The Loafer 72

The Breakfast Club at Capone’s in Johnson City Feb 25th CornMaiz at the Jettie Baker Center in Clintwood, Va Feb 24th

William Lee Martin at the cameo in Bristol Feb 24th

Volume 03

Issue 72

Publisher

Lisa Durbin

Creative DIrector

Jon Bill Forrester

Managing Editor

Peggy Gale

DIstribution

Elizabeth Armstrong

Sales

Jessica Carlisle

Entertainment Coordinator

Andreax Jarre

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

week’s line-up

NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER

Hello Friends!

I am counting the days, minutes and hours until Spring! This weather has really been teasing us with the summer like days for several day and then freezing temperatures. What are your plans for Spring? I want so badly to plant a garden this year but I am not sure exactly the right way to grow a good one. Will you have a garden or flowers this year?

Please notice the live music we have on the front cover. I know how much the local bands would appreciate our support. Maybe you can plan a night out this weekend to listen to some great music.

Let’s

Bristol TN/Va

WEDNESDAY Feb 22nd

Bluesman Unplugged 6:00pm at Delta Blues BBQ

The Michael Rose Experience

7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

THURSDAY Feb 23rd

Midnight Gypsys 6:00pm at Delta Blues BBQ

Ron Short and the Possum

Playboys 6:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

RJ Smith 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

FRIDAY Feb 24th

Douglas Warren 6:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Music by Kevin Smith followed by The Audacity 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Brandon Maddox 7:00pm at Michael Waltrip Brewing

Stephen Murray of Holy Ghost Tent Revival 8pm at Machiavelli’s!

James Meadows 8:00pm at Quaker Steak & Lube

Florencia & the Feeling 8:30pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Black Wolf 11:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

SATURDAY Feb 25th

Monthly Bluegrass Jam

2:00pm at Birthplace of Country Music Museum

Hearts Gone South 6:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Ryan Ward followed by Alli

Epperson 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Brandon Maddox 8:30pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Coal Camp 1:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

MONDAY Feb 27th

Anthony Childress 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Kingsport

THURSDAY Feb 23rd

Adam Lawson 8:00pm at Market Street Social Club

FRIDAY Feb 24th

Zak Saltz Band 9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

SATURDAY Feb 25th

Donnie and the Dry Heavers

7:00pm at Gypsy Circus Cider Company

Gypsy Moon Coalition

8:00pm The Sports Mill

Rusty Steel 8:00pm at Krazy Chicken International

Julie Williams & The Hired Guns

9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

Johnson City

TUESDAY Feb 21st

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

WEDNESDAY Feb 22nd

HB Beverly 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

THURSDAY Feb 23rd

Justin Mychals 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

FRIDAY Feb 24th

Caleb Caudle 8:00pm at The Down Home

Preston Benfield Band

8:00pm at Tulips Grub & Pub

Wilson and the Walk | Andrew Thelston Band | Brian and his Robot 10:00pm at Capones

SATURDAY Feb 25th

Sideline 8:00pm at the Down Home

The Breakfast Club

10:00pm at Capone’s

Abingdon

TUESDAY Feb 21st

Fireside Collective 7:00pm at Barter Theatre

FRIDAY Feb 23rd

Jimbo Mathus with Shaefer Llana 6:00pm at Wolf Hills Brewing

Damascus

SATURDAY Feb 25th

Cody Fair 6:00pm at Appalachian Heritage Distilery

Watauga Valley Railroad Museum’s Spring Excursion Train

All Aboard!

On Saturday, May 20, 2023 the Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society and Museum will sponsor a train excursion on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and enjoy the beauty of the spring season while riding the rails in vintage passenger railroad cars through the Great Smoky Mountains

The scenic rail excursion travels from the historic depot in Bryson City, North Carolina, through the beautiful countryside of Western North Carolina, into the breathtaking Nantahala Gorge surrounded by the majestic Smoky Mountains, 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 climate-controlled and feature large windows and lounge-car seating.

Crown Class cars offer large windows and climate control for passenger comfort. Open-Air cars are great for picturetaking and “experiencing” the ride and scenery.

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

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.

Passengers have three options for arrival at the Bryson City Train Depot: they may either ride a chartered tour bus out of Kingsport or Johnson City, TN, or drive directly to Bryson City, NC, if that is more convenient. Please select point of departure location on the order form when purchasing tickets. NOTE: Free parking is provided both in Kingsport, Johnson City and Bryson City.

First Class ticket price is $170 and includes a meal.

No passengers under age 21

Crown Class ticket price is $110 adult and $87child 2 -12.

Tourist Coach ticket price is $94 adult and $77 child 2-12.

Open-Air Coach Class ticket price is $96 adult $76 child 2-12

All classes of excursion tickets include free admission to the Smoky Mountain Lionel Train Museum before boarding the train. The museum boasts a collection of 7,000 Lionel engines, cars and accessories, and an impressive operating

layout and children’s activity center. Crown, Tourist and Open-Air classes can purchase a box lunch which includes sandwich, chips, cookie, and drink. [Make selection on ticket order form. Box lunches must be pre-purchased with ticket order and will be available track-side for pick-up before boarding . There is also a concession car on the train with sandwiches, drinks, chips, and snacks available for purchase on board train.

Passengers are also welcome to bring their own lunch in a small cooler only. Tickets and pre-purchased meals must be ordered online by credit card at: www.wataugavalleynrhs.org/. Click on the EXCURSIONS link. For additional information please email wataugavalley@gmail.com

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

THURSDAY

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

Sing Your Heart Out Karaoke 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 with Absolute Entertainment at Union Street Taproom - Erwin, TN 8pm Jan 28, Feb 18 & Mar 4

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

WEDNESDAY

Trivia at Tipsy Toad Jonesborough, TN 7pm

Trivia Night Mellow Mushroom Bristol, VA 7pm

THURSDAY

Mellow Trivia at Mellow Mushroom

Johnson City, TN- 7pm

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

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

DROP QUOTE

ACROSS

1. Small armed warship

8. Oblong eatery

13. Undeterred

14. Idolizes

16. Lifts

17. Square dance call

18. Respected church leaders

19. Waste container

21. "___ Call You Sweetheart"

22. Oxfords

23. Tulsa's st.

24. Application abbr.

25. H.S. subj.

26. Beginning phase

CRYPTOGRAM

O'U KYR ZYKZXLKXC WVYFR WBB NXBB

VLXWEOKM BYYHX, VFR RNWR W

JWLR YI NXBB GOBB VLXWE BYYHX... OR'BB

VX UFZN NWLCXL RY

CXRXZR.

—George Carlin

27. Bazaar

30. ___ pro nobis

31. Pianist Chick with 14 Grammys

33. Emulate Gauguin

35. Sailor

36. Person with a goal

40. Came to a close

42. Music boosters

43. Weep

46. Oklahoma city

47. Prime time rating, often

48. Prodded, with "on"

50. Spinning firework

52. Steep-roofed house

53. Online seller or bidder

54. Rather than

56. One bringing home the bacon

57. Name on a 1945 bomber

58. Paul of "Bye Bye Birdie"

59. Make more attractive, as a deal

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

Down

1. Set

2. Familiar with

3. Thanksgiving's month

4. Be loud, as a radio

5. On the ___

6. Consumed

7. More snappy

8. Bits of baby talk

9. Vow phrases

10. Have a nibble of

11. Actor Leif

12. State of readiness

13. Rod attachment

15. Musical composition

20. Do-fa link

22. Le Duc ___ (1973 Peace Prize winner)

25. Auditors

26. Muscat is its capital

28. Honey-based liquor

29. Dress ____ (wear a costume of)

31. Anthropophagite

32. Commonplace

34. "I love this!"

35. Conical domicile

37. Make a driveway

38. Hints at

39. Anti-tank weapon, for short

41. 1949 Emmy winner for Most Outstanding Live Personality

44. Model-railroad scale

45. Lament

47. Lyon land

48. Send tax returns via the Internet

49. "____ Gravity" ("Wicked" merchandise slogan)

51. Listen to

52. Lotion additive

55. L.A.-to-Seattle dir.

OF THE WEEK PETS

Kali and her siblings came to us in November. She has always been around other cats and has had human interaction.

Kali has made good progress and

now likes to be petted. She’s not shy like she was when she came to us, but sometimes, she wants her privacy !!! Kali has been spayed, current on vaccinations and microchipped.

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

Last Week's Puzzle Answers

Sudoku Crossword

This beautiful boy is Beau !!! He is a one yr old Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler mix. You can’t see good from this picture, but he has a gorgeous white striped

tail !!! Beau is house trained, crate trained, good with kids over 5 yrs old, neutered, current on vaccinations and microchipped.

If you are interested in adopting : The Bridge Home No Kill Animal Shelter

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

bridgehome.org Facebook: bridgehome

Cryptogram:

"Games played with the ball and others of that nature, are too violent for the body and stamp no character on the mind. Let your gun therefore be the constant companion of your walks.."

Dropquote:

"Journalists do not live by words alone, although sometimes they have to eat them."

CornMaiz String Band to Play the Jettie Baker Center

Nouveau old-time family string band CornMaiz will take the Jettie Baker Center stage at 7 p.m. on Friday, February 24th. The band performs original music as well as traditional, old-time tunes from East Kentucky, and offers unique covers of famous songs. Hailing from four different mountain counties, the band features clawhammer banjo, mandolin, guitar, bass, fiddle, and three-part harmonies. Performances also include the exciting traditional Appalachian dance styles of flat-footing and clogging. This performance is brought to you by Pro-Art in conjunction with their 46th season. Tickets are $10 at the door and all children and students are free to attend. Patrons can make reservations at proartva.org

CornMaiz seeks to present the evolving traditions of Appalachia and provide cultural perspectives and stories from their oft-stereotyped region, while sharing the fun and generous spirit of the genre. While there are many bands from all over performing traditional Appalachian music, CornMaiz believes there is something potent and

precious about artists from the region representing their own culture and sharing the stories of where and how they learned the music.

Showcasing the best of Kentucky, CornMaiz is fiddler and multiinstrumentalist Zoey Barett, guitarist and percussionist Arlo Barnette, awardwinning singer-songwriter and banjoist Carla Gover, and multi-instrumentalist Yani Vozos. The group has performed at festivals and events throughout Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, and at festivals abroad in Mexico, Wales, Ireland, and Serbia.

Pro-Art partners with a variety of venues, therefore individuals with mobility issues are encouraged to call (276) 376-4520 or email the ProArt office at pro-art@uvawise.edu to make arrangements for parking. For evolving conditions related to the global pandemic, inclement weather, 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 Slemp Foundation, The University of Virginia’s College at Wise, Mountain

Empire Community College, and the Columbus Phipps Foundation. For more information about Pro-Art, please visit proartva.org, call the office at (276) 376-4520, or send an email to pro-art@uvawise.edu

JOHNSON CITY

SATURDAYS

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

TUESDAY FEB 21ST

Evening Stroll Canvas Class

6:00pm at Into the Fire

FRIDAY FEB 24TH

Johnson City Love & Hiking

Date For Couples (Self-Guided)

7:00am at Willow Springs Park

Weekly YuGiOh Duel Night

6:00pm at CardFox

SATURDAY FEB 25TH

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

7:00am at Willow Springs Park

SUNDAY FEB 26TH

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

7:00am at Willow Springs Park

BRISTOL

WEDNESDAY FEB 22ND

Comedy Open Mic 7:30pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

THURSDAY FEB 23RD

Full of Flowers Canvas Class 6:00pm at Kil'n Time Contemporary Ceramic Studio

Improv 101 Graduation Show

8:00pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

THINGS TO DO THINGS TO DO

FRIDAY FEB 24TH

Casey Crawford and Zach Peterson 8:00pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

SATURDAY FEB 25TH

Board Game Night 5:00pm at Bristol Public Library

Casey Crawford and Zach Peterson 8:00pm, 10:00pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

KINGSPORT

FRIDAY FEB 24TH

Friday Business Breakfast & Kids Business Expo 8:30am at MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center

SATURDAY FEB 25TH

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

JONESBOROUGH

TUESDAYS

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

SATURDAY FEB 25TH

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

Kiwanis Spaghetti Supper 4:00pm at David Crockett High School

BLOUNTVILLE

FRIDAY FEB 25TH

Game Club 4:30pm at Sullivan County Public Library

ABINGDON, VA

WEDNESDAY FEB 22ND

Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

THURSDAY FEB 23RD

Wolf Hills Toastmasters 3:15 at Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center

FRIDAY FEB 24TH

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

SUNDAY FEB 26TH

Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

BLUFF CITY

SATURDAY FEB 25TH

Game Club 4:30pm at Thomas Memorial Library

TUSCULUM

SATURDAY FEB 25TH

Historic Jonesborough Dance Society Contra Dancing 7pm at Tusculum University

The Breakfast Club Invades

Capone’s on Saturday, Feb 25

The Breakfast Club will make their first appearance of 2023 at Capone’s in Johnson City on Saturday, February 25. The band will feature two new permanent members along with new songs and an updated show.

Admission to the show is $12, and the show begins at 10:00 p.m. The event is produced by Ansley Roberts Promotions.

Following the death of founding member, Jerry Finley, The Breakfast Club soldiered through the next two years by using temporary keyboard players/ vocalists. But after an extensive search, the band finally found the perfect additions to fill the void. Having a female vocalist has now opened up a new frontier for the band, as they have added many new songs by female icons of the 1980s. The band believes this lineup could become one of the most successful in the band’s thirty year history.

The Breakfast Club has entertained live music fans in the Tri-Cities region for over 20 years. The band has headlined downtown festivals in Johnson

City, Racks by The Tracks in Kingsport, the Covered Bridge Festival in Elizabethon, Independence Day in Erwin, and many more. The Breakfast Club has fans from a multitude of genres. Many local musicians routinely attend The Breakfast Club concerts in appreciation of the band’s live musical execution. Several line-up changes, social changes, and evolutions in popular music haven’t slowed down the ‘80s music juggernaut. Hundreds of fans routinely flock to The Breakfast Club shows to sing and dance to their favorite nostalgic tunes.

Since their first show in the region, The Breakfast Club has become woven into the fabric of local music tradition. The members of The Breakfast Club have shared the stage with numerous music legends, including but not limited to, Whitesnake, The Romantics, Poison, Drivin’n’Cryin’, Hootie and The Blowfish, White Lion, The Smithereens, Edwin McCain, and many others.

Beanz Biker Corner Beanz Biker Corner

Hello everyone, hope 2023 is being kind to you. February is almost over and we are 30 days away from Spring. Our riding season is almost here. Please get your bikes in the shop for oil changes, tires, etc.… so you will be ready to hit the open road and put your knees in the breeze. An expression sometimes used by military airborne personnel to describe the act of jumping out of a perfectly good airplane. The jumpmaster stood up, looked at the wide-eyed group of new recruits and hollered "Come on LADIES...it's time to put your KNEES IN THE BREEZE! Today bikers use the term when they are riding their motorcycles. They are putting their knees in the breeze and leaving all their worries behind them. Its wind therapy. They call it "wind therapy," a special kind of solace that, for military veterans struggling with everyday life or the scenes they saw overseas, comes with riding motorcycles and the

Useless Facts

sponsored by biker wear

inherent freedom and friendship that follows. Wind Therapy, whether your using natures best "the Wind" or you’re creating your "own Wind" by cruising down the open road. Wind Therapy is a state of being "your focused, your relaxed, you have the confidence and skill to perform the task at hand and nothing is more important than enjoying the present moment! Bikers put their knees in the breeze to get wind therapy. A bike ride can decrease biomarkers of stress by 28%, while riding a motorcycle for 20 minutes can increased your heart rate by 11% and adrenaline levels by 27%, which is similar to light exercise. Equally, changes in the riders’ brain activity suggested an increase in alertness similar to drinking a cup of coffee, while sensory focus was enhanced meaning that riders were more alert. “Wind Therapy” is a term created by 22KILL as another nontraditional form of therapy. By getting Vets out on the road, they are in control: Get on your bike, leave the B.S. behind, it’s just you, the bike and the wind. Combine this with the large community of like-minded individuals that ride, and you now have a new community, a new tribe. Here are some safety tips to help you when you are ready to put your knees in the breeze and get the much-needed wind therapy you have longed for all winter long. Be safe and embrace the ride.

1. Donkey Kong got his name because his creator believed “donkey” meant “stupid” in English and wanted to convey the impression that the character was a “Stupid Ape.”

2. More than 1/5 of all the calories consumed by humans worldwide is provided by rice alone.

3. People can have a psychological disorder called Boanthropy that makes them believe that they are a cow. They try to live their life as a cow.

4. The name for the shape of Pringles is called a “Hyperbolic Paraboloid.”

5. Mr. Potato Head was the first toy to be advertised on TV.

6. A duel between three people is actually called a truel.

7. The stage before frostbite is called “frostnip.”

8. The two tiny holes in every BIC pen ensure that the air pressure is the same both inside and outside the pen, which helps the ink flow to the tip.

9. The process by which bread toasts is called the “Maillard Reaction.”

10. “Weird Al” Yankovic wrote “Albuquerque” to be as a joke specifically to “annoy people for 12 minutes.” It ended up becoming one of his most popular songs.

Local Events:

1. 1st Annual St, Patty’s Day Party 2pm March 18th True Sons MC

Rallies:

1. Daytona Bike Week March 3rd – March 12th

2. Cave Creek Bike Rally March 24th – April 2nd Cave Creek AZ

Beanz Biker Corner

By Anne Hartley

423-297-5675

1. Gear up 2. Stay in the comfort zone 3. Inspect your ride 4. Use your head 5. Watch the road 6. Find your happy place 7. Know the forecast 8. Make sure two isn’t a crowd

Sponsored By Biker Wear

You're Definitely Guilty of This...

The vague post. The "I'm going through a rough time. Keep me in your thoughts, but don't ask me about it, because I don't want to talk about it." post.

Your connections care deeply about what you're going through and want to help you. They're left sitting around wondering what they could do to get you through your situation and feeling helpless.

Alert your connections if you feel you will be more withdrawn by simply saying that you'll

be off of social media for a while to handle a situation in your life and that you will discuss it when you're ready (if you can). Sometimes you need to let your world know that you're not in the right mindset to handle questions or talk about the issue. The way that you present your social media absence will make or break how serious you are taken. Approach your absence with caution and avoid the cringe post that will leave everyone hanging.

Social Sentiments

By Wendy Hayden socialsentiments @outlook.com socialsentiments.net

No Sorrows at Female-Founded Lola by

On a recent Google rabbit hole exploration during a rather boring doctor’s appointment wait back home in Tri-Cities, I was surprised to learn the origin of the name Lola comes from a Spanish phrase meaning “sorrows.” More specifically, it was shortened from the name “Dolores”, derived from a Spanish title assigned to the Virgin Mary, “Nuestra Senora de los Dolores” or “Our Lady of Sorrows.” That sounded pretty depressing for a seemingly fun and effervescent name until I read further the title is intended to convey the message that sorrow in life is necessary to experience joy. This is a concept I happen to be quite schooled on, and a sudden hunger pain sealed the deal on my next stop- lunch at Café Lola in Johnson City!

Another one of Johnson City’s longstanding fine dining establishments, I was taken aback when I realized Café Lola opened nearly 20 years ago in 2006. I vividly recall my first visit there with a friend in wine sales within weeks of their grand opening. At that time I was barely 21, still enrolled in college and hadn’t even declared a major. Considering my upbringing in neighboring Elizabethton, who had only received their first Applebee’s in 2005, this was the fanciest restaurant I’d ever seen firsthand. The concept of a European-style bistro and wine bar was still a fairly foreign concept to this region tucked away in the mountains and raised on gravy, cornbread and anything fried. Lola was a muchneeded glimpse into cultures beyond our small corner of the world, and a breath of fresh air amongst the rows of corporate-run chain eateries lining each side of Roan Street for miles.

Much of Café Lola’s melting pot of influences stems from its dynamic management. On top of being one of the area’s premier eateries, Lola has the

distinction of being a female owned and operated establishment. Owner Tara and Chef Michelle have managed to curate and maintain both a menu and dining space that has withstood the test of time as well as a recession, a global pandemic and the cutthroat nature of the restaurant industry in general. This is quite the accomplishment for any business, but especially for women in an area that is so heavily dominated by men. These two women with such different backgrounds - Tara’s being Thai and Cantonese via New York, Michelle’s being truly Southern by way of Tennessee and New Orleans – found the perfect balance of flavors and flair that have made Lola intimate and interesting, cozy and creative, sexy and relaxed.

The restaurant itself is split into 2 spaces with different atmospheres but ultimately flow in a way that doesn’t feel disjointed. The main dining room is definitely more of a corner bistro, with lively patterned wallpaper, fresh flowers and ample windows for lots of natural light elements. Once you slip through the speakeasy door into the martini room, which was added a few years after their opening, you’re transported into a place a bit more seductive, secluded and sexy. It has an air of mystery and hints at burlesque, with deep red wallpaper, black light fixtures, and leather couches. The same menus and dining options are offered on both sides, but it’s nice to have different vibes to choose from depending on the tone of the evening.

I love that Lola is open for both lunch and dinner, offering a generous selection of soups, sandwiches, salads and comfort food by day, and more elevated options from land and sea in the evening in addition to their daytime favorites. When I stopped for lunch, I couldn’t decide what sounded best, so I went with a soup/panini combo. Their tomato soup is one of my favorites, and the golden-brown crust of my panini was perfect for dipping. Being me, I simply had to add a glass

of wine, as their list has evolved quite nicely over the years and has some real gems at incredible price-points. The Kermit Lynch Languedoc Rouge was a perfect pairing for my heavier selection of cream based bisque and buttered chicken panini, and at just $9 a glass I was almost tempted to spring for the bottle to save for later. My top picks on the white wine list would be Codorniu Cava if you’re looking for something bright and bubbly to pair with a wide variety of flavors or celebration, and Cave de Lugny, Macon Village Chardonnay for anything fish, salad or light chicken. The red wine list is really where Café Lola shines however. In addition to the Kermit Lynch selection, they have Clos la Coutale Cahors, which is French malbec and if you’re a longtime reader of this column you might recall this is one of my all-time favorite wine regions. The also have Trefethen by the bottle, which is one of my favorite bottles of Napa Cab and its incredibly reasonably priced at $72. (For reference, at the fine dining steakhouse I worked at in Nashville, we sold Trefethen all day long at $30 a glass.) Another long-standing tradition at Lola is their daily sangria, either white or red and adjusted for seasonal fruits and flavors, which is also offered as part of their “Free Flow” night on Tuesday, where you can get unlimited tapas and sangrias for a set price during set hours. It’s a fantastic deal and the perfect way to unwind after work with friends and loved ones.

If I were picking my dream meal from Lola, I would always start with their marinated mushrooms. This is one of their dishes that never leaves the menu and for good reason. Bathing in a mixture of lemon, garlic and parsley and served with a side of grilled bread, I could honestly eat 2 of these as a meal. Pair your mushrooms with a glass of Cava, and have your server go ahead and open a bottle of Trefethen to breathe on the table while you enjoy your appetizer. The menus change seasonally, but right now the

Kathie Scalf

roasted prime rib with haricots verts and garlic mashed potatoes would be outstanding with that big, bold bottle of Napa Cab. Being a fattier cut of meat, it would perfectly balance the tannin of the wine and allow the flavors to linger on your tongue long after you’ve cleaned your plate. Lola has a beautiful rotating selection of desserts, but I would opt for my sweets in liquid form and choose a delicious libation from their martini list. A Tiramisu martini or house-made amaretto makes for a perfect happy ending. Café Lola offers a spirits book filled with classic and signature cocktails extending beyond their dessert martinis, some of the most unique being their multiple variations of a Moscow mule. If you’re not in the mood for a full dinner, post up in the martini room and explore their twists on old favorites.

Café Lola is a must-stop each time I’m in town, and whether you’re a seasoned regular or a first-timer, you’re sure to leave with no sorrows at this Johnson City treasure.

XO - Kathie

The greatest of these is Love. Love never fails. Love always wins. February is considered the "love" month thanks to Valentine's Day, so this week I thought I would suggest a few classic films for the month of love. Some of the films on my list may be obvious and others not so much. After all, love comes in many forms. Here are my suggested films for you to consider:

• "Moonstruck"- This 1987 comedy/romance won several Oscar awards including Best Actress for the film's lead star Cher. The film is the tale of a close Brookly, NY family and how they deal with cheating father and the upcoming wedding of Cher's character Loretta. The only problem: Loretta falls for the brother of her intended. A great feel good film conveying how true love can never be stopped.

• "Clueless"-This film is such a great slice of the 90's as presented by director Amy Heckerling. Alicia Silverstone stars as a spoiled Beverly Hills high school student Cher, who is always trying to match make for others, but never looking for love herself thanks to her disdain for high school guys ("as if"). However, when Cher does

Valentine's Day

develop a crush on a new guy at school, he only wants to be friends. Cher does eventually find love in the form of step-brother Josh (Paul Rudd). With lots of comedy, unexpected romance and a killer soundtrack, how can you go wrong?

• "The Outsiders"- While this classic film from 1983 is far from a romantic film, it features strong family love among the all star cast playing the Curtis brothers, who have lost both their parents. Two best friends in the story, Johnny Cade (Ralph Macchio) and Ponyboy Curtis (C. Thomas Howell) share a bond that will tear your heart out when Johnny passes away as the result of a horrible accident. Brotherly love has never been more strongly displayed than in this film, at least in my opinion. Plus the cast includes Patrick Swayze, Tom Cruise, and Rob Lowe among others. Stay gold.

features a romance between lead star Queen Latifah as hairstylist Gina Norris and repair man Joe (Djimon Hounsou). The film is filled with witty dialogue and sassy performances that will make you want to hang out with the characters in the film. The aforementioned Alicia Silverstone is also featured as a charming and well-meaning shampoo girl who becomes involved in her own romance. Laifah is wonderful, and the film features a hilarious turn by Kevin Bacon as a rival hairstylist. Love among the suds!

• "Hairspray"- There are two versions of this film you can enjoy, the 1988 original or the 2007 all-out musical version. For this list I am picking the 2007 version thanks to the brilliant soundtrack. The film is set in 1960's Baltimore, and stars Nikki Blonsky as Tracy Turnblad, a girl

who eventually becomes a star on a local teen dance show despite being criticized for her weight. While on the show, Tracy falls for another star of the Corny Collins Show, Link Larkin (Zac Efron). The aforementioned Queen Latifah is also featured in the film as a dance show host. The film has great music and choreography, and fun performances, even though John Travolta in drag as Tracy's mom Edan can be quite jarring, but in a humorous way. The film also smacks down racism which is always a plus in my book. There I have given you some choices for viewing in the month of love that are not always obvious. Honorable mention: The new film "Dog Gone" featuring the love between pets and humans.

Pop Life

By Ken Silvers theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com

• "Paper Moon"- This comedy, from 1973, is a great example of parental love. The film is in black and white, to make it more authentic to the Great Depression setting. The film is the story of con man Moses Pray (Ryan O"Neal), who finds himself suddenly in charge of a young girl named Addie Loggins (Tatum O'Neal), who may be his unknown daughter. The two travel about selling Bible's to unknowing widows after being told their late husbands ordered a special Bible for them. Tatum won an Oscar for her role, and when you view the film you can see why. She was only 10 years old when she won, and still holds the record for the youngest Oscar winner. The film also features an unforgettable funny performance by the late Madeline Kahn.

• "Beauty Shop"- This 2005 comedy is a fine example of love between loyal friends, and even

Bristol

PARAMOUNT

Feb 23 Sierra Hull and Justin Moses

Mar 11 Free Fallin’-The Tom Petty Tribute

Apr 1 49 Winchester

Apr 15 Best of the Eagles-Tribute

CONCERT SCHEDULE CONCERT SCHEDULE

MARTIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Feb 28 Chanticleer

Apr 30 Amy Grant

May 20 The Black Jacket Symphony: Tom Petty’s Full Moon Fever

GREENVILLE

BRISTOL TN/VA GREENVILLE

Apr 29 Ashley McBryde

May 11 Steep Canyon Rangers

Mar 12 Newsboys

Mar 16 Farm and Fun Time Show with Sam Bush, Annabelle’s Curse and Bill and the Belles

Mar 31/Apr 1 49 Winchester

Apr 15 Best of the EaglesTribute to The Eagles

Apr 29 Ashley McBryde (sold out)

May 11 Steep Canyon Rangers

May 19 A Brothers RevivalTribute to The Allman Brothers

May 21 Mac Powell

Jun 17 Nightrain-Tribute to Guns n Roses

Jul 22 Head Games-Tribute to Foreigner

Jul 29 Journeyman: Tribute to Eric Clapton

Aug 12 Yellow Brick RoadTribute to Elton John

Sep 16 EW&F-Tribute to Earth, Wind and Fire

Oct 14 Lady SupremeTribute to Diana Ross

CAMEO THEATER

Feb 24 William Lee Martin

Mar 4 The Fab Four-The Ultimate Beatles Tribute

Mar 10 BoDeans

Mar 17 John Michael Montgomery

Mar 18 Bad Marriage

Mar 26 Eric Gales

Apr 8 Billy Prine and Prime Time Band

Apr 19 Trampled By Turtles

Apr 22 The Band of Heathens

Apr 29 Billy Idol and Bret Michaels (Street show)

May 10 An Evening with Roger McGuinn

Jun 17 Vixen

JOHNSON CITY

FREEDOM HALL

Apr 4 The Price is Right Live

Apr 14 Nate Bargatze

Jun 2 Mr. Speed- Kiss Tribute

NISWONGER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Feb 17 Roots & Boots Acoustic tour with Aaron Tippin, Collin Raye and Sammy Kershaw

Mar 4 Resurrection- A Journey Tribute

Mar 11 Jefferson Starship

Mar 31 Gentri (The Gentlemen Trio)

Apr 4 One Night of Queen-performed by Gary Mullen And the Works

Apr 14 Mark Lowry

Apr 22 Masters of Soul

May 5 Wild World of Animals Free Community Concert Series

May 13 Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives

May 20 Get The Led OutLed Zeppelin Tribute

Knoxville

TENNESSEE THEATRE

Feb 25 Chris Rock

Mar 3 Home Free

Mar 16 Buddy Guy

Mar 18 Cheap Trick

Apr 26 Ben Folds and a Piano

Apr 27 Wilco

Apr 28 Amy Grant

May 13 Alice Cooper

THOMPSON BOWLING ARENA

Feb 17 Journey and Toto

Feb 18 Cody Johnson featuring Randy Houser

Feb 24 Blake Shelton

Mar 30 Kane Brown

Apr 1 Eagles

Apr 21 Lizzo

May 16 Stevie Nicks

Jul 15 Thomas Rhett

Oct 16 Shania Twain

KNOXVILLE CIVIC AUDITORIUM

Feb 17 Heather McMahan

Feb 21 Tedeschi Trucks Band

Mar 3 Zach Williams

Mar 14 Third Eye Blind

Mar 22 Champions of Magic

Apr 7 Rodney Carrington

Apr 13 Million Dollar Machine

Apr 20 Casting Crowns

Apr 29 Theresa Caputo

KNOXVILLE CIVIC AUDITORIUM

Feb 16 Whiskey Myers

Apr 15 & 16 Leanne Morgan

BIJOU THEATRE

Feb 17 Steep Canyon Rangers

Mar 9 BoDeans

Mar 11 Marc Brossard with Seth Walker

Mar 17 The Mavericks

Mar 23-25 Drew & Ellie Holcomb

Apr 7 David Sedaris

Nashville

RYMAN AUDITORIUM

Feb 20 Bush

Feb 23-25 Tedeschi Trucks Band

Feb 26 Billy Strings

Mar 4 Dawes

Mar 11 & 12 Bobby Weir and Wolf Bros

Mar 18 Buddy Guy

Mar 30,31 & Apr 1 GOOSE

Apr 6 The Mountain Goats

Apr 7 & 13 Morgan Wade

Apr 8 Leann Rimes

Apr 14 & 15 Lady A

Apr 19 Leann Morgan (Opry House)

Apr 21 David Spade

Apr 27-29 Nickel Creek

May 8-10 John Mellencamp

May 19 Crowded House

May 24 Rick Springfield

Jul 6 Sam Bush

Jul 13 Rhonda Vincent

Jul 27 Ricky Skaggs

Aug 19 Kansas

ASCEND AMPHITHEATER

May 6 Whiskey Myers

May 11 Koe Wetzel

Jun 23 Walker Hayes

Jul 11 Foreigner and Loverboy

Jul 18 Louis Tomlinson

Jul 19 Yungblud

Sep 12 /13 Artic Monkeys

BRIDGESTONE ARENA

Feb 17 Adam Sandler

Feb 19 TobyMac with Crowder

Feb 24-25 Billy Strings

Mar 1 Carrie Underwood

Mar 31 Kane Brown

Apr 7 Chris Tomlin

Apr 16 New Edition

May 4 Janet Jackson with Ludacris

Jun 13 Duran Duran

Jun 17 Bryan Adams and Joan Jett

NISSAN STADIUM

Apr 15 Luke Combs

May 5-7 Taylor Swift

May 19 Billy Joel and Stevie Nicks

Jun 11 CMA Fest

Jul 22 Ed Sheeran

Jul 28-29 George Strait, Chris Stapleton & Little Big Town

BROOKLYN BOWL

Mar 7 Theory of a Dead Man

Mar 9 moe.

Mar 23 They Might Be Giants

Mar 31 Larkin Poe

Apr 6 The Winery Dogs

Apr 14 Queensryche

May 20 The Steel Woods

Asheville

THE ORANGE PEEL

Feb 18 Elle King

Feb 22 Flogging Molly

Feb 25 Paul Thorn

Mar 4 Donna The Buffalo

Mar 6 The Beths

Mar 10 They Might Be Giants

Mar 23 moe.

Apr 4 The Winery Dogs

Apr 20 Judah & The Lion

May 12 & 13 Drive By Truckers

May 21 Trae Crowder

THOMAS WOLFE AUDITORIUM

Feb 22 Bobby Weir and Wolf Bros

Feb 25 Big Thief

Winston Salem North Caroiina

LJVM COLISEUM

Mar 3-4 Billy Strings

Mar 18 Koe Wetzel

A Dazed and Confused Upgrade

Director Richard Linklater’s 1993 film “Dazed and Confused” has gone from a beloved cult classic to a beloved American classic. The film which was Linklater’s first work with a major studio and second film overall is also noted for the number of future stars the cast is stacked with, most notably a very young Mathew McConaughey.

Set on the last day of high school in 1976, the movie is a “slice of life” on the day of the graduating teens and the soon-to-be freshmen. Linklater said he wanted the movie, which doesn’t have a major plot line running through it, to feel as if he just dropped a camera into these characters’ lives on that last day as we follow them for a 24-hour cycle. Among the, then, new faces in the cast are Ben Affleck, Parker Posey, Milla Jovovich, and Adam Goldberg. The film does a great job showing off a slice of high school life, so much so that I sometimes have a hard time watching this movie as I truly despited high school with a burning passion. So many of the archetypes of high school are so successfully portrayed in this movie

that it filled me with flashbacks of that time, and memories that I’d rather not have floating around in my grey matter.

One of the best aspects of the film is the amazing soundtrack filled with rock music of the 1970s, allegedly most of the movie’s budget was spent on clearing the expensive songs, something Linklater was very passionate about. But it adds to the feel and vibe of the time in a way that feels authentic.

As “Dazed and Confused” became beloved on home video, Universal has released it several times on DVD and blu-ray, and those titans of home video, The Criterion Collection, have released the film twice. First on DVD in 2006, then again on blu-ray in 2011. They’ve now revisited the title yet again as a 4K UHD blu-ray, something they’ve been doing with some of their titles since they began releasing 4K discs in 2021.

Criterion’s 4K release of “Dazed and Confused” is a combo edition featuring the new 4K disc and a copy of the 2011 blu-ray, there’s nothing new on that blu-ray disc, so if you own it you’re not missing out on any new features. The only new feature is the 4K disc, which only has the movie and the Linklater commentary track from 2006.

masters. The film looks amazing. With a light touch of grain and good strong color, as with the best of 4K blu-ray presentations, the film looks shockingly like you’re seeing a projected 35mm film image in your own home.

The audio is clear and sharp, and when those great period songs kick in the surround speakers come to life and it makes for a lively soundstage, that never overpowers the dialogue in the center speaker. For fans of this movie, this is easily the definitive home video release of the film and is a must-own.

All the bonus features in this 4K are identical to previous editions

of the film from Criterion. The extras can all be accessed on the enclosed blu-ray. These include a making-of documentary on the movie, on-set interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, audition footage, deleted scenes, and the trailer. A large booklet is included featuring essays and cast interviews.

“Dazed and Confused” is one of Richard Linklater’s most beloved movies, and this new 4K UHD edition from The Criterion Collection is a must-own for fans of the film. Very highly recommended. See you next week.

By Andy Ross theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com

The new 4K digital restoration is of Linklater’s director’s cut. The 35mm camera negative was scanned as the source for this 4K disc, using the 2011 blu-ray’s scan of the color graded interpolative as a guide for the color on the restoration. This remaster is presented in Dolby Vision High Dynamic Range and was supervised and approved by Richard Linklater.

The film’s music-rich soundtrack is presented as a lossless, DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound mix. This mix was remastered from the original 35mm magnetic audio