The Loafer 129

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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

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!

How is everyone doing with the back to school process? Are the kids getting back into the groove of getting up early and doing homework? The cover of this issue reminds us to take care of ourselves. I encourage you to nurture yourselves not just physically but mentally and spiritually. I talked all Summer about hydrating but we all need to hydrate and brains and souls all year. I hope that you have a wonderful week! Thank you for your continued support!

Bristol TN/Va

WEDNESDAY Aug 14th

Mick Kyte 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

THURSDAY Aug 15th

Elvis & the Coupe DeVilles

7:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Sounds of Summer:

The Hired Guns 7:00pm at Downtown Center

FRIDAY Aug 16th

The Royal Hounds 7:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Jared Bentley 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

JP Parsons

8:00pm at The Corner

Marques Puckett & 8 Second Ride

10:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Momma Molasses Band

10:00pm at O’Mainnin’s Pub

SATURDAY Aug 17th

Seth McKay & The Moonshine Rivals 7:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Cardinal Folk 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

TJ Darnell

8:00pm at The Corner

Cash Crop 10:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Honey Badgers

10:00pm at O’Mainnin’s Pub

MONDAY Aug 19th

Anthony Childress 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

TUESDAY Aug 20th

Sounds of Summer: Nobody’s Business 7:00pm at Downtown Center

Johnson City

WEDNESDAY Aug 14th

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

HB Beverly 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

THURSDAY Aug 15th

Justin Mychaels 6:30pm at Rocks Wood FIred Pizza

FRIDAY Aug 16th

Jeff Lane 6:30pm at Rocks Wood FIred Pizza

Dan Herrell & The Troubadours

8:00pm at Tulip’s Grub & Pub

Brownlow | Paranoia | Cherry Gold 10:00pm at Capone’s

SATURDAY Aug 17th

Julie Williams & The Hired Guns 8:00pm at Tulip’s Grub & Pub

Orchid Thief | The Half that Matters | Honeyknife 10:00pm at Capone’s

SUNDAY Aug 19th

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

TUESDAY Aug 29th

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

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

Kingsport

THURSDAY Aug 15th

Shooter Band 7:00pm at Lakeview Marina

FRIDAY Aug 16th

Seth McKay 7:00pm at Lakeview Marina

Jusfine 7:00pm at Model City Tap House

Adrian Bundy & His Honkytonk Hearts 9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

SATURDAY Aug 17th

8 Second Ride 7:00pm at Lakeview Marina

Nancy Pauley’s Benefit w/ Three Miles South 9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

SUNDAY Aug 18th

Jason Lloyd 7:00pm at Lakeview Marina

Elizabethton

FRIDAY Aug 16th

Josh Grapes

6:00pm at Jiggy Rays

SATURDAY Aug 17th

Victor Lawson and Boogie Chillen

7:00pm at Elizabethton

Covered Bridge Jams

Ryder Casey

8:00pm at Jiggy Ray’s Abingdon, VA

SATURDAY Aug 17th

George Tyner 4:00pm at Abingdon Vineyards

SUNDAY Aug 18th

Josh Bowles, Tom Zeske III and Special Guests 2:00pm at Abingdon Vineyards

2024 Famous Autumn Steam Train Excursion through Smoky Mountains

On Saturday, September 14th, 2024 the Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society and Museum will sponsor a steam train excursion on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. This is a wonderful opportunity to relax and enjoy the beauty of Western North Carolina while riding the rails behind a steam engine in vintage passenger railroad cars.

The #1702 locomotive dates to 1943. The engine’s construction was an official commissioned WWII steam engine plan. It is of the world’s largest engine class, and is one of two remaining in the United States.

The one-day excursion will cover most of the operating trackage of the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. The track follows the route of the former Southern Railway’s Murphy Branch Line, established in 1891, with its five percent grade and many bridges. Our scenic steam excursion takes us from the historic depot

in Bryson City, NC, through the beautiful countryside of Western North Carolina, into the breath-taking Nantahala Gorge surrounded by the majestic Smokies, and back to Bryson City. Much of the route hugs the banks of the Little Tennessee and Nantahala Rivers. It crosses Fontana Lake on a trestle spanning 780 feet 100 feet above the lake.

Video clip online at: www.wataugavalleynrhs.org.

Passengers ride in comfort in First Class, Crown Class, Tourist Coach, or Open-Air cars. All classes offer seating in classic antique restored passenger cars. There are restrooms throughout the train.

First Class cars are climatecontrolled and feature large windows and lounge-car seating.

Crown Class cars offer large windows and climate control for passenger comfort.

Tourist Coach Class cars have ceiling fans and windows that open and close for fresh-air viewing.

Open-Air Coach cars are great for picture-taking and “experiencing” the ride and scenery.

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad has become a favorite of film producers over the years. The train wreck scene in the 1993 movie, The Fugitive, starring Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones, was filmed along the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. The railroad was used in the filming of the 1996 comedy, My Fellow Americans, starring Jack Lemmon and James Gardner, when they stumble onto a charter train full of UNC-Chapel Hill fans headed for the NCAA Final Four. Train scenes in the 1998 movie, Forces of Nature, starring Ben Affleck and Sandra Bullock, were also filmed on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.

TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING

Bryson City is a laid-back, nontouristy town of 1,300 with more stop signs than stoplights. It is an easily stroll-able town with local bookstores, arts and crafts galleries with working artisans, a bike shop, two fly fishing shops, a fly-fishing museum, an historical museum, an aquarium, a scenic train, two breweries, and a surprising variety of restaurants. Bryson City is only 10 miles from the famous Cherokee Indian Reservation. [Information re lodging in the Bryson City area is available on-line.]

Passengers have two options for arrival at the Bryson City Train Depot: they may either ride a chartered tour bus out of Johnson City, TN, or drive

directly to Bryson City, NC, if that is more convenient. Please select point of departure on the order form when purchasing tickets. NOTE: Free parking is provided in Johnson City and Bryson City.

TICKETS

First Class ticket price is $185/ adult [ADULTS 21 AND OVER Y]

Crown Class ticket price is $126/ adult and $98/child [2 -12]

Tourist Coach Class ticket price is $110/adult and $88/child [2-12]

Open-Air Coach Class ticket price is $112/adult $877/child [2-12]

All classes of excursion tickets include free admission to the Smoky Mountain Lionel Train Museum near the Bryson City depot. The museum boasts a collection of 7,000 Lionel engines, cars and accessories, and an impressive operating layout and children’s activity center.

Tickets and pre-purchased meals must be ordered online by credit card at:

www.wataugavalleynrhs.org/. Click on the EXCURSIONS link

There’s nothing like riding behind steam! Steam excursions sell out quickly. Order soon so you don’t miss out!

The excursion runs rain or shine. Every effort will be made to maintain an on-time schedule. The Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society & Museum assumes no liability due to passengers not arriving on time at the Bryson City Depot.

Questions about the trip? Go to www.wataugavalleynrhs. org, or email: wataugavalley@gmail.com

Why a Healthier Mouth Equals a Healthier You

Better oral health is strongly linked to better overall health, helping you speak properly, eat healthfully, and prevent certain infections and disease. According to experts, it all starts with preserving your natural teeth.

“Your natural teeth are not disposable. They are designed to last a lifetime,” says Dr. Natasha M. Flake, president of the American Association of Endodontists (AAE). “Taking steps to preserve your teeth is fundamental to a healthy mouth, a healthy body and a happy life.”

Unfortunately, millions of U.S. adults don’t have

dental insurance, and many low-income adults lack the means to acquire dental services. As a result, they may forgo preventive care and even emergency care when issues arise.

“Delaying or avoiding care can cause a snowball effect of additional oral health and systemic health issues,” says Dr. Flake. “Even a minor oral infection can escalate into a life-threatening situation if left untreated.”

In an effort to urge Americans to get timely oral health care, the AAE has launched a multipronged campaign highlighting the link between oral

health and overall health. The campaign includes digital billboards in Times Square, advocacy messages in building lights, and pop-up educational events where free dental care kits are distributed.

Many AAE members even provide free root canal treatments to those in need through organized free root canal days. Flake points out how critical this service is.

“All too often, the default treatment for infection and tooth decay is tooth extraction,” says Dr. Flake. “The truth is that we can do better for all patients, particularly those in underserved communities. In fact, outreach efforts funded by the Foundation for Endodontics help patients in underserved communities receive much-needed dental care and save their teeth.”

Endodontists are highly skilled dental specialists in diagnosing and treating tooth pain. When performing root canals, they use the latest in 3D imaging and advanced technology to put safety first and reduce the risk of infection. With 25 million procedures performed every year, root canal treatments are safe, convenient and widely recommended. To locate a nearby endodontist, visit the AAE’s useful patient tool findmyendodontist.com.

If you’re experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity, don’t delay your care. Visit an endodontist to protect your smile and your health.

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

DROP QUOTE

1. Lobster-eaters' accessories

5. Football great Favre

10. Australia's lang.

14. Opera highlight

15. Uncle of storytelling

16. More than a little

17. First streaker?

19. Words in the middle of a noted palindrome

20. Handel inspiration

21. Traveled by plane

22. Poem used in Beethoven's "Choral Symphony"

26. Smallest amount

30. Suit specialists

34. Commencement

35. Hockey defenseman Paul

36. Legislative vote

Arthur Hays Sulzberger

37. "You got it"

39. Win over

42. Wallach or Whitney

43. Grazing grounds

47. Came into being

48. Purse taker

51. Al ___ (firm)

52. Infamous Dutch spy

54. Tolerated

57. Claim

62. "____ Misbehavin'"

63. Plain and simple

66. Miss, in Marseilles: Abbr.

67. Make butter the oldfashioned way

68. Off-roaders, familiarly

69. Interstellar dist.

70. Dirty and unkempt

71. 10th-grader, for short

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

Down

1. Medicinal ointment

2. Hymn word

3. Presidential runs

4. Verbalizes

5. Expansive

6. Lucille Ball, e.g.

7. British recording co.

8. 8 options, on ATMs

9. Dept. of Homeland Security org.

10. Crabtree partner

11. Fiddler while Rome burned

12. Sprouted

13. "____ Eyes"

(song by The Eagles)

18. Influential pre-Renaissance

Florentine artist

21. Pro

23. Communication system for the deaf

24. Not Rx

25. Comedian's bit

26. Asocial sort

27. ___ Gay (WWII bomber)

28. Tomato gelatin

29. Pastor's speech (abbr.)

31. Keep an ___ (watch closely)

32. Bakers get a rise out of it

33. Eastern wrap

38. Dab with absorbent paper

40. Bottommost points

41. Dr. of rap music

44. Pitcher's stat

45. Former ember

46. Where ships come in

49. Actor, at times

50. Dined on

53. Like undercooked eggs

54. One of two O.T. books

55. Pinball-machine word

56. Sole

58. "Split" soup ingredients

59. Fully aware of

60. Request for a response, briefly

61. Keyboardist John

63. ATM manufacturer

64. "___ wise guy, eh!"

65. Fruitcake

OF THE WEEK PETS

Admiral Adorable is a playful explorer who loves to chase toys and snuggle up for naps. She‘s an 8 month old beautiful Tabby that brings joy and warmth to every moment,

Admiral PEPPER Adorable

sweet, affectionate and ready for her forever home! Admiral Adorable is microchipped, up to date on all vaccines and spayed, ensuring she’s healthy and ready for adoption.

There are 5 Baby Goats hidden in this issue

Meet Pepper, the lovable mixed breed with beautiful speckles and a tail with a white tip, is seeking a forever home.

She is Sweet as syrup! Pepper is a tail wagging bundle of love that weighs 59 lbs, plays well with other dogs,

spayed, vaccinated, microchipped, heart worm tested negative and ready to bring joy to your days. She will also sit for treats and is very trainable. If you’re up for a lot of love, adopt Pepper and let the adventures begin!!! Bday 12/3/22.

If you are interested in adopting :

Last Week's Puzzle Answers

Sudoku

Crossword

Cryptogram:

"The more man meditates upon good thoughts, the better will be his world and the world at large."

Dropquote:

"Describing the Internet as the Network of Networks is like calling the Space Shuttle a thing that flies."

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 AUG 15TH

Tri-Cities Turtles Run Club 12:45pm at Yee-Haw Brewing Co.

FRIDAY AUG 16TH

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

7:00am at Willow Springs Park

SATURDAY AUG 17TH

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

Improv Open Mic

8:00pm at Wallace Theatre

BRISTOL

WEDNESDAY AUG 14TH

Bristol Bloom Collective | All Local Flower Market 9:00am at West State Studio

THURSDAY AUG 15TH

Weekly Trunk Show 5:00pm at LUMAC Rooftop Bar

FRIDAY AUG 16TH

Grand Opening 7:00pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

SATURDAY AUG 17TH

Board Game Night 5:00pm at Bristol Public Library

Grand Opening 8:00pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

KINGSPORT

SATURDAY AUG 17TH

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

Nature: Wolf Howling 10:00am at Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium

Brunch 11:30am at Gypsy Circus Cider Company

JONESBOROUGH

TUESDAYS

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

SATURDAY AUG 17TH

Jonesborough Farmers Market 8:00am at Downtown Jonesborough

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

ABINGDON, VA

WEDNESDAY AUG 14TH

Game Night 5:00pm at Abingdon Commons

Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

FRIDAY AUG 16TH

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

SUNDAY AUG 18TH

Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

BLUFF CITY

SATURDAY AUG 17TH

Bluff City Farmers Market

9:00pm at Bluff City Ball Field

Candy Land Christmas Trees On Sale Aug. 19

Candy Land Christmas trees will go on sale beginning Monday, Aug. 19 at 9 a.m.

Candy Land Christmas features over 180 natural trees decorated by area businesses and non-profit organizations. The holiday trees will span downtown, transforming King Commons to Cupcake Commons and Founders Park to the Gumdrop Forest.

The cost for each tree is $200. There are 40 trees reserved for non-profit organizations that cost $150 each. All trees are offered on

a first-come, first-served basis.

For details on how to reserve a tree, visit www.downtownjctn.com/candyland.

Interested participants are encouraged to sign up for the e-newsletter and to follow Downtown Johnson City on Instagram: www.instagram.com/downtownjctn/ and Facebook: www.facebook.com DowntownJohnsonCity for event notifications.

Act fast … trees will not last!

Bike Nights

sponsored by biker wear

Local Events:

1.. Twilight Alive July 19th Kingsport, TN

2. Hillbilly & Vet Pre-Party July 20th

7pm Wild Wings Café

3. Hillbilly & Vet Car & Bike July 20th

3pm – 7pm Wild Wings Café

4. 3rd Annual Tri-Cities Takeover August 25th

Bike Nights:

Wednesday: 19E Pit Stop

Wednesday: Jonesborough VFW

Thursday: Darrell Waltrip

Thursday: Old Town Tavern

Friday: Tulips

August 3rd Peacemakers Greenville, TN

Bike Night and Bike Show

Rides:

1. Hillbilly Shine Ride to Maggie Valley NC Meet 8am KSU

8:30am Jonesboro VFW

2. Bear Barnes Memorial Ride August 17th

Bike Rallies:

1. 15th Annual Hillbilly Show & Shine July 26th – 27th

2. 85th Annual Sturgis Bike Rally August 2nd – 11th

Rides & Rallies sponsored by biker wear

Beanz Biker Corner Beanz Biker Corner

Hello again everyone, it’s a HOT summer so lets go camping in the mountains, by the river, or at the lake. I love to go camping. I tent camp. Today, it seems like most people enjoy camping. Heck, I know I sure do! And who’s to blame them – camping is an amazing outdoor activity. But everybody has their own way of camping. Some like tents, or RV or a pull behind. No matter how you camp, you are making memories with family and friends. It’s a great way to get back to nature and get away from the noise of the city and the everyday rush. Stress just seems to melt away.

Recreational camping has a long history, with origins traced back to ancient times when early humans built temporary structures in the wilderness for shelter and survival during hunting and gathering expeditions. However, modern recreational camping as we know it today was popularized in the late Victorian era Thomas Hiram Holding, who wrote the first edition of "The Camper’s Handbook" in 1908, is considered the founder of modern recreational camping. For the overwhelming majority of human

history, people have “camped” as a way of life. We humans lived a nomadic existence out of necessity, moving with the seasons, following food sources and avoiding inclement weather. A roving lifestyle in nature was all we knew for millennia. That, however, is far removed from the type of camping we’re talking about today. We’re interested in modern camping; the campground, sleeping bag and tent, kind of camping.

Here are some camping safety tips:

1. Choose the right shelter and site for your camping trip. 2. Stay upto-date with the weather and be prepared for any changes. 3. Pack and store food safely to avoid spoilage and contamination. 4. Practice campfire safety and never leave a fire unattended. 5. Use insect protection and avoid areas with high infestation. 6. Be aware of allergies and bring any necessary medication. 7. Protect your skin from the sun with sunscreen, hats, and clothing. 8. Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. 9. Learn about local wildlife and keep a safe distance from them. 10. Be careful near water and follow the rules for swimming and boating. 11. Avoid poisonous plants and learn how to identify them.

Back when I was a kid, camping trips consisted of a leaky tent pitched on a rocky piece of earth and some marshmallows burnt to a crisp over the campfire. Don’t get me wrong, I loved camping then and I still love it now, but there’s no denying that camping has evolved in ways that were unimaginable a few decades ago. Today, modern campgrounds boast everything from waterparks to coffee carts, and they appeal to a larger number of people than ever before. With the amenities offered at some American campgrounds these days, there’s nothing rough about roughing it.

Useless Facts:

1. The total number of campers each year was constantly growing, but the boom was quite noticeable after the pandemic. In 2021, there were 93.8 million active camping households in the United States alone, from which 9.1 million households were camping for the first time in their life.

2. The majority of campers live in urban areas, so going camping for them is also escaping the busy city life. In a survey held in 2021, more than half of all campers (56%) were coming from urban living areas.

3. Camping is for everyone, regardless of their income. In fact, about 41% of first-time campers in 2020 came from higher-income households.

4. The average number of nights campers spend on a campground is between 7 and 9 nights.

5. You don’t need to travel long distances to enjoy nature. In 2021, 56% of campers traveled less than 100 miles for their trip. In fact, one third of them stay within just 50 miles of their homes.

Full Moons of 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pro-Art Announces 48th Season

Tickets to the 48th Pro-Art season are on sale now! The nonprofit is thrilled to announce a season filled with theater, music, and arts experiences to stir the heart and embellish an evening. At less than $2 per show, Pro-Art’s $40 season ticket ($35 for seniors) represents some of the strongest and most accessible arts programming in the country. Explore the season,

purchase season tickets, and make reservations to attend at proartva.org.

“We want to express our sincere and overwhelming gratitude for three consecutive years of increasing attendance that you have made possible,” said Executive Director Michael McNulty. Last year, Pro-Art welcomed a total annual

audience of more than 11,800 artseekers—30% higher than their 46th season.

“People are always telling me that ‘this’ kind of show is not for them, they’re only interested in ‘that’ kind of thing, but we don’t ever see people disappointed when they’re leaving a show,” McNulty said. “What we think is ‘for us’ may be as limited as what we tell ourselves.”

Pro-Art’s 48th season offers an impressive selection of theater, jazz, and some truly unique performances by storytellers, puppeteers, and even an aerial circus! Featuring The Acting Company, West Virginia Folk Artist of the Year Adam Booth, New Orleans brass sensation The Soul Rebels, Las Guaracheras—an all-female Latin jazz sextet from Colombia, a special Valentine’s performance of Alex & Olmsted’s play “HUBBA HUBBA”, Korean Gayageum artist Seo Jungmin, a vanishing elephant, and so much more! There’s something for everyone this season and a lot of additional opportunities to be

adventurous and try something new. Season tickets are valid for all performances of the 48th season and can be purchased online, in person at any show, or by calling (276) 376-4520.

Pro-Art partners with a variety of venues, therefore individuals with accessibility needs or general questions are encouraged to call (276) 376-4520 or email 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.

What Do Your Brand Colors Imply About You?

Social Sentiments

Your brand colors tell your customers what you can offer them. Will you be packing their order in eco friendly packaging? Offering them sales? Or maybe just wanting to put them at ease? The color you choose subtly gives a hint about your intentions.

Blue branding creates trust and a feeling of relaxation. It puts your customers into a calm state where they feel comfortable with their purchasing decisions. If the buyer does not regret their purchase, the sale is retained instead of returned.

Excite your audience by creating red branding. Sales branding in red will attract budget conscious buyers to your store who will likely be able to purchase more due to lower pricing.

Optimism in your brand shows through yellow branding. Yellow creates a vision for a successful future with your brand. Returning customers create a steady profit flow. Yellow branding can subtly assist customers in seeing their future through shopping with you.

A friendly environment can be created through orange branding. Friendly service is an important factor in creating consistent sales. Customers will want to return to your store knowing they will receive friendly service, which is uncommon in our fast paced world.

A peaceful and eco friendly vibe can be created through green imagery. A focus has been placed on environmentally friendly products and services over the past few years and green branding shows that you are in

tune with the path the rest of the world is taking.

Any color outside of this list that speaks to your brand should be used in conjunction with the color of the mood you are attempting to create. The ultimate goal is to create a subtle connection that resonates with your customers and your brand and creates return business.

AmeriCorps Program at ETSU Will Support Veteran Population

A new AmeriCorps program aimed at supporting the veteran population both at East Tennessee State University and in a surrounding seven-county area is in the works.

That’s thanks to a nearly $75,000 grant from Volunteer Tennessee, the governor’s commission on volunteerism and service in Tennessee.

“Having AmeriCorps on the campus of ETSU is a natural fit,” said Dr. Susan D. McCracken, vice provost for Community Engagement, whose office completed considerable behindthe-scenes work to secure the grant for the university. “It is a tremendous opportunity for enrolled students as well as recent alumni to explore careers in public service and make direct impacts on the lives of others.”

The Office of Military and Veteran Services will lead the charge in developing the program.

According to Director Dan Bishop, the program will ultimately have three key features:

• Advise and mentor veterans

and other military-affiliated students with a goal of improving their academic performance and increasing retention and graduation rates.

• Develop a transition assistance program refresher course that assists veterans and their families who have recently left the military. The aim is to help these veterans gain access to federal, state and community benefits and services.

• Assist in improving connectivity between the many veteran service organizations and the veteran community.

“This AmeriCorps Planning Grant is perfectly aligned with the ETSU mission to improve the quality of life in the region and beyond,” said Bishop. The university has a long and established history of helping veterans.

Just a few months ago, ETSU earned the prestigious Military Friendly® School designation for the 14th consecutive year. It’s a tremendous honor that colleges and universities

earn through public data analysis, as well as responses from surveys.

ETSU provides priority registration for classes each semester, exclusive access to social and study space at ETSU’s Military-Affiliated Student Resource Center, membership in the ETSU chapter of the Student Veterans of America and consistent personalized support from

Military and Veteran Services. Out-of-state tuition waivers, scholarships and work-study positions for those using the GI Bill® benefits are all financialrelated options.

Have questions? Visit Military and Veteran Services or contact va@etsu.edu or (423) 439-6819.

Saturday, July 27 - 7:30

Saturday, August 17 - 7:30 pm

August 24 - 7:30 pm

Adapted for stage by David Birney
Directed by Chris McVey

Home Cooked Wine Pairings

Growing up in the south, particularly from our “neck of the woods,” you learn early on the importance of good eatin’. I’m sure I’m not alone in reminiscing about all those meals at Grandmas, where the whole family squeezed in elbowto-elbow to indulge in her home cooking. In fact, with most of my childhood memories having turned to fuzzy clips of vague emotions, these times of celebration and post-church family fellowship are some of the only clear recollections I have left. As I’ve gotten older and broadened my culinary horizons, I still have to admit that as much as I love exploring other cuisines, my heart will always belong to the simple, greasy, down-home dishes of Appalachia. But how will that ever co-exist with my newfound love of French wine? Beautifully, it turns out!

When I decided to make my piece this week about pairing vino with classic southern dishes, I had no intention of making them France specific. But as I reviewed my brainstorming chicken scratch, I was surprised to see that every single glass was from the land of the Louvre, and try as I might, I could not dream up a better pairing. So as crazy as it sounds, it seems the hills of the French countryside might in fact have something in common with the sticks and hollers of Appalachia.

When I was thinking up my favorite country dishes, naturally I started with my absolute favorite breakfast staple- gravy and biscuits. My Granny used to bake drop biscuits called “cat heads” because they were, you guessed it, as big as a cat’s head. They weren’t the fluffy, golden and perfectly symmetrical buttermilk versions most of the rest of the world is used to, but there was pure

deliciousness in every lumpy bite; particularly when smothered with her famous sausage gravy. Fried and crumbled in her biggest skillet, the woman never measured anything, just using pure instinct and years of experience to add the perfect amounts of whole milk, flour and seasonings to the ample pool of grease. As I pondered what wine could possibly hold up to this hearty concoction that seems to be all over the board and typically consumed early in the day, only 1 answer came to mind- classic Champagne. I’m a firm believer that most problems can be solved with bubbles, and if you’re ever in a predicament where you need a wine that will play off a little bit of everything, it’s a great go-to. Champagne in particular has a more yeasty flavor than other sparkling wines, making it a great match for biscuits and gravy. While it offers a creamy nuttiness, it’s still light enough to not be extra weight on an already heavy meal. Remember, all sparkling wine is commonly referred to as Champagne incorrectly, but TRUE Champagne must come from the Champagne region of France. Try to get one that has been aged for a couple years, but if you’re ballin on a budget, there are some terrific NonVintage (NV) options out there that won’t break the bank.

For the next course, there’s no way I could cultivate a list of home cooked cuisine without mentioning soup beans and corn bread. There’s hardly another scent in this world that can make me go as wild as a big pot of simmering pintos on a stovetop with a cast iron skillet full of cornbread in the oven below. You can eat them however you want, but my preferred method is to ladle a giant spoonful of beans over a hunk of crumbled cornbread and top it with a couple dashes of Texas Pete. On a cold winter day, nothing will warm your bones better, I assure you. But what sort of wine would be the perfect

complement to such a simple but filling concoction? My mind immediately traveled to Burgundy. French pinot has an earthiness that plays well with the beans, while still having just enough structure to stand up to the added texture of being cooked in pig fat. Aim for a nice Cote de Nuit Village wine for a full-bodied Burgundy experience without the hefty price tag of the well-known Grand Cru vineyards.

For suppertime in the south, I had 3 staples immediately come to mind and they all deserved an honorable mention and pairing suggestion. I felt it was only fair to give you a seafood, a white meat and a red meat option, depending on your mood. For the fish dish, there was no way I could avoid discussing shrimp and grits. This savory blending of seafood and breakfast carbs for dinner is the meal that changed my mind about crustaceans as a teenager, and the addition of spicy andouille sausage is the perfect way to round out this deliciousness. The only way it could be any better is with a big glass of Sancerre. While most would think that Sauvignon Blanc would be far too citrusy or delicate for a meal this robust, this French version of the grape is actually quite versatile and is a fabulous complement to more savory flavors. It still holds the characteristic green, white and yellow fruit profiles, but has a salinity that creates perfect balance to full flavors.

If you’re in the mood for something with feathers, how about pairing a glass of French chardonnay with a big bowl of chicken and dumplings?

A white Burgundy is a great option for this one-pot meal. Opt for a Cote de Beaune over Chablis, as these tend to be oaked, giving them more of the creaminess to play off the texture of the dumplings. I feel that Chablis being unoaked would be too light and fruity for a dish this savory.

Finally if you’re craving something carnivorous, let’s go read all the

way with a pan full of meat loaf and a bottle of Bordeaux. This classic red blend would not only go great with a thick slice of loaf straight out of the oven, but would also be the perfect way to wash down a leftover meatloaf sandwich on white bread. Bordeaux, particularly styles from the Left Bank which contain more cabernet sauvignon, have delicious, grippy tannins that help balance out the fattiness of the red meat. You could also add a splash of this vino to jazz up your standard ketchup based glaze!

If there is 1 thing I could hammer home to everyone I know, it would be “don’t be afraid of wine!” All these things sounds so fancy and complicated when in reality, most wines can be quite versatile. Don’t be scared to match your favorite comfort foods with grapes from far-away lands that are a little hard to pronounce. They always say opposites attract, and when it comes to food and wine, that couldn’t be more true!

XO - Kathie

From Oz to Shawshank: Transforming One Stage for Two Iconic Worlds

Within the realm of theatre, magic doesn’t just happen on stage - it happens behind it. Imagine, if you will, a single stage serving as the backdrop for two very different stories: the whimsical, technicolor land of Oz in The Wizard of Oz and the abrasive, gray walls of Shawshank Prison from The Shawshank Redemption.

It’s the scenic designers who transform this blank canvas into entirely separate worlds, each meticulously crafted to draw audiences into a unique plot and setting. Diving into the depths of their creative minds, these unsung artists build a vibrant Emerald City one night and an oppressive penitentiary the next, demonstrating the transformative power of theatrical design. Through impressive expertise, the stage transforms into a storytelling portal, transporting audiences from a fantastical journey down the Yellow Brick Road to a poignant story of hope and resilience within the confines of a prison cell. Each show is its own entity and comes with its own set of themes and challenges and needs. “I always feel like I’m most successful when I design what a show feels like instead of just what it looks like,” explained Barter’s Resident Scenic Designer Derek Smith. “By creating the physical world in which the characters and stories exist whether it be realistic, abstract, or somewhere in between, set design (along with lighting, sound, costume and props design) influence how the audience relates to or

perceives the story.”

The visual and thematic elements that were emphasized for each show add to the extensive vision imagined by those behind the scenes.

“For Oz specifically, the director had a vision for something less MGM and more Edward Gorey meets Tim Burton, so every design choice I made was through that lens. Kansas is more Edward Gorey meets American Gothic and OZ is more Tim Burton and fantastical,” Smith said. “It was also important to us that elements of Kansas be reflected throughout the design of Oz: from all the windmill flowers that surround Oz, to the crow weathervane in Kansas that alludes to the Crows in Oz, to some of the items on Professor Marvel’s cart that show up later in Oz.

“For Shawshank, my goal was to create a prison ward that seemed as real as possible, which was inspired by field trips to the very real architecture and textures of Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary in Petros, TN.”

So how do you manage quick set changes between scenes, especially given the contrasting nature of the two shows? According to Stage Manager for the Barter Players Brady Willis, when choreographing scene changes, it’s important to embody the desired tone set by each show’s director. This process begins in the rehearsal hall, crafting the transitions with the actual

crew members and actors who will be involved, and then later refining everything during tech rehearsals.

“For example, when moving the magical Yellow Brick Road in Oz, Director Stephen Schellhardt worked with the crew specifically on how to walk and move units with purpose, but also reflect the mystical tone of Munchkinland or the Dark Forest,” Willis said. “This meant avoiding rushed or harsh body language whenever seen by the audience. Similarly, when setting up for the stuffy Warden’s Office in Shawshank, Barter’s Producing Artistic Director Katy Brown requested that, once the office units are in place, the crew members (who are costumed as guards) stand at attention, and not leave until Warden Stammas, played by Nick Piper, sits in his chair.”

For both shows, the intended tone of each scene shift is informed by the music interlude or soundscape offered during each transition, whether that be Dishon Smith’s musical direction for Oz, or Brandon Reed’s sound design for Shawshank. Additionally, both shows include crew members in costume who are seen by the audience.

“Barter’s Costume Shop Manager Alice Sullivan’s design for Shawshank includes three crew members in Prison Guard uniforms, and one crew member costumed as a convict. This aided Katy Brown’s vision of executing clean scene transitions, while allowing the actual actors to prepare to act in the next scene,” Willis noted.

“Meanwhile, Kelly Jenkin’s costume design for Oz features four crew members dressed

as puppeteers, to mirror the ensemble actors who operate the puppets in the land of OZ.”

Despite the cohesion audiences may experience while watching the two distinct shows, there are key challenges creating two sets for one single stage. “Designing sets that can live together backstage and allow room for the offstage traffic patterns of each show - maximizing the space and its capabilities. Designing a floor treatment that will work for both shows. Outside of those two considerations, I try to think of them as completely separate entities as much as possible,” Smith explained. “The only thing these two shows share is a floor treatment. That just needed to be something that could be muted enough for Kansas and Shawshank Prison, but take light well for the more colorful land of OZ.

“The hope is to always be as flexible as possible for discoveries made during the rehearsal process. But sometimes the set is built before rehearsals really start, so the goal is to hopefully iron out large potential issues beforehand while allowing space for potential adjustments.”

For more information on The Wizard of Oz and The Shawshank Redemption, and to see their respective sets in action, please visit www.bartertheatre.com

After his Academy Award nominated performance as Ken (a name I’m partial to) in “Barbie,” Ryan Gosling is back on the big screen in “The Fall Guy.” The film is loosely based on the popular 1980’s television series of the same name. Gosling stars as Colt Severs, a talented Hollywood stuntman who works as a stunt double for action film star Tom Ryder (Aaron TaylorJohnson). While filming a stunt in Ryder’s latest film, Severs is severely injured and leaves his career and abandons his girlfriend Jody Moreno (Emily Blunt), who is a camerawoman. Flash forward eighteen months later and Severs is working for a small Mexican restaurant as a valet in order to make a living. Severs is eventually contacted by Ryder’s film producer Gail Meyer (Hannah Waddingham), who reveals his ex-girlfriend is directing her first film, the science fiction epic “Metalstorm” starring Ryder, and she wants him to join them for filming in Sydney. Severs is intrigued, and agrees to the job, but after arriving

The Fall Guy

in Sydney discovers his former love never wanted him there. Moreno is still angry about being cast aside by her former love after his accident. The two eventually agreed to work together again, but not after Moreno makes Severs do a dangerous stunt many times as an act of vengeance against her former love. Of course, we all know they will reunite, but not before some clever bantering and teasing takes place. While the former lovers are trying to reunite, Severs is sent to find Ryder who doesn’t show up on set one day, and Meyer reveals to Severs that their star has gotten in trouble with drug dealers and has disappeared. Severs manages to track Ryder down after being attacked by Ryder’s actress girlfriend Iggy (Teresa Palmer) at Ryder’s apartment. Eventually Severs is led to a nightclub where he meets Ryder’s drug dealer and matters really become dangerous. Severs is drugged and later kidnapped, and it’s revealed Ryder has been involved in a crime that could sink his career. After several fights, boat and car chases, Ryder is told to come back to the set for some additional filming not realizing Severs and Moreno have hatched a plot to bring down the star, despite interference from producer Meyer. Let’s just say Ryder is very involved in a stunt and is shocked to be in the presence of the presumed deceased Severs. The filming is eventually completed, the film is a hit after a surprise casting change and Severs and Moreno are happily together once more. Surprisingly the

film has a slow start, but once the action kicks in, the film is high octane fun. Gosling with his understated wit, is great as the heroic stuntman, and his chemistry with co-star Blunt is great, and she holds her own against the star power of Gosling. This film is just pure fluffy fun disguised as a crime thriller, and when laughs are combined with action, they

form the right ingredients for a warm season film at the theater. If you want a film involving little concentration, which I consider a summer “cotton candy” film, then “The Fall Guy” is your ticket. You will also enjoy the surprise cameos by a couple of actors. (Rated PG-13)

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

When The Criterion Collection announced they were adding Tom Cruise’s 1983 breakout movie “Risky Business” to their lineup, I was slightly surprised by it. All I knew of the movie was the famous sequence in which Cruise dances around to Bob Seger’s “Old Time Rock & Roll.” Going off that scene I had assumed the film was an affable, crowd-favorite comedy movie from the 1980s. Which it is, but it’s also so much more.

Written and directed by Paul Brickman, “Risky Business” at first sits squarely in the same field as many 1980s comedies that were directed at teenagers, with a focus on sex. But what makes this film stand out from the other teen comedies of the era is the film’s satirical bent commenting on Regan-era society and capitalism, a lot of which still holds up as relevant today.

Cruise plays Joel Goodson, a preppy kid growing up in affluent Chicago suburbia looking towards his future and attending college. Joel’s parents leave him alone

Batteries

Not Included

Risky Business

for a week as they go on vacation together. Joel is left with a series of rules to follow, the biggest one being not to drive his father’s Porsche, which is exactly what Joel does as soon as he gets a chance (something a small parallel with other Chicago teen classic “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”).

But Joel’s friends encourage him to get more out of life by asking, essentially, “Why not?” Joel soon finds himself being friendly with call girl Lana, played by Rebecca De Mornay. After inadvertently wrecking the Porsche, Joel soon finds a need for money, and Lana offers him a suggestion that would also appeal to the young man who is in a “future enterprisers” program. “Risky Business” is a very good film and an impressive make for a first-time director, the way it balances satire and humor with darker themes is not easy to do.

Criterion brings “Risky Business” to 4K UHD blu-ray for the first time, along with a standard blu-ray release. The 4K, like all Criterion 4K releases, contains both a 4K disc with the movie, and their regular blu-ray where most of the bonus features are held. This restoration was sourced from the 35mm original camera negative and the 35mm interpositive. The work was supervised and approved by director Brickman and the film’s producer Jon Avnet.

The film is presented in Dolby Vision High Dynamic Range and It looks amazing. The strong, bold colors of the film’s opening titles grabbed me. The film in 4K HDR has a great layer of gran and a rich depth. It looks like a pristine 35mm projection, which is what I always hope for out of my 4K discs. The film’s audio is presented in a 5.1 DTS-HD track from original

sources. It sounds good, and seeing the film was originally released in Dolby Stereo I suspect this is simply taking that mix and transferring it to the 5.1 domain. Dolby Stereo was a surround sound process after all. Bonus features are nice, a mix of new features and one from previous releases. First off we have from 2008 an audio commentary with Brickman, Cruise, and Avnet. Then, a documentary looking at the making of the film, all appears to be from the first blu-ray release of the film by Warner Brothers. New features include interviews with producer Avenet, casting director

Nancy Lopper, and a conversation between the film’s editor, Richard Chew, and historian Bobbie O’Steen. Screen tests and the trailer round out the bonus features.

“Risky Business” was a surprise to me, and a film I enjoyed very much. Its new 4K UHD edition from The Criterion Collection is hands down, I’d bet, the best the film has ever looked on home video. With a nice array of bonus features and great cover art taken from the film’s iconic scene, this is one worth picking up for your collection. See you next week.

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