The Loafer 123

Publisher

Lisa Durbin

Creative

Jon Bill Forrester

Managing Editor Peggy Gale Distribution

Herbie Durbin

Jon Bill Forrester

Entertainment Coordinator

Andreax Jarre

Public Relations Correspondent

Lee Lee Williams

Contributing Staff

Andy Ross

Kathie Scalf

Ken Silvers

Wendy Hayden

Ann Hartley 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

Hello Friends!

Happy June!!! Summer is upon us but so is lots of rain. We are so pleased to feature Theatre Bristol as they present “The Little Mermaid”. I am so excited to take all of my granddaughters to this play. What a great way to send an evening than to have a meal on State Street and see a play at Theatre Bristol! I encourage you to attend and support this wonderful theatre.

Don’t forget Liberty is still going on at Sycamore Shoals in Elizabethton and that is also a great way to spend some time with your family this summer.

Thank you so much for supporting The Loafer! It isn’t easy keeping this paper alive after 37 years but J.B. and I are doing our best. If you need to advertising anything, please let us know.

Have

Bristol TN/Va

WEDNESDAY June 5th

Mick Kyte 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

THURSDAY June 6th

Jason Lloyd 6:00pm at Delta Blues BBQ

Shake it Like a Caveman

7:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Sounds of Summer: Coal Camp

7:00pm at Downtown Center

FRIDAY June 7th

Border Bash: Dangermuffin with Andrew Scotchie

6:00pm at Downtown Center

Gunslinger 7:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Servility and Hannah Rae

7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Cody Fair

8:00pm at The Corner

Craig Street Ramblers 10:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

The Honey Badgers 10:00pm at O’Mainnin’s Pub

SATURDAY Jun 8th

Annabelle’s Curse 7:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Spotlight

Cardinal Folk 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

W Albert Edwards

8:00pm at The Corner

Coal Camp 10:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Night Train

10:00pm at O’Mainnin’s Pub

MONDAY Jun 10th

Anthony Childress 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

TUESDAY June 11th

Sounds of Summer:

Dan Carly Bluegrass Band

7:00pm at Downtown Center

Johnson City

WEDNESDAY June 5th

Rheva & Keegan’s

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

HB Beverly 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

THURSDAY June 6th

Justin Mychaels 6:30pm at Rocks Wood FIred Pizza

FRIDAY June 7th

Jeff Lane 6:30pm at Rocks Wood FIred Pizza

Ali Randolph Band 8:00pm at Tulip’s Grub & Pub

1134 | Vexus | Sick Beyond 10:00pm at Capone’s

SATURDAY Jun 8th

Stone Fire Band 8:00pm at Wild Wing Cafe

Julie Williams & The Hired Guns 9:00pm at Tulip”s Grub & Pub

Elderbug | DreamkilleR 276 | Ol’ Jim 10:00pm at Capone’s

SUNDAY Jun 9th

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

TUESDAY June 11th

Old Time Jam 5:00pm at Yee-Haw Brewing Company

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

Kingsport

THURSDAY June 6th

The Salty Moondogs 7:00pm at Lakeview Marina

FRIDAY June 7th

Kayla McKinney 7:00pm at Lakeview Marina

E.C. FraZier 7:00pm at Model City Tap House

Dead Set On Life & Retroville 9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

SATURDAY June 8th

Gypsy Moon Coalition 7:00pm at High Voltage

House Warmer 7:00pm at Gypsy Circus Cider Company

Dead Set On Life Band 7:00pm at Lakeview Marina

Full Sirkle 9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

SUNDAY June 9th

Jason Lloyd 7:00pm at Lakeview Marina

Elizabethton

FRIDAY June 7th

The Bosses 7:00pm at Jiggy Ray’s

SATURDAY Jun 8th

Florencia & The Feeling 8:00pm at Jiggy Ray’s Abingdon, VA

FRIDAY June 7th

Kevin Duggan 5:00pm at Nicewonder Vineyards

SUNDAY Jun 9th

Josh Bowles & Tom Zeske III 2:00pm at Abingdon Vineyards

OPENING NIGHT CONCERT

FRIDAY JUNE 7TH 2024

Jeff Little Trio

Tennessee Tourism Invites Travelers to Hit the Back Roads and Byways with New Statewide Road Cycling Program: Bike Tennessee

Tennessee Partners with Popular Cycling App “Ride with GPS” to Make Routes Easily Accessible

The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) is inviting cyclists to experience Tennessee on 52 new curated road cycling routes that wind their way through the state’s picturesque landscapes. The new program, Bike Tennessee, launched today at BikeTN.com and allows cyclists to engage with the routes using the app Ride with GPS.

“From our music to our makers, Tennessee is a state full of storytellers and our beauty is unmatched,” said Commissioner Mark Ezell, TDTD. “As travelers increasingly seek sustainable and authentic experiences, we invite them to explore our scenic routes and discover the charm of our small towns. We are pleased to partner with Ride with GPS and showcase the hidden gems and breathtaking landscapes that define our state.”

Tennessee has been named an Ambassador for popular cycling app Ride with GPS, making all 52 routes easily accessible across the platform. Each Bike Tennessee route was meticulously mapped, ensuring cyclists have access to detailed navigation and route information. Ride descriptions provide valuable information about the terrain, waypoints and hidden gems along the way, as well as modifications to tailor each ride to the individual.

The routes were created in collaboration with professional cycling guide Shannon Burke of Velo View Bike Tours, who brings more than a decade of experience leading cycling tours. Routes were selected with safety and scenery in mind, with 1,739 miles of routes mapped and 51 Tennessee counties included in the Bike Tennessee program. They offer seasoned cyclists mostly rural, low-traffic experiences in some of Tennessee’s most scenic and historic landscapes, including 14 routes in Tennessee State Parks.

“Tennessee has all the right ingredients to be one of the premier cycling destinations in the country— low-traffic backroads, welcoming communities and stunning scenery,” said Shannon Burke. “It’s an amazing place to ride!”

The outdoor recreation economy generates $11.9 billion for Tennessee, according to the Outdoor Industry Association. Bike Tennessee aims to leverage the growing cycling community to increase visitation and economic impact throughout Tennessee.

Cyclists can learn more about Bike Tennessee and explore the available road cycling routes by visiting www.BikeTN.com. Join the conversation on social media using hashtag #BikeTN.

About Tennessee Department of Tourist Development

The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) is dedicated to driving economic growth and tourism in all 95 counties. TDTD’s global marketing efforts increase visitation to Tennessee, which boosts tax revenue, creates jobs and attracts new investment across the state. Tennessee is a global destination of choice offering visitors world-class music, live entertainment, family-friendly experiences, charming communities, innovative and classic culinary creations, renowned scenic beauty and outdoor adventure—all centered at the crossroads of rich history and unrivaled hospitality. Vacations “sound perfect” in Tennessee. Visit TNvacation.com and follow @TNvacation on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for travel inspiration.

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

TRIVIA BINGO DJ NIGHT

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

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

ACROSS

1. William of Hopalong Cassidy fame

5. Unfamiliar with

10. Profit's opposite

14. Home furnishings chain

15. Turgenev heroine

16. Passage out

17. Part of CD-ROM

18. Greek salad ingredient

20. Eve's youngest

21. Home healthcare worker (abbr.)

22. Rutabaga, for one

23. " ___ Was a Lady" (1930s tune)

25. Publicize

26. High-____ (on edge)

28. Special praise

33. "The Thin Man" co-star

34. Empire, to Germans

36. U.S.-Canada mil. acronym

37. Brought into play

39. Come in

41. 1,901, to Caesar

42. "Totally cool!"

44. Flogged

46. Cooperstown bldg.

47. "Oh, Lady, Be Good" writer

49. Like some sheets

51. Texas school initials

52. Kind of friend

53. Account of events

57. Saloon

58. Mae of film

61. Teenager

63. Dame of comedy

64. Like much fine wine

65. Legally old enough

66. Shakespearean king

67. Storage unit

68. One who roams about

69. Fort Bliss VIP

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

Down

1. Auction offers

2. Tom Joad, for example

3. Time not long past

4. Infamous site near Munich

5. Nightgown

6. Marry in a hurry

7. Accustom to solid food, e.g.

8. Tiny colonist

9. Maneuver

10. Lascivious look

11. Plow-pullers

12. Acapulco affirmative

13. Short distance

19. Another name for the Wyandot

24. Patient request (abbr.)

25. Was sore

26. Threw

27. "The better ____ you with, my dear!"

28. Be a part of, as a play

29. Herbert of the "Pink Panther" movies

30. Early calculator of pi

31. Pythias's pal

32. Impart knowledge to

35. "I didn't know he had it ___!"

38. The shakes (abbr.)

40. Turned (to)

43. Frequent site for flight layovers

45. "___ Rheingold" (Wagner opera)

48. Golfer Tom

50. Bathroom hangers

52. "___ Gong (Get It On)"

53. Broccoli ___

54. Innovative and daring

55. Keats, for one

56. Like some shoppes

57. Ceiling support

59. Stumbling block

60. Sour

62. Corp. exec

OF THE WEEK PETS

This is 2 yr old Jasper. He is good with other cats, playful, loves treats, feather wands, people & belly rubs, doesn’t

JASPER ROXY

mind being held and just a happy go lucky boy.

She is a beautiful Rottweiler/Lab mix that is friendly, well behaved, house trained, leash trained and loves to go on walks. Roxy would prefer to be an only animal because she doesn’t like other dogs getting in her face. If you have a chilled out dog, it could be a possibility. She would not be good with small kids due to her size/strength and No cats or chickens. She would love to be a part of your family. Bday 5/27/19. Roxy has

Neutered, current on vaccinations and microchipped. been spayed, current on vaccinations and microchipped. She needs an active family who can give her the exercise she needs that shelter life can’t give her consistently . Roxy has been at the Rescue for 1277 days and would love to be a part of YOUR family - please consider giving her the life she deserves because shelter life is making her sad. She and her puppy were surrendered together and he got adopted right away. Please come and meet this sweet girl

Last Week's Puzzle Answers

If you are interested in adopting :

"There are two times in a man's life when he should not speculate - when he can't afford it, and when he can.."

Dropquote:

"I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train."

THINGS TO DO THINGS TO DO

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 JUN 6TH

Tri-Cities Turtles Run Club

12:45pm at Yee-Haw Brewing Co.

Cow in Bloom Canvas Class 6:00pm at Into the FIre

FRIDAY JUN 7TH

Johnson City Love & Hiking Date For Couples (Self-Guided)

7:00am at Willow Springs Park

SATURDAY JUN 8TH

Johnson City Love & Hiking Date For Couples (Self-Guided)

7:00am at Willow Springs Park

Johnson City Farmers Market 8:00am at the Pavilion in Downtown Johnson City

Feast & Flower 10:00am at 112 Belmeade Drive, JC

Boomtown Improv

8:00pm at Wallace Theatre

BRISTOL

THURSDAY JUN 6TH

“Cutest Dog” Canvas Class 6:00 PM at Kil'n Time Contemporary Ceramics

FRIDAY JUN 7TH

“Cozy Camp” Canvas Class 6:00 PM at Kil'n Time Contemporary Ceramics

Goodbye State Street! 7:30pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

SATURDAY JUN 8TH

Board Game Night 5:00pm at Bristol Public Library

Goodbye State Street! 7:30pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

KINGSPORT

SATURDAY JUN 8TH

Farmer's Market 7:00am at Kingsport Farmers Market

Nature: Wolf Howling

10:00am at Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium

Smoky Mountain Terror 10:00am at MeadowView Convention Center

Brunch 11:30am at Gypsy Circus Cider Company

SUNDAY JUN 9TH

Smoky Mountain Terror 10:00am at MeadowView Convention Center

JONESBOROUGH

TUESDAYS

Jonesborough Storytelling Guild

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

WEDNESDAY JUNE 5TH

IBN Biz Lunch 11:30am at The Black Olive

SATURDAY JUN 8TH

Jonesborough Farmers Market 8:00am at Downtown Jonesborough

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

ABINGDON, VA

WEDNESDAY JUNE 5TH

Game Night 5:00pm at Abingdon Commons

Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

FRIDAY JUN 7TH

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

SUNDAY JUN 9TH

Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

ELIZABETHTON

THURSDAY JUN 6TH

Shop Late Thursdays 5:00 PM at Downtown Elizabethton

FRIDAY JUN 7TH

First Friday: Artsy Vibes 5:00 PM at Downtown Elizabethton

BLUFF CITY

SATURDAY JUN 8TH

Bluff City Farmers Market 9:00pm at Bluff City Ball Field

TUES. June 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th

BRIM & MARCI LEAL

WED. June 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th

HB BEVERLY

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

JUSTIN MYCHALS

WOOD FIRED PIZZA. BURGERS. DRINKS. & FUN.

PIG OUT MENU

Available for a Limited Time

HONEY SMOKIN’ PORK TACOS

ULTIMATE FRIED PORK

TENDERLOIN SANDWICH

PIG OUT SANDWICH

PIG OUT NACHOS

PIG OUT SALAD

Bike Nights

sponsored by biker wear

Local Events:

1. Thunder Valley National Drags June 7th – 9th

2. Blue Plum Festival downtown Johnson City, TN

June 7th – 9th

3. Twilight Alive June 14th Kingsport, TN 7pm

4. Bike, Car Truck Show at Black Wolf June 15th

5. 3rd Annual Fiddler’s Convention June 21st – 23rd

Washington County VA Fairgrounds

6. Twilight Alive June 21st Kingsport, TN 7pm

7. Twilight Alive June 28th Kingsport, TN

8. Country Thunder at Bristol Motor Speedway

June 28th & 29th

9. Hillbilly & Vet Pre-Party and Bike show 3pm -7pm July 20th at Wild Wings Café

10. Hillbilly & Vets Show & Shine July 26th – 27th Bike Nights:

Wednesday: 19E Pit Stop

Wednesday: Jonesborough VFW

Thursday: Darrell Waltrip

Thursday: Old Town Tavern

Friday: Tulips

June 22nd Biker Wear Bike Night at Wild Wings Café 7pm Rides:

1. 4th Annual Bryan K. Loan June 1st 9am KSU 10am at Botetourt Funeral Home

2. Hillbilly & Vets Ride to Maggie Valley July 27th meet at Jonesborough VFW 8am KSU 8:30am

Bike Rallies:

1. Ultimate Rally Back of the Dragon June 7th – 9th

2. 22nd June bug Boogie Bike Rally June 20th – 23rd Telco, TN

3. Thunder in the Smokies June 28th – 30th

Rides & Rallies

sponsored by biker wear

Beanz Biker Corner Beanz Biker Corner

Hello friends, how are you today?

The Blue Plum Festival in Johnson City is coming up, so I thought it would be nice to share a little history about the city and its festival. Since 1999, the familyfriendly music festival has brought the community together for local music in downtown Johnson City. This year, they celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Blue Plum Festival! We’ve heard it over and over: Blue Plum Festival is where summer begins. Why "Blue Plum?" The history of the organization’s name. Before Johnson City was a city, this little village was home to a post office in the 19th century called the Blue Plum Post Office. The post office — along with the rest of “Johnson’s Depot” in the village — was founded by entrepreneur Henry Johnson. The Blue Plum Post Office was located near the train stop at what’s now the corner of Buffalo Street and West State of Franklin Road. Johnson was postmaster and would later become the founder and namesake of modern-day Johnson City with its incorporation by the state in 1869. The Blue Plum Gives Back program began in 2020 as the organization was seeking ways to support the arts in Downtown Johnson City. When they were unable to have the festival in 2021

By Anne Hartley

due to COVID-19, they set aside $20,000 to support public programs, events and initiatives that stimulate art, music, and culture in the area. The first Blue Plum Gives Back project was to co-sponsor a mural with Johnson City Public Art, which was completed in late 2022. They also provided funding toward the Downtown Square Breezeway project through this program in 2020. Below are other projects Blue Plum Give Back has sponsored or partnered on!

William Bean, traditionally recognized as Tennessee's first white settler, built his cabin along Boone's Creek near Johnson City in 1769. In the 1780s, Colonel John Tipton (1730–1813) established a farm (now the TiptonHaynes State Historic Site) just outside what is now Johnson City. During the State of Franklin movement, Tipton was a leader of the loyalist faction, residents of the region who wanted to remain part of North Carolina rather than form a separate state. In February 1788, an armed engagement took place at Tipton's farm between Tipton and his men, and the forces led by John Sevier, the leader of the Franklin faction. Founded in 1856 by Henry Johnson as a railroad station called "Johnson's Depot", Johnson City became a major rail hub for the Southeast, as three railway lines crossed in the downtown area. During the 1920s and the Prohibition era, Johnson City's ties to the bootlegging activity of the Appalachian Mountains earned the city the nickname of "Little Chicago". Stories persist that the town was one of several distribution centers for Chicago gang boss Al Capone during Prohibition. Capone had a wellorganized distribution network within the southern United States for alcohol smuggling; it shipped his products from the mountain distillers to northern cities. Capone was, according to local lore, a part-time resident of Montrose Court, a luxury apartment complex now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

There is a lot of history in our area. It’s always nice to look back into the past and get a better understanding. Never too old to learn something.

Useless Facts:

1. Cotton Candy Was Invented in TN Almost 120 Years Ago

2. The First Moon Pie Was Made in Tennessee as A Lunchtime Snack

3. Tennessee Is the Birth Place of Mountain Dew

4. Tennessee Is Landlocked by Eight States

5. The First-Ever Tow Trucks Were Made in TN

Full Moons of 2024

1. Strawberry Moon on Friday, June 21 - 9:10 pm

2. Buck Moon on Sunday, July 21 - 6:19 am

3. Sturgeon Moon on Monday, August 19 - 2:28 pm

4. Harvest Moon on Wednesday September 18 - 10:36 pm

5. Hunters Moon on Thursday October 17 -7:27 am

6. Beaver Moon on Friday November 15 - 4:29 pm

7. Cold Moon on Sunday December 15 - 4:02 am

Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park

JUNE 2024 EVENTS

Spring Knap-In at Fort Watauga

Saturday, June 1

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Knapping – with a “K”– has nothing to do with sleep! Knapping is the art of making stone tools. Watch skilled craftspeople make arrowpoints, spear points and other early survival tools. There will also be demonstrations of bow and arrow and atlatl throughout the day. Free Admission!

National Trails Day Hike

Saturday, June 1

10:00 PM

Admission: Free! Max: 12

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

Join us as we celebrate National Trails Day with a hike! Please dress accordingly for weather and bring a water bottle. This hike will begin in the picnic area beside the Visitors Center. Program is subject to cancellation due to inclement weather. Portions of the walk will include ground that may not be flat or solid for people with mobility challenges. Meet in the picnic area beside the Visitor Center.

English Country Dancing with the Sabine Hill Social Society

Sunday, June 2

1:30 PM – 4:00 PM

Dancing was a very popular social pastime in early America. Beginners

and seasoned dancers alike are all welcome to learn early 19th century dances. Open to anyone, with or without experience or a partner. Free admission! Meet in the Visitor Center Gathering Room.

Carter Mansion Guided Tours

Tuesday – Saturday, June 4-8, 18-22 10:00 AM

Tuesday – Saturday, June 11-15, 25-29 1:30 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 Seasonal Interpreter Miguel Parrilla for a tour of Tennessee’s oldest frame house! Enjoy the beauty of this elegant frontier home and learn the history of the Carter family who built it between 1775 and 1780.

The John and Landon Carter Mansion is located at 1031 Broad Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643.

Accessibility to the home includes steps and an interior staircase.

Sabine Hill Guided Tours

Tuesday – Saturday, June 4-8, 18-22 1:30 PM

Tuesday – Saturday, June 11-15, 25-29 10:00 AM

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 Seasonal Interpreter Abby Hikade 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. During your tour you will have the opportunity to 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.

Sabine Hill is located at 2328 West G Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643.

Accessibility to the home includes steps and an interior staircase. Please note, only portable toilet facilities are available.

Liberty: The Saga of Sycamore ShoalsOur 45th Year!

Friday & Saturday - June 7-8; 14-15 8:00 PM

Thursday, Friday, & SaturdayJune 20-22; 27-29 8:00 PM

Tennessee’s official outdoor drama presented by local performers against the backdrop of Fort Watauga. See the Revolution through the eyes of the Overmountain Men: colonists who defied British law and settled west of the blue ridge. These settlers formed an

independent government, made treaties with the Cherokee, defended their homes, and fought the epic battle of King’s Mountain. Presented in the Fort Watauga Amphitheater, bleacher style seating. Sponsored by Friends of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park. Admission Charge. Purchase tickets online at friendsofsycamoreshoals.org/Liberty

Artisan in Residence Series: Hooked Rugs with Karen Keyworth

Saturday, June 15 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Hooked rugs were introduced to America by early colonists and are created by pulling loops of fabric or yarn through a firm woven base such as linen or burlap. It was a popular home craft for many and provided a use for fabric scraps and usable bits of worn-out clothing. Designs ranged from uncomplicated geometric shapes to intricate bird and tree motifs. Join Karen Keyworth in the Visitor Center lobby to learn more about this early American tradition. Free Admission!

Old Time Music Jam

Sunday, June 23

1:30 PM – 4:00 PM

Enjoy the rich musical traditions of our region. Old time musicians of all levels are welcome. Don’t play an instrument? Come on over, kick back, and enjoy the tunes. Free Admission! Visitors Center Hours:

Your Different World

Have you ever stopped to notice that your social media feed has a whole different feel than the people around you?

Your feed reflects the world as you choose to see it. You have control over which sources you receive content from, which may vary greatly from anyone else in your circle. You can choose from a variety of news sources and see different life updates from friends. You may see news first or hear about it from others who have chosen different news sources. You may see positive or negative updates, but your feed reflects the current state of your world.

Unlike traditional advertising that shows a specific ad to a whole viewing area, social

By Wendy Hayden socialsentiments

media advertising is targeted based on web browsing patterns. The websites you visit and the products you search for are all collected in a database that creates relevant social media ads targeted specifically to your tastes. Traditional advertising may show you irrelevant products or services based on your area, whereas social media advertising is targeted specifically to your interests and needs.

Social media algorithms provide the ability to change the look and feel of your feed as your world changes. Periodically assess your news sources, friends lists, and advertising preferences to ensure that your feed accurately depicts the world you wish to see.

Saturday May 11

Saturday June 22

Adapted for stage by David Birney

Directed by Chris McVey

On the Road but Falling off Track

Having spent a great deal of my life in the service industry, a lot of the clientele I serviced were traveling for business. Spending my evenings grinding away behind a bar, ankle deep in spilled drinks and growing increasingly numb to the theatrics of under-socialized and over-served patrons, I would daydream about how glamorous the lives and jobs of these on-the-go folks must be; working in a different city every day, meeting new and exciting people along the way from all over the world and bedding down every evening to the turn-down service and freshly fluffed pillows of fancy hotels. It seemed like the perfect opposite to the monotony of my own hum-drum existence, slinging the same drinks to the same faces in the same town I’d woken up in every day of my life. But the old adage of “careful what you wish for” is ringing quite true in my ears these days, as I’ve finally achieved my goal of a career in motion and it’s not exactly the globe-trotting, fast paced existence of glitz and glamour that I’d imagined. In fact, the more I’m on the road, the more I seem to be falling off track.

While I’ve never been more satisfied or motivated career-wise, I unfortunately feel like I’ve not been this physically unhealthy in almost a decade. When it comes to matters of diet and fitness, I definitely thrive in monotony, only maintaining consistency in routine. It’s far easier to get in daily workouts when I’m waking up and going to sleep at the same time every day, just as it’s far less stressful to meal plan and prep when my weekly schedule never changes. And it’s always easiest to

manage life from the comfort and convenience of your own home.

These days I’m lucky if I’m home in Franklin for more than 6 days at a time. My territory covers the entirety of Kentucky and 2/3 of the state of Tennesse (basically everything east of Jackson), which keeps me on the road at least half the month. And the reality is, instead of visiting famous landmarks and seeing the best each city has to offer, I take in a lot of ugly evergreens dotting the side of the interstate while I try not to be killed by 18 wheelers or pulled over for responding to emails while speeding. And the only siteseeing I’m doing mainly consists of observing local wildlife browsing the shelves of various liquor stores in their natural habitats across the South. Those “fancy” hotels are actually the best money can buy at a corporate rate that fits my company budget while still featuring a bar, and the “new and exciting people to meet” are few and far between. For the most part once I make it to a bar at the end of the day, famished and exhausted from 8-12 hours of selling and managing a team of 5 across a 500+ mile radius, the last thing I want to do is make small talk with a stranger, and even if I wanted to, they usually have their eyes glued to their cell phone scrolling on social media which makes it impossible. So instead I have a drink on an empty stomach, which instantly drops my inhibitions regarding dietary discipline or sticking to “just 1 cocktail,” order way too much greasy, carby food, and immediately hit the bed after, giving my body no opportunity to burn even a single calorie I just took in. I have to wake up entirely too early due to maximizing my time in the market, so instead of being able to set my alarm an hour early to get

in my usual morning cardio, I lie there hitting snooze until the last possible moment. I’m eaten up with heartburn and indigestion and trapped in a seated position the majority of the day which makes my hips, neck and lower back ache. The stress of nonstop communication with my team while simultaneously executing tastings and events keeps me in a constant elevated state of anxiety and now that is causing me to experience panic attacks. High stress increases cortisol production which leads to fat retention, making the weight thing practically impossible to combat.

But even as I’m typing all this, at the end of the day I know regardless of how busy I am it’s still just excuses. The fact of the matter is, I’m not making my health a priority and it should be the top one. I already know how chaotic the scheduling on the road is and should prepare accordingly. Instead of worrying about whether or not the hotel features a bar and restaurant, I should check to see if there are inroom refrigerators and microwaves and pre-pack as many portioned meals as I can fit in a cooler. That way I’m able to eat on the go during the day and not starve myself until 7pm. And instead of ending my evenings with a cocktail, I need to be moving my body and getting my blood flowing after a long day of sitting in the car. Every hotel has a gym, so there’s no excuse for missing cardio at the very least. And most of all, if I’m lonely at the end of the day and really feel desperate for human connection, I have to remind myself that the chances of meeting someone new and exciting are just as good on my days off or while I’m working events and opt for a good night’s sleep instead.

Life on the road isn’t all bad. It’s definitely never boring and I

by Kathie Scalf

work for an amazing company representing a product I love that practically sells itself. The connections and experiences I’m making within the industry will last a lifetime and at the end of the day, I’m selling booze not curing cancer; it’s not that serious. It’s a fun job where we reward working hard with playing even harder. I just need to ensure I’m managing myself as much as I am other people, and holding myself to the same high standards and no BS excuses. Money is great, but it means nothing when you run your health into the ground.

Here’s to looking toward a better few weeks ahead, as I’ll be trying out my new healthier road life from the 6th-16th everywhere from Louisville to Lawrenceberg to Loudon and beyond. Hope you have a healthy, happy, productive week guys!

XO - Kathie

The character of Willy Wonka has appeared on the big screen in two films, one released in 1971 and the other in 2005. The character is back in "Wonka", starring the actor who has taken the box office by storm, Timothee Chalamet. The new film is described as a musical/fantasy/comedy, and it certainly fits the bill. The film is the story of Wonka's early days before his chocolate factory, and he is presented as an aspiring inventor, chocolatier and musician. Wonka arrives at the Galeries Gourmet, full of businesses selling chocolate, with the desire to start his own house of chocolate. After he arrives, Wonka and his small savings soon depart, and he is taken to Mrs. Scrubitt's (Olivia Colman) boarding house by a henchman. As he is signing a contract to stay at the boarding house, Wonka is warned by an orphan named Noodle (Calah Lane) that he should read the fine print on the papers. Wonka signs on without reading the contract, and will pay the price. When he is able to leave

By Ken Silvers theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com

WONKA

the boarding house, he goes to the area of city where the chocolate store are to introduce "hoverchocs", a chocolate that causes people to float. After the demonstration, Wonka sells out of the magical chocolate, but has his earnings taken by rival chocolatiers Slugworthn (Paterson Joseph), Prodnose (Matt Lucas) and Fickelgruber (Mathew Baynton). The rival chocolatiers are so jealous and threatened by Wonka they have the corrupt Chief of Police (Keagan-Michael Key) aid in the confiscation of Wonka's earnings. After all his earnings are taken, Wonka is unable to pay the high fees of staying at the boarding house, and is forced to work in Scrubbitt's laundry with Noodles and several other captives. While working in the laundry, Wonka reveals his late mother was the inspiration for his chocolate, and believes his creations are being stolen by a mysterious little orange man, which is discovered to be Lofty (Hugh Grant), an Oompa Loompa, mischievous small humans who love cocoa beans and love to play practical jokes. Meanwhile, the city's "chocolate cartel", threatened by Wonka's more affordable and better chocolate, uses the chocolate loving Chief of Police to intimidate Wonka. While in the boarding house, Noodles has been teaching the illiterate Wonka to read, and the two devise a plan to take down the cartel and the corrupt police chief. Of course the plan is successful and Wonka and his friends open the chocolate store he has always dreamed

of. However, unable to use the police to continue to intimidate Wonka, the cartel sabotages Wonka's chocolate, resulting in the destruction of Wonka's store, and his forced departure from the city. Despite being forced out of the city, Wonka and his boarding house friends devise a plan to take down the crooked cartel, which proved successful, even resulting in a reunion between Noodles and her long lost mother. After his success, Wonka is able to turn an abandoned castle into his soon to be famous chocolate factory, with Lofty as

his tasting chef. While the film does contain musical numbers, they are not overused, and add to the colorfulness of the film. The film is magical, has plenty of humor and heart in revealing Wonka's origin. While Chalamet isn't the best singer in the world, he is fine in his vocal efforts and makes the film flow with his charm and charisma. "Wonka" is a blast of eye candy the entire family can enjoy. (Rated PG)

Bristol

CONCERT SCHEDULE CONCERT SCHEDULE

GREENVILLE

BRISTOL TN/VA GREENEVILLE TN

PARAMOUNT

Jun 1 Mac McAnally (sold out)

Jun 20 Steve Earle

Jul 18 The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

Aug 2 Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band

Aug 17 Ozark Mountain Daredevils

Sep 28 Dusty Slay (two shows)

Oct 4 Destination Soultown featuring the Sensational Soul Cruisers

COUNTRY THUNDER MUSIC FESTIVAL

Jun 28-29 Cody Johnson, Hardy, Bailey Zimmerman, Lonestar, Trace Adkins, Priscilla Block, Shenandoah, Travis Denning, Jake Worthington, Josh Ross, Emily Ann Roberts.

BRISTOL RHYTHM & ROOTS REUNION

Sep 13-15 Ashley McBryde, The Wallflowers, The Red Clay Strays, Sam Bush, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, The Steeldrivers, 49 Winchester and more.

JOHNSON CITY

JOHNSON CITY TN

MARTIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Aug 17 The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA

Spp 28 Black Jacket Symphony will perform will perform Elton John’s Madman Across The Water

Oct 7 Ben Folds

FREEDOM HALL

Aug 16 Jamey Johnson

Oct 20 Whiskey Myers

Kingsport

RED WHITE AND BOOM

Jul 6 The Marshall Tucker Band and The Cleverlys

FUN FEST AT J. FRED JOHNSON STADIUM

Jul 25 Crowder

Jul 26 Tyler Hubbard, Emily Ann Roberts & Carson Peters

Jul 27 Goo Goo Dolls with Phillip Phillips

NISWONGER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Jul 19 Dugger Band

MARION VA

THE LINCOLN THEATRE

Jun 15 Mark Lowry & Friends with Endless Highway and The Sound

Jun 21 Zach Rushing with Cletus T. Judd

Jun 22 The Piano Men Tribute to Billy Joel & Elton John

Aug 24 Landslide: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac

Oct 19 & 20 Gene Watson

Nov 8 Killer Beaz

Nov 16 Rhonda Vincent & The Rage

Knoxville

KNOXVILLE TN

BIJOU THEATRE

Jun 14 Kevin Smith

Jun 21 Lucinda Williams

Jul 13 Rob Schneider

Jul 14 Tab Benoit & Anders Osborne

Aug 9 Sister Hazel

Aug 16 Kimberly Perry & Tanner Adell

Oct 26 Henry Cho

Oct 27 Robin Trower

Nov 8 Gaelic Storm

TENNESSEE THEATRE

Jun 8 Brad Williams

Jul 9 Brit Floyd: P.U.L.S.E.

Jul 13 1964 The Tribute

Jul 18 Ben Folds

THOMPSON BOWLING ARENA

July 14 The Doobie Brothers with Robert Cray

Aug 24 Heart and Cheap Trick

Sept 12 Hootie and the Blowfish with Collective Soul and Edwin McCain

Oct 5 Aerosmith and The Black Crowes

Oct 25 Jelly Roll

Nov 19 Justin Timberlake

KNOXVILLE CIVIC AUDITORIUM:

Jun 12 Josh Gates

Jun 13 Matt Rife

Jun 29 David Spade

Oct 10 Air Supply

Oct 26 Dusty Slay

KNOXVILLE CIVIC COLISEUM:

Jul 25 Jordan Davis

Oct 3 Brantley Gilbert

GATLINBURG

GATLINBURG TN

THE MOUNTAIN MUSIC FESTIVAL AT GATLINBURG CONVENTION CENTER

Aug 23-25 Joan Jett, Tesla, Night Ranger, Foghat, Aldo Nova, Slaughter, Quiet Riot, Lynch Mob, Great White, Dangerous Toys, Vixen and many more.

Nashville

NASHVILLE TN

RYMAN AUDITORIUM

Jun 13 The Del McCoury Band

Jun 15 Hauser

Jun 21 & 22 Blackberry Smoke

Jun 30 The Alan Parsons Live Project

Jul 10 Dave Barnes

Jul 17 Asia

Jul 20 Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox

Jul 24 Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks with special guests The Return o Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Jul 25 Ricky Scaggs & Kentucky Thunder

Jul 29 Donnie Osmond

Aug 9 America

Aug 16 Ozark Mountain Daredevils

Aug 18 Joe Bonamassa

Aug 22 The Turtles, The Cowsills, The Association and others

Aug 28 Steve Earle

Aug 29 Terri Clark

Aug 30 Passenger

Sep 4-6 The Red Clay Strays

Sep 23 The Beach Boys

BRIDGESTONE ARENA

Jun 14 Luis Miguel

Jun 23 Alanis Morissette, Joan Jett & Morgan Wade

Jul 19 Alabama

Jul 21 Sebastian Maniscalco

Jul 27 Hootie and the Blowfish with Collective Soul and Edwin McCain

Aug 6 Future & Metro Bloomin

Aug 9 & 10 Chris Stapleton

Aug 14 Five Finger Death Punch with Marilyn Manson and Slaughter To Prevail

Aug 20 Earth Wind & Fire with Chicago

Aug 27 Glass Animals

Aug 28 Sammy Hagar and Loverboy

BROOKLYN BOWL

June 16 Kings X

Aug 6 10CC

NASHVILLE MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM

Aug 9 Bush with Jerry Cantrell and Candlebox

Sep 28 Megadeth with Mudvayne and All That Remains

Oct 26 Judah & The Lion

ASCEND AMPHITHEATRE

Jun 6-8 2024 CMA Fest

Jun 22 Cypress Hill

Jun 29 Sarah McLachlan

Jul 12 Styx, Foreigner and John Waite

Jul 13 Lake Street Dive

Aug 2 Boys II Men

Aug 3 Thirty Seconds to Mars

Aug 6 Tate McRae

Aug 13 Creed with Tonic and Finger Eleven

Aug 20 Wallows

Aug 31 King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard

GEODIS PARK IN NASHVILLE:

Aug 30 Green Day, Smashing Pumpkins, Rancid & the Linda Lindas

BROWN COUNTY MUSIC CENTER

Jun 2 John Anderson acoustic

Jun 16 Bachman Turner Overdrive

Jun 22 Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs

Jul 27 Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band

Aug 1 Night Ranger

Aug 2 Taylor Hicks

Aug 22 Cinderella’s Tom Keiger Band

Aug 24 & 25 Aaron Lewis Acoustic

Aug 30 Crowder

I went to a wedding recently. People do invite me to such things from time to time, it’s always nice as it gives me a chance to pick from the somewhat large number of bow ties I own. Though there was that one awkward time when I accidentally out-dressed the groom, that’s a risk you take when you invite Andy Ross to your nuptials. The wedding was at a wedding venue. I’m sure you can picture it in your mind without my having to describe it to you.

It was once farmland, now it’s rolling hills and grassy fields. There’s a manmade lake/pond, or if it wasn’t manmade they added water features to the existing one. There were two areas for the wedding to occur, with a pre-fab, metal barn-like structure that served as the reception hall. As someone in a polo shirt with the name of the venue on it directed me towards which of the two “Hitchin’ Arenas” where the wedding was going to occur, I saw something that filled me with dread.

Benches. Thick planks that were bought from Lowe’s, painted black, and screwed into two stumpy tree logs. No back. No back at all. Having just come off of a three-week run of performances, being tired as hell,

Batteries

Not Included

By Andy Ross

The Bench Warmer

and generally having a body that is breaking down on the regular, this did not improve morale. I sat on a bench, near the aisle. I needed this as I’m tall and my long legs sometimes need room. I regretted it almost immediately.

The bench was hard and uncomfortable, with no support of any kind. I don’t know who thought it was a good idea. Was it supposed to be a sort of “rustic charm?” The view was very pretty from the bench, but having arrived there early to get good parking, I spent almost 45 minutes on it before the wedding began. It began in my knees, a slowbuilding aching. That soon moved to my feet, causing me to shift my legs a lot.

The pain then moved into my lower back. There was still 15 minutes to go before the wedding began. I started to squirm, it was awful.

“If I can just make it through this wedding surely there will be some better chairs in the metal barn,” I told myself. The prayers that took place during the ceremony were sweet, but they went on a little too long for a man who was suffering on a terrible bench.

The happy couple kissed, everyone walked away, and I shot up off of that bench like I had just been struck by lightning. My body ached and creaked as I made my way into the reception hall. I was so happy at the thought of a chair with a real back on it. I walked into the pre-fab barn with thoughts of food and lumbar support. The joy dissipated when I saw the seats in the hall. They had back, but they were cheap-looking. It was hard to tell if they were made from highly varnished wood or plastic. The chairs were packed in around

long tables, it was cramped, and though my back had some relief, I was still sore and ready to go home. I stayed for the food, it was fine. I greeted the people I needed to greet. I didn’t stay to dance, as I reached a point where my body and brain said “We are done, time to go.” I slowly stood, I felt the sound of my body needing WD-40, like a carousel that needs to be badly serviced or retired.

I took myself home, drew a hot bath, and got in. I almost fell asleep in the tub. I was tired and sore, and I hope to never go to a wedding at a place that doesn’t have decent seating ever again. Reader, if you’re looking for a place to have a wedding, make sure the chairs have backs. Your guests will thank you. See you next week.

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