The Loafer 102 by lbdfamilymedia

October is National Breast Cancer Awarness Month

Publisher Lisa Durbin Creative Director Jon Bill Forrester Managing Editor Peggy Gale Distribution Herbie Durbin Jon Bill Forrester Entertainment Coordinator Andreax Jarre Public Relations Correspondent Lee Lee Williams

your week’s line-up

Volume 03 Issue 102

Contributing Staff Andy Ross Kathie Scalf Ken Silvers Wendy Hayden Ann Hartley

03 New Exhibition Chronicles the Life of Country Music Legends and Pearl Butler 04 Spotlight 06 Elizabeth Laprelle and The Family Band to Kick Off 52nd Home Craft Days 06 Beezwax 07 Tri-Cities Nightlife 08 Puzzle Page 09 Pets of the Week 10 Tennessee Folklore Society 10 ETSU Again Hosting Bands of America 11 Things To Do 13 Tri-Cities Faces and Places 14 Howl-O-Ween Celebration 14 Biker Events 16 Get Ready for the Model City Monster Bash 18 Now is the Time to Enjoy Fall in the Mountains 20 Death Comes to Sabine Hill 22 WQUT Concert Schedule

NOTE

FROM THE

PUBLISHER Hello Friends!

We can’t let October get past us without talking about Breast Cancer Awareness Month! We all need to remember to get checked at least once a year and October is the perfect time to do that. 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer and this is absolutely horrifying to think about. We need to do all we can to help support research and to encourage everyone to have their checkups every year. I hope everyone has a great week. Wear pink and schedule a mammogram!

The Loafer Po Box 39 Telford, Tn 37690 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

LBD FAMILY MEDIA Let’s Get Social!

columns & reviews

theloafer.net | October 17, 2023

15 Beanz Biker Corner Labor Day 17

Social Sentiments: Social Media Perfection

19 Tea Time with Appalachian Barbie:

Grace in the Space 21 Pop Life: Barbie 23 Batteries Not Included: My Personal White Room

Love, Lisa Durbin Publisher

theloafer.net | October 17, 2023

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Spotlight

theloafer.net | October 17, 2023

Johnson City

Johnson City, TN

TUESDAY Oct 17th Brim & Marci Leal 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza WEDNESDAY Oct 18th

Bristol, TN/VA Bristol TN/Va WEDNESDAY Oct 18th Orbital Planes 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House THURSDAY Oct 19th Zak Saltz Band 6:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Rheva & Keegan’s Irish Fiddle Tunes 5:30pm at Mulligan’s Gaming Pub HB Beverly 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza THURSDAY Oct 19th Rocky Horror Music Show 8:00pm at Capone’s Hot Club of the Mountains 7:00pm at Yee-Haw Brewing Company

The Tillers 6:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Chris Long 8:00pm at Mulligan’s Gaming Pub

JP Parsons 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

The Half that Matters Record Release 10:00pm at Capone’s

Double Tap7:00pm at Delta Blues BBQ

SATURDAY Oct 21st

SATURDAY Oct 22nd Kayla McKinney 6:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar Eric Cox 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

SATURDAY Oct 21st

Abingdon, Va

Abingdon, VA

Saturday Oct 21st

Banjo Barbee 7:00pm at Gypsy Circus Cider Company

Wolf Hills Jazz Quartet 4:00pm at Abingdon Vineyards

Ghouls Night Out w/ The Color 7 9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

Sunday Oct 22nd

Blountville, TN BLOUNTVILLE Saturday Oct 21st Julie Williams and the Hired Guns 7:00pm at the Outdoorsman

Josh Bowles 2:00pm at Abingdon Vineyards

Elizabethton, TN Elizabethton, TN Wednesday Oct 18th Jason Edwards 7:30pm at the 19e Pitstop

FRIDAY Oct 20th

Marques Puckett 9:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Asylum Suite 9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

Elderbug | Big Bombs | Failure 2 Conform 10:00pm at Capone’s SUNDAY Oct 22nd Alexis Wax 4:00pm at Johnson City Public Library Front Steps Rheva & Keegan’s Irish Fiddle Tunes 5:30pm at Mulligan’s Gaming Pub

Shoot to Thrill 8:30pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Kingsport, TN Kingsport

Cash Crop 11:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Jason Ellis 7:00pm at Gypsy Circus Cider Company

FRIDAY Oct 20th

Submit Your Live Shows to: theloaferonlineprint@gmail.com or call 423-930-7319 to be Featured in the Loafer Spotlight

earned them a dedicated fan They Sang What They Lived: The Story of Carl and Pearl Butler is the base who supported them at first retrospective exhibition of Carl performances across the United and Pearl Butler, the iconic country States and Canada through the music duo whose timeless lyrics 1970s. The exhibition offers visitors and harmonious melodies left an a rare glimpse into the lives of indelible mark on country music. these music legends. The exhibition is organized by the Key highlights of the Museum of East Tennessee History exhibition include: and opens to the public on Saturday, • Rare Family Archives: Museum October 7, 2023. guests will have the opportunity With a career spanning over four to view the Allen “Junior” Butler decades, Carl and Pearl Butler Family Collection, which has been became celebrated figures in the made publicly available for the first world of country music. “Carl made time and includes never-beforescores of major-label records during seen photographs, home movies, the 1950s,” says Bradley E. Reeves, original instruments, and stage the exhibition’s guest curator and costumes that belonged to Carl and author of the new book Honky Pearl Butler. “I’m grateful to Allen Tonkitis: On the Road with Carl Butler and his family for opening Butler and Pearl. “These are some their home and archives to share of the best bluegrass, gospel, and with us,” says Reeves. hard country records ever made, • Musical Journey: Explore the duo’s although none could be called a musical journey through a feature massive hit.” That honor would film, which transports visitors come in 1962, when Carl and Pearl recorded “Don’t Let Me Cross Over.” through various periods of their The song remains among the fastest career and traces their unfiltered, ever to ascend to No. 1 on Billboard raw singing style, one that derived from and advanced the “Knoxville Hot Country Singles. sound.” Carl and Pearl’s unique “Knoxville sound,” along with heartfelt lyrics, • Behind-the-Scenes: Gain insight

into the lives of Carl and Pearl Butler through never-before-seen family photographs and recently uncovered anecdotes from the family and fellow musicians, including Dolly Parton who viewed the Butlers as her “second parents.” “Despite their successes,” says Adam Alfrey, Assistant Director for Historical Services at Knox County Public Library, “Carl and Pearl faced personal and professional struggles, which are intimately documented through the family’s photographs.” • Interpretive Experience: Engage with the exhibition to understand how both Knoxville and Nashville played a role in the development of country music. Also, learn how chart-topping artists can quickly become all but forgotten, even in their hometown. “The Butlers somehow fell through the cracks,” reflects Reeves. “It’s my hope that this book and exhibition will contribute to a reappreciation of their great body of work.” They Sang What They Lived: The Story of Carl and Pearl Butler promises to be a heartfelt educational experience for country music enthusiasts and fans of all ages. It serves as a testament to the enduring influence of Carl and Pearl Butler on the world of music. The exhibition will run through August 18, 2024. It is sponsored by the Clayton Foundation with support from the Downtown Knoxville Alliance.

theloafer.net | October 17, 2023

New Exhibition Chronicles the Lives of Country Music Legends Carl and Pearl Butler

theloafer.net | October 17, 2023

Elizabeth Laprelle and The Family Band to Kick Off 52nd Home Craft Days The 52nd Home Craft Days festival kicks off with the annual Opening Night Concert at 6 p.m. on Friday, October 20th in the Goodloe Center at Mountain Empire Community College in partnership with Pro-Art. It’ll be an evening steeped in tradition with performances from Elizabeth LaPrelle and the Family Band, Martha Spencer and the Wonderland Band, and annual favorites Tommy Bledsoe, Rich Kirby, Todd Meade, and Tyler Hughes! This event is free and open to the public, everyone is welcome to attend. Elizabeth LaPrelle and the Family Band have been performing and recording music together for over 20 years, sharing the music they love to make in their living rooms and kitchens. It’s a real family affair consisting of Elizabeth herself as the frontwoman, sharing the stage with her mother, Sandy LaPrelle, uncle and aunt Jon Newlin and Amy Davis, and most recently her husband, Brian Dolphin. They let their eclectic tastes be their guide through a repertoire of ancient mountain ballads, old-time tunes, novelty songs, and gospel harmonies. Elizabeth LaPrelle is exceptional in her devotion to and mastery of the ancient and deep art of Appalachian unaccompanied singing. She performs with a sense of conviction, honesty, and emotional force that evokes the great Appalachian ballad-singers of generations past. She has developed her repertoire from neighbors like Jim Lloyd, under the tutelage of powerful female ballad singers Ginny Hawker and Sheila Kay Adams, and from a wealth of field recordings of legendary singers from the mountains. Martha Spencer is a singer-songwriter, mountain musician and dancer from the Blue Ridge

Mountains of Virginia. She grew up in the musical Spencer family and learned to play several instruments (guitar, fiddle, banjo, bass, dulcimer, mandolin) and flatfoot/clog at a young age. She performs and has recorded with various groups and has been involved with several roots music projects. She has played shows, festivals and led workshops across the US, Australia, UK, Canada, and Europe. Tommy Bledsoe, Rich Kirby, Todd Meade, and Tyler Hughes will open Friday night’s concert. Tommy Bledsoe and Rich Kirby have extensive roots in Southwest Virginia’s old-time music. The two have been instrumental in organizing music for Home Craft Days for over 40 years. Combined, the four represent over fifty years’ experience with the region’s music and its tradition bearers like Janette Carter, Uncle Charlie Osborne, and Ralph Stanley. The 52nd Home Craft Days celebration will be held October 20-22 on the campus of Mountain Empire Community College in Big Stone Gap, Virginia. Saturday and Sunday will feature performances every hour on two stages. Enjoy the food, fun, and friendship of Southwest Virginia and come home to the Home Craft Days festival. Find more information and the schedule of events at homecraftdays.org. Pro-Art partners with a variety of venues, therefore individuals with mobility issues or general questions are encouraged to call (276) 376-4520 or email the Pro-Art office at: pro-art@uvawise.edu. For evolving conditions related to weather cancellations, or similar unforeseen circumstances, patrons are encouraged to check proartva.org for up-to-date information.

Pro-Art is supported in part by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, which receives support from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as the C. Bascom Slemp Foundation, The University of Virginia’s College at Wise, Mountain Empire Community College, the Columbus Phipps Foundation, and the Lee County Community Foundation.

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

TRIVIA

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

BINGO

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To have your events added to this list email: theloaferonlineprint@gmail.com or call: 423-930-7319

theloafer.net | October 17, 2023

TRI-CITIES

theloafer.net | October 17, 2023

SODOKU

CROSSWORD

DROP QUOTE

ACROSS 43. Bjork's "___ Our Hands" 1. In ____ (going nowhere) 45. Farm output 5. Jessica of "The Love Guru" 9. Brightly colored aquarium fish 47. Takes too much (abbr.) 14. 2005 "American Idol" 48. Try with little chance singer Bo of success 15. Ayn's John 16. Shade of brown 52. Washington post 17. Indispensible 53. Result of a too-high BAC 19. Healthily red 54. ___ Island 20. Crusoe's creator 57. Munched, biblically 21. Gap 23. Film rate (abbr.) 61. Latin line dance 25. Was affected by an 65. Bindings idol, perhaps 67. Balkan native 30. Not young 68. Doesn't keep up 33. "___ be a shame if..." 35. Corporate image 69. Old Roman years 36. Suddenly run (at) 70. Comedian Artie 37. Kindergarten students 71. Stallone and Stone 39. One of the Earp brothers 42. Ode or haiku 72. Pope of the 16th century

C RYPTO G RAM

OIJJVOO UO WY XV FVEOINVR HYW OY FIJP XQ WPV TYOUWUYH WPEW YHV PEO NVEJPVR UH GUDV EO XQ WPV YXOWEJGVO SPUJP PV PEO YCVNJYFV. — Booker T. Washington

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

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) 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

theloafer.net | October 17, 2023

PETS

OF THE WEEK

o a tm ea l Hello everybody, my name is Oatmeal! Just like your favorite breakfast, I am so so sweet. I am a young 6 months old Tabby girl looking

for a family to play with. I am high energy and highly snuggly. I am up to date on my vaccinations, spayed, and microchipped

There are 5 Owls hidden in this issue of The Loafer. Can you find them all?

Last Week's Puzzle Answers

ti e

Crossword

Cryptogram:

Dropquote:

Sudoku

n n

This sweet little senior lady is Katie Lynn !!! She is a Jack Russell Terrier, 12 lbs, good on a leash, house trained, ok with cats and other dogs. Her owner passed away and was brought to Bridge Home. Katie Lynn has cute little brown speckles on her ears and has the perfect little stubby tail !!! She

would probably do best in a home with no kids due to not wanting to be picked up and could bite. Katie Lynn recently had a dental procedure, spayed, current on vaccinations and will be microchipped when adopted. Bday 7-15-16.

If you are interested in adopting : The Bridge Home No Kill Animal Shelter 423-239-5237 • 2061 Highway 75 Blountville, TN Facebook: bridgehome

bridgehome.org

"Our greatest pretenses are built up not "He has turned defensive boxing into to hide the evil and the ugly in us, but our a poetic art. Trouble is, nobody ever emptiness. The hardest thing to hide is knocked anybody out with a poem." something that is not there."

theloafer.net | October 17, 2023

Tennessee Folklore Society Annual Meeting in Etowah, Tennessee The Tennessee Folklore Society (TFS) annual meeting on Saturday, November 4 will feature traditional musicians Joseph Decosimo and Greg Brooks. The meeting, supported by funding from the Tennessee Arts Commission (TAC), will be held at The Gem Theater in Etowah. Members of Tellico Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) will play in the lobby during registration beginning at 9:30 a.m. The membership meeting follows at 10:00. The public is invited to attend any or all activities on the schedule. Fiddler Greg Brooks’ presentation, which begins at 1:15 p.m. is titled “Allen Sisson: Copper Basin Fiddler,” and focuses on the first fiddler with Tennessee connections to make commercial recordings. Although Sisson lived in Fanin County, Georgia, he worked as a section hand railroad foreman for DSC&I mines across the state line in Copperhill. After gaining fame as the Champion Fiddler of Tennessee in 1921, Sisson recorded

for the Edison Label in 1925. In recent years, Greg Brooks of Mineral Bluff, Georgia, has mastered Sisson’s unique tunes, as well as those of Tommy Magness. An active bluegrass fiddler, Brooks is keeping both historic hometown repertoires alive. Joseph Decosimo will present “Rare and Beautiful Fiddle and Banjo Repertoire from East Tennessee” at 2:45 p.m. Many fine fiddlers and banjo players have called East Tennessee home through the years. Performer, researcher, and native East Tennessean Joseph Decosimo will share rare and beautiful pieces from the region’s banjo and fiddler traditions, some dating to the 19th century. For the last 25 years, Decosimo has researched and interpreted the region’s older tunes, befriending older musicians while studying field and commercial recordings. A blue-ribbon winning fiddler and banjo player, he has shared the region’s music at festivals

around the world and holds a doctorate in American Studies. Other presenters at the TFS annual meeting include TAC Director of Folklife Bradley Hanson and TAC Traditional Arts Specialist Evangeline Mee at 10:45 a.m., followed by Caroline Mitchell Carrico at 11:15. Mitchell will present an audio story titled “Bocce & the Memphis Italian Festival.” Bocce is a traditional Italian game which is a core part of the Memphis Italian Festival. Mitchell’s project was created as part of the Tennessee Folklife Institute, a program of TAC in partnership with Humanities Tennessee. At 2 p.m., Dr. Mark Jackson of Middle Tennessee State University will present “Poke Sallet: A Delicious and Dangerous Foodways.” Visit www.tennesseefolklore.org for details.

The November 4 annual meeting of the Tennessee Folklore Society in Etowah will include a presentation of East Tennessee banjo and fiddle traditions by Joseph Decosimo.

ETSU Again Hosting Bands of America East Tennessee State University will again host one of the Bands of America regional championships, an esteemed honor that only a few dozen locations across the United States enjoy.

423.894.4070 423.973.8634 TAYLOR@GREATERIMPACTREALITY.COM TAYLORGRINDSTAFF@GREATERIMPACTREALITY.CC

The event begins at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 21, at the ETSU Ballad Health Athletic Center.

and the entire Appalachian Highlands.” High school bands from across the nation will compete. A number of Tennessee bands will perform, including Elizabethton High School at 4 p.m. followed by DobynsBennett at 4:15 p.m. The ETSU Marching Bucs, who have enjoyed a dramatic resurgence and have made national headlines for their selection to the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, are scheduled to play at 4:30 p.m.

“We are so excited to host this event again and meet the scores of talented students participating,” said Dr. Joe Moore, director of athletic bands and an associate professor Learn more and purchase tickets here: in the Department of Music at ETSU. “This marching.musicforall.org/event/ means so much to ETSU, the community easttennessee23/.

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 OCT 19TH Farmers Market 10:00am at ETSU Pridewalk Storytime in the Park 10:30am at King Commons Park IBN Biz Lunch 11:30am at Golden Corral Buffet FRIDAY OCT 20TH Johnson City Love & Hiking Date For Couples (Self-Guided) 7:00am at Willow Springs Park SATURDAY OCT 21ST Johnson City Love & Hiking Date For Couples (Self-Guided) 7:00am at Willow Springs Park Johnson City Farmers Market 8:00am at Founders Park SUNDAY OCT 22ND Hiking Date For Couples 7:00am at Willow Springs Park

BRISTOL WEDNESDAY OCT 18TH State Street Farmer's Market 2:00pm at Downtown Center Open Mic Nite 8:00pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

THURSDAY OCT 19TH "Van Ghoul" Canvas Class 6:00pm at Kil'n Time Contemporary Ceramics

SATURDAY OCT 21ST SATURDAY OCT 21ST Jonesborough Farmers Haunted Halloween Storytelling Market 8:00am and Scavenger Hunt 5:00pm at at Downtown Jonesborough Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork Christmas & Fall Doll Sale and Show 9:30am at Jonesborough State Park VIsitors Center LIMESTONE, TN Historic Jonesborough Town Tour 1:00pm at Chester Inn SATURDAY OCT 21ST State Historic Site WCA 3rd Annual Fall Craft Old Jonesborough Cemetery Tours Festival 9:00am at Washington 2:30pm at Heritage Alliance College Academy

FRIDAY OCT 20TH Andrew Rudick 8:00pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club SATURDAY OCT 21ST State Street Farmers Market 8:00am at Downtown Center Board Game Night 5:00pm at Bristol Public Library Andrew Rudick 8:00pm, 10:00pm ABINGDON, VA at Blue Ridge Comedy Club WEDNESDAY OCT 18TH KINGSPORT Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon SATURDAY OCT 21ST Community Center Farmers Market 8:00am FRIDAY OCT 20TH at Kingsport Farmer's Market Movies for Adults 2:00pm Nature: Wolf Howling at Washington County 10:00am at Bays Mountain Public Library Park & Planetarium SUNDAY OCT 22ND ELIZABETHTON Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon THURSDAY OCT 19TH Community Center Shop Late 5:00pm FLAG POND, TN at Downtown Elizabethton FRIDAY OCT 20TH SATURDAY OCT 21ST October Bear Tails and S’mores Carter County Car Club Cruise 6:00pm at Lamar Alexander In 5:00pm on Elk Avenue Rocky Fork State Park

JONESBOROUGH

TUESDAYS Jonesborough Storytelling Guild “Stories n’More” Show 7:00pm at The Intl. Storytelling Center To be featured in The Loafer's Things to Do email us at: theloaferonlineprint@gmail.com or call 423-930-7319

BLOUNTVILLE, TN SATURDAY OCT 21ST Heritage Festival 9:00am at Downtown Blountville

BLUFF CITY, TN SATURDAY OCT 21ST Holiday Market 12:00pm at Wells Park

PINEY FLATS, TN FRI OCT 20TH - SAT OCT 21ST Haunting on the Mount 6:00pm at Rocky Mount State Historic Site

theloafer.net | October 17, 2023

THINGS TO DO

theloafer.net | October 17, 2023 12

theloafer.net | October 17, 2023

Biker Events sponsored by biker wear

READINGS ONLY $20 A SESSION!

SPIRITUALFUSIONS PSYCHIC ARTS EXPO OCTOBER 21-22, 2023 Johnson City, TN

ETSU Culp Conference Center

Local Events: 1. Bluff City Heritage Day Sept 30th 9am to 1pm 2. Haunted Graham Mansion Sept. 29th- 30th Oct 6th–7th Oct 13th-14th Oct 20th – 21st 3. National Storytelling Festival Oct. 6th – 8th 4. Erwin Apple Festival Oct. 6th – 8th 5. Music & Culture Festival Oct 13th – 15th Damascus Va. 6. Fall-O-Dendron Festival Oct 14th Roan Mtn. 7. Bike Bash Oct 14th at TN Hills Brewstillery 3pm – 7pm 8. Howl-O-Ween Car Show Oct 21st Winged Deer Park JC, TN for Misfit Hounds 9. The Battletown Witch Festival Oct 28th 11am – 6pm Meade Olin Park Brandenburg, KY 10. Trick or Treat Oct 31st 4pm – 8pm Downtown Johnson City, TN

Bike Nights: 1. Wednesday – 19E Pit Stop

*FREE* LECTURES Crystals, Henna

AURA PHOTOS 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!

EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITIES! Howl-O-Ween Dog Party Celebration What: Bring your costumed furry friend to Howl-O-Ween. This event will include pet-themed vendors, a photo booth and more. Proof of dog vaccination records are required upon entry. When: Friday, Oct. 20 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Where: Memorial Park Community Center, 510 Bert St. Johnson City, TN Cost: Free for all ages. More: For more information, call 423.434.5749.

2. Friday – Tulips

Rallies: 1. June Bug Sept 28th – Oct 1st 2. 1st Annual Smoky Mtn Bike Week Sept 30th – Oct 7th 3. Myrtle Beach Fall Rally 2nd – 8th 4. Fall Field Meet Dirt Drags Washington County KY Peacemakers 5. Thunder Beach Autumn Rally Panama FL. Oct 23rd – 29th

Rides: 1. Warthogs MC 91 Tour of Tennessee Poker Run Sept. 30th Black Wolf KSU at 11am 2. Ghost Riders Poker Run for the Kids Sept. 30th KSU 10.30am Carter County Club House 3. Leonard’s Ride registration 10am KSU 12pm Guardian Riders Club House

Biker Events

Sponsored By Biker Wear

theloafer.net | October 17, 2023

Get Ready for the Model City Monster Bash The Model City Monster Bash will bring our own form of Halloween to Kingsport, welcoming a DJ for the audience to enjoy, costume and pumpkin carving contests. We are bringing this event back to the Tri-Cities after several years of a hiatus. With the popularity and huge response from past years and the publicity being planned for this year’s affair, we anticipate this year’s Model City Monster Bash to be even bigger and better.

Costume Guidelines: chambermaster.blob.core. windows.net/userfiles/ UserFiles/chambers/1906/File/ CostumeGuidelines.docx Fees/Admission Tickets = $35 (includes 2 drinks and food) Costume Contest Entry = $10 per person

Pumpkin Carving Entry = In addition to reveling in an evening $5 per pumpkin of great networking, attendees will enjoy selections of craft beer and variety of food offerings from a Location number of Kingsport restaurants. Farmer’s Market The event also serves as a Downtown Kingsport fundraiser for your Kingsport 308 Clinchfield Street Chamber and your Kingsport Chamber Ambassador’s program. Kingsport, TN 37660

Perfection in social media marketing should be standard. Striving for perfection presents an image of composure, knowledge, and education. Striving to make sure your social media presence is perfect improves your chances of being taken seriously. Composure in all situations, including the handling of social media accounts, shows that when a crisis hits, you will be able to handle it with grace. A perfectly curated presence highlights your knowledge of the platforms that your audiences use. Understanding their preferred platforms instills knowledge of the needs

Social Sentiments By Wendy Hayden socialsentiments @outlook.com

socialsentiments.net

of your audience. That knowledge is helpful in creating resonating content. Checking your social media accounts for grammar and spelling issues positions you as someone who can be taken seriously. Your audience will be able to focus on how you can educate them instead of trying to read through errors. Strive for perfection in every post to ensure your audience of your knowledge. Striving for perfection can enhance the perception of your brand. Check your posts and account settings to ensure you are being seen in the best light.

theloafer.net | October 17, 2023

Social Media Perfection

WOOD FIRED PIZZA. BURGERS. DRINKS. & FUN.

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TUES. Oct. 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th & 31st

BRIM & MARCI LEAL WED. Oct. 4th, 11th, 18th, & 25th

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THUR. Oct. 5th 12th, 19th, & 26th

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HAPPY HOUR Visit Our Website for Daily Specials and Events

ETSU: Now Is The Time To Enjoy Fall In The Mountains

PIG OUT MENU Available for a Limited Time

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Now is the time to plan your excursion into the region’s highest elevations, as fall color is likely to peak now through next weekend.

temperatures, we should really start to see some color development in the coming days,” he added.

“I think that these cold temperatures are going to really start to speed things up,” said Travis Watson, the campus arborist at East Tennessee State University. “I would look for this weekend through October 22 to be the best times to travel to higher elevations.”

Weather conditions in recent weeks generated near perfect conditions for the annual parade of red, yellow and orange leaves.

Recent high winds did bring down some leaves throughout the Appalachian Highlands, though that mostly happened with poplar and “less showy hardwoods,” Watson said.

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“Monday’s rainfall was also much needed and, combined with the low day and night

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From Roan Mountain State Park to Buffalo Mountain Park, there are scores of opportunities to enjoy the magic of autumn. ETSU’s main campus also offers great spots to take in fall’s vibrance. ETSU offers a weekly fall color prediction every Thursday until the season ends. Find it on ETSU’s social media channels, as well as ETSU News.

I got back into therapy this year and have found a counselor who I really respect and get a lot from. Through this journey with her, I’ve been working mostly on self-improvement and trying to let go of things that don’t serve me well. One of those exercises has been identifying patterns so I can stop destructive behavior, and during that exercise I realized what is probably my worst quality – my knee jerk reaction trigger. They say you cannot fix something if you don’t first acknowledge you have a problem, so here we go: My name is Kathie Scalf and I have a problem with immediately giving a reaction to everything. I’m also proud to say I’ve made a lot of strides in this department and have found what I’m calling, “the grace in the space.” It’s difficult for me not to immediately respond to a stimuli. This quality is wonderful for my work ethic; I immediately respond to emails, texts, and always answer or return phone calls, which is practically unheard of in the alcohol industry. However, that same anxiety I get from not addressing an email right away, even on the weekend, is the same feeling that overwhelms me when I get triggered by something hurtful… but on steroids. If I see something, or hear something that makes me uneasy, I want to confront it right away, and I’ve learned the hard way 9 times out of 10, that does not end well. I’m a big advocate for confrontation; when its executed correctly it can make you a highly efficient and accountable human. But its sometimes hard for me to remember that most people’s brains don’t operate in the same way as mine, and they perceive any type of confrontation as being aggression. I

also have a bad habit when I’m very all it was going to do was drag me hurt by someone I care about, to want back into a situation I have worked to immediately fire off a response to so hard to get out of. And it turns out what’s triggered me with the same, if I didn’t have to – I heard through the not an elevated energy, and one grapevine the whole situation was thing that never helps a fire is adding revealed on its own. Funny how that an accelerant. works out. People respond to energy, and if I’ve also found a lot of clarity about you want to improve a situation you who I am and the person I want to need to emit the energy you want to be by taking the space to remove receive. If someone hurts me and I myself from a trigger and really ask respond by yelling, saying something myself what it is that’s bothering me hurtful, or becoming frantic, that is about the situation. For example, what they’re going to return back, I recently saw a group picture of which is only going to make me some former friends of mine. These more anxious and upset. Instead, were very close friendships I held I’m learning not everything needs an for many years that have one by one immediate response; in fact, if I step ended without any closure, and one away and take a beat to calm down, of which is a wound that’s still pretty most of the time the things that raw. When I saw this photo it ran are upsetting me don’t require any all over me; for one thing, I was the response at all! person who even brought the group I have found so much grace and peace together initially, so I have no doubt in the space I put between myself and I was a topic of conversation. That immediately puts me in a mental a triggering situation. Sometimes it’s just a matter of putting down my disposition to defend myself. It also phone and taking a walk, sometimes was upsetting because I’ve never it takes a few days, but I have found gotten a reason why these people if I just give myself some time and no longer wanted to be my friend; space to sit with a situation, the eventually one day over the years trigger loses it’s effectiveness and I since I moved, our relationships came avoid wasting my valuable time and to a stop. And being so close to these energy on something that I could people, it also was triggering because have just walked away from. And I know the things they’ve all said one neat thing I’ve discovered is that about each other, and yet there they what’s done in the dark always comes sat thick as thieves while I’m the bad to light, and karma doesn’t need my guy – at least that’s what my brain help hurrying things along. was telling me. However, instead of blasting out a group message Several months ago I found out finally asking what their problem is, something about the person who or posting a vague Instagram story, hurt me most that would have been very destructive to their life if I made I sat back, took a breath and asked myself why was this really bothering it known. I immediately wanted to me? Truth be told, I’ve not noticed broadcast it, to tell on them to their loved ones, as if it would vindicate me their absence in my life at all; why in the wrongs they committed against would it bother me that I’m absent from that photo? These people are me so long ago. After days of being virtually strangers to me now; we’ve talked down from the ledge by my mother, I ultimately decided not to do all changed, or maybe just I have changed and that’s ok. If I met them it. I was given the gift of being able right now, we would have nothing in to release myself from this person years ago, and while this revelation common and would never be friends; might have felt good in the moment, our lifestyles are completely different

by Kathie Scalf

and incompatible. They don’t want the life I have and I don’t want theirs. Our goals and ambitions no longer align and for that reason alone, its ok to let it go in peace. That moment of breathwork and walking was a major opportunity instead of opening a can of bad energy to get clearer on my personal values and ambitions. Be a confrontational person; confront your own demons and don’t be afraid to confront an issue head on. Just don’t be a reactionary person! It’s very possible – and productive – to confront a situation from a level head after working it through in your own mind first. Take the time to ask yourself if your interference is even necessary and will this add value to your life or subtract from it? Does this even affect you? Normally by the time you get done answering all these questions, you won’t care as much about the initial hurt. There’s a lot of grace in the space between a trigger and a reaction, and the more space you put between it, the more grace you’ll find.

XO - Kathie

theloafer.net | October 17, 2023

Grace in the Space

theloafer.net | October 17, 2023

Death Comes to Sabine Hill Candlelight Tours Featuring Early American Death & Mourning Customs On October 20th and 21st Sabine Hill State Historic Site in Elizabethton, TN will present “Death Comes to Sabine Hill”, a unique event designed to resurrect many of the forgotten traditions associated with death and mourning in early Am erica. Visitors will experience these mysterious customs firsthand through special after-hours tours of the historic Taylor House. Two centuries ago, our ancestors perceived death and mourning quite differently than we do. Today, we push through the funeral process as quickly as possible. Those who came before us, however, took a much more intimate approach. Disease, war, infant mortality, and other causes meant that death was a persistent companion especially before the days of modern medical advancement. Prior to the advent of funeral homes,

the process of preparing a deceased family member for burial was carried out at home, and all manner of traditions, superstitions, and ceremonies that had been practiced in the old world continued here in the new. These ancient funeral customs and mourning rituals, many of which may seem bizarre and macabre today, have been all but forgotten. At “Death Comes to Sabine Hill” visitors can learn more about these traditions and see just how differently death was viewed and accepted in the past. These special candlelight tours will occur on Friday, October 20th and Saturday, October 21st, and offer guests a chance to experience the historic Taylor House after dark! Visitors will pay their respects to the deceased at the wake and meet historically dressed interpreters throughout the house who will talk about the funeral customs and mourning rituals of days gone by. As the tour progresses outdoors, guests will visit with the coffin maker, grave digger,

professional mourner, and resurrectionist as they share the professions associated with death & funerals in Early America. These tours deal with subject matter that may be too sensitive for younger visitors. Parental discretion is advised. Tour times are 6:00, 6:30, 7:00, 7:30, 8:00, & 8:30 pm each night. Admission is $14.00 per individual. Pre-registration is required. Tickets can be purchased at tnstateparks.com/ parks/events/sycamore-shoals. Please be advised that Sabine Hill State Historic Site only offers portable restroom facilities at this time. The historic house is only accessible by steps and an interior staircase. This event is subject to cancellation in the event of significantly inclement weather. Sabine Hill State Historic Site

is located at 2328 West G St. Elizabethton, TN 37643. For more information about this and other exciting events please contact Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park at 423-543-5808 or visit: sycamoreshoalstn.wordpress. com, tnstateparks.com/parks/ sycamore-shoals, or facebook. com/sycamore-shoals. Sabine Hill State Historic Site is operated through a partnership between the Tennessee Historical Commission and Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park.

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

theloafer.net | October 17, 2023

BARBIE

theloafer.net | October 17, 2023

CONCERT SCHEDULE Bristol

BRISTOL TN/VA

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 TN

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 TN

GREENVILLE

NISWONGER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Oct 1 Etta May & The Southern Fried Chicks Oct 14 Shenandoah

Oct 28 Nov 16 Nov 18 Dec 2 Dec 15 Dec 17

Firehouse Bret Michaels Brian Culbertson Home Free for the Holidays Rhythm of the Dance Christmas Special David Phelps It Must Be Christmas

PINEY FLATS TN

PINEY FLATS

EAST TENNESSEE DISTILLERY Oct 1

Quiet Riot with Slick Cadillac

KNOXVILLE TN

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 TN

Nashville

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 Oct 17 Oct 18 Oct 19 Oct 20 Oct 22 Nov 2 Nov 3 Nov 4 Nov 11 Nov 14 Nov 26

Patti LaBelle Yes Collective Soul The Zombies Craig Morgan LeAnn Rimes Ace Frehley The Oak Ridge Boys Del McCoury Band Blues Traveler Paul Anka 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

CALL WQUT @ 477-1015 FOR MORE CONCERT INFORMATION OR VISIT WWW.WQUT.COM

would be. I guess it’s different There was a recent episode of than going to your happy place. the very good TV series “Only To me, “The White Room,” is Murder In the Building” that talked about “The White Room.” a place where you feel safe, where nothing can hurt you. A state of mind actors go to when they blank out during a Is that “My Happy Place?” rehearsal, and they mentally Maybe it is, but for me, I think escape into this room of joy and it’s something different. I delight, while having no idea think for me it is filled with of what they’re doing at the a sense of contentment that time. In the context of the show, everything will be OK. This is Steve Martin’s character was why I’ve finally realized what overwhelmed and nervous over my personal White Room is. a patter song and he somehow It’s a 1990s movie theater. ended up taking off his pants Specifically, it’s me sitting midand saying things no one was row in a screening room that willing to forgive him for. has “Batman Forever” playing. I want that for my place of I have been feeling rather contentment. I want the smell overwhelmed as of late. I’ve had a super busy year and these of the popcorn, the feel of the large bag of it in my lap, the last couple of weeks have had look of the fun designs on the a lot of things on top of one another and it’s left me feeling carpet, and the joy of being all stressed. Sometimes when I get 10 years old, happily watching a overwhelmed I like to just stop Batman movie with no worries. and zone out, but after learning I don’t think “Batman Forever” about “The White Room” I find is the best Batman movie, myself wondering what my that would be “Mask of the own, personal version of that Phantasm,” but I do still find it a great deal of fun and far more enjoyable than a lot of people want to make it out to be. Indeed, another reason why I think that a 90s movie theater in my White Room is that during the early days of COVID, having just gone through losing my father to cancer the year prior, I was desperate to find something to cling to to give Batteries myself some joy. Not Included The answer was 1990s Summer By Andy Ross movies, the ones I saw and theloaferonlineprint loved, and the ones I had never gotten around to seeing. Like @gmail.com a lot of us depressed, elder millennials, I have a raging nostalgia for the ‘90s. It’s for

the way I felt during the ‘90s. Happy, carefree, not full of anxiety. You sit in the theater watching Batman at 10 is the peak of that feeling. What is there to be afraid of when you have Batman on the big screen and your walls looking out for you at night? That movie theater that I think about, the one of my childhood, probably wasn’t as nice as I remember it being. But to me, it was a special place. There was a magic to

going to the movies that I picked up on at a very early age. I think it’s why I’ve been so obsessed with movies for most of my life, have a home theater now, and a large, curated library of movies to enjoy whenever I want. Though, it’s all just me trying to chase the feeling I felt as a happy kid, sitting there with my popcorn, watching Batman do Batman things. That’s why it’s my “White Room.” See you next week.

theloafer.net | October 17, 2023

My Personal White Room