotel. A few others followed sometimes in competition with Wo.
This weekend’s Asian Festival is a creation of modern Asian-Americans in Knoxville, but people from the Far East have been part of Knoxville’s life and culture for more than 130 years.
Benjamin Kwok, an immigrant from Canton (better known today as Guangzhou), was a Vanderbilt graduate who arrived in Knoxville in 1934 and opened the Norris Book Exchange on Gay Street. He believed it to be the first Chinese-run American bookstore in the nation. An intellectual who publicly supported the U.S. war effort in 1941, Kwok was a popular speaker on subjects ranging from wartime Asian politics to Chinese cuisine. Until his death in 1951, he wrote articles for local newspapers and poetry that appeared in national Chinese-American magazines.
Several Asian leaders have visited Knoxville. In 1949, Jawaharlal Nehru, prime minister of India, and future prime minister Indira Gandhi, visited Knoxville to learn about the Tennessee Valley Authority. President Ngo Dinh Diem of South Vietnam visited Knoxville for several days in 1957 for the same reason, and stayed in the Farragut Hotel. Among the delegation accompanying him was Tran Van Don, one of the generals who led Diem’s overthrow and assassination in 1963.
Image courtesy of Knox Asain Festival www.knoxasainfestival.com
After about 1895, Chinese Knoxvillians became rarer. However, despite even more restrictive U.S. policies, Chinese begin to reappear in 1925, when Leong Foo opened a laundry at 205 South Central, near the modern Old City. More followed, and by 1930, in spite of almost half a century of U.S. policy forbidding Chinese immigration, “Chinese Laundries” constituted an entire category listing in the Knoxville City Directory. One Asian contribution to local culture is especially surprising. In the 1880s, football was an Ivy League invention becoming familiar in major urban areas, but almost unknown in East Tennessee. Japanese student Kin Takahashi had briefly lived in the San Francisco Bay area, where he became enamored of the sport. When he came to Maryville College as a foreign student in 1888, he organized a football team there. Football caught on in Knoxville soon afterward. The University of Tennessee admitted few foreign students before the 20th century. In 1906, UT enrolled several Filipino students. Since then, UT has graduated thousands of Asian students. Min Kao, the Taiwanese engineer-inventor who co-founded Garmin, lived in Knoxville for several years in the 1970s when he was working on
The 1982 World’s Fair drew several world leaders, including Philippines President Imelda Marcos. Thanks to that fair, Knoxville offers an unusual footnote in Chinese history. Our 1982 World’s Fair was the first big exposition since 1904 in which mainland China participated. The Chinese Pavilion was the fair’s single most popular attraction, sometimes generating lines that were hours long. Chinese author Liu Zongren spent several weeks at the fair and described cultural differences in his book, Two Years in the Melting Pot. Of course, not all Asians are newcomers. Comedian Henry Cho, of Korean descent, is a Knoxville native and a UT alumnus. Dennis Hwang, a computer artist who was Google’s international webmaster and creator of hundreds of Google’s daily, is also a Knoxville native who graduated from Bearden High. For more about this weekend’s Asian Festival, see www.knoxasianfestival.com/
Source: Calvin M. McClung Historical Collection
The Knoxville History Project, a new nonprofit organization devoted to the promotion of and education about the history of Knoxville, presents this page each week to raise awareness of the themes, personalities, and stories of our unique city. Learn more on www.facebook.com/knoxvillehistoryproject • email jack@knoxhistoryproject.org August 25, 2016
KNOXVILLE MERCURY 5
SCRUFFY CITIZEN
East Knoxville’s Ben Hur The novel, the show, the movies, and the avenue BY JACK NEELY
B
en-Hur is the new cinema spectacle, stumbling at the box office, an expensive remake of an old movie or two. Ben Hur is also a short, mostly residential street in East Knoxville, a quiet street of modest-sized houses and well-kept green lawns. Not quite half a mile long, Ben Hur runs southeast from Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue in the Five Points area. Ben Hur was once one of the streets that formed the original five points, along with Olive Street and old McCalla, now Martin Luther King. That century-old business district is still called Five Points, but don’t make the common mistake of counting them. Some decades ago, traffic engineers engineered the acute angles away. Now they’re just right-angle streets oddly close together. Lots of other cities have a Five Points. Most other cities get to keep theirs. Nashville has a Five Points. Atlanta’s Five Points is famous. You can still count them on your fingers. But a five-points intersection is not considered safe enough for Knoxville. You might cut yourself on those things. Ben Hur Avenue was always part of the Five Points party. It had that name long before the Charlton Heston movie they used to show on TV once a year on Sunday nights. The name first appeared
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on a street sign here around 1909. Ben-Hur, always hyphenated, was, first, a popular novel. Published in 1880, its author was by Lew Wallace, a Union general from Indiana. The story of an enslaved Jewish prince and his challenge to his childhood friend, a Roman general, Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ was wildly popular in Knoxville and in the rest of the English-speaking world. Wallace had led troops in combat in several engagements in West Tennessee, including Shiloh, where he was sometimes blamed, probably unjustly, for the fact that Shiloh wasn’t a more decisive Union victory. Ben-Hur, his novel, was a redemptive success. He was still alive in 1899 when Ben-Hur became a Broadway play. Presenting chariot races on stage requires some imagination. Not many generals with combat experience get to enjoy second careers as international best-selling novelists. Wallace was so popular that people named their children for the author. A local inventor/businessman who competed with Dempster Dumpster was known as Wallace Brooks; his full name was Lew Wallace Brooks. He was born about the time Ben-Hur was a Broadway success. It’s not all that unusual to name a
kid for a novelist, or a road for a novel. There’s an Ivanhoe Road, north of Karns, and a couple of Kenilworths, one in North Knoxville, one in Sequoyah Hills; those share names with Sir Walter Scott novels. Bleak House, an actual 1858 house on Kingston Pike, is named for the Dickens novel of five years earlier. There’s a Robin Hood Road in Westmoreland, where the longest street is called Sherwood Drive. There’s a Hiawatha and a Nokomis in Sequoyah Hills. Those are both fictional characters in Longfellow’s 1855 narrative poem Song of Hiawatha. I bet there are others. Why did the name Ben Hur appear on a street in 1909, almost three decades after the novel was a sensation? Its origin may have had to do with another movie. Before the Charlton Heston Ben-Hur, there was another, silent Ben-Hur, in 1925, with Ramon Novarro in the title role. It was a major spectacle. But even before that, in 1907, before the era of feature-length films, there was a 15-minute version of Ben Hur, no hyphen, which was also a bit of a sensation. It starred seminal cowboy star William S. Hart—who had appeared in person in vaudeville productions on Gay Street—as the Roman commander Messala. He was the one who had created the role on Broadway a few years earlier. As cinema, it was hardly more than a slapdash novelty, some scenes from a famous book, probably shown at the cheap new theaters on Gay Street. The 1907 version was the only Ben-Hur that wasn’t extremely expensive to make. They used what looks like a cardboard set. It was just a bit of fun. I gather that in those days a lot of people liked to
watch movies drunk. That was the year we closed the saloons, so this was one of the last that would have afforded that opportunity. Legally, at least. But the 1907 film got a lot of attention, and not just because it was the first film ever based on the Roman Empire. That Ben Hur became famous because of a landmark lawsuit. Wallace had recently died, and his heirs were not consulted for permission or offered royalties. The case got a lot of press, and eventually made it all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled for the writer’s heirs. But it stirred interest in the old story, inspiring the production of a new illustrated book based just on the chariot race. By 1909, America was Ben-Hur crazy all over again, and it happened to be just during the time this part of town, soon to be known as Five Points, was being developed. For most Knoxvillians, Ben Hur Avenue was on the way to Knoxville’s equivalent of the Roman Colosseum, barely two miles to the east. If we’d had chariot races in 1909, they’d have been held at Cal Johnson’s racetrack, that half-mile oval just off this long street now known as MLK. Were the developers of Ben Hur Avenue thinking about that? Perhaps not. By the time developers named Ben Hur Avenue, betting was illegal in Tennessee, and Speedway Circle’s horse-racing days were over. But it was on the way to some of the first auto races in Knoxville, which were also at Speedway Circle. Some of those early races were deadly, and I don’t doubt that, at least occasionally, a thoughtful race fan paused at the sight of Ben Hur Avenue and considered that stirring precedent.◆
By 1909, America was Ben-Hur crazy all over again, and it happened to be just during the time this part of town, soon to be known as Five Points, was being developed.
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KNOXVILLE MERCURY 7
government decided to locate part of its Manhattan Project in East Tennessee, earthmoving on an unprecedented scale removed thousands of acres of forest practically overnight. The rapid, enormous influx of people and materials to the new city of Oak Ridge and its three huge industrial facilities brought non-native plant propagules along for the ride. Some, like periwinkle, were planted intentionally. Others, like Japanese grass, arrived as unseen contaminants in soil and straw brought in with other construction and landscaping materials. By 2003, at least 18 non-native plant species known to be significantly invasive had become pests on the reservation. That’s when the Natural Resources Management folks for the Oak Ridge Reservation went into action. They first had to document which invaders were where and prioritize them based mainly on how widespread they were. Coming in at number one was Japanese grass (Microstegium vimineum), followed by Japanese honeysuckle, Chinese privet, and kudzu, in that order. Starting in 2006, the Reservation hired contractors who do invasive species removal for a living. Working through the summer growing season, they mainly use herbicides to kill the invaders. That’s rarely a one-time solution, so several hundred acres are treated each year on an ongoing basis. That level of herbicide use can be disturbing to environmentalists, but herbicides may be the only effective remedy past a certain point of infestation. Also, the cost must be weighed against the benefit. Once a non-native infestation has been effectively controlled, the native plants that held their own during the
SMALL PLANET
Alien Invaders The Oak Ridge Reservation’s battle against invasive plant species
X
enophobia, the fear and hatred of anything that is strange or foreign, seems to drive the geopolitical upheavals plaguing our nation and others. Most of us would hate to be called xenophobic. Yet many of us are deeply concerned about the presence of certain plant species in places where they supposedly don’t belong. There was a time when I might have argued that this amounts to botanical xenophobia, but eventually I saw the light. It seems the federal government did, too, about the same time. A 1999 executive order requires all federal agencies to have a program for identifying and managing non-native species and their impacts. The Oak Ridge Reservation, a 34,000-acre site in and around Oak Ridge that’s on the EPA National Priority List of Superfund sites, is one of the nearest examples of a large-scale effort to keep the alien weeds down. Non-native species are those that become established in a place where they are not indigenous. Because plants tend to stay put, non-native plant invasions can be especially visible. Everyone knows about kudzu, and pretty much everyone hates it. When a vine is capable of covering and killing mature trees, engulfing buildings and abandoned cars, and taking over acres of land in just a few years, that vine is clearly a problem. But those in the know will tell you there are worse actors in the plant world, species that might look innocent enough but are causing undesirable ecological
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changes at many scales. Japanese honeysuckle behaves similarly to kudzu. Its infestations are not as visible as kudzu at highway speeds, but it is much more prevalent across the landscape, growing under, over, around, and through all the other plant species in sun and shade. Chinese privet is likewise almost anyplace you look in the eastern U.S., changing understory habitats to dense shrubbery. These are two of the most common and hard to get rid of non-native invasives in North America, but there are many others that land managers and conservationists would like to see eradicated. For many years ecologists hypothesized about what characteristics would make a species an especially successful invader, and what kinds of habitat would be most vulnerable to invasion. After many studies, the answers are not so surprising. Habitats rich in resources like water and fertile soils, where some kind of disturbance like fire or flood has removed some of the plant cover, offer opportunities for plant invaders to establish and thrive. Especially successful invaders are those that have lots of propagules, such as seeds, that easily disperse and grow quickly, robbing their neighbors of access to light, water, and nutrients. It’s that part about disturbance that likely explains the particular problem the Oak Ridge Reservation experienced with non-native, invasive plant infestations. When the federal
Photo courtesy of Patrice Cole
BY PATRICE COLE
siege rebound remarkably. There are benefits for wild animals as well. Native plants often provide better food and overall habitat than non-natives. Dense stands of understory shrubs like privet interfere with the forest-to-field transition for wildlife movement across the landscape. Research is underway to study the effects of such barriers on the three species of bats on the reservation. The best strategy for minimizing herbicide use is early detection and aggressive control. Vigilance concentrates on routes of incursion—the roads, trails, and waterways where humans and their vehicles can unwittingly harbor invaders. Non-native, invasive plants are not inherently evil. They are simply doing what any form of life tries to do: gain as much territory and leave as many offspring as possible. But not being sentient creatures, as far as we can tell, they cannot negotiate or cooperate with their neighbors, agreeing to share space and resources. As such, they are biological pollution that displaces native species. Eradication is not possible for most of these invaders, but land managers at Oak Ridge and elsewhere are fighting the good fight to keep them at bay. We can all do our part by employing the stitch in time principle to weed them out early and avoid buying landscaping plants that are not from around here. We’re not being xenophobic, but we are looking out for our own. ◆ Patrice Cole taught biology, ecology, environmental planning, and sustainability at the University of Tennessee and Pellissippi State Community College. Small Planet examines local issues pertaining to environmental quality and sustainability. Microstegium vimineum, aka Japanese grass
THE MOUNTAINS ARE CALLING AND YOU MUST GO, RUN. Just outside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, awaits YOUR VERY OWN RACE COURSE. Each year, the Smoky Mountain Half Marathon is held on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies. Marathon miles unwind along pristine waters of Little River, and through the rolling hills of mist-lled mountain valleys; you’ll enjoy everything the Smokies has to offer. For more information, visit www.greatsmokymountainshalfmarathon.com to sign up, train and view the course. Join us on September 10, 2016 for the #GSMHalf. You’ll discover that you’re going to need a longer stay.
SOMETIMES DISCOVERY STARTS WITH A PATH. Right outside of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is your own o u t d o o r a m u s e m e n t p a r k . We o ffe r m i l e s o f g re e nw a y s p a c e s t o unwind and enjoy everything the outdoors has to offer. From stream side trails, wilddower elds, forests, waterways and open spaces; all loc located within just a few minutes of quaint neighborhoods and downtown. Walk , run or c ycle, the options are endless in the Peaceful Side of the Smokies. You’ll discover that you’re going to need a longer stay.
August 25, 2016
KNOXVILLE MERCURY 9
Legislative Judgments Replacement for Rep. Armstrong faces his own legal battle BY CLAY DUDA
T
he Democrats’ top pick to replace disqualified-by-felony state Rep. Joe Armstrong is himself in the midst of a legal battle in Knox County courts. An arrest warrant was issued for Roderick “Rick” Staples in March after he failed to show for court in a case involving more than $8,200 in past-due child support, court records show. The warrant was rescinded in June, when Staples’ court-appointed attorney issued a $3,000 check on his behalf. A new court date was set for Oct. 5. “I know I missed a court date. I just had the wrong date,” Staples says. “I look forward to serving the 15th District as their state Representative, and one great aside to that is, I’ll have an assistant to help manage my schedule.” Previously, Staples had faced the possibility of being held in contempt of court for not making child support payments in September 2015 as ordered by a judge. In response, Staples filed an affidavit of indigency, a legal document informing the court he lacked the funds to make such payments or cover legal costs. He reported an income of $400 a month, noting his employer as Castles of Choice Realty. His listed monthly expenses were more than double his income. As a state legislator he would make $20,884 annually, or about $1,740 monthly, with a per diem of up to $204 each legislative day (there are at most 90 legislative days per two-year session, capping annually compensation at a maximum of $30,064). The Knox County Democratic Party last week selected Staples to replace Armstrong on the November
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ballot. Armstrong represented District 15 in Tennessee’s House of Representatives for 28 years but was barred from holding state office after he was convicted of a felony for filing a false tax return earlier this month. District 15 covers portions of East Knoxville, downtown, and South Knoxville. There is no Republican candidate running for the House seat in District 15, making Staples a likely shoo-in for the position. He faces only independent challenger Drew Pete. Staples lost a primary bid for a shot at a seat on Knox County Commission representing District 1 in March. He fell short by 197 votes to fellow Democrat Evelyn Gill. Knox County Democratic Party Chairman Cameron Brooks says he was aware of Staples’ ongoing child-support case. He says he thinks everyone on the 15-person committee considering the House nomination was also aware, though it wasn’t discussed openly during a meeting and vote on his appointment on Thursday, Aug. 18. Staples beat out two other top contenders for the
nomination, including Knoxville City Councilman Daniel Brown and LeTonia Armstrong, who is Joe Armstrong’s wife. “We’re standing behind him as a party and we’re looking forward to the November election and to seeing him elected to the Legislature,” Brooks says. Staples expects the court case to be resolved next year when his estranged son—whom we’re not naming because he’s a minor—turns 18 and graduates from high school. “You never stop supporting your kids, first of all,” Staples says. “I won’t have anything mandated from that court case once it’s closed, but he’ll have college expenses.” Staples’ attorney, Scott Frith, did not immediately return calls seeking comment. Staples is known for his community service work here in Knoxville, particularly his involvement with 100 Black Men of Knoxville, a nonprofit organization focused on helping minority youth “reach their full potential.” Some young adults in those programs come from single-parent homes. That’s why Staples’ former partner, Shondre Clemons, who is now petitioning for child support, says she finds it odd that he’s not making it a priority to be a part of his son’s life. She says that their son, who lives with her in Kennesaw, Ga., takes part in a similar mentoring program through the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity that teaches life skills and preparation for college. “That’s what I don’t get. He’s so active in the community with other people’s children, and he hasn’t even sent a card in the mail saying happy birthday to his own son,” she says. But Staples maintains that family
is a priority for him, saying on Monday that he thought this was political mudslinging aimed at taking the focus off the real issues facing District 15. “This is just one of those deals to try to detract from everything going on economically and how the district has remained poor for the past 26 years,” he says. “I’m not afraid to get dirty because I know what I’m focused on, and that’s the community, bringing the district back to where it should be: economically sound.” This court case was first reported by the media in 2013, when Staples agreed to take a paternity test to see if the young man was his biological son. He and Clemons had the child in 1999, when they were both living in Montgomery, Ala. Staples returned to Tennessee a short time later after their relationship ended. He lost touch with his son after Clemons moved and later married, relocating to metro Atlanta. Staples said in a statement in 2013 that he had tried to keep in touch but correspondence and checks were returned after Clemons moved. He says he didn’t hear from either of them for 14 years, until 2013, when he was served legal papers seeking child support. “It appears the mother of the child has recently divorced and she is, for the first time ever, seeking support for the child from me,” Staples said in a statement in 2013. Clemons says it was their son’s idea to seek back child support. To date, she says he hasn’t made regular payments, which total $350 monthly (including $61 for back payments). She received $3,000 in June—part of the requirements to have an arrest warrant set aside, court records show. She also says she got $1,400 from Staples in 2015. ◆
”I’m not afraid to get dirty because I know what I’m focused on, and that’s the community.” —RICK STAPLES
“Undue Scrutiny” KPD reassigns its football liaison; another UT administrator announces his departure BY CLAY DUDA
O
ne of two Knoxville police officers who tipped off University of Tennessee football coaches about a pending rape investigation involving some players is being reassigned. The other will remain as police chief. Chief David Rausch announced last week that Officer Sam Brown—who has served as KPD’s liaison to the UT football program for 19 years—has been reassigned ahead of the 2016 football season, a move at least in part triggered by media scrutiny over the department’s cozy relationship with UT athletics. Just one day later, UT Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Dave Hart announced he would step down from his position in June. Hart is the latest in a series of high-profile departures from the university’s Knoxville campus within the past year, a time when the school has been embroiled with numerous controversies, including a federal Title IX lawsuit alleging that it mishandles sexual assault cases involving student athletes and outcry from state legislators over blog posts made by its Office of Diversity and Inclusion (which legislators later voted to defund). Brown will keep working with KPD until his retirement in January. Officer Fred Kimber takes his place as the new football liaison. “This move is not the result of anything that Officer Brown has done or not done,” Rausch wrote in the emailed statement. “We decided to implement the change as a result of the reported concerns that were highlighted regarding the relationship with the Knoxville Police Department and the University of Tennessee Football Program.” Questions about KPD’s relationship with UT athletics surfaced in April after phone records showed both Rausch and Brown had contacted head coach Butch Jones and other team leaders in the early stages of a sexual assault investigation involving some players. Jones, in turn, called players A.J. Johnson and Michael Williams, alerting them hours in advance that police were investigating them on
allegation of rape. Mayor Madeline Rogero subsequently ordered a review of what Rausch called a “long-standing practice” by the department of making “professional courtesy” calls to UT officials during investigations involving athletes. KPD changed its policy shortly after, saying it would only make “formal notification” to UT law enforcement. In his statement announcing Brown’s transfer, Rausch said he was hopeful the adjustment would help the program move on and “avoid further undue scrutiny.” Athletics Vice Chancellor Hart said he had no plans after his retirement in June next year. In an announcement, the university credited Hart with having “turned around the athletics department financially, structurally, and academically while re-energizing a now healthy Volunteer football program” during his tenure. UT Chancellor Jimmy Cheek, who praised Hart’s work, announced his own departure in June, saying he was planning to take a less-demanding faculty position in order to spend more time with “myself, my family, and my grandchildren.” He said the move was not triggered by woes facing the embattled university. At least four other top administrators have announced their departures in recent months. Vice Chancellor of Diversity and Inclusion Ricky Hall turned in his resignation just one day before his office saw its funding cut by state legislators in late May. Senior Vice Chancellor and UT Provost Susan Martin in March announced that she planned to vacate her position and return to teaching. Her last day as provost was Aug. 1. Margie Nichols, the vice chancellor of communications at UT, said in February that she was retiring. Her announcement came not long after she was placed in charge of blog posts for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. UT Institute of Agriculture Chancellor Larry Arrington will retire at the beginning of September. ◆
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KNOXVILLE MERCURY 11
t s a l the re o t s CD Illustration by Tricia Bateman
An oral history of the Disc Exchange by 25 years’ worth of former employees
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here once was a time when the purchase of new music consisted of more than just a click of a button—it meant being part of something bigger than yourself and your cellphone. Back then, you didn’t just go buy a record like you would a box of detergent. It sounds unlikely now, but going to a record store could actually be exciting—if not for the actual disc you brought home, then for the experience of simply being among people who knew and loved music as much as you did. At the best record stores, the act of buying a record also meant joining a community where friendships were made and things happened: live performances by bands big and small, midnight gatherings for important new
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KNOXVILLE MERCURY August 25, 2016
releases, long discussions over whose music really mattered, parties that linger in memory. Record stores were resources for communication and community building. With the announcement that the Disc Exchange will be closing after 25 years, Knoxville faces a gap in its cultural scene that probably won’t be filled any time soon. Owners Allan Miller and Jennie Ingram created a local institution that furthered the lives of countless musicians and music lovers, and helped build a music scene. Here are firsthand accounts of those years by just some of the former employees of the Disc Exchange. —Coury Turczyn
Photo courtesy of Lisa Graves
Jesse Graves
I
moved to Knoxville in the summer of 1992 with some friends. I had the intention of giving the South a try for one year. I got a job at the Disc Exchange, a cute little funky record store with styrofoam panels keeping the store sectioned. Somehow, 24 years later, I am still in Knoxville and at the DE. I have been through all the reconstructions, upgrades, downgrades, and everything in between during my time here. But to me the DE is so much more than brick and mortar—it has a personality and soul. It has blessed with me lifelong friends and my husband, whom I met 21 years ago through a coworker. My now-16-year-old son toddled around this place and helped out on days off from school after he knew his alphabet and could put away CDs. I am not sure what direction life is pulling me towards next but the DE will always have a place in my heart (In the early days, when we started to replace the card racks with fancy display racks, we decided to use header cards for each artist, with labels made with a new Dymo label maker. An eight-hour shift making labels is torture. I’m pretty sure I’m the one responsible for “Megadeath”)
I
—Paula Yeary, 1992-2016 Photo cou rtesy of Lisa Graves
Lisa Graves and Ben Ph
illippi
n 1994, when I started working at the Disc Exchange, downtown Knoxville had not yet undergone the transformation into the vibrant urban center one fi nds there now. The DE was a great cross-section of the city. We sold tons of rap albums and metal albums and country albums, sometimes all to one wide-ranging person but mostly to people who did not ordinarily shop in the same stores. Anyone interested in music, from the casual radio listener to the connoisseur, came there to buy the album they wanted, and we almost always had it in stock. The DE gave the city a great place to spend an afternoon, to discover something new, and maybe to run into an old friend. For me, the closing of the store is more personal than all that. I met my wife Lisa there; a picture of our daughter, the first of several Disc Exchange babies, has been taped to a support beam above the trade counter since 1998; I made more friends there than at any other time of my life, the kind who let you know they are thinking of you after your father dies. The Disc Exchange was the perfect place to be young, to grow up, and to come home to when we lived in upstate New York and later in New Orleans. Many of our friends from the store moved away as we did, to Texas, Oregon, Indiana, and so many other
places. But Lisa and I never visited home without contacting at least one DE friend. We would call Lisa Morrow, our favorite-ever concert companion, or Brian Johnson, the store’s longest-serving manager, who started working there the same day as me, or Chad Pelton, who later designed the covers for my poetry books. These were the fi rst people we told about expecting our daughter, even before our parents or siblings—the essential friends of our lives. Like so many of the store’s employees, I was a college student trying to make enough money to eat and pay rent, and also to buy a few CDs and go to a few local shows. I think of my time at the Disc Exchange as giving me a parallel education to what I was learning in my classes at the University of Tennessee. Some of my in-store teachers were coworkers, because who knew more about jazz than Dave King and Ben Phillippi? Who knew more about industrial and art rock than Ryan Collins and Shawna Pate? And who in the world knew more about bluegrass and country music than Benny Smith and Shane Tymon, of Soppin’ the Gravy fame? Occasionally, customers were the experts, like Ted Olson, who later wrote a book on the Big Bang of Country Music, or the owners would hire someone, like Tom Simpson, to
develop the “Classical Room.” That phrase alone should reveal something about the ambition of the store to be truly great and inclusive—a whole room designated to classical music, with a “Jazz Room” on the other side of the store and an excellent selection of almost every other genre. Technologies change, but what people care about stays remarkably consistent through time, and music has always been, at least since the ancient Greeks, an essential element of human lives. Music brings people together and gives them a common bond. It reaches across a range of emotions, and whatever mood or taste one might feel, a piece of music has been recorded to reflect it. A great record store is a community center, and the Internet cannot replace that, because it does not replicate the personal interaction. The Disc Exchange was the Mid-Day Merry-GoRound of its era, and anyone who cares about music in East Tennessee should feel a tinge of sadness as it closes—and more importantly, a sense of gratitude that it existed for us for such a good long time.
—Jesse Graves, 1994-1998 and summer 2001; he is an associate professor of literature and language at East Tennessee State University, as well as its poet in residence. August 25, 2016
KNOXVILLE MERCURY 13
s how -s t or e t er s in Foo Fig h
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KNOXVILLE MERCURY August 25, 2016
Photo courtesy of Lisa Graves
Johhny Sughrue
was that guy—long-lost regulars would walk in after a few years’ absence and see my face and yell, “You still working here?” My typical answer: “Well, of course. The country section is over there now.” The Disc Exchange wasn’t a store, it was a community. It was a community of music lovers, people looking for the next new thing, collectibles, the latest reissue, or maybe that old gem of an album the public and industry had long forgotten. If we didn’t have it, we’d fi nd a way to get it. Lots of crazy characters and many awkward misfits—they all seemed to make a regular stop. A few of ’em smelled pretty bad, too. But if you asked them about their favorite band, they could talk for hours. We couldn’t avoid ’em. It was an education, too. I learned so much about every genre of music— rock, post-rock, metal, too many types of techno, hip-hop, jazz, classical, and lots of bluegrass, too. All of our CD
collections grew and grew. Being musically knowledgeable was encouraged. It was a huge source of pride. I learned a lot in my nearly 20 years there. I gained other valuable knowledge, too. I learned how to patch drywall, how to attach cove base, how to build a CD rack. I learned the in-and-out mechanics of a small business. I learned that if you’re going to haul a thin fiberglass sign in the bed of a pickup and you didn’t strap that sucker down, it’s going to get airborne and shatter all over the highway. I learned the fi ne art of navigating a left turn on Chapman Highway during rush hour. Even walking across the street to get lunch at the Shoney’s salad bar was a practiced skill. The Disc Exchange put on many great shows. National touring acts, large and underground, from every genre, stopped by to play in that little corner through that tiny mix-pack PA. It was a really intimate way for artists to connect to the public, to the
community—a treat that you just don’t get every day. And we could all tell you who was cool and who was an asshole. (Secretly, they were almost always cool.) People say the CD is a dead format. They said the same about records and cassettes many years back. Cassettes? You should be upset when any local business closes down. That’s another hole in the landscape, another hole in the local economy, another set of dreams closing. So, thank you, Al and Jennie, for so many great memories and the misfit community of music lovers you created. Thank you for providing a haven for us misfits and musicians that allowed us to avoid real jobs for so long. It’s hard to imagine what that spot on Chapman Highway will become—like the west store nearly 10 years ago, just another building. It’ll be sorely missed. Enjoy the downloads, folks.
—Johnny Sughrue, 1995-2014; he now works as a paralegal in Atlanta.
—Chad Pelton, two stints between 1995 and 2005; he is now a graphic designer at Scripps Networks Interactive.
Photo courtesy of Lisa Graves
Chad Pelton and Sh
Photo courtesy of Lisa Graves
ane Tymon
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rly 2000s above: th store, ca. ea u So e th om employees fr
Josh Staunton (righ
door of the DE in style, got out in front of a giant line waiting for Garth Brooks tickets to go on sale, and unlocked the door and started our day. 9. Taking Polaroids of shoplifters. 10. The day an employee chased a shoplifter across Chapman Highway, up the hill behind Shoney’s, and dropped him to the ground like a hammer, dragging him back across the highway and calling the cops. 11. Going to eat long lunches at Ramsey’s, Southern Vittles, or King Tut’s in the summertime. 12. Standing out back on break one night, I saw a box come flying out of the Chinese place next door. The box hit the ground, tipped over, and a groundhog came running out into the kudzu. Those things were all over that back hill. 13. Weekly new-release quizzes that employees took to keep up with what was coming out. Employees who did well on the quizzes could earn credit towards buying records in their hold boxes. 14. A kid of maybe 8 or 9, upon seeing a small novelty smoking baby toy: “Aw, mom, that smoking baby’s off the ching-chong!” That quote is still in regular rotation. 15. For a while you could make employee purchases and the money would be taken out of your next paycheck. So dangerous. 16. The early Christmas parties were fantastic. There was normally a house band made up of employees. I’ll never forget hearing a cover of “If I Needed You,” sung by Charlie Susano, at my fi rst Disc Exchange Christmas party. I knew I was in with the right group of people. A couple years later, I’d manage the courage to sing a cover or two myself. As silly or corny as it may sound, the Disc Exchange reminded me of the shops in Empire Records and High Fidelity. Every employee had the music they liked, the albums they played, the bands they were in, and the personalities to match. Together, we were a family of total misfits that had the love of music in common. Regardless of the genre, we all blended together to make a pretty fantastic place, and a pretty fantastic family. It will be missed.
Photo courtesy of Josh Staunton
B
esides meeting many of my best friends, having the best (and worst) customers, and making new relationships out of both at the DE, here are a few of the memories I have: 1. Shane Tymon dancing on top of “Trade Island” to the Backsliders album Throwin’ Rock at the Moon while we closed up shop and drank a shift beer. We were probably all getting ready to go to a show at the Mercury Theater. We were always getting ready to go to a show after work. 2. Sitting on the couch late at night after we closed, listening to new releases before they came out: the V-Roys’ fi rst album, Wilco’s Being There, the Flaming Lips’ Soft Bulletin, and Radiohead’s OK Computer are just a notable few. 3. The countless stream of new records that I got to listen to and learn about, and the free samplers that would be given out at monthly meetings, after they served their time on the Listening Bar. Moving them was terrible, but I always had new music. 4. Working on Sundays was always fun. When it was slow we played a game we called gumball, which was a sort of soccer/skee ball combo played with gumballs that the store bought from the machine at the front door—usually while listening to outlawed music, such as Marvin Sease’s “Candy Licker.” I’m sure we ticked off a lot of parents and broadened the vocabularies of a lot of children. 5. I loved our regular customers: Metal Mike and his buddy Top Hat were like heavy-metal cartoons, and you could always count on their weekly visits, asking about new Kiss dolls or wrestling tickets. The DE was a constant source of hilarity. Tons of laughs were had on that floor. 6. Saturday customers always smelled like beer and weed. 7. I did my entire senior design project on the Xerox machine in the back office. The night before it was due, I had that concrete floor fi lled with copies and laid out my entire process book before assembling the fi nal product. I still have a copy. 8. A coworker and I both had broken cars at the same time. He had a buddy pick us up in a limo one Saturday morning on Highland Avenue. We rolled up to the front
August 25, 2016
KNOXVILLE MERCURY 15
Photo courtesy of Christopher Lowe
re West sto
co-owners Jennie Ingram and Ala n Mille
Photo courtesy of Lisa Graves
. early 2000s below: South store, ca e th om fr s employee
r
A Photo courtesy of Lisa Graves
l and Jennie are the most wonderful people for whom I have had the privilege of working. Not everyone is responsible with success, but they did it right. The way we were treated as employees was nothing short of incredible, and I mean that from the heart.
—Carey Balch, 1997-2001; he now works at Wild Chorus and plays drums in Warband.
Angela Sellers Tracy Jackson and
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KNOXVILLE MERCURY August 25, 2016
W
hy did I quit working at the Disc Exchange? I’ve asked myself this question a lot lately. I was in college and worked at what I thought was the coolest place in the world. Then, I remembered that I didn’t quit. I was fi red. For throwing a party after closing one night. I wasn’t even fi red for that really. It was the watermelon. In the late 1990s, I was an art student at UT. I was really into this woman I went to school with. To impress her, I decided to invite about 15 or 20 people to the Disc Exchange West after closing to help me make a movie. I really didn’t have a plan. Beer and weed was probably the extent of that. Some fl irting went on. Some fi lming went on. And lots of beer got drunk. At some point, no more movie happened and I decided it was a good
idea to climb up on the counter and jump down on a watermelon. Choices. That watermelon exploded on the floor and draped the CD racks, stickers, and patches on the wall. After getting some help cleaning up, I was driven home. Party over. The next day, I was called in by Jan, my manager, for the inevitable. She was crying. It seemed difficult for her to do it. She told me that I wasn’t fi red for the party but because they had had the floors cleaned the week before and that watermelon had irreversibly stained the carpet. How could she ever explain it? For years, I would go back to the store and show people the stain. “I did that.”
—Chris Lowe, 1997-1999 (west location); he is now a graphic designer and manages a copy shop at UT
Photo courtesy of Lisa Graves
Angela Sellers an
F
or most people, working at the same job for 10 years means you actually enjoy what you do. Working at the Disc Exchange was certainly no exception for me. I was employed at the south location from 1998-2008. During that time I met many wonderful appreciators of music, both coworkers and customers. And my own husband of almost 15 years. I must say I feel very fortunate. I worked the day the awesome Foo Fighters did the in-store and got to hang out with them at Manhattan’s after the show. I enjoyed the excitement of midnight sales back when you really had to wait until an album’s actual release date before you could own it. A couple of memorable ones include Radiohead’s Kid A and an Insane Clown Posse release that brought in die-hard face-painted fans—quite a sight. Record Store Day was a great day of live music, limited releases, great food and fun swag. You knew you’d see all of the local folks out at some point to take part and support local music stores. One of the strange things I took slight joy in was catching shoplifters. Hearing the ripping of a wrapper, the pop of the plastic CD shell, the beeping of the metal detector—there would be a customer who gave the deer in the headlights look hoping I’d let this one slide. Oh, no. Not at the Disc Exchange. We took great pride in cuing up Jane’s Addiction’s “Been
MUSIC & SOUND & LESSONS 1505 Downtown West Blvd.
d Jesse Graves
Caught Stealing” and taking a Polaroid of the perpetrator to be fi led away in the tattered “Shift Log,” which was a black binder full of updates, noteworthy news, and invites to local shows or parties. Each shift, employees got to play disc jockey and choose what was to be played in the store. Some days you could come in completely happy and prepared with what your choice of music would be. Other days you would be the guilty one blamed for the dead air until you could fi nd a pick. I always enjoyed the days we would choose themes for the daily playlist. Some days were a stretch and others became a beautiful challenge. A few examples could include soundtracks, bands that have colors in their title, bands that have state names in their title, supergroups—you get the picture. One of the many fun perks. The closing of the Disc Exchange has brought a sad lull for many. It has been such an amazing establishment of folks enjoying a common interest. We share our love of music with others and receive a key that opens an amazing door. That open door can be a gateway to multiple doors—and stronger friendships. I will miss that store. But the friends I have made and the appreciation of multiple musical talents will remain forever.
—Angela Sellers, 1998-2008; she is now a teacher at Garden Montessori School.
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KNOXVILLE MERCURY 17
right: V-Roys row (left) below: Lisa Mor s (middle) er ll Se and Paxton
Photo courtesy of Lisa Graves
I
have gone through several stages with the Disc Exchange:
Stage 1: Discovery A friend and I heard there was a place selling used CDs in an old video store behind Shoney’s on Chapman Highway called Parkway Video. We walked in and saw Al Miller behind the counter with a few hundred CDs displayed. We couldn’t believe that we could buy used CDs. At the time, new CDs were pretty expensive and he had used ones for sale for around $8. That day I bought my fi rst used CD, Led Zeppelin IV, which I still have in my collection. From this point on I was a loyal customer to the Disc Exchange. Stage 2: Music Discovery As the DE grew, they moved from the video store to across the street. I would go in the store periodically to look for new music. In those days, you couldn’t preview music online, so you had to rely on friends, fellow music fans, and sometimes blind purchases. I would buy albums based just on the covers alone. But DE had a wall in the back of the store in the early ’90s that would have new up-and-coming groups or underground bands that I was interested in. I remember specifically looking over that wall and seeing a group called Nirvana. I thought, “That looks really interest-
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KNOXVILLE MERCURY August 25, 2016
ing, and the band name sounds cool.” So I bought it that day, not knowing what they sounded like. Within the next month, “Teen Spirit” hit. Disc Exchange always had the music before anyone else. The staff there knew what was cool, and it was there in the store to buy. It was such a great source for new music. Having that in the early days sent me down a path of music discovery that I have kept going on to this day. Stage 3: As a Musician In the mid to late ’90s, I was in a band call the V-Roys. We had worked with the DE quite a bit by helping promote our records and doing in-store performance. They were very supportive of the local music scene in Knoxville and went out of their way to help bands get heard. They especially helped the V-Roys by promoting our music in the store, coming to our shows in Knoxville, and letting us do a record-release party/performance the night our second record came out. Stage 4: Employment After my days in the V-Roys came to an end, I decided to go back to college; I needed a job and I had several friends that I knew at the Disc Exchange. I heard that they might have an open spot so I applied. It was not an easy place to get a job. The fi rst
thing you had to do, to even be considered, was take a test to show how much potential music knowledge you had. They wanted the most musically knowledgeable people to provide the best customer service. I thought I knew a lot about music when I applied, but I had only scratched the surface. As an employee, you were exposed to so much music all day that you couldn’t help to absorb music. And for music lovers it was a great thing. All the employees had their different tastes and you would bounce ideas off each other all the time. It was a constant discussion of all things about music and music-related topics. Top-five lists, desert-island picks—you name it, we talked about it. Which led me to the next stage. Stage 5: Marriage One of my coworkers, Angela Pritchard, was on the other end of the music spectrum from me. I was into indie rock and she was into house music. At the time, I didn’t know anything about electronic music, and she was the go-to person for that. One day, I asked her to explain all the different kinds of dance and electronic music. What is house, drum ’n’ bass, trance, etc. So we would talk about it and over time we got to know one another pretty well. Then she started
to get into some of the music that I was into. We went to a couple of shows together. We traveled to Athens, Ga., to see Spoon and Superchunk. One thing led to another and we started dating. Fast forward 15-plus years, and we are still happily married, with two young daughters. One of them just discovered Nirvana for the first time on her own. 25 years later. Stage 6: Post-Employment/ Summary After marriage, I graduated college and moved on to other jobs, but the Disc Exchange has always been my record-store home. I knew I could always go into the Disc Exchange and see a friend. Not to sound like Cheers, but it’s where they all knew your name. The Disc Exchange, to me, is at the core of who I am. They have been a force in my development, they have exposed me to more music than I can discuss, I have met friends some of my closest friends there, and they were responsible for me meeting my wife, who was an employee for more than 10 years. All I can say is that the DE means something to me and always will. It will truly be missed.
—Paxton Sellers, 2000-2002; he is now in international logistics for C.H. Robinson
Photo
CEB
ARD TS BO
S EVEN
CAMPU
Wednesday August 31, 2016 Cox Auditorium
Alumni Memorial Building
7PM
*public meet & greet in AMB at 5:30PM
Photo courtesy of Lisa Graves
T
he only time I moved back into my parents’ house in Morristown was for two weeks after my freshman year of college. I’d transferred from a private college in Virginia to the University of Tennessee to save an astronomical amount of money, but my family didn’t want their only child moving to Knoxville without getting a job fi rst. After waking up in my childhood bedroom one mid-May morning, I hit up the only places in Knoxville I knew where to get a job: West Town Mall and Target. I made one last stop before turning tail back to Motown: the Disc Exchange West. I fi lled out my application at the listening station overlooking scenic Kingston Pike at Gallaher View—you had to fi ll it out on the spot, as there were musical knowledge quizzes contained therein, which surely wracked the nerve of many applicants—and headed east on Interstate 40 without a second thought. Before I’d made it back home, they’d already called to offer me an interview, which went off without a hitch. And just like that: I was in. I had been chosen. I was cool. To be an 18-year-old small-town girl working at a record store as esteemed as the Disc Exchange was something surely out of a movie. I’d managed to glean a fair amount of musical nuggets from worshiping 120 Minutes and Amp, and my high-school boyfriend gave me my fi rst Autechre and Aphex Twin albums. But working there, among those who had devoted their lives to spreading the gospel of underrepresented bards and beatmak-
ers, the sonic savants of sad bastards everywhere, helped my musical taste to take its true form. My own outlook toward myself changed for the better, too. The recommendations I received from my coworkers and customers alike expanded my aural palate and instilled listening patterns that continue to help my musical discovery process to this day. I learned the importance of record labels, session musicians, and geo-locational affi liations. I learned the proper way to handle a record and open a new CD; I learned how to enjoy drinking beer; and, perhaps most importantly, I learned to not shit where I eat. My time at the DE was curtailed by the rampages of a love misguided, but that’s just as well. The damage wrought paled in comparison to the personal progress I’d been granted by working in that expansive, thinly carpeted black hole of wonderful weirdos, some of whom are forever friends. I was given the everlasting gifts of self-assurance, self-determination, and several shelves of a kick-ass record collection. The Disc Exchange instilled in me the confidence I needed to see the worth in myself. Even though my DE is long gone, the lessons I learned there reverberate throughout everything I’ve ever done or will ever do. .
—Laura Ashley Susong, 2004-2005 (west location); she is now the managing editor of Cityview Magazine.
DR. BENNET OMALU
*SUBJECT OF FILM CONCUSSION
PORTRAYED BY WILL SMITH
FIRST TO DISCOVER AND DIAGNOSE CHRONIC BRAIN DAMAGE IN NFL ATHLETES
@KNOXMERCURY.COM
Read even more memories from former employees at our website!
This event is free and open to the public. For more information or to arrange disability accommodations please contact the Center for Student Engagement at (865) 974-5455 or visit go.utk.edu
August 25, 2016
KNOXVILLE MERCURY 19
Photos by Eleanor Scott
A&E
P rogram Notes
Community Corner The Birdhouse celebrates its 10th anniversary, but the spot has been a community hub much longer
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he Birdhouse is a two-story Victorian house at the corner of Fourth Avenue and Gill Street with an art gallery, meeting rooms, kitchen, library, studio spaces, the office of a nonprofit organization, a hip-hop recording studio, and a community radio station inside. Its stated mission is “to provide a community-operated and -organized venue in the interest of fortification and preservation of community space.” Caitlin Myers, the maintenance director of the Birdhouse, says that mission stems from “a commitment to anti-racism, anti-sexism, anti-homophobia, anti-classism and [to] stand with the collective struggles of oppressed people.” A progressive community center has occupied the building since the 1970s. It has seen ups and downs over the years, nearly going defunct in the early 2000s before a group of artists
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Shelf Life: Trilogies
KNOXVILLE MERCURY August 25, 2016
and musicians revived it as the Birdhouse. On Aug. 27, the Birdhouse will celebrate its 10-year anniversary with a day of children’s activities, food, an exhibition of Birdhouse history, and performances by five acts—Headface and the Congenitals, Black Atticus, Rather Unique, Beige Blood, Maspeth, and Sally Buice— ranging from solo acoustic artists to rock ’n’ roll and hip-hop. Festivities are from 3 p.m. until midnight. A $5 donation is suggested. In 2006, five friends founded the Birdhouse as an artists’ space. At the time, the 130-year-old-house had fallen into disrepair and was little used by the community. Two artists, Holly Briggs and Katie Ries, took an interest in the building, and decided to rent art space upstairs and recruit other artists, dancers and musicians to foster a community around art, music, and activism.
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Music: Hudson K
“I chuckle at how young we were, and how we powered our way though our ever-changing vision of the collective,” says Briggs. “I am proud of the work we did during those years, and that we were able to create something that has grown beyond us. Once we passed the torch, it became a new and different vision. I love the momentum it has sustained.” Over the past 10 years, the Birdhouse’s focus has shifted toward progressive political action. The Birdhouse formed ties to the Highlander Research and Education Center, the social justice leadership school that trained Rosa Parks. The Good Guy Collective, a hip-hop program promoting social change, and the nonprofit Peace Brigade rent space upstairs. Comite Popular, an immigrants’ rights group, Black and Pink, a group that supports LGBT prisoners, and Black Lives Matter are among the organizations that hold meetings and forums there. The house was christened as the Neighborhood Center in the 1970s, when a local woman willed it to the community. The Fourth and Gill neighborhood takes its name from the address, which was once a vital location in the social fabric of the area and intrinsically tied to the Fourth and Gill Neighborhood Organization. In the
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1970s and ’80s, when Fourth and Gill was still a struggling neighborhood of rundown houses, residents came together to organize for social justice, even producing a newspaper, The 4th and Gill Gazette: A Voice of Poor and Working Class People. Over the years, neighborhood activism gave way to renovation and the building fell into disrepair; the Fourth and Gill Neighborhood Organization began holding its meetings in other locations. Recently, the Fourth and Gill Neighborhood Organization has begun to host events and monthly meetings at the Birdhouse again, returning to its roots at the neighborhood center. Now, though the work of volunteers and funding from grants and donations, the building is in the best shape it’s been in in years, with a new roof, a new bathroom, a new kitchen, and new flooring. A series of renovations and repairs that began in 2006 has steadily continued. The Birdhouse board is applying for a grant to remodel the front of the building. During a 1980s “remuddle,” the original deep wraparound porch was replaced by a smaller concrete stoop. The grant would restore the porch to the generously proportioned historic state it was in when the community first gathered together in its shade. —Eleanor Scott
Movies: Right Now, Wrong Then
Shelf Life
Three Trilogies A spate of interwoven tales, newly available at Knox County Public Library BY CHRIS BARRETT
WIM WENDERS: THE ROAD TRILOGY
This new Criterion package bundles three of Wim Wenders’ earliest feature fi lms—Alice in the Cities, Wrong Move, and Kings of the Road, all made during the mid-1970s with overlapping casts and themes. It is a calming pleasure to accompany Wenders as he taps out the boundaries of the emotionally barren landscapes where he will spend so much of his career. Any of these fi lms would serve as fair warning for Paris, Texas, which followed them by a decade. While Wrong Move (1975) and Kings (1976) occasionally feel like academic exercises, Alice in the Cities (1974) is a treat. German journalist Philip Winter (Rüdiger Vogler, the male lead in each of these fi lms) bails on an American assignment and an airport fl irtation leaves him in charge of a 9-year-old girl bound for Europe. Back in Germany, Alice (Yella Rottländer) and Philip search half-heartedly for the child’s mother and grandmother. Philip seems never to have had cause to care for anyone before, and though he’s too broke to spoil Alice, she delights at having an adult actually listen to her. The fi lm pits roots against rootlessness and innocence against the longing for its end. Ultimately the fi lm celebrates each of those elements.
A WHIT STILLMAN TRILOGY: METROPOLITAN, THE LAST DAYS OF DISCO, AND BARCELONA Whit Stillman’s trio of 1980s dramedies are fresh out on Blu-ray and worth a rewatch. The deluxe art
direction and cinematography render the posh digs and discos of these bored and precious young people beautifully unbearable. Stillman often draws comparisons to Woody Allen, but now that you can view this core of his career’s output at the comfort of a two-decade remove, it’s easier to see how closely Stillman aligns himself with the worldview of Noël Coward and even Jane Austen. The tropes and trappings of privilege will always be, at end, more burden than blessing. Barcelona (1994), with its Cold War jingoism versus Communism, makes an even more successful time capsule than The Last Days of Disco (1998) and its predictably embarrassing soundtrack. Fred (Chris Eigeman) and Ted (Taylor Nichols) are American cousins reunited in Barcelona. Fred is a U.S. Naval officer on assignment, keen on making the most of his good fortune and lack of real responsibilities. Ted is a salesman for an American corporation,
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without confidence or respect for his own line of work. They are a believable odd couple. But instead of Felix and Oscar, who were truly annoyed by each other’s presence, Fred and Ted’s relationship is shaped primarily by grudges held over from their too comfortable formative years.
THE TAVIANI BROTHERS COLLECTION
The paisano brothers Paolo and Vittorio Taviani have been codirecting fi lms together since 1962. Their method supposedly involves taking turns and directing alternating scenes as the other silently observes. Their subject matter and sugar-free method of presentation descend directly from postwar Italian neorealism. In Padre Padrone (1977), The Night of the Shooting Stars (1982), and Kaos (1984), we see that life is mostly difficult but eventually justified by fleeting moments of magic or beauty. Like the currently popular pseudonymous Italian writer Elena Ferrante, the Tavianis have been inspired by— and have given due credit to—the Sicilian playwright and essayist Luigi Pirendello. The most potent of these midcareer features is the three-hourlong Kaos, which dramatizes four of Pirendello’s most enduring short stories and a brief memoir. If you found yourself unable to make it to the Mediterranean this summer, these sumptuous films might be a balm upon your land-locked spirit. Shelf Life explores new and timely entries from the Knox County Public Library’s collection of movies and music.
ARAM
The
from ERA:BetheThere Beginning! CLASSICAL TICKETS start at just $15!
SEPT. 2016
RUSSIAN PASSION: RACHMANINOFF & TCHAIKOVSKY Thursday, Sept. 15 • 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16 • 7:30 p.m. TENNESSEE THEATRE Aram Demirjian, conductor Orion Weiss, piano RACHMANINOFF: Piano Concerto No. 3 TCHAIKOVSKY: Symphony No. 5 Sponsored by Twin City Dealerships
NOV. 2016
APPALACHIAN SPRING Nov. 17 & 18 • 7:30 p.m.
TENNESSEE THEATRE Aram Demirjian, conductor Sponsored by Circle of Friends
A CLASSICAL CHRISTMAS Nov. 27 • 2:30 p.m.
Whit Stillman often draws comparisons to Woody Allen, but now that you can view this core of his career’s output at the comfort
BIJOU THEATRE Aram Demirjian, conductor Pellissippi State Variations choir Sponsored by Asbury Place Continuing Care Retirement Communities Presented with support from the Aslan Foundation
of a two-decade remove, it’s easier to see how closely Stillman aligns himself with the worldview of Noël Coward and even Jane Austen.
CALL: (865) 291-3310 CLICK: knoxvillesymphony.com VISIT: Monday-Friday, 9-5 August 25, 2016
KNOXVILLE MERCURY 21
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Music
Shifting Sounds Change remains the only constant for Hudson K BY S. HEATHER DUNCAN
C
hristina Horn’s powerful voice and funky keytar have set synth-rock band Hudson K apart in the Knoxville music scene for a decade. But it’s still hard to predict where the band’s upcoming record will take its sound, because Horn prides herself on trying to constantly evolve as a songwriter and musician. “I’m a bit of an experimenter and mad scientist, so to speak,” says Horn, who basically plays all the instruments in the band electronically—except the drums, ably driven by Nate Barrett. “I think I’ve always been inspired by artists like David Bowie or Beck. Each time they make a new thing, they kind of challenge themselves to make something a little bit different.” Horn certainly reinvented
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KNOXVILLE MERCURY August 25, 2016
Hudson K between the 2009 album Shine, which had a chamber pop feel, with acoustic piano, flute, and cello, and 2013’s Ouroboros and the Black Dove. (The name Hudson K is a mashup of Horn’s Northern roots and her adopted Southern hometown; she grew up in the Hudson Valley of New York, but after 16 years in Knoxville, she considers herself to be from here—thus the K.) In between the two albums, the band shrank and the reference points moved from the jazzy late 1970s into early 1980s new wave and electronic pop, with a twist of punk energy. The shift was partly creative, partly practical, Horn says. Lots of band members were leaving because of relocations and family commitments.
Barrett has been the only constant. “It’s hard to take four or five people on the road, especially when there are babies,” Horn says. “I decided to be all the instruments. Since I started playing around with electronics, I’ve been trying to find my voice. It’s a balance between avant-garde music I like but something that you can move to.” Horn, who studied piano at the University of Tennessee, writes and produces all the songs, with an emphasis on danceability. She started playing the keytar because she wants to be able to dance herself while performing, instead of being stuck behind a keyboard. If you haven’t seen the keytar in action, it looks like a cross between a guitar and a keyboard. But it’s not both. It’s neither—it’s a plastic box with nothing inside. It wirelessly controls the music from Horn’s computer, triggering samples, changing instruments, and more. “I found it on eBay, and at first Nate was like, ‘No! We’re not bringing back the ’80s.’ But it’s a practical instrument that allows me to jump around,” Horn says. “It’s super fun.” Despite its rewards, life as a female independent artist isn’t easy. Horn says she still meets a lot of people who assume she’s just a singer who shows up for shows. “They’re surprised I book, manage, drive the van, write the songs, and produce,” she says. “It’s been difficult being female in a world where, when you stand up for yourself, you’re considered a bitch. I like a challenge, though.” In Knoxville, the bigger challenge is playing synth rock in an Americana town, Horn says. But Hudson K even played the Dogwood Arts Festival’s Rhythm N’ Blooms Festival this year, bringing Horn’s wails, echoes, and reverb to listeners who might never have found it otherwise. Throughout the band’s evolution, the constant has been Horn’s dark, powerful voice, reminiscent of Siouxie Sioux. She and Barrett thrive on performing, which is part of why it’s been so long since the last record, but they took this summer off from
touring to write songs for a new album. Like Ouroboros, this one is likely to be released on vinyl after a presale campaign this fall. Advance purchases will fund the recording of the album. What can we expect from the songs? Further experimentation with sound, and topics entwined with current events (also a new direction for Hudson K). The songs are related to “the current political state and humanity and how we treat each other,” Horn says. “I can’t help it. … I’m experiencing these feelings in my own family, like, ‘I despise you but I love you.’ How can this be?” This weekend, Horn and Barrett will perform as part of Blankfest, a music festival hosted by Blank newspaper that runs from Friday, Aug. 26, through Sunday, Aug. 28 at various Market Square venues. (Hudson K plays at Scruffy City Hall on Saturday, Aug. 27, from 10:3011:15 p.m.) Horn, who occasionally writes for Blank, says to expect a fiery rendition of some of her band’s new material at Blankfest, as an expression of gratitude to Blank founder Rusty Odom. “He has put his heart and soul into putting together this performance, so we will just throw it all out on the table,” she says. ◆
WHAT
Blankfest
WHERE
Market Square
WHEN
Friday, Aug. 26 – Sunday, Aug. 28
HOW MUCH $10-$60
INFO
blanknews.com
Movies
Love Me Two Times
underline the more obvious differences between the two versions of the story. When Ham’s drunkenness rears its head in the first hour, Hee-jung swivels slightly away on her barstool. In the second hour, it’s his direct gaze that makes her pivot an inch or three. Yet you sit through an hour of banal romantic fumbling before you get to the ambiguity, and emotional gravity, that lends Right Now, Wrong Then its beguiling complexity. Not that there aren’t compensations throughout the first hour, especially some moments of exquisitely dry wit. But the first half of Right Then is a movie you don’t really want to finish, while the second half is the movie you wish the first half was. And maybe that’s Hong’s point in the end: Honesty and forthrightness pay off for both characters, if not necessarily through the expected romcom formulas. But thinking of the film as a simple polemic—basically, an elaborate episode of Goofus and Gallant—is far less satisfying than puzzling over its oddball narrative physics. As good as it is to see Ham and Hee-jung get another chance, and to see where they end up, Right Now almost can’t help but make you question the point of the journey. ◆
Korean director Hong Sang-soo offers two versions of the same story in Right Now, Wrong Then BY LEE GARDNER
W
ho hasn’t had a chance encounter with someone who sends the pulse racing only to find any budding rapport falls apart in embarrassing disaster? And what wouldn’t you give for one more chance to not offer that opinion, or to turn down that fourth drink? The idea of a romantic do-over has served as the germ of a slew of romantic comedies, and it also shapes the twist to Korean writer/ director Hong Sang-soo’s new film Right Now, Wrong Then. But Hong is after much more refined, and elusive, revelations from the cinematic second chance. Art-house film director Ham ( Jung Jay-yeong) is hosting a screening of his latest film in a new town, where he meets and chats up lovely local Hee-jung (Kim Min-hee). They have coffee, they talk, they walk, he
praises her paintings, they get sushi, they talk some more, they drink. She seems sweet, if perhaps a bit ingenuous. He comes across as pleasant, but maybe too much so—like the kind of thirsty front one might put on for a beauty who could be a decade younger or more. He pounds soju and starts to slur. She drags him to a friend’s gathering, where his praise for her work is busted as interview boilerplate and his infamy as a womanizer is revealed. He ends his night alone, and his trip in ignominy. An hour into Right Now, Hong restarts the movie—title card, theme music, and all—and throws Ham and Hee-jung back together. But it isn’t a simple Groundhog Day-style rewind. Some elements in this take of their story change or disappear, and it’s unclear whether they’re just elided, or,
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in this version, they never existed. More importantly, Ham actually criticizes her paintings instead of just flattering them, flaring her temper and risking getting kicked out of her studio. Hee-jung is more assured, and more forthcoming, talking about her own drinking, and about her absent father. In place of clumsy come-ons, Ham blurts out his love for Hee-jung, and in the next breath reveals that he’s married with kids. It makes them both sad, but not completely dissuaded. Right Now has the stately progress and plain-Jane surface look of a tedious indie, but Hong and company are subtly on their game here. The director makes use of blatant zooms to bore in on the key characters in some scenes—and to perhaps poke pilot holes in the film’s veneer of sober realism. Subtle cues
WHAT
The Public Cinema: Right Now, Wrong Then
WHERE
University of Tennessee Art and Architecture Building, Room 109 (1715 Volunteer Boulevard)
WHEN
Sunday, Aug. 28, at 2 p.m. Photo courtesy of Grasshopper Film
HOW MUCH Free
INFO
publiccinema.org
August 25, 2016
KNOXVILLE MERCURY 23
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KNOXVILLE MERCURY August 25, 2016
August 25, 2016
KNOXVILLE MERCURY 25
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KNOXVILLE MERCURY August 25, 2016
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VOTE LOCAL! WELCOME TO THE KNOXVILLE MERCURY’S READERS’ POLL! The ultimate survey of everything Knoxvillians love most about Knoxville Top Knox celebrates only local and regional businesses and institutions.
NO NATIONAL CHAINS. NOT EVER. It’s the one true guide to Knoxville’s best, by the smartest, savviest consumers in town: YOU!
Results will be published in the Oct. 20 edition of the Mercury.
2016 READER’S POLL
VOTING IS ONLINE ONLY: topknox.knoxmercury.com VOTING BEGINS: Thursday, Aug. 4 at 12:01 a.m. VOTING ENDS: Thursday, Sept. 5 at Midnight
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August 25, 2016
KNOXVILLE MERCURY 27
TOP KNOX 2016 BALLOT
Community
the rules YOU CAN’T VOTE FOR NATIONAL CHAINS.
Sorry. Top Knox is all about the things that make our area unique—so vote for local and regionally owned businesses only.
YOU MUST FILL OUT AT LEAST 20 OF THE CATEGORIES.
You can manage that, right? Otherwise, your ballot won’t be counted. Show us you’re serious about this!
YOU CAN ONLY FILL OUT ONE BALLOT.
Voting is online only. (The print ballot is just for your information.) You will need to create a login for the ballot with your email address. You are only allowed to send in one electronic ballot for tabulation. Which brings us to…
YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO STUFF THE BALLOT BOX.
No! Don’t bother even trying to game the system—we’ll figure it out. We reserve the right to make final judgments in any categories where there appear to be voting irregularities. Any businesses involved in ballot stuffing risk being disqualified.
ALSO: VOTE FOR BUSINESSES THAT ARE STILL IN BUSINESS.
We may hold departed businesses dear in our hearts, but Top Knox is a celebration of the places we can enjoy now.
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KNOXVILLE MERCURY August 25, 2016
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August 25, 2016
KNOXVILLE MERCURY 29
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KNOXVILLE MERCURY August 25, 2016
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Bryan L. CAPPS August 25, 2016
KNOXVILLE MERCURY 31
CALENDAR MUSIC
Thursday, Aug. 25 THE WILLOWWACKS • WDVX • 12PM • Part of WDVX’s Blue Plate Special, a six-days-a-week lunchtime concert series featuring local, regional, and national Americana, folk, pop, rock, and everything else. • FREE EXIT 65 • Scruffy City Hall • 6PM • Part of Wayne Bledsoe’s 6 O’Clock Swerve series, broadcast live on WDVX. • FREE HOT SUMMER NIGHTS CONCERT SERIES • Blount County Public Library • 7PM • Thursdays in August, sponsored by the Blount County Friends of the Library. The performers will be 12-year-old Madisonville country singer Emi Sunshine (Aug. 4); jazz duo Wendel Werner and Alan Eleazer (Aug. 11); Nashville vocal family band Spencer’s Own (Aug. 18); Nashville country duo the Young Fables (Aug. 25); and Knoxville Opera’s preview of the 2016-17 season (Sept. 1). • FREE THE AMERICANA ALL STARS • Sugarlands Distilling Co. (Gatlinburg) • 7PM • FREE THE HOTSHOT FREIGHT TRAIN WITH SPACEFACE, SWEAR TAPES, AND PALE ROOT • Open Chord Brewhouse and Stage • 8PM • All ages. • $5 K-TOWN DUO • Wild Wing Cafe • 8:30PM • FREE THE 200S • Scruffy City Hall • 9PM THE HOOD INTERNET WITH SHOWYOUSUCK AND EARL GRAE • The Concourse • 9PM • 18 and up. • $8 BRENDON JAMES WRIGHT AND THE WRONGS • Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria • 10PM • Tapping the deep wells dug by Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt, Darrell Scott and Chris Knight, Wright’s lyrics and the Wrongs’ tunes bring the sounds of East Tennessee to listeners everywhere. • FREE STEPPIN’ STONES • Preservation Pub • 10PM • 21 and up. • $3 CRAWDADDY JONES • Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria (Maryville) • 8PM Friday, Aug. 26 BLANKFEST • Market Square • A three-day fest of local and regional music, hosted by Blank Newspaper. Featuring Perpetual Groove, R.B. Morris. Electric Darling, Trae Pierce and the T-Stones, Andrew Leahey and the Homestead, Baby Baby, Bark, the Barstool Romeos, Cody Brooks, CrumbSnatchers, the Deadbeat Scoundrels, Floralorix, Gillian, Guy Marshall, Grandpa’s Stash, Handsome and the Humbles, Heiskell, Hellaphant, Hudson k, Josiah and the Greater Good, Magmablood, Magnolia Motel, Marble City Shooters, Mendingwall, Meob, the Monday Movement, Nox Yorc, Peak Physique, the Pinklets, Senryu, Skinned Knees, Southern Cities, Thrift Store Cowboys, Time Sawyer, Tree Tops, Yung Life, and the Wild Jays. Aug. 26-28. • See Music story on page 22. MINOR MOON WITH KRISTY COX • WDVX • 12PM • Part of WDVX’s Blue Plate Special, a six-days-a-week lunchtime concert series featuring local, regional, and national Americana, folk, pop, rock, and everything else. • FREE STEVE RUTLEDGE • Wild Wing Cafe • 6PM • FREE PATRICK SWEANY • Sugarlands Distilling Co. (Gatlinburg) • 7PM • FREE KIRK FLETA • Jimmy’s Place • 7PM • FREE SAMUEL COX • Vienna Coffee House (Maryville) • 7PM • FREE
33 32
Spotlight: Dwight Yoakam
KNOXVILLE MERCURY August 25, 2016
Thursday, Aug. 25 - Sunday, Sept. 4
FROG AND TOAD’S DIXIE QUARTET • The Crown and Goose • 8PM • Live jazz featuring a mix of original music, early jazz and more. • FREE THE NEW SCHEMATICS WITH STONE BROKE SAINTS AND HAZEL • Open Chord Brewhouse and Stage • 8PM • $8 BILLY BOB THORNTON AND THE BOXMASTERS • Cotton Eyed Joe • 9PM • The Boxmasters are made up of Bud Thornton (vocals and drums), J.D. Andrew (guitar, bass and vocals), Brad Davis (guitar) and Teddy Andreadis (keyboards). 18 and up. • $10 KINCAID • Two Doors Down (Maryville) • 9PM SPECTRUM • The Bistro at the Bijou • 9PM • Live jazz. • FREE THE HARAKIRIS WITH EL ESCAPADO, FIRE AT THE MARQUEE, AND HEAVY SLEEPERS • Pilot Light • 9PM • 18 and up. • $5 THE JOHN SUTTON BAND • Brackins Blues Club (Maryville) • 9PM SHILOH HILL • Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria (Maryville) • 10PM JOE THE SHOW • Wild Wing Cafe • 10PM • FREE CARPE CAPARE • Boyd’s Jig and Reel • 10PM • FREE STYLES AND COMPLETE WITH ED GEE, FRESHCUTT, AND KWIKFLIP • The Concourse • 10PM • Styles got his start in music playing in bands in high school and then began making hip hop beats for rappers, eventually making frequent trips down to Atlanta to work with the Ying Yang Twins and members of their crew. At the same time DJ Complete was becoming one of the more well known DJs in the region. 18 and up. • $15 THE DELTAPHONICS • Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria • 10PM Saturday, Aug. 27 BLANKFEST • Market Square • A three-day fest of local and regional music, hosted by Blank Newspaper. Featuring Perpetual Groove, R.B. Morris. Electric Darling, Trae Pierce and the T-Stones, Andrew Leahey and the Homestead, Baby Baby, Bark, the Barstool Romeos, Cody Brooks, CrumbSnatchers, the Deadbeat Scoundrels, Floralorix, Gillian, Guy Marshall, Grandpa’s Stash, Handsome and the Humbles, Heiskell, Hellaphant, Hudson k, Josiah and the Greater Good, Magmablood, Magnolia Motel, Marble City Shooters, Mendingwall, Meob, the Monday Movement, Nox Yorc, Peak Physique, the Pinklets, Senryu, Skinned Knees, Southern Cities, Thrift Store Cowboys, Time Sawyer, Tree Tops, Yung Life, and the Wild Jays. Aug. 26-28. • See Music story on page 22. MOJOFLOW WITH THE GOOD BAD KIDS • WDVX • 12PM • Part of WDVX’s Blue Plate Special, a six-days-a-week lunchtime concert series featuring local, regional, and national Americana, folk, pop, rock, and everything else. • FREE PAUL THORN • The Shed at Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson (Maryville) • 6PM • During their two decades in the club, theater and festival trenches, Paul Thorn and his backing band have garnered a reputation for shows that ricochet from humor to poignancy to knock-out rock ‘n’ roll. • $20 DWIGHT YOAKAM • Back Porch on the Creek • 7PM • Yoakam’s distinctive, supple vocals, accented with his Kentucky croon, sound as strong today as they did on his debut, 1985’s Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc. Etc. Yoakam has continued to passionately sing, write, and play music brimming with hard country and rock & roll. • $40-$60 • See Spotlight on page 33. HANDSOME AND THE HUMBLES • Jimmy’s Place • 7PM •
39
Handsome and the Humbles play old-fashioned heartland country-rock record, inspired by Uncle Tupelo, the Drive-By Truckers, Ryan Adams, and the Hold Steady, specializing in a kind of three-chord wistfulness. • FREE CLASSIC Q BAND • Vienna Coffee House (Maryville) • 7PM • FREE THE CERNY BROTHERS • Sugarlands Distilling Co. (Gatlinburg) • 7PM • FREE THREE DOG NIGHT • Niswonger Performing Arts Center
(Greeneville) • 7:30PM • Legendary music icon Three Dog Night claims some of the most astonishing statistics in popular music history. From 1969 through 1974, no other group achieved more top 10 hits, moved more records or sold more concert tickets than Three Dog Night. • $40-$50 COREY SMITH • Tennessee Theatre • 8PM • The way Corey Smith sees it, he owes a debt to his fans. And it’s one he is determined to repay with his 10th album, While the
KNOXVILLE FILM FESTIVAL Regal Downtown West Cinema 8 (1640 Downtown West Boulevard) • Friday, Aug. 26-Sunday, Aug. 28 • $10-$50 • knoxvillefilmfestival.com
There’s a scrappy little film community taking shape in Knoxville—every week, there’s a chance to see something besides the standard slate of multiplex new releases, from movie nights in bars, classic revivals at the Tennessee Theatre, the Public Cinema’s array of experimental, international, and indie programming, family movies on Market Square, the Knoxville Horror Film Festival’s annual pageant of splatter films and psychological thrillers, or the Scruffy Film and Music Festival’s exploration of the connection between sound and cinema. At the center of it all is the Knoxville Film Festival, Keith McDaniel’s weekend-long marathon of movie culture. In the early 2000s, McDaniel established the Secret City Film Festival in Oak Ridge. In 2013, with support from the Dogwood Arts Festival, he moved the festival to Knoxville and beefed up its offerings. Now, in the festival’s fourth year, McDaniel and his Dogwood colleagues are serving up the biggest Knox Film Fest yet, with more than 40 narrative and documentary features, shorts, and Web series from around the world—plus workshops, Q&As, an awards ceremony, opening- and closing-night parties, and the results of the annual seven-day shootout filmmaking competition. The highlight of this year’s KFF is linked to the seven-day contest, in which filmmakers are given a week to write, shoot, and edit a short film. Opposite of Ernest, which will be shown on two screens on Friday, is the debut feature of Knoxville filmmaker Chad Cunningham, who won the shootout in 2015; it’s a dark comedy about a young man whose family owns a funeral home, and scenes were shot all around Knoxville, with a mostly local cast. (Matthew Everett)
Spotlight: TCWN Dragon Boat Race Festival
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Spotlight: KMA’s Romantic Spirits
CALENDAR Gettin’ Is Good. • $28 INDIE LAGONE WITH INWARD OF EDEN, AMONG THE BEASTS, AND SANG SARAH • Open Chord Brewhouse and Stage • 8PM • All ages. • FREE SOUTHBOUND • Two Doors Down (Maryville) • 9PM MARK BOLING • The Bistro at the Bijou • 9PM • Mark Boling is a jazz guitarist, teacher, composer, author, and leader of the Mark Boling Trio. In addition to his three CDs, Trio Life, Tune Me and Evidence (MaBO Music), Boling is the author of Creative Comping Concepts for Jazz Guitar (Mel Bay) and The Jazz Theory Workbook (Advance Music). He is an Associate Professor of Music and Coordinator of the Jazz Program at the University of Tennessee School of Music. • FREE Y’UNS JUG BAND • Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria (Maryville) • 9PM SUNSHINE STATION • Brackins Blues Club (Maryville) • 9PM THE NICK MOSS BAND • Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria • 10PM
THE GOOD BAD KIDS • Boyd’s Jig and Reel • 10PM • FREE THE DEAD RINGERS • Wild Wing Cafe • 10PM • FREE MALIBU DIAMOND • Last Days of Autumn Brewery • 7PM SHRIEK OPERATOR WITH WIFE PILE AND EVIL ENGLISH • Pilot Light • 10PM • The Knoxville art-folk band Shriek Operator celebrates the release of its new album, The God Who Answers by Fire. 18 and up. • $5 Sunday, Aug. 28 BLANKFEST • Market Square • A three-day fest of local and regional music, hosted by Blank Newspaper. Featuring Perpetual Groove, R.B. Morris. Electric Darling, Trae Pierce and the T-Stones, Andrew Leahey and the Homestead, Baby Baby, Bark, the Barstool Romeos, Cody Brooks, CrumbSnatchers, the Deadbeat Scoundrels, Floralorix, Gillian, Guy Marshall, Grandpa’s Stash, Handsome and the Humbles, Heiskell, Hellaphant, Hudson k, Josiah and the Greater Good, Magmablood, Magnolia Motel, Marble City Shooters, Mendingwall, Meob, the Monday Movement, Nox Yorc, Peak Physique, the Pinklets, Senryu, Skinned Knees, Southern Cities, Thrift Store
DWIGHT YOAKAM Back Porch on the Creek (601 Lovell Road) • Saturday, Aug. 27 • 7 p.m. • $40-$160 • backporchonthecreek.com or dwightyoakam.com
When Dwight Yoakam released his debut album, Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc., in 1986, he must have seemed like a man out of time. The Kentucky native and his guitarist/producer, Pete Anderson, turned an amalgamation of bygone styles—Texas honky-tonk, hillbilly music, Roy Orbinson’s operatic pop, Western swing, rockabilly, and especially the hard-edged ’60s Bakersfield sound of Buck Owens—into a state-of-the-art surgical strike on the too-smooth Urban Cowboy pop country that was choking the airways. Yoakam looked backward, to the music of his childhood, and he showed Nashville its future. Three decades later, the very existence of Dwight Yoakam seems remarkable, or at least unlikely. Even more surprising is how durable he’s been in the intervening decades, with a long string of unimpeachable classic records—Guitars, Hillbilly Deluxe, Buenas Noches From a Lonely Room, In a Lonely Way, and This Time—and a steady presence on the charts. He’s the ultimate Nashville insider/outsider, a Hollywood success who’s still tolerated by Music Row but whose appeal ranges far wider than just country-music fans. Each of his last two albums, 3 Pears (2012) and Second Hand Heart (2015), reached the Billboard top 20 and the country top 10. His latest material may not compare to his work from the 1980s and early ’90s, but that’s hardly a criticism; heading into the fourth decade of his career, Yoakam’s still one of country music’s all-time great iconoclasts. (Matthew Everett)
August 25, 2016
KNOXVILLE MERCURY 33
CALENDAR Cowboys, Time Sawyer, Tree Tops, Yung Life, and the Wild Jays. Aug. 26-28. • See Music story on page 22. SHIFFLETT’S JAZZ BENEDICT • The Bistro at the Bijou • 12PM • Live jazz. • FREE SUNDAY JAZZ BRUNCH • Downtown Grill and Brewery • 12:45PM • Knoxville’s coolest jazz artists perform every Sunday. • FREE J. LUKE • Wild Wing Cafe • 6PM • FREE ED SCHRADER’S MUSIC BEAT • Pilot Light • 10PM • Ed Schrader and Devlin Rice are Ed Schrader’s Music Beat. Jazz Mind captured the raw and jarring “live” show with songs that seem equally loud and destructive, pensive and haunting. Since the album’s release the duo have been touring non-stop through North America and Europe. 18 and up. • $6 THE CERNY BROTHERS • Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria • 8PM Monday, Aug. 29 ETHAN CRUMP WITH THE COTERIES • WDVX • 12PM • Part of WDVX’s Blue Plate Special, a six-days-a-week lunchtime concert series featuring local, regional, and national Americana, folk, pop, rock, and everything else. • FREE THE COTERIES • Preservation Pub • 10PM • 21 and up. • $3 THE BLUEPRINT • Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria • 10PM • Local pianist Keith Brown’s cool jazz combo. BEN SHUSTER • Wild Wing Cafe • 10PM • FREE Tuesday, Aug. 30 HADLEY KENNARY WITH JENNI ALPERT AND AUBRYN AND BYRON • WDVX • 12PM • Part of WDVX’s Blue Plate
Thursday, Aug. 25 - Sunday, Sept. 4
Special, a six-days-a-week lunchtime concert series featuring local, regional, and national Americana, folk, pop, rock, and everything else. • FREE Y’UNS • Wild Wing Cafe • 5:30PM • FREE MARBLE CITY 5 • Market Square • 8PM • Live jazz every Tuesday from May 3-Aug. 30. • FREE HADLEY KENNARY • Preservation Pub • 9PM • 21 and up. • FREE PAUL LEE KUPFER • Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria • 10PM • FREE CHARGE THE ATLANTIC • Preservation Pub • 10PM • 21 and up. • $3 Wednesday, Aug. 31 KATY FREE • WDVX • 12PM • Part of WDVX’s Blue Plate Special, a six-days-a-week lunchtime concert series featuring local, regional, and national Americana, folk, pop, rock, and everything else. • FREE FROG AND TOAD’S DIXIE QUARTET • The Crown and Goose • 6:30PM • Live jazz featuring a mix of original music, early jazz and more. • FREE THE EVAN BURNETT TRIO • The Bistro at the Bijou • 7PM • Live jazz. • FREE EARPHORIK AND DR. PAUL • Preservation Pub • 8PM • 21 and up. • $3 SECRET CITY CYPHERS • Open Chord Brewhouse and Stage • 8PM • Who’s ready to get their art out to the world? This is Knoxville’s premier Open Mic-style event that allows mcs, poets, singers, musicians, dancers, comedians, visual artists, and others to not only have a place to showcase their talent, but a place to network with other
as hot jazz. • FREE
artists, and build their fan base. • FREE MIKE SNODGRASS • Wild Wing Cafe • 8:30PM • FREE Thursday, Sept. 1 JOHN CARROLL • WDVX • 12PM • Part of WDVX’s Blue Plate Special, a six-days-a-week lunchtime concert series featuring local, regional, and national Americana, folk, pop, rock, and everything else. • FREE SHIMMY AND THE BURNS • Scruffy City Hall • 6PM • Part of Wayne Bledsoe’s 6 O’Clock Swerve series, broadcast live on WDVX. • FREE THE STEEL WOODS • The Shed at Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson (Maryville) • 6PM • FREE HOT SUMMER NIGHTS CONCERT SERIES • Blount County Public Library • 7PM • Thursdays in August, sponsored by the Blount County Friends of the Library. The performers will be 12-year-old Madisonville country singer Emi Sunshine (Aug. 4); jazz duo Wendel Werner and Alan Eleazer (Aug. 11); Nashville vocal family band Spencer’s Own (Aug. 18); Nashville country duo the Young Fables (Aug. 25); and Knoxville Opera’s preview of the 2016-17 season (Sept. 1). • FREE KUKULY AND THE GYPSY FUEGO • Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria (Maryville) • 7PM • Kukuly Uriarte hails from Peru, by way of Argentina. She sings in multiple languages, plays guitar in many styles, and, since 2011, leads the multifaceted jazz ensemble Kukuly and the Gypsy Fuego. Numerous titles from the Fuego’s long and varied set list are associated with—or performed in the style of—the late Gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt, who, in Paris between the world wars, invented what’s still referred to
Friday, Sept. 2 LIZ BRASHER WITH JARED HARD • WDVX • 12PM • Part of WDVX’s Blue Plate Special, a six-days-a-week lunchtime concert series featuring local, regional, and national Americana, folk, pop, rock, and everything else. • FREE VALLIE NOLES • Scruffy City Hall • 5PM MIKE MAINS AND THE BRANCHES • Sugarlands Distilling Co. (Gatlinburg) • 7PM • FREE JOHN CARROLL • Vienna Coffee House (Maryville) • 7PM • Nashville based John Carroll is a singer/songwriter whose songs ride on top of his powerful vocals and grooving guitar riffs. He was previously the frontman and songwriter for the band Man and the Mountain who won their genre category in the American Songwriter 30th Anniversary songwriting competition. • FREE FROG AND TOAD’S DIXIE QUARTET • The Crown and Goose • 8PM • Live jazz featuring a mix of original music, early jazz and more. • FREE LUMINOTH WITH THE BILLY WIDGETS, PEAK PHYSIQUE, AND INDIGHOST • Open Chord Brewhouse and Stage • 8PM • An end-of-summer local rock jam. All ages. • $5 SHORT TERM MEMORY • Two Doors Down (Maryville) • 9PM WRANGLER SPACE • Scruffy City Hall • 9PM BLUE MOTHER TUPELO • Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria (Maryville) • 9PM BOB LOG III WITH THE KEVIN DOWLING FITNESS HOUR AND BIG BAD OVEN • Pilot Light • 9:30PM • The spacesuit-wearing, weirdo rock-guitar playing one-man band
Historic Ramsey House (presents)
A GATHERING OF ANCIENT SOUNDS; Celtic & Appalachian Rhythms
Saturday September 3, 2016 10am - 6pm Admission: $10 Members • $15 Non-Members (Children 12 & under free) Great Music performances by:
Liza Jane Alexander & Fiddlin' Cyrley Cottrell Good Thyme Ceilidh Band • The Grass Roots Gringos Sigean • Knox County Jug Stompers • Fire in the Kitchen The Traveling Caudells • Four Leaf Peat Also great food and period demonstrations.
Historic Ramsey House 2614 Thorngrove Pike, Knoxville, TN 37914 www.ramseyhouse.org
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KNOXVILLE MERCURY August 25, 2016
CALENDAR returns! 18 and up. • $10 GUY MARSHALL • Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria • 10PM • Guy Marshall’s full-length debut, The Depression Blues, isn’t really a debut at all. Most of the album’s 10 tracks are already familiar to fans of the folksy five-piece band, whose main members, husband and wife Adam and Sarrenna McNulty, have been a staple in Knoxville’s Americana scene for the past five years. Armed with an infectious stage presence and an earnest arsenal of songs that touch on themes of whiskey and wallowing, the pair, backed by a rotating cast of musicians, have played gigs that range from providing a soundtrack to beer-soaked attendees of Knoxville’s Brewer’s Jam to securing a spot on the main stage of this year’s Rhythm N’ Blooms festival. • $5 THE VIBRASLAPS • Preservation Pub • 10PM • 21 and up. • $5 THE BLAIR EXPERIENCE • Wild Wing Cafe • 10PM • FREE KUKULY AND THE GYPSY FUEGO • Boyd’s Jig and Reel • 10PM • Kukuly Uriarte hails from Peru, by way of Argentina. She sings in multiple languages, plays guitar in many styles, and, since 2011, leads the multifaceted jazz ensemble Kukuly and the Gypsy Fuego. Numerous titles from the Fuego’s long and varied set list are associated with—or performed in the style of—the late Gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt, who, in Paris between the world wars, invented what’s still referred to as hot jazz. • FREE Saturday, Sept. 3 A GATHERING OF ANCIENT SOUNDS: CELTIC AND APPALACHIAN RHYTHMS • Historic Ramsey House • 10AM • Historic Ramsey House will bring to the community eight exceptional musical groups offering related but diverse music that represents the best of Celtic and Appalachian music from their beginnings. Food vendors, re-enactors and period demonstrators will be there to provide additional enjoyment for our guests. The Historic Home will be open for tours for $5 per person. Visit ramseyhouse.org. • $15 CUMBERLAND STATION WITH HANK AND THE CUPCAKES • Preservation Pub • 10PM • 21 and up. • $5 MOJO: FLOW • Two Doors Down (Maryville) • 9PM ANDREW ADKINS WITH MIKE ANDERSON AND THE MOUNTAIN VIEW RAMBLERS • WDVX • 12PM • Part of WDVX’s Blue Plate Special, a six-days-a-week lunchtime concert series featuring local, regional, and national Americana, folk, pop, rock, and everything else. • FREE THE KENTUCKY HEADHUNTERS • The Shed at Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson (Maryville) • 6PM • The hairy hell raisers from Metcalfe County return to Maryville with their patented mix of Southern rock and country. • $20-$50 TIM EASTON • Sugarlands Distilling Co. (Gatlinburg) • 7PM • Rock and roll Music, sometimes loud, sometimes quiet. • FREE BLUE MOTHER TUPELO • Jimmy’s Place • 7PM • Blues, R&B, soul, Americana, and more. • FREE ANNANDALE WITH THE WORN OUT SOLES, OVERSOUL, AND JIMMY AND THE JAWBONES • Open Chord Brewhouse and Stage • 7PM • A local hard-rock benefit for suicide prevention—donations will be collected to support the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network. All ages. • $5 THE DON LINDE BAND • Last Days of Autumn Brewery • 7PM CYPHER: A HIP-HOP SHOW • The Birdhouse • 9PM • Open mic for the first half of the night, then two featured artists to close out the night. 18 and up. STRUNG LIKE A HORSE • The Concourse • 9PM • One of Clay Maselle’s newest songs is titled “Trailer Park
Astronaut”—a fitting description for the quirky “gypsy-punk garage-grass” he creates with Chattanooga’s Strung Like a Horse. Backed by fiddle, banjo, upright bass and a percussion stool, dubbed “Bertha,” adorned with rotary phone bells, the frontman sings in a half-yelp/ half-yodel about murder, bird dogs, and broken hearts. It’s a style too warped to jibe with the ongoing pseudo-bluegrass revival of modern rock (see: Mumford & Sons, the Lumineers). But it’s paying off well for the quintet, who’ve become a charmingly weird staple of the Chattanooga scene. 18 and up. Visit internationalknox.com. • $10-$12 SMOOTH SAILOR • Scruffy City Hall • 9PM GRANDPA’S COUGH MEDICINE • Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria (Maryville) • 9PM MAPS NEED READING WITH SPADES COOLEY AND UNAKA PRONG • Pilot Light • 9:30PM • The quartet has been a staple of Knoxville’s progressive music scene for the past several years, building a faithful following based on the quirkiness and intensity of their live shows. But by revamping their lineup and hitting the studio, Maps sound like an entirely new band these days—harnessing that early potential with electrifying results. They’re celebrating the release of a new CD. • $5 Sunday, Sept. 4 SHIFFLETT’S JAZZ BENEDICT • The Bistro at the Bijou • 12PM • Live jazz. • FREE SUNDAY JAZZ BRUNCH • Downtown Grill and Brewery • 12:45PM • Knoxville’s coolest jazz artists perform every Sunday. • FREE OLD CITY COVER JAM • NV Nightclub • 2:30PM • Eight hours of Knoxville bands and solo artists playing your favorite songs. Featuring the Coveralls, the Chillbillies, the Kincaid Band, Soulfinger, Crawlspace, Kyle Campbell, Tall Paul, Jonathan Sexton, Matt Tillery, and Ben Wilson. Proceeds benefit Autism Site Knoxville, a local nonprofit community support center. For tickets or more information, go to oldcitycoverjam.com. 18 and up. • $12.50-$15 THE JASON ELLIS BAND • Jimmy’s Place • 7PM • FREE ROBINELLA • Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria (Maryville) • 7PM THE EVENING NEWS WITH PAT BAKER • Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria • 8PM • Knoxville’s Pat Baker and some other local musicians bring you up to date with what is going on in music • FREE
OPEN MIC AND SONGWRITER NIGHTS
Thursday, Aug. 25 SCOTTISH MUSIC SESSION • Boyd’s Jig and Reel • 7:15PM • Held on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. • FREE Friday, Aug. 26 TIME WARP TEA ROOM OPEN SONGWRITER NIGHT • Time Warp Tea Room • 7PM • Songwriter Night at Time Warp Tea Room runs on the second and fourth Friday of every month. Show up around 7 p.m. with your instrument in tow and sign up to share a couple of original songs with a community of friends down in Happy Holler. • FREE Tuesday, Aug. 30 PRESERVATION PUB SINGER/SONGWRITER NIGHT • Preservation Pub • 7PM OLD-TIME JAM SESSION • Boyd’s Jig and Reel • 7:15PM • Hosted by Sarah Pirkle. • FREE August 25, 2016
KNOXVILLE MERCURY 35
CALENDAR Wednesday, Aug. 31 TIME WARP TEA ROOM OLD-TIME JAM • Time Warp Tea Room • 7PM • Regular speed old-time/fiddle jam every Wednesday. All instruments and skill levels welcome. SCHULZ BRÄU OPEN MIC NIGHT • Schulz Bräu Brewing Company • 8PM • Every Wednesday. • FREE BRACKINS BLUES JAM • Brackins Blues Club ( Maryville) • 9PM • A weekly open session hosted by Tommie John. • FREE Thursday, Sept. 1 IRISH MUSIC SESSION • Boyd’s Jig and Reel • 7:15PM • Held on the first and third Thursdays of each month. • FREE BREWHOUSE BLUES JAM • Open Chord Brewhouse and Stage • 8PM • Join Robert Higginbotham & the Smoking Section at the Open Chord for the Brewhouse Blues Jam. Bring your instrument, sign up, and join the jammers. We supply drums and a full backline of amps. Sign-ups begin at 7 p.m. before the show. Held the first Thursday of every month.
DJ AND DANCE NIGHTS
Saturday, Aug. 27 ASCEND • The International • 9PM • Ascend is Knoxville’s interactive dance experience. Take it to the next level with us every Saturday night with the best music of today and your favorite throwbacks. 18 and up. • $5-$10
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KNOXVILLE MERCURY August 25, 2016
Thursday, Aug. 25 - Sunday, Sept. 4
Sunday, Aug. 28 LAYOVER SUNDAY BRUNCH • The Concourse • 12PM • Enjoy good eats, refreshing libations, and the most appropriate afternoon tunes in the company of this city’s most dedicated loafers. We’ll be serving our normal brunch in all it’s glory, courtesy of Localmotive. Musical accompaniment by the likes of Slow Nasty, Psychonaut, and a rotating list of special guests. All ages. • FREE
Victor Chavez (clarinet), Aaron Apaza (bassoon), Iiia Steinschneider (violin), Eunsoon Corliss (viola), Stacy Miller (cello) and Dan Thompson (double bass). • FREE
Saturday, Sept. 3 ASCEND • The International • 9PM • Ascend is Knoxville’s interactive dance experience. Take it to the next level with us every Saturday night with the best music of today and your favorite throwbacks. 18 and up. • $5-$10
Thursday, Sept. 1 SCRUFFY CITY ORCHESTRA • First Baptist Church • 7PM • A new venue for musicians from the greater Knoxville metropolitan area. Scruffy City Orchestra kicks off with regular rehearsals on Thursdays beginning Aug. 25. Conductors are Mat Wilkinson and Ace Edewards. Prospective members, especially string players, are encouraged to contact Alicia Meryweather at ScruffyCityOrchestra@gmail.com for more information. • FREE
CLASSICAL MUSIC
THEATER AND DANCE
Thursday, Aug. 25 SCRUFFY CITY ORCHESTRA • First Baptist Church • 7PM • A new venue for musicians from the greater Knoxville metropolitan area. Scruffy City Orchestra kicks off with regular rehearsals on Thursdays beginning Aug. 25. Conductors are Mat Wilkinson and Ace Edewards. Prospective members, especially string players, are encouraged to contact Alicia Meryweather at ScruffyCityOrchestra@gmail.com for more information. • FREE Monday, Aug. 29 EUNSUK JUNG • University of Tennessee Natalie L. Haslam Music Center • 8PM • Faculty and guest artist recital with
Thursday, Aug. 25 KNOXVILLE CHILDREN’S THEATRE: ‘THE THREE MUSKETEERS’ • Knoxville Children’s Theatre • 7PM • To fulfill his dream of becoming a soldier, young d’Artagnan heads for Paris and into romance, intrigue and adventure. On the way, he meets a secret agent, confronts a mysterious swordsman, rescues the beautiful Constance, and ultimately joins The Three Musketeers in their fight against an evil Cardinal. Aug. 19-Sept. 4. Visit knoxvillechildrenstheatre.com. • $12 Friday, Aug. 26 KNOXVILLE CHILDREN’S THEATRE: ‘THE THREE MUSKETEERS’ • Knoxville Children’s Theatre • 7PM • Aug. 19-Sept. 4. Visit knoxvillechildrenstheatre.com. • $12
Saturday, Aug. 27 KNOXVILLE CHILDREN’S THEATRE: ‘THE THREE MUSKETEERS’ • Knoxville Children’s Theatre • 1PM and 5PM • Aug. 19-Sept. 4. Visit knoxvillechildrenstheatre.com. • $12 OAK RIDGE PLAYHOUSE: ‘TALE OF THE RED RIDING HOOD’ • Oak Ridge Playhouse • 1PM • When a young girl fails to heed her mother’s advice, she must face the consequences of straying from the wooded path as she travels to her beloved grandmother’s house. Along the way she encounters a stealthy huntsman whose watchful eye may be just what she needs for protection from the sly and cunning wolf. True to the classic tale, this adaptation offers a fresh approach to a well-known children’s story. Aug. 27-28. Visit orplayhouse.com. Sunday, Aug. 28 KNOXVILLE CHILDREN’S THEATRE: ‘THE THREE MUSKETEERS’ • Knoxville Children’s Theatre • 3PM • Aug. 19-Sept. 4. Visit knoxvillechildrenstheatre.com. • $12 OAK RIDGE PLAYHOUSE: ‘TALE OF THE RED RIDING HOOD’ • Oak Ridge Playhouse • 2PM • Aug. 27-28. Visit orplayhouse.com. Wednesday, Aug. 31 CLARENCE BROWN THEATRE: ‘VIOLET’ • Clarence Brown Theatre • 7:30PM • Music by Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by Brian Crawley. Filled with bluegrass, folk, and gospel tunes from one of the most vibrant composers in modern musical theatre. Scarred in a farm accident, Violet takes a bus to Tulsa – via Johnson City, Kingsport, Knoxville, Nashville and Memphis – to be healed by an
Thursday, Aug. 25 - Sunday, Sept. 4
evangelical preacher. On the way, she learns the real meaning of love, courage, and beauty. Aug. 31-Sept. 18. Visit clarencebrowntheatre.com. Thursday, Sept. 1 KNOXVILLE CHILDREN’S THEATRE: ‘THE THREE MUSKETEERS’ • Knoxville Children’s Theatre • 7PM • Aug. 19-Sept. 4. Visit knoxvillechildrenstheatre.com. • $12 CLARENCE BROWN THEATRE: ‘VIOLET’ • Clarence Brown Theatre • 7:30PM • Aug. 31-Sept. 18. Visit clarencebrowntheatre.com. Friday, Sept. 2 MOVING THEATRE: ‘THE BOOR’ • Fluorescent Gallery • 6PM • This new local theater company collaborates with local visual artists for First Friday. Moving Theatre presents two 15-minute performances of Anton Chekhov’s The Boor, a “joke in one act,” at 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. KNOXVILLE CHILDREN’S THEATRE: ‘THE THREE MUSKETEERS’ • Knoxville Children’s Theatre • 7PM • Aug. 19-Sept. 4. Visit knoxvillechildrenstheatre.com. • $12 CLARENCE BROWN THEATRE: ‘VIOLET’ • Clarence Brown Theatre • 7:30PM • Aug. 31-Sept. 18. Visit clarencebrowntheatre.com. THEATRE KNOXVILLE DOWNTOWN: ‘[TITLE OF SHOW]’ • Theatre Knoxville Downtown • 8PM • [title of show] is the story of Hunter and Jeff, “two nobodies in New York,” who are writing a musical with the help of their gal-pals Heidi and Susan. Throughout the show we get to know the four with their goofy quirks and inside jokes, as they put together something they all believe in. Biting and witty, clever and inspiring, vulnerable and hilarious—this edgy musical comedy chronicles the serious and hilarious challenges of following one’s dreams. Sept. 2-18. Visit theatreknoxville.com. • $15 Saturday, Sept. 3 KNOXVILLE CHILDREN’S THEATRE: ‘THE THREE MUSKETEERS’ • Knoxville Children’s Theatre • 1PM and 5PM • Aug. 19-Sept. 4. Visit knoxvillechildrenstheatre.com. • $12 CLARENCE BROWN THEATRE: ‘VIOLET’ • Clarence Brown Theatre • 7:30PM • Aug. 31-Sept. 18. Visit clarencebrowntheatre.com. THEATRE KNOXVILLE DOWNTOWN: ‘[TITLE OF SHOW]’ • Theatre Knoxville Downtown • 8PM • Sept. 2-18. Visit theatreknoxville.com. • $15 Sunday, Sept. 4 KNOXVILLE CHILDREN’S THEATRE: ‘THE THREE MUSKETEERS’ • Knoxville Children’s Theatre • 3PM • Aug. 19-Sept. 4. Visit knoxvillechildrenstheatre.com. • $12 CLARENCE BROWN THEATRE: ‘VIOLET’ • Clarence Brown Theatre • 2PM • Aug. 31-Sept. 18. Visit clarencebrowntheatre.com. THEATRE KNOXVILLE DOWNTOWN: ‘[TITLE OF SHOW]’ • Theatre Knoxville Downtown • 3PM • Sept. 2-18. Visit theatreknoxville.com. • $15
COMEDY AND SPOKEN WORD
Thursday, Aug. 25 SUGAR HIGH! COMEDY SHOW • Sugar Mama’s • 8PM • A new comedy showcase at the brand new home of Sugar Mama’s on the 100 block. No cover. • FREE Sunday, Aug. 28 UPSTAIRS UNDERGROUND COMEDY • Preservation Pub • 8PM • A weekly comedy open mic. Visit scruffycity.com.
CALENDAR
Tuesday, Aug. 30 EINSTEIN SIMPLIFIED • Scruffy City Hall • 8PM • Einstein Simplified Comedy performs live comedy improv at Scruffy City Hall. It’s just like Whose Line Is It Anyway, but you get to make the suggestions. Show starts at 8:15, get there early for the best seats. No cover. • FREE OPEN MIC STAND-UP COMEDY • Longbranch Saloon • 8PM • Come laugh until you cry at the Longbranch every Tuesday night. Doors open at 8:30, first comic at 9. No cover charge, all are welcome. Aspiring or experienced comics interested in joining in the fun can email us at longbranch.info@gmail.com to learn more, or simply come to the show a few minutes early. • FREE SPIKE COLLAR COMEDY: BRYCE DAMUTH AND BRAD SATIVA • Open Chord Brewhouse and Stage • 8PM • 18 and up. • FREE Friday, Sept. 2 FIRST FRIDAY COMEDY • Saw Works Brewing Company • 7PM • A monthly showcase featuring local and touring stand-ups comics. • FREE THE OOH OOH REVUE • Cocoa Moon • 10PM • Knoxville’s exciting monthly fun and sexy variety show. We are classy cabaret, song, dance, comedy and bedazzling burlesque, every First Friday. This show features some of Knoxville’s best and emerging talent: singers, dancers, comedians, spoken word poets, burlesque artists and so much more. It’s a variety show where each cast member brings a different sizzling act each month to entertain, delight, surprise and more. It’s an evening designed to make you say “ooh!” Visit oohoohrevue.com. 18 and up. • $10 Sunday, Sept. 4 UPSTAIRS UNDERGROUND COMEDY • Preservation Pub • 8PM • A weekly comedy open mic. Visit scruffycity.com.
FESTIVALS
Friday, Aug. 26 KNOXVILLE FILM FESTIVAL • Regal Downtown West Cinema 8 • 12:15PM • The largest and most complete film festival promises to be an exciting weekend filled with great films, networking opportunities, and fun-filled social activities. Visit knoxvillefilmfestival.com. • $10-$75 • See Spotlight on page 32. Saturday, Aug. 27 BIRDHOUSEAROO MUSIC FESTIVAL • The Birdhouse • 3PM • A fundraiser and 10-year anniversary celebration for the Birdhouse Community Center, featuring a diverse range of music including acoustic, folk, hip-hop, spoken word/ poetry, rock ‘n’ roll, and more. Ten-plus bands, daytime kids activities, donation-based drinks and cookout. See Birdhousearoo on Facebook for more information about artists and schedule. • $5 • See Program Notes on page 20. TCWN DRAGON BOAT RACE FESTIVAL • Volunteer Landing • Teams of 20 paddlers, a drummer and a steersperson race in authentic Hong Kong-style 46-foot-long dragon boats. All ages, skill levels and abilities can participate. All proceeds from the event go to support TCWN’s mission of protecting the state’s lakes, rivers and streams, which serve as the main source of drinking water for millions of Tennesseans. Visit tcwn.org. • See Spotlight on page 39. ON THE WING BUTTERFLY FESTIVAL • Stanley’s Greenhouse • 12PM • A five-minute habitat walk from Stanley’s Greenhouse to the spring-fed pond on the Stanley-Daven-
port Farm for a release of 50 monarch butterflies. A free event for children of all ages. Bring your camera. • FREE FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH GERMANFEST • First Lutheran Church • 11AM • Join First Lutheran Church for a celebration of German culture, with authentic German food, local craft beer, and traditional German music, games, and art. • $2 PESTO FESTO • Ironwood Studios • 5:30PM • Pesto Festo celebrates local food, local flavors, and local talent. This year’s Pesto Festo meal will be prepared by Chef Jeffrey DeAlejandro, of Olibea, who will be roasting a whole, goat-stuffed hog for this year’s meal. The family-style meal features a bounty of locally-sourced ingredients featured in the appetizers, side dishes, and dessert.Each year we hold a pesto contest with two categories, best traditional and most creative, and this year is no different. Proceeds from the silent auction will go towards Slow Food’s initiative to host field trips for inner city students to local farms and farmers’ markets. You can order tickets online at pestofesto.brownpapertickets. com or by calling 865-322-9395. Members, please email us at info@slowfoodtnvalley.com for the code to purchase discounted tickets. • $50 KNOXVILLE FILM FESTIVAL • Regal Downtown West Cinema 8 • 9AM • The largest and most complete film festival promises to be an exciting weekend filled with great films, networking opportunities, and fun-filled social activities. Visit knoxvillefilmfestival.com. • $10-$75 • See Spotlight on page 32. CENTRO HISPANO LATINO AWARDS • Knoxville Convention Center • 5:30PM • The Latino Awards is Knoxville’s only large scale event designed to spotlight the incredible work of Latino leaders in East Tennessee. It is shaping up to be quite a success drawing interest from all points across East Tennessee. At the Latino Awards, Centro Hispano will recognize three community leaders who have provided exceptional support for our Hispanic community, voted on by the East Tennessee community. The nominations are Spirit of Transformation, Spirit of Inspiration and Espiritu Latino. • $50-$55 Sunday, Aug. 28 KNOXVILLE FILM FESTIVAL • Regal Downtown West Cinema 8 • 12:15PM • The largest and most complete film festival promises to be an exciting weekend filled with great films, networking opportunities, and fun-filled social activities. Visit knoxvillefilmfestival.com.com. • $10-$75 • See Spotlight on page 32. KNOX ASIAN FESTIVAL • Market Square • 11AM • Knox Asian Festival aims to promote diverse cultures and celebrate traditions and talents from the Asian continent. Featuring music and dance, food, kids’ entertainment, and more. Visit knoxasianfestival.com. • FREE Friday, Sept. 2 MARBLE SPRINGS SEVIER SOIREE • Marble Springs State Historic Site • 6:30PM • Marble Springs will host an evening to celebrate the rich history and scenic beauty of the historic site of John Sevier, first governor of Tennessee with music, a Southern inspired dinner will be prepared by Bradford Catered Events, and a silent auction that can’t be missed, all while guests enjoy our scenic 35 acre property and 5 historic structures. Please mail payment to P.O. Box 20195, Knoxville, TN 37940; or purchase online from the Marble Springs website at www.marblesprings.net. • $50 Saturday, Sept. 3 SUNDRESS ACADEMY FOR THE ARTS BARN-RAISING PARTY • Sundress Academy for the Arts • 2PM • Sundress August 25, 2016
KNOXVILLE MERCURY 37
CALENDAR Academy for the Arts invites you to the raising of its new barn at Firefly Farms, the home of SAFTA. The barn raising serves as a thank you to all of our donors from the last crowd-funding campaign and those who donated time and energy to build this barn. This event will feature barbeque, beer, and hayloft readings from local artists. This event is free for all of those who donated. There is a suggested donation of $20 for all others. Additionally, all food and drink will be provided by SAFTA. • FREE-$20 LAKEWAY LATIN FOOD FESTIVAL • Rose Center (Morristown) • 11AM • The Hispanic Outreach Leadership Association of the Lakeway Area invites the community to its Second Annual Lakeway Latin Food Festival, which will feature food from various Latin American countries as well as games, music, and other surprises. This year’s festival hopes to build upon last year’s successes and will help cement’s the Lakeway Latin Food Festival’s place as a treasured institution in the region that showcases the important and unique cultural, economic, and social contributions that the Hispanic and Latino families of the Lakeway Area make in our community. A GATHERING OF ANCIENT SOUNDS: CELTIC AND APPALACHIAN RHYTHMS • Historic Ramsey House • 10AM • Historic Ramsey House will bring to the community eight exceptional musical groups offering related but diverse music that represents the best of Celtic and Appalachian music from their beginnings. Food vendors, re-enactors and period demonstrators will be there to provide additional enjoyment for our guests. The Historic Home will be open for tours for $5 per person. Visit ramseyhouse.org. • $15
Thursday, Aug. 25 - Sunday, Sept. 4
FILM SCREENINGS
Thursday, Aug. 25 SCHULZ BRÄU FILMNACHT • Schulz Bräu Brewing Company • 9PM • A free weekly movie screening—check social media for the week’s entry. 21 and up. • FREE Friday, Aug. 26 KNOXVILLE FILM FESTIVAL • Regal Downtown West Cinema 8 • 12:15PM • The largest and most complete film festival promises to be an exciting weekend filled with great films, networking opportunities, and fun-filled social activities. Visit knoxvillefilmfestival.com. • $10-$75 • See Spotlight on page 32. Saturday, Aug. 27 KNOXVILLE FILM FESTIVAL • Regal Downtown West Cinema 8 • 9AM • The largest and most complete film festival promises to be an exciting weekend filled with great films, networking opportunities, and fun-filled social activities. Visit knoxvillefilmfestival.com. • $10-$75 • See Spotlight on page 32. NARROW RIDGE FILM NIGHT: ‘MAKING NORTH AMERICA’ • Narrow Ridge Earth Literacy Center • 7PM • Narrow Ridge’s bimonthly film nights feature films that inspire reflection and discussion about our place within the larger Earth community. This Saturday’s film will be the NOVA production Making North America: Life focuses on how life emerged and developed in North America. For more information call 865-497-2753 or email community@ narrowridge.org. • FREE
Sunday, Aug. 28 KNOXVILLE FILM FESTIVAL • Regal Downtown West Cinema 8 • 12:15PM • The largest and most complete film festival promises to be an exciting weekend filled with great films, networking opportunities, and fun-filled social activities. Visit knoxvillefilmfestival.com.com. • $10-$75 • See Spotlight on page 32. THE PUBLIC CINEMA: RIGHT NOW, WRONG THEN • University of Tennessee • 7PM • Quite by accident, a film director arrives in town a day early. With time to kill before his lecture the next day, he stops by a restored, old palace and meets a fledgling artist. More conversation follows, and drinks. Then, quite unexpectedly, we begin again, but now things appear somewhat different. In the University of Tennessee Art and Architecture Building. Visit publiccinema.org. • FREE • See review on page 23. Monday, Aug. 29 UT OUT FILM SERIES: THE NEW BLACK • University of Tennessee • 6PM • The New Black is a documentary that tells the story of how the African-American community is grappling with the gay rights issue in light of the recent gay marriage movement and the fight over civil rights. Part of the UT OUT Film Series at the John C. Hodges Library. • FREE THE BIRDHOUSE WALK-IN THEATER • The Birdhouse • 8:15PM • A weekly free movie screening. • FREE Thursday, Sept. 1 SCHULZ BRÄU FILMNACHT • Schulz Bräu Brewing
Company • 9PM • A free weekly movie screening—check social media for the week’s entry. 21 and up. • FREE
SPORTS AND RECREATION
Thursday, Aug. 25 CYCOLOGY BICYCLES THURSDAY MORNING RIDE • Cycology Bicycles • 10AM • Join Cycology Bicycles every Thursday morning for a road ride with two group options. A Group does a 2 to 3 hour ride at 20+ mph pace; B group does an intermediate ride at 15/18 mph average. Weather permitting. cycologybicycles.com. • FREE CLIMBING AT IJAMS CRAG • Ijams Nature Center • 5PM • Come top rope with us at Ijams Crag. Monday and Thursday evenings from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Cost is $10 per person. Gear will be included (we provide helmet, harness, rope). Please wear appropriate shoes, comfortable stretchy climbing apparel and bring water. Pre-registration is advised. You can register online or by calling 865-673-4687. riversportsoutfitters.com/events/. • $10 BILLY LUSH BOARD SHOP SUP AND SUDS • Billy Lush Board Shop • 5:30PM • Each Thursday at 5:30 p.m. May through August. Join us for your choice of a group paddle or SUP yoga class followed by cold beer from our taps at the shop. We will launch from the dock for a one-hour group paddle or yoga class then meet back in the shop for suds. Rentals are $19 for the group paddle and $25 for the yoga
UT HEALTH CARE CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS We’re offering seven health care programs this fall: Clinical Medical Assistant, Dental Assisting, Medical Administrative Assistant, Phlebotomy Technician, Medical Billing & Coding, Pharmacy Technician, and EKG Technician. Most programs offer clinical externships.
LEARN MORE You’re invited to attend a free information session at the UT Conference Center in downtown Knoxville. Please call 865-974-0150, e-mail utnoncredit@utk.edu, or go online to make your reservation.
East Tennessee’s wine cellar since 1970
Thursday, September 8 6-7 p.m. Course # 16FAHEALTH-1
www.utnoncredit.com
Vote for Us For Top Wine & Liquor Store! 4534 Old Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919 (865) 584-3341 • asheswines.com M-Th: 9AM - 9:30PM | Fr-Sat: 9AM-10PM Sunday: Closed email: thad@asheswines.com
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KNOXVILLE MERCURY August 25, 2016
Thursday, Aug. 25 - Sunday, Sept. 4
class and includes a complimentary beer. • $19-$25 NORTH KNOXVILLE BEER RUNNERS • Central Flats and Taps • 6PM • Meet us at Central Flats and Taps every Thursday night for a fun and easy run leading us right through Saw Works for a midway beer. • FREE FLEET FEET GROUP RUN/WALK • Fleet Feet Sports Knoxville • 6PM • Join us every Thursday night at our store for a fun group run/walk. We have all levels come out, so no matter what your speed you’ll have someone to keep you company. Our 30 - 60 minute route varies week by week in the various neighborhoods and greenways around the store, so be sure to show up on time so you can join up with the group. All levels welcome. fleetfeetknoxville. com. • FREE BEARDEN BIKE AND TRAIL LAPS ON CHEROKEE BOULEVARD • Bearden Bike and Trail • 6PM • Join us every Thursday evening at 6 p.m. to ride laps on Cherokee Boulevard. Pace is at 14-18 mph - divides into groups. Leaves the store promptly at 6:30 p.m. Visit beardenbikeandtrail.com. • FREE FOUNTAIN CITY PEDALER THIRSTY THURSDAY ROAD RIDE • Fountain City Pedaler • 6PM • This no-drop Thursday evening ride utilizes a 25-mile loop on scenic North Knoxville back roads and rolls east towards House Mountain. Ride starts at 6 p.m. from the shop. Road bikes with front and rear lights are recommended. Other bikes such as cyclocross, touring, fast hybrids, or mtb’s with high pressure street tires are also acceptable. This ride is not a race and Luke will ride “sweep” behind the groups to make sure no one gets left behind. Post ride: Bring a camping chair, something to cook on the grill, and beverage(s) of choice. The Grill & Chill is a social gathering at the shop after the ride. Visit facebook.com/ Fountain-City-Pedaler-Bike-Shop. • FREE CEDAR BLUFF CYCLES BEGINNER ROAD RIDE • Sequoyah Park • 6:20PM • Join us every Thursday evening at Sequoyah Park for a beginner’s no-drop ride. Riders can ride at their own pace on Cherokee Boulevard and do as many laps as they choose. Visit cedarbluffcycles.net. • FREE CEDAR BLUFF CYCLES THURSDAY NIGHT RIDE • Cedar Bluff Cycles • 6:20PM • Join Cedar Bluff Cycles for their Thursday evening road ride. The Thursday night ride is made up of a combination of the A and B riders from Tuesday night. This is a great opportunity for less experienced riders to push their limits a bit. A lot of the A riders are getting a last ride in before the weekend race. Their goal is to keep an even paced ride at a good tempo. This helps the less experienced rider to become familiar with road etiquette. The average speed for this ride is 19-22 mph depending on group dynamic. Visit cedarbluffcycles.net. • FREE Friday, Aug. 26 RIVER SPORTS FRIDAY NIGHT GREENWAY RUN • River Sports Outfitters • 6PM • Greenway run from the store every Friday evening. Work up a thirst then join us for $2 pints in the store afterwards. riversportsoutfitters.com. • FREE YMCA SOCIAL RUN • Lindsay Young Downtown YMCA • 6:30PM • Weekly social run meeting in the lobby of the downtown YMCA. We will be running through downtown and greenways, ending at Sugar Mama’s with $2 off of the first craft beer for runners. • FREE Saturday, Aug. 27 BIKE ZOO SATURDAY MORNING RIDE • The Bike Zoo • 9AM • Join us every Saturday for a three-hour ride of 50 miles or more, usually at a fast pace of 18-20 mph. Visit bikezoo.com. • FREE
CALENDAR
PADDLE THE RIVER • Riverside Landing Park • 9:30AM • Come paddle with us every fourth Saturday of the month. We will be paddling from Holston River Park to Ned McWherter Dock. We will meet at 9:30 a.m. at McWherter Landing and set up our shuttle system. We will put in at Holston River Park and paddle down and take out at Ned McWherter. Come on out and paddle with us. Cost is $20 per person. Boat/paddle/PFD will be provided. Show up with your water attire and bring something to drink and sunscreen for those sunny days. Visit riversportsoutfitters.com. TENNESSEE ASSOCIATION OF VINTAGE BASE BALL • Historic Ramsey House • 12PM • As revived iterations of Tennessee’s historic base ball teams, TAOVBB member clubs combine living history with sport, organizing barehanded, Civil War-era base ball games to educate and entertain their communities. • FREE Monday, Aug. 29
CLIMBING AT IJAMS CRAG • Ijams Nature Center • 5PM • Come top rope with us at Ijams Crag. Monday and Thursday evenings from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Cost is $10 per person. Gear will be included (we provide helmet, harness, rope). Please wear appropriate shoes, comfortable stretchy climbing apparel and bring water. Pre-registration is advised. You can register online or by calling 865-673-4687. riversportsoutfitters.com/events/. • $10 KTC GROUP RUN • Mellow Mushroom • 6PM • Join Knoxville Track Club every Monday evening for a group run starting at the Mellow Mushroom on the Cumberland Avenue strip on the University of Tennessee campus. Visit ktc.org. • FREE TVB MONDAY NIGHT ROAD RIDE • Tennessee Valley Bikes • 6PM • The soon to be famous Monday night road ride happens every Monday. We usually split into two groups according to speed. Both groups are no-drop groups. The faster group averages over 17 mph and the B group
Knoxville’s BEST live music venue 6 nights a week!
Happy Hour 4pm - 8pm | mon - fri Huge selection of Craft, Import & Local beer Locally roasted coffee
wed aug. 24 • 8pm
Full disclosure comedy long-form improv w/ special guests REd pill players free • all ages ( comedy )
thurs aug. 25 • 8pm Flaming Lips spaceface, hot shot Freight Train, side project Swear tapes, & pale root $5 • All Ages ( rock )
TCWN DRAGON BOAT RACE FESTIVAL Volunteer Landing • Saturday, Aug. 27 • 8 a.m.-2 p.m. • Free • tcwn.org/ knoxville-dragon-boat
fri Aug. 26 • 8pm
The New Schematics, Stone Broke Saints, & Hazel $8 • All Ages ( indie rock )
sat aug. 27 • 8pm
Rainbow-colored dragon scales will again glisten on the Tennessee River this weekend as slender seacraft cut through the choppy river wake in the return of the annual Tennessee Clean Water Network’s Dragon Boat Festival at Volunteer Landing. It’s the second year of the fund-raising competition, where 20 teams will face off on the river in 250-meter races. Each team of 20 people will try their hands at this ancient Chinese racing technique, paddling a 46-foot-long dragon against two or three other teams, broken down by division. TCWN provides a professional steerer for each team, but it’s up to the competitors to bring the muscle and a drummer to keep the paddling pace. On land, there will be Sweet P’s barbecue and Yee-Haw beer, plus competitions for things like best drummer costume and team spirit, live radio broadcasts, and some zoo animals for the kids. Dragon-boat racing traces its roots back to the Pearl River Delta in southern China, where villagers have held annual competitions for more than 20 centuries. However, it’s current popularity—it’s said to be one of the fastest-growing sports in the world—originated in Hong Kong in the mid 1970s. The races are free for spectators; proceeds from registration and vendors benefit TCWN’s mission to protect the state’s water resources. (Clay Duda)
FREE SHOW
Indie Lagone, Inward of Eden, Among the Beasts, & Sang Sarah FREE • all ages ( rock )
"Coolest venue in town! Not too big, not too small. Great sound system and audio engineers. Lights show, good food, cold beer and a music store in the back. Oh, and they give lessons, too. Seriously? I still can't believe this place is real." -Austin Hall of Sam Killed The Bear
Knoxville’s Best Musical Instrument Store
8502 KINGSTON PIKE • (865) 281-5874 openchordmusic.com
August 25, 2016
KNOXVILLE MERCURY 39
CALENDAR averages around 14 mph. • FREE BEARDEN BEER MARKET FUN RUN • Bearden Beer Market • 6:30PM • Come run with us. Every Monday year round we do a group fun run through the neighborhood. Open to all levels of walkers and runners. Everyone who participates earns $1 off their beer. Visit beardenbeermarket.com. • FREE Tuesday, Aug. 30 CYCOLOGY BICYCLES TUESDAY MORNING RIDE • Cycology Bicycles • 10:30AM • Join Cycology Bicycles every Tuesday morning at 10:30 am for a road ride with two group options. Weather permitting. Visit cycologybicycles.com. • FREE HARD KNOX TUESDAY FUN RUN • Hard Knox Pizzeria • 6:30PM • Join Hard Knox Pizzeria every Tuesday evening (rain or shine) for a 2-3 mile fun run. Burn calories. Devour pizza. Quench thirst. Follow us on Facebook. • FREE CEDAR BLUFF CYCLES TUESDAY GREENWAY RIDE • Cedar Bluff Cycles • 6:30PM • Join us every Tuesday evening for a greenway ride at an intermediate pace of 14-15 mph. Must have lights. Weather permitting. cedarbluffcycles. net. • FREE Wednesday, Aug. 31 KTC GROUP RUN • Runner’s Market • 5:30PM • If you are visiting Knoxville, new to town, new to the club, or just looking to get more involved, this is the place to start. A festive and relaxed group get-together occurs every Wednesday afternoon at 5:30 pm at Runners Market. Visit ktc.org. • FREE
Thursday, Aug. 25 - Sunday, Sept. 4
TVB EASY RIDER MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE • Ijams Nature Center • 6PM • On Wednesday nights we hit the local trails for an easy-paced mountain bike ride. Riders of all skill levels are welcome, and if you would like to demo a mountain bike from our shop this is a great opportunity to do so. Rides are weather permitting. If the trails are too wet, we do not ride. Check out our Facebook page or give us a call at 865-540-9979 for more info. We meet near Mead’s Quarry. • FREE Thursday, Sept. 1 CYCOLOGY BICYCLES THURSDAY MORNING RIDE • Cycology Bicycles • 10AM • Join Cycology Bicycles every Thursday morning for a road ride with two group options. A Group does a two- to three-hour ride at 20-plus mph pace; B group does an intermediate ride at 15-18 mph. Weather permitting. Visit cycologybicycles.com. • FREE CLIMBING AT IJAMS CRAG • Ijams Nature Center • 5PM • Come top rope with us at Ijams Crag. Monday and Thursday evenings from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Cost is $10 per person. Gear will be included (we provide helmet, harness, rope). Please wear appropriate shoes, comfortable stretchy climbing apparel and bring water. Pre-registration is advised. You can register online or by calling 865-673-4687. riversportsoutfitters.com/events/. • $10 NORTH KNOXVILLE BEER RUNNERS • Central Flats and Taps • 6PM • Meet us at Central Flats and Taps every Thursday night for a fun and easy run leading us right through Saw Works for a midway beer. • FREE FLEET FEET GROUP RUN/WALK • Fleet Feet Sports Knoxville
UT PARALEGAL PROGRAM Our paralegal certificate program is an intensive, comprehensive, skills-based 17-week program. Attorneyinstructors will train you in the aspects of paralegalism most in demand.
LEARN MORE You’re invited to attend a free information session at the UT Conference Center in downtown Knoxville. Please call 865-974-0150, e-mail utnoncredit@utk.edu, or go online to make your reservation. Tuesday, August 30 6-7:30 p.m. Course # 16FAP300R-2
www.utnoncredit.com
• 6PM • Join us every Thursday night at our store for a fun group run/walk. We have all levels come out, so no matter what your speed you’ll have someone to keep you company. Our 30 - 60 minute route varies week by week in the various neighborhoods and greenways around the store, so be sure to show up on time so you can join up with the group. All levels welcome. fleetfeetknoxville. com. • FREE FOUNTAIN CITY PEDALER THIRSTY THURSDAY ROAD RIDE • Fountain City Pedaler • 6PM • This no-drop Thursday evening ride utilizes a 25-mile loop on scenic North Knoxville back roads and rolls east towards House Mountain. Ride starts at 6 p.m. from the shop. Road bikes with front and rear lights are recommended. Other bikes such as cyclocross, touring, fast hybrids, or mtb’s with high pressure street tires are also acceptable. This ride is not a race and Luke will ride “sweep” behind the groups to make sure no one gets left behind. Post ride: Bring a camping chair, something to cook on the grill, and beverage(s) of choice. The Grill & Chill is a social gathering at the shop after the ride. Visit facebook.com/ Fountain-City-Pedaler-Bike-Shop. • FREE CEDAR BLUFF CYCLES BEGINNER ROAD RIDE • Sequoyah Park • 6:20PM • Join us every Thursday evening at Sequoyah Park for a beginner’s no-drop ride. Riders can ride at their own pace on Cherokee Boulevard and do as many laps as they choose. Visit cedarbluffcycles.net. • FREE CEDAR BLUFF CYCLES THURSDAY NIGHT RIDE • Cedar Bluff Cycles • 6:20PM • Join Cedar Bluff Cycles for their Thursday evening road ride. The Thursday night ride is
made up of a combination of the A and B riders from Tuesday night. This is a great opportunity for less experienced riders to push their limits a bit. A lot of the A riders are getting a last ride in before the weekend race. Their goal is to keep an even paced ride at a good tempo. This helps the less experienced rider to become familiar with road etiquette. The average speed for this ride is 19-22 mph depending on group dynamic. Visit cedarbluffcycles.net. • FREE Friday, Sept. 2 RIVER SPORTS FRIDAY NIGHT GREENWAY RUN • River Sports Outfitters • 6PM • Greenway run from the store every Friday evening. Work up a thirst then join us for $2 pints in the store afterwards. riversportsoutfitters.com. • FREE Saturday, Sept. 3 BIKE ZOO SATURDAY MORNING RIDE • The Bike Zoo • 9AM • Join us every Saturday for a three-hour ride of 50 miles or more, usually at a fast pace of 18-20 mph. Visit bikezoo.com. • FREE RUNNER’S MARKET SATURDAY GROUP RUN • Runner’s Market • 9AM • Every first Saturday of the month at 9:00 am, join us for a relaxed-pace run of 3 to 5.5 miles or beyond along the Third Creek and Sequoyah Hills Greenways. Afterwards, enjoy coffee and refreshments provided by the gang at Runner’s Market. Visit runnersmarket.com. • FREE CATALYST ADAPTIVE CLIMB • River Sports Outfitters • 10AM • Join us the first Saturday of every month as we climb with Catalyst Sports. This event is for anyone with
Where great gift ideas are grown! Flowers, plants and gift baskets for all occasions. Locally owned and operated in Knoxville for over 100 years. Three convenient locations:
East Tennessee's BEST Italian Restaurant! Homemade Italian Cuisine Comfort food at comfortable prices
2314 N. Broadway 865-523-5121
Family owned and operated for over 30 years
700 S. Gay St. 865-522-4825
LUNCH TUES-FRI 11-2 DINNER NIGHTLY 5-9:30 OR LATER
8205 Chapman Hwy. 865-573-0137 www.knoxvilleflowerpot.com Holiday banquets and office catering available
5500 Kingston Pike in the District of Bearden 865-584-5033 www.naplesitalianrestaurant.net JOIN US ON FACEBOOK!
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KNOXVILLE MERCURY August 25, 2016
Thursday, Aug. 25 - Sunday, Sept. 4
physical disabilities. All ages are welcome to come and climb our rock wall. • $10
ART
A1 Lab Arts 23 Emory Place SEPT. 2-30: Signification, an exhibition about art and language featuring work by Shannon Novak, Aaron Oldenburg, Norman Magden, Sara Blair McNally, Grayson Earle, Michael Arpino, Robert Thompson, Tracy Riggs, Elizabeth Mcnall, Beth Fox, Melanie Eichholz, Heath Schultz, Monique Grimord, Carson Grubaugh, Anna Ursyn, Peter Whittenberger, and the Bureau (Liat Berdugo, Josh Finn, Leora Fridman, and Shawn Manchester). An opening reception will be held on Friday, Sept. 2, from 6-10 p.m. Arnstein Jewish Community Center 6800 Deane Hill Drive AUG. 29-SEPT. 30: Artwork by David Barnett. An opening reception will be held on Monday, Aug. 29, fro, 5:30-7 p.m.
CALENDAR
Melinda Adams and woodcarvings by Marjorie Holbert; A Gathering of Goddesses, mixed-media artwork by Sheryl Sallie; and Glasslike Surfaces, glass art by Yvonne Hosey. SEPT. 2-9: Frutos Latinos, Hola Hora Latina’s 10th annual art exhibit and contest. SEPT. 2-30: Slot Machine, coloring pages by Stephen Reid Carcello; We the People, by Antuco Chicaiza; artwork by Emily Taylor; A Time of Recent Creativity, new paintings by Anthony Donaldson; and Cosmic Order, artwork by Eurichea Showalter Subagh Ball. An opening reception for all the new exhibits will be held on Friday, Sept. 2, from 5-9 p.m. Ewing Gallery 1715 Volunteer Boulevard JULY 15-AUG. 28: Encore, an exhibit of artwork by 11 University of Tennessee graduates living in Nashville. Flurescent Gallery 627 N. Central St. Moving Theatre, a new local theater company, collaborates with local visual artists and presents two
Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts 556 Parkway (Gatlinburg) AUG. 15-OCT. 5: A retrospective exhibition featuring artwork by Bill Griffith, former Arrowmont program director.
15-minute performances of Anton Chekhov’s The Boor, “a joke in one act.” Friday, Sept. 2, at 6:30 and 9 p.m. Knoxville Arts and Fine Crafts Center 1127B Broadway AUG. 1-OCT. 31: Whimsical Creatures, paintings and photographs by Lela E. Buis. Knoxville Museum of Art 1050 World’s Fair Park Drive AUG. 7-SEPT. 4: Artwork by the Knoxville Watercolor Society. AUG. 26-NOV. 6: Romantic Spirits: 19th-Century Paintings of the South From the Johnson Collection (See Spotlight on page 41.) SEPT. 12-OCT. 7: Frutos Latinos, Hola Hora Latina’s 10th annual art exhibit and contest. ONGOING: Higher Ground: A Century of the Visual Arts in Tennessee; Currents: Recent Art From East Tennessee and Beyond; and Facets of Modern and Contemporary Glass. McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture 1327 Circle Park Drive
The Perseverance of Pat Summitt
maRia m. CORnEliUS $29.95 / Available September Call 800-621-2736 to Preorder
Broadway Studios and Gallery 1127 N. Broadway AUG. 5-27: Mixed-media artwork by Renee Suich. SEPT. 2-30: All Scapes, an art competition featuring work by local artists in any -scape format: landscape, cityscape, seascape, etc. An opening reception and prize ceremony will be held on Friday, Sept. 2, from 5-9 p.m.
The District Gallery 5113 Kingston Pike AUG. 19-SEPT. 10: Terra Madre: Women in Clay, an exhibit of work by Knoxville-area ceramic artists. An opening reception will be held on Friday, Aug. 19, from 5-8 p.m. East Tennessee History Center 601 S. Gay St. APRIL 16-OCT. 30: Come to Make Records, a selection of artifacts, audio and video recordings, and photographs celebrating Knoxville’s music heritage and the 1929-30 St. James Hotel recording sessions. Emporium Center for Arts and Culture 100 S. Gay St. AUG. 5-26: A Plen Air Show, featuring paintings made outdoors by the Tuesday Painters group; Expressions, abstract paintings and urban landscapes by Terina Gilette; The Wonder of Birds, featuring photos by
UNioN Ave. BookS
The Final Season
Art Market Gallery 422 S. Gay St. AUG. 2-28: Paintings by Kate McCullough, glass art by Johnny Glass, and Who, What, Where, a member exhibit focused on East Tennessee people and places. SEPT. 1-30: Paintings by Kathy Holland and gourd art by Jeannie Gravetti. An opening reception will be held on Friday, Sept. 2, at 5:30 p.m.
Central Collective 923 N. Central St. Interruption, a series of manipulated slides by Kelly Hider. Friday, Sept. 2, at 7 p.m.
Book SigNiNg Fri., SePT. 30Th AT 5:30Pm
Smoky Jack
The Adventures of a Dog and His Master on Mount Le Conte PaUl J. adamS
ROMANTIC SPIRITS: 19TH-CENTURY PAINTINGS OF THE SOUTH FROM THE JOHNSON COLLECTION
$24.95 / Available Now
Knoxville Museum of Art (1050 World’s Fair Park Drive) • Aug. 26-Nov. 6 • Free • knoxart.org
Get a front-row seat to the 19th-century South with this new exhibit, opening at the Knoxville Museum of Art on Friday, Aug. 26. Paintings from the renowned privately owned Johnson Collection, based in Spartanburg, S.C., feature rustic cabins, luscious still lifes, and insights into daily life, from baptisms to funerals. Some of the scenes offer bonus observations into how blacks and whites interacted—or, perhaps more likely, how white people wish they did. As KMA puts it, these artworks “reveal the importance of oral tradition and ‘a sense of place’ in the development of the Romantic Movement in the South.” Artists featured include Knoxville’s own Lloyd Branson as well as Washington Allston, Charles Bird King, Thomas Sully, William Aiken Walker, and Thomas Waterman Wood. KMA members can attend an opening reception on Thursday, Aug. 25, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. On exhibit through Nov. 6. (S. Heather Duncan)
Trial by Trail
Backpacking in the Smoky Mountains JOhnny mOllOy
$24.95 / Available September Facebook “f ” Logo
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ThE Univ ERSiTy Of TEnnESSEE PRESS August 25, 2016
KNOXVILLE MERCURY 41
CALENDAR JUNE 4-AUG. 28: Dinosaur Discoveries: Ancient Fossils, New Ideas. JULY 12-OCT. 19: Land, Sea, and Spirit: Alaska Native Art From the 19th and 20th Centuries. ONGOING: The Flora and Fauna of Catesby, Mason, and Audubon and Life on the Roman Frontier. Pellissippi State Community College 10915 Hardin Valley Road THROUGH SEPT. 9: Artwork by members of the Vacuum Shop Studios. A reception will be held on Friday, Sept. 9, from 4-7 p.m. Striped Light 107 Bearden Place THROUGH AUG. 31: This ‘un, one more, then the briar patch, new work from artist Amos Oaks’ Song of the South series. Westminster Presbyterian Church 6500 Northshore Drive JULY 1-AUG. 31: An exhibit of contemporary quilts by Melissa Everett.
FAMILY AND KIDS’ EVENTS
Thursday, Aug. 25 LITTLE LEARNERS • Blount County Public Library • 10:30AM • Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:30 a.m., “Little Learners,” recommended for ages 3-5. Interactive sessions focus on
Thursday, Aug. 25 - Sunday, Sept. 4
language acquisition and pre-literacy skills incorporating stories, music, motion, play, crafts and more. • FREE CHESS AT THE LIBRARY • Blount County Public Library • 1PM • For middle and high school students, with coach Tom Jobe. Visit blountlibrary.org. • FREE LEGO CLUB • Blount County Public Library • 4PM • LEGO Club will take place in the children’s library. Kids will complete different-themed and timed LEGO Challenges, as well as have some time for free building. The library will provide the LEGOs, so all you have to bring is your imagination. • FREE Friday, Aug. 26 S.T.E.A.M. KIDS • Blount County Public Library • 4PM • For grades K-5. Every week will be a different adventure, from science experiments to art projects and everything in between. Materials will be limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. • FREE Saturday, Aug. 27 FAMILY SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS FAIR • World’s Fair Park • 9AM • Educational and informative booths, classes, Kids Zone, food trucks and more will be open to the public. Learn how to best prepare your home, family, and workplace for emergency or disaster. Talk to emergency professionals. Children will have a chance to view and tour a wide variety of emergency vehicles. • FREE CHESS AT THE LIBRARY • Blount County Public Library • 10AM • For middle and high school students, with coach Tom Jobe. Visit blountlibrary.org. • FREE MCCLUNG MUSEUM FAMILY FUN DAY: SAILING ALONG THE NILE • McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture •
1PM • Join us for free a free Family Fun Day featuring activities, crafts, tours, and more. We’ll gather in our Ancient Egypt gallery for “Sailing Along the Nile.” All materials will be provided. The program is free and open to the public. Reservations are not necessary. • FREE BLOUNT COUNTY NERD GROUP • Blount County Public Library • 3PM • Starting this summer, students can learn the basic principles of computer programming, also known as coding. By participating in the newly-formed Blount County Nerd Group, students seventh grade and up can learn skills such as making simple games, developing professional websites and creating mobile apps. Participating students are encouraged to bring their own technologies including a laptop. However, students who do not have adequate technology will be provided a laptop by the library when necessary. • FREE Tuesday, Aug. 30 LITTLE LEARNERS • Blount County Public Library • 10:30AM • Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:30 a.m., “Little Learners,” recommended for ages 3-5. Interactive sessions focus on language acquisition and pre-literacy skills incorporating stories, music, motion, play, crafts and more. • FREE Wednesday, Aug. 31 BABY AND ME • Blount County Public Library • 10:30AM • Recommended for ages 2 and under. These lapsit sessions for baby and caregiver feature short stories, action rhymes, music and pre-literacy tips and tricks for caregivers. It is also a great time for caregivers and babies to socialize. • FREE
Friday, Sept. 2 S.T.E.A.M. KIDS • Blount County Public Library • 4PM • For grades K-5. Every week will be a different adventure, from science experiments to art projects and everything in between. Materials will be limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. • FREE Saturday, Sept. 3 CHESS AT THE LIBRARY • Blount County Public Library • 10AM • For middle and high school students, with coach Tom Jobe. Visit blountlibrary.org. • FREE BLOUNT COUNTY NERD GROUP • Blount County Public Library • 3PM • Starting this summer, students can learn the basic principles of computer programming, also known as coding. By participating in the newly-formed
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Thursday, Sept. 1 LITTLE LEARNERS • Blount County Public Library • 10:30AM • Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:30 a.m., “Little Learners,” recommended for ages 3-5. Interactive sessions focus on language acquisition and pre-literacy skills incorporating stories, music, motion, play, crafts and more. • FREE CHESS AT THE LIBRARY • Blount County Public Library • 1PM • For middle and high school students, with coach Tom Jobe. Visit blountlibrary.org. • FREE LEGO CLUB • Blount County Public Library • 4PM • LEGO Club will take place in the children’s library. Kids will complete different-themed and timed LEGO Challenges, as well as have some time for free building. The library will provide the LEGOs, so all you have to bring is your imagination. • FREE
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Blount County Nerd Group, students seventh grade and up can learn skills such as making simple games, developing professional websites and creating mobile apps. Participating students are encouraged to bring their own technologies including a laptop. However, students who do not have adequate technology will be provided a laptop by the library when necessary. • FREE T.H.E. NEIGHBORHOOD SCOOP • Burlington Branch Library • 2PM • Town Hall East Neighborhood Association’s annual ice cream social, featuring free ice cream, cake walk, face painting, book swap, lawn games, and music. • FREE
LECTURES, READINGS, AND BOOK SIGNINGS
Sunday, Aug. 28 SHANE SIMMONS AND ROBERT SORRELL • Union Ave Books • 2PM • Book signings with regional authors Shane Simmons and Robert Sorrell, discussing their new books, Legends & Lore of East Tennessee and Historic Homes of Northeast Tennessee. • FREE BIRDHOUSE SUNDAY DINNER POTLUCK AND PRESENTATION • The Birdhouse • 6PM • Join us for a potluck dinner at 6 p.m. and a presentation at 7. Every month, the Birdhouse hosts a Sunday dinner program. It begins with a potluck dinner, followed by a speaker and presentation on a wide range of timely topics. Sunday dinner is always free and open to the public. Please bring a dish to share—but if you are for some reason unable to contribute food, please
just bring yourself, and share in our feast. Children are especially welcome here. • FREE Monday, Aug. 29 UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE WRITERS IN THE LIBRARY SERIES • University of Tennessee • 7PM • The University of Tennessee’s annual Writers in the Library series features novelists, poets, and nonfiction writers from around the region and visiting writers at UT, reading from and discussing their work in the auditorium of the John C. Hodges Library. The 2016-17 schedule includes Christopher Hebert (Aug. 29); Leah Stewart (Sept. 19); Tawnysha Greene and Kristi Maxwell (Oct. 3); Angela Floury (Oct. 24); Bret Anthony Johnston (Nov. 7); Garrett Hongo (Nov. 15); Joy Harjo (Jan. 23); Austion Kodra and Linda Parsons Marion (Jan. 30); LeAnne Howe (Feb. 6); Ocean Vuong (Feb. 20); Maggie Shipstead (March 6); Kathering Smith and Tanque Jones (march 20); Bobby Caudle Rogers and Maria James-Thiaw (March 27); Manuel Gonzales (April 10); and graduate student award winners (April 17). Visit lib.utk.edu/writers/. • FREE Tuesday, Aug. 30 ETCDC FRYER TALKS • Dead End BBQ • 5PM • Fryer Talks are periodic forums, hosted by ETCDC, to engage the community in exploring relevant design issues in our region, and to remember a key founder, Gideon Fryer, who loved exploring ideas. This talk will focus on best practices in zoning, in anticipation of a major update of the City Zoning Ordinance being conducted by the Metropolitan Planning Commission. MPC executive director, Gerald Green will kick off the discussion and
CALENDAR
attendees will enjoy a free-flowing discussion. More info at conta.cc/2bFbA1RFryer Talks are held at various venues, focus on topics of interest on the day they occur, are informal, and have an air of both academics and frivolity. Over time, the talks are intended to engage East Tennesseans in thoughtful, passionate, free and open-minded conversations about design issues that matter. Limited space is available so interested citizens are encouraged to RSVP via email to charis@ communitydc.org, or call 865-525-9945. • FREE
CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS
Thursday, Aug. 25 GENTLE YOGA AND MEDITATION • Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church • 12PM • Call 865-577-2021 or email yogaway249@gmail.com. Donations accepted. AARP SMART DRIVER DRIVER SAFETY CLASS • Halls Senior Center • 12PM • Call 382-5822. AARP SMART DRIVER DRIVER SAFETY CLASS • Carter Senior Center • 12PM • Call 382-5822. PORTRAIT AND LIFE DRAWING SESSIONS • Historic Candoro Marble Company • 12:30PM • Portrait and life drawing practice at Candoro Art and Heritage Center. $10. Call Brad Selph for more information (865-573-0709). • $10 CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY: HEALING THROUGH ART • Cancer Support Community • 1PM • No experience necessary. RSVP. Call 865-546-4661 for more info. All
Cancer Support Community programs are offered at no cost to individuals affected by cancer. KNOXVILLE CAPOEIRA CLASS • Emporium Center for Arts and Culture • 6PM • This class is an hour of student-led training and review of Capoeira skills and exercises. Come prepared to sweat. Visit knoxvillecapoeira.org. • $10 SIX-WEEK STRENGTH AND BALANCE WORKSHOP • Ijams Nature Center • 6PM • Join Erik Andelman and Stephanie Leyland, certified Onnit instructors with South Knox Healing Arts, for a six-week course featuring bodyweight workouts combining yoga, calisthenics, flexibility training and traditional exercise forms from around the world. All ages and levels of fitness are welcome. Join us for an hour every Thursday evening from Aug. 11-Sept. 15. $100 for the full course or $20 for drop-in students.• $20-$100 THIRSTY (FOR KNOWLEDGE) THURSDAY • Old City Wine Bar • 6:30PM • Join our sommelier, Matt Burke, every Thursday in the cellar of the Old City Wine Bar for our ongoing wine education series. Free to listen and only $20-$25 to partake in the libations. • $20-$25 BIKE MAINTENANCE LEVEL 1 • REI • 7PM • Routine bike maintenance keeps you riding smoothly and prolongs the life of your bike. Join us for this introductory class to help you take care of your bike. • FREE BELLY DANCE LEVELS 1 AND 2 • Knox Dance Worx • 8PM • Call (865) 898-2126 or email alexia@alexia-dance.com. • $12 SUP YOGA • Concord Park • 6PM • Yoga on a SUP board? Come join us every Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Cove. We will meet at the River Sports Outfitters building. Cost is
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KNOXVILLE MERCURY 43
CALENDAR $25 and includes board, paddle and PFD. Register at barrebelleyoga.com/class-schedule. • $25 SUP YOGA • Ijams Nature Center • 6PM • Yoga on a paddleboard! Meet us at the Meads Quarry every Thursday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 9 a.m. Cost is $25 and includes board and PFD. Personal boards are not permitted on the quarry. Get a great core workout and expand your flexibility. Register at barrebelleyoga.com/ class-schedule. • $25 Friday, Aug. 26 AARP SMART DRIVER DRIVER SAFETY CLASS • Halls Senior Center • 12PM • Call 382-5822. AARP SMART DRIVER DRIVER SAFETY CLASS • Carter Senior Center • 12PM • Call 382-5822. Saturday, Aug. 27 YOGA AT NARROW RIDGE • Narrow Ridge Earth Literacy Center • 9:30AM • Narrow Ridge invites you to join us every Saturday morning for yoga instruction from Angela Gibson. This class can be tailored to each individual’s ability level. For information call 865-497-2753 or email community@narrowridge.org. • FREE CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY: MINDFULNESS IN EVERYDAY LIFE • Cancer Support Community • 10AM • Life is full of challenges. What can we do when our lives feel out of control? A practice of mindfulness can help. RSVP. Call 865-546-4661 for more info. All Cancer Support Community programs are offered at no cost to individuals affected by cancer. IMPROV COMEDY CLASS • The Birdhouse • 10:30AM • A weekly improv comedy class. • FREE
Thursday, Aug. 25 - Sunday, Sept. 4
KNOX COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS: MAKE MORE OF WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVE • Cedar Bluff Branch Library • 10:30AM • Join Master Gardener Lisa Churnetski to learn some propagation techniques for perennials, including cuttings, layering and division as ways to make more of what you already have and love. Call 865-470-7033. • FREE MARBLE SPRINGS STARGAZING WORKSHOP • Marble Springs State Historic Site • 9:30PM • Venus and Jupiter are two of the brightest planets visible in the night sky. Marble springs will be hosting a Stargazing Workshop to view the conjunction of these two bright planets. For more information email info@marblesprings.net or call (865)573-5508. • $1 SUP YOGA • Ijams Nature Center • 9AM • Yoga on a paddleboard! Meet us at the Meads Quarry every Thursday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 9 a.m. Cost is $25 and includes board and PFD. Personal boards are not permitted on the quarry. Get a great core workout and expand your flexibility. Register at barrebelleyoga.com/ class-schedule. • $25 SUP 101 • Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center • 10AM • We cover all the basics of standup paddleboarding in this introductory class. No experience required. We will teach you: equipment overview, safety and awareness of the conditions, balancing, correct stance, four different paddle strokes, steering and turning, proper paddling form and more. All instructors are PaddleFit and WPA (World Paddle Association) certified. Classes are offered every Saturday at 10 a.m. through September. • $45 WEST BICYCLES MONTHLY BIKE CLINIC • West Bicycles • 11AM • Free monthly bicycle service clinic, including flat
tire repair, gear and brake adjustment, pre-ride check list, and custom emergency tool/convenience kit recommendations. Every fourth Saturday of the month through August. Call (865) 671-7591 or visit westbikes.com. • FREE Sunday, Aug. 28 CIRCLE MODERN DANCE BALLET BARRE CLASS • Emporium Center for Arts and Culture • 1PM • This open-level barre class is designed to help students build and maintain strength, flexibility, and coordination for ballet technique. This is a great class for beginning and experienced students alike. Visit circlemoderndance.com. • $10 CIRCLE MODERN DANCE OPEN LEVEL MODERN TECHNIQUE CLASS • Emporium Center for Arts and Culture • 2PM • This class is open to all. Teachers cover basic technique and vocabulary for modern and contemporary dance. The class includes floor and standing work to build proficiency in alignment, balance, initiation and articulation of movement, weight shift, elevation and landing, and fall and recovery. Instruction is adjusted to meet the experience and ability of those in attendance. Visit circlemoderndance.com. • $10 CIRCLE MODERN DANCE IMPROVISATION CLASS • Emporium Center for Arts and Culture • 3:30PM • Our improv classes offer an introduction to dance improvisation as a movement practice, performance technique, and a tool for creating choreography. Class involves both structured and free improvisations aimed at developing creativity, spontaneous decision-making, freedom of movement, and confidence in performance. No dance experience is necessary—only the desire to
move. Visit circlemoderndance.com. • $10 BEGINNING BRIDGE LESSONS • Knoxville Bridge Center • 1:30PM • The Knoxville Association of Bridge Clubs is offering an in-depth, 17-week course on duplicate bridge, with a focus on learning the modern two over one bridge system. Taught by certified instructors, these lessons are a fun and informative way to learn the basics of modern bridge. The cost is $5 per lesson (the first 2 lessons are free).Two class sessions are offered. The first begins Sunday, July 17 at 1:30 p.m. The second begins Tuesday, July 18 at 6 p.m. Bring a partner or we can provide one for you. Contact Jo Anne Newby at (865} 539-4150 or email KnoxvilleBridge@gmail.com. • $5 Monday, Aug. 29 GENTLE YOGA AND MEDITATION • Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church • 5:30PM • Call 865-5772021 or email yogaway249@gmail.com. Donations accepted. CLIMBING KNOT BASICS CLASS • REI • 6PM • Knowing how and why to tie knots properly is essential for climbers. We’ll cover the figure-8, prusik, clove hitch, water knot, Kleimheist and several other basic climbing knots. • $40 Tuesday, Aug. 30 GENTLE YOGA AND MEDITATION • Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church • 12PM • Call 865-577-2021 or email yogaway249@gmail.com. Donations accepted. KNOXVILLE CAPOEIRA CLASS • Emporium Center for Arts and Culture • 6PM • Capoeira originated in Brazil and is a dynamic expression of Afro-Brazilian culture. It is an art form that encompasses martial arts, dance, and acrobatic
Happy Hour 3-6pm Daily
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local, regional & international craft beers available, including nitro taps.
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LUNCH & DINNER
BREAKFAST
$ 5 every monday
Starts on the 100 Block at 135 S. Gay St!
Enjoy delicious & unique selections daily with one of our fine craft beers or desserts.
Live Music, Team Trivia, and Nightly Events
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Check out our facebook page for upcoming events and specials.
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KNOXVILLE MERCURY August 25, 2016
Thursday, Aug. 25 - Sunday, Sept. 4
movements as well as its own philosophy, history, culture, music, and songs. Visit capoeiraknoxville.org. • $10 ACROYOGA • Dragonfly Aerial Arts Studio • 6PM • Fly with us! Each class is beginner friendly, incorporating intermediate options for more experienced fliers. New content is explored each week while reviewing components taught in previous classes, providing a space for students to form strong foundational skills in flying, basing, and spotting. Each session ends with therapeutics or Thai massage. Please bring a mat, close fitting long pants, and water. No partner needed. • $15 ISRAELI FOLK DANCE WORKSHOP • Arnstein Jewish Community Center • 6PM • Call (865) 384-3872. • $13 BEGINNING BRIDGE LESSONS • Knoxville Bridge Center • 6PM • The Knoxville Association of Bridge Clubs is offering an in-depth, 17-week course on duplicate bridge, with a focus on learning the modern two over one bridge system. Taught by certified instructors, these lessons are a fun and informative way to learn the basics of modern bridge. The cost is $5 per lesson (the first 2 lessons are free).Two class sessions are offered. The first begins Sunday, July 17 at 1:30 p.m. The second begins Tuesday, July 18 at 6 p.m. Bring a partner or we can provide one for you. Contact Jo Anne Newby at (865} 539-4150 or email KnoxvilleBridge@gmail.com. • $5 Wednesday, Aug. 31 CIRCLE MODERN DANCE INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED MODERN TECHNIQUE CLASS • Emporium Center for Arts and Culture • 6PM • A rotation of core members and guest
artists of Circle Modern Dance teach this class. They present a variety of modern and contemporary styles, including Bartenieff and release-based techniques. This class is primarily designed for students with a basic knowledge of modern dance technique and vocabulary, but is open to any mover who is willing to be challenged. Visit circlemoderndance.com. CIRCLE MODERN DANCE OPEN LEVEL BALLET CLASS • Emporium Center for Arts and Culture • 7:30PM • This is a basic ballet class open to students of all levels of experience and ability. Students will learn new steps, build coordination and flexibility, and learn choreography. Visit circlemoderndance.com. • $10 Thursday, Sept. 1 AARP DRIVER SAFETY SMART DRIVER COURSE • Farragut Town Hall • 9AM • Call 382-5822. GENTLE YOGA AND MEDITATION • Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church • 12PM • Call 865-577-2021 or email yogaway249@gmail.com. Donations accepted. PORTRAIT AND LIFE DRAWING SESSIONS • Historic Candoro Marble Company • 12:30PM • Portrait and life drawing practice at Candoro Art and Heritage Center. $10. Call Brad Selph for more information (865-573-0709). • $10 CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY: KNIT YOUR WAY TO WELLNESS • Cancer Support Community • 1PM • Whether you are a novice knitter or an old pro, you are invited to bring your own project or join others in learning a new one. Special attention will be provided to beginners interested in learning how to knit and experience the meditative quality of knitting. Supplies provided. Call
CALENDAR
865-546-4661. All Cancer Support Community programs are offered at no cost to individuals affected by cancer. KNOXVILLE CAPOEIRA CLASS • Emporium Center for Arts and Culture • 6PM • This class is an hour of student-led training and review of Capoeira skills and exercises. Come prepared to sweat. Visit knoxvillecapoeira.org. • $10 SIX-WEEK STRENGTH AND BALANCE WORKSHOP • Ijams Nature Center • 6PM • Join Erik Andelman and Stephanie Leyland, certified Onnit instructors with South Knox Healing Arts, for a six-week course featuring bodyweight workouts combining yoga, calisthenics, flexibility training and traditional exercise forms from around the world. All ages and levels of fitness are welcome. Join us for an hour every Thursday evening from Aug. 11-Sept. 15. $100 for the full course or $20 for drop-in students. • $20-$100 THIRSTY (FOR KNOWLEDGE) THURSDAY • Old City Wine Bar • 6:30PM • Join our sommelier, Matt Burke, every Thursday in the cellar of the Old City Wine Bar for our ongoing wine education series. Free to listen and only $20-$25 to partake in the libations. • $20-$25 BELLY DANCE LEVELS 1 AND 2 • Knox Dance Worx • 8PM • Call (865) 898-2126 or email alexia@alexia-dance.com. • $12 Friday, Sept. 2 AARP DRIVER SAFETY SMART DRIVER COURSE • Farragut Town Hall • 9AM • Call 382-5822. Saturday, Sept. 3 YOGA AT NARROW RIDGE • Narrow Ridge Earth Literacy Center • 9:30AM • Narrow Ridge invites you to join us
every Saturday morning for yoga instruction from Angela Gibson. This class can be tailored to each individual’s ability level. For information call 865-497-2753 or email community@narrowridge.org. • FREE IMPROV COMEDY CLASS • The Birdhouse • 10:30AM • A weekly improv comedy class. • FREE THE LIVING THEATRE • The Birdhouse • 5PM • A workshop on nonviolent direct-action training. • $5-$20 SUP 101 • Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center • 10AM • We cover all the basics of standup paddleboarding in this introductory class. No experience required. We will teach you: equipment overview, safety and awareness of the conditions, balancing, correct stance, four different paddle strokes, steering and turning, proper paddling form and more. All instructors are PaddleFit and WPA (World Paddle Association) certified. Classes are offered every Saturday at 10 a.m. through September. • $45 Sunday, Sept. 4 CIRCLE MODERN DANCE BALLET BARRE CLASS • Emporium Center for Arts and Culture • 1PM • This open-level barre class is designed to help students build and maintain strength, flexibility, and coordination for ballet technique. This is a great class for beginning and experienced students alike. Visit circlemoderndance.com. • $10 CIRCLE MODERN DANCE OPEN LEVEL MODERN TECHNIQUE CLASS • Emporium Center for Arts and Culture • 2PM • This class is open to all. Teachers cover basic technique and vocabulary for modern and contemporary dance. The class includes floor and standing work to build proficiency in alignment, balance, initiation and
Light it Up! Relighting Ceremony
Wednesday, Aug. 31 Tennessee Theatre
604 S. Gay St.
6-8 p.m.
Open House sponsored by McCarty Holsaple McCarty Architects and Interior Designers featuring backstage tours and Wurlitzer organ performances
8:15 p.m.
Countdown to relighting Share your #TNMarqueeMoment!
www.tennesseetheatre.com August 25, 2016
KNOXVILLE MERCURY 45
CALENDAR articulation of movement, weight shift, elevation and landing, and fall and recovery. Instruction is adjusted to meet the experience and ability of those in attendance. Visit circlemoderndance.com. • $10 SUNDAY SAVASANA • Central Collective • 3PM • In restorative yoga you use all the props (blankets, blocks, bolsters, straps) to be fully supported in each pose for one to five minutes, which promotes complete relaxation. The goal of restorative yoga is to restore your body back to homeostasis and full relaxation. • $15 CIRCLE MODERN DANCE IMPROVISATION CLASS • Emporium Center for Arts and Culture • 3:30PM • Our improv classes offer an introduction to dance improvisation as a movement practice, performance technique, and a tool for creating choreography. Class involves both structured and free improvisations aimed at developing creativity, spontaneous decision-making, freedom of movement, and confidence in performance. No dance experience is necessary—only the desire to move. Visit circlemoderndance.com. • $10 BEGINNING BRIDGE LESSONS • Knoxville Bridge Center • 1:30PM • The Knoxville Association of Bridge Clubs is offering an in-depth, 17-week course on duplicate bridge, with a focus on learning the modern two over one bridge system. Taught by certified instructors, these lessons are a fun and informative way to learn the basics of modern bridge. The cost is $5 per lesson (the first 2 lessons are free).Two class sessions are offered. The first begins Sunday, July 17 at 1:30 p.m. The second begins Tuesday, July 18 at 6 p.m. Bring a partner or we can provide one for you. Contact Jo Anne Newby at (865} 539-4150 or email
Thursday, Aug. 25 - Sunday, Sept. 4
KnoxvilleBridge@gmail.com. • $5
MEETINGS
Thursday, Aug. 25 NARROW RIDGE COMMUNITY POTLUCK • Narrow Ridge Earth Literacy Center • 6:30PM • This fourth Thursday event is an opportunity to introduce folks to the Narrow Ridge community as well as for friends and neighbors to come together to share good food and conversation. Guests are invited to bring a dish to share. For information, call 865-497-2753 or email community@ narrowridge.org. • FREE ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS • The Birdhouse • 6PM • A meeting group for adults who grew up in alcoholic or dysfunctional homes. The group aims to bring emotional healing to those who have been or who are in these situations and have experienced any level of trauma or abuse as a result. Led by Laura Moll, the class is free to attend. • FREE Saturday, Aug. 27 AL-ANON • Faith Lutheran Church • 11AM • Al-Anon’s purpose is to help families and friends of alcoholics recover from the effects of living with the problem drinking of a relative or friend. Visit our local website at farragutalanon.org or email us at FindHope@ Farragutalanon.org. • FREE NARROW RIDGE SILENT MEDITATION GATHERING • Narrow Ridge Earth Literacy Center • 11AM • Narrow Ridge invites you to join us for our Silent Meditation Gathering. The
gatherings are intended to be inclusive of people of all faiths as well as those who do not align themselves with a particular religious denomination. For information call 865-497-2753 or email community@narrowridge.org. • FREE Sunday, Aug. 28 SUNDAY ASSEMBLY • The Concourse • 10:30AM • Sunday Assembly is a secular congregation without deity, dogma, or doctrine. Our motto: Live Better, Help Often, Wonder More. Our monthly celebrations feature a different theme every month, with inspiring speakers and lively sing-alongs. Our community is also involved in rewarding service projects, with various discussion groups and events planned throughout the month. Sunday Assembly Knoxville is part of the international movement of people who want to celebrate the one life we know we have. We meet the fourth Sunday of every month. Assemblies are attended by around 50 people, are family-friendly, and children are welcome. We always follow up with a potluck, so please bring your appetite and a dish to share. To find out more, visit our web page (http://knoxville-tn. sundayassembly.com) or email saknoxville.info@gmail. com. • FREE THREE RIVERS! EARTH FIRST! • Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria • 7PM • Three Rivers! Earth First! is the local dirt worshiping, tree hugging, anarchist collective that meets every Sunday night on the second floor of Barley’s in the back room (when its available) to organize against strip mining, counter protest the KKK and Nazis, to clean up Third Creek and to fight evil corporations in general. Open
meeting, rotating facilitation, collective model. Y’all come. Call (865) 257-4029 for more information. • FREE REFUGE RECOVERY • Losel Shedrup Ling • 8:30PM • A peerled weekly group gathering to supplement your dedicated practice (AA, NA, Smart Recovery, etc.) for recovery from addictions of all kinds. Buddhism recognizes a non-theistic approach to spiritual practice. The Refuge Recovery program does not ask anyone to believe anything, only to trust the process and do the hard work of recovery. All are welcome to join us in investigating the practices of mindfulness, compassion, forgiveness, and generosity to heal the pain addiction has caused in our lives and the lives of others. Contact David at 865-306-0279 for any further questions. • FREE Monday, Aug. 29 GAY MEN’S DISCUSSION GROUP • Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church • 7:30PM • We hold facilitated discussions on topics and issues relevant to local gay men in a safe and open environment. Visit gaygroupknoxville.org. Tuesday, Aug. 30 ATHEISTS SOCIETY OF KNOXVILLE • Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria • 5:30PM • Weekly atheists meetup and happy hour. Come join us for food, drink and great conversation. Everyone welcome. • FREE Wednesday, Aug. 31 THE BOOKAHOLICS BOOK GROUP • Union Ave Books • 12PM • Union Ave Books’ monthly book discussion group. Visit unionavebooks.com. • FREE
SUPERHERO benefiting
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Be a superhero for a child
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CONNECTION Special Children * Special Dreams
Visit www.DreamConnection.org to signup! Hero costumes not required but encouraged. 46
KNOXVILLE MERCURY August 25, 2016
Thursday, Aug. 25 - Sunday, Sept. 4
KNOX HERITAGE PRESERVATION AND LIBATIONS • The Crown and Goose • 5:30PM • Join friends of historic preservation for a drink and good conversation. No need to RSVP, just stop by. Free and open to the public. • FREE Thursday, Sept. 1 NAACP • Beck Cultural Exchange Center • 6PM • The mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination. Join the fight for freedom by becoming a member of the NAACP. Regular individual annual membership rates vary. CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT GROUP • Cancer Support Community • 6PM • CSC is committed to providing bereavement services to those who have lost a loved one to cancer. Please contact our clinical staff before attending. Call 865-546-4661 for more info. All Cancer Support Community programs are offered at no cost to individuals affected by cancer. CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY BREAST CANCER NETWORKER • Thompson Cancer Survivor Center West • 6PM • This drop-in group is an opportunity for women who have or have had breast cancer to come together to exchange information, offer support, education and encouragement. Bring your favorite seasonal snack to share. Call 865-546-4661 for more info. All Cancer Support Community programs are offered at no cost to individuals affected by cancer. ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS • The Birdhouse • 6PM • A meeting group for adults who grew up in alcoholic or dysfunctional homes. The group aims to bring emotional healing to those who have been or who are in these situations and have experienced any level of trauma or abuse as a result. Led by Laura Moll, the class is free to attend. • FREE KNOXVILLE WRITERS’ GUILD • Central United Methodist Church • 7PM • The Knoxville Writers’ Guild exists to facilitate a broad and inclusive community for area writers, provide a forum for information, support and sharing among writers, help members improve and market their writing skills and promote writing and creativity. A $2 donation is requested. Additional information about KWG can be found at www. KnoxvilleWritersGuild.org. Saturday, Sept. 3 SEEKERS OF SILENCE • Church of the Savior United Church of Christ • 9AM • Seekers of Silence is an ecumenical and interfaith gathering of men and women who come together to listen. We listen to presenters speak on spirituality topics; we listen to God in silent prayer; we listen to each other in small group sharing. Participants come from a variety of religious traditions. Members of several denominations as well as followers of other faiths come from all over East Tennessee to attend. All are welcome. Our meetings are on the first Saturday of each month (except July). Meetings start with 20 minutes of silent meditation, followed by a talk and small group discussions. We end with another 20-minute meditation and a shared lunch. The meetings are open to all and free of charge, although donations are accepted. Visit sosknoxville.org. • FREE AL-ANON • Faith Lutheran Church • 11AM • Al-Anon’s purpose is to help families and friends of alcoholics recover from the effects of living with the problem drinking of a relative or friend. Visit our local website at farragutalanon.org or email us at FindHope@ Farragutalanon.org. • FREE NARROW RIDGE SILENT MEDITATION GATHERING • Narrow
CALENDAR
Ridge Earth Literacy Center • 11AM • Narrow Ridge invites you to join us for our Silent Meditation Gathering. The gatherings are intended to be inclusive of people of all faiths as well as those who do not align themselves with a particular religious denomination. For information call 865-497-2753 or email community@narrowridge.org. • FREE GERMAN TREFF • GruJo’s German Restaurant • 2PM • Whether you have lived in Germany and would like to share some memories, would like to explore your roots, practice the language, or if you are just curious and like to meet new people, this monthly meeting, held on the first Saturday of each month, is a great opportunity to have a wonderful time. • FREE Sunday, Sept. 4 THREE RIVERS! EARTH FIRST! • Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria • 7PM • Three Rivers! Earth First! is the local dirt worshiping, tree hugging, anarchist collective that meets every Sunday night on the second floor of Barley’s in the back room (when its available) to organize against strip mining, counter protest the KKK and Nazis, to clean up Third Creek and to fight evil corporations in general. Open meeting, rotating facilitation, collective model. Y’all come. Call (865) 257-4029 for more information. • FREE REFUGE RECOVERY • Losel Shedrup Ling • 8:30PM • A peerled weekly group gathering to supplement your dedicated practice (AA, NA, Smart Recovery, etc.) for recovery from addictions of all kinds. Buddhism recognizes a non-theistic approach to spiritual practice. The Refuge Recovery program does not ask anyone to believe anything, only to trust the process and do the hard work of recovery. All are welcome to join us in investigating the practices of mindfulness, compassion, forgiveness, and generosity to heal the pain addiction has caused in our lives and the lives of others. Contact David at 865-306-0279 for any further questions. • FREE
ETC.
Thursday, Aug. 25 COMMUNITY PARTNERS PINTS FOR A PURPOSE • Little River Trading Co. (Maryville) • 5PM • Join us for a monthly beer event to benefit local nonprofits and try out local and regional breweries. This month’s Pints With a Purpose, sponsored by Little River Trading Company, the Blount Partnership, and Outdoor Research, features Black Abbey Brewing; proceeds benefit the Blount County Habitat for Humanity. Visit littlerivertradingco.com. • FREE MARBLE SPRINGS SHOPPING AT THE FARM FARMER’S MARKET • Marble Springs State Historic Site • 3PM • Marble Springs State Historic Site is proud to present the sixth season of Shopping at the Farm, the Marble Springs Farmer’s Market for our South Knoxville community. The market will be held Thursdays from 3-6 p.m. beginning on May 19 and continuing weekly through Sept. 22. All vendors will be selling fresh, locally-produced products, and artisan crafts. This year we will be allowing the addition of antiques vendors. • FREE Friday, Aug. 26 LAKESHORE PARK FARMERS MARKET • Lakeshore Park • 3PM • Offering a wide variety of hand-picked produce, artisan breads, grass-fed beef, natural pork and chicken, farm fresh eggs and farm-based crafts. • FREE GOOD SPORTS NIGHT • Central Collective • 6:30PM • You purchase a ticket to a mystery event. Show up to The Central Collective at the specified date and time, and be ready for anything. Past events have included: a live
studio game show, an egg drop competition, a garden party in a castle, and a walking tour of North Knoxville. These are events for folks who are curious, adventurous, and like trying new things & meeting new people. Unless otherwise noted, these events are not programmed for children. Visit thecentralcollective.com. • $20 Saturday, Aug. 27 SEYMOUR FARMERS MARKET • First Baptist Church Seymour • 8AM • Open from 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday from June to the second Saturday in October. Locally grown fruits, vegetables, eggs, honey, baked goods and crafts sold by the person who produced it. • FREE OAK RIDGE FARMERS MARKET • Historic Jackson Square • 8AM • The market offers seasonal vegetables, herbs, fruits and berries, honey, artisan bread and cheese, grass-fed beef and naturally raised chicken, pork and lamb, farm-based crafts, flowers and potted plants. • FREE MARKET SQUARE FARMERS’ MARKET • Market Square • 9AM • The MSFM, a project of Nourish Knoxville, is an open-air farmers’ market located on historic Market Square in the heart of downtown Knoxville. Visit marketsquarefarmersmarket.org. • FREE ARTS AND ANTIQUES IN JACKSON SQUARE • Historic Jackson Square (Oak Ridge) • 9AM • For more info visit jacksonsquareoakridge.org. • FREE Tuesday, Aug. 30 EBENEZER ROAD FARMERS MARKET • Ebenezer United Methodist Church • 3PM • FREE Wednesday, Aug. 31 MARKET SQUARE FARMERS’ MARKET • Market Square • 11AM • The MSFM, a project of Nourish Knoxville, is an open-air farmers’ market located on historic Market Square in the heart of downtown Knoxville. Visit marketsquarefarmersmarket.org. • FREE OAK RIDGE FARMERS MARKET • Historic Jackson Square • 3PM • FREE UT FARMERS MARKET • University of Tennessee • 4PM • For more information about the UT Farmers’ Market you can visit the market website: vegetables.tennessee.edu/ utfm.html or find it on Facebook. • FREE TENNESSEE THEATRE OPEN HOUSE AND MARQUEE RELIGHTING CEREMONY • Tennessee Theatre • 6PM • The Tennessee Theatre will celebrate the return of its iconic vertical sign to Gay Street and the newly refurbished marquee with a free open house and relighting ceremony. More information on the campaign can be found at tennesseetheatre.com/marquee. • FREE
historic buildings, including one of the South’s oldest libraries on fresh local dishes and classic British favorites for antiques, art, and crafts from Appalachian artisans trails that lead into a national park and state natural area In vintage accommodations dating back to the 1880s in one of the most stunningly beautiful places in Tennessee
75 minutes from Knoxville. For special events and offers visit our website or Facebook
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Thursday, Sept. 1 MARBLE SPRINGS SHOPPING AT THE FARM FARMER’S MARKET • Marble Springs State Historic Site • 3PM • FREE Friday, Sept. 2 LAKESHORE PARK FARMERS MARKET • Lakeshore Park • 3PM • FREE Saturday, Sept. 3 SEYMOUR FARMERS MARKET • First Baptist Church Seymour • 8AM • FREE OAK RIDGE FARMERS MARKET • Historic Jackson Square • 8AM • FREE MARKET SQUARE FARMERS’ MARKET • Market Square • 9AM • The MSFM, a project of Nourish Knoxville, is an open-air farmers’ market located on historic Market Square in the heart of downtown Knoxville. Visit marketsquarefarmersmarket.org. • FREE March 12, 2015
KNOXVILLE MERCURY 47
SATURDAY AUGUST 27 5:30 PM KNOXVILLE CONVENTION CENTER The Latino Awards ceremony is a formal evening with dinner, drinks and dancing to the music of Latin band Candelaria. 2016 Latino Award Winners Dr. Coral Getino
Rosendo Lozano
Fran Ansley
Spanish Language Solutions
Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition (TIIRC) & Comite Popular de Knoxville
Allies of Knoxville's Immigrant Neighbors (AKIN)
Spirit of Inspiration
Spirit of Transformation
Espiritu Latino
GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY— THE EVENT SOLD OUT LAST YEAR!
Ticket sales go to support Centro Hispano de East Tennessee, a vibrant community center and 501(c)3 charitable organization dedicated to empowering Knoxville's Hispanic community through education, information and social services.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT CENTROHISPANOTN.ORG OR CALL 865-522-0052. Sponsored by:
A vibrant district along Central Street and Broadway.
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In loving memory of Bill Duncan, Lourdes Garza, and Louis Velasquez who believed in the American Dream for all. 48
KNOXVILLE MERCURY August 25, 2016
March 12, 2015
KNOXVILLE MERCURY 48
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KNOXVILLE MERCURY 49
OUTDOORS
Voice in the Wilder ness
Photso by Kim Trevathan
Campfire Tales Pitching a tent at Abrams Creek Campground and looking for just enough adversity BY KIM TREVATHAN
W
hen I asked biologist Drew Crain and his son Jared, 19, what constitutes the ideal camping experience, Drew said good food—and Jared, who first said there was no ideal, added that adversity makes a trip better. We had just pitched our tents at Abrams Creek Campground on the Blount County side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We were on Cooper Road Trail, on our way to Little Bottoms Trail. We planned on hiking up Abrams Creek until we got to the place where, in 2011, an EF4 tornado laid waste to a 13-mile long swath of the Smokies. I wasn’t hoping for adversity, especially not a tornado, but I knew what Jared meant. A little hardship, testing, or adventure—whether it came
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KNOXVILLE MERCURY August 25, 2016
from weather, wildlife, or humans—always made a better story than the trip with perfect weather, convivial companionship, digestible food, and non-threatening wildlife sightings. One ominous note that we avoided speaking of: The last time Jared had been here, in May, the campground was closed because of bear activity. Nearing our destination on the hike, we climbed away and above the flowing creek and the shady, fragrant forest of towering hemlock and pine to a sun-parched landscape of scrubby new growth and ravaged timber, gray and rotting for hundreds of acres. If anyone had been backcountry camping near here or at the campground on April 27, 2011, he or she would have had a story to tell, for
tornadoes are rare in the Smokies, and this one had left its mark. Back at the campsite, we collapsed into a slack water section of the creek to cool off. In the valley, the temperature was in the mid 90s, far from ideal for camping, but here the creek, the forest, the breeze, and the elevation—1,125 feet—made it perfect for lounging around camp. Most less-than-ideal camping trips, we agreed, came not from weather, wildlife, or camping ineptitude. Misery in the outdoors came from other people. Across the way from us, a lone camper with two dogs had set up such a compound that it looked like he had taken up permanent residence. He had a dark green, militaristic-looking RV and a canopy extending from it that was half the size of a tennis court. One of his dogs, lap-sized with wispy, combed-out fur, sounded a shrill and angry alarm every time I went to my car for something. The other one would join in just to add to the merriment. Drew said that on one Abrams Creek overnighter they had to listen to camping neighbors play a kind of truth/lie game called “I ain’t never!” long past the 10 p.m. quiet time. The latter seemed like great
entertainment to me, and the guy with the dogs, who was minding his own business, made me feel safer, given the bear activity in May. I told Jared and Drew about my stay at Folsom State Park near Sacramento, on a 2008 car-camping loop around the states—it was there that I had settled among the most unhappy and potentially dangerous collection of neighbors ever assembled. First I met a down-on-his-luck TV producer camping out of a van that he insisted was “not his life.” On the other side was the most beautiful family I have ever seen—wife, husband, two boys, and a girl—who would make the families on Dr. Phil seem highly functional. And down the way, a trio—two men and a woman—argued and wrestled drunkenly deep into the night. “Don’t even look that way,” the producer hissed when I expressed some concern. “If they see you use your phone, they will shoot your ass.” I spent an uneasy night at Folsom, but the next morning, everyone was still alive, and on a jog, I saw the only mountain lion I’ve ever seen in the wild. The lion sighting, I thought, was a sort of payback for the uneasy night, though I felt sorry for him, too. While we were treading water in the Abrams Creek, two boys who
OUTDOORS
resembled Sumo wrestlers joined us in the water. Their parents had brought them here for an after-school picnic at one of the campsites. Never have I seen such an exhibition of joy in the water: splashing, yelling, skipping rocks. “Someday I’m gonna climb that mountain!” said the biggest boy, pointing at the nearly vertical, rhododendron-clogged bank rising 500 feet above the far side of the creek. He looked at our site with the three hammocks, two tents, and the picnic table full of gadgets and cooking implements, and asked, “How long you staying?” “Only one night,” Drew said. “But you have to put up the tents or it will rain.” Drew started a stew of andouille sausage, onions, tomatoes, okra, and potatoes in a cast-iron Dutch oven that he nestled in a bed of white-hot charcoal. I replicated this recipe the next evening, and it didn’t taste nearly as good prepared and consumed indoors. We fished for a while, with no luck, and retired to the fire ring as the day dimmed and the hikers and picnickers and swimmers left. The only sounds were our stories of good and bad camping trips, punctuated by an American toad’s bellicose commen-
tary and the distressed remarks of a whip-poor-will. The dogs were quiet. In the hammock, I fell asleep after a bit and awoke once to some splashing in the creek. I was so comfortable in a light sleeping bag— the creek shoals murmuring several yards upstream—that I didn’t even care what it was. The next morning, Drew, armed with bear repellent in his hammock, a few feet away from me, said he thought he heard a bear arising from the creek and shaking off water, but he didn’t get up either. Rarely do I sleep much on campouts, but this time I awoke rested, and other than a bee sting and running out of water the last mile of our hike, I was unable to conjure any adversity on this trip. Oh yeah, somebody forgot the s’mores. Still, I highly recommend Abrams Creek Campground, with its 16 sites, more than half of them right next to the water. Drew and Jared said they had never seen it full, even on weekends. There are restrooms with flush toilets and at each site fire rings and picnic tables, no electrical hookups or showers. An overnight stay costs $14, and it’s only about a 25-minute drive from Maryville on Montvale Road, which turns into Happy Valley Road. ◆ August 25, 2016
KNOXVILLE MERCURY 51
’BYE
At This Point
Beach Music Reflections on a seaside wedding BY STEPHANIE PIPER
W
e sit in rows of white chairs and look out at the Pacific Ocean. It’s a hot July afternoon in paradise, and the only worry is that the incoming tide will swamp the bride and groom before they exchange their vows. It’s my first beach wedding, and I’m working hard to keep my inner event planner in check. I remind myself sternly that I’m a guest here, aunt of the groom, visiting relation. My only role is to smile benignly and offer applause and warm wishes. Someone else is in charge of the tide chart. In the end, it’s all perfect: the bridesmaids in shell-pink dresses, the groomsmen in beige linen jackets, three tiny flower girls wreathed with roses and pulled along the shore in a beribboned wagon. The waves roll to a stop inches from the happy couple. The two families nod at each other across the sandy aisle. A new story begins. When I was young and oblivious, I used to wonder why people cried at weddings. The whole tears-of-joy thing seemed way over the top to me,
all those white handkerchiefs and snuffling old ladies. To my mind, there was nothing weepy about looking fabulous and promising to love and cherish forever, followed by lots of champagne and dancing until dawn. Now that I’m old(er) and clued in, I get it. I’m still not much of a weeper, but I recognize that a wedding is a life event, a big, bold bullet point in someone’s story. Watching it unfold from the second row takes us back to our own bullet points, marital and otherwise. We remember those rare, indelible moments when we knew for certain that something was ending, and something was beginning, and nothing would ever be the same again. The ceremony winds down to the fading notes of Pachelbel’s Canon. It comes to me that there is something fitting about a wedding by the ocean. The ebb and flow echoes the rhythm of relationships, noisy and exciting giving way to flat and muted. The shifting winds and rip tides and unpredictable undertow remind us to be watchful, careful, respectful. Because after the champagne and the dancing comes the rest of life. After
After the champagne and the dancing comes the rest of life. After the wedding comes the marriage, a vast new expanse of uncharted water.
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the wedding comes the marriage, a vast new expanse of uncharted water. Once I asked a Trappist monk what the hardest thing was about his vocation. I thought he would say it was the silence, or the lack of sleep, or the monotonous vegetarian diet. But without missing a beat, he answered that it was the common life. The life in community, the everyday trudge, together. Living in proximity, faults and quirks of character are magnified. If someone drives you nuts, he told me, you just have to work it out. Because there you are, under the same roof. When I asked him what the best thing was, he replied again: the common life. The everyday trudge, together. The common life is a school for love, he said. It requires sacrifice, and a sense of humor, and the ability to leave a great deal unsaid.
BY IAN BLACKBURN AND JACK NEELY
Marriage is its own vocation, with its own set of vows and expectations. But its similarities to the other kind of vowed life are striking. There’s the starry-eyed phase, when both spouses appear to be flawless. It’s all fair skies and smooth sailing. Then a gale blows up, the first of many. Annoying habits emerge. Voices acquire a certain edge. Some days, the simple task of staying afloat requires supernatural assistance. We turn from the white chairs and head for the reception, where the band is tuning up with “Surfin’ USA.” I take one more look at the Pacific, and hum the song running through my head: The water is wide and I cannot get o’er And neither have I wings to fly Give us a boat that will carry two And both shall row My love and I. ◆
OPEN CALL! Do you have an existing photo series of life around Knoxville? We’re always on the lookout for new views of our city’s many different and we’ll feature them in our Howdy section.
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DANE KRISTOF, The popular Nashville psychic and clairvoyant that the tabloids call,” the Seer of Music Row,” is accepting appts. for when he is in Knoxville this month. One Nashville paper said, “This guy’s the real deal. He starts by telling you little known things that only you could know not to impress you but to add validation to the reading.” Call (615)4294053 for a Knoxville appt. – www.DaneKristof.com.
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August 25, 2016
KNOXVILLE MERCURY 53
’BYE
Spir it of the Staircase
BY MATTHEW FOLTZ-GRAY
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KNOXVILLE MERCURY August 25, 2016
www.thespiritofthestaircase.com
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KNOXVILLE MERCURY August 25, 2016