The Loafer 100

423-930-7319

www.theloafer.net

theloaferonlineprint@gmail.com

All advertisements are accepted and published by the publisher upon the representation that the agency and/or advertiser is authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof. The agency and/or advertiser will indemnify and save the publisher harmless from any lossof expense resulting from claims or suits based upon contents of any advertisement, including claims or suits for defamation, libel, right of privacy, plagiarism, and copyright infringement.

Founder: Bill Williams

NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER

Hello Friends!

100 issues under my very unexperienced belt! I never dreamed I would help put out a paper I grew up loving. I will tell you these 100 pieces of our hearts have not been easy at all! I could never do it without J.B. Forrester as he is the mastermind that takes what I throw at him and makes it all look beautiful! Financially it isn’t easy and the way to help out is by advertising with us. Thank you for the support you have shown to us so far. Get ready for Fall because it

Bluegrass Legend And Grammy Winner Ricky Skaggs to Perform at ETSU Martin Center

You know “Christmas Time’s A Coming” when 15-time GRAMMY winner and Country Music Hall of Fame member Ricky Skaggs and his ace backing band Kentucky Thunder play in their refreshing acoustic style all your favorite Christmas songs in this delightful tour along with a few of their special friends.

The Bluegrass legend will perform at the ETSU Martin Center on Wednesday, December 13, at 7:30 p.m. Local tickets go on sale Friday, September 22, at 10 a.m. This heartwarming show features a reason to listen to the season of songs both old and new as Skaggs and his band perform their own perfect blend of tight harmony. Celebrate the beauty and majesty of this time of year with first-class vocalists and musicians, singing and playing their finest for Christmastime.

The show includes the joyful

bluegrass tune “Christmas Time’s A Coming” along with a beautiful rendition of “New Star Shining,” a hit song for Ricky Skaggs and James Taylor. Beloved classic songs “Silent Night,” “Deck the Halls,” and “Let it Snow” are fully represented, along with many other special Christmas melodies. Included in this seasonal show are sing-a-longs, rounding out this exclusive assortment of holiday jewels. Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder Christmas with Special Guests holiday show is sure to please during this most wonderful time of the year.

For more information on Ricky Skaggs, visit www.RickySkaggs. com or www.SkaggsFamilyRecords. com. For more about the Martin Center or to purchase tickets, visit ETSUMartinCenter.org or call the Martin Center box office at (423) 439-2787.

Bristol TN/Va

Bristol, TN/VA

WEDNESDAY Sept 27th

Mike Presler 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

THURSDAY Sept 28th

Jason Lloyd 7:00pm at Delta Blues BBQ

FRIDAY Sept 29th

The Pink Stones 7:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Well Dogs 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Banditos 10:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

SATURDAY Sept 30th

Benjamin Weimer 5:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Julie Williams and the Hired Guns:7:00pm at Painter Creek Marina

Miles Nielsen and the Rusted Hearts 8:30pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Orbital Planes 11:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

MONDAY Oct 2nd

Anthony Childress 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Johnson City

Johnson City, TN

TUESDAY Sept 26th

Brim & Marci Leal 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

WEDNESDAY Sept 27th

Rheva & Keegan’s Irish Fiddle Tunes 5:30pm at Mulligan’s Gaming Pub

HB Beverly 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

THURSDAY Sept 28th

Justin Mychals 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

Kasey Williams Solid Ground Album Release Show

7:30pm at Capone’s

Highland Reverie 7:30 at The Down Home

FRIDAY Sept 29th

Jeff Lane 7:00pm at Rocks Wood FIred Pizza

Songs from the Road Band

8:00pm at The Down Home

Slick Cadillac 8:00pm at Tulips

American Grub And Pub

Mike Snodgrass Band

9:00pm at Wild Wing Cafe

Club Rewind | Liquid Velvet

10:00pm at Capone’s

SATURDAY Sept 30th

Stitcher Band 8:00pm at Tulips

American Grub And Pub

Strange Gods | Blackwater Drowning | Seasons

10:00pm at Capone’s

SUNDAY Oct 1st

Rheva & Keegan’s Irish Fiddle Tunes 5:30pm at Mulligan’s Gaming Pub

Uncle Lucius 7:30pm at the Down Home

Kingsport

Kingsport, TN

FRIDAY Sept 29th

2HL7:00pm at Lakeview Marina

Donnie & The Dry Heavers 7:30pm at High Voltage Kingsport

Smith Creek 9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

SATURDAY Sept 30th

Big Son 7:00pm at Gypsy Circus Cider Company

Jonesborough

Jonesborough, TN

Friday Sept 29th

Rob Ikes & Trey Hensley 7:00pm at Music on the Square

BLOUNTVILLE

Blountville, TN

FRIDAY Sept 29th

Shooterband 7:00pm at the Outdoorsman

SATURDAY Sept 30th

Adrian Bundy & the Honky Tonk Hearts

7:00pm at the Outdoorsman

Abingdon, Va

Abingdon, VA

FRIDAY Sept 29th

Teni Rane 7:00pm at Tumbling Creek Cider Company - Taproom

Saturday Sept 30th

Momma Molasses 4:00pm at Abingdon Vineyards

ETSU: Incredible Colors Likely This Fall

Fall color has the potential to be incredible in the Appalachian Highlands this year.

That’s according to Travis Watson, East Tennessee State University’s campus arborist.

“Having those bright sunny days during the fall is really a bonus,” said Watson. “We will get a really nice display of those reds if we can keep sunny days and cool nights.”

Some of the tallest peaks in the Appalachian Mountains are beginning to display hints of what will become a thrilling display of crimson, gold and orange.

The mountains of East Tennessee, Western North Carolina and Southwest Virginia will likely reach their peak the first week of October.

For the region’s lower elevations, color should begin to increase in early October.

There is a caveat, according to Watson: strong storms and lower-than-normal temperatures could trigger the leaves to change a few days early or come down sooner than expected.

For now, the weather forecast looks promising. The National Weather Service projects temperature highs in the upper-70s through the next week with limited rain. Overnight lows will dip into the mid-50s.

“The biodiversity we enjoy in the Appalachian Highlands, including vegetation and trees that are truly diverse, so often makes for a stunning autumn,” Watson said.

ETSU is home to a range of scholars and professionals who regularly share their expertise with the community. The goal: improving the quality of life for the people of the region and beyond.

Starting this week, ETSU will offer a weekly fall color prediction every Thursday until the season ends. Find it on ETSU’s social media channels, as well as ETSU News.

TRI-CITIES NIGHTLIFE

WEDNESDAY

Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at The Pub Out Back (The Italian Pizza Pub) - Johnson City 7pm

Karaoke w/ Eric Huskins VFW Post 2108 – Johnson City, TN 8pm

Karaoke Night at Wonderland Lounge and Bar - Johnson City, TN 9pm

Karaoke with Ron at Kingsport Moose Lodge 6:30pm

Loudmouth Karaoke at Michael Waltrip Brewing Company - Bristol, VA on Wednesday, April 5th at 7pm

THURSDAY

Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Tulips Grub & Pub - Johnson City, TN 8pm

Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at Wild Wings Cafe - Johnson City, TN 9pm

Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City, TN 10pm

Karaoke at Jiggy Rays Pizzeria - Johnson City, TN

Karaoke at Tipsy Toad Tavern - Jonesborough, TN

FRIDAY

Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at Rainbow Asian Cuisine - Johnson City, TN 9pm

Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at The Sports Mill - Kingsport, TN 8pm

Karaoke w/ Eric Huskins VFW Post 2108 – Johnson City, TN 8pm

Karaoke at Numan’s – Johnson City, TN 10pm

Karaoke with Handsome Hodge Entertainment at O’Mainnin’s Pub and Grille - Bristol, TN 10pm

SATURDAY

Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at Tulips Grub & Pub Johnson City, TN 8pm

Karaoke at Numan’s – Johnson City, TN 10pm

Karaoke w/ Eric Huskins VFW Post 2108 – Johnson City, TN 8pm

Karaoke at Numan’s – Johnson City, TN 10pm

Karaoke with DJ Clyde and Prestige Entertainment at Macado’s -Kingsport, TN 9pm

Karaoke with Handsome Hodge Entertainment at O’Mainnin’s Pub and Grille - Bristol, TN 10pm

TUESDAY

Team Trivia at Wild Wing Café

Johnson City TN

DJ Trivia at Union Street Taproom

Erwin, TN 5pm

Trivia at The Corner Bar Bristol, VA 8pm

Trivia at Aubrey’s Johnson City 7pm

WEDNESDAY Trivia at Tipsy Toad

Jonesborough, TN 7pm

Trivia Night Mellow Mushroom

Bristol, VA 7pm

Trivia at Aubrey’s Bristol 7pm

THURSDAY

Mellow Trivia at Mellow Mushroom Johnson City, TN- 7pm

Trivia at Riverside Taphouse at South Fork Bluff City, TN 7pm

events added

TUESDAY Singo at Riverside Taphouse at South Fork Bluff City, TN 6:30pm

WEDNESDAY Bingo at Tipton Street Pub Johnson City, TN 9pm Singo at Holy Taco & Cantina Boones Creek, TN 8pm Blazin’ Bingo at Mellow Mushroom Johnson City, TN 6pm

THURSDAY Bingo at Mellow Mushroom Bristol VA 6pm Singo at Aubrey’s Bristol 7:00 PM

THURSDAY DJ B-Digital at O’Mainnin’s Pub and GrilleBristol, TN 10pm

FRIDAY Handsome Hodge Entertainment at O’Mainnin’s Pub - Bristol, TN 10pm

SATURDAY Handsome Hodge Entertainment at O’Mainnin’s Pub - Bristol, TN 10pm

SUNDAY DJ B-Digital at O’Mainnin’s Pub and GrilleBristol, TN 10pm

SODOKU CROSSWORD

Down

1. Still sleeping

2. Go up

3. Frisco sch.

4. Incense

5. CIA operative (abbr.)

6. Secular

7. Far from electrifying

8. Finally

9. Confusion

10. Cousin of an ostrich

11. Meeting memo abbr.

12. "___ Dawn" (war film)

13. Ending for second or vision

18. Country bordering Tibet

22. East African language (abbr.)

24. Boat with an open hold

26. "And higher," on a sale rack sign

27. Subject of a treasured 1922 Flaherty documentary

28. Urged (on)

ACROSS

1. In ____ (going nowhere)

5. Jessica of "The Love Guru"

9. Brightly colored aquarium fish

14. 2005 "American Idol" singer Bo

15. Ayn's John

16. Shade of brown

17. Indispensible

19. Healthily red

20. Crusoe's creator

21. Gap

23. Film rate (abbr.)

25. Was affected by an idol, perhaps

30. Not young

33. "___ be a shame if..."

35. Corporate image

36. Suddenly run (at)

37. Kindergarten students

39. One of the Earp brothers

42. Ode or haiku

43. Bjork's "___ Our Hands"

45. Farm output

47. Takes too much (abbr.)

48. Try with little chance of success

52. Washington post

53. Result of a too-high BAC

54. ___ Island

57. Munched, biblically

61. Latin line dance

65. Bindings

67. Balkan native

68. Doesn't keep up

69. Old Roman years

70. Comedian Artie

71. Stallone and Stone

72. Pope of the 16th century

Answers to last week’s puzzles can be found on page 09.

29. Regards

30. Heavy, as a favorite

31. Neighbor of Lib.

32. Household pest, for short

33. "May ____ you?"

(suitor's request)

34. Share with the church

38. Dutch pop singer

40. Three, in Venice

41. Designer Oldham

44. Fertilizer material

46. Play with, like a puppy

49. Stylized Japanese theater

50. Trendy pencil-topper dolls, once

51. Sacred observance

55. "____ M for Murder"

56. Like challah bread

58. Shore eagle

59. Wine, when combined

60. Computer key

61. Quarter of M

62. "Are you a man ___ mouse?"

63. Dijon denial

64. Kind of order

66. Dunderhead

PETS

OF THE WEEK

Dark tabby, beautiful tiger stripes everywhere. Mr. Independent, loveable and a wonderful kitty. Tiger loves to play and play some more. A sweetheart of a guy. He can entertain himself with a dangly toy for long periods of time. Tiger will lay on his back on your lap and be brushed and toenails trimmed. Not as patient though as others. He is a clown, will sit like a human and relax.

Hi! My name is Blacky and I’m a Labradoodle, 32 lbs and I’m a young SHY girl who does like to play! I just got groomed. Beware, I am an expert at escaping! I will need a fenced

If

Tiger Blacky

dinner bell for his favorite daily treat, a little salmon pate, he thoroughly enjoys and expects. You can make a real quick friend keeping his routine. Neutered, Litterbox trained, Triple tested negative, FVRCP & rabies vaccinations, dewormed, and revolution plus monthly. Birthday 04/09/2023

A comedian. Comes to

Red

Last Week's Puzzle Answers

Sudoku Crossword

yard and vigilant eye while being walked. I am dog selective, NO cats, ok around kids, mostly house trained, microchipped, current on vaccines and spayed. Bday 10/8/21.

423-239-5237 • 2061 Highway 75 Blountville, TN

Facebook: bridgehome

bridgehome.org

Cryptogram:

"Our greatest pretenses are built up not to hide the evil and the ugly in us, but our emptiness. The hardest thing to hide is something that is not there."

Dropquote:

"He has turned defensive boxing into a poetic art. Trouble is, nobody ever knocked anybody out with a poem."

the

There are 5

Birds hidden in this issue of The Loafer. Can you find them all?

JOHNSON CITY

SATURDAYS

ACOA (adult children of alcoholics) 1:30-3:00pm. Call for info Bill 423-444-6107 or Cheryl 423-262-6149

THURSDAY SEPT 28TH

Farmers Market 10:00am at ETSU Pridewalk

Artist Reception for Jason Flack

6:00pm at JC Public Library

FRIDAY SEPT 29TH

Johnson City Love & Hiking

Date For Couples (Self-Guided)

7:00am at Willow Springs Park

SATURDAY SEPT 30TH

Johnson City Love & Hiking

Date For Couples (Self-Guided)

7:00am at Willow Springs Park

Johnson City Farmers Market

8:00am at Founders Park

JLJC Annual Touch-A-Truck

10:00am at ETSU

Season’s End Plant Swap & Sale

12:00pm at TN Hills Brewstillery

Author Talk with Poet Linda

Parsons 2:00pm Johnson City

Public Library

Comedy Show: Jojo White & Friends 7:00pm at Carver Pak

SUNDAY OCT 1ST

Hiking Date For Couples

7:00am at Willow Springs Park

THINGS TO DO THINGS TO DO

BRISTOL

WEDNESDAY SEPT 27TH

State Street Farmer's Market

2:00pm at Downtown Center

Open Mic Nite 8:00pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

THURSDAY SEPT 28TH

Van Goul Canvas Class

6:00pm at Kil'n Time

Contemporary Ceramics

FRIDAY SEPT 29TH

Liberty & Pursuit Of Laughs

8:00pm at Blue Ridge

Comedy Club

SATURDAY SEPT 3OTH

State Street Farmers Market

8:00am at Downtown Center

Bristol Oktoberfest 2:00pm at Downtown Bristol

Board Game Night 5:00pm at Bristol Public Library

Shawn Carter 8:00pm, at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

KINGSPORT

FRIDAY SEPT 29TH

Final Friday Food Truck Rally

4;00pm at Parking Lot at Cherokee & Cumberland

SATURDAY SEPT 30TH

Farmers Market 8:00am at Kingsport Farmer's Market

Blue Ridge Artisan DaysCrafting into Autumn 9:00am at MeadowView Convention Center

Nature: Wolf Howling

10:00am at Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium

ELIZABETHTON

FRIDAY SEPT 29TH

Carter County Car Club Cruise In

5:00pm on Elk Avenue

SATURDAY OCT 30TH

Wheels on the Hill Car Show

9:00am at Happy Valley High School

JONESBOROUGH

TUESDAYS

Jonesborough Storytelling Guild

“Stories n’More” Show 7:00pm at The Intl. Storytelling Center

SATURDAY SEPT 30TH

Jonesborough Farmers Market 8:00am at Downtown Jonesborough

Historic Jonesborough Town Tour 1:00pm at Chester Inn State Historic Site

Old Jonesborough Cemetery Tours 2:30pm at Heritage Alliance

ABINGDON, VA

WEDNESDAY SEPT 27TH

Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

FRIDAY SEPT 29TH

Movies for Adults 2:00pm at Washington County Public Library

WEDNESDAY OCT 1ST

Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

GRAY, TN

SATURDAY SEPT 30TH

3rd Annual Fall Festival 10:00am at Appalachian Fairgrounds

SPIRITUAL FUSIONS

PSYCHIC ARTS EXPO

OCTOBER 21-22, 2023

Johnson City, TN

ETSU Culp Conference Center

Crystals, Henna

Reiki, Jewelry *FREE* RAFFLES

Psychics, Tarot

ETSU CULP CONFERENCE CENTER

412 J.L. Seehorn Jr. Rd, Johnson City, TN 10:00-6:00 pm each day; Daily Admission $6 cash ($2 off with current Student ID or bring in this printed Ad; Kids under 12 free)

Visit www.SpiritualFusions.com for details!

READINGS ONLY $20 A SESSION! EXPLORE

EVENTS

Sept. 30th KSU 10.30am Carter County Club House

Johnson

City Public Library

Upcoming Music & Events

MUSIC

Front Porch Concerts

Sundays in October, 4 p.m.

Johnson City Public Library’s

front steps

Concert Schedule

October 8: Demon Waffle

October 15: Daniel Byrd’s Boogie Machine

October 22: Alexis Wax

Artist Reception for Jason Flack

Thursday, Sept. 28, 6-8 p.m.

Johnson City Public Library

Author Talk with Poet Linda Parsons

Saturday, Sept. 30, 2 p.m.

Johnson City Public Library

Downtown Johnson City Ghost Walk

Tuesday, Oct. 10

Meet at Johnson City Public Library at 6 p.m. to walk downtown

Fantasy Map Making

Tuesday, Oct. 24, 6 p.m.

Johnson City Public Library

3. Leonard’s Ride registration 10am

KSU 12pm Guardian Riders Club House

Biker Events

sponsored by biker wear

Beanz Biker Corner Beanz Biker Corner

Hello everyone, hope your summer is a great one. September is here and so is Labor Day. Have a fun and safe Labor Day weekend.

Labor Day is observed the first Monday in September, Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. The holiday is rooted in the late nineteenth century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being. Before it was a federal holiday, Labor Day was recognized by labor activists and individual states. After municipal ordinances were passed in 1885 and 1886, a movement developed to secure state legislation. New York was the first state to introduce a bill, but Oregon was the first to pass a law recognizing Labor Day, on February 21, 1887. During 1887, four more states – Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey and

Beanz Biker Corner

By Anne Hartley

423-297-5675

New York – passed laws creating a Labor Day holiday. By the end of the decade Connecticut, Nebraska and Pennsylvania had followed suit. By 1894, 23 more states had adopted the holiday, and on June 28, 1894, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday. Who first proposed the holiday for workers? It’s not entirely clear, but two workers can make a solid claim to the Founder of Labor Day title. Some records show that in 1882, Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a co-founder of the American Federation of Labor, suggested setting aside a day for a "general holiday for the laboring classes" to honor those "who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold." But Peter McGuire's place in Labor Day history has not gone unchallenged. Many believe that machinist Matthew Maguire, not Peter McGuire, founded the holiday. Recent research seems to support the contention that Matthew Maguire, later the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, New Jersey, proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883. By 1894, 23 more states had adopted the holiday, and on June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed a law making the first Monday in September

of each year a national holiday. Many Americans celebrate Labor Day with parades and parties –festivities very similar to those outlined by the first proposal for a holiday, which suggested that the day should be observed with – a street parade to exhibit "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations" of the community, followed by a festival for the recreation and amusement of the workers and their families. This became the pattern for the celebrations of Labor Day.

FACTS ABOUT LABOR DAY:

1. The idea first became public in 1882.

2. The New York parade inspired other unions.

3. Grover Cleveland helped make Labor Day a national holiday.

4. Labor Day is the unofficial end of Hot Dog season.

5. THE BIG QUESTION> Can you wear white after Labor Day? This old tradition goes back to the late Victorian era, where it was a fashion faux pas to wear any white clothing after the summer officially ended on Labor Day. The tradition isn’t really followed anymore. Emily Post explained the logic behind the fashion trend –white indicated you were still in vacation mode at your summer cottage.

ETSU Theatre and Dance Announce Upcoming Performances

For years, East Tennessee State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance has provided students with exceptional opportunities that boost social awareness, selfconfidence, communication skills and more.

Another important role of the department: enriching the university and the Appalachian Highlands with regular performances in the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts.

That tradition continues in the 2023-24 academic year.

“We are thrilled to announce our lineup, and I am so proud of the work our faculty, staff and students have already put in,” said Karen Brewster, chair of the department.

The first performance comes in October with “These Shining Lives” by Melanie Marnich. The show happens at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5-7, and includes a 2 p.m. performance on Oct. 8.

Here’s a look at additional shows: Roald Dahl’s “James and the Giant Peach,” Nov. 16-19.

“Eurydice” by Sarah Ruhl, Feb. 2225, 2024.

“Heathers: The Musical” by Laurence O’Keefe and Kevin Murphy, April 10-14, 2024. Get more information and tickets here: www.etsu.edu/cas/theatre/ upcoming-production.php

Music by Richard Rodgers

Book & lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II & lyrics

Social Sentiments

By Wendy Hayden socialsentiments @outlook.com socialsentiments.net

Pics or It Didn't Happen

Selfies flood camera rolls after major events. Capturing the moment reminds us of the wonderful times we have in our lives. When we're having a bad day we can use those photos to remind ourselves of the memorable times we've had. Recently country music singer Miranda Lambert came under fire for chastising audience members for snapping a selfie during a show. The concert was disrupted when Miranda called out the selfie snappers. The singer criticized selfies stating that they were a disturbance to her show. A discussion ensued regarding the audacity to call out those audience members.

So who's right? The audience members who paid to see the concert and were enjoying themselves or the performer who put a lot of time and effort into putting on a show so those members could have a fun night

out? Both are actually correct, but out of respect to the fans, selfies should not be discouraged. The fans have paid for their tickets (and the exorbitant fees), taken their time to get there (sometimes from different states), spent money on travel, accommodations, food, and merchandise, made childcare arrangements, and stood patiently in line to get into the venue. Understanding that the artist has given their all to make the show happen, there would be no show without fans.

More and more artists are including selfies in their meet and greet packages and taking them within their shows to encourage fan interaction. They understand the importance of those memories and how easily they can be shared online to bring attention to their work. Selfie moments add extra excitement to an already excited crowd.

Regardless of your take on selfies,

the experience can enhance an already amazing night out. A fan taking a selfie will not diminish an artist's work, but may be the highlight of their day. Embracing selfies can encourage confidence, boost serotonin, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Collisions at the Lyric: An Evening of Traditional Music and Poetry

Alaska’s Fiddling Poet Ken Waldman plays old-time Appalachian-style fiddle, writes smart poems, and tells Alaska-set stories. He’ll perform with “The Wild Ones” featuring Janie Rothfield and Allan Carr on Sunday, October 1st at 2 p.m. at the Lyric Theater in St. Paul, VA. Tickets are $10 at the door. Children and students will be admitted free. For more information and to make reservations please visit proartva.org

Allan Carr was born and raised in Aberdeen, Scotland—a region known for its rich traditional musical heritage. He began singing traditional songs in his teens and winning traditional singing competitions throughout Scotland. In the 80’s Allan teamed up with American fiddler Jane Rothfield—his traditional Scottish singing and Celtic guitar styles melding with Jane’s old-time fiddle and banjo styles for a unique sound. Jane is an award-winning fiddler, tune composer, and clawhammer banjo player adept in both the Celtic and American Appalachian music and song traditions. In addition to her work with Allan Carr, Jane has played fiddle and sung with Rude Girls, Groovemama, and with her own contradance band, Jane’s Gang. Together, Ken Waldman with Janie Rothfield and Allan Carr offer a show that’s fun,

inspiring, and full of surprises. The Wild Ones are going to do what a bunch of ramblers with fiddles, banjos, and guitars are apt to do— make it a party.

Ken Waldman has drawn on 37 years as an Alaska resident to produce poems, stories, and fiddle tunes that combine into a performance uniquely his. Since 1995, he’s performed at leading concert series, festivals, universities, arts centers, and clubs. Though he’ll still occasionally perform solo, he prefers to bring an accompanist or two, or a whole troupe of musicians, many of them headliners themselves. Past accompanists have included Willi Carlisle, Riley Baugus, The Early Mays, and others who know their way around oldtime string-band music.

Tickets to the 47th Pro-Art season are on sale now. Explore the complete schedule of events, purchase season tickets, and make reservations at proartva.org. Individual shows over the course of the season range in price up to $20, while a season ticket to 30 performances can be purchased for $40—less than $2 per show! Season tickets are valid for all performances of the 47th season and can be purchased online, in person at any show, or by calling (276) 376-4520.

Gather your flannels and prepare your harvests, fall is finally upon us! Saturday, September 23 at 2:50a is the official date and time for this year’s autumnal equinox, and following a summer of recordsetting heat I am beyond ready for longer nights and cooler temperatures. Beyond the fact that cold weather months are my preferred time to thrive in general, there are certain things about this time of year that bring me immense joy that you may or may not already know about. For that reason and to avoid gatekeeping, I am going to share with you my list of Fall Favorite Things – look out Oprah!

This wouldn’t be a Kathie Scalf certified list without starting at food and beverage. While it’s hard to beat the farm-fresh produce of summer, I must admit I’m a fan of the heartier fare that accompanies cozy nights indoors. Root veggies and roasts, red wines and whiskeys, these are definitely a few of my favorite things! All your fine dining and boutique restaurants will be switching their menus in the surrounding weeks to reflect the season; make your reservations now to be first in line to sample hearty soups, slow roasted meats and spiced desserts. These changes extend far beyond the kitchen and into the lounge as well. Any bar worth their margarita salt will roll out fresh features that incorporate seasonal herbs and flavors into their signature cocktails and update their wine lists to compliment

Fall Favorites

the new cuisine. Summer-centric flavors like melon, lime, basil, and mint will take a backseat to ginger, sage, cinnamon, apples, oranges and nuts, while wines featured by-the-glass will swap light, crisp whites and rose’s for earthy and robust reds. I haven’t confirmed, but I would imagine Juniper, Gourmet, and Timber will be leading the pack in the Tri-Cities when it comes to exceptional seasonal menus.

Long, cold nights are also the perfect time for staying home, which is why another one of my fall favorite things is hosting house parties. Not the kind we all snuck out to in high school of course, but elevated home experiences that are intimate and relaxed and perfect bonding with close family and friends. Start by making custom simmer pots for natural air infusions that will greet your guests from the time they step through the door and create an aroma illusion that sets the tone for a warm, cozy evening. Simply toss orange peels, apple slices, cinnamon sticks and cloves into a pot of boiling water and let it simmer all day, adding fresh water as needed. These pots will not only perfume the air inside your home, it will also add much-needed humidity that is stripped away from constantly running the heat during winter months. Theme nights are always fun and encourage guest participation; choose a topic like “charcuterie,” “Italian,” “soups,” or “Friendsgiving” and go potluck style. Create an online group invite where everyone can list 1 food and 1 beverage item they’re bringing to prevent duplicates, then fill in the gaps as needed. No

cold-weather get-together would be complete without a fire, so invest in a firepit for after-dinner drinks, discussions and s’mores. Everyone will save money and be able to avoid crowded, noisy bars full of people they don’t like and bad music they don’t want to listen to.

Autumn is also the best time of year for festivals. I hate nothing more than suffering through outdoor events in summer months; during September and October the weather is much more agreeable and predictable. From Oktoberfests to Pumpkinfests to harvest grape stomps, it’s time to get your butts outside this Fall. The Tri-Cities is centrally situated for enjoying all of autumn’s splendor and everywhere you turn, folks are celebrating within a 1 hour radius. A quick Google search of “festivals in Tri-Cities TN/western NC” will return more options than you’ll ever have time to commit to and fill your weekends with outdoor family fun. Finally, there’s never a bad time to focus on mental health matters, but October being Depression Awareness Month shines an extra bright light on an issue that affects most everyone I know at some time or the other. I’m someone who has lived with bouts of depression for as long as I can remember, so I will probably do a more in-depth feature article in the coming weeks in honor of this dedicated awareness holiday. In the meantime, we can all use the changing of the seasons to really look inward and work toward improving our headspace. For me, I always have better mental clarity when my living spaces are less cluttered and organized,

by Kathie Scalf

so it’s nice to use the longer evenings stuck indoors to do some housekeeping. Remove things that no longer serve a purpose to make room for the new- that advice can go for your home OR your head. Also use the extra time at home to get in the habit of journaling and reading; sometimes just getting intangible thing out of your brain and making them tangible on paper is enough to clear the muck. Align your mind with the seasons and remember that like leaves on trees, there is beauty in letting go of dying things and that new growth will soon be right around the corner.

These are a just a handful of my favorite fall things, but the list could go on. Create your own list and start ticking things off, because before we know it we will be in full holiday chaos!

XO - Kathie

Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park October 2023 Special Events

Come Share in the Glorious Cause of Liberty!

28th Annual Sycamore Stitchers Quilt Show

Friday & Saturday, October 6 & 7

9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Sunday, October 8

1:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Free Admission

This three-day exhibition, sponsored by the Sycamore Shoals Stitchers, features a show and demonstrations by local quilters. Bed quilts, wall hangings, holiday and baby quilts, miniatures and antique quilts will be on display.

Bird Walks with the Lee and Lois Herndon TOS Chapter

Saturday, October 7, 14, 21, & 28

8:00 am

Meet other birders and naturalists at Sycamore Shoals for a morning of birding during the migratory season.

Gardening Seminar Series: Winterizing Your Garden Beds

Saturday, October 14

9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Free Admission

The last instalment for the year of our gardening seminar series will focus on winterizing your garden beds and preparing for Spring. Join master gardener Ben Hunter as share his experiences and techniques for growing the garden of your dreams! Meet in the Visitor Center Gathering Room.

Solar Eclipse in the Park

Saturday, October 14

11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Free Admission

Join us for the partial solar eclipse and view one of nature’s most spectacular wonders! Activities will include telescope viewing, making a pinhole solar projector, interpretive programs, and coloring sheets for all ages.

Be Safe! Only use ISO certified solar viewing glasses to look at the sun. Eclipse viewing glasses are available in the park gift shop.

Sabine Hill Guided Tour –Featuring Early American Mourning Traditions

Wednesdays, October 4, 11, & 18

1:00 pm

Cost: Adults - $10.00; Seniors: 65 & up, Veterans, & Active Duty - $8.00; Ages 17 & under - $5.00 Tax included Max: 12 per tour

Registration requiredwww.tnstateparks.com/parks/ events/sycamore-shoals

Join Museum Curator Chad Bogart for a guided tour of this stately home built by Mary Patton Taylor, widow of Brigadier General Nathaniel Taylor. The site has been described as one of the finest examples of Federal architecture in the State of Tennessee. Take in the colorful and architecturally detailed interior while learning about the influential Taylor family who called Sabine Hill home in the early 19th century.

As an added feature, the house will contain exhibits on early American death and mourning traditions. Learn about the clothing, foods, occupations, superstitions and rituals associated with death and funerary traditions in the 18th and early 19th centuries. Please note, only portable toilet facilities are available at this time. Accessibility to the home includes steps and an interior staircase.

Death Comes to Sabine Hill

Friday & Saturday, October 20 & 21 6:00, 6:30, 7:00, 7:30, 8:00, & 8:30 pm

Admission: $14.00 tax included

Registration requiredwww.tnstateparks.com/parks/events/ sycamore-shoals

Visit Sabine Hill State Historic Site for a unique after-hours candlelight tour of the historic Taylor House. Learn about 18th and early 19th century funeral customs, superstitions, mourning attire, funeral food, and much more. Pay your respects to the deceased at the wake and meet historically dressed interpreters throughout the house and grounds as they demonstrate the traditions and professions associated with death and mourning in Early America. Subject matter may be too sensitive for younger visitors. Parental discretion is advised. Please note, only portable toilet facilities are available at this time. Accessibility to the home includes steps and an interior staircase. Sabine Hill is located at 2328 West G Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643.

Scary Stories at Fort Watauga

Thursday, October 26

7:30 pm

Free Admission

Strange things happen around All Hallows Eve, especially at an old fort by the river. But don’t be afraid, Fort Watauga at Sycamore Shoals isn’t haunted… Or Is It?!?! Join us for an evening of family friendly stories, songs, and tales that are sure to send a shiver down your spine and tickle your funny bone. Be sure to bring a chair and dress warmly to ward off the chill.

BARBIE

Who among us could have imagined a movie based on a famous doll would have dominated the summer movie box office when facing off with fast cars, superheroes, Indian Jones, and Tom Cruise among others? I think we were all surprised. Nevertheless, the doll Barbie, full name Barbie Millicent Roberts, crushed the summer box office with the power of a pink Godzilla. The doll, created in 1959 was joined by Ken, full name Kenneth Sean Carson, himself created in 1961, made for a pink summer. When I went to the theater I saw women and girls, dressed in pink having a blast. So many fans had a blast ,"Barbie" the movie is the biggest box office hit directed by a woman in history. Barbie is played by Margot Robbie and her counterpart Ken is portrayed by Ryan Gosling, and the two actors prove to be perfectly cast. Robbie plays "Stereotypical" Barbie and Gosling is "Beach" Ken. The film opens in Barbieland where all types of Barbie and Ken's reside, along with only one Allan (Michael Cera), who was a discontinued friend of Ken. We see a typical day in Barbieland where all the Barbies hold important positions, including President, and are self-

Pop Life

By Ken Silvers theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com

sufficient. Meanwhile, the Kens only participate in recreational activities and are basically window dressing for the Barbies. Beach Ken is only happy when he has the full attention of Barbie and desires a closer relationship with her. However, Barbie is against the idea and rebuffs Ken's idea in favor of a more independent lifestyle. During one of her parties Barbie mentions if any of the Barbies and Kens ever think about death, stopping the party "dead", and leaving the others in shock. When she awakens the next day, Barbie is unable to complete her usual tasks, and her feet are now flat. When Barbie goes to Weird Barbie (Kate McKinnon), a wise outcast, she is told she must go to the real world and find the child playing with her in order to be cured. Barbie reluctantly agrees and heads to the real world with surprise stowaway Ken in tow. When the two arrive in Venice Beach, CA, they get into antics that alert the CEO of Mattel (Will Farell) who orders the two to be captured and "reboxed". While Barbie finds her owner Sasha (Genvieve Toussaint) she discovers the tween no longer needs her. Meanwhile, Ken sees how men behave in the real world and realizes he has been conned by Barbie on how he should behave. Ken heads back to Barbieland to tell the other Kens how they can take control and be the real leaders of Barbieland. While she is still in the real world, Barbie is being chased by men of Mattel, but eludes them and heads back to Barbieland with Sasha and her mom Gloria (America Ferrera), When the trio arrive, they see how the Kens have taken over and Barbie becomes depressed. However, Gloria is able to save the day by encouraging Barbie, and let's just say Barbieland is soon back to normal, but will include better treatment for the Kens and the outcast dolls. The film does

a wonderful job of addressing inequality without pounding us over the head, and leaves most of us thinking about how we can positively address the issues dealt with in the film in our world. Yes, the film is still fun, has hilarious moments, and even resulted in Gosling hitting the music charts with his song "I'm Just Ken". The actors in the film are all perfectly cast, and frankly Gosling stole

the film with his on-the-spot performance. I really can't imagine anyone else as Barbie other than Robbie, other than maybe Reese Witherspoon. I am here to say "Barbie" is not just a film for women, but one to be enjoyed by all. Now playing in theaters. (Rated PG-13

Bristol

PARAMOUNT

Oct 14 Lady SupremeTribute to Diana Ross

Oct 19 Farm & Fun Time featuring Rodney Crowell

Oct 21 Bristol Truth & Freedom Music Festival

Nov 4 James Gregory

Nov 9 Gaelic Storm

Nov 10 Kathy Mattea

Nov 11 Chi-Town Transit AuthorityTribute to Chicago

Nov 15 Henry Rollins

Nov 19 Joan Osborne

Dec 1 Lewis Black

Dec 15 Cherry Poppin Daddies Christmas Canteen

Dec 16 Soultown to MotownTribute to Motown

BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY

Oct 6 & 7 Country Thunder: Eric Church, Brooks & Dunn, Jelly Roll, Randy Houser, Jackson dean, Parmalee, Chase Matthew, Cooper Alan, Megan Moroney, Lauren Watkins and Storme Warren.

JOHNSON CITY

FREEDOM HALL

Oct 29 ETSU Fall Music Festival with Flo Rida, Doublecamp and Graham Barham

Nov 1 Foreigner

Dec 1 Keith Anderson

Dec 2 Theory of a Dead Man and Skillet

MARTIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Oct 10 Blue October

Nov 16 Rodney Carrington

Dec 13 Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder Christmas

GREENVILLE

NISWONGER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Oct 1 Etta May & The Southern Fried Chicks

Oct 14 Shenandoah

CONCERT SCHEDULE CONCERT SCHEDULE

Oct 28 Firehouse

Nov 16 Bret Michaels

Nov 18 Brian Culbertson

Dec 2 Home Free for the Holidays

Dec 15 Rhythm of the Dance Christmas Special

Dec 17 David Phelps

It Must Be Christmas

PINEY FLATS

PINEY FLATS TN

EAST TENNESSEE DISTILLERY

Oct 1 Quiet Riot with Slick Cadillac

Knoxville

TENNESSEE THEATRE

Oct 7 JohnnySwim

Oct 26 Lewis Black

Nov 10 Ben Rector

Dec 1 Wynonna Judd

Dec 23 Manheim Steamroller Christmas

THOMPSON BOWLING ARENA

Oct 6 Elevation Worship & Steven Furtick

Oct 16 Shania Twain

Nov 3 Tool

Nov 24 Kiss: End of the Road Tour

Dec 7 Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Dec 8 Lauren Daigle

KNOXVILLE CIVIC COLISEUM

Nov 16 Turnpike Troubadours

Nov 30 Kevin Gates

Dec 1 & 3 Nate Bargatze

KNOXVILLE CIVIC AUDITORIUM:

Oct 12 Nurse Blake

Oct 20 James “Murr” Murray

Nov 19 The Newsboys

Dec 26 The Illusionists: Magic of the Holidays

BIJOU THEATRE

Oct 3 Robert Cray

Oct 4 The Wallflowers

Oct 7 Henry Cho

Oct 8 Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs

Oct 10 Brad Upton

Oct 27 Rodney Crowell

Nov 13 Graham Nash

Dec 1 & 2 WatchHouse

Dec 6 The Gatlin Brothers

Dec 9 Dave Barnes

Nashville

NASHVILLE TN

RYMAN AUDITORIUM

Oct 2 Brian Setzer

Oct 3 Janelle Monae

Oct 7 Lucinda Williams and Her Band

Oct 8 Mary Chapin Carpenter & Shawn Colvin

Oct 9 Pat Methany

Oct 17 Nick Cave

Oct 18 Wheeler Walker Jr.

Oct 12-22 Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit

Oct 23-24 Kesha

Oct 25 Brandy Clark

Oct 26 Chris Tucker

Oct 27 & 28 All Them Witches

Oct 29 Steve Hackett

Oct 31 Les Claypool’s Flying Frog Brigade

ASCEND AMPHITHEATER

Oct 3 & 4 Noah Kahan

Oct 5 Hozier

Oct 7 Brothers Osborne

Oct 14 Darius Rucker

Oct 21 Mt. Joy

Oct 22 Fantasia

BRIDGESTONE ARENA

Oct 1 & 2 Drake

Oct 6-8 Phish

Oct 9 Jonas Brothers

Oct 11 John Mayer

Oct 19 Depeche Mode

Oct 23 Kiss End of the Road

Oct 25 Queen & Adam Lambert

Nov 15 NeedToBreathe

BROOKLYN BOWL

Oct 19 Phillip Phillips

Oct 31 Here Come the Mummies

Dec 9 49 Winchester

Dec 20 & 21 Dogstar

BROWN COUNTY MUSIC CENTER

Oct 5 Brian Setzer

Oct 7 Christopher Cross

Oct 12 Aaron Tippin, Sammy Kershaw & Collin Raye

Oct 15 Patti LaBelle

Oct 17 Yes

Oct 18 Collective Soul

Oct 19 The Zombies

Oct 20 Craig Morgan

Oct 22 LeAnn Rimes

Nov 2 Ace Frehley

Nov 3 The Oak Ridge Boys

Nov 4 Del McCoury Band

Nov 11 Blues Traveler

Nov 14 Paul Anka

Nov 26 Allman Betts Family Revival

NASHVILLE MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM

Oct 10 Three Days Grace and Chevelle

Oct 26 -28 Hardy with Lainey Wilson

Hampton va

HAMPTON VA

HAMPTON COLISEUM

Dec 8 & 9 Goose

ASHEVILLE, NC

ASHEVILLE NC

SALVAGE STATION

Aug 18 Darrell Scott’s Electrifying Trio

Aug 25 & 26 Umphrey’s McGee

Sep 17 The Original Wailers

Sep 24 Wheeler Walker Jr

Oct 15 Here Come the Mummies/ Perpetual Groove

Oct 17 Duane Betts and Friends

Oct 20 The Wood Brothers

Oct 21 Leftover Salmon’s Brew Ridge Jam

EXPLOREASHEVILLE.COM ARENA

Sep 26 Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats

RABBIT RABBIT

Oct 18 Willie Nelson & Family

Oct 20 Band of Horses

Oct 28 Dropkick Murphys

THE ORANGE PEEL

Oct 9 Henry Rollins

Nov 7 Gaelic Storm

Nov 13 Porno For Pyros

Nov 28 Postmodern Jukebox -Life in the Past Lane

Nov 30 49 Winchester

These Brownies Will Not Defeat Me

Sometimes a good excuse for making brownies is if the best-by date on the box is fast approaching and you don’t want to waste a box of brownie mix. Last week I was cleaning out the pantry. I knew it was time to give it a going over when I had to forcefully place a box of Frosted Flakes and the action of my trying to shove it into place caused a small avalanche.

As I began to explore the deep, dusty, long-forgotten back pocket of my pantry I was downright shocked by some of the things I had found. There were half-ate bags of chips that had long gone stale, boxes of cereal with just the crumbs left inside, and most shockingly a bottle of unopened Worcestershire sauce that had expired in 2013. How? I don’t know, I can only assume it was bought during a Christmas season Chex mix-making fugue. Amid all this searching I came

across, at last, a few things that were just on the verge of going bad. It wasn’t too bad, they had just a month to go. However, knowing me and my tendencies, I decided I should use one of the things immediately before it soon became the new “Worcestershire sauce of 2013.” It was the weekend and a most welcomed hint of Fall was in the air. This soon-to-expire brownie mix felt like a good way to celebrate the coming of better weather.

I took the box of mix to my kitchen and prepared it as it said on the back of the box. After mixing it up and making sure I had stirred it at least 50 times, I grabbed a 9x9 pan and sprayed it with some non-stick cooking spray from a cabinet where I keep such things. I poured the batter in, placed it in the preheated oven, set a timer on my phone, and walked away. This was a rather hum-drum part of the process. I’ve made brownies countless times before and there was nothing spectacular or unusual about this.

Excitedly, I pulled up on the brownie square and soon found that it sort of tore apart as I was trying to get it out, leaving a large amount of brownie stuck to the bottom of the pan. I was a little confused by this since I had sprayed it all, quite well I thought, with non-stick spray. I looked at the can of non-stick spray only to see on the bottom of it it had expired three months ago.

Knowing that trying to get the remaining brownies out was going to be a chore, I decided to give it all a go right then and there. Now that I had one square removed it should give me a better shot at easier access to the others. I got another spatula, a knife, and flat head screwdriver to help—I keep one in my kitchen for cheeses. I began to slowly scrape away and try to extract perfect brownie squares that were perfectly stuck.

I felt like a culinary archaeologist, chipping away at various bits of immovable

mass to get to the prize within. The more delicate I was, the more it seemed to be making a mess. I got some edible squares out of the pan, but there was a lot stuck to the bottom too. It wasn’t as bad as the first slice, but I do have to admit I feel a bit silly I spent 20 minutes getting brownies out of a pan.

With as much as possible removed from the pan, I took it and placed it in the sink to soak. I may have let it do that for almost an entire day before I tried to clean the pan up. Still a bit confused as to what failed in the non-stick spraying process? Did the fat go bad? Or maybe the propellant inside the can just wasn’t strong enough anymore to do a good job. Either way, I need to get better about not letting things linger in my pantry to just die several years later. See you next week.

By Andy Ross theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com

The timer on my phone went off after a while and I went to check on the brownies. They weren’t quite done in the middle so I gave them another 10 minutes. After the additional cooking time, they were done and I set the pan on a rack to cool on my counter. After a good 15 minutes, I took a knife and ran it through the brownies to cut them into squares. I got a spatula and carefully slid it along the side of the pan to lift a serving out.