The Loafer 78

www.theloafer.net

theloaferonlineprint@gmail.com

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

Founder: Bill Williams

NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER

Hello Friends!

Easter! I will never hide the fact that I am a Christian and I am so thankful for this week! I struggle daily to be good enough and I know that I never will be but thankfully he paid for our sins. What are your plans for Easter? Church, egg hunts, time with family or just relaxing? Whatever your religion or lack of I do hope that everyone enjoys the holiday and spends time with loved ones.

On another note the economy is not great right now and times are hard for a lot of small businesses. I hope that you are doing what you can to support them. This includes us. The Loafer has been here since 1987 but it has not been easy for everyone that has kept it going. Please support us when you can.

Have a great week!

Northeast State Theatre stages

Eurydice April 20-23

Shattered romance and the underworld meet when the Northeast State Department of Theatre proudly presents a production of Eurydice from playwright Sarah Ruhl. This updated version of the ancient Greek drama takes audiences through the pain of lost love and the perils of fate.

Eurydice reimagines the classic myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. Ruhl’s version tells the story not through Orpheus’s infamous pilgrimage to retrieve his bridge, but through the eyes of its heroine. Dying too young on her wedding day, Eurydice must journey to the underworld, where she reunites with her father and struggles to remember her lost love. What does fate hold for Orpheus and Eurydice? Can true love be reunited?

Combining classic Greek tragedy, compelling characters, and Northeast State Theatre’s award-winning sound and visual creations, the play takes a fresh look at a timeless love story. The play is being directed by T.J. Kent, associate

professor of Theatre at Northeast State. Opening night is April 20. The curtain goes up at 7:30 p.m. Evening performances continue April 21, 22, and 23 at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. One matinee performance is scheduled April 23 at 2:00 p.m. All performances take place at the Ballad Health Performing Arts Center on the Blountville campus next to Tri-Cities Airport. Tickets are $10 general admission and $8 for groups of 10 or more. This play is being presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc., a Concord Theatricals Company. In compliance with the American Disabilities Act, Northeast State honors requests for reasonable accommodations made by individuals with disabilities. Direct requests can be made at least 10 days in advance to (voice and TTY) 423.279.7640.

Get tickets now at:

www.northeaststate.edu/boxoffice For more information please contact the Box Office at 423.354.5169.

Bristol TN/Va

WEDNESDAY Apr 5th

Alpine Motel 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

THURSDAY Apr 6th

Victor Lawson Duo 6:00pm at Delta Blues BBQ

RJ Smith 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

From the Edge 8:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

FRIDAY Apr 7th

Orbital Planes 6:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Ole Justin Chambers 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

If Birds Could Fly 8:30pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Joey’s Van 11:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

SATURDAY Apr 8th

Thrift Store Cowboys 5:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Crosby Tyler 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Club Rewind 8:00pm at Quaker Steak & Lube

Mississippi East 11:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

MONDAY Apr 10th

Anthony Childress 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Johnson City

TUESDAY Apr 4th

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

WEDNESDAY Apr 5th

HB Beverly 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

THURSDAY Apr 6th

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

Justin Mychals 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

FRIDAY Apr 7th

Cruz Contreras 7:00pm at The Down Home

Savage Outlaws 8:00pm at Tulips Grub & Pub

Ali Randolph Band 9:30 at Wild Wing Cafe

Brushfire Stankgrass 10:00pm at Capone’s

SATURDAY Apr 8th

Slick Cadillac 9:30 at Wild Wing Cafe

Citizen Kane | Prezzence | Necktie Social

10:00pm at Capone’s

SUNDAY Apr 9th

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

Kingsport

THURSDAY Apr 6th

Dan Herrell Acoustic 8:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

FRIDAY Apr 7th

The Color 7 9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

SATURDAY Apr 8th

JR and the Big Guns

9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

Bluff City

SATURDAY Apr 8th

The Fitzgerelds 7pm at Riverside Taphouse at South Fork

Elizabethton

FRIDAY Apr 7th

Mick Kyte 7:00pm at Jiggy Ray’s Pizzaria

SATURDAY April 8th

Kelly & Christian 8:00pm at Jiggy Ray’s Pizzaria

Jason Edwards 8:00pm at The 19E Pitstop

To listen to April Verch and Cody Walters is to be immersed in tradition; to watch them perform is to be transported. Be it regional Canadian roots, American old-time, 50’s country, Scandinavian folk music, or something original that sounds timeless—the common thread is their love and reverence for the music and traditions that have been passed down to them. Husband and wife duo April Verch & Cody Walters will play Pennington Gap’s Lee Theatre on Friday, April 7th at 7 p.m. and Clintwood’s Jettie Baker Center on Saturday, April 8th at 7 p.m. in conjunction with Pro-Art’s 46th season and the W. Campbell Edmonds Concert Series. Adult tickets are $10 at the door. All children and students admitted free. More information and reservations at proartva.org

After more than two decades leading her own band, with 14 albums in her name, there is nothing that fulfills Verch or gives her more joy than playing and sharing her music with the world. “It’s like the reward for everything else,” she says. Together, she and Walters are exemplary traditionbearing performers: never forgetting the roots of the music, that connection to the people in the audience or on the dance

Dancing on Fiddle Traditions

floor, to the community sparked by a good song. “It’s about joining together to celebrate everyday life, through music. We’re all in this together.” And so together they press onward: diving deep into musical tradition, bringing people together, forging connections, and sharing their genuine love for the music they play so well.

Verch and Walters’ partnership is one of kindred musical spirits, each a world-class musician in their own right. Their music transitions effortlessly from traditional Ottawa Valley step dancing and fiddle tunes, to old-time fiddle-banjo duets with tight-knit vocal harmonies, to innovative sandpaper foot percussion—all contrasted against Verch’s sweet soprano voice. The duo’s ability to preserve the authentic folk traditions of the past and reintroduce them into the musical landscape of the present is a testament to their masterful musicianship and widespread appeal.

Pro-Art partners with a variety of venues, therefore individuals with mobility issues or general questions are encouraged to call (276) 376-4520 or email the ProArt office at pro-art@uvawise.edu. For

evolving conditions related to weather cancellations, or similar unforeseen circumstances, patrons are encouraged to check proartva.org for up-to-date information.

Pro-Art is supported in part by the Virginia

Commission for the Arts, which receives support from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as the Slemp Foundation, The University of Virginia’s College at Wise, Mountain Empire Community College, and the Columbus Phipps Foundation.

Renowned Illustrator Paints Mural at ETSU

University invites community to participate in #ETSUPride365

A partnership with Taylor Swift. Producing street art for Super Bowl 2020. Crafting murals and launching a viral #WhatLiftsYou social media campaign following the devastating school shooting in Parkland, Florida.

Kelsey Montague, one of the bestknown illustrators in the world, has taken her creative craft across the globe.

Add East Tennessee State University and Johnson City to her portfolio.

Montague finished painting a mural at the university earlier this week. Located near the Ballad Health Athletic Center (Mini-Dome) and the parking garage, the navy and gold mural features design elements unique to both ETSU and the region: the Ballad Health Athletic Center, Tennessee’s Tri-Star, the ETSU Carillon, 1911 (the year ETSU was founded), the Appalachian Mountains and rhododendrons.

“All my work is positive in some way. I always want my work to be uplifting,” she said.

Despite her work with celebrities and international causes, this marks only the fourth mural she has painted for a college and the first in the South.

“I am a huge fan of universities. The energy and the creativity are always so exciting,” she said. “I hope the university community knows that this is for them.”

ETSU, in turn, hopes the community will use the new mural to spread positivity online.

“We encourage visitors to snap a selfie in front of the mural and then share it on social media with #ETSUPride365,” said Barbara Mason, director of Trademark Licensing at ETSU and the one who helped bring Montague to campus. “We invite you to become part of this exciting piece of art, as well as help us promote the community that we all call home.”

“Whoever walks by this, it’s a gift,”

added Montague. “It’s for you.” Montague’s paintings have proven wildly popular.

Visitors to Nashville may have noticed her work in the Gulch. Long lines often greet those hoping to take a selfie in front of the mural.

Those wishing to see the mural for themselves are invited to stop by Parking Services Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., for a parking pass. Parking is free and open to the public outside those hours. Parking Services is located at 132 Stout Drive.

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

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

Trivia at The Corner Bar Bristol, VA 8pm

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

To have your events added to this list email:

SODOKU CROSSWORD

Down

1. SALT concern

2. Siamese, today

3. Indiana city

4. Like a station in a power outage?

5. Cul-de-sacs

6. Hell, to Henri

7. Greek cheese

8. "The Kids ___ All Right" (2010 film)

9. Shoulders-to-hips areas

10. Often furrowed facial feature

11. "Whoops"

12. Singer Horne

13. Make it to the end

19. Request in a Chinese restaurant

24. "... but for the grace of God ___"

25. Moth-___: worn out

26. Show's host

ACROSS

1. "Gotta hand ___ ya..."

5. Trim, as meat

10. Torero's foe

14. Restaurant employee

15. Month after diciembre

16. Cousin of the emu

17. Spew

18. Post-lunch periods

20. "Look!" to Luis

21. Narc's org.

22. I couldn't care less!

23. "The ___ Sanction" (Eastwood film)

25. Abbr. in a super-short email

26. "Sleepless in Seattle" director Nora

28. Like a mortarboard

33. Lamb's cry

34. "___ recommend it!"

36. Garbo born Gustafsson

37. Caked deposit

39. Basted

41. Gray of song

42. James and Jones of jazz

44. Wish grantor

46. Mortgage org.

47. Like pigs, camels and giraffes

49. Take a ___ (try)

51. Store's stock (abbr.)

52. ___ alcohol (biofuel)

53. Mustachioed Don of classic films

57. Prefix with politics or centric

58. Geologic periods

61. One who does library work

63. Gone

64. Small hotels

65. Not happy

66. Strong urges

67. Geneticist's studies

68. Rainwear brand

69. Latin I verb

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

27. Miniseries segment

28. Pulled, as a broken-down car

29. Hesitant non-fluency

30. Gardener's device

31. ____ Sketch (toy for budding artists)

32. "A ___ the Races"

35. Desert region of southern Israel

38. Steely ___

40. Warps

43. Chainsaw brand

45. Ken. neighbor

48. Baseball situation

50. Shipboard "Understood"

52. Very wide shoe size

53. Etcher's supply

54. "Death in Venice"

author Thomas

55. Sicilian peak

56. Sinclair Lewis hero

57. Big breeze

59. Nursemaid dog of literature

60. Pt. of GPS

62. Agcy. of the legislative branch

PETS

OF THE WEEK

Leo is a handsome and friendly 4 yr old

Pit Bull Terrier that loves to lay in your lap and nap in the sunshine. And what Pit Bull is going to let you put bunny ears on him. He needs to be an only animal though. Leo would be great in an adult household. He’s ok with children, but due to his strength, he could knock them down. Leo is good on a leash and loves

Harper came to the rescue as a nonsocialized older kitten. She used to hiss at everything and everyone, from how scared she was. Currently she’s still on the shy end but she’s fine when people move around her, offer treats or play with her. She would need someone calm and If

patient around her who is not in hurry to have a lap cat. Harper is two years old, spayed, current on vaccinations and microchipped. Harper is included in the Spring Fling special with a $20.23 adoption fee through the end of April.

Last Week's Puzzle Answers Sudoku

to go on walks. And just a warning - he does not make a good impression when you see him inside the rescue, but most dogs are this way at animal shelters. Come and meet him outside and just see how much love he would give you. Leo is in the Spring Fling 2023 so, the adoption fee is $20.23

Cryptogram:

"In matters of religion and matrimony I never give any advice because I will not have anybody's torments in this world or the next laid to my charge."

Dropquote:

"You are responsible, forever, for what you have tamed. You are responsible for your rose."

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

Create Appalachia and Reece Museum Partner to Present “Entrepreneurial Artivism: Making the Most of Opportunities in Public Art” with Lynn Basa

April 25, 2023 6 PM

In person and online

In-person gathering at the Reece Museum, 363 Stout Drive, Johnson City (ETSU Campus) Online Attendance is an option.

Presenter: Lynn Basa, Public Artist and Author

Admission is free, but registration is required : tinyurl.com/2s4jsnsy

Artists seeking opportunities to create public art will benefit from this program, which is designed to help them find, apply for, and win public art commissions of all types. Create Appalachia and the Reece Museum at ETSU are partnering to offer this event featuring Lynn Basa, a public artist and author with an international profile. Basa is the author of The Artist’s Guide to Public Art: How to Find and Win Commissions, now in its second printing. The book will form the basis for the evening’s program, which is free and open to the public.

In-person attendees should plan to be at the Reece Museum a little before the program begins at 6 PM. In the interest of regional accessibility, there is a Zoom option for those who are not able to join us in person. The virtual waiting room for Zoom attendees will open about 10 or 15minutes before 6. Basa will join us virtually from Chicago, sharing her advice and wisdom during this interactive presentation. A Q&A session will follow. “This is a wonderful opportunity for regional artists who are considering making public art part of their creative

endeavors,” says Katie Hoffman, Executive Director of Create Appalachia. “We are very pleased to be working with the Reece Museum to create this chance for regional artists to interact with a national expert. I mean, Lynn literally wrote the textbook on finding and taking advantage of opportunities in public art! I

Louvre and other notable museums. She has also been featured in the Smithsonian Institute’s landmark Threadworks exhibit, which traveled throughout eastern Africa. She holds an MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and an MPA in public art policy from the University of Washington, with an undergraduate degree in ceramics

important opportunity. The Reece Museum is a unit of the Center of Excellence for Appalachian Studies and Services, which is housed in the ETSU Department of Appalachian Studies. The Reece Museum is located on the campus of East Tennessee State University and is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, please visit: www.etsu.edu/reece or phone (423) 439-4392.

Create Appalachia strives to make the Appalachian Highlands a better place to live and work by supporting innovation and entrepreneurship centered around the arts and creativity. We work to sustain an environment that will generate new businesses, provide jobs in artsbased businesses, and highlight the important role that creativity plays in the region’s economic vitality.

hope we’ll have a great turnout for this, both at the Reece Museum and online.”

Lynn Basa is a painter, potter, and public artist based in Chicago. She is an experienced teacher and is personally familiar with our region, having completed a public art installation at the Higher Education Center in Kingsport several years ago. Basa’s work is included in numerous public, private, and museum collections and exhibits. Her work was included in a national exhibit by the American Craft Museum before traveling abroad to the

and art history from Indiana University. (For a more detailed biography or to register for this event, please visit: tinyurl.com/2s4jsnsy

Interest in this program is likely to be high. In the spirit of community, we request that attendees choose either the in-person option or the Zoom option. but not both. We understand that registering both places allows people to keep their options open, but it may also block others from being able to attend. Thank you in advance for helping us allow the largest possible number of registrants to take advantage of this

The Arts@Work Series supports entrepreneurial and selfemployed artists and makers who wish to develop their professional business skills. Topics include introductions to business strategy, marketing, communication and promotion, pricing, and client relations.

The 2021-2022 Arts@Work series was curated to meet the particular needs of small creative businesses. The Tennessee Arts Commission provided funding for this class through an Arts Build Community grant. Their generosity makes it possible for us to present this class with no admission charge.

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 APRIL 4TH

Taco Trek Ride

6:30 at Trek Bicycle

Price is Right Live

7:30pm at Freedom Hall

THURSDAY APRIL 6TH

Easter Wreath Door Hanger

6:00pm at Into the Fire

FRIDAY MAR 7TH

Johnson City Love & Hiking

Date For Couples (Self-Guided)

7:00am at Willow Springs Park

Weekly YuGiOh Duel Night

6:00pm at CardFox

SATURDAY APR 8TH

Johnson City Love & Hiking

Date For Couples (Self-Guided)

7:00am at Willow Springs Park

Johnson City Farmers Market

Opening Day 8:00am at Founders Park

Brewstillery Bike Bash 10:00am at Tennessee Hills Brewstillery

Storytime & Paint 10:00am at Into the Fire

Munsey/JC Community Easter Egg Hunt 10:30am at King Common's Park

THINGS TO DO THINGS TO DO

Easter Animal Bash 2:00pm at Washington County Johnson City Animal Center

SUNDAY APR 9TH

Johnson City Love & Hiking

Date For Couples (Self-Guided)

7:00am at Willow Springs Park

BRISTOL

WEDNESDAY APRIL 5TH

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

THURSDAY APRIL 6TH

IBN Biz Lunch 11:30am at Michael Waltrip Brewing Co.

“Sister Cats” Canvas Class

6:00pm at Kil'n Time Studio

Pick a Side Stupid 8:00pm at Blue RIdge Comedy Club

FRIDAY APRIL 7TH

Shawn Carter 8:00pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

SATURDAY APR 8TH

“Sweet Bunny” Kids & Guardians Canvas Class

1:30pm at Kil'n Time Studio

Board Game Night 5:00pm at Bristol Public Library

Shawn Carter 8:00pm, 10:00pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

SUNDAY APRIL 9TH

Easter Brunch 7:00am at The Bristol Hotel

KINGSPORT

THURSDAY APRIL 6TH

First Thursday Shop and Hop

5:00pm at Downtown Kingsport

SATURDAY APR 8TH

Nature: Wolf Howling

10:00am at Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium

Blue Ridge Artisan DaysEaster Festival 10:00am at Kingsport Farmers Market

JONESBOROUGH

TUESDAYS

Jonesborough Storytelling Guild “Stories n’More” Show

7:00pm at The International Storytelling Center

WEDNESDAY APRIL 5TH

IBN Biz Lunch 11:30am at The Black Olive

SATURDAY APR 8TH

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

ABINGDON, VA

WEDNESDAY APR 5TH

Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

FRIDAY APR 7TH

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

SUNDAY APR 8TH

Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

TUSCULUM

SATURDAY, APRIL 8TH

Historic Jonesborough Dance Society Contra Dancing 7pm at Tusculum University

Visit Johnson City to Host Disc Golf

‘After Hours’

Event at the Ballad Health Athletic Center

In partnership with Throwmore Disc Golf, Visit Johnson City is proud to lend their support to the PDGAsanctioned Amateur River Valley Masters Disc Golf Event and its evening party at the ETSU Mini Dome.

River Valley Masters is a true amateur B-tier disc golf event with divisions for all skill levels. The weekend tournament spotlights four disc golf courses in the Northeast TN and Southwest VA areas. On Saturday, following the day’s proceedings, Visit Johnson City has aided in organizing a disc golf party inside the ETSU Mini Dome for players, their friends and families, as well as the general public. Participants will have the opportunity to play a short 9-hole course

Biker Events

sponsored by biker wear

inside with other various yard games spread throughout the footprint of the stadium. Disc golf related vendors and food trucks will also be present to cap off the largest disc golf event that the region has witnessed.

What: River Valley Masters Disc Golf ‘After Hours’ Party

When: Saturday, April 1st at 5pm-9pm

Where: Ballad Health Athletic Center

Why: Opportunity to provide a unique and engaging disc golf experience that is free to the public

Visit Johnson City strives to showcase the uniqueness of the community by promoting its distinctive resources, events, and attractions to both visitors and citizens.

Local Events:

1. Beauty & The Beast Boxing & Dinner Weekend April 7th – 8th Pigeon Forge

2. TN Hill Brewstillery Bike Bash 10am – 1pm April 8th

3. WJ’s Spring Bike Show 11am April 8th

4. Truck Race on Dirt – Bristol April 8th

5. Food City Dirt Race April 9th – Bristol

6. Bluegrass in the Blue Ridge April 14th – 16th Meadowview Conference Center

7. Music on the Hill with Car & Bike Show April 29th Happy Valley High School

8. 11th Annual Thirsty Orange Extravaganza April 29th

Bike Night:

1. Wednesday – 19E Pit Stop

2. Wednesday – Jonesboro VFW – Dog Tags

3. Thursday - Quaker Steak & Lube

4. Friday - Tulips

Rides:

1. Benefit for Mini Miracles April 1st at Indian Dealership KSU 11am

2. WesMann’s Ride For The Ramp April 22nd Black Wolf Harley Davidson 11am KSU 12

Rallies:

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

2. Tallahassee Bike Fest April 14th – 16th Tallahassee, FLA

3. Thunder on Tobacco Road April 20th – 23rd Seven Spring NC

Beanz Biker Corner Beanz Biker Corner

Hello everyone, well Spring is here. Since everybody is going to want to get out and about I thought it would be nice to start telling folks about things to go do in our local area. (Backyard Terrors and Dinosaur Park 1065 Walnut Grove Rd, Bluff City, TN 37618) Phone: (423)391-7017 or (423)534-4429

Backyard Terrors started in 2007 with their first dinosaur sculpture in their backyard... where else? Since then, they have created and put together a plethora of things for all themes, pirates, monsters, dinosaurs, aliens, you name it! They do set design and can make an entire display or just make one unique piece. They also do some rentals. Backyard Terrors also operates The Funhouse Haunted Attraction, Monsters, Myths, and Legends and the Dinosaur Park, a nonprofit free admission attraction for all ages.

Chris Kastner – Owner - These are Chris’s Words:

The dinosaur park is a dream of mine that started out with

me wanting a life size dinosaur. I couldn't afford one so through much trial and error I built myself one in 2007. We received a lot of cars stopping to take pictures of our first one, the Jurassic Parklike Raptor that now stands just outside the entrance. After that one we built another and another, finally deciding to make a park of it for all to enjoy. We currently have over 60 prehistoric creatures with more coming soon as we grow. We have a picnic area and the local Pizza Plus delivers here. We also have a small gift shop. We're a donation-based attraction, which means we don't currently charge any admission to get in. We want children of all ages to able to afford to come here and experience life-sized creatures from our wonderful prehistoric past. All donations and gift shop purchases will aid us in expanding and becoming a better attraction for our patrons. We're open every day from 9AM to Dark. Tours are self-guided; photos and videos are permitted. We ask that no one touch the dinosaurs or exhibits except where intended. There are maps available for free at the entrance with information on the animals in the park and informational signs on each animal. Thank you so much for allowing us to do what we are good at and being able to serve the public while doing it. Our mission as always is to Entertain, Educate, and Impress!

Beanz Biker Corner

By Anne Hartley

423-297-5675

Dino Park in the Dark. Bring your flashlights and your courage! The powers out and the dinosaurs are on the loose! It's after hours at Backyard Terrors Dinosaur Park. And a volcanic eruption has the dinosaurs all riled up! Sneak through the park and discover the mystery of dinosaurs in the dark, hear the sounds of the T-Rex

crashing through the trees as the sirens signal a warning. See Park staff trying to recapture escaped dinosaurs! See trees alive with fireflies and escape the fire erupting volcano! We have 3 Payment Options: 1. Pay with credit or debit using PayPal: backyardterrors@gmail.com 2. CashApp $BackyardTerrors 3. Cash: Pay cash right at the gate. NOTES: 10.00 reserves your spot • If we leave 5 spots open to pay when you get here, 10 cars may show up to get them and we don't want folks driving this far for nothing. • We do also need volunteers if anyone would like to help out message here or email.

Useless Facts:

1. A dinosaur called the Pegomastax is one of the weirdest dinosaurs known. Described as a cross between a parrot and porcupine, it had a beak with teeth that sharpened

themselves against each other.

2. In the 1993 movie, Jurassic Park, there is only 15 minutes of dinosaur footage: 6 minutes of CGI and 9 minutes of animatronics.

3. One of the weirdest dinosaurs is the Suzhousaurus. Looking like a giant rat, this odd dinosaur also had a furry body, which suggests it is a distant ancestor of the giant ground sloth.

4. People have only been on Earth about 2.5 million years. Dinosaurs lived on Earth for about 160 million years, which is about 64 times longer than people been around.

5. Meat-eating dinosaurs are known as theropods, which means “beast-footed,” because they had sharp, hooked claws on their toes. In contrast, planteating dinosaurs tended to have blunt hooves or toenails.

Social Sentiments

By Wendy Hayden socialsentiments @outlook.com socialsentiments.net

Reframe Your Posts

Every single time something major happens in the political world, social media feeds become clogged with opinions, false information, and incomplete judgments. Hostility reigns and friendships are weakened. We need to change the narrative of political speech. Free speech is important, and is encouraged, but nobody is free of the consequences of that speech, regardless of the intentions. When you share a post, it sends a message to your followers (likely the people you are closest to) that your values align with that post. If your followers do not agree, tension will ensue. There is an

unspoken rule for brands on social media that states that if a topic does not directly affect you, do not address it because backlash may occur. That advice is encouraged for all social media users. Err on the side of human decency if you feel the need to share a post and even if it is taken the wrong way, your good intentions will be brought to light.

Before you make your next post, ask yourself if it's worth losing friends over. Most likely the answer is no. Inform yourself on the issue you're posting about and see opposing viewpoints to get a fresh perspective before you risk losing valuable relationships.

Tusculum Hosting Reading by Distinguished Poet And Essayist

A highly regarded poet, essayist and teacher will read some of his writing and celebrate the literary talent of Tusculum University students during one of the higher education’s treasured annual events.

Dr. Martin Lammon, who is also an anthology editor and journal co-founder, will delight the audience with readings of his work Thursday, March 30, at 7 p.m. in the Brotherton Boardroom on the third floor of the Meen Center. Then, he will announce the winners of the annual Curtis ‘28 and Billie Owens Literary Prize, which honors student writing in the genres of drama, fiction, nonfiction and poetry. Dr. Lammon judged the entries, and winners in each category will receive a monetary award.

The event is presented by the English and Languages Department and the College of Civic and Liberal Arts. It is free and open to the community.

“Tusculum is thrilled to host standouts in literature on our campus and enrich the lives of our students and the community,” said Wayne Thomas, dean of the College of Civic and Liberal Arts. “Dr. Lammon epitomizes exceptional writing talent,

and his mentorship has impacted my career considerably. Our students and the community will benefit from listening to his work, and his comments on the entries will provide valuable advice for our emerging writers on campus.”

Dr. Lammon is professor emeritus at Georgia College, where he held the Fuller E. Callaway endowed Flannery O’Connor Chair for 21 years. At that institution, he developed the university’s Master of Fine Arts program in creative writing.

He is the author of the poetry collections “News from Where I Live” and “The Long Road Home” and editor of the anthology “Written in Water, Written in Stone: Twenty Years of Poets on Poetry.” He founded two journals – “Kestrel,” a journal of literature and art, for which he served as editor from 1992-1997, and “Arts & Letters,” a journal for formal and experimental fiction, nonfiction and poetry and other work that does not fit a specific classification, for which he was editor from 1999-2015.

Thomas noted that as editor, Dr. Lammon made room for essays and interviews on craft, commentary on ethos and translations of international authors well

before it was fashionable and the internet made that work financially viable. While he published many established authors, Dr. Lammon had the knack to recognize up-and-coming writers and print their work as well.

Previous winners of the Curtis and Billie Owens Awards include Justin Phillip Reed, a 2013 Tusculum graduate and winner of the National Book Award for poetry in 2018.

Curtis Owens, who was a professor and held a variety of administrative assignments at Pace University, and his wife, Billie, established the awards at Tusculum in 1995. He was a 1928 graduate of Tusculum, where he played football, debated, won an award for philosophy and two awards for poetry as well as wrote the class poem for the 1928 annual.

“We are proud of the creative writing program at Tusculum and have enjoyed watching our students develop their skills in this craft,” said Dr. Anne Acker, chair of the English and Languages Department. “With opportunities to participate in the publication of ‘The Tusculum Review,’ our international literary journal, and take the lead on ‘Sit Lux,’ our student-led publication, they grow into confident, well-

rounded writers who are ready to make their mark on the profession. This event is an outstanding way to celebrate their achievements.”

More information about the university is available at www.tusculum.edu

Trends to End in 2023

It’s true I’m no longer a girl in her 20s; heck it’s true I’m a woman dangerously close to ending her 30s. Which means I’m at that phase in my life where the generational gaps start to become increasingly obvious and I let infuriating colloquialisms like “when I was your age,” and “these kids today” slip with a fair degree of regularity. I must be well on my way to old and curmudgeon, because some days I just wake up and seemingly everything annoys me; this happens to be one of those days. For the last few years there have been stupid things pop up that I thought “surely this is a passing phase and will be gone soon,” and nevertheless they’ve persisted and worse become the norm. I’m here today to present a list of trends that need unfollowing, and my arguments for why. As with everything else in life, this list is strictly opinion and satire and if it offends you, please make your own list and put me on it.

At the top of my list of grievances and the personal bane of my existence: filters.

It started innocently enough. We all downloaded snap chat and took kooky pics of ourselves with puppy tongues, and cat ears and exploding heart eyes. It was all just lighthearted fun! Then Instagram and Facebook got in on the action, creating new technologies to see yourself as an old person or the opposite sex. It was still caricature and no one used them with any degree of seriousness. But slowly, one at a time and with the assistance of “influencers” around the globe, face filters are now created strictly to enhance the features and go undetected, with the majority of people using them in every single photo they capture, and its gotten out of hand. It appears the reality of “real life” is too unappealing and what can a little tweaking hurt? Women in

particular are now filtering photos to create an entirely CGI generated appearance that is not even close to their real looks-in fact, that’s the number 1 grievance I hear on online dating from men. They say most women edit and filter their photos so heavily that when they show up in person they’re unrecognizable and feel catfished.

The most beautiful women I know abuse filters more than anyone, which is hardest for me to comprehend. These are knockout 10s that I could only aspire to look like, and every photo of themselves has been altered to give the same fox eye, plump pout, over-highlighted, anime-adjacent image as every other vacant social media “celebrity.” And it’s like they’re so de-sensitized to it, they are using increasingly over-the-top filters to the point they’re looking completely cartoonish and don’t even realize. It’s psychotic and I don’t understand; it truly feels like mental illness to me, and worse, it’s just plain lazy! If you can’t afford the procedures to give yourself a cat-eye or plump your lips in real life, and you don’t want to learn how to do it with makeup, then you don’t get to fake it by slapping a stupid filter on every photo, build a totally new human online and then walk around in the real world looking like Rocky Dennis in Mask. Better yet, learn to love the real you, then promote accordingly. We all want to present the best version of ourselves digitally, but at what point is it becoming a lie?

Now for my next point of grief: the extra-long beard.

Men, you’re not getting off the hook on this list. Back in 2012 or so, we saw a surge in men growing out their beards. The “Lumbersexual” look became popular and the beard oil and barbershop industry exploded. Inch by inch, their beards continued to grow, surpassing Brawny man and moving into Confederate Soldier, and finally landing in Wizard territory. I thought surely these long, disgusting beards

will become annoying and this too shall pass in a year or so. And though it’s not as popular as it was a decade ago, I still see far too many men with their over-conditioned face manes for my liking.

I’m a woman who loves a beard and really can’t say I’ve ever dated a man without one. But a neatly trimmed stubble to ½” thickness is plenty. Its masculine but shows you care about your appearance. And no matter what you say, I don’t care how much you moisturize and trim that Duck Dynasty disaster on your face, it is not sanitary. I watch you all eat and drink; I see you sucking the beer foam from your mustache that’s curled into your mouth, and I watch the crumbs fall south and disappear into the forest of wiry uncontrollable hair cascading toward your chest. And for the love of god, shave your neck beard daily. Nothing looks sloppier than a ZZ Top beard with another miniature beard that runs into your chest hair. Finally: TikTok (or as I call it IckTok.) Why, just…why?

During Covid lockdown, it was kind of understandable. Being locked in your house bored with kids and spouses or alone for weeks on end was the only feasible reasoning in my opinion that a grown adult would set up a camera and film themselves dancing and lip-syncing to other people’s words. But it continued, and then there were TikTok “trends” where multiple people were doing the same stupid dance. Again, not just teenagers-grown adults. Then Instagram created Reels to get in on the action, and now the same ridiculous content is being posted on 2 platforms. Now it’s just the norm to see people standing in front of their phones mouthing quotes and songs and playing pretend like it’s actually not completely weird. And what a time suck! There is something far more addicting about IckTock than any other social media site that has people scrolling nonstop. I have never gotten sucked in, but I have friends and

by Kathie Scalf

family who spend hours into the day and night numbing their minds with fluff content and probably killing brain cells. I’m kind of sick of social media in general, but IckTok needs to go. If you want to play make believe like a child, go outside and play in nature or get lost in a book; that seems far more constructive than fake-talking into a phone screen alone.

This list could go on for days, but in the interest of keeping a space of positivity I will end here. Once again, this is strictly a matter of opinion and luckily we live in a world where everyone has the freedom to express theirs. And while these trivial matters are very annoying to me personally, in the grand scheme of things, they mean nothing. I just wish in general we would all get back to a more organic mindset and stop the herd mentality. Maybe we can make being un-trendy the next trend!

XO - Kathie

Spring Train Excursion Through Smoky Mountains

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. 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 rail excursion takes us from the historic depot in Bryson City, NC, 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 Tourist Coach, or Open-Air cars. All classes offer seating in classic antique restored passenger cars. There are restrooms throughout the train. See pictures of each class on our web site.

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

Passengers have three 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 location on the order form when purchasing tickets. NOTE: Free parking is provided both in Johnson City and Bryson City.

Schedule for passengers driving directly to Bryson City, NC

Train departs Bryson City 12:01 p.m.

TICKETS

Tourist Coach or Open-Air Coach Class 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.

MEAL OPTIONS

Box Lunch – 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

Concessions Car – sandwiches, drinks, chips, and snacks will be available for purchase on board Bring Your Own – a small cooler is acceptable if you wish to bring food with you

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 on lodging in the Bryson City area is available on your confirmation form .

Train arrives back in Bryson City 4:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Schedule for passengers riding motor coach from Johnson City, TN

Motor coach departs Johnson City, TN 7:30 a.m.

Train departs Bryson City 12:01 p.m.

Train arrives back in Bryson City 4:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Arrive back in Johnson City 7:30 p.m.

Tickets and pre-purchased meals must be ordered online by credit card at : www.wataugavalleynrhs.org/. Click on the EXCURSIONS link 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.

The Spring Great Smoky Train

Excursions sell out fast, please order your tickets so you will not be left out. If you like riding a train and the scenic mountains, this trip is for you. Questions about the trip? Go to www.wataugavalleynrhs.org, or email wataugavalley@gmail.com

True Spirit

I don't know about you, but I tend to enjoy films based on true life events. One such film based on a true story is "True Spirit", now streaming on Netflix. The Australian film tells the story of Jessica Watson, an Australian sailor, who at the age of 16, attempted a solo navigation around the world. The film is set in 2009 when Jessica (Teagan Croft) is doing all she can to fulfill her dream of sailing solo around the world, which would take possibly 200 days. During the journey she must cross the equator and all meridians of longitude. One day Jessica does a test run, and while on the run her boat is hit by a freighter which has strayed off course. Had she remembered to turn on her alert system before she went to bed, the accident would have been avoided. After this harsh lesson, the media in Australia begins to doubt she is prepared for such a trip. Jessica is not deterred

Pop Life

By Ken Silvers theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com

by the skeptical media, and with the help of her support team consisting of her mom Julie (Anna Paquin), her father Roger (Josh Lawson), her three siblings, and her coach Ben Bryant (Cliff Curtis), she sets sail from Sydney to begin her journey. The journey begins smoothly until she encounters her first big storm, which is extremely violent. Instead of heading away from the storm, she decides to ride it out, but is knocked unconscious and doesn't wake up until the next morning. Jessica convinces her parents she is fine and continues the journey and continues her trip. After enduring the harsh strom, she encounters a period of no wind, which results in her sailboat being stationary for a week. The unexpected stop in her trip brings on a bit of depression and loneliness, but eventually her mom lifts her spirits by singing to her, and the wind once again returns. As Jessica is about one thousand miles from Sydney, she is alerted three storms are about to merge, and Ben tries to convince her to take an alternate route for safety. Jessica considers doing so, but if she does take the alternate route, it will ruin her completion of her circumnavigation. Jessica refuses to give up, and choses to ride the monster storm system out. At this point I will not reveal what she experiences, but I will just say

the film ends on a happy note, where Jessica is named the Young Australian of the Year. I must add Jesica has dyslexia, and despite her challenge, inspired many young people around the world during her journey, and eventually wrote two books. To this day Jessica is an avid sailor. The cast in the film is wonderful, and all are well cast, with Teagan bringing light and energy to her portrayal of Jessica. Of course Paquin is her usual excellent self, and Curtis ("Fear the Walking Dead") is

effective in his portrayal of the disgraced former competitive sailor. Director Sarah Spillane ("Around the Block") keeps the film exciting, and allows star Teagan to do all the emoting she needs in her role. "True Spirit" is a wonderful story of how you should never let anyone keep you from achieving your dreams. Now streaming on: Netflix. (Rated TV-PG) YouTube TV. (Not Rated)

Bristol

CONCERT SCHEDULE CONCERT SCHEDULE

BRISTOL TN/VA GREENVILLE TN

PARAMOUNT

Mar 11 Free Fallin’-The Tom Petty Tribute

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 Eagles-

Tribute to The Eagles

Apr 29 Ashley McBryde (sold out)

May 11 Steep Canyon Rangers

May 19 A Brothers Revival-

Tribute 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 Road-

Tribute to Elton John

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

Oct 14 Lady Supreme-

Tribute to Diana Ross

CAMEO THEATER

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

JOHNSON CITY TN

FREEDOM HALL

Apr 4 The Price is Right Live

Apr 14 Nate Bargatze

Jun 2 Mr. Speed- Kiss Tribute

MARTIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Apr 30 Amy Grant

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

NISWONGER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

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

KNOXVILLE TN

TENNESSEE THEATRE

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

May 20 Chelsea Handler

Aug 18 Kansas

THOMPSON BOWLING ARENA

Mar 30 Kane Brown

Apr 1 Eagles

Apr 21 Lizzo

May 16 Stevie Nicks

May 23 Breaking Benjamin /Bush and Another Day Dawns

Jul 15 Thomas Rhett

Sept 12 Guns n Roses

Oct 16 Shania Twain

KNOXVILLE CIVIC AUDITORIUM

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 COLISEUM

Apr 15 & 16 Leanne Morgan

Aug 24 Billy Strings

Sep 14 Parker McCollum

BIJOU THEATRE

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

NASHVILLE TN

RYMAN AUDITORIUM

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

Aug 27 Ghost

Sep 12 /13 Artic Monkeys

BRIDGESTONE ARENA

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

Jul 3 Matchbox Twenty and The Wallflowers

Jul 16 Blink 182

Jul 29 Sam Smith

Sep 12 Alice Cooper and Rob Zombie

Sep 29 Thomas Rhett

Oct 19 Depeche Mode

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

GEODIS PARK

Aug 26 Guns n Roses

Manchester

MANCHESTER TN

BONNAROO MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL

Jun 15-18 Foo Fighters, Paramore, Nil Nas X, Sheryl Crow, Kendrick Lamar, Korn, Marcus Mumford, The Revivalists, Pixies, Umphrey’s McGee and more!

Asheville

ASHEVILLE NC

THE ORANGE PEEL

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

Jun 22 Margaret Cho

EXPLOREASHEVILLE.COM ARENA

Mar 17 Koe Wetzel

Mar 25 Tedeschi Trucks Band

Apr 20 Mt Joy

May 9 Robert Plant and Alison Krauss

THOMAS WOLFE AUDITORIUM

Mar 12 MercyMe

Apr 27 Brett Young

July 3 The Smile

GREENVILLE

The Easter That Almost Wasn’t

“You’re not going to have a nervous breakdown over a ham,” I said to myself as I stood in my kitchen alone, sweating on Easter Sunday. That particular year was interesting. My mother was in the hospital with a kidney stone and wasn’t going to be able to make Easter Dinner. The decision was made to skip having a meal with family that year, but the little ones in the immediate extension were disappointed by that.

I’m very comfortable in the kitchen and figured that surely I could fix an entire Easter Dinner on my own. “How hard could that be?” I thought to myself as I volunteered to do it. I would tackle a somewhat simplified menu. Just the basics that said “EASTER FOOD!” Ham, Mashed Potatoes, Mac and Cheese, Dinner Rolls, and a small salad. “I can do this in my sleep!” I said to myself.

What I couldn’t have understood was at that moment, a bemused bunny was hiding somewhere in the corner, laughing to itself while saying “foolish mortal.” There was a possibility that Mom might be released from the hospital in time

for dinner, so that added a factor to things where I didn’t want to lock plans down too far ahead of time. So I began this process like I would any other, I googled for some recipes as if there is one thing about me I will always go a little overboard when it comes to entertaining.

There were things I didn’t factor into this adventure. The biggest one is time management. I didn’t think about how between all the running I was doing to keep up the slack for the family while my mother was down for the count, or the time I was spending going to the hospital three towns over to see her, and then back home. None of this occurred to me until it was time to start cooking and I was already exhausted, having a panic attack o’er a ham in a crock pot.

I had about a week to go between announcing I was saving the day by cooking Easter dinner and getting into all the prep work. Most of that week is a blur, all I can recall is going to the hospital, errands, repeat. On Good Friday I went to the grocery to do the shopping. This was a mistake as a lot of the best stuff was already picked over by smarter people who didn’t wait till two days before Easter to grocery shop.

why, with this small number of expected guests, did I freak out near a crock pout on that fateful Easter Morning? Because things went a bit askew. That morning I began setting the rolls out to rise and started to get my prep bowls out to make things easy and simple. I was tired, to begin with as I had been at the hospital in the later part of the evening the night before.

The panic attack occurred right as I was feeling confident that everything was under control and should be ready for when the guests arrive at 1:00 that afternoon. Then a phone call came in from my Mother. It was to see how things were going and to tell me that word had gotten out I was cooking Easter dinner and other family adjunct people would be showing up. Sending the guest list

from five, including myself, to a not welcomed eleven.

Thus began the panic. Stores were closed, food had begun, and the rocket had launched. I couldn’t stop and change the game plan. What was to be a simple “save the day” for the younglings turned into yours truly working himself to the bone to get Easter dinner done and served to more people than I expected. I barely got any food myself, and by the time everyone was left I was just happy to see people go.

The moral of the story is not to overwhelm yourself if you’re cooking this weekend, ask for help. If your parent is doing all or most of the cooking. Thank the hell out of them for it. They deserve it. Happy Easter to one and all. See you next week.

By Andy Ross theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com

The ham pickings were either too small or too big. I went with a small ham and thought I’d just have only one slice and leave the rest to the other family. I was only expecting about four other people besides me. My Dad, Aunt, and two younger cousins. The ones who were heartbroken over the possibility of not getting to search for eggs and eat lots of starches. Provisions required, I took my groceries home and sat down to make a timetable for what needed to be started and when.

You may be wondering at this point