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JUNE 8, 2017 knoxmercury.com V.
3/ N.15
THE ENTREPRENEURS ISSUE
BIG IDEAS Meet four high-tech Knoxville startups aiming to shake up their industries BY BRANDON BRUCE
Joe Sullivan Ponders the Market for Downtown Office Space
Jack Neely Pleads the Case for Print News
Electric Darling’s Anticipated Debut EP
KNOX CRAFT BEER WEEK!
Your guide to local beers!
2 knoxville mercury June 8, 2017
June 8, 2017 | Volume 03: Issue 15 | knoxmercury.com “I can’t understand why people are frightened of new ideas. I’m frightened of the old ones.” —John Cage
HOWDY
6 The Laundromats of Knoxville by Jessica Tezak
OPINION
8 Scruffy Citizen
Jack Neely makes a plea for print journalism.
10 Perspectives
Joe Sullivan ponders downtown office space.
A&E
23 Program Notes
Curtis Glover’s murals and the return of nief-norf.
24 Music
Matthew Everett sneaks a peek at Electric Darling’s debut EP.
25 Art
Denise Stewart-Sanabria wants more of the UT print show in Maryville.
26 Movies COVER STORY
NEWS
16 Big Ideas
12 Basic Training
Knoxville has a long history of innovation. In 1932, George Dempster invented the Dempster-Dumpster. In 1940, Barney and Ally Hartman formulated Mountain Dew. In 1983, Kelly Milam, Terry Douglass, Mike Crabtree, and Ronald Nutt founded CTI Molecular Imaging to produce and market PET scanners. Today, there are dozens of entrepreneurs with big ideas in Knoxville. In this special Entrepreneurs Issue, Brandon Bruce profiles four early-stage companies.
Veterans and activists converged on the Highlander Center on Memorial Day weekend to find out how the skills they had gained in military service could apply to social and political action. Hayley Brundige reports on what they learned.
PRESS FORWARD 14 All Out Knoxville
Shannon Herron is a designer and lifelong Knoxvillian. He’s also president of All Out Knoxville, a social organization focused on connecting the LGBTQ+ community.
SPECIAL SECTION
Knoxville’s Booming Breweries
In honor of Knoxville Cra Beer Week (June 10-18), we offer a one-stop guide to East Tennessee’s growing roster of cra brews, brewers, and brewpubs.
April Snellings swoons for Wonder Woman.
CALENDAR
28 Spotlights
Peter Brötzmann and Heather Leigh
FOOD
44 Home Palate
Dennis Perkins sketches a tasty portrait of The Tennessean’s Drawing Room.
OUTDOORS
46 Voice in the Wilderness
Kim Trevathan survives the Ocoee’s whitewater.
’BYE
48 News of the Weird by Chuck Shepherd
49 That ’70s Girl
by Angie Vicars
50 Spirit of the Staircase by Matthew Foltz-Gray
51 Crooked Street Crossword
by Ian Blackburn and Jack Neely
51 Mulberry Place Cryptoquote by Joan Keuper
June 8, 2017 knoxville mercury 3
Schedule, Pull-out Map, and More!
FESTIVAL
GUIDE
A BUDGET?
APRIL 20, 2017
WE’D LOVE
knoxmercury.com
TO HAVE ONE! V.
3/ N.11
WHO GETS HURT BY TRUMP’S
If you’re old, don’t make much money, or want to find a job in Appalachia, prepare to fend for yourself • BY S. HEATHER DUNCAN
WWE’s Kane Announces His Candidacy for Knox County Mayor
World’s Fair Beer— the Brew No One Actually Drank— Relaunches
YEP Unites Entrepreneurs and Students to Develop Business Ideas
NO FEDERAL HELP NEEDED I was skipping into Los Amigos in Maryville the other day and picked up the Mercury to enjoy some lunch fodder. The cover [“Who Gets Hurt by Trump’s Budget Cuts” by S. Heather Duncan, April 20, 2017] piqued my interest, as I am a diehard Trump supporter. I want to thank you for your effort to gather the numbers associated with these programs. While the tone of your article attempts to severely diss President Trump’s effort, instead, you have perfectly illustrated exactly why it is one of the programs he has chosen to (propose) to eliminate. First of all, your article smacks of this notion that somehow all of the taxpayers of the United States (and Tennessee) SHOULD BE responsible for even the “poorest” citizens. We’re
“It’s a shame that we need a law that more or less restates the 1st Amendment, but it’s come to that. There has been some shameful behavior from both sides recently. If this legislation helps to protect free speech from both sides, I’m all for it. Let’s hope it gives more people a chance to listen to one another, rather than shout each other down.” —John Becker commenting on “Tennessee Legislators Craft a Campus Free-Speech Law That Actually Protects Free Speech” by S. Heather Duncan, May 24, 2017
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not. Never have been. We are a nation of communities. We should be taking care of each other LOCALLY—through communities and churches, not through the federal government (longtime notorious for excessive and wasteful spending). For example, your example in your opening lines of the article: This family could EASILY qualify for a Habitat for Humanity home—built at no cost to them, and no cost to taxpayers whatsoever. Additionally, United Way offers many different kinds of assistance. Many years ago, the GI Bill was being seriously considered for elimination, I was able to have a one-on-one with then Sen. Bob Graham of Florida. I reminded him that (at the time), the government invested about $40,000 in the American serviceman—but got back more than $150,000 in additional taxes paid in over the serviceman’s lifetime. The GI Bill was saved, although it was altered. Regardless of the handful of “good” that a program may provide, unless we identify the waste and get rid of it, this nation will be fiscally doomed. So, let me conclude by asking you a simple question: Would you pay $1,200 for a loaf of U.S. Government bread? R. Michael Landis Louisville
THE LOST CREEPY BILLBOARD OF SOUTH KNOXVILLE As a Knoxville native, born and raised, I read with interest your “100 Things You Don’t Know about Knoxville.” [March 30, 2017] Thank you! I was hoping to see a mention of the giant head that was mounted for several years, about 50 years ago, on the south end of the Henley Street bridge across the river from the Baptist Hospital. Even better would have been a photo of it and even better than that would be a link to view a video (or rather film since video didn’t exist way back then) of it in motion. It rocked from side to side with the eyes fixed so it looked from side to side. It was actually a bit creepy but we were all accustomed to it. It advertised
“Adding to your interesting lost-and-found inventory, I submit the time in the early 1970s when I was assisting my aunt and cousins with a Girl Scout overnight hike in the Smokies. We came to our campground and shelter to find a new 12-volt battery in the shelter. Who would carry a 33-pound battery 10 miles into the woods—and leave it.” —Vince Vawter commenting on “A Survey of Detritus Discovered (or Left Behind) in the Wild,” by Kim Trevathan, May 10, 2017
Coca-Cola. On top of that, literally, during the month of December, a giant Santa Claus face was put on it. I’d love to see images of it again. Anyone? Neranza Noel Blount Knoxville Ed. Note: We believe the Tennessee Archive of Moving Image and Sound has some footage of the sign posted to their Facebook page—click on the one titled “Fantastic Diet Rite and French Broad Billboard” at facebook.com/pg/ tamisarchive/videos/.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR GUIDELINES • Letter submissions should include a verifiable name, address, and phone number. We do not print anonymous letters. • We much prefer letters that address issues that pertain specifically to Knoxville or to stories we’ve published. • We don’t publish letters about personal disputes or how you didn’t like your waiter at that restaurant. • Letters are usually published in the order that we receive them. Send your letters to: Our Dear Editor, Knoxville Mercury 618 S. Gay St., Suite L2 Knoxville, TN 37902 Send an email to: editor@knoxmercury.com Or message us at: facebook.com/knoxmercury
DELIVERING FINE JOURNALISM SINCE 2015 The Knoxville Mercury is an initiative of the Knoxville History Project, a 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit whose mission is to research and promote the history of Knoxville. 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 CONTRIBUTORS Chris Barrett Joan Keuper Ian Blackburn Catherine Landis Hayley Brundige Dennis Perkins Patrice Cole Stephanie Piper Eric Dawson Ryan Reed George Dodds Eleanor Scott Thomas Fraser Alan Sherrod Lee Gardner Nathan Smith Mike Gibson April Snellings Carey Hodges Denise Stewart-Sanabria Nick Huinker Joe Sullivan Donna Johnson Kim Trevathan Tracy Jones Chris Wohlwend Rose Kennedy Angie Vicars Carol Z. Shane INTERNS Joanna Brooker Thomas Stubbs DESIGN ART DIRECTOR Tricia Bateman tricia@knoxmercury.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER Charlie Finch CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS David Luttrell Shawn Poynter Justin Fee Tyler Oxendine CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATORS Matthew Foltz-Gray ADVERTISING PUBLISHER & DIRECTOR OF SALES Charlie Vogel charlie@knoxmercury.com SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Scott Hamstead scott@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 Robin Easter Tommy Smith Melanie Faizer 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 publishes 25,000 copies per issue, available free of charge, limited to one copy per reader. © 2017 The Knoxville Mercury
TH E OR IGINS OF K NOXVILLE BEER K n o x v i l l e B r e w f e s t h i g h l i g h t s n e w b e e r s , b u t O U R b r e w i n g t r a d i t i o n g o e s way b a c k .
In 1907, voters chose to close the city’s 106 saloons. The East Tennessee Brewery could keep producing beer, but only for consumption outside a four-mile radius of Knoxville. A statewide ban prohibited production of beer with significant alcohol content in 1910. The brewery adapted, offering low-alcohol “temperance brews” like Swanky and Old Pal Cream Brew. In 1912, the brewery was caught producing illegal high-alcohol beers. After that, the factory produced only ice and soft drinks.
Beer became popular here with the immigration of German and Irish immigrants in the mid1800s. By 1869, Knoxville hosted two breweries, both on Second Creek. The Union Brewery was located near the thennew National Cemetery (now on Tyson Street). According to an advertisement, proprietor Paul Sturm “keeps on hand a superior article of Ale and Fresh Lager Beer of his own Manufacture.” Knoxville’s other pioneer brewery, less than half a mile downstream from Sturm’s, was called the Knoxville Brewery. It was located on Asylum Street, on the northern part of World’s Fair Park, across the creek from the iron foundry. It was run by Lucas (or Lewis) Graf, probably a German immigrant, who lived at the same address.
An attempt to re-launch the brewery in 1936 ended in accusations of fraud. The abandoned brewery was mostly torn down in 1952. Now flattened, its site is beneath a tangle of highway overpasses. Knoxville’s best-known brewery, known by several different names, was built in the 1880s at the corner of Chamberlain and McGhee, between downtown and Mechanicsville. This photo is from 1937, long after the factory stopped producing beer. It was torn down about 15 years later.
The city’s best-known brewery launched in 1886 as the Knoxville Brewing Association, which built a large brewery at the corner of Chamberlain and McGhee. That’s also on Second Creek, between downtown and Mechanicsville. Almost 200,000 square feet in floor space, the four-story plant had a corner turret that sported a pennant on top. A 2,100-foot-deep artesian well provided thousands of gallons daily of fresh, cold water. It employed about 40, and produced 25,000 to 40,000 barrels of beer per year, distributing to a six-state area. Their elaborate promotions included parade floats and medieval imagery. After a reorganization in 1895, it became known as the New Knoxville Brewing Company, and after 1902, the East Tennessee Brewing Co. By then, they produced popular beers with the brand names Palmetto (“An Incomparable Brew for Home and Cafe”) and Shamrock Special—as well as a medicinal concoction called “Malt-a-Tonic.” A few of Knoxville’s saloons were what we might call brew pubs: bars that sold beer produced on the premises. Daniel Dewine’s well-known bar on South Central sold beer in “growlers” for home consumption. Dewine did so well in the saloon business he turned his profits to charity and helped found East Tennessee’s first Catholic hospital, St. Mary’s.
At the East Tennessee History Center, at Gay and Clinch, on Wednesday, June 14, at noon, Professor Michael Blum, of the University of South Carolina, will give a lecture called “The Civil Rights Movement in Knoxville, Tenn.: An Understudied Local Movement,” which promises to be a fresh look at the subject. It’s part of the East Tennessee Historical Society’s free “Brown Bag” lecture series.
And once again, Knox Heritage is offering its memorable Summer Suppers. This year, they include a performance of MacBeth at historic Cumberland Gap; a recreation of a Kennedy-era White House dinner in a 1962 condo complex; and a supper at the Jefferson County “Homestead” of the family that made Bush Beans famous. Others are set in elaborate gardens. Menus are history-specific. You can sample Kid Curried Meatballs at the newly restored 1920s home of artist Lloyd Branson, Knoxville’s first professional artist—who in 1901 published a rare sketch of Butch Cassidy associate Kid Curry, drawn from life in the outlaw’s downtown jail cell. For more, see knoxheritage.org.
Like the Mercury? Interested in new research into Knoxville history? You can help sustain both with a gift to the Knoxville History Project, by helping us renew this educational page for another year. See knoxvillehistoryproject.org, or send tax-deductible donations to KHP at 516 West Vine Ave., #8, Knoxville, TN 37902.
The Calvin M. McClung Historical Collection, Lawson McGhee Library Image courtesy of Calvin M. McClung Historical Collection • cmdc.knoxlib.org
Source
T h e K n ox v i l l e H i s to ry P r o j ec t, a n o n p r o fi t o r g a n iz at i o n d e vot e d to t h e p r o m ot i o n o f a n d ed u c at i o n a b o u t t h e h i s to ry o f K n ox v i l l e , p r e s en t s t h i s pag e e ac h w e e k to r a i s e awa r en e s s o f t h e t h em e s , p er s o n a l i t i e s , a n d s to r i e s o f o u r u n i q u e c i t y. L e a r n m o r e at
knoxvillehistoryproject.org
o r em a i l
jack@knoxhistoryproject.org
June 8, 2017 knoxville mercury 5
DUMPSTER highlights DIVE Weekly from our blog CITY COUNCIL PRIMARY After the hectic year that was 2016, some people may have yearned for a break from politics. But an unprecedented number of people actually want to get into politics. In all, five open seats on the nine-seat Knoxville City Council are up for grabs, with 30 candidates fighting it out in the initial primary scheduled for Aug. 29.
SHIMMY MOB
THE LAUNDROMATS OF KNOXVILLE Photo Series by Jessica Tezak Cedar Bluff Coin Laundry, West Knoxville, June 5: Martha Clark of Knoxville inserts quarters into a washing machine while doing laundry with her granddaughter, Amberly Clark. Clark said that her washer quit working a few months ago and that she and Amberly have been doing their laundry together twice a week ever since.
Knoxville’s Shimmy Mob consists of volunteers who perform flash mob-style—not just to entertain onlookers, but also to support the Knoxville Family Justice Center, which provides counseling and legal assistance for victims of domestic violence. Upcoming performances include the Knoxville Pride Parade, June 17, and KMA’s Alive After Five on July 21.
SUICIDES INCREASE IN STATE The Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network published its annual report earlier this month outlining the suicide trends within the state. According to “The Status of Suicide in Tennessee,” the rates and recorded numbers of suicide in 2015 were up both up from 2014.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS
6/8 15TH ANNUAL ETCDC SUMMER PARTY 6/10 NEIGHBORHOOD WIFFLE BALL TOURNAMENT 5 p.m., reception; 6:30-8:30 p.m., tour; UT Fab Lab (525 N. Gay St.). $60.
9 a.m. start, Victor Ashe Park. Free.
6/15 WALKABILITY ORDINANCE OPEN HOUSE
6/17 KNOXVILLE PRIDE PARADE & PRIDEFEST
The East Tennessee Community Design Center’s annual “block party” raises funds for its work to bring planning assistance to communities lacking resources. This year’s “In the Shadows of 40” tour looks at buildings in the 5th Avenue/Magnolia/Depot Avenue area, including Old Knoxville High. Tickets: communitydc.org.
The city’s Parks and Recreation Department is hosting this inaugural whiffle battle between neighborhood associations. Eight teams are set to face off in a double elimination showdown. Who will reign supreme? Will it be Island Home Park? Burlington? Timbercrest? Find out!
Have we attained true walkability yet? Probably not, but the Metropolitan Planning Commission has been working on it with a draft sidewalk ordinance. You can discuss it with MPC, city, and county staff over coffee. Read the draft here: knoxmpc.org/committees/sidewalk.
Knoxville’s most open celebration of equality and inclusion marches on! It’s been a rough year for anyone perceived as being “different,” but that doesn’t mean we can’t still show pride in who we are—and have a day-long party. Info: knoxvillepridefest.org.
THURSDAY
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SATURDAY
THURSDAY
7:30-9:30 a.m., Panera Bread (4855 Kingston Pike). Free.
SATURDAY
11 a.m.-noon, Gay Street; noon-8 p.m., Mary Costa Plaza, Civic Coliseum. Free.
JUNE 17, 2017 17 2017
June 8, 2017 knoxville mercury 7
Scruffy Citizen | Perspectives
Our Newspaper The Mercury is essential, and it needs your help
BY JACK NEELY
I
’ve never been in the money-raising business before. I keep thinking that if we just explain who we are and what we do, people will get it. They’ll help, and everything will be fine, and I’ll be able to sleep again. The Knoxville Mercury is the city’s most widely distributed, most critically acclaimed independent newspaper. Some of our readers are helping us keep it going. Most aren’t, yet. People are used to donating to public radio and television stations. They’re not used to donating to a public newspaper. I understand that. This is a new idea: a truly locally owned community newspaper that’s supported both by its advertisers and its readers. The Mercury has drawn national attention because it might be relevant to models for sustainable journalism in the 21st century. Media’s changing, no question. But it’s complicated. And life is complicated, it turns out, and that’s one reason we do still need newspapers. Social media is amazing. It connects us to high-school sweethearts and saves lives in forest fires, in ways newspapers can’t touch. It has not proven itself as an effective means for thorough reporting about complex issues, with background, description, analysis.
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Social-media mavens strongly advise you keep Facebook posts and blogs under 100 characters. That’s about 25 words. Just enough room to be cute or, better yet, outrageous. So-called social media has much to answer for, in terms of pushing our politics to the name-calling fringes. I’m not here to say Facebook is good or bad. It’s not a substitute for journalism. If you’ve read this far, I don’t have to tell you that. I’m not sure it’s even a permanent substitute for advertising, but that’s what we’ve been hearing from some former supporters of independent print media—that they don’t have to advertise anymore, because now they’re on Facebook. That’s one reason that we need your help. Knoxville readers like the Knoxville Mercury. I hear from them daily. They call it “invaluable,” “essential,” “indispensable.” Is print
media dying? You couldn’t make that case based on the Mercury’s readership. Here it is, 2017, and we distribute 25,000 copies of every issue of the Mercury. I’ve been helping restock some of the high-traffic pickup spots. It’s gratifying to see our work disappear into the community. When it runs out, it feels good to put out another bundle or two, knowing it’s going to run out again. But it’s the 21st century, of course, and we all hear claims from multiple sources—Twitter, The Simpsons—that print is dying. But you can’t prove it by interest in the Knoxville Mercury. Our previous project, Metro Pulse, was never much more popular than the Mercury is, in terms of circulation. Even 20 years ago, before social media existed, a 25,000 circulation was considered pretty good. So far, the effect of social media has only expanded the number of people who read the Mercury. Thousands more read the Mercury in 2017, on paper and online combined, than read Metro Pulse in 1997. I hear from readers more than I used to. Combining our still-healthy pickup rate with indicated page views of our online stories, these would seem like great days for journalism. However, many of our old Metro Pulse advertisers haven’t returned. Some cite stories and jokes they’ve heard about print belonging to the past. I gather there’s some anxiety about seeming old-fashioned. I don’t share it. Facebook is 13 years old. Print journalism is 400 years old. Knoxville has had independent print journalism since 1791. We had a newspaper here, the Knoxville Gazette, before we had a church or a restaurant or a mayor or a paved street. Our readership likes what we do, but the Mercury is also impressive to judges and peers. Although the
People are used to donating to public radio and television stations. They’re not used to donating to a public newspaper.
Mercury started just a little more than two years ago, with a skeletal staff, the paper has already won numerous awards from several organizations, especially the Society of Professional Journalists, in competition with both daily and weekly newspapers within a 100-mile radius of Knoxville. No independent news source in East Tennessee gets more commendations from peers than the Mercury does. We need to keep it going. We hope to make it even better. This opportunity won’t come again. It took a whole lot of capital, calling in a whole lot of personal favors, a whole lot of conferences with lawyers and accountants, a whole lot of working weekends and late nights and early mornings, to get where we are now. I haven’t taken a vacation since we started. As I mentioned, we print 25,000 copies of each issue. About as many people read it online. A tiny fraction of our readers contribute. If everybody who’s reading this issue sent us just $10—a year, that is— we would be able to go forward and keep doing our job with confidence. You and I both know that’s not going to happen. It’s just the price of a six-pack, but most readers don’t think about bearing part of the cost of something they enjoy, or they forget to act. Knowing there are many active readers who can’t, or won’t, give raises the stakes for those of us who can and will. That figure is a minimum, by the way. If each of our readers sent us $20 or $30 a year—or $50 a year, less than the average public-broadcasting donation—we could think about hiring a reporter to cover city hall and get a fuller picture of our local government, courts, and developers. So please help. If you’re reading online, click the button on this page. If not, send a donation to the paper—or, if you prefer, a tax-deductible donation to the Knoxville History Project, a 501(c)(3) educational organization that employs me and supports the Mercury through the purchase of our educational page. We’re at knoxvillehistoryproject.org, and at 516 W. Vine Ave., Ste. 8, Knoxville, 37902. Thanks very much.
2017 FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN
From news to pop culture, from our history to our future, these stories make a difference to individuals and to our city. Your support makes an impact. Read how at knoxmercury.com/donate. Give a buck—or more!—at
knoxmercury.com/donate or mail your donation to Knoxville Mercury, 618 S. Gay St., Ste L2, Knoxville, TN 37902
June 8, 2017 knoxville mercury 9
Scruffy Citizen | Perspectives
Workforce Opportunities Downtown is gaining as a place to work
BY JOE SULLIVAN
D
owntown Knoxville’s 21st century renaissance as a place to live, dine, and partake of entertainment has been a marvel to behold. The one sphere in which it hasn’t made much progress is as a place to work. But that’s about to change. Regal Cinemas is due to open its new headquarters on the South Waterfront in September, relocating more than 300 employees from suburban Halls. The city’s largest ad agency, Tombras, is close behind with the relocation of another 200 to the sleekly renovated former KUB building on Gay Street that had long been vacant. When the 165-room Hyatt Place Hotel opens in November, it will create 85 jobs in what still deserves to be remembered as the Farragut, also long vacant. At the same time, a long-in-the-works renovation of what may be Gay Street’s last remaining vacant building (nee Kress) is reportedly nearing completion and is due to yield 16,000 square feet of office space in the upper two of its three floors. Already, the Metropolitan Planning Commission has reported that the vacancy rate in downtown’s total of 4.7 million square feet of rentable office space dropped to 8.3 percent in 2016 from 10.6 percent in 2015 and as high as 14 percent in 2013. Doing a little math, that equates to close to 270,000 more square feet occupied, easily enough to take in
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upwards of 1,000 workers. Almost overshadowing all of the above is the prospect that TVA will soon sell its two office towers that hover over Market Square and relocate its headquarters to a much smaller new building for which it would contract with a developer. When the towers were built in the 1970s with combined space of 750,000 square feet, they housed more than 3,000 TVA employees. Now, with its headquarters workforce down to about 800, either one of them is more than is needed. Yet the two towers were built akin to Siamese twins with shared infrastructure that makes them almost inseparable. Hence, the recommendation of a lengthy study concluded a year ago that TVA should sell them as a unit. The study also recommended the sale and demolition of the older, smaller TVA-owned complex known as Summer Place nearby to make way for the new headquarters. At that time, a TVA announcement foresaw a board decision to proceed by last fall. But none has been forthcoming. When asked why it’s taking longer and when one might occur, TVA spokesman Jimmie Ray Hopson responds by email with bureaucratic puffery that, “TVA recognizes that is not a decision that should be rushed and all of the alternatives must be carefully considered. We want to make the best decision for both TVA employees and ratepayers so we are taking the time
necessary to complete our due diligence. We hope to be able to provide additional information this summer.” For more than a decade, TVA has retained Los Angeles-based commercial real estate broker CBRE to scour the nation if not the world for potential tower occupants. And to say the obvious, landing the “big one” would provide a big economic boost not just for downtown but for the city as a whole. Of late, though, there’s been a lot of speculation that one of the major tenants might be Knox County Schools. At County Mayor Tim Burchett’s urging, KCS has been looking to move its central office out of the county-owned Andrew Johnson Building in order to put it back on the tax rolls. An RFP for the AJ’s sale and repurposing has a July response date, and several proposals are expected for converting the 18-story building into one of downtown’s largest residential complexes. But the residences can’t go in until KCS moves out. Meanwhile, the overhang of all that TVA tower space acts as a drag on any other large new downtown office space developments. “With that much overhang, I don’t see much else happening until it’s been absorbed,” says one of the city’s most astute commercial Realtors, Joe Petre. Another major deterrent: the going rate for Class A office space downtown is around $16 per square foot, whereas Petre reckons it would take rental rates of close to $30 per square foot to make a newly constructed office building viable. Any assessment of downtown’s prospects as a place to work is also clouded by the fact that no one seems to know how many people work there now. The executive director of the Central Business Improvement District, Michelle Hummel, advises that downtown employment totaled 22,105 in the most recent quarter for which data is available. But the source of this data is reports submitted to the state Department of Employment and Workforce Development for unemployment insurance purposes. For employers headquartered downtown these could lump together all of their employees wherever situated. Such is
the case with Knox County Schools. I was able to verify that all of their more than 8,000 employees are being included in the report whereas no more than a few hundred of them work downtown. The state data may be more meaningful when it comes to making comparisons over time. It shows the downtown workforce hovering around 22,000 at least as far back as 2010. By contrast, the CBID’s measures of downtown residential growth appear more nearly valid. They show the number of people living downtown has more than doubled from 1,100 in 2000 to 2,350 in 2016. And the seemingly insatiable demand for downtown dwellings continues unabated. One constraint could be that the supply of older buildings that have been the developers’ stock in trade is just about exhausted. But new construction is now coming to the fore. Consider: • Longtime developer Buzz Goss and his partner of late, Dale Smith, are getting ready to follow up on their 255-unit Marble Alley apartments on State Street with 120 adjacent units named Caledonia. • Tim Hill of Hatcher-Hill Properties is moving ahead with plans for construction of 88 condos in a 10-story building on a vacant lot in the 300 block of Gay Street. • The ubiquitous Rick Dover of Dover Development and a Nashville-based partner firm have gained selection by the city for an $83 million development on the former State Supreme Court site that includes 240 apartments, a 100+ room hotel, a restaurant, and other retail. • While not technically within the bounds of the CBID that defines downtown proper, two other developments on its fringe will also add to its vitality. These are the 101-unit condo complex that Petre is spearheading on what’s called Regas Square and the 255 apartments that are going up on the site of the former Baptist Hospital. It all adds up. Joe Sullivan is the former owner and publisher of Metro Pulse (1992-2003) as well as a longtime columnist covering local politics, education, development, health care, and tennis.
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Photo by Lou Murrey
Basic Training Military veterans learn how to apply their skills to nonviolent activism in the Highlander Center’s About Face Action Camp BY HAYLEY BRUNDIGE
A
s fallen service members were honored on Memorial Day weekend, nearly 50 veterans and activists converged on the Highlander Research and Education Center in New Market. They were there to learn about a new kind of deployment—one that would send them to communities around the United States facing ICE raids, attacks on minorities, and police brutality. At the five-day About Face Veterans Action Camp, veterans from all over the country learned how to apply the skills they had gained from their service to social and political action. Two organizations, Iraq Veterans Against the War and the Ruckus Society, joined forces to facilitate the training camp focused on nonviolent direct action. Matt Howard served two deployments in Iraq with the Marines between 2001 and 2006 and is now the co-director of the
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national Iraq Veterans Against the War. He says it’s important to draw a connection between violence in places like Ferguson, Mo., or Baltimore and the violence “that’s being waged on people in countries overseas.” Howard says the two organizations had discussed putting together a training camp in previous years, but two recent events made the effort more pressing than ever: mobilization against the Dakota Access Pipeline at Standing Rock, and the election of Donald Trump. “[Trump’s] administration has only emboldened far-right reactionaries who really feel like they have the full backing of the state right now,” Howard says, citing the recent murders of Rick Best and Taliesin Myrddin Namkai-Meche by a white supremacist on a commuter train in Portland, Ore., as an example. “And our folks really understand the threat
of that and the need to make sure that people are prepared to push back and really not let that be the new normal.” And the Highlander Center —the historic hub for grassroots organizing and movement-building in the South, responsible for training activists like Rosa Parks and John Lewis—seemed like a fitting location for the action camp. Over five days, participants in the camp took part in group discussions on nonviolence and community security, training workshops on nonviolent direct action, and skill-sharing. And they learned about one of four tracks in depth: strategy and action-planning, artistic and creative action, blockades, or community defense. Will Griffin, who served as a paratrooper mechanic in the Army in both Iraq and Afghanistan, says he was drawn to participate in the camp because of its focus on direct action. In the current political climate, Griffin says, “conventional methods of trying to influence government or change policy aren’t working.” For Griffin, veterans “redeploying” to support movements in places like Standing Rock is a natural extension of the mindset that led them to military service. “We wanted to serve our country. We wanted to do some type of selfless service for the people that we love,” Griffin says. “And I think we’re still doing that. We’re just doing that in a way that we know for sure—and we’re not being misled—what we’re doing is not going to have a negative consequence such as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.” In his experience in direct-action campaigns in South Korea, Palestine, Standing Rock, and beyond, Griffin says veterans in particular were trained to remain calm in very chaotic situations. “I think that is imperative, because when police officers are pointing weapons and arresting people and most likely abusing people in some way, we can remain calm and make an actual assessment of the situation,” he says. L.J. Amsterdam is a trainer at Ruckus Society, a grassroots network of organizers and artists based in
Oakland, Calif. She led training on action strategy and planning at the camp . In this track, participants explored how skills from military service, like sand-tabling to plan out scenarios and using “battle buddies” to build relationships, could be applied outside of a military context to defend families from ICE raids or blockade an oil pipeline. While certain aspects of the trainings, like translating terminology from a military to collective organizing context, presented challenges, Amsterdam says participants came away from the camp with a deeper understanding of how their skills could be used to support movement work. “I think participants took away a sense of appreciation for their training and an understanding of how they might be able to use it differently,” Amsterdam says. “It was really important to me to create an environment that wasn’t shaming, that was inviting for people to work through uncomfortable experiences, and try to extract some of the useful elements of that.” Amsterdam also notes that the participants of the camp were “awesomely diverse” in terms of region, race, ethnicity, gender, and cultural background. Toward the end of the camp, participants ran a mock action campaign with the objective of disrupting a weapons expo to highlight relationships between weapons dealers and elected officials. The veterans planned their action, came up with goals, and developed messaging and art for their campaign. Amsterdam says this experience provided a space to practice nonviolent strategies and de-escalation tactics and gain experience reacting to a high-stress situation. For Howard, the camp provided an opportunity to better understand the kind of under-utilized skills that veterans bring to movement work— and what they might want to leave behind. “We know that there are plenty of things that we’re not trying to bring with us if our goal is to demilitarize our community and also be doing the kind of change work to see the world that we want to see,” Howard says.
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PRESS FORWARD
Focus: Civic & Humanitarian
All Out Knoxville
Shannon Herron President
Connecting the LGBTQ+ in Knoxville BY ROSE KENNEDY
Is AOK political at all? We have partnered on events with more political organizations, primarily the Tennessee Equality Project, but we are not politically focused ourselves. We joined TEP in hosting the very popular LGBT Alumni Tailgate at UT, for example. AOK members also hand out information about TEP at a Market Square Farmer’s Market booth. But AOK is primarily here to provide social events for LGBTQ+ people apart from advocacy, or in addition to it. We want to give community members a way to come together in a way that’s not quite as heavy—more lighthearted, more fun.
How and when did you choose your mission? I designed the framework as a part of my thesis project for the master’s of 14 knoxville mercury June 8, 2017
fine arts program at UT. There are so many amazing people and organizations already doing great work in our city and I wanted All Out Knox to be a place that brought all of them together. We also have an online platform— alloutknox.com and all of our social media accounts—that are safe spaces for those people who may not be ready to attend an event but want to stay connected and up to date with the community in a way that feels right for them.
Has your approach changed since the presidential election or recent Tennessee legislation that impacts LGBTQ citizens? The legislative matters have definitely made the work we do even more important. And since the election, I’ve seen our community come together in a way that it hadn’t before. Divisions within the LGBTQ community have started breaking down; there are now more gay men’s groups working with lesbian women and transgender people and allies. A lot of us were kind of siloed before the election. I think since then we all kind of realized how important it was to provide a united front, to let people know we’re motivated, we’re powerful, and we’re not going anywhere. I’ve also seen a ton of community businesses that don’t typically interact with the LGBTQ community stepping up. We support TEP on the Tennessee Open for Business initiative, for example. Basically, TEP gives businesses a sticker to put in the window that indicates they are open and do not discriminate. I’ve seen a lot more
Photos courtesy of All Out Knoxville
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hannon Herron is president of All Out Knoxville, a social organization focused on providing the LGBTQ+ community with opportunities to connect with and support one another. The group, launched in April 2016, attends events from tailgates to yoga classes in numbers and raises awareness about events like Knox Pride’s Parade and Pridefest on June 17. Herron is a lifelong Knoxvillian who works as a designer and attended the University of Tennessee for both undergraduate and graduate degrees. He shared some details on how AOK raises visibility and promotes diversity in the community—and how the group encourages LGBTQ advocates to enjoy the lighter side of living in Knoxville:
businesses show their support with that sticker since the November election.
What is a crucial goal for AOK? It’s really easy for us to stay inside our comfort zones, surrounded by people who look and identify the same as we do. I don’t think we’re going to make the kind of progress we need to make in Knoxville until we all start working together. As a white gay male, my network consisted of mainly other white gay men, so in creating AOK we’ve been working hard to encourage
ALL OUT KNOXVILLE alloutknox.com PROGRAMS • Monthly networking and socializing opportunities to bring the LGBTQ+ community together and foster relationships among members. • An online hub that provides local news, events, member spotlights, and engagement opportunities. • Workshops and volunteer activities that get members involved and increase positive representations of the LGBTQ+ community.
participation from members of the community who identify differently.
Which Knoxville attitudes are most difficult to overcome? There is a real disconnect between perception and reality of the LGBTQ community in Knoxville. My family is a good example. Before I came out, I don’t think my parents even realized they knew other gay people. They suspected at first that I might now start dressing as a woman. It really hit them that someone that they loved and knew so well could also be gay. A lot of people in this area get their ideas about LGBTQ people from the media and television shows. Members of the LGBTQ community come in such different shapes and sizes, but if you only know people from television you’d expect everyone to act like Jack on Will and Grace or Ellen DeGeneres. Even as a college student, I didn’t know any older or established LGBTQ people, or community leaders. One of our main goals is to become more visible, show that we’re business owners, young professionals, community leaders. And we’re ordinary people who just want a place to be happy and call home, a place where we feel welcome and affirmed.
Was the first event scary to anticipate? I was apprehensive about a lot of things as I was starting AOK: What if no one agrees to host an event? What if no one comes? What if there is
backlash from the community? But I have been met with nothing but support, sometimes overwhelmingly, from everyone I’ve reached out to. Knoxville is full of amazing people and local businesses that are so willing and excited to help if you just ask.
Why have you stayed in East Tennessee your whole life? I realize there is seemingly so much more opportunity for—and acceptance of—LGBT people in larger cities. But I love this city and its people so much and couldn’t imagine living and working anywhere else. Knoxville has everything I’m looking for as a young professional who enjoys the outdoors, craft beer, live music, art, and being surrounded by a community of creative and passionate people. I think staying here and being out, proud, and visible is so important. If every LGBTQ person who grows up here or attends school here leaves, who is going to be around to build up and support the younger LGBTQ generation?
Was it tougher to find the good here as a gay kid growing up? I didn’t come out until after starting college in 2008, so I didn’t have the negative experiences a lot of people did in school. I was a very flamboyant child, so I think other kids sensed I was gay before I knew it. There were definitely a few mean kids who would call you gay and other names. I grew up in your typical conservative Southern Baptist family and, as
you can imagine, that came with its own unique set of struggles when I was ready to come out. One of my parents’ biggest issues was whether my identity as a Christian and as a gay man could coalesce. We’re learning more about each other, growing as a family, and figuring it out as we go. I have a beautiful niece and nephew and am so lucky to be able to spend time with my family almost every Sunday. Acceptance doesn’t happen overnight, but the journey is definitely worth the fight. And I realize I am blessed with a family who love me and quietly support me—that’s not something every LGBTQ+ person can say.
to start working with the city of Knoxville to help promote and increase LGBT tourism to the area. I think there is so much potential for Knoxville to be a destination for LGBT tourists, similar to places like Asheville, Nashville, and Atlanta. It’s just going to take a conscious effort on all our parts to make it happen.
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Are people surprised to learn that part of your mission is to improve the entire city? I suppose people don’t always realize that support and appreciation for diversity benefits everyone. It makes the city a more desirable place for visitors who bring money into our economy, for example, and a lot of research shows that increasing diversity contributes to increased productivity and creativity in the workplace.
How would you define success for AOK in 2017? In the next 5 years? For this year, I am aiming for increased attendance at our events—and greater diversity within that attendance. I want to make our website as comprehensive as possible, too. Over the next five years, I would really love
Know someone doing amazing things for the future of Knoxville? Submit your story suggestions to: editor@knoxmercury.com Contact us for sponsorship opportunities: charlie@knoxmercury.com CATEGORIES Civic & Humanitarian Arts & Culture Business & Tech Innovation Environmental & Sustainability Health & Food Education
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THE ENTREPRENEURS ISSUE
BIG IDEAS Meet four high-tech Knoxville startups aiming to shake up their industries BY BRANDON BRUCE
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noxville has a long history of innovation. In 1932, George Dempster invented the Dempster-Dumpster, the first waste container that could be mechanically emptied into a garbage truck. In 1940, Barney and Ally Hartman formulated Mountain Dew, a sweet soda to mix with moonshine. In 1963, Dr. Gene Overholt invented a flexible surgical scope with fiber optic technology that could see around curves inside the body. In 1983, Kelly Milam, Terry Douglass, Mike Crabtree, and Ronald Nutt founded CTI Molecular Imaging to produce and market PET scanners; in 2000, the company’s PET/CT scanner was named the medical invention of the year by Time magazine. In 2014, Jay Rogers’ Local Motors manufactured the world’s first 3D-printed electric car. Today, there are dozens of entrepreneurs with big ideas in Knoxville. In this special Entrepreneurs Issue, we profile four early-stage companies that are innovating in agriculture, optics, e-commerce, and artificial intelligence.
TONY BOVA & JEFF BEEGLE
GROW BIOPLASTICS BIG IDEA: Take organic waste from the paper industry and turn it into a biodegradable mulch film for farming. A standing-room-only crowd packed Scruffy City Hall on Market Square in February when Tony Bova and Jeff Beegle first pitched their idea to change the way we do agriculture. The two cofounders of Grow Bioplastics were presenting at the “What’s the Big Idea” 48-Hour Launch. The event was sponsored by the Development Corporation of Knox County, the
JAMES HOREY
REVIEWBOX Knoxville Chamber of Commerce, and the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center. Bova gave an intriguing pitch: “Farmers in the United States use plastic mulch film to block weeds, retain soil moisture, and improve crop yields. They spend $250 million a year removing the plastic film after each growing season. We can save them that money. Grow Bioplastics makes biodegradable plastic from organic waste. After harvesting their crops, farmers can simply plow the biodegradable mulch film into the soil. We can replace petroleum-based plastics at a truly competitive price point and improve agriculture in the United States.” Since that first presentation, Bova and Beegle have probably won more pitch competitions than anybody in Knoxville. To date, they’ve racked up a dozen wins totaling some $137,000 in prize money for their company. Having recently made the Final Four in the American Farm Bureau Rural Entrepreneurship Challenge, they show no signs of slowing down. “We’re just getting started,” Bova says over coffee before heading to his lab at the University of Tennessee. “We’re passionate about helping farmers save money, and helping to save the environment at the same time.” Bova is the company’s co-founder and CEO, and a doctorate candidate in energy science and engineering at UT. Beegle is a co-founder and chief science officer, and is pursuing a graduate degree in microbiology at UT. Together, they’ve attracted another $100,000 in funding in addition to the prize money won from pitch competitions. Companies including Driscoll’s, one of the largest berry producers in
Grow Bioplastics mulch film in use.
the world, are lining up to participate in their pilot program. If you’ve ever picked your own strawberries, you’ll recall the rows of plastic film that protect the fruit from invasive weeds and maintain the right level of moisture. Instead of having to dispose of all that plastic into landfill every season, Bova describes a future in which farmers would save both time and money by plowing a biodegradable version of the plastic into the ground. The company’s first product, TerraFilm, uses a patented biodegradable polymer made from lignin, a natural material found in grass and trees. The paper and biofuel industries produce about 50 millions tons of lignin every year: plenty of industrial organic waste to produce TerraFilm. Bova says that TerraFilm “will not only save farmers from having to rip up and dispose of plastic mulch film, it will also keep thousands of tons of plastic out of landfills.” Plus, since TerraFilm is made from organic lignin, plowing it into fields at the end of the season can improve the quality of the soil for the next season. Grow Bioplastics is the first tenant in the Sizzle TechStart incubator, a collaboration between Lenoir City manufacturer Proton Power, the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, the Roane Chamber of Commerce, and Roane Alliance. In the coming years, Bova and Beegle aim to change more than the way we do agriculture. Their biodegradable plastic has additional applications including consumer goods packaging, automotive parts, and the $10 billion market for the plastic trash bags you use at home.
BIG IDEA: Monitor and aggregate consumers’ online product reviews across multiple sites like Amazon. com and other popular retail sites. Before you click “Add to Cart” on Amazon, you read the reviews. A series of positive reviews gives you the confidence to purchase. A slate of negative reviews prompts you to look for alternatives. It’s no surprise that vendors take customer reviews very seriously. Reviews can spike sales or sink a product. James Horey, a computer science doctorate and former researcher at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, was surprised to find that there wasn’t a way for vendors to monitor their products’ reviews on Amazon and other major retail sites. “Reviews are indispensable to online commerce. Studies frequently cite reviews and ratings as more important to buyers than other factors including price,” Horey says. “I talked with major retail vendors and discovered there was an unmet need so I started writing software to track online reviews.” A participant in the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center’s CodeWorks accelerator program, Horey launched Reviewbox last year. Reviewbox monitors products on Amazon and other popular retail sites, notifying vendors of new reviews. It can also detect price violations, discover counterfeits, identify new brand competitors, and track search rankings. Horey utilizes his background in data analytics to provide additional value to his customers. “We aggregate online reviews for companies like PetSafe, Thule, and Chapin to identify trends and spot market opportunities,” Horey says. June 8, 2017 knoxville mercury 17
Melanie Grapes with Chapin, which sells a wide range of home and garden sprayers, says the software tool makes tracking its Amazon reviews much simpler. “Daily emails list the reviews and links so you can follow up immediately, gather quality feedback, and provide a level of customer service that until now wasn’t possible,” Grapes says. “It is definitely changing the way we do business with our customers and with Amazon.” Knoxville’s Angel Capital Group invested in Reviewbox at the end of last year. Horey says the company is profitable and he’s preparing to hire his first employees. “There are 480 million products on Amazon,” James says, “and there are hundreds of millions more listings on other major retail sites. We think there is a huge opportunity to modernize how vendors track reviews, product pricing, and search rankings to better serve their customers and gain a competitive edge.” The next time you go online to Amazon and buy a bike rack or an Invisible Fence, you’ll know that Reviewbox is tracking the reviews you write to help the vendors understand your experience.
JENNA JOHNS & BOB WILSON
RDI TECHNOLOGIES BIG IDEA: Create optical technology that measures deflection, displacement, movement, and vibration not visible to the human eye. Jenna Johns took the stage in a studio at Scripps Networks Interactive last fall to deliver a presentation about RDI Technologies, the company she leads as chief operating officer. It was the culmination of The Works 18 knoxville mercury June 8, 2017
MICHAEL MCMILLAN
DREAMCSX BIG IDEA: Use machine learning to make customer-service phone calls more bearable. accelerator program sponsored by the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center. The company has a patented non-contact optical technology that detects motion and respiration. What does that mean? Basically, RDI utilizes video camera technology in conjunction with its software and processing algorithms to measure deflection, displacement, movement, and vibration not visible to the human eye. It sees what otherwise can’t be seen. For example, let’s say a car manufacturer wants to know the condition of a critical machine on the assembly line. The technician can’t see how the machine is running with the naked eye. The manufacturer doesn’t know if the machine is on the verge of failure or if it has years of useful life. If there is a failure, the technician might have to take the entire machine apart, or guess at a solution. Both options would cause significant downtime. By contrast, “RDI optical technology visualizes even the smallest vibrations which can help the technician literally see how the machine is operating,” Johns says. Companies can avert emergency by scheduling routine maintenance to keep the line moving at peak efficiency. Fast-forward to this spring, and RDI stands as one of Knoxville’s most innovative startups. “We’re profitable,” declares president Bob Wilson at the company’s office off Dutchtown Road. “It’s a huge market. We have defensible patents, and we’re building a strong sales channel. Now we execute on the plan.” Wilson and Johns just sat down at
RDI Technologies uses video technology to detect potentially damaging vibration.
the conference table when Dan Nower, vice president of business development, bounds into the room. “The call went great! We’re going to get the sale. That’s $35,000!” His energy is contagious. Johns smiles but contains her excitement. “I run operations,” she says. “I’m happy about the deal; it’s a big win for us. I’ll really celebrate when the check clears the bank.” Spoken like a pragmatic COO. Beyond condition assessment information on plant machinery, RDI also has applications in critical infrastructure, such as bridges. “Want to know if a bridge is safe or if it’s on the verge of failure?” Wilson asks. “Just looking at it won’t tell you.” RDI technology enables non-contact bridge inspection so that you can see a bounce or sway before it causes catastrophe. Still more applications include baby monitoring and sleep apnea monitoring. “Our technology can tell if a baby is breathing routinely or if the baby has stopped breathing,” Johns says. “We’ve partnered with First Alert on the award-winning Envirocam baby monitor which features our patented optical sensor. If a baby stops breathing, the monitor can immediately alert caregivers.” The team at RDI is filing more patent applications and closing sales. “It’s like having a superpower,” Wilson says. “We give customers the ability to see what they couldn’t see before. That’s why we adopted the motto ‘Seeing is Believing.’”
When Michael McMillan moved to Knoxville, he immediately posted a message on LinkedIn: “Moving to Knoxville, TN from San Diego, CA. I just moved here (literally last night) and really want to start meeting some like-minded people in my new home.” That was in January. Four months later, Michael is launching a new startup in Knoxville called DreamCSX to help companies deliver better customer support. According to Time magazine, you probably spent 13 hours on hold last year. “Unfortunately, you probably found about half of the phone representatives to be unhelpful,” McMillan says. “That’s the industry average. The cost to business of this bad customer service is upwards of $41 billion a year in the United States alone. We’re working to fix that problem with a combination of great people and software.” DreamCSX will provide customers with a range of customer service options including technical support, member services, distributor care, receptionist services, account management, customer surveys, order processing, and patient support services. Behind the scenes, DreamCSX is developing software that leverages machine learning to power what McMillan calls behavior-based routing. Basically, the software identifies patterns like how many calls to expect in a given time period, how to successfully distribute certain types of calls, and which customer service representatives are best suited
to handle specific issues or customers. The result is a streamlined experience for callers that reduces hold time, expedites quick resolution, and increases overall customer satisfaction. Plus, the software learns from the data and predicts future customer behavior so that companies can work faster and smarter. “We want to make sure your brand is ready when customers demand high-quality customer service,” McMillan says. “Great service is the key to winning and retaining customers. It’s an enduring competitive advantage.” McMillan has been in the call-center business since he was a kid. He remembers cold-calling the business listings in the Yellow Pages to qualify potential customers for his mother’s call-center business. “If they were interested, I’d circle the name in the yellow pages and my mom would call them back to close the deal,” McMillan says. “We were a great one-two combo.” Over the past decade, McMillan was hired by several investment firms to train the sales teams at their portfolio companies so sales would increase. At DreamCSX, he already has several enterprise customers in the pipeline. Meanwhile, he’s raising his seed round of investment. “I’m really working to raise the capital right here in Knoxville,” McMillan says. “The community has already been so supportive of me, my family, and my new company. I’m going to work hard to make it a success.” Brandon Bruce is COO and co-founder of Cirrus Insight which was #41 on the Inc. 5,000 list of fastest-growing companies last year. Bruce was also the Knoxville Chamber’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2016.
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Our Man in (Virtual) Hollywood: Gordon Whitener
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BY S. HEATHER DUNCAN
noxville businessman Gordon Whitener, who began his career recruiting in college sports, now consults and invests in companies related to media, sports, marketing, and innovative technologies. Last year, Whitener teamed with Emmy Award-winning producer Neill Mandt to shoot the Burt Reynolds movie Dog Years in Knoxville and to found MANDT VR, a “full-service VR production company” that writes, films, edits, and distributes virtual reality content. Among its first high-profile projects were shooting and producing the Battle of Bristol and the 2017 College Football Playoffs, and it recently signed deals to create content for IndyCar and PodccastOne. Its press materials claim it provides “seamless 360 imaging” without the distortion present in other VR.
How did you choose VR as your next focus, and how does it follow from your previous ventures? I have quite a bit of experience in the media and sports media business. Whether you pay attention to a Goldman Sachs or Bank of America report, they all say VR will be in the $100 billion range by 2025. That’s a massive number to think about for an industry. The mobile search business is half that, and we think of that as humongous. I think the reason is that (VR) is so pervasive…. whether it’s surgery or education or travel, it has so many applications.
Your press materials note that other virtual reality companies have not figured out “how to knock out the kinks” of the technology, like the vertigo VR can induce. So how did you do it? How is this tech different? It really became the way you position the camera. Neil always feels like there needs to be a true
north in the story. Some of these VR things, you spend your time trying to figure out what to do. We’ve got it where you’re led by the talent and the camera on where to look, although you can look around.
really quickly. For instance, I think a huge area is going to be training and safety because it’s so effective…. We did a construction company safety video, for instance. Inner city kids could tour the Louvre eventually.
So will your product work with any of the different VR interfaces out there, or specific platforms? Or are you making the hardware?
Who’s going to pay for that, though?
Eventually we will have our own platform, but today we’re on Facebook 360, YouTube 360, and Littlstar. We will work on anything. We’re not making hardware. We’re filling the void of a tremendous lack of content. Our focus is in the entertainment space. We’re making a large amount of (reality) shows with 3- to 7-minute episodes. We also do a news show—we were at a post-election protest in LA. We’re also a for-hire group. The entertainment part will be ad-supported.
What types of for-hire projects do you anticipate? I see our clients as brands, leagues, teams, agencies… We’re in numerous negotiations around sports properties.
Will you be doing televised sports games in VR? It’s not about showing the game yet. The medium is not great for big live sports events right now. It’s more around content around the teams, the experience of practice or gameday, a more intimate experience around sports.
A lot of early VR has been focused on video games. Will you be providing content for those, too? We will do very limited gaming stuff. But you’re right, and that’s why the early adopters are really going to be young males in gaming. And that’s why some of the shows that we’ve created, the target is that demo(graphic). But I think that’ll change
That’s a good question. Brands you might expect like NatGeo and others will do that, museums. We’re in discussions with several museums right now about their properties.
If VR catches on, could a city like Knoxville support VR studios, or do you think they would need to be closer to the movie industry like MANDT VR? No, I think Knoxville is a great place. There’s some great work going on in VR already with companies connected to UT. It’s around tech. From a production side, Scripps [Networks Interactive]—we’re working on some stuff with Scripps. And that’s one of the reasons I wanted to make the movie here, because there are so many talented people here in production in companies like RIVR Media and Jupiter Entertainment. We’re going to make another movie here soon.
Are you doing any UT recruitment videos yet? No, they do a lot of stuff in house and they’re very talented there. I do think there’s tremendous opportunity, not just for athletics but for general university recruitment. Everyone will have a virtual reality tour of the university. If I were one of the top real estate people in this town or any other, I would absolutely do as much as I could in VR. I think you’ll see it in health care—tour the maternity ward where I’m going to have my baby, assisted living, on and on. This interview has been edited for space and re-ordered for clarity.
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Committed to Our Region’s Entrepreneurs
Find more information at lhfknox.com
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Join us for a business networking lunch every Friday at noon at Cirrus Insight. Located at 117 Center Park Drive in West Knoxville. If you’d like to attend, please RSVP to lunch@cirrusinsight.com. THE CIRRUS INSIGHT TEAM
Aaron, Allen, Amanda B., Amanda S., Amy, Anna, April, Ariana, Ben, Brandon, Chandler, Chris, Darin, Ed, Erika, Heather, Jacob, James, Jay, Jon, Josh E., Josh L., Julie, Luke, Marshall, Matt, Matthew, Nia, Robert, Stephen, Steven, Treaver, Tyler B., Tyler W., Wyatt, Zach
Brandon is a candidate for Knoxville City Council in the 2nd District. Brandon is a civic leader, neighborhood advocate, and founder of the fastest-growing company in Tennessee.
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New Music Marathon
Wall Art Curtis Glover’s murals are making a large-scale mark on Knoxville
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urtis Glover is creating vibrant murals throughout Knoxville, but while his work is gaining recognition, not many know the man behind the murals. Being an artist was not always the plan for Glover. After college, he returned to his love of art and started working at local art galleries. Creating murals was a side project before he realized it is his passion. His first major mural project was the stage backdrop at Boyd’s Jig and Reel in the Old City. “And it spawned from there,” Glover says. “I was getting emails and phone calls. The demand for what I can do superseded the two-week-paycheck job. At one point I said to hell with it—let’s take a chance.” Glover kept his nine-to-five job until the death of his father last year, when he realized that he didn’t want to play it safe anymore. He’s recently added large-scale paintings at Jerry’s Artarama in Bearden and near the
Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center at Volunteer Landing. He has upcoming several projects, including the new First Watch restaurant in Fountain City. “It’s just a plethora of different people that see something that they like and they reach out to me,” Glover says. “So none of it is guaranteed. I fight for everything so that I can convince them to the best of my ability to show them that artists are needed. It can enhance your business. It is visually stimulating—customers are appreciative of it and enjoy the atmosphere based off the art.” How much freedom Glover has with creating a mural depends on the client. With First Watch, he must stick to a rustic theme. But he appreciates it when clients give him room to stretch his imagination. Jerry’s Artarama is a prime example: They simply asked for koi fish and left the rest up to Glover. “That’s the kind of stuff I’m capable of if you give me free range,”
he said. “Someone gives me a wall and says, ‘Curtis, go crazy,’ then the work is better than what they hired me for if they said, ‘I want this and this.’ It constricts you. … I can still get to do what I want to do but I’m confined with thin those parameters. But if they are like, just make it look cool, then it’s passionate. That’s what turns me on and gets me going, and people respond to the colors and vibrancy and enjoy it. That’s what I love to do.” Glover says he has no regrets about his decision to become a professional artist. There have been challenges, but he knew what he signed up for. “It’s a struggle,” he says. “It’s stressful. It’s frustrating. It’s awesome. I wake up scared and excited every day. I don’t know what’s going to happen. Who’s going to call me? But there is nothing better than hearing ‘I like what that guy does.’ —Sage Davis
The nief-norf Summer Festival is one of Knoxville’s most significant music events, and one of its most overlooked. The annual festival, held on the University of Tennessee campus and at downtown venues, attracts music students from around the country, who then perform multiple public concerts of music by 20th- and 21st-century composers like Steve Reich, Philip Glass, John Luther Adams, Iannis Xenakis, and Pierre Boulez. This year’s nnSF—the seventh overall and the third since it landed in Knoxville in 2015—will be the biggest yet. It’s being held in conjunction with the International Conference on Music and Minimalism, a biannual academic gathering that draws scholars, composers, and performers from around the world. The conference and the festival will include 10 concerts between June 12 and 25, including 11 different world premiere performances. The programs include music by Reich and Glass, Pauline Oliveros, Michael Gordon, and dozens of other composers. Most of the concerts will be held at UT’s Natalie L. Haslam Music Center. The festival finale will be an all-day marathon concert at the Mill and Mine. Tickets for individual concerts are $15, except for the marathon finale, which is $35. Festival passes are $75 and $135. Visit niefnorf.org for more details, and check out knoxmercury.com for an interview with Andy Bliss, head of UT’s percussion studies and the festival’s artistic director. —Matthew Everett
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Program Notes | Music | Art | Movies
Photo by Holly Rainey
Electric Ladyland Electric Darling prepares for the release of its anticipated debut EP with a performance at Oak Ridge’s Secret City Festival BY MATTHEW EVERETT
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here wasn’t a single starting point for what eventually became Electric Darling, the local rock band led by two former members of the Dirty Guv’nahs that’s releasing its debut digital EP next week. A lot of things came together— the end of the Guv’nahs, a burgeoning songwriting partnership between ex-Guvs Cozmo Holloway and Kevin Hyfantis, a Sunday afternoon living-room reggae jam—to spark one of the most dynamic and promising bands produced by the Knoxville music scene in the last few years. “It was all fairly mystical, the way we met,” Holloway says. “Because if none of that had timed itself just right, this wouldn’t have happened. For me, that was confirmation that we at least have to roll the dice on this. I had to at least try—if I looked back and hadn’t tried, I knew I was going to be extremely bitter.” In the months before the Dirty Guv’nahs broke up in 2015, Holloway and Hyfantis had started writing songs together for the band’s planned
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next album. Neither had been an original member of the band, which helped them form a close bond during the Guv’nahs extensive road trips. After the Guv’nahs’ final tour, Hyfantis suggested that they keep working on that material. “My plan was to just start contacting people and try to get a sideman gig with a bigger act—hop on the audition train,” Holloway says. “Kevin called me up one day and said, ‘What do you want to do? We’ve got all these songs—do you want to record them and push them? We’ve got a network, we’ve got people we can pitch them to.’ “We were just going to be a writing collective. Pretty soon we said, let’s start a band.” In the meantime, Holloway had been part of a weekly reggae jam with Suttree’s owner Matt Pacetti. One of the regulars was Yasameen Hoffman-Shahin, a key piece of the Electric Darling puzzle. “It was just living-room jamming,” Holloway says. “This guys says, I know
a singer and I’m going to bring her to the next rehearsal. He bring Yaz, and she destroys it—she’s dancing, it’s energetic. She crushed it.” As soon as Hollow and Hyfantis’ partnership developed into plans for a full-fledged band, Hoffman-Shahin was invited to join them. “We said, what if we have a female singer?,” Holloway says. “And I was like, I’ve got one. I’ve got one. Immediately.” Hoffman-Shahin had talent and training—she studied opera at the University of Tennessee—but no experience in front of an original band. “At the time I was a hired hand,” she says. “I was singing in a million bands—five or six, maybe—but none of them was my thing. I was always playing a part that someone wanted me to play. … I was singing in a bunch of different jazz groups. I was the hype girl/backup singer for Lil Iffy for a while—that was definitely the weirdest thing I’ve ever done.” Electric Darling got off to a quick start, but the band’s progress since
then has been deliberate. They’ve spent two full years refining their songs and finding their collective creative identity. And since last fall, they’ve been recording their seven-track self-titled EP at Scott Minor’s Wild Chorus studio. Electric Darling won’t surprise listeners familiar with the Dirty Guv’nahs, but the EP incorporates a wider range of influences and inspiration, adding funk and psychedelic rock to the Guv’nahs’ mix of classic rock and Americana. “We developed a sound that’s specific to us, to our musicians,” Holloway says. “It’s 2017—sonically, everything’s been done. Let’s write something that’s truly us. You just don’t want to try to be something you’re not, so we really dug into that and found a collection of seven songs that we feel is a good representation of this first phase of our voice.” “I wrote songs for myself, Hoffman-Shahin says. “I never used to play my songs out. This was practice in writing toward a sound. It’s one thing to write just for yourself, something that feels good, and another to write something you think other people might want to groove to, that other people might relate to. This has been a great exercise for me to step outside myself. “But we still want to write songs that move us. If you can’t stand behind what you’re selling, there’s no point in doing it, right?”
WHO Electric Darling WHERE The Secret City Festival WHEN Saturday, June 10, at 6 p.m. HOW MUCH Free INFO celebrateoakridge.org
Program Notes | Music | Art | Movies
Print Shop New summer exhibit only hints at the prowess of UT’s printmaking faculty
BY DENISE STEWART-SANABRIA
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he University of Tennessee’s printmaking department is regularly rated as one of the three top departments in the country. It attracts and graduates people who have made a pronounced impact on both the international art world and other academic institutions. Who are the wizards who make all this happen? All three of the department’s professors got together to show a brief selection of their work at Maryville College’s Blackberry Farms Gallery, in the Clayton Center for the arts, this summer. Beauvais Lyons has been working with the concept of witty deceit with his Hokes Archives for decades. He finds a narrative within which to promote specific ideas that just might possibly be true, but never are, such
as a collection of outsider art put together by an art patron couple living in Loudon County. He then will produce all the work in the collection himself. Lyons’ work in Stone, Mesh, and Metal was from his popular Association of Creative Zoology series. Lyons created hand-colored lithographs illustrating mutations that blend two known species, with a scientific name for each and Lyons’ own framed mock institutional signage. Each lithograph had the vintage feel of an 18th-century illustration from the volumes of French naturalist Georges Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon. Each creature, formed by joining one real animal’s back end to another’s front end, is shown in its envi-
sioned environment, with details that describe its diet and manner of reproduction. “Long-Tailed Marmot Heron” is depicted eating a snake; “American Badger Swallow” is seen swooping toward a large insect on the ground whose front legs are raised in a boxing pose. “Amazonian Lizard Hawk” is perched on the edge of its nest, which holds three eggs. Lyons’ work exposes how much of what humans accept as truth is nothing but nonsense others have made up though the millennia. Althea Murphy-Price contemplates the power of hair as a signifier of cultural self-identity. Though outwardly absurd, the human species is profoundly judgmental about what grows on each other’s heads. Murphy-Price’s lithography and collage pieces “From Me to You” and “More, Please” showed long black lines that depict deceptively real-looking hair of various textures streaming down the picture plane. You almost want to touch it to make sure they actually are just the product of an inked plate. Brightly colored collage circles, representing Goody brand double-bead and elastic hair ties, were attached where the hair constricts. Murphy-Price’s photos “Goody Girl No. 1” and “Goody Girl No. 2” bring elastic and bead hair ties to a sculptural level. A small child was photographed from the back against a solid black background, her hair almost lost in a sea of hair ties that were as encompassing as a swim cap. Koichi Yamamoto has been producing a large series of intaglio/ chine-collé prints that are bonded onto wooden panels. The paper has about the same pale tan tone the wood has, so there is an illusion that they are printed on the wood. At first glance, the pieces appear to be a kind of steampunk Rorschach test. They are printed on paper that is refolded and printed again from the original print while still wet, which results in the symmetry associated with the classic psychological image tests. Then, the original print has a new print superimposed on top of it, creating a random but cohesive combination. The end result of the experimentation creates the illusion of partial
faces of unknown creatures intersected with landscape and machinery elements. The overlapping lines of the process itself create vibrations that give each piece a kind of mystical force. “Yotsumikan” is the most spare of the prints, with a flattened cartoon face on the bottom, weighed down with a similar shaped object resembling a machine part on top. In “Nosukiba,” Yamamoto takes the original double-shaped composition, adds an additional layer, and develops the idea to extreme complexity. While this is a satisfying exhibit in itself, it only scratches the surface of what these artists will do when they have a solo exhibit. Both Lyons and Murphy-Price will take an entire gallery space and build intricate installations. Murphy-Price will use low platforms and sift bags of tiny hair clippings through stencils to create large prints on the level surface. Lyons has all the implements of a natural history museum on the road: roofed carts with shelves that he fills with jars of “specimens,” faux taxidermy, and additional “educational” prints. Yamamoto also does huge monoprints. It can be expected that summer academic exhibits will be on the light side, with most of the students and staff gone, but I don’t care—I still want more dimensions present.
WHAT Stone, Mesh, and Metal WHERE Clayton Center for the Arts (502 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville) WHEN Through Sept. 1; a reception will be held on Friday, Sept. 1, from 6 to 8 p.m. HOW MUCH Free INFO claytonartscenter.com
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Program Notes | Music | Art | Movies
Fun With Feminism DC finds some long-awaited movie success with Wonder Woman
BY APRIL SNELLINGS
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t’s one of the coolest origin stories in the history of comics: In the early ’40s, famed psychologist, lie detector co-inventor, and occasional Gillette razor spokesman William Moulton Marston was so disturbed by what he called the “blood-curdling masculinity” of superhero comics that he proposed a different sort of hero to publisher Max Gaines. Gaines, seeking to head off the brewing controversy that would eventually lead to the industry-gutting Comics Code Authority censorship panel of the following decade, gave Marston the go-ahead; Marston’s wife and the couple’s live-in girlfriend got involved, and Wonder Woman (née Suprema) was born. She wasn’t the first costumed heroine in comics, but she was certainly the first to capture readers’ imaginations and enjoy widespread popularity. It’s taken 76 years for Wonder Woman to get her own feature film, although she was the subject of a TV
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movie in 1974. Superman went from his first appearance in Action Comics #1 to his 1951 feature film debut in Superman and the Mole Men in only 13, if you’re keeping track of such things—and contrary to everything you might expect, given the recent track record of the DC Extended Universe, it’s worth the wait. Directed by Patty Jenkins and starring the born-for-the-role Gal Gadot, Wonder Woman doesn’t just get the DCEU back on track after three stunningly miscalculated efforts. Thanks to a genuine affection for its source material and a successful bid to co-opt the nimbleness that makes Marvel films so entertaining, Wonder Woman stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the finest superhero films ever made. If that sounds like breathless praise from a breathless fangirl, it absolutely is. Like so many lady nerds of my generation, I’ve been waiting for
this movie for most of my life. I all but bored myself into the ground doing the Lynda Carter twirl as a little girl, and I dared anyone to handle my Wonder Woman comics with anything less than the reverence they deserved. To my relief and delight, Jenkins, Gadot, and screenwriter Allan Heinberg get it. This isn’t a revisionist take on the character, or a Man of Steel-style attempt to strip her of the idealism and hopefulness that have defined her for so many decades. After a short prologue that serves as a bridge from the events of Batman v Superman, Wonder Woman dials back the clock to a World War I-era origin story that picks up on Themyscira, the idyllic island home of an all-female warrior tribe known as the Amazons. The women spend most of their time training for an inevitable confrontation with war god Ares, who bears a grudge against the Amazons
over their allegiance to his dad, Zeus. Princess Diana (played by Lilly Aspell as a young girl and Emily Carey as a teen) is under strict orders from Queen Hippolyta (Connie Nielsen) to leave the fighting to literally everyone else, but Diana’s aunt, Antiope (Robin Wright), has been secretly training her for combat. When a plane piloted by dashing American soldier Steve Trevor (an endlessly appealing Chris Pine) plummets into the ocean and Diana pulls him to safety, she finds herself caught up in the world of men—and the war she had no idea they were fighting. While Zack Snyder’s films have been remarkably tone-deaf in their handling of Superman, Jenkins displays a nuanced understanding not just of her central character but also of the fan culture that has grown in her wake. Wonder Woman was conceived as an unabashedly feminist character, and the film embraces that legacy in a way that’s inspiring and rightfully empowering for girls and women. And while the script takes its central figure and her journey seriously, it’s not afraid to have fun with the setup or make some winking allusions to its creator’s famous quirks. When Diana gets her first glimpse of a naked man, she scoffs and says, “That tiny thing tells you what to do?” (She’s talking about his watch.) Later, when Steve is on his knees, surrounded by majestic female warriors, and bound by the Lasso of Truth, he gasps, “It’s really hot.” (Marston was a noted kinkster and bondage enthusiast.) Time has somewhat tempered my opinion of Batman v Superman. I still think it’s a terrible movie—it’s overwrought, dull, silly, and ugly, both visually and thematically. But I’m less inclined to lay the failure entirely at Snyder’s door; after all, fans turned out in droves. For all its darkness and cynicism, maybe Snyder was simply giving us the superhero movie we deserved. But with Wonder Woman and its unfettered hope, levity, and compassion, Patty Jenkins has done something infinitely better: She’s given us the superhero movie we need. Wonder Woman is now playing at Regal Riviera Stadium 8, Regal Knoxville Center Stadium 10, AMC Knoxville Classic 16, and Regal Pinnacle Stadium 18
YOUR OFFICIAL GUIDE BREWERY LIST | PAGE 2 EVENT CALENDAR | PAGE 8
KNOX BEER WEEK 1
THE 2017 MERCURY GUIDE TO
KNOXVILLE’S BOOMING BREWERIES BY THOMAS STUBBS ALLIANCE BREWING COMPANY 1130 Sevier Ave. 865-247-5355, alliancebrewing.com Ever since Alliance Brewing Co. first opened its doors in August 2015, its owners have abided by two principles: drinkability and “Active Beer Culture.” They know that good craft beer generally has a few more calories than regular beer, so they say if you drink it you should earn it. They back up this statement with various deals and events, like $1 off on Thursdays for trail runners, a partnership with the Appalachian Mountain Biking Club, and $10 yoga sessions on Sundays and Mondays, after which you may reward yourself with a complimentary pint. The Beer: Alliance keeps seven year-round beers alongside various seasonals 2 KNOX BEER WEEK
and a garage. After tweaking their recipes to be both creative and approachable, the Beerworks team transformed an old gas station into a hip brewery and restaurant last year. Their restaurant offers a more urbane, upscale spin on traditional bar fare, and is both family and pet friendly. The Beer: Balter brews four core options and rotates a couple of seasonal or featured beers through as well. Expect to see five to eight balanced beers on the board, along with a weekly cask tapping. Where to Find Them: Downtown Knoxville on the corner of Broadway and Jackson Avenue.
BLACKBERRY FARM and others—they try to have something for everyone. They also keep a rotating cast of IPAs on tap; with such a huge variety of hops to choose from, the Alliance team doesn’t want to stay married to one batch. Where to Find Them: Stop by their taproom in south Knoxville, where you can sit down for a pint or take home a 32 oz. canned “Crowler,” Alliance’s answer to the re-sealable glass Growlers of old. You can also find Alliance brews at Bearden Beer Market and other Knoxville locales.
BALTER BEERWORKS 100 S. Broadway St. 865-999-5015, balterbeerworks.com Much like some of the bands in Knoxville’s local music scene, Balter Beerworks started off with a few friends
1471 West Millers Cove Road 865-984-8166, blackberryfarm.com Just one of the many high-end amenities offered by the Blackberry Farm Hotel, this brewery lies at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains. Although it only opened its doors in 2011, Blackberry Farm’s brewery and processes are rooted in centuries-old traditions. All of its beers utilize a natural re-fermentation in the bottle, which produces a soft and pleasant carbonation, and makes their beer very easy to spot: their bottles are corked, not capped. This allows each brew to either be consumed immediately or cellared for a special occasion. The Beer: The Blackberry Farm brewing team produces four families of beers, each of which serve a different purpose in rounding out their offerings. The brews offered change
with the seasons, along with the occasional special release. Where to Find Them: Currently, the beers are available to guests on Blackberry Farm and are distributed to stores and restaurants in 38 states. Knox-side, look for the Saison at Tomato Head Restaurant locations.
BLACKHORSE PUB AND BREWERY 4429 Kingston Pike 865-249-8511, theblackhorsepub.net Blackhorse Pub & Brewery first opened its doors in Clarksville in 1992 with the goal of providing a neighborhood gathering place for friends and families. Since expanding to Knoxville (for a second time), it has become a local staple, offering a wide variety of in-house brewed ales and fresh eats. The Beer: Available on tap at its Bearden location, Blackhorse offers a diverse selection, from signature ales to stouts. Try them all in a beer flight or take one home in a half-gallon growler. Where to Find Them: At Bearden’s Western Plaza in the far-right corner.
COLD FUSION BREWING COMPANY 4711 Morton Place Way 865-203-5948, coldfusionbrewery.com Since opening its doors in August 2015, Cold Fusion Brewing has been offering “cold brews with a fusion of flavors.” Though they do not have their own
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tasting room—yet!—their beers can be found all over Knoxville and the greater East and Middle Tennessee area. The Beer: Creativity, drinkability, and affordability all go hand-in-hand at Cold Fusion, with offerings like the McFuggle and the Celestial Star. Where to Find Them: You can be sure to find a Cold Fusion brew at Sugar Mamma’s, Sweet P’s BBQ, Curious Dog’s, Downtown Casual Pint, FIVE Knoxville, Pint House, and Trio or Soccer Taco on Market Square. See the ‘Tap List’ tab on their website for a complete list.
STILL THIRSTY? WE’VE GOT MORE BREWERIES ON THE WAY … ABRIDGED BEER COMPANY abridgedbeer.com Opening this summer, Abridged Beer Company aims to redefine the American Session Beer. The Bearden brewpub will focus on “creating the Abridged version” of existing brews by squeezing as much flavor as possible into highly drinkable beers. Look for southern inspired fare coming out of their fast-casual kitchen.
CLINCH RIVER BREWING 531 S. Gay St. Opening by the end of June, Clinch River will bring craft brewing to the very heart of downtown, offering approachable craft beers both traditional and innovative alongside low-country, New Orleans-style culinary fare.
ELKMONT EXCHANGE BREWERY AND EATING HOUSE elkmontexchange.com Like Alliance, Elkmont Exchange hopes to marry craft brewing culture to Knoxville’s many natural wonders. To that end, the folks behind it envision a taproom with extensive patio seating, so that customers can enjoy their brews serenely ensconced in the great outdoors. Led by Brewmaster Alex Violette, who has experience in Nashville, Colorado, and Vietnam, Elkmont will be opening its doors in Downtown North this fall, and plans to have both beer and food on offer.
GEEZERS BREWERY 213 E. Fifth Ave., 865-851-4354, facebook.com/Geezers-Brewery-584009291673664 The Geezers have been around since 2011, when they started supplying BikesNBeers with unique brews. These days, their product can be found at Hardin Valley’s Casual Pint location. The Beer: The brewers at Geezers specialize in flavorful and provocatively-named beers. If you pick up a brew with a name like “Big Dumb Blonde,” “Bitch Puddin’,” or “Pale Bastard,” you can bet it’s a Geezers product. Where to Find Them: Geezer brews can be most readily found at The Casual Pint’s Hardin Valley location, and at assorted local beer festivals.
HINDSIGHT BREWING COMPANY hindsightbeer.com Under construction across the Tennessee River, Hindsight Brewery (as it’s called now; the name will likely change between now and the grand opening due to trademark issues) will be joining Alliance in South Knoxville, and if its sponsorship of a team in the Knoxville Marathon this past April is any indication, they will also be dedicated to making beer and athletics— once strange bedfellows indeed—fall madly in love with one another.
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CRAFTY BASTARD BREWERY 6 Emory Place 865-755-2358, craftybastardbrewery.com Founded in 2014, this local nanobrewery— that is, a one- or two-person operation that produced beer in small batches—specializes in unconventional craft beers. The folks at Crafty Bastard like to keep things small in order to provide the most unique, top-quality beers in East Tennessee. The Beer: It’s safe to say that there’s always going to be something you haven’t tried before with each visit to Crafty Bastard Brewery, from tropical-flavored IPAs and smoky porters to hop-heavy English style beers. Where to Find Them: Their taproom at Emory Place is at north end of Gay Street, and it also features frequent food-truck visits— check out craftybastardbrewery.com to see the weekly schedule.
DOWNTOWN GRILL AND BREWERY AT WOODRUFF’S 424 S. Gay St. 865-633-8111, downtownbrewery. com Often referred to simply as “The Brewpub,” Downtown Grill & Brewery has been a Knoxville staple ever since its opening in December 2002 in the historic Woodruff building. Every glass of beer is brewed in the midst of a booming restaurant serving everything from steaks to seafood. The Beer: Brewmaster Al Krusen relies on established traditional beer recipes, something he prides himself on. All beer is available on tap and for take home in kegs, growlers and glasses. Not sure what to get? Order a beer flight and try them all, from the White Mule Ale to a Woodruff IPA. Where to Find Them: Smack dab in the middle of Gay Street, about a block north of the Tennessee Theatre.
FANATIC BREWING COMPANY 2727 N. Central St. 865-242-9063, fanaticbrewing.com A company three years in the making, Fanatic Brewing Co. is full of—you guessed it—beer fanatics. And with a group led by internationally recognized beer judge Marty Velas, you know it’s got to be good. The Beer: Brewmaster Velas likes drinkable beer, a philosophy that’s reflected in the brews created over at Fanatic. At present, the brewery has four beers on offer, all of which can be found at select restaurants, pubs, and grocery stores across East Tennessee. For a complete list, just click on their website’s “where to find us” tab. Where to Find Them: You can find their brews in all Knoxville area Food City and Casual Pint locations, as well as some of the local bars. Visit fanaticbrewing.com for a regularly updated list, or to schedule a tour of the brew house. Fanatic’s tap room is opening soon.
LAST DAYS OF AUTUMN BREWING 808 E. Magnolia Ave. 865-202-4298, lastdaysofautumn. com Last Days of Autumn prides itself in creating a multitude of unique, small batch ales. The brewery’s self-stated goal is that each time you visit its taproom, there is a beer available on tap that you haven’t tried before. The Beer: Although the brewery officially opened up in 2016, Brewmaster Mike Frede has been home-brewing for over 20 years. Seasonality, customer requests, availability of ingredients and the brewmaster’s whim determine what comes out of the tap; there’s no set styles poured at their taproom, but you might find brews such as Sharkbait Blonde Ale, Salted Caramel Porter, or Black Belgian Style Abbey Ale. Where to Find Them: At their taproom, of course, which also features weekly events and food trucks—check out their schedule at lastdaysofautumn.com. Also available at taps around town.
SAW WORKS BREWING CO. 708 E. Depot Ave. 865-247-5952, sawworks.beer Located in the old Wallace Saw Works Building from which the brewery gained its name, Saw Works Brewing Co. was founded in 2010 (with the initial name of Marble City Brewing). You’re bound to find a Saw Works beer at any of our
Straight To Ale
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city’s craft-beer hotspots. The Beer: Saw Works utilizes the traditional Peter Austin Brick Kettle Brewing system with a few modern twists, resulting in a classic yet pleasantly surprising taste. Its three flagship beers include Rocky Hop IPA, Brown Ale, and Pale Ale, though there’s always something new at the Saw Works taproom thanks to its Rough-Cut series. Where to Find Them: A production-based brewery, you can find this brand in restaurants and grocery stores throughout Tennessee and South Carolina, not to mention its tasting room, where you can grab a beer or go on a tour of the brewery.
SHULZ BRÄU BREWING 126 Bernard Ave. 800-245-9764, schulzbraubrewing. com The folks at Schulz Bräu have made it their mission to dazzle Knoxvillians with an authentic German drinking experience. Its taproom, the appropriately-named “Great Hall,” seats 130 people. Customers may also enjoy their brews in Schultz’s outdoor biergarten, which hosts live music, trivia, and film nights weekly. The Beer (or in this case, Das Bier): As the name suggests, Schulz Bräu brews only traditional German ales and lagers. The German Braumeister proudly brews all the beers according to the Reinheitsgebot (the German Beer Purity Law). This means no chemicals, no GMOs, and no preservatives. The brewery has 12 original beers on tap, a select number of which can be served in a Liter stein, which the owners proudly proclaim to be the biggest beer in town. Where to Find Them: Bernard Avenue is a side street off of North Central Street in the Downtown North district. Look for the castle.
SMOKY MOUNTAIN BREWERY 11308 Parkside Drive 865-288-5500, smokymtn-brewery.com First opening in Gatlinburg in 1996 as a brewery and restaurant, Smoky Mountain Brewery now operates at four locations across East Tennessee. You can only get Smoky Mountain brews at one of the Copper Cellar family of restaurants—which also includes Copper Cellar and Calhoun’s. The Beer: With seven mainstays, three seasonals, and several limited-availability Brewmaster specialties, there’s a brew for everyone at Smoky Mountain. Freshness is at the forefront; each beer is brewed without the use of chemical preservatives or additives. 6 KNOX BEER WEEK
Where to Find Them: You can find Smoky Mountain brews at any of its four locations in Maryville, Pigeon Forge, Turkey Creek, or Gatlinburg, plus at The Copper Cellar on Cumberland Avenue and at Calhoun’s locations.
HEXAGON BREWING COMPANY 1002 Dutch Valley Drive, Suite 101 865-888-5138, hexagonbrewing.com Hexagon co-founder Stephen Apking got in on the ground floor of craft brewing in the late 1990s, and his early efforts yielded quite a few festival awards, including Best in Show at the Knoxville Beerfest in 2011 and 2014. However, it was not until he met fellow beer enthusiast and Alliance ex-pat Mat McMillan that the idea of opening a brewery of his own began to take shape. These days, the two preside over a 20-barrel Brewhouse in Fountain City, with the goal of producing great beer that reflects the uniqueness of the surrounding community. The Beer: Currently, Hexagon offers three beers on tap, with three more mainstays and a seasonal on the way. Like Crafty Bastard, Hexagon also hosts food trucks on an almost daily basis, ensuring that there’s a culinary complement to the brews on offer in their taproom. Where to Find Them: Hexagon’s brews may be found at their Fountain City taproom seven days a week, as well as locations closer to home like the Bearden Beer Garden and all three Casual Pint locations. For a complete list, check out their website’s “Beer Finder.”
PRETENTIOUS BEER CO. 131 S. Central St. 865-851-7693, pretentiousbeerco. com It all started, oddly enough, with a glass company. After noticing a general lack of unique glasses designed specifically for beer, founder Matthew Cummings decided to rectify the situation. He opened Pretentious Glass Company in the old city a few years back, offering appearance-minded drinkers the opportunity to drink their beer in its very own “formalwear.” The Beer: The finest evening gown or dinner jacket is of no use without an appropriately suave person to fill it out, however, prompting Cummings to open Pretentious Beer Company right alongside his glass operation last October. Pretentious offers a variety of craft beer, sodas, and Kombucha—a fermented tea beverage—each brew designed to be worthy of the glass wear in which it is served. Where to Find Them: Pretentious Beer
Company’s taproom is located in the old city, on Central Street right off of Western Avenue.
GYPSY CIRCUS CIDER 2645 Fort Henry Drive, Kingsport gypsycircuscider.com Gypsy Circus first filled its cellars in 2015 and released their first cider the following April. With production in Kingsport and the actual cellars here in Knoxville, they’re Tennessee’s first craft cidery, producing fresh-pressed cider from the finest locally-sourced apples. Make no mistake, though, this is the hard stuff. The Cider: Gypsy Circus prides itself on
its ingredients: organic, locally-sourced apples, and little else. Sorbates, extracts, and the dreaded High Fructose Corn Syrup are nowhere to be found. For its efforts, Gypsy Circus was named Tennessee Cider Producer of the Year in 2016, and has won gold at the Great Lakes International Cider and Perry Competition (or GLINTCAP, for short), the most prestigious cider competition in the world. Where to Find Them: Visit Gypsy Circus’s Kingsport taproom to sample the first three of the above brews, and many more. Knox-side, look for their cider at Curious Dogs on Jackson Avenue, The Crown & Goose, Sweet P’s Barbeque, Tupelo Honey, and a whole bevy of other downtown locations. See their website’s “Cider Locator” for a full list.
INTERESTED IN A BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK AT KNOXVILLE’S BREWERIES? THAT CAN BE ARRANGED. If all this talk of meticulous, personalized brewing has you wondering how, exactly, it’s done, allow us to bring Knox Brew Tours (knoxbrewtours.com) to your attention. This summer, KBT owner Max Roskop is teaming up with Todd White, president of Knoxville’s Brewing + Distilling Center (brewinganddistillingcenter.com ), to take Knoxvillians on a particularly educational journey through our city’s growing craft-beer industry. This special trip, known as the Funucational Brew Tour, will be offered twice, on June 14 and 28. Running from 6 to 8 p.m., the tours will begin and end at the Casual Pint in Bearden, with stops at Blackhorse, Fanatic, and Knox Whiskey Works in between. The real treat here is the presence of Mr. White, whose Brewing + Distilling Center trains students in the art—and science—of craft brewing. Thus, he can answer any questions about both the process of brewing and the process of becoming certified to brew, as some of Knoxville’s Brewmasters did through his very program. It should be an unrivaled glimpse into a niche of Knoxville’s culture. Get your tickets at knoxbrewtours.com.
PROUD SPONSOR
OF KNOXVILLE
CRAFT BEER WEEK
JUNE 10TH - 18TH
Brewing Company N A S H V I L L E
KNOX BEER WEEK 7
EVENT CALENDAR June 9 2:00 PM
SCHULZ BRÄU BREWING ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION | Schulz Brau
Brewing Company 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM BREWERS CHALLENGE KICKOFF PARTY | Hops and Hollers
June 10 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
FRUIT OF THE GODS | Fanatic Brewing Company
2:00 PM
SCHULZ BRÄU BREWING ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION | Schulz Brau
Brewing Company 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM AN EVENING WITH DEREK JONES | Last Days of Autumn
June 11 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM SCHULZ BRÄU BREWING ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION | Schulz Brau
Brewing Company 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM SUNDAY FUN-DAY BREW BUS 4:20 PM - 10:00 PM SWEETWATER PINT NIGHT | West Hills Flats and Taps,
June 12 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM BEST OF CDC WITH MOB | Merchants of Beer 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
YEE-HAW DUNKEL RANDALL NIGHT | Casual Pint – Fountain City
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM BEAR REPUBLIC TAP TAKEOVER | Casual Pint – Maryville 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
DEVIL’S BACKBONE DISC GOLF | Trailhead Beer Market
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
BEER THEMED MOVIE NIGHT | Saw Works Brewing Company
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
BLACK ABBEY ARTS & CRAFTS | Casual Pint – Bearden
June 13 4:20 PM - 10:00 PM SWEETWATER SUSHI PAIRING | Casual Pint – Bearden 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM BEARDED IRIS BREWING TAP TAKE OVER | Pretentious Beer Company 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM TRIVIA NIGHT WITH URBAN ARTIFACT | Suttree’s High Gravity Tavern 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
TENNESSEE BREW WORKS PINT NIGHT | Bearden Beer Market
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
BE YOUR OWN BREWMASTER NIGHT | Saw Works Brewing Company
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM BEARDED IRIS TAP TAKEOVER | Pretentious Beer Company 8 KNOX BEER WEEK
9 KNOX BEER WEEK
June 14 4:20 PM - 10:00 PM
Liv
are F n
eM usi
a m r Ge
c
Bier Releases
1
Special Steins
SWEETWATER SUMO WRESTLING | Casual Pint – Fountain City
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
BEST OF CDC SINGO | Trailhead Beer Market
6:00 PM
BLACK ABBEY PINT NIGHT | The Casual Pint of Farragut
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
BALLAST POINT BEER & CIGAR PAIRING | Casual Pint – Bearden
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
THE WORLD’S SHORTEST PUB CRAWL | Saw Works Brewing Company
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
BEAR REPUBLIC TAP TAKEOVER | Bearden Beer Market
6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
DEVIL’S BACKBONE 16 POINT PARTY | Suttree’s High Gravity Tavern
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
TENNESSEE BREW WORKS BINGO | Casual Pint – Downtown
J7:30 PM - 11:30 PM BELL’S TAP TAKEOVER, SINGER/SONGWRITER NIGHT | Twisted Mike’s Taproom
June 15 3:00 PM
DUEL DUEL – TWO BREWERIES, TWO EVENTS, ONE GLASS | Pretentious Beer
Company 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
ABRIDGED BEER COMPANY OPEN HOUSE | Abridged Beer Company
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
MEET THE MAKER & TRIVIA WITH URBAN ARTIFACT | Casual Pint – Fountain
City 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
BARS VS. BREWERS THUNDERBALL KICK BALL TOURNAMENT | Badgett Sports
Complex
J UNE 9 th- 11th For information call: (800)-245-9764 www.schultzbraubrewing.com
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
TENNESSEE BREW WORKS PINT NIGHT | Pretentious Beer Company
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
TRIVIA NIGHT AT SAWWORKS | Saw Works Brewing Company
6:30 PM - 11:00 PM
BLACKHORSE BIG WHEEL INVITATIONAL | Carolina Ale House
June 16
PROUDLY BREWED IN
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
DEVIL’S BACKBONE GROWLER SAMPLING | McScrooge’s
4:00 PM - 11:00 PM
“BEERSBEE” – BEER FRISBEE GAME NIGHT | Saw Works Brewing Company
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
MEET THE MAKER URBAN ARTIFACT | Pretentious Beer Company
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
YEE-HAW DUNKEL RANDALL NIGHT! | Casual Pint – Bearden
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
CELEBRATE THE CAN | Mill and Mine
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM BEAR REPUBLIC TAP TAKEOVER | Suttree’s High Gravity Tavern
KNOXVILLE, TN
6:00 PM
GRAND RE-OPENING & SIERRA NEVADA 12 TAP TAKEOVER | Casual Pint
– Fountain City
WE ARE
7:30 PM - 10:30 PM
FANATICS
LIVE MUSIC WITH THE JAMES SEATON TRIO | Last Days of Autumn
June 17
ABOUT...
4:00 PM - 11:00 PM
OPEN MIC NIGHT | Saw Works Brewing Company
June 18 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
WING COOK OFF AT SAWWORKS | Saw Works Brewing Company
OUR BEER
OUR PEOPLE AND YOU!!
www.FanaticBrewing.com
Facebook.com/FanaticBrewing
@FanaticBrewing
KNOX BEER WEEK 10
Now Open! COME SEE WHAT WE HAVE DONE WITH THE PLACE AND ENJOY!
40+ BEERS / WINE / SPECIALTY SODAS ON TAP COCKTAILS HONEY BEE COFFEE COLD BREW & NITRO TANTALIZING SNACKS
SUN 12P-10P M-THUR 12P-11P FRI & SAT 12P-1P 137 S. Central St.
(INCLUDING EXOTIC MEATS)
(Corner of Summit Hill & Central)
865-247-5503 MOBKnox.com @MOBKnox
DOG FRIENDLY PATIO FREE PARKING AVAILABLE
BEER CELLARIUM FOR TAKEOUT HUMIDOR WITH PARK CITY CIGARS
21 AND UP ONLY
Your downtown location to try local breweries
A Knoxville brewery tour all in one place! Offering all Knoxville area taps and flights.
As well as a our current wide selection of national and international craft beer in stock.
Us n i Jo
Friday June 9th
6pm - 10pm Blu3 Ballz Blueberry Sour Beer Release
Friday June 16th
6pm - 10pm Bell Witch Belgian Golden Strong Ale Release Hosted by Cold Fusion Brewing
Happy Hour 3-6pm Daily Always made fresh. Always made from scratch.
135 S. Gay St. Knoxville, TN (865) 333-5773
sugarmamasknox.com | @SugarMamasKnox
11 KNOX BEER WEEK
The Knoxville Mercury raises its glass to BEER WEEK and to all our supporters and advertisers.
CHECK OUT THESE EXCITING NEW LIBATIONS
NOW AVAILABLE IN KNOXVILLE
ATHENS DISTRIBUTING COMPANY OF TENNESSEE
Nashville Knoxville Chattanooga Memphis
Your go to source for f ine wines, spirits, and more. KNOX BEER WEEK 12
THANK YOU TO ALL OUR PRESENTING SPONSORS for supporting Brewfest and helping us raise money for CureDuchenne.
PRESENTED BY SMOKY MOUNTAIN BREWERY
TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE!! KNOXVILLEBREWFEST.COM June 8, 2017 knoxville mercury 27
Photo by Nicky Devine
Thursday, June 8 — Sunday, June 25 Spotlight: 34 Peter Brötzmann and Heather Leigh
MUSIC
Friday, June 9
Thursday, June 8
12PM • Part of WDVX’s Blue Plate Special, a six-days-aweek live-broadcast 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 • 8PM • FREE DOOM IN THE HILLS • Open Chord Music • 8PM • Keep it loud and evil with local doom metal bands Wampus Cat, Death of Kings, Summoner’s Circle, and Titanos. All ages. Visit openchordmusic.com. • $10 CUSSES • Preservation Pub • 8PM THE PAUL WARREN PROJECT • Brackins Blues Club (Maryville) • 9PM TYSON LEAMON • Two Doors Down (Maryville) • 9PM ROGER ALAN WADE • Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria • 10PM • Once upon a time, Wade worked in Nashville writing songs for other folks to record. Hank Williams, Jr. took his song “Country State of Mind” to number one back in 1986 and garnered Wade three gold records and one platinum. Then in 2005, Wade’s All Likkered Up became the first release on the independent label Johnny Knoxville Records. THE FRITZ WITH THE VOODOO FIX • Scruffy City Hall • 10PM THE HOLLYWOOD KILLS WITH AIRPARK • Preservation Pub • 10PM TIM EASTON • Boyd’s Jig and Reel • 10PM • FREE SHAPESHIFTERS • Wild Wing Cafe • 6PM • FREE CHRIS LONG • Vienna Coffee House (Maryville) • 6PM • FREE THE WOODPICKERS • Seymour Public Library • 7PM • FREE CAL ROBBINZ • The Bistro at the Bijou • 9PM • Live jazz. • FREE WILL CARTER • Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria (Maryville) • 9PM • FREE AUNT BETTY • Wild Wing Cafe • 10PM • FREE SECRET CITY FESTIVAL • 2PM • The new Secret City Festival, brought to you by Celebrate Oak Ridge, will be bookended by two special weekends. The first weekend will celebrate Oak Ridge and World War II history. A free family movie will be shown on Tuesday, June 6; the arts will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 7; and music and art are the focus of the second weekend, June 9-10. The music lineup on June 9-10 includes Dr. Dog, the Black Lillies, Hudson K, Cereus Bright, Electric Darling, and more.
EDDY GREEN • WDVX • 12PM • Part of WDVX’s Blue Plate
Special, a six-days-a-week live-broadcast lunchtime concert series featuring local, regional, and national Americana, folk, pop, rock, and everything else. • FREE MIKE CRAVER • Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria • 6PM • Part of WDVX’s Six O’Clock Swerve series. • FREE THE BICHO BROTHERS • Market Square • 7PM • Part of the city of Knoxville’s Variety Thursday series of free outdoor summer concerts. • FREE KNOX MUSIC COALITION SONGWRITER SHOWCASE • Pretentious Beer Co. • 8PM • The June Showcase will feature Daniel Fluitt of Thrift Store Cowboys, Taylor Kress of Jubal, Chris Mathien, and Nancy Ann Wilson. Knox Music Coalition is a community for our city’s music creators and supporters. Our goal is to strengthen and connect Knoxville’s music scene through educational programs, career development resources and music advocacy within the local community. learn more at knoxmusiccoalition.org • $5 JELLY ROLL • The Concourse • 9PM • Checking in at six feet one inches and over 350 pounds, not to mention covered in tattoos, it’s impossible to ignore Jason “Jelly Roll” DeFord in a room. 18 and up. Visit internationalknox. com. • $10-$15 THE JAKOB’S FERRY STRAGGLERS • Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria • 10PM • The Jakob’s Ferry Stragglers draw freely from old-time, bluegrass, country, jazz, rockabilly and swing styles to create their tight, high-energy string band music. • FREE MO LOWDA AND THE HUMBLE WITH JIMMY AND THE JAWBONES • Preservation Pub • 10PM ANDY PRATT • Modern Studio • 8PM • As a vocalist, guitar-
ist, songwriter and photographer, Andy Pratt loves the fuzz, blur, grain, and beautiful imperfections of live music and art. With an affinity for analog recording, vintage instruments, film cameras, string quartets, and brooding melodies, his music lives within a modern impressionist world of his own creation. Pratt sings with a dry vocal and a touch of vibrato unaltered by any synthetic effects. He saves most of the reverb for his guitar. He is a storyteller who sings to clearly evoke a mood, space or time. He brings his listeners into the world he’s created. K-TOWN DUO • Wild Wing Cafe • 9PM • FREE SHANE PARISH • Pilot Light • 9PM • Shane Parish is a guitarist, composer, solo-artist, and the mastermind behind duo Ahleuchatistas. 18 and up. • $6 28 knoxville mercury June 8, 2017
THE BIG DAWG SLINGSHOTS WITH MATT WOODS • WDVX •
Saturday, June 10 MARK RADICE WITH ANNA BELLAMY • WDVX • 12PM • Part of WDVX’s Blue Plate Special, a six-days-a-week
live-broadcast lunchtime concert series featuring local, regional, and national Americana, folk, pop, rock, and everything else. • FREE KNOX COUNTY SECOND SATURDAY CONCERT SERIES • 6PM • Knox County is expanding its Second Saturday Concerts series this summer as the parks and recreation department continues to host live entertainment for the whole family at The Cove and now also at New Harvest Park. The free concerts, held June through August on the second Saturday of each month, run from 6 to 8 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own blankets or lawn chairs. Please note that no alcohol is allowed. The lineup at the Cove includes the Jennings Street Band (June 10), Kitty Wampus (July 8), and Vinyl Tap (Aug. 12). The lineup at New Harvest Park includes the Relentless Blues Band (June 10), Wild Blue Yonder (July 8), and Crawdaddy Jones (Aug. 12). • FREE DEREK JONES • Last Days of Autumn Brewery • 7:30PM • FREE REBEL SON WITH SOUTHBOUND • The Shed at Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson (Maryville)• 7:30PM • $10-$15 CASH UNCHAINED: A TRIBUTE TO JOHNNY CASH • Open Chord Music • 8PM • All ages. Visit openchordmusic. com. • $10-$12 THE ROYAL HOUNDS • Brackins Blues Club (Maryville) • 9PM EXIT 60 • Two Doors Down (Maryville) • 9PM DEAD PHISH ORCHESTRA • Scruffy City Hall • 9PM BLUE MOTHER TUPELO • Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria • 10PM • Southern roots and Appalachian soul. • FREE THE BURNIN’ HERMANS • Preservation Pub • 10PM THE NAUGHTY KNOTS • Boyd’s Jig and Reel • 10PM • FREE DEVIN BADGETT • Vienna Coffee House (Maryville) • 6PM • FREE HAROLD NAGGE AND ALAN WYATT • The Bistro at the Bijou • 9PM • Live jazz. • FREE TENN PAN ALLEY AND THE ALLEY CATS • Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria (Maryville) • 9PM • FREE ELISA FAIRES WITH KNIVES OF SPAIN • Pilot Light • 9PM • 18 and up. • $5 THE POP ROX • Wild Wing Cafe • 10PM • FREE J MO WITH ABRA, 4MATIKS, EARL GRAE, AND MARK B • The Concourse • 10PM • 18 and up. • FREE SECRET CITY FESTIVAL • 10AM • The new Secret City Festival, brought to you by Celebrate Oak Ridge, will be bookended by two special weekends. The first weekend
Secret City Festival Oak Ridge • Saturday, June 10 • 10 a.m. • Free • celebrateoakridge.org
The hard-working, hard-rocking Pennsylvania band Dr. Dog tops the music lineup at the Secret City Festival in Oak Ridge on Saturday with a headlining set scheduled for 8 p.m. They’ll be joined by Kathy Hill and the Deltas, the Natti Lovejoys, Dave Eggar, the Accidentals, Nora Jane Struthers, and Electric Darling. The music starts on Friday at 2 p.m., with performances by the J-25 Jazz Quartet, Teen Spirit, Hudson K, Cereus Bright, and the Black Lillies. Read our preview of Electric Darling on page TK.
will celebrate Oak Ridge and World War II history. A free family movie will be shown on Tuesday, June 6; the arts will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 7; and music and art are the focus of the second weekend, June 9-10. The music lineup on June 9-10 includes Dr. Dog, the Black Lillies, Hudson K, Cereus Bright, Electric Darling, and more. • See story on page 24.
Sunday, June 11 SUNDAY JAZZ BRUNCH • Downtown Grill and Brewery •
11AM • Knoxville’s coolest jazz artists perform every Sunday. • FREE KUNG FU VAMPIRE WITH LOCKSMITH, STITCHY C, SECRET CITY CYPHERS, THE PREACHER, AND ROB MARLEY • Open
Chord Music • 8PM • An independent, wildly inventive, rapid -fire MC with a live bandAll ages. Visit openchordmusic.com. • $10-$12 DAN MONTGOMERY WITH BARK • Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria • 8PM • FREE THE GROOVE ORIENT • Preservation Pub • 10PM
Monday, June 12
June 8 – June 25
THE WOODSHEEP WITH DAN MONTGOMERY • WDVX • 12PM •
Part of WDVX’s Blue Plate Special, a six-days-a-week live-broadcast lunchtime concert series featuring local, regional, and national Americana, folk, pop, rock, and everything else. • FREE STEVE KAUFMAN’S ANNUAL CONCERT SERIES • Maryville College • 7PM • Former national champion flat picking guitarist Steve Kaufman hosts an annual two-week series of concerts featuring some of the brightest stars of acoustic music. This year’s series runs Mondays through Fridays, June 12-23, and includes Cary Fridley, April Verch, Beppe Gambetta, and dozens more. Visit flatpik.com. • $8-$15 SONS OF PITCHES • Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria • 10PM • Sons of Pitches bring their own brand of improvisation and breathe fire into the classics of western swing and jazz. • FREE BEN SHUSTER • Wild Wing Cafe • 10PM • FREE THE WOODSHEEP • Preservation Pub • 10PM
Tuesday, June 13 DAVID STARR WITH REVEREND FREAKCHILD • WDVX • 12PM •
Part of WDVX’s Blue Plate Special, a six-days-a-week live-broadcast lunchtime concert series featuring local, regional, and national Americana, folk, pop, rock, and everything else. • FREE MATT NELSON, GARRIT TILLMAN, AND JAKE EDWARD SMITH •
Pilot Light • 6PM • A free live improv showcase. 18 and up. • FREE STEVE KAUFMAN’S ANNUAL CONCERT SERIES • Maryville College • 7PM • Former national champion flat picking guitarist Steve Kaufman hosts an annual two-week series of concerts featuring some of the brightest stars of acoustic music. This year’s series runs Mondays through Fridays, June 12-23, and includes Cary Fridley, April Verch, Beppe Gambetta, and dozens more. Visit flatpik.com. • $8-$15 THE WRECKS • Open Chord Music • 7PM • Heavily influenced by groups such as The Pixies, The Strokes, Weezer, and Vampire Weekend, this 5-piece isn’t afraid to blend undeniably catchy choruses, with lyrics and vocals that have an underlying substance and a certain quirk that give them their young, signature sound. All ages. Visit openchordmusic.com. • $10-$12 MARBLE CITY 5 • Market Square • 8PM • Vance Thompson’s small combo, featuring members of the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra, performs on Market Square May 9-Aug. 29. Visit knoxjazz.org. • FREE PETER BRÖTZMANN AND HEATHER LEIGH • Pilot Light • 8PM • ‘Ears Are Filled With Wonder’, the debut release from the duo of pedal steel player Heather Leigh and reedist Peter Brötzmann, blows the old adage about improvised music somehow not being best appreciated via the recordings to beautiful pieces. Visit thepilotlight.com. • $15 • See Spotlight on page 34. THE PAPER CROWNS • Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria • 10PM • The Paper Crowns are taking honest music from the roots of the American musical bloodline and are bringing it into the here and now. Their chemistry has been compared to June and Johnny. Their intimacy has
drawn parallels to The Civil Wars. Their hard won stories in their lyrics have won over personal friends and fans of Shovels and Rope. Their musical intensity and soul has earned them comparisons to Tedeschi Trucks. They are earning their reputation as the genuine article and as a band on the cutting edge of the modern roots music movement.• FREE
Wednesday, June 14 SONS OF PITCHES WITH WILL OVERMAN AND MATTHEW MCALLISTER • WDVX • 12PM • Part of WDVX’s Blue Plate
Special, a six-days-a-week live-broadcast 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 • Jason Thompson’s band doesn’t play bebop, the mainstay of the American saxman for more than half a century. He prefers to do something different. Frog and Toad can sound more old-fashioned than bebop, with Dixieland and ragtime tunes. But then, in the same set, they’ll sound more modern than bebop, with funk or fusion, or something original he wrote last week. • FREE PAMELA KLICKA • The Bistro at the Bijou • 7PM • Live jazz. • FREE REEL BIG FISH WITH THE EXPENDABLES, THE QUEERS, AND TUNNEL VISION • The International • 7PM • Reel Big Fish
was one of the legions of Southern California ska-punk bands to edge into the mainstream following the mid-’90s success of No Doubt and Sublime. Like most of their peers, the band was distinguished by their hyperkinetic stage shows, juvenile humor, ironic covers of new wave pop songs, and metallic shards of ska. Visit internationalknox.com. • $27 STEVE KAUFMAN’S ANNUAL CONCERT SERIES • Maryville College • 7PM • Former national champion flat picking guitarist Steve Kaufman hosts an annual two-week series of concerts featuring some of the brightest stars of acoustic music. This year’s series runs Mondays through Fridays, June 12-23, and includes Cary Fridley, April Verch, Beppe Gambetta, and dozens more. Visit flatpik.com. • $8-$15 MIKE SNODGRASS • Wild Wing Cafe • 8:30PM • FREE
Thursday, June 15 TIM MCNARY WITH THE THOMAS CASSELL PROJECT • WDVX • 12PM • Part of WDVX’s Blue Plate Special, a six-days-a-week live-broadcast lunchtime concert series featuring local, regional, and national Americana, folk, pop, rock, and everything else. • FREE THE PINKLETS • Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria • 6PM • Part of WDVX’s Six O’Clock Swerve series of live-broadcast shows. • FREE THE HELLGRAMMITES • Market Square • 7PM • Square-dancing on Market Square, part of the city of Knoxville’s Variety Thursday series of free outdoor summer concerts. • FREE STEVE KAUFMAN’S ANNUAL CONCERT SERIES • Maryville College • 7PM • Former national champion flat picking guitarist Steve Kaufman hosts an annual two-week series of concerts featuring some of the brightest stars June 8, 2017 knoxville mercury 29
June 8 – June 25
of acoustic music. This year’s series runs Mondays through Fridays, June 12-23, and includes Cary Fridley, April Verch, Beppe Gambetta, and dozens more. Visit flatpik.com. • $8-$15 BARRETT BABER • The Concourse • 8PM • Visit internationalknox.com. • $10-$12 TALL PAUL • Wild Wing Cafe • 9PM • FREE NOLAN NEAL • Scruffy City Hall • 9PM ROXY ROCA • Preservation Pub • 10PM
searching, if not spiritual, quality to much of his music. 18 and up. • $5 JUBAL • Boyd’s Jig and Reel • 10PM • FREE BADLANDS • Preservation Pub • 10PM GLADYS KNIGHT • Tennessee Theatre • 8PM • The great ones endure, and Gladys Knight has long been one of the greatest. Very few singers over the last fifty years have matched her unassailable artistry.• $49.50-$115
Friday, June 16
IN FLIGHT WITH SCOTT MCMAHAN • WDVX • 12PM • Part of
ROOSEVELT’S ROUGH RIDERS WITH JIMMY DAVIS • WDVX •
12PM • Part of WDVX’s Blue Plate Special, a six-days-aweek live-broadcast lunchtime concert series featuring local, regional, and national Americana, folk, pop, rock, and everything else. • FREE ROGER ALAN WADE WITH GUY MARSHALL • Founders Park • 6PM • A free, family friendly concert series on the lawn of Founders Park. Featuring local and regional artists Roger Alan Wade, Guy Marshall, Carrie Welling and Travis Bigwood. • FREE MADDIE AND JORDAN • Vienna Coffee House (Maryville) • 6PM • FREE PALEFACE • Sugarlands Distilling Co. (Gatlinburg) • 7PM • FREE STEVE KAUFMAN’S ANNUAL CONCERT SERIES • Maryville College • 7PM • Former national champion flat picking guitarist Steve Kaufman hosts an annual two-week series of concerts featuring some of the brightest stars of acoustic music. This year’s series runs Mondays through Fridays, June 12-23, and includes Cary Fridley, April Verch, Beppe Gambetta, and dozens more. Visit flatpik.com. • $8-$15 FROG AND TOAD’S DIXIE QUARTET • The Crown and Goose • 8PM • Jason Thompson’s band doesn’t play bebop, the mainstay of the American saxman for more than half a century. He prefers to do something different. Frog and Toad can sound more old-fashioned than bebop, with Dixieland and ragtime tunes. But then, in the same set, they’ll sound more modern than bebop, with funk or fusion, or something original he wrote last week. • FREE THE JAMES SEATON TRIO • Last Days of Autumn Brewery • 8PM • FREE SHALLOW SIDE WITH KISS THE CURSE • Open Chord Music • 8PM • All ages. Visit openchordmusic.com. • $10 KB3 • The Bistro at the Bijou • 9PM • Live jazz. • FREE JONNY MONSTER • Brackins Blues Club (Maryville) • 9PM AARON KIRBY AND SOUTHERN REVELATION • Two Doors Down (Maryville) • 9PM SHAKEDOWN SIX • Scruffy City Hall • 9PM TRACTORHEAD WITH KEVIN ABERNATHY • Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria • 10PM • The local Southern rock outfit Tractorhead and singer-songwriter-guitar shredder Kevin Abernathy team up for a joint CD release show. • FREE THE MIKE SNODGRASS BAND • Wild Wing Cafe • 10PM • FREE JOSEPH ALLRED WITH NAAN VIOLENCE AND DEATH PANELS • Pilot Light • 10PM • Joseph Allred seems to love many kinds of sounds. .But it’s the acoustic guitar that seems to have most of his attention. You can recognize a 30 knoxville mercury June 8, 2017
Saturday, June 17 WDVX’s Blue Plate Special, a six-days-a-week live-broadcast lunchtime concert series featuring local, regional, and national Americana, folk, pop, rock, and everything else. • FREE THE BARBRAS • Vienna Coffee House (Maryville) • 6PM • FREE RAY WYLIE HUBBARD WITH JEFF PLANKENHORN • The Shed at Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson (Maryville) • 7:30PM • As a music lover of impeccable taste, odds are that you’re already looking forward to spending the better part of the next hour – and several more after that – getting rather obsessively familiar with this latest serving of song and groove from Ray Wylie Hubbard. • $20-$25 BRUCE HORNSBY AND THE NOISE MAKERS • Bijou Theatre • 8PM • Bruce Hornsby’s work displays a creative iconoclasm that’s been a constant in the artist’s two-and-a-half decade recording career. His commercial stock soared early on, when “The Way It Is”–the title track of his 1986 debut album–became one of the most popular songs on American radio. Despite his early mainstream successes, Hornsby has pursued a more personal, idiosyncratic musical path, focusing on projects that sparked his creative interest, including collaborations with the Grateful Dead, Spike Lee, Ricky Skaggs, Don Henley, Ornette Coleman, Bob Dylan, Bela Fleck, Bonnie Raitt, Pat Metheny, and Robbie Robertson. • $49.50-$69.50 TRIAL BY FIRE • Open Chord Music • 8PM • A tribute to Journey. Visit openchordmusic.com. • $12-$15 DYNAMO • Preservation Pub • 8PM BATH SALT ZOMBIES WITH SALOME CABARET • Scruffy City Hall • 8PM THE CHUCK MULLICAN JAZZ BONANZA • The Bistro at the Bijou • 9PM • Live jazz. • FREE THE TOMMIE JOHN BAND • Brackins Blues Club (Maryville) • 9PM PISTOL WHIP • Two Doors Down (Maryville) • 9PM CHEER-ACCIDENT • Pilot Light • 10PM • Hailing from the singularly vibrant musical hotbed known as Chicago, Cheer-Accident has been a creative, vital force in rock music for over 20 years. They constantly strive to surprise their audiences and themselves through relentless reinvention. From dreamy pop to angular art-rock, Cheer-Accident strikes a powerful balance between personalized and unique studio wizardry and the visceral excitement of a well-honed, explosive live rock band. 18 and up. • $7 THE YOUNG FABLES • Boyd’s Jig and Reel • 10PM • FREE
Y-12 TOURS TRAE PIERCE AND THE T-STONE BAND • Preservation Pub •
10PM
GRAPHITE REACTOR TOURS HISTORIC DISPLAYS
Sunday, June 18 SUNDAY JAZZ BRUNCH • Downtown Grill and Brewery •
11AM • Knoxville’s coolest jazz artists perform every Sunday. • FREE
MOVIE IN THE PARK "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington"
ROGER CLYNE AND THE PEACEMAKERS WITH JOCELYN AND CHRIS ARNDT • The Concourse • 7PM • Visit international-
knox.com. • $15 PALE ROOT • Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria • 8PM • Part of the Tennessee Theatre’s summer movie series, which runs through Aug. 27. Visit tennesseetheatre.com. • FREE PSYCHIC BAOS WITH THEE OPEN SEX AND CREEPING PINK • Pilot Light • 9PM • 18 and up. • $5 HERMANN • Preservation Pub • 10PM
Monday, June 19 THE PAT BEASLEY BAND WITH THE BLUE EYED BETTYS •
WDVX • 12PM • Part of WDVX’s Blue Plate Special, a six-days-a-week live-broadcast lunchtime concert series featuring local, regional, and national Americana, folk, pop, rock, and everything else. • FREE STEVE KAUFMAN’S ANNUAL CONCERT SERIES • Maryville College • 7PM • Former national champion flat picking guitarist Steve Kaufman hosts an annual two-week series of concerts featuring some of the brightest stars of acoustic music. This year’s series runs Mondays through Fridays, June 12-23, and includes Cary Fridley, April Verch, Beppe Gambetta, and dozens more. Visit flatpik.com. • $8-$15 RYE BABY • Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria • 10PM • FREE BEN SHUSTER • Wild Wing Cafe • 10PM • FREE BLUE EYED BETTYS • Preservation Pub • 10PM
Tuesday, June 20 THE PINE BOX BOYS WITH PARKER MCKAY • WDVX • 12PM •
Part of WDVX’s Blue Plate Special, a six-days-a-week live-broadcast lunchtime concert series featuring local, regional, and national Americana, folk, pop, rock, and everything else. • FREE STEVE KAUFMAN’S ANNUAL CONCERT SERIES • Maryville College • 7PM • Former national champion flat picking guitarist Steve Kaufman hosts an annual two-week series of concerts featuring some of the brightest stars of acoustic music. This year’s series runs Mondays through Fridays, June 12-23, and includes Cary Fridley, April Verch, Beppe Gambetta, and dozens more. Visit flatpik.com. • $8-$15 MARBLE CITY 5 • Market Square • 8PM • Vance Thompson’s small combo, featuring members of the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra, performs on Market Square May 9-Aug. 29. Visit knoxjazz.org. • FREE THE OLD 97’S WITH VANDOLIERS • Bijou Theatre • 8PM • In 1996, Old 97’s recorded Too Far to Care. But rather than venture into some state-of-the-art studio in New York or LA, the band decamped to Village Productions in Tornillo, Texas, a remote facility in the middle of two thousand acres of pecan trees near the Mexican border. Now over twenty years later, they have returned to
FREE CONCERTS JUNE 9 & 10 plus a children's stage featuring Sprout host Tim Kubart, a juried arts show by TN Creates, crafts vendors, and fun for the whole family!
JUNE 9
JUNE
2
JUNE 3
CELEBRATE OUR
HEROES WWII Reenactments Speakers History Exhibits USO-style show CEREUS BRIGHT HUDSON K | TEEN SPIRIT HUD J-25 JAZZ QUARTET
Family Movie June 6
JUNE 10
Blankenship Field
Benefiting United Way
June 7
ELECTRIC DARLING | NORA JANE STRUTHERS THE ACCIDENTALS | DAVE EGGAR | NATTI LOVEJOYS KATHY HILL & THE DELTAS
ADMISSION IS FREE BISSELL PARK, OAK RIDGE CELEBRATEOAKRIDGE.ORG June 8, 2017 knoxville mercury 31
June 8 – June 25
record their eleventh studio album, Graveyard Whistling. Visit knoxbijou.com. • $22 THE AARON BURDETT BAND • Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria • 10PM • Aaron Burdett serves up the finest song driven Americana the North Carolina mountains has ever produced. Based in Saluda, a small town near Asheville, Aaron shares a singular perspective on the world around us, connections to places and people, and the simple pleasures of life through his heartfelt, thoughtfully crafted songs. • FREE THE PINE BOX BOYS • Preservation Pub • 10PM
STEVE KAUFMAN’S ANNUAL CONCERT SERIES • Maryville
Wednesday, June 21
Thursday, June 22
THE MAGGIE VALLEY BAND WITH BETWEEN YOU AND ME •
VOLK WITH THE FLYING BUFFALOES • WDVX • 12PM • Part of WDVX’s Blue Plate Special, a six-days-a-week live-broadcast lunchtime concert series featuring local, regional, and national Americana, folk, pop, rock, and everything else. • FREE LOUISE MOSRIE • Market Square • 7PM • Part of the city of Knoxville’s Variety Thursday series of free outdoor summer concerts. • FREE STEVE KAUFMAN’S ANNUAL CONCERT SERIES • Maryville College • 7PM • Former national champion flat picking guitarist Steve Kaufman hosts an annual two-week series of concerts featuring some of the brightest stars of acoustic music. This year’s series runs Mondays through Fridays, June 12-23, and includes Cary Fridley, April Verch, Beppe Gambetta, and dozens more. Visit
WDVX • 12PM • Part of WDVX’s Blue Plate Special, a six-days-a-week live-broadcast 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 • Jason Thompson’s band doesn’t play bebop, the mainstay of the American saxman for more than half a century. He prefers to do something different. Frog and Toad can sound more old-fashioned than bebop, with Dixieland and ragtime tunes. But then, in the same set, they’ll sound more modern than bebop, with funk or fusion, or something original he wrote last week. • FREE THE CASEY GREEN TRIO • The Bistro at the Bijou • 7PM • FREE
College • 7PM • Former national champion flat picking guitarist Steve Kaufman hosts an annual two-week series of concerts featuring some of the brightest stars of acoustic music. This year’s series runs Mondays through Fridays, June 12-23, and includes Cary Fridley, April Verch, Beppe Gambetta, and dozens more. Visit flatpik.com. • $8-$15 EMMA’S LOUNGE • Preservation Pub • 8PM MIKE SNODGRASS • Wild Wing Cafe • 8:30PM • FREE MILKSHAKE FATTY • Preservation Pub • 10PM
YEE-HAW BREWING CO. PRESENTS THE 2017
Arcade Decathlon BENEFITING
A contest featuring a different arcade game each month to crown the next ROUND 3 Afterburner king or queen of the & Tomcat arcade in Knoxville!
All proceeds go to help to keep Volunteer Radio 90.3 The Rock on the air!
Each event is a mini-tourney to determine who squares off in the ROUND 5 Championship event.
July 20 Cruisin’ USA
WINNER
Grand Prize for the winner of ROUND 4 ROUND 2 Foosball a pair of concert WINNER tickets to an Thomas Dyke upcoming show of their choice in Knoxville or Asheville ROUND 1
WUTK 90.3
ROUND 4 Thursday June 15 NBA Jam
2017
Championship Event December 14
Skeeball WINNER Pone Tone
ROUND 9 November 16 Galaga
ROUND 6 August 17 Pinball
Registration: 6-7 pm Competition: 7 pm
10
$
registration fee for each event
ROUND 7 September 21 Darts
ROUND 8 October 19 Ghosts & Goblins
Sponsored by Harrogate’s Lounge and KS Absher Marketing & Events
COOL RAFFLE PRIZES EACH NIGHT FOR PARTICIPANTS! Stay tuned to WUTK and check out wutkradio.com for details!
Streaming 24.7.365 at WUTKRADIO.COM 32 knoxville mercury June 8, 2017
flatpik.com. • $8-$15 PISTOL CREEK • Brackins Blues Club (Maryville) • 8PM TOMMIE JOHN AND VALERIE • Wild Wing Cafe • 9PM • FREE THE MAGGIE VALLEY BAND • Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria • 10PM • Hailing from Haywood County, North Carolina, two sisters and friends of the Maggie Valley band came together in the town they now identify themselves with. The Maggie Valley Band has been influenced by a wide variety of artists, movements, cultures, and ideas. Each member grew up listening to and taking in the styles of various musicians ranging from the Stanley Brothers to Simon and Garfunkel, with inspirations from the Band, and more local artists like Rising Appalachia, yet adding their own personal style. • FREE THE FLYING BUFFALOES • Preservation Pub • 10PM
Friday, June 23 HIGHBALLS WITH MIGHTY BLUE • WDVX • 12PM • Part of
WDVX’s Blue Plate Special, a six-days-a-week live-broadcast lunchtime concert series featuring local, regional, and national Americana, folk, pop, rock, and everything else. • FREE MELLIFLUX • Wild Wing Cafe • 6PM • FREE CLARA • Vienna Coffee House (Maryville) • 6PM • FREE STEVE KAUFMAN’S ANNUAL CONCERT SERIES • Maryville College • 7PM • Former national champion flat picking guitarist Steve Kaufman hosts an annual two-week series of concerts featuring some of the brightest stars
of acoustic music. This year’s series runs Mondays through Fridays, June 12-23, and includes Cary Fridley, April Verch, Beppe Gambetta, and dozens more. Visit flatpik.com. • $8-$15 FROG AND TOAD’S DIXIE QUARTET • The Crown and Goose • 8PM • FREE THE ROOSEVELTS • Open Chord Music • 8PM • The Roosevelts’ show provides a rousing, dance-worthy compilation of songs, but also features poignant tunes that scale the depth of their personality and communicate their story with remarkable power. All ages. Visit openchordmusic.com. • $12-$14 HIGHBEAMS • Preservation Pub • 8PM GARRIT TILLMANN • The Bistro at the Bijou • 9PM • Live jazz. • FREE KIRK FLETA • Brackins Blues Club (Maryville) • 9PM SOUTHBOUND • Two Doors Down (Maryville) • 9PM KELSEY’S WOODS • Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria • 10PM • The latest album from Kelsey’s Woods, When the Morning Comes Around, has the full complement of roots-rock signifiers, from pedal-steel guitar, Hammond organ, and mandolin to songs about the open highway and references to Merle Haggard. And, of course, there’s more than one drinking song. Its country roots are evident, but there’s plenty of heartland rock—think Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, and John Mellencamp—in the mix, too, as well as echoes of everything from Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones to the Black Crowes. • FREE
June 8 – June 25
THE GREEN DAY EXPERIENCE • Wild Wing Cafe • 10PM •
FREE THE CRANE WIVES • Boyd’s Jig and Reel • 10PM • FREE SIRSY • Scruffy City Hall • 10PM POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE • Preservation Pub • 10PM
Saturday, June 24 GYPSY SOUTH WITH ST. LUKE’S DRIFTERS • WDVX • 12PM •
Part of WDVX’s Blue Plate Special, a six-days-a-week live-broadcast lunchtime concert series featuring local, regional, and national Americana, folk, pop, rock, and everything else. • FREE JORDAN BENNETT • Vienna Coffee House (Maryville) • 6PM • FREE MOJO TWEED • Last Days of Autumn Brewery • 7:30PM • New Orleans funk and blues. • FREE BLACK STONE CHERRY WITH OTIS • The Shed at Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson (Maryville) • 7:30PM • They say you can’t go home again. But Black Stone Cherry proves otherwise on Kentucky, the quartet’s fifth album and most diverse and mature -- not to mention dynamically exciting -- effort to date. • $20-$25 BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY: LED ZEPPELIN II • Tennessee Theatre • 8PM • The Black Jacket Symphony returns to the Tennessee Theatre to perform Led Zepplin’s “II” album in it’s entirety. The Black Jacket Symphony offers a unique concert experience by recreating classic albums in a live performance setting with a first class lighting and video production. A selected album is performed in its entirety by a group of handpicked musicians specifically selected for each album. With no sonic detail being overlooked, the musicians do whatever it takes to musically reproduce the album. Following the album and a brief intermission, the Black Jacket Symphony returns to the stage to perform a collection of greatest hits by the evening’s artist. • $25-$30 GRIND: AN ALICE IN CHAINS TRIBUTE WITH MEDICINE MAN AND SCHOOL OF ROCK KNOXVILLE • Open Chord Music •
8PM • $10-$12 AELUDE • Preservation Pub • 8PM THE MARK BOLING TRIO • The Bistro at the Bijou • 9PM • Live jazz. • FREE THE JAYSTORM PROJECT • Brackins Blues Club (Maryville) • 9PM THE MATTHEW HICKEY BAND • Two Doors Down (Maryville) • 9PM VIBRASLAPS • Scruffy City Hall • 9PM BELLA’S BARTOK • Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria • 10PM • Imagine what you would get if Salvador Dali and Toulouse Lautrec were fronting the Moulin Rouge’s house band, and you have the exuberant spectacle that is Bella’s Bartok. • FREE SLIPPERY WHEN WET • Wild Wing Cafe • 10PM • FREE LANEY JONES AND THE SPIRITS • Boyd’s Jig and Reel • 10PM • FREE PAREIDELIC • Preservation Pub • 10PM
Sunday, June 25 SUNDAY JAZZ BRUNCH • Downtown Grill and Brewery •
11AM • Knoxville’s coolest jazz artists perform every Sunday. • FREE SMOKY MOUNTAIN BLUES SOCIETY BLUES CRUISE • Star of Knoxville Riverboat • 4PM • Join the Smoky Mountain Blues Society as they present some of the best-known local, regional, and nationally touring blues artists during specialty cruises on the Tennessee River. From April through October, blues lovers will celebrate this American art form during a three-hour Sunday afternoon cruise on the Star of Knoxville Tennessee Riverboat. This year’s lineup includes the Tommie John Band (April 23); Few Miles On (May 21); Mighty Blue (June 25); the Stella Vees (July 23); Cheryl Renee (Aug. 27); Albert Castiglia (Sept. 24); and John Nemeth (Oct. 15). Call (865) 525-7827 or visit tnriverboat.com/blues-cruises-2. • $16-$20 THE BROCKEFELLERS • Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria • 8PM • FREE RELENTLESS BLUES BAND • Preservation Pub • 10PM BIJOU JUBILEE 2017 FEATURING PUNCH BROTHERS • Bijou Theatre • 7:30PM • This year we welcome Punch Brothers back to the U.S. Cellular Stage as the featured artist for our 9th annual Bijou Jubilee. Our Jubilee is an annual celebration of the spectacular, historic Bijou Theatre and serves as the primary fundraiser to support ongoing preservation and operations of this legendary venue.We have two ticket options for our annual fundraiser: reserved general seating ($49.50) and VIP premier seating and pre-show party ($200). VIP tickets are limited and include access to our pre-show party at Club LeConte featuring heavy hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer and spirits, a silent auction and live entertainment. All ticket holders will have a chance to participate in our live auction featuring signed instruments and tour posters from artists who’ve played on the U.S. Cellular Stage at the Bijou Theatre. The live auction will take place immediate prior to the Punch Brothers’ performance. • $49.50-$200
OPEN MIC AND SONGWRITER NIGHTS Thursday, June 8 OPEN CHORD OPEN MIC NIGHT • Open Chord Music • 7PM •
For bands and solo performers. Sign-up starts at 6 p.m. Visit openchordmusic.com. • FREE SCOTTISH MUSIC SESSION • Boyd’s Jig and Reel • 7:15PM • A proud tradition, Scots love nothing more than music and drink. The drink is strong and the music is steeped in the history of the green highlands and rocky cliffs. Whether lyrics or no lyrics, every song tells a story. The hills of East Tennessee are a home away from home for this style. Pull up a chair to listen or play along. Held on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. Visit jigandreel.com. • FREE
Friday, June 9 OLD-TIME STRING BAND JAM • John T. O’Connor Senior Center • 1:30PM • An opportunity for local acoustic artists, 50 years or older, to gather and jam. Don’t play? No worries,
come in just to listen and enjoy a good time. Every Friday. For more information call 865-523-1135. • FREE
Sunday, June 11 EPWORTH MONTHLY OLD HARP SHAPE NOTE SINGING • Laurel Theater • 6:30PM • Visit jubileearts.org. • FREE
Tuesday, June 13 PRESERVATION PUB SINGER-SONGWRITER NIGHT • Preservation Pub • 7PM • 21 and up. Visit scruffycity.com. OLD-TIME JAM SESSION • Boyd’s Jig and Reel • 7:15PM • The musicians sit together and pick and strum familiar tunes on fiddles, guitars, and bass. Open to all lovers and players of music. No need to build up the courage to join in. Just grab an instrument off the wall and take a seat. Hosted by Sarah Pirkle. Visit jigandreel.com. • FREE
Wednesday, June 14 BREWHOUSE BLUES JAM • Open Chord Music • 8PM • Join
Robert Higginbotham and the Smoking Section 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. BRACKINS BLUES JAM • Brackins Blues Club • 9PM • A weekly open session hosted by Tommie John. Visit Facebook.com/BrackinsBlues. • FREE
Thursday, June 15 IRISH MUSIC SESSION • Boyd’s Jig and Reel • 7:15PM • Held
on the first and third Thursdays of each month. Visit jigandreel.com. • FREE
Friday, June 16 OLD-TIME STRING BAND JAM • John T. O’Connor Senior Center • 1:30PM • An opportunity for local acoustic artists, 50 years or older, to gather and jam. Don’t play? No worries, come in just to listen and enjoy a good time. Every Friday. For more information call 865-523-1135. • FREE
Tuesday, June 20 PRESERVATION PUB SINGER-SONGWRITER NIGHT • Preservation Pub • 7PM • 21 and up. Visit scruffycity.com. OLD-TIME JAM SESSION • Boyd’s Jig and Reel • 7:15PM • The musicians sit together and pick and strum familiar tunes on fiddles, guitars, and bass. Open to all lovers and players of music. No need to build up the courage to join in. Just grab an instrument off the wall and take a seat. Hosted by Sarah Pirkle. Visit jigandreel.com. • FREE
Wednesday, June 21 BRACKINS BLUES JAM • Brackins Blues Club • 9PM • A
weekly open session hosted by Tommie John. Visit Facebook.com/BrackinsBlues. • FREE
Thursday, June 22 SCOTTISH MUSIC SESSION • Boyd’s Jig and Reel • 7:15PM •
A proud tradition, Scots love nothing more than music and drink. The drink is strong and the music is steeped in the history of the green highlands and rocky cliffs. Whether lyrics or no lyrics, every song tells a story. The June 8, 2017 knoxville mercury 33
June 8 – June 25
Thursday, June 15
hills of East Tennessee are a home away from home for this style. Pull up a chair to listen or play along. Held on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. Visit jigandreel.com. • FREE
old-school dance music—all vinyl, no computers, no CDs, a total digital detox. • FREE
Friday, June 23
Saturday, June 17
OLD-TIME STRING BAND JAM • John T. O’Connor Senior
TEMPLE DANCE NIGHT • The Concourse • 9PM • Knoxville’s
Center • 1:30PM • An opportunity for local acoustic artists, 50 years or older, to gather and jam. Don’t play? No worries, come in just to listen and enjoy a good time. Every Friday. For more information call 865-523-1135. • FREE
long-running alternative once night. 18 and up. Visit facebook.com/templeknoxville. • $5
DJ and Dance Nights Thursday, June 8
WAX ATTACK • Hexagon Brewing Co. • 6PM • DJ Paul spins
Thursday, June 22 WAX ATTACK • Hexagon Brewing Co. • 6PM • DJ Paul spins old-school dance music—all vinyl, no computers, no CDs, a total digital detox. • FREE
CLASSICAL MUSIC
WAX ATTACK • Hexagon Brewing Co. • 6PM • DJ Paul spins
Thursday, June 8
old-school dance music—all vinyl, no computers, no CDs, a total digital detox. • FREE
PINT-SIZED OPERA • Saw Works Brewing Company • 7PM •
Marble City Opera will perform live on the second
Thursday of each month. Visit marblecityopera.com. • FREE
THEATRE AND DANCE Monday, June 12 THE WORDPLAYERS: ‘MAGIC’ • The Square Room • 7PM •
The WordPlayers present a staged reading of G.K. Chesterton’s Magic, a “fantastic comedy” about an aristocratic ensemble whose doubt, skepticism, and ideologies are spurred and challenged by the appearance of a curious evening guest. For more information, see www.wordplayers.org or call 865-539-2490. • FREE
All Campus Theatre facebook.com/ACTUTK/• $15 WAITING FOR GODOT: Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot tells the story of two men, Estragon and Vladimir, as they wait by a barren tree for the arrival of someone named Godot. While waiting, they quarrel, dance, contemplate suicide, eat, sleep, and discuss philosophy, religion, life, and death. June 15-July 9 at Modern Studio.
Knoxville Children’s Theatre knoxvillechildrenstheatre.com • $12 SLEEPING BEAUTY • KCT reboots the classic story amidst the color and pageantry of France. The happy life of Briar-Rose is interrupted by a curse from one of the Seven Wise Sisters of Fountainbleau, sending the girl into a deep sleep. Can an ancient wizard and a young soldier come to her rescue with some magic of their own? J une 9-25.
Powell Playhouse powellplayhouseinc.com • $10-$25
Peter Brötzmann and Heather Leigh Pilot Light (106 E. Jackson Ave.) • Tuesday, June 13 • 8 p.m. • $15 • 18 and up • thepilotlight.com Peter Brötzmann is a titan of free jazz. His 1968 album Machine Gun is one of the foundational documents of European jazz, shrieking, ferocious, turbulent music inspired by tumultuous times—and maybe exactly the kind of music we need now. As luck would have it, the 76-year-old trailblazing sax player has recently been collaborating with a pioneering instrumentalist of a different generation, Heather Leigh, an American expat steel guitarist now based in Scotland. Leigh’s 2015 debut album, I Abuse Animal, has few precedents; it’s a hallucinatory combination of austere reverbed guitar and otherworldly vocals, dreamy and disorienting. Together, Leigh and Brötzmann have produced Ears Are Filled With Wonder, a 2016 duo record matching scorched-earth strings with savage sax skronk, and, last month, a live album called Sex Tape. They’ve spent most of the spring touring in Europe and are wrapping up a North American tour in Knoxville next week. You won’t have a chance to see anything like it again in Knoxville this year. (Matthew Everett)
34 knoxville mercury June 8, 2017
A Little Murder Never Hurt Anybody: Julia and Matthew seem to have it all, but Matthew wants something more—to be rid of his wife so he can have some real fun. He resolves to murder Julia and tells her so. Then the games begin—a hilarious match of wits and the witless. June 22-24 at the Jubilee Center off of Callahan Drive.
featuring sets from some of the best comedians in East Tennessee along with selected up-and-coming talent. Each month one of the hosts of Rain/Shine Event productions (Shane Rhyne, Tyler Sonnichsen, and Sean Simoneau) serves as your guide to introduce you the best of our region’s comedy scene. • FREE
Saturday, June 10 HENRY CHO • Bijou Theatre • 8PM • Henry Cho’s TV and film credits include appearances on NBC’s The Tonight Show, CBS’s The Late, Late, Show, and NBC’s Young Comedians Special. He served two years as host of NBC’s Friday Night Videos and had many guest roles on various network sitcoms. • $27.50-$31
Sunday, June 11 EINSTEIN SIMPLIFIED • University of Tennessee Arboretum
• 5PM • Join us as we all laugh, non-stop, as the renowned award-winning comedy group, Einstein Simplified, presents an hour of uninterrupted improv comedy. This 23-year-old well-established group performs funny and often physical, unrehearsed comedy. • $30
Monday, June 12 FRIENDLYTOWN • Pilot Light • 7:30PM • A weekly comedy
night named after the former red-light district near the Old City. Visit facebook.com/friendlytownknoxville. 18 and up. • FREE
Tuesday, June 13 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. Visit einsteinsimplified.com. • FREE
Thursday, June 15 JOHN MULANEY • Tennessee Theatre • 7PM • John
Tennessee Valley Players tennesseevalleyplayers.org • $20
Mulaney is an Emmy Award winning writer and comedian. He most recently starred in the Broadway hit, “Oh, Hello on Broadway” alongside Nick Kroll. • $26-$36
ANYTHING GOES: Cole Porter’s musical full of dance, laughs, and the age-old tale of boy meets girl. June 15-25 at the Carousel Theatre.
Friday, June 16
Theatre Knoxville Downtown theatreknoxville.com • $15 FOOLS: Leon Tolchinsky has landed a terrific teaching job in an idyllic Russian hamlet in Neil Simon’s play—but the town has been cursed with chronic stupidity for 200 years and Leon’s job is to break the curse. June 2-18.
DARREN KNIGHT • Knoxville Civic Auditorium • 7:30PM • Comedian Darren Knight aka Southern Momma is a social media celebrity. He’s been compared to Jeff Foxworthy, as the next star of redneck comedy. Darren is from Munford, Alabama. • $26.50-$35
Saturday, June 17
COMEDY AND SPOKEN WORD
DARREN KNIGHT • Knoxville Civic Auditorium • 7:30PM • Comedian Darren Knight aka Southern Momma is a social media celebrity. He’s been compared to Jeff Foxworthy, as the next star of redneck comedy. Darren is from Munford, Alabama. • $26.50-$35
Thursday, June 8
Monday, June 19
PIZZA HAS • Pizza Hoss • 8PM • On the second Thursday of the month, Pizza Hoss in Powell hosts a showcase
FRIENDLYTOWN • Pilot Light • 7:30PM • A weekly comedy
night named after the former red-light district near the
June 8 – June 25
Old City. Visit facebook.com/friendlytownknoxville. 18 and up. • FREE
Tuesday, June 20 KNOXVILLE POETRY SLAM • Open Chord Music • 8PM • All
ages. • $5 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. Visit einsteinsimplified.com. • FREE
FESTIVALS Friday, June 9 SECRET CITY FESTIVAL • 2PM • The new Secret City Festival,
brought to you by Celebrate Oak Ridge, will be bookended by two special weekends. The first weekend will celebrate Oak Ridge and World War II history. A free family movie will be shown on Tuesday, June 6; the arts will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 7; and music and art are the focus of the second weekend, June 9-10. The music lineup on June 9-10 includes Dr. Dog, the Black Lillies, Hudson K, Cereus Bright, Electric Darling, and more.
Saturday, June 10 SECRET CITY FESTIVAL • 10AM • The new Secret City
Festival, brought to you by Celebrate Oak Ridge, will be bookended by two special weekends. The first weekend will celebrate Oak Ridge and World War II history. A free family movie will be shown on Tuesday, June 6; the arts will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 7; and music and art are the focus of the second weekend, June 9-10. The music lineup on June 9-10 includes Dr. Dog, the Black Lillies, Hudson K, Cereus Bright, Electric Darling, and more.
Saturday, June 17 BIG KAHUNA WING FESTIVAL • World’s Fair Park • 12PM •
Features of this year’s festival include over 15,000 lbs. of wings, various wing eating competitions, wing cooking competitions, live music, children’s activities and a silent auction. • $15 KNOXVILLE BREWFEST • Downtown Knoxville • 4PM • The seventh annual Knoxville Brewfest will benefit CureDuchenne, a nonprofit organization that raises awareness and funds research to cure Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This celebration of beer features over 80 breweries, hundreds of beers and over 2,500 passionate craft beer fans. Tickets may be purchased at www.knoxvillebrewfest.com. Tickets include admission to Brewfest, a tasting glass, a Fest map, and beer tasting. • $25-$50 KNOX PRIDEFEST 2017 • Knoxville Civic Coliseum • Noon • Knox PrideFest 2017 is an open celebration of music, entertainment and speakers focused on promoting Equality and Inclusion of ALL people. This year it will be held at the Mary Costa Plaza at the Civic Coliseum lawn in downtown Knoxville on June 17, 2017 from 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm. The Pride Parade is at 11am. • Free
Friday, June 23 FANBOY EXPO • Knoxville Convention Center • 12PM • Knoxville’s biggest smorgasbord of comics/sci-fi/etc. includes tons of vendors plus celebrity guests like Gene Simmons, WWF star Sting, Ralph Macchio, and Loni Anderson. • $22-$475
Saturday, June 24 FANBOY EXPO • Knoxville Convention Center • 10AM • Knoxville’s biggest smorgasbord of comics/sci-fi/etc. includes tons of vendors plus celebrity guests like Gene Simmons, WWF star Sting, Ralph Macchio, and Loni Anderson. • $22-$475
Sunday, June 25 FANBOY EXPO • Knoxville Convention Center • 11AM • Knoxville’s biggest smorgasbord of comics/sci-fi/etc. includes tons of vendors plus celebrity guests like Gene Simmons, WWF star Sting, Ralph Macchio, and Loni Anderson. • $22-$475
Film Screenings Saturday, June 10 EAST TENNESSEE PBS: ‘REAL BOY’ • The Birdhouse • 9PM •
Real Boy is the coming-of-age story of Bennett, a trans teenager with dreams of musical stardom. During the first two years of his gender transition, as Bennett works to repair a strained relationship with his family, he is taken under the wing of his friend and musical hero, celebrated trans folk singer Joe Stevens. Presented by Independent Lens /PBS and East Tennessee PBS in partnership with the birdhouse Walk-In Theater. Followed by a town-hall style discussion. • FREE HARVEY BROOME GROUP OF THE SIERRA CLUB: ‘FROM THE ASHES’ • Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church
• 7PM • From the Ashes, produced by RadicalMedia in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies, captures Americans in communities across the country as they wrestle with the legacy of the coal industry and what its future should be under the Trump Administration. From Appalachia to the West’s Powder River Basin, the film goes beyond the rhetoric of the “war on coal” to present compelling and often heartbreaking stories about what’s at stake for our economy, health, and climate.
Monday, June 12 BIRDHOUSE WALK-IN THEATER • The Birdhouse • 8:15PM • The Birdhouse Walk-In Theater hosts free movies every Monday night. Each month carries a different theme and provides free popcorn. Contact us about screening ideas: birdhousewalkin[at]gmail.com. • FREE
Wednesday, June 14
PRESENTED BY SMOKY MOUNTAIN BREWERY
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UNLIMITED SAMPLING OF
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LIVE MUSIC + FOODTRUCKS Enjoy an overnight stay for 6 aboard the KokOasis (75' houseboat)
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PLUS, a 90-minute cruise aboard the Queen Priscilla (26' U.S. Navy Whale Boat)
and Dinner for 6 at Calhoun's
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One entry included with Brewfest ticket purchase. Additional raffle tickets are $1 each, and can be purchased at the Fest.
DESIGNATED DRIVER TICKETS ALSO AVAILABLE
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NOKNO CINEMATHEQUE: ‘SINGLES’ • Central Collective • 8PM • A group of twenty-something friends, most of whom live in the same apartment complex, search for love and success in grunge-era Seattle. • FREE
Monday, June 19 June 8, 2017 knoxville mercury 35
June 8 – June 25
BIRDHOUSE WALK-IN THEATER • The Birdhouse • 8:15PM •
The Birdhouse Walk-In Theater hosts free movies every Monday night. Each month carries a different theme and provides free popcorn. Contact us about screening ideas: birdhousewalkin[at]gmail.com. • FREE
EAST TENNESSEE WHITEWATER CLUB SUMMER INSTRUCTION CLINIC • East Tennessee Whitewater Club announces its
summer whitewater instruction clinic June 5-10. • $75
Saturday, June 10 EAST TENNESSEE WHITEWATER CLUB SUMMER INSTRUCTION CLINIC • East Tennessee Whitewater Club announces its
Friday, June 23
summer whitewater instruction clinic June 5-10. • $75
SUMMER MOVIE MAGIC SERIES: ‘E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL’ • Tennessee Theatre • 8PM • Part of the Tennessee
Theatre’s summer movie series, which runs through Aug. 27. Visit tennesseetheatre.com. • $9
Sunday, June 25 SUMMER MOVIE MAGIC SERIES: ‘E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL’ • Tennessee Theatre • 2PM • Part of the Tennessee
Theatre’s summer movie series, which runs through Aug. 27. Visit tennesseetheatre.com. • $9
Sports and Recreation Thursday, June 8 EAST TENNESSEE WHITEWATER CLUB SUMMER INSTRUCTION CLINIC • East Tennessee Whitewater Club announces its
Saturday, June 10 WOMEN’S ENDURE BIKE EVENT • Knoxville Urban
Wilderness • 12AM • Tennessee’s first ever women’s only enduro mountain bike race is here for its first event. Bell Joy Ride Knoxville and 3rd Coast Productions is encouraging all women that mountain bike to come out for the 3rd Coast Productions Presents Bell Joy Ride Heartbreaker at Baker Enduro. There will be five fun stages that will test each riders’ skills and endurance. Expect fun, fast and flowing downhill terrain. Whether you like to ride, race or just enjoy getting outside with your friends, the Bell Joy Ride with Third Coast Productions brings together the women’s cycling community in a unique and supportive environment. Come for the race, stay for the after party.
summer whitewater instruction clinic June 5-10. • $75
SMOKY MOUNTAINS HIKING CLUB: CUMBERLAND GAP NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK • Smoky Mountain Hiking Club •
Friday, June 9
8:30AM • We’ll hike the mile or so up the steep ridge out of the Cumberland Gap campground area, by the old,
now closed, Skylight cave, to the ridge trail, where we’ll almost immediately drop down the other side on the delightful Sugar Run Trail. Hike: about 8.5 miles, rated moderate. Meet in the parking lot of Outback Steak House, 314 Merchants Drive, at 8:30 am. Leader: Lori Hill, LLH4@rocketmail.com. • FREE
the right time of year to see the fabulous flame azaleas on Gregory Bald. We will hike up Gregory Ridge Trail to the Bald and back. Hike: approx. 11 miles, rated moderately difficult. Meet at Alcoa Food City, 121 North Hall Road, at 7:30 am. Leader: Diane Petrilla, petrillad@ gmail.com. • FREE
Sunday, June 11
Saturday, June 17
WOMEN’S ENDURE BIKE EVENT • Knoxville Urban
TENNESSEE ASSOCIATION OF VINTAGE BASE BALL • Historic
Wilderness • 12AM • Tennessee’s first ever women’s only enduro mountain bike race is here for its first event. Bell Joy Ride Knoxville and 3rd Coast Productions is encouraging all women that mountain bike to come out for the 3rd Coast Productions Presents Bell Joy Ride Heartbreaker at Baker Enduro. There will be five fun stages that will test each riders’ skills and endurance. Expect fun, fast and flowing downhill terrain. Whether you like to ride, race or just enjoy getting outside with your friends, the Bell Joy Ride with Third Coast Productions brings together the women’s cycling community in a unique and supportive environment. Come for the race, stay for the after party.
Ramsey House • 12PM • FREE
Tuesday, June 13 SMOKY MOUNTAINS HIKING CLUB: GREGORY BALD • Smoky Mountain Hiking Club • 7:30AM • For those who may not be able to go on the weekend June 18 hike to Gregory Bald, this may be an alternative. This is a classic hike at
Sunday, June 18 SMOKY MOUNTAINS HIKING CLUB: GREGORY BALD • Smoky Mountain Hiking Club • 8AM • Every year, flower lovers and enthusiasts from all over make the trek up to Gregory Bald to visit the stunning populations and varieties of Azaleas. Taking the Gregory Ridge Trail to get there, we will get to enjoy beautiful streams and several lovely footbridges along the way. The hike is a challenging and rewarding 11 miles rated moderately difficult. Meet at the Alcoa Food City, 121 North Hall Road, ready to leave by 8:00 am. Leaders: Billy Heaton, bheaton8@yahoo.com and Diane Petrilla, petrillad@ gmail.com. • FREE SMOKY MOUNTAINS HIKING CLUB: RICH MOUNTAIN TRAIL • Smoky Mountain Hiking Club • 1PM • We will park at the entrance to Cades Cove to walk the 2.8 roundtrip to the John Oliver cabin and back. Other options will be ice
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June 8 – June 25
cream at the camp store/gift shop and possibly hike on the 0.8 mile Pine Oak Nature Trail that starts from Section C in the campground. Hike: 3 to 4 miles, rated easy. Meet at Alcoa Food City, 121 North Hall Road, at 1:00 pm. Leader: Priscilla Clayton, sigmtngirl@earthlink.net. • FREE
FAMILY AND KIDS’ EVENTS
Friday, June 23
WDVX KIDSTUFF LIVE • WDVX • 10AM • Sean McCollough’s
2017 VOLKSWAGEN U.S. PROFESSIONAL ROAD AND TIME TRIAL CYCLING NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS • Downtown
Knoxville • The 2017 Volkswagen U.S. Professional Road and Time Trial National Championships will run June 23-25 in Knoxville. The men’s and women’s individual time trials will run on Friday, June 23, followed by the June 24 Knoxville Gran Fondo. Showcasing the weekend, the men’s and women’s road races will run Sunday, June 25 in downtown Knoxville, highlighted by challenging climbs as well as other scenic features offered only in Knoxville.
Saturday, June 24 AMERICAN RED CROSS PEDAL FOR THE RED FUN RIDE •
7:30AM • Amateur riders can take part in the 2017 USA Cycling Pro National Championship weekend in Knoxville on the national championship time trial course. The 4.8 mile route starts on East Jackson Avenue in the Old City, winds through downtown streets and along Neyland Drive. Visit Pedalforthered.org. • FREE TENNESSEE ASSOCIATION OF VINTAGE BASE BALL • Historic Ramsey House • 12PM and 2:30PM • FREE
Thursday, June 10 weekly kids’ music show hosts a live studio audience on the second Saturday of each month. Visit wdvx.com. • FREE
Sunday, June 11 KMA ART ACTIVITY DAY • Knoxville Museum of Art • 1PM • Every second Sunday of each month, the KMA will host free drop-in art activities for families. A local artist will be on-site to lead hands-on art activities. • FREE
Monday, June 12 BEARDSLEY COMMUNITY FARM FARM CAMP • Beardsley
Community Farm • 9AM • Beardsley Farm is expanding its mission of education to include a week-long farm camp for kids. The camp is going to be centered around the theme of growing food and will teach about a variety of topics, including: urban agriculture, sustainable agriculture, food justice, food insecurity, food waste, growing and cooking food, and Knoxville’s food systems. The camp is for rising fourth- and fifth-graders. The $200 cost includes a T-shirt, meals, and snacks. Visit beardsleyfarm.org. • $200
ART
Tuesday, June 13
Emporium Center for Arts and Culture knoxalliance.com
Museum of Natural History and Culture • 9AM • For ages 2-3 with caregiver. Activities for toddlers and caregivers are inspired by dinosaurs and our permanent exhibition, Geology and Fossil History of Tennessee. June 13-15. Visit mcclungmuseum.utk.edu. • $35 BEARDSLEY COMMUNITY FARM FARM CAMP • Beardsley Community Farm • 9AM • Beardsley Farm is expanding its mission of education to include a week-long farm camp for kids. The camp is going to be centered around the theme of growing food and will teach about a variety of topics, including: urban agriculture, sustainable agriculture, food justice, food insecurity, food waste, growing and cooking food, and Knoxville’s food systems. The camp is for rising fourth- and fifth-graders. The $200 cost includes a T-shirt, meals, and snacks. Visit beardsleyfarm.org. • $200
JUNE 2-30: Knoxville Modern Quilt Guild: Traditional Craft Modern Perspective; 17th Street Studios: Amalgam Vol. 4; Anne Freels: Planted; Susanne Tanner: Australian Walkabout; and Christian Branson: A Veil of Abstractions.
Knoxville Museum of Art knoxart.org MAY 5-JULY 23: Gathering Light: Works by Beauford Delaney From the KMA Collection. FEB 3-July 16: Virtual Views: Digital Art From the Thoma Foundation. 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 mcclungmuseum.utk.edu MAY 25-AUG. 27: The Finer Things: Consumer Culture in the Gilded Age. Ongoing: The Flora and Fauna of Catesby, Mason, and Audubon and Life on the Roman Frontier.
Westminster Presbyterian Church wpcknox.org THROUGH JUNE 25: Artwork by Daniel Taylor and Mary Saylor.
MCCLUNG MUSEUM JURASSIC KIDS CAMP • McClung
CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY KID TO KID: FUN WITH A PURPOSE • Cancer Support Community • 3:30PM • Your
children will gain coping skills and have opportunities to talk about a loved one’s cancer diagnosis while also having fun. Please call before your first visit and RSVP. 865-546-4661 for more info. All Cancer Support Community programs are offered at no cost to individuals affected by cancer.
www.TennesseeTheatre.com
Wednesday, June 14 MCCLUNG MUSEUM JURASSIC KIDS CAMP • McClung
Museum of Natural History and Culture • 9AM • For ages June 8, 2017 knoxville mercury 37
June 8 – June 25
2-3 with caregiver. Activities for toddlers and caregivers are inspired by dinosaurs and our permanent exhibition, Geology and Fossil History of Tennessee. June 13-15.Visit mcclungmuseum.utk.edu. • $35 BEARDSLEY COMMUNITY FARM FARM CAMP • Beardsley Community Farm • 9AM • Beardsley Farm is expanding its mission of education to include a week-long farm camp for kids. The camp is going to be centered around the theme of growing food and will teach about a variety of topics, including: urban agriculture, sustainable agriculture, food justice, food insecurity, food waste, growing and cooking food, and Knoxville’s food systems. The camp is for rising fourth- and fifth-graders. The $200 cost includes a T-shirt, meals, and snacks. Visit beardsleyfarm.org. • $200 CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY FAMILY GAME NIGHT • Cancer Support Community • 5:30PM • A group of college-age bikers will ride 70-80 miles a day from Baltimore to San Francisco to spread awareness about the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. They have a layover in Knoxville and want to spend time at Cancer Support Community leading games for you. J oin the bikers and area families, teens and kids who have been impacted by cancer for fun games and plenty of good food. RSVP. 865-546-4661. All Cancer Support Community programs are offered at no cost to individuals affected by cancer. • FREE
Thursday, June 15 MCCLUNG MUSEUM JURASSIC KIDS CAMP • McClung
Museum of Natural History and Culture • 9AM • For ages 2-3 with caregiver. Activities for toddlers and caregivers are inspired by dinosaurs and our permanent exhibition, Geology and Fossil History of Tennessee. June 13-15. Visit mcclungmuseum.utk.edu. • $35 BEARDSLEY COMMUNITY FARM FARM CAMP • Beardsley Community Farm • 9AM • Beardsley Farm is expanding its mission of education to include a week-long farm camp for kids. The camp is going to be centered around the theme of growing food and will teach about a variety of topics, including: urban agriculture, sustainable agriculture, food justice, food insecurity, food waste, growing and cooking food, and Knoxville’s food systems. The camp is for rising fourth- and fifth-graders. The $200 cost includes a T-shirt, meals, and snacks. Visit beardsleyfarm.org. • $200
Friday, June 16 BEARDSLEY COMMUNITY FARM FARM CAMP • Beardsley
Community Farm • 9AM • Beardsley Farm is expanding its mission of education to include a week-long farm camp for kids. The camp is going to be centered around the theme of growing food and will teach about a variety of topics, including: urban agriculture, sustainable agriculture, food justice, food insecurity, food waste, growing and cooking food, and Knoxville’s food
systems. The camp is for rising fourth- and fifth-graders. The $200 cost includes a T-shirt, meals, and snacks. Visit beardsleyfarm.org. • $200
Saturday, June 17 TOM JOBE MEMORIAL CHESS TOURNAMENT • Blount County Public Library • 9AM • The Thomas B. Jobe Memorial Open Chess Tournament will be held in honor of the late Tom Jobe, who initiated the Blount County Public Library’s chess program. Jobe, 71, passed away unexpectedly at his home, after a brief illness, on March 28. • $15-$35
Tuesday, June 20 MCCLUNG MUSEUM DINO EXPLORERS CAMP • McClung
Museum of Natural History and Culture • 9AM • For ages 4–5. Scientific inquiry in activities, stories, make-andtake projects about dinosaurs and our permanent exhibition, Geology and Fossil History of Tennessee. June 20-22. Visit mcclungmuseum.utk.edu. • $40
Wednesday, June 21 MCCLUNG MUSEUM DINO EXPLORERS CAMP • McClung
Museum of Natural History and Culture • 9AM • For ages 4–5. Scientific inquiry in activities, stories, make-andtake projects about dinosaurs and our permanent exhibition, Geology and Fossil History of Tennessee. June 20-22. Visit mcclungmuseum.utk.edu. • $40
Thursday, June 22 MCCLUNG MUSEUM DINO EXPLORERS CAMP • McClung
Museum of Natural History and Culture • 9AM • For ages 4–5. Scientific inquiry in activities, stories, make-andtake projects about dinosaurs and our permanent exhibition, Geology and Fossil History of Tennessee. June 20-22. Visit mcclungmuseum.utk.edu. • $40
Lectures and Book Signings Saturday, June 10 DAVID BERENS: ‘HAT CHECK’ • McKay Used Books • 12PM • Local author David Berens will sign copies of his new thriller. • FREE
Tuesday, June 13 MIKE MADEN: ‘TOM CLANCY POINT OF CONTACT’ • Barnes & Noble • 7PM • Since Tom Clancy’s death in October 2013, his talented successors Mark Greaney and Grant Blackwood have contributed six more New York Times bestsellers featuring the same international intrigue and nonstop military action. Now, they pass the torch onto critically acclaimed techno-thriller author Mike Maden, who will make his debut in the Clancy universe this summer with Tom Clancy Point of Contact: A Jack Ryan Jr. Novel. • FREE
Wednesday, June 14TH 5pm Scruffy City Hall
CELEBRITY BARTENDING
Friday, June 9TH 7:30pm The Concourse Swimwear and underwear show and auction
NEXT 2 NOTHING
Sunday, June 4TH 1-5pm Tyson Park
PRIDEFEST PICNIC
Thursday, June 1st 6:30pm The Standard Art show and auction with food and drinks included
ART OUT IN THE CITY
PRIDEFEST
June 17th l 12-8pm Mary Costa Plaza and Performance Lawn
Betty Who
Blake Lewis
PARADE
Starts at 11AM Gay Street
Tatiana
NEW, BIGGER LOCATION! Knoxville Coliseum Lawn! For a full list of events visit KnoxPride.com
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June 8 – June 25
Tuesday, June 13 KNOXVILLE CIVIL WAR ROUNDTABLE • Bearden Banquet
Hall • 7PM • Featuring notable historians and other Civil War experts. Call (865) 671-9001 for reservations. • $3-$17
Wednesday, June 14 MICHAEL BLUM: ‘THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT IN KNOXVILLE’ • East Tennessee History Center • 12PM •
Knoxville’s civil rights movement is an important, yet often understudied, part of the city’s history. Michael Blum, adjunct professor at the University of South Carolina Upstate, seeks to remedy this. • FREE
Thursday, June 15
BERNARD PUCCIO AND ORIN KENNEDY ARE
KNOXVILLE CAPOEIRA CLASS • Emporium Center for Arts
and Culture • 6PM • Visit capoeiraknoxville.org. • $10 KNOXVILLE PERSONAL TRAINING PILATES • Beaver Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church • 6:30PM • Every Tuesday and Thursday. First class is free. Call (865) 622-3103 or visit knoxvillepersonaltraining.com. • $4 BEGINNER BELLY DANCE • Mirage • 6:30PM • Call (865) 898-2126 or email alexia@alexia-dance.com. • $12
NARROW RIDGE YOGA • Narrow Ridge Earth Literacy Center • 9AM • For more information call 865-497-3603 or emailcommunity@narrowridge.org. • FREE AARP DRIVER SAFETY CLASS • Farragut Town Hall • 9AM
Saturday, June 10
Public Library • 7PM • Lisa Wingate’s historical novel, Before We Were Yours, explores the fictionalized account of a heart-rending and little known piece of human trafficking in Tennessee history: the story of an adoption agency that stole children from poor families and sold them to wealthy people. • FREE
KNOX HERITAGE PRESERVATION NETWORK • Knox Heritage • 10AM • Preservation Network is a series of free workshops held once every month on the second Saturday. The monthly workshops feature guest speakers who are specialists in windows, flooring, roofing, stained glass, tile, plumbing, electrical, and more. For more information visit knoxheritage.org. • FREE KNOX COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS • Cedar Bluff Branch Library • 10:30AM • Join Master Gardener John Payne to learn when and how to properly prune those bushes, shrubs and small trees that are planted in your lawn and around your house. You’ll be surprised to learn that most homeowners prune at the wrong time; don’t be one of them. • FREE
“FACING CANCER TOGETHER: LEARN. LOVE. LAUGH.” •
Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church • 10AM • Cancer Support Community East Tennessee is hosting a free community-wide event that features three speakers – oncology nurse and medical educator Jill Weberding,; psychotherapist, author and cancer survivor Jeanne Safer; and comedian, juggler and cancer survivor Scott Burton. Register by June 20. Call 865-546-4661. • FREE
Sunday, June 25 Feminism Into Film Book Series • Lawson McGhee Public Library • 1:30PM • Join us to discuss Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, the first in our Feminism Into Film four-part reading series. Pick up a bookmark at the event for details on the whole series. Attend any or all of the first three book discussions and vote on the fourth title. The Feminism Into Film series continues with The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (Sunday, July 25); The Mothers (Sunday, Aug. 20); and the winner of a readers’ vote (Sunday< Aug. 20). • FREE
CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS Thursday, June 8 AARP DRIVER SAFETY CLASS • Buckingham Retirement
Center • 9AM • Call 865-675-0694. GENTLE YOGA AND MEDITATION • Balanced You Studios • 12PM • Call 865-577-2021 or email yogaway249@gmail. com. Donations accepted. LIFE DRAWING AND PORTRAIT PRACTICE SESSIONS • Historic Candoro Marble Company • 12:30PM • Portrait and life drawing practice at Candoro Art and Heritage Center. Call Brad Selph for more information at 865-573-0709. • $10
A FILM BY JAY GIANUKOS AND SUSAN BARNES
Friday, June 9
LISA WINGATE: ‘BEFORE WE WERE YOURS’ • Blount County
Saturday, June 24
AN ORDINARY COUPLE
Sunday, June 11 CIRCLE MODERN DANCE BALLET BARRE CLASS • Emporium Center for Arts and Culture • 1PM • Visit circlemoderndance.com. • $10 CIRCLE MODERN DANCE: MODERN DANCE FOUNDATIONS CLASS • Emporium Center for Arts and Culture • 2PM •
Visit circlemoderndance.com. • $10 IJAMS FAMILY DRUM CYRCLE • Ijams Nature Center • 3:30PM • Please call (865) 577-4717, ext. 110 to register. • FREE
First they had their Funeral. Then they had their Wedding.
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Monday, June 12 GENTLE YOGA AND MEDITATION • Balanced You Studios •
6PM • Call 865-577-2021 or email yogaway249@gmail. com. Donations accepted. KNOXVILLE PERSONAL TRAINING BOOT CAMP • Beaver Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church • 6:30PM • First class is free. Call (865) 622-3103 or visit knoxvillepersonaltraining.com. • $15 MONDAY NIGHT YOGA • Church Street United Methodist Church • 7PM • Cost is $5, with first class free. Bring a mat and strap. In the class we stretch, bend and relax with low light and music. It is suitable for beginners and all levels. No advance registration required. Contact Micarooni@aol.com with questions. • $5 REI HANDS-ON BIKE MAINTENANCE CLASS • REI • 6PM • Your bike’s drivetrain is a key component to efficient riding. Join our certified bike techs to learn about your drivetrain as well as how to inspect, maintain and adjust front and rear derailleurs to make sure your ride is as
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smooth as possible. • $65
Tuesday, June 13 NARROW RIDGE YOGA • Narrow Ridge Earth Literacy Center
• 9AM • For more information call 865-497-3603 or emailcommunity@narrowridge.org. • FREE CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY NUTRITION AMMUNITION •
Cancer Support Community • 12PM • Call (865) 546-4611. All Cancer Support Community programs are offered at no cost to individuals affected by cancer. GENTLE YOGA AND MEDITATION • Balanced You Studios • 12PM • Call 865-577-2021 or email yogaway249@gmail. com. Donations accepted. KNOXVILLE CAPOEIRA CLASS • Emporium Center for Arts and Culture • 6PM • Visit capoeiraknoxville.org. • $10 BELLY DANCE FUNDAMENTALS • Knoxville Arts and Fine Crafts Center • 6:15 PM • With Sandy Larson. • $12.50 KNOXVILLE PERSONAL TRAINING PILATES • Beaver Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church • 6:30PM • Every Tuesday and Thursday. First class is free. Call (865) 622-3103 or visit knoxvillepersonaltraining.com. • $4 ADULT BALLET • Knoxville Arts and Fine Crafts Center • 7PM • With Sandy Larson. No experience necessary. • $14
Wednesday, June 14 CIRCLE MODERN DANCE OPEN LEVEL BALLET CLASS •
Emporium Center for Arts and Culture • 6:30PM • Visit circlemoderndance.com. • $10
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INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED MODERN DANCE • Tennessee Conservatory of Fine Arts • 7PM • We are a local 501(c)(3) non-profit dance company that strives for excellence in dance through artistic exploration, professional training and original performances. • $10 TENNESSEE VALLEY BIKES YOGA • Tennessee Valley Bikes • 6:15 AM • Join us Wednesday mornings for an hour and 15 minutes of yoga. Cost for each class is $12 but if you ride your bike in the cost is reduced to $10. There is no subscription or membership required. • $10-$15 REI WOMEN’S BACKPACKING BASICS CLASS • REI • 6PM • Want to take your day hikes overnight? Connect with other female hikers and REI to get an overview of backpacking planning, preparation and gear in this women’s class. • FREE
Thursday, June 15 GENTLE YOGA AND MEDITATION • Balanced You Studios •
12PM • Call 865-577-2021 or email yogaway249@gmail. com. Donations accepted. AARP DRIVER SAFETY CLASS • Karns Senior Center • 12PM • Call 865-951-2653. LIFE DRAWING AND PORTRAIT PRACTICE SESSIONS • Historic Candoro Marble Company • 12:30PM • Portrait and life drawing practice at Candoro Art and Heritage Center. Call Brad Selph for more information at 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. • FREE
898-2126 or email alexia@alexia-dance.com. • $12
CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY: KNIT YOUR WAY TO WELLNESS • Cancer Support Community • 1PM • Whether
NARROW RIDGE YOGA • Narrow Ridge Earth Literacy Center
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 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 • Visit capoeiraknoxville.org. • $10 “WHEN GOOD TREES GO BAD” • University of Tennessee Arboretum • 6PM • The UT Arboretum Society will present a short talk and lead a walk that will focus on the impact of disease and damage as observed in trees on the walk. Forester Jeff Holt will discuss how these issues relate to tree hazard mortality risk as they may relate to management and safety of the trees. During the walk, Jeff will lead the group around the Arboretum to discuss affected trees. • FREE KNOXVILLE PERSONAL TRAINING PILATES • Beaver Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church • 6:30PM • Every Tuesday and Thursday. First class is free. Call (865) 622-3103 or visit knoxvillepersonaltraining.com. • $4 BEGINNER BELLY DANCE • Mirage • 6:30PM • Call (865)
Friday, June 16 • 9AM • For more information call 865-497-3603 or emailcommunity@narrowridge.org. • FREE AARP DRIVER SAFETY CLASS • Karns Senior Center • 12PM • Call 865-951-2653.
Sunday, June 18 IJAMS FAMILY DRUM CYRCLE • Ijams Nature Center • 3:30PM
• Please call (865) 577-4717, ext. 110 to register. • FREE
Monday, June 19 AARP DRIVER SAFETY CLASS • Cheyenne Ambulatory
Center • 1PM KNOX COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS • Davis Family YMCA •
1PM • Join Master Gardener John Payne to learn when and how to properly prune those bushes, shrubs and small trees that are planted in your lawn and around your house. You’ll be surprised to learn that most homeowners prune at the wrong time; don’t be one of them. • FREE GENTLE YOGA AND MEDITATION • Balanced You Studios • 6PM • Call 865-577-2021 or email yogaway249@gmail. com. Donations accepted. KNOXVILLE PERSONAL TRAINING BOOT CAMP • Beaver Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church • 6:30PM • First
June 8 – June 25
class is free. Call (865) 622-3103 or visit knoxvillepersonaltraining.com. • $15 MONDAY NIGHT YOGA • Church Street United Methodist Church • 7PM • Cost is $5, with first class free. Bring a mat and strap. In the class we stretch, bend and relax with low light and music. It is suitable for beginners and all levels. No advance registration required. Contact Micarooni@aol.com with questions. • $5
Tuesday, June 20 URBAN LEAGUE MS EXCEL 2013 CLASS • Knoxville Area
Urban League • 8:30AM • Learn new or upgrade existing MS Excel skills. Taught by Pellissippi State instructors. Space is limited, registration required. For information call 865-524-5511. • FREE NARROW RIDGE YOGA • Narrow Ridge Earth Literacy Center • 9AM • For more information call 865-497-3603 or emailcommunity@narrowridge.org. • FREE GENTLE YOGA AND MEDITATION • Balanced You Studios • 12PM • Call 865-577-2021 or email yogaway249@gmail. com. Donations accepted. AARP DRIVER SAFETY CLASS • Cheyenne Ambulatory Center • 1PM BELLY DANCE FUNDAMENTALS • Knoxville Arts and Fine Crafts Center • 6:15 PM • With Sandy Larson. • $12.50 KNOXVILLE PERSONAL TRAINING PILATES • Beaver Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church • 6:30PM • Every Tuesday and Thursday. First class is free. Call (865) 622-3103 or visit knoxvillepersonaltraining.com. • $4 ADULT BALLET • Knoxville Arts and Fine Crafts Center • 7PM • With Sandy Larson. No experience necessary. • $14
Wednesday, June 21
group offers a safe space for emotional healing. Contact Laura at 706-621-2238 or lamohendricksll@gmail.com for more information or visit the international ACA website at adultchildren.org. • FREE
Saturday, June 10
Thursday, June 15
drop-in group is an opportunity for men to network with other men about their experiences with prostate cancer. Call 865-546-4661 for more info. All Cancer Support Community programs are offered at no cost to individuals affected by cancer. AL-ANON • Faith Lutheran Church • 11AM • Visit farragutalanon.org or email FindHope@Farragutalanon. org. • FREE NARROW RIDGE SILENT MEDITATION GATHERING • Narrow Ridge Earth Literacy Center • 11AM • For more information call 865-497-3603 or emailcommunity@narrowridge.org. • FREE
farragutalanon.org or email FindHope@Farragutalanon. org. • FREE
Sunday, June 11 AL-ANON • Faith Lutheran Church • 11AM • Visit
farragutalanon.org or email FindHope@Farragutalanon. org. • FREE SKEPTIC BOOK CLUB • Books-A-Million • 2PM • The book club of the Rationalists of East Tennessee meets on the second Sunday of every month. Visit rationalists.org. • FREE OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS • Sacred Heart Cathedral • 4PM • Offering a Big Book study. This open meeting welcomes all who want to stop eating compulsively. For more info call or text (865) 313-0480 or email OASundayknoxville@gmail.com. • FREE
Monday, June 12
County Public Library • 9AM • A qualified Navigator will be at the library to meet with individuals and families to help with registration for the Affordable Care Act. An appointment is required by calling 1-844-644-5443, or you can visit www.GetCoveredTenn.org/commit. • FREE INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED MODERN DANCE • Tennessee Conservatory of Fine Arts • 7PM • We are a local 501(c)(3) non-profit dance company that strives for excellence in dance through artistic exploration, professional training and original performances. • $10 TENNESSEE VALLEY BIKES YOGA • Tennessee Valley Bikes • 6:15 AM • Join us Wednesday mornings for an hour and 15 minutes of yoga. Cost for each class is $12 but if you ride your bike in the cost is reduced to $10. There is no subscription or membership required. • $10-$15
GAY MEN’S DISCUSSION GROUP • Tennessee Valley
Thursday, June 8 AL-ANON • Faith Lutheran Church • 11AM • Visit
farragutalanon.org or email FindHope@Farragutalanon. org. • FREE STFK SCIENCE CAFE • Zoo Knoxville • 5:30PM • FREE
6:30PM • Just a casual gathering of women to socialize and plan activities. Meetings are the second and fourth Wednesday of the month. • FREE
CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY PROSTATE CANCER NETWORKER • Cancer Support Community • 10AM • This
AFFORDABLE CARE ACT HEALTH CARE ENROLLMENT • Blount
MEETINGS
org. • FREE LESBIAN SOCIAL GROUP OF KNOXVILLE • Kristtopher’s •
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, June 13 AL-ANON • Faith Lutheran Church • 11AM • Visit
farragutalanon.org or email FindHope@Farragutalanon. org. • FREE ATHEISTS SOCIETY OF KNOXVILLE • West Hills Flats and Taps • 5:30PM • Weekly atheists meetup and happy hour. Come join us for food, drink and great conversation. Everyone welcome. Visit meetup.com/KnoxvilleAtheists. • FREE HARVEY BROOME GROUP OF THE SIERRA CLUB • Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church • 7PM • The Sierra Club is a national, member-supported environmental organization that seeks to influence public policy in Washington D.C., in the state capitals, and locally through public education and grass-roots political action.• FREE
ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS/DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILIES
Wednesday, June 14
• The Birdhouse • 6PM • A 12-step meeting for adults who grew up in alcoholic or dysfunctional homes. The
AL-ANON • Faith Lutheran Church • 11AM • Visit
farragutalanon.org or email FindHope@Farragutalanon.
AL-ANON • Faith Lutheran Church • 11AM • Visit
ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS/DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILIES
• The Birdhouse • 6PM • A 12-step meeting for adults who grew up in alcoholic or dysfunctional homes. The group offers a safe space for emotional healing. Contact Laura at 706-621-2238 or lamohendricksll@gmail.com for more information or visit the international ACA website at adultchildren.org. • FREE BLACK LIVES MATTER • The Birdhouse • 7:30PM • #BlackLivesMatter is working for a world where Black lives are no longer systematically and intentionally targeted for demise. Visit blacklivesmatterknoxville.org. • FREE
Saturday, June 17 AL-ANON • Faith Lutheran Church • 11AM • Visit
farragutalanon.org or email FindHope@Farragutalanon. org. • FREE NARROW RIDGE SILENT MEDITATION GATHERING • Narrow Ridge Earth Literacy Center • 11AM • For more information call 865-497-3603 or emailcommunity@narrowridge.org. • FREE
Sunday, June 18 RATIONALISTS OF EAST TENNESSEE • Pellissippi State Community College • 10:30AM • The Rationalists of East Tennessee focus on the real or natural universe. The group exists so that we can benefit emotionally and intellectually through meeting together to expand our awareness and understanding through shared experience, knowledge, and ideas as well as enrich our lives and the lives of others. Visit rationalists.org. • FREE AL-ANON • Faith Lutheran Church • 11AM • Visit farragutalanon.org or email FindHope@Farragutalanon. org. • FREE OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS • Sacred Heart Cathedral • 4PM • Offering a Big Book study. This open meeting welcomes all who want to stop eating compulsively. For more info call or text (865) 313-0480 or email OASundayknoxville@gmail.com. • FREE
Monday, June 19 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, June 20 AL-ANON • Faith Lutheran Church • 11AM • Visit
farragutalanon.org or email FindHope@Farragutalanon. org. • FREE ATHEISTS SOCIETY OF KNOXVILLE • West Hills Flats and Taps June 8, 2017 knoxville mercury 41
June 8 – June 25
• 5:30PM • Weekly atheists meetup and happy hour. Come join us for food, drink and great conversation. Everyone welcome. Visit meetup.com/KnoxvilleAtheists. • FREE
Wednesday, June 21 AL-ANON • Faith Lutheran Church • 11AM • Visit
farragutalanon.org or email FindHope@Farragutalanon. org. • FREE THE SOUTHERN LITERATURE BOOK CLUB • Union Ave Books • 6PM • Union Ave Books’ monthly discussion group about Southern books and writers. Visit unionavebooks.com. • FREE ORION ASTRONOMY CLUB • The Grove Theater • 7PM • ORION is an amateur science and astronomy club centered in Oak Ridge. • FREE
ETC. Thursday, June 8 IN THE SHADOWS OF 40: THE 15TH ANNUAL ETCDC SUMMER PARTY FUNDRAISER • 5PM • Drinks, hor d’oeuvres, and a
silent auction, plus exclusive tours of businesses and residences in the Depot Avenue area, within walking distance from the historic Jewel Building (UT’s Architecture Fab Lab) where the event begins. Tours will include the Trestle of Fifth, previously First Christian Church, Knoxville High Senior Living in Old Knoxville High School, and several businesses and private
residences. Tickets can be purchased online at www. communitydc.org or by calling 865-525-9945. • $60 “WINES AND CHEESES AND CHOCOLATE, OH MY!” • 6:30PM • The Pilot Club of Lenoir City will host a reception and silent auction at the Venue at Lenoir City, the city’s new event center. Featured at the event will be a variety of local wines and cheeses, as well as chocolate confections. • $30-$50 NEW HARVEST PARK FARMERS MARKET • New Harvest Park • 3PM • Visit facebook.com/newharvestfm. • FREE
Friday, June 9 LAKESHORE PARK FARMERS MARKET • Lakeshore Park • 3PM • Visit easttnfarmmarkets.org. • FREE
Saturday, June 10 OAK RIDGE FARMERS MARKET • Historic Jackson Square • 8AM • Visit easttnfarmmarkets.org. • FREE SEYMOUR FARMERS MARKET • Seymour First Baptist Church • 8AM • Visit seymourfarmersmarket.org. • FREE MARKET SQUARE FARMERS’ MARKET • Market Square • 9AM • Visit nourishknoxville.org. • FREE MARYVILLE FARMERS MARKET • Founders Park • 9AM • FREE FATHER’S DAY POP-UP SHOP • Central Collective • 12PM • Join us the Saturday before Father’s Day for a pop-up shop full of stuff dads and dudes will love. • FREE
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EBENEZER ROAD FARMERS MARKET • Ebenezer United Methodist Church • 3PM • Visit easttnfarmmarkets.org. • FREE PRIDEMASS 2017 • St. James Episcopal Church • 7PM • God’s love for each of God’s children is endless and encompassing - including for LGBTQ+ children of God. It is in this spirit that Tyson House, UT’s Lutheran/Episcopal Campus Ministry, is hosting Knoxville’s second annual interdenominational PrideMass, a communion celebration that honors all LGBTQ+ people as the children of God. • FREE
LAKESHORE PARK FARMERS MARKET • Lakeshore Park • 3PM • Visit easttnfarmmarkets.org. • FREE KNOXVILLE BOTANICAL GARDEN SUMMER SOLSTICE DINNER •
Knoxville Botanical Garden • 7PM • The Fifth Annual Summer Solstice Dinner features local food, local brews, local music and friends. Enjoy a night under the stars and a delicious meal made from fresh ingredients from our own Center for Urban Agriculture. The proceeds of this dinner will benefit the Center for Urban Agriculture at the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum. • $75
SOLUTION TO CRYPTOQUOTE The deer…was the principal dependence of the Cherokee hunter…. One of the seven gentes of the tribe is named from it (ani-kawi, “deer people” )…. Rheumatism is usually ascribed to the work of revengeful deer ghosts, which the hunter has neglected to placate, while on the other hand the aid of the deer is invoked against frostbite, as its feet are believed to be immune from injury by frost. — Cherokee Myth “The Fourfooted Tribes” Source: Mooney, James. Myths of the Cherokee and Sacred Formulas of the Cherokees. (Published 1891 and 1900 by Bureau of American Ethnology. Reproduced 1982 by Charles and Randy Elder--Booksellers Publishers, Nashville, TN)
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Photos courtesy of the Tennessean Hotel
Home Palate
Luxe Bites The Tennessean’s lounge, the Drawing Room, features a Costa Rican chef who has a way with pâté
BY DENNIS PERKINS
I
have an intimate relationship with a treadmill at the Downtown Y, which means that I’ve spent a fair amount of time watching the transformation of what was once on unattractive tan cyst on the south side of the Holiday Inn into a nearly gleaming, white beauty mark. That might be an overstatement, so I’ll defer to others better read in matters architectural to debate the nature of beauty–I’m content to say that it’s a hell of an improvement. But in conversations with friends about Knoxville’s new luxury hotel, the Tennessean, it is not aesthetics that are on the agenda. It is the idea that there’s a $3,000 room, the Governor’s Suite—complete with a real-live, honest-to-goodness butler— that dominates the conversation to the exclusion of any other topic. And I confess that when I look at this building, the fact that such a luxury exists in Knoxville crowds my mind so
44 knoxville mercury June 8, 2017
completely that I can’t even imagine that this spot would have any amenity within my budget. And that makes it altogether easy to forget about ever visiting the hotel or even its bar. And yet, if you’re an eater even remotely like me, you’ll be sadly disappointed if you don’t get over the perceived barrier and make your way to the Drawing Room. Situated on the second floor of the hotel, the well-appointed lounge is open to the public and full of comfortable arm chairs, wingbacks, and sofas in varied textures and colors. The look alone tells you much about the comfort and luxury to be found here, but while there’s certainly, and thankfully, no happy hour specials on chicken wings, the menu isn’t frighteningly pricey. And the nibbles and small plates are beautifully done and worth every penny, especially if you deserve a little spoiling from time to time.
I should come clean right now: I was spoiled (and spoiled rotten) during a visit with chef Carlos Valerio. Neither I nor the Mercury paid for the glorious array of food that the chef presented, but I would (and will) gladly pay my way through another binge–especially if there’s plenty of fig and prosciutto flatbread. And, if my diet allowed it, I’d buy a whole damn loaf of Valerio’s pâté and eat it all (#NotSharing). Seriously, I fell in love with Valerio and almost everything he fed me. And I may have said so aloud. It’s almost cliché to use passionate as an adjective for chefs—in Valerio’s case, the word may be inadequate. The man is ebullient about food and virtually buoyant when he describes elemental flavors and basic technique– the building blocks of great cuisine. You compliment him on the quality of his charcuterie, and he’s ecstatic over a new way to cure Soppressata. Mention the refinement of his pâté, and he revels in memories of breakfasts in Costa Rica that he describes as “pâté slathered all over baguette with a cup of Joe”. Still, Valerio’s enthusiasm manifests itself on the plate with de rigeur elements of haut cuisine: beautiful balance, intense flavor, and elegant presentation. Consider that flat bread—it’s a treat for the eye with bright green arugula dotted by dark little chunks of fig and threads of prosciutto, but it’s the secret sauce of honey, sea salt, and mushroom oil that elevates the humdrum idea of easy bar food into a luxe bite. The chef’s use of mushroom oil is epiphanous—especial-
The Drawing Room 531 Henley Street 865-232-1800 thetennesseanhotel.com Breakfast, Mon.-Fri.: 7-10 a.m., Sat., Sun., and Special Holidays/ Weekends: 7-11 a.m. Evenings, Mon.-Thu.: 3-11 p.m., Fri.-Sat.: 3 p.m.-1 a.m., Sun: 3-10 p.m.
ly in the age of truffle oil, which Valerio says he intentionally avoided. “The mushroom oil is nice and really flavorful. A lot of people will use the truffle oil [in this kind of dish] but I’m not a fan of it, to be honest with you, because it’s too intense,” he says. “This mushroom oil is very smooth, light on the taste and isn’t going to overpower the food.” It does, however, pack a wallop of umami that infuses every bite with a rich and meaty luxury. Wine connoisseurs will appreciate the long finish. Other options might not strike you as standouts until you’re eating them. A charcuterie board may look like any other tray of meat and cheese until you taste what good cured meat does to the palate. The difference between an inexpensive salami and a particularly nice one is often decided by what drives the flavor. Producers can save money by using salt and MSG to create flavor, whereas a well-aged product derives its intensity from glutamates that occur naturally in a slow (and, therefore, expensive) curing process. The glutamate factor is what drives umami and makes good charcuterie worth the effort. Likewise, the Drawing Room’s “Study de Fromage” may look like
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another cheese plate on the menu, but it’s a beauty that gets its extra bump from a little dish of fresh and glistening honey comb. And if cheese is your jam, then Valerio’s Quattro Fondue may melt your heart. It’s an indulgent mélange of havarti, fontina, smoked gouda, and pepper jack. Honestly, I was unimpressed by the thought of ye olde dull Jack, but it’s a great melting cheese and contributes mightily to keeping the texture gooey and not glumpy (yes, that is a word). Even better it adds a mild but useful kick of spice to liven up the fondue. Valerio also includes a bold choice in his line-up: Anchovies Espanoles. These are almost what you think they are, and they are served, like many great bites of seafood in Spain, straight from the tin. “These anchovies come from Spain, from Majorca to be more specific, and on the day that we tried him I just fell in love: they’re natural MSG,” Valerio says. And it’s true—there’s a lot of glutamate and, ergo, umami in these little cousins of the herring. Packed in oil, they may strike you more like boneless sardines than the flat little salt bombs that populate your grocery store shelf. It’s a tough sell, but I promise you it’s worth a try. But in the midst of all this neat snacking, my heart was won and my salivary ducts were made most moist by the chef’s pâté, which I’m almost certain is the finest that I’ve eaten in this country. It’s a country pâté so it’s a textured loaf, almost like a meatloaf, and not a smooth spread. A typical combination of duck, pork, and chicken, the loaf is accented by nuts and wrapped in fat before cooking. Here, caul fat, the traditional wrapper, is replaced by bacon, and Valerio
replaces the typical pistachio with walnuts, pecans, and toasted peanuts, all of which add an allure to the taste and texture. But it is his use of lamb in the dish that takes this from merely very good into the realm of outstanding eating. The lamb adds a fascinating bass note to the flavor that helps smooth out the already tame impact of liver in the dish. In fact, if I didn’t mention it to you, you probably wouldn’t even notice the liver because it complements and folds into the lamb’s distinctive taste. The texture, though not a paste, is smooth but still meaty and spiked by the soft resistance of the cooked nuts. The taste is lingering, immensely satisfying, and just made to go with any number of the Drawing Room’s well considered wine choices and distinctive cocktails. Despite my current temperance, I was awfully tempted to wash this pâté down with a Smoked Ol’ Fashioned or an esteemed 1889 Sazerac. I’ve come to the conclusion that the quality of a city’s eating landscape can be measured by the quality of its snacking: In this case, we may have moved up a notch, even two. And so while I can only fantasize about what it’s like to have a butler pack my bags as I gaze at the Governor’s Suite from my vista across the way, I can certainly see myself in the Drawing Room snacking well enough to insure that my treadmill never gets lonely.
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OUTDOORS
Voice in the Wilderness
Guided Tour Surviving the Ocoee’s Slingshot, Double Trouble, and the Cat’s Pajamas
BY KIM TREVATHAN
I
’d put off rafting the famous Middle Ocoee for years. Just the look of it spitting rafts and kayaks down what looked like a continuous hellstorm of whitewater rage had kept me away, on calmer waters. Now that I had a friend—David Wilburn—who had guided rafts down the Ocoee for 27 years, I really had no excuse for putting it off any longer. On the Saturday before Memorial Day, I found myself in a bus with
46 knoxville mercury June 8, 2017
Wilburn and the other guides, careening downhill toward the put-in. A bluegrass cover of Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall” blared over the rush of the wind through the open windows. Everything was at high volume: the merciless taunts aimed at Smoot, the driver; his withering comebacks; what seemed like a dozen shouted conversations at once, though there were only ten of us in the short bus.
These people were going to work and they were celebrating it. At the slackwater above the dam, we unloaded the nine rafts and waited for the customers to arrive in another bus, with life jackets, paddles, and helmets provided by the outfitter, Ocoee Outdoors (“double O”), “Tennessee’s #1 outfitter since 1977,” according to its brochure. The parking lot above the dam was jammed with buses from several other rafting companies. Where we waited with our rafts, boaters were taking out from the upper run, where the whitewater slalom events of the 1996 Olympics had been held. Wilburn and I would take on three crew members—Sunshine, a guide trainee; and Shondra and Rob from Savannah. Rob had rafted the upper Ocoee some years previous and had taken a bad “swim” that cracked a rib. I had rafted several times before— and had swum part of the French Broad’s Section 9—so I sympathized. Guide safety lectures are usually a mixture of commonsense advice and dark humor, designed to inspire confidence in the guide’s expertise and wit, as well as respect for the river. It’s a fine line between educating passengers about dangers and imploring them to have fun regardless. Soft-spoken, gray-bearded Wilburn hit just the right tone, I thought. Most of his suggestions—paddle forward and backward when I say so, for example—were followed with the phrase “and we might just make it down this river.” He mentioned that we would drop in elevation 247 feet, “but not all at once.” We paddled a few hundred yards and portaged around the dam, where we waited in line with dozens of other rafters and kayakers. On the other side of the river was a flume, where TVA’s scheduled releases supplied the water for runs between the end of March and the beginning of November. The Middle Ocoee includes 20 named rapids in 5 miles, a run of about two hours. The action started immediately after the put-in with Grumpy’s Ledge, where, David told us, we did not want to swim, his way of telling us to “brace,” feet tucked tight in the seam between the raft’s thwarts and the floor.
You will get wet from the start on the Ocoee, and like a cold shower, it will awaken you to what you’ve signed up for. Wilburn told me that anything can happen on the river, that it’s never routine. He estimated that he’d done around 500 commercial runs with Double O, but the one he guided the previous July was, I’d guess, his most memorable. After “Broken Nose” rapid, the fourth one in, he’d begun having chest pains, but he thought he’d just pulled a muscle and didn’t want to admit to himself that it might be something more serious. By Jump Rock, where all the boats had stopped, the pain worsened and he told the other guides he thought he was having a heart attack. Wilburn credits the quick action and expertise of the other guides (all trained in CPR and first aid, many trained as first responders), as well as a nurse who was a passenger in another boat, with saving his life. They got him across the river to the road, where they waited for the ambulance. He said he lay there under the trees listening to somebody say they couldn’t find a pulse, and he raised his head to inform them that he was still alive. “I remember thinking that if I had to go, this wouldn’t be a bad place, here by the river on such a pretty day,” he said. A year later, 40 pounds lighter, Wilburn was back at it. Our trip was his second commercial run since the heart attack. Between historical observations and instructions before each rapid, Wilburn told us stories. There was the “unbuoyant” preacher from Memphis who fell out and “floated straight up and down” in the water, his life jacket riding up above his head, both arms raised up straight out of the water, praying aloud to Jesus before Wilburn could catch up to him and get him back into the boat. There was the Japanese group who spoke hardly any English, who would only nod and smile when Wilburn told them to paddle, except one guy who paddled forward, no matter what Wilburn’s instructions, and then backward at the next command, no matter the order. “Their kids were in another boat
and did fine,” he said. I’ve always been amazed at the multifaceted nature of the rafting guide’s job. Not only are they expected to deliver customers safe and sound to the takeout, they’re expected to entertain. They’ve got to tend to the ailing, rally the disaffected, control the unruly, and spur to action the “lily dippers,” whose paddle strokes are lacking in commitment. As we plunged through Double Trouble, a photographer took our pictures, which Rebecca Turner offers for sale to customers at the outpost. Wilburn knew the old name for the rapid: “Maypop.” Only later, as I was gasping from the blast of cold water that Maypop threw on my back, did he tell us that this name meant “you may pop out.” At the head of a rapid called “Slingshot,” Wilburn told Rob and Sunshine, on the right side of the raft, to turn around backwards in their seats and paddle forward, while Shondra and I, on the left side, paddled forward in the opposite direction. I’m not sure what Wilburn was doing behind me, but we did a series of 360-degree spins through Slingshot, reminding me of the old carnival ride, the Tilt-a-Whirl. Some of the rapids’ names were fairly literal—like Double Trouble—or darkly mysterious, like the Cat’s Pajamas, where Wilburn said that a child’s pajamas with cats imprinted on them was found. “Tablesaw” and “Hell’s Hole,” coming up, inspired abject dread in a pilgrim rafter like me. Kirk Eddlemon, a class V boater and author of the two-volume Whitewater of the Southern Appalachians, describes Tablesaw as “a fast diagonal curler-packed flume with dynamic eddy-hopping potential that is NO place to be upside down.” In spite of my confidence in Wilburn’s skills, I was horrified by the shitstorm of whitewater ahead of us. It looked impassable, but there was no turning back. The raft folded and pitched and bounced us around, and Wilburn urged us on to paddle as he steered us through it, only to be greeted almost immediately by “Diamond Splitter,” a narrow passage between two boulders, with something called Witches Hole below it.
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We came to Hell’s Hole just upstream of the powerhouse, below a bridge where spectators stood. “We’ll probably catch some air on this one,” Sunshine said. “Catching air” means rising out of your seat from the G-forces of our passage through Hell. We folded and we bucked, but Hell’s Hole spit us back into the world intact. I looked back and asked Wilburn if that was a Class IV (on the International Scale of River Difficulty that goes from I to VI), as I’d asked him after Tablesaw and Maypop. “Nah, three” he’d said each time. At the end, as we paddled toward the takeout, he conceded that he might have called Hell’s Hole a Class IV back in the time before self-bailing rafts. Whatever the class, it had my heart pounding, even though I’d only been a passenger, doing what I’d been told. What we’d experienced in that boat, I’m convinced, was an immaculate run. A writing instructor at Maryville College, Kim Trevathan is the author of Paddling the Tennessee River: A Voyage on East Water and Coldhearted River: A Canoe Odyssey Down the Cumberland.
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News of the Weird | That ’70s Girl | Cartoon | Puzzles
Poop-Tracking Drones! And all the other odd news that’s mostly fit to print BREAKING NEWS (RARE FETISH!) Jordan Haskins, 26, was sentenced to probation and sex counseling in May after pleading guilty to eight charges arising from two auto accidents in Saginaw, Mich. Prosecutors said Haskins described “cranking,” in which he would remove a vehicle’s spark-plug wires to make it “run rough,” which supposedly improves his chances for a self-service happy ending. Haskins’s lawyer added, “(Cranking) is something I don’t think we understand as attorneys.”
THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT! • Le Plat Sal (The Dirty Plate) restaurant in the Marais district of Paris features specialties actually containing dirt—or as Chef Solange Gregoire calls it, “the mud of the earth that caresses our toes, the sand kissed by the sun, and rocks.” Mused a Food Network host in April, “What’s left? People are already eating snout-totail, leaves-to-roots....” Gregoire extolled her four-star dishes, including pastry crust a la Mont Lachat rock and a Boue Ragout stew simmered with silt from the River Seine. (NPR also noted that the founder of The Shake Shack was “quietly” planning a new American chain, Rock in Roll.) • Goldman Sachs analyst Noah Poponak’s 98-page paper (leaked to Business Insider in April) touted the wealth obtainable by capturing the platinum reputed to be in asteroids. The costs to mine the stone (rockets, launch expenses, etc.) might have dropped recently to about $3 billion—a trifle next to the $50 billion worth of platinum Poponak said a single asteroid might contain. (On the other hand, experts point out, such abundance of platinum might crash the worldwide price.) 48 knoxville mercury June 8, 2017
• The Twisted Ranch restaurant in the Soulard neighborhood of St. Louis, saw crowds swell in March after it revamped its menu with more than two dozen items made with ranch dressing (including ranch-infused Bloody Marys). As one satisfied visitor put it, “Ranch is everyone’s guilty pleasure.”
UNCLEAR ON THE CONCEPT Yale University graduate students (well, at least eight of them), claiming “union” status, demonstrated in front of the Yale president’s home in April demanding better benefits (beyond the annual free tuition, $30,000 stipends, and free health care). Some of the students characterized their action as an “indefinite fast” while others called it a “hunger strike.” However, a pamphlet associated with the unionizing made it clear that strikers could go eat any time they got hungry.
SMOOTH REACTIONS (1) Police in Cleveland are searching for the woman whose patience ran out on April 14 awaiting her young son’s slow haircut at Allstate Barber College. She pulled out a pistol, took aim at the barber and warned: “I got two clips! I’ll pop you.” (She allowed him to finish up—more purposefully, obviously—and left without further incident.) (2) Barbara Lowery, 24, was arrested for disorderly conduct in Cullman, Alabama, in May after police spotted her standing on a car, stomping out the windshield and smashing the sun roof. She said it was a boyfriend’s car, that she thought he was cheating on her, and that she had spent the previous night “thinking” about what to do, “pray(ing) about it and stuff.” (However, she said, “I did it anyway.”)
NEW WORLD ORDER
INEXPLICABLE
• The Drone Economy: (1) A Netherlands startup company announced in March its readiness to release drones capable of tracking freshly deposited dog poop (via an infrared glow from the pile) and, eventually, be guided (perhaps via GPS and artificial intelligence) to scoop up the deposits and carry them away. (2) Potentially Unemployed Bees: Researcher-inventor Eijiro Miyako announced in the journal Chem in March that he had created a drone that pollinates flowers (though requiring human guidance until GPS and AI can be enabled). Miyako’s adhesive gel lightly brushes pollen grains, collecting just enough to touch down successfully onto another flower to pollinate it. • Social critics and futurists suggest that the next great market for computerization (already underway) will be selling “human improvement” (alas, perhaps merely helping already successful people to even greater heights). Some sports teams are experimenting with “transcranial direct current stimulation” as a way to put athletes’ brains into constant alert, and KQED Radio reported in May that about a third of the San Francisco Giants players have donned weak-current headsets that cover the motor cortex at the top of the head. The team’s sports scientist (bonus name: Geoff Head!) said players performed slightly better on some drills after the stimulation. (One the other hand, at press time, the Giants were still next-to-last in the National League West.)
Clearing the Conscience: (1) In February, a 52-year-old man who, arrested for DUI and taken to a police station in Germany’s Lower Saxony state, wound up spontaneously confessing to a 1991 cold-case murder in Bonn. Police confirmed that, after reopening the files, they found details matching the man’s account, though the man himself was “not quite clear” why he had confessed. (2) A game warden in Titus County, Texas, reported in December arresting a man for possessing a shotgun (the man’s third arrest as a convicted felon with a firearm). The warden had spotted the weapon only because the man “out of the blue” approached him and asked if he wanted to inspect his hunting license (which, it turns out, was in order).
THE ARISTOCRATS! (1) Recent alarming headlines: “UK woman who urinated on Trump golf course loses case” (London). “Fish thief on unicycle busted by DNR (Department of Natural Resources)” (Battle Creek, Michigan). And, from the Northwest Florida Daily News (Fort Walton Beach), all on the same day (5-16-2017): (1) “Man throws fork at woman in fight over dog poop.” (2) “Senior citizen punches husband for taking Lord’s name in vain.” (3) “Two people busted for creating fake football league, lawmen say.” (4) “Man denies defecating in parking lot despite officer witnessing deed.”
WEIRDO-AMERICAN COMMUNITY A 22-year-old Los Angeles makeup artist who calls himself Vinny Ohh has, according to his several TV and YouTube appearances and much social media presence, transformed himself into a “genderless,” extraterrestrial-looking person via around 110 bodily procedures (so far), costing him at least $50,000. He says his appearance is merely an “all-in” representation of how he feels inside. (The “genderless” Vinny has yet to specify a pronoun preference.)
A NEWS OF THE WEIRD CLASSIC (OCTOBER 2013) The story of Kopi Luwak coffee has long been a News of the Weird staple, begun in 1993 with the first reports that a super-premium market existed for coffee beans digested (and excreted) by certain Asian civet cats, collected, washed and brewed. In June (2013), as news broke that civets were being mistreated—captured and caged solely for their bean-adulterating utility—the American Chemical Society was called on for ideas how to assure that the $227/pound coffee beans had, indeed, been expelled from genuine Asian civets. Hence, “gas chromatography and mass spectrometry” tests were finally developed to assure drinkers, at $80 a cup in California, that they were sipping the real thing.
News of the Weird | That ’70s Girl| Cartoon | Puzzles
Unhappy Camper Outdoor mishaps with Evil Amy at Camp Sky Wa Mo
BY ANGIE VICARS
“Y
ou must have killed about 1 million fairies already today,” Chipper told me. “What kind of Girl Scout are you anyway? You’ll never get a merit badge at this rate.” I was thrilled by this possibility. After I learned that whenever I put my elbows on the table at Camp Sky Wa Mo I squashed an imaginary fairy, I tried to eradicate all of them. But my killing spree didn’t cause the Girl Scouts to send me packing. The counselors made me kiss each fairy, flick it off my shoulder, and take three bites of all their awful food. At home, I survived on Oscar Mayer bologna, Velveeta, and biscuits from a can. The Girl Scouts made me eat split pea soup and broccoli casserole the very first day. I feared Brussels sprouts were next. When my friends Laura and Martha suggested joining our town’s newest troupe, they promised fun in the great outdoors. But I was concerned. “What if we have to camp in skirts? And do we have to sell cookies we’d rather eat?” “Other girls are doing it,” Laura reasoned, “so it must be cool.” It still sounded suspicious to me, but how bad could it be? Girl Scouts had to walk to the outhouse together at Camp Sky Wa
Mo. That’s how bad. “Always go in pairs,” Counselor Woodie instructed us, “because Girl Scouts always put safety first.” “I heard Evil Amy tipped it over on Wendy,” Laura whispered. “They had to dig her out with a shovel.” The next morning, I waited until my eyeballs were floating before I woke Martha for an outhouse escort. “If Evil Amy is waiting for us, you’d better scream,” I told her. Martha’s scream got her in so much trouble when we were in kindergarten, the teacher sent her to the corner without a cupcake on my birthday (but that’s another story). “I will scream loud enough to wake the Girl Scouts,” she vowed as the outhouse came into view. I held my breath, raced in, and reached mid-stream in record time, but Martha’s blood-curdling scream sent me stumbling outside with my shorts around my knees. “Where is she?” I blurted, falling against a tree. “Where is Evil Amy?” “The world’s largest spider is about to go in there!” Martha yelled. She pointed at a granddaddy long legs crawling on the back of the outhouse. “That’s not a real spider,” I told her, pulling my shorts into place. “Those things don’t even hurt people.” Counselor Woodie came running
up to us. “What’s wrong, girls? Did someone try to tip the outhouse again?” “No ma’am,” Martha admitted. “I thought I saw a spider.” Counselor Woodie’s concerned expression changed to looking like she wanted to snap a tree in half. “Martha, you are banned from further outhouse escorts,” she said. “Angie, you’re sitting in a patch of poison ivy. Follow me to the clinic.” Two days later I deserved a merit badge for scratching, but the Girl Scouts insisted that I participate in crafts class. Laura and I stared at our glob of clay while Evil Amy made a horse that looked real enough to ride. “You two are pathetic,” she scoffed. “What is that supposed to be?” “That’s our canoe,” I said, sounding indignant. “If it keeps raining like Noah’s ark, we’re going to need one,” Laura added. “You can watch me ride away on my horse,” Evil Amy assured us. “If you want a canoe so bad, watch this.” She grabbed more clay and fashioned a perfect replica in minutes. Counselor Jen finally looked up from her copy of Tiger Beat. “Wow Amy, you have earned a merit badge.” Evil Amy grinned like a possessed Girl Scout while we flipped her off under the table. “Look what came in the mail,” Mom said when she and Dad got me at the end of the week. “It’s your very first Girl Scout order form.” “I don’t want it,” I blurted. “I quit or resign or abdicate or something.” “But you love being outside,” Dad said. “What’s wrong with the Girl Scouts?” “They’re just too weird,” I said, “and camping sucks.” Martha reminds me about this 40 years later when I invite her to our glamper with its built-in toilet. But when I pretend to see a spider, she still screams like a Girl Scout. Angie Vicars writes humorous essays and seriously good Web content for UT. In a former incarnation, she authored My Barbie Was an Amputee and “Yikes” columns for Metro Pulse, and produced the WATE website.
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From Boss Crump to King Willie How Race Changed Memphis Politics
OTIS SANFORD Hardcover, $29.95
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TE: A D E U S S I T NEX
BY JOAN KEUPER
Each letter takes the place of another. Hint: In this solution, “S” replaces “B”. V T D U D D G ... F E B V T D L G C W O C L E S U D L D W U D W O D R I V T D O T D G R M D D T P W V D G.... R W D R I V T D B D K D W N D W V D B R I V T D V G C J D C B W E Y D U I G R Y C V ( E W C – M E F C, “U D D G L D R L S D”).... G T D P Y E V C B Y C B P B P E S S A E B O G C J D U V R VTD FRGM RI GDKDWNDIPS UDDG NTRBVB, FTCOT VTD TPWVDG TEB WDNSDOVDU VR LSEOEVD, FTCSD RW VTD RVTDG TEWU VTD ECU RI VTD UDDG CB CWKRMDU ENECWBV IGRBVJCVD, EB CVB IDDV EGD JDSCDKDU VR JD CYYPWD IGRY CWHPGA JA IGRBV.
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