The Loafer 80

Volume 03

Issue 80

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

Hello Friends!

Hello friends!

Earth Day is April

Let’s

• Conserve Water

• Be car conscious (exhaust fumes)

• Walk or Ride a bike occasionally for transportation

• Recycle and/or re use

• Try to compost

•

• Be

•

• Give up plastic (this

•

I

Bristol TN/Va

WEDNESDAY Apr 19th

Jonathan King 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

THURSDAY Apr 20th

Second Annual Feel Good Fest

1:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Corey Snowden 6:00pm at Delta Blues BBQ

Joslyn & The Sweet Compression 6:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

FRIDAY Apr 21st

TKudzu Killers 6:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Rare Fiction followed by Jace Smith 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

No Filter 8:30pm at Bristol Casino Bar

SATURDAY Apr 22nd

Travis Reigh 5:30pm at Bristol Casino Bar

The 11E Band 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Boombox All 80’s Band 8:30pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Florencia & the Feeling 10:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

MONDAY Apr 24th

Anthony Childress 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Johnson City

TUESDAY Apr 18th

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

WEDNESDAY Apr 19th

HB Beverly 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

THURSDAY Apr 20th

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

Justin Mychals 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

Downtown J Brown 7:00pm at Mulligan’s Gaming Pub

FRIDAY Apr 21st

Julie Williams & The Hired Guns 8:00pm at Mulligan’s Gaming Pub

Holly Ann & Dirt Road Rising 8:00pm at Tulips Grub & Pub

The Troubadours 9:30 at Wild Wing Cafe

Curses | Ham Radio | Elderbug 10:00pm at Capone’s

SATURDAY Apr 22nd

Anthony Wayne Vibe 7:00pm at Mulligan’s Gaming Pub

Mike Snodgrass Band 9:30 at Wild Wing Cafe

Failure 2 Conform | 1134 | Bacalou 10:00pm at Capone’s

Kingsport

THURSDAY Apr 20th

Zak Saltz Band 7:00pm at Market 2 Grille at Lakeview Marina

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

FRIDAY Apr 21st

Railway Express 7:00pm at Market 2 Grille at Lakeview Marina

Andy Ferrell 7:00pm at Gypsy

Circus Cider Company

SATURDAY Apr 22nd

Dan Herrell & The Troubadours

7:00pm at Market 2 Grille at Lakeview Marina

Jason Ellis 7:00pm at Gypsy

Circus Cider Company

Randy & Gail Johnson’s Benefit w/ Quentin Horton, Benny Wilson, & Borderline Band

9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

Greeneville, TN

Greeneville, TN

SATURDAY Apr 22nd

Jason Edwards 7:00pm at The Moose Lodge

Bristol,

A Simple Idea for Earth Day

By [https://EzineArticles. com/expert/Pamela_ Barnes/127661]

Pamela Barnes

What is the best way we can celebrate Earth Day? Celebrations, planting trees and cleaning up rubbish are all a big part of this day. The environment seems to be on our minds more often but we are still needing to do more on a daily basis. It’s important to have one day where we all take notice. Perhaps one of the best ways to appreciate the importance of caring for our environment is by taking some time during this day and paying attention to our own corner of the world.

Head Outside

So many of us go from our house to our car to the office to turn around and make the same trip home and may not have the time to really notice our surroundings or even spend any time outside. Can we really appreciate this planet we call home if we have so little connection with nature? How about this? On Earth Day walk your neighborhood and enjoy spring in it’s full glory. As you are walking pay attention. Is it garbage day? Just a weekly occurrence but just how much trash is on the curb for the houses

or apartment buildings around you? Keep in mind that’s one weeks worth in one small section of the city multiplied by 52 weeks for however many years. Perhaps it’s such a nice day that it has motivated everyone to do a little spring cleaning or yard work. So

what do you see? Do you see garbage lying around? Has someone used it to dump junk or toxic stuff? Have Styrofoam cups and other kinds of plastic garbage floated in to shore? A walk on a even a well maintained trail almost always turns up plastic water bottles or a plastic shopping bag stuck

the same things everyday and sometimes we just don’t see them anymore. But with a fresh awareness you may look around and begin thinking how am I contributing to this? What can I do to start to improve things and then do something.

Right now finding the resources to help us make changes are plentiful. This Earth Day, by just bringing our awareness to problems within our own neighborhood we can begin to do our part in making sure our kids will be able to enjoy the wonder and beauty of this small planet. It starts with us.

Natural Living for Women

[http://www.natural-livingfor-women.com]

many of our outdoor tasks use water. It never seems like we use very much but as you look around do you see ways it could be used more wisely or maybe even a way a job could be done without it. Do you live near water? For all the beauty that is usually found around bodies of water if we look more closely

in a tree somewhere. We can’t escape it. City, suburb, country, no matter where we live we can see the effects of man and woman both good and bad on the world around us.

You get the idea. When we live in an area it becomes easy to overlook the problems. We become accustomed to doing things the same or seeing

Natural living made easy. Info to help you choose safe, natural, skincare, clothing, accessories and more that have been made with care for animals, people and the environment.

Article Source: [http:// EzineArticles.com/?ASimple-Idea-for-EarthDay&id=1095588] A Simple Idea for Earth Day

National Tour of Menopause The Musical® Plays Johnson City

June 2023 for 2 performances!

Tickets On Sale Now!

GFour Productions, winners of 68 Drama Desk and 54 Tony Awards®, are proudly bringing the international hit show

Menopause The Musical® to Johnson City and will play the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts for two performances, June 16 and 17, 2023. Menopause The Musical® is a groundbreaking celebration of women who are on the brink of, in the middle of, or have survived “The Change.” Tickets go on sale Friday, April 14, at 10 a.m., and can be purchased at ETSUMartinCenter.org or by calling the Martin Center box office at (423) 439-2787. Group discounts for 10+ are also available.

Menopause The Musical® is a groundbreaking celebration of women who are on the brink of, in the middle of, or have survived “The Change.” Now celebrating over 20 years of female empowerment through hilarious musical comedy, Menopause

The Musical® has evolved as a “grassroots” movement of women who deal with life adjustments after 40 by embracing each other and the road ahead.

Set in a department store, four women

meet while shopping for a black lace bra at a lingerie sale. After noticing similarities among one another, the cast jokes about their woeful hot flashes, mood swings, wrinkles, weight gain and much more. These women form a sisterhood and unique bond with the entire audience as they rejoice in celebrating that menopause is no longer “The Silent Passage.”

Inspired by a hot flash and a bottle of wine, Menopause The Musical® was created as a celebration of women who find themselves at any stage of “The Change.” The laughterfilled 90-minute production gets audience members out of their seats and singing along to parodies from classic pop songs of the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s.

Menopause The Musical® is now in its 22nd year and 17th as the longest-running musical in Las Vegas history, performing nightly at Harrah’s Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. Seen by more than 17 million, it has played every state in the continental U.S. and more than 500 cities worldwide, and has been translated into nine languages. For more information, visit www. MenopauseTheMusical.com.

For more information on Menopause The Musical®, visit www.MenopauseTheMusical.

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 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

Trivia at Riverside Taphouse at South Fork Bluff City, TN 7:00pm

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

WEDNESDAY Bingo at Tipton Street Pub Johnson City, TN 9pm

Singo at Holy Taco & Cantina Boones Creek, TN 8pm Blazin’ Bingo at Mellow Mushroom Johnson City, TN 6pm

THURSDAY Bingo at Mellow Mushroom Bristol VA 6pm

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

Down

1. Muddy trek

2. Physicist Martin L. ____

3. Chanel, familiarly

4. Rubbish receptacle

5. DOJ heads

6. Play on the green

7. Mutuel start

8. Fish dish

9. Ready to testify

10. Ending for Caesar or Euclid

11. ___ Park (Pittsburgh stadium)

12. Ailing

13. Supportive shout

18. Minuscule

22. Comic punch response

24. Sedona and Spectra

26. Bra specification

27. Smoking, e.g.

28. Getting chilled

29. Verbalize

DROP QUOTE

ACROSS

1. Shelter org.

5. Computer programs, for short

9. Brown tone

14. Babies born at summer's midpoint

15. Green dip, for short

16. In a weak way

17. Boston Pops, e.g.

19. Frère de la père

20. Sphere

21. Largest of the Lesser Sundas

23. Pen fluid

25. Some rainwear

30. Minor

33. Chinese dynasty

35. Sisterhood in a 2002 film

36. Ancient kingdom

AF AX C QGTB UGOANCFG IYP FY MYTEAQG C HCD, SAFVYLF OYSGTADE

VAH AD VAX YSD GXFAHCFAYD, CDU BYLTX FYY.

Josh Billings

37. St. ___'s fire

39. Smug smile

42. Ancient Brit

43. Provide with additional ammo, e.g.

45. "____ Flux" (animated sci-fi series)

47. 20th in a series

48. High-arcing baseballs

52. Pop rocker Gwen

53. Recreational veh.

54. One full of odium

57. Apply more pitch to

61. One-celled creature

65. "Every good boy does fine," and the like

67. Slight manifestation

68. AK-47 relatives

69. Ron Howard media satire

70. Lying port-to-starboard

71. Adds turf to

72. Hard to comprehend

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

30. Pen dweller

31. Court site

32. Young dragonfly

33. Give a ____ welcome

34. Alaskan Indian

38. Composer Carl

40. NBA official

41. Nut used in soda

44. Soccer notable

46. Explosive stuff, briefly

49. Bambi's aunt

50. Type of test

51. Made uniform

55. First name in sports cars

56. Tim or Tara

58. Neap ____

59. Part of a French play

60. "Please reply"

61. ___ Khan (Ismaili Imam)

62. Tigers and Cubs org.

63. Wide size

64. Barnyard noise

66. Mag. submissions

PETS

OF THE WEEK

Joy is very sweet but shy cat. She’s playful (loves chasing laser dot) and she’s doing just fine around other cats. We are pretty sure that in a calmer environment, given space and time, Joy would have the chance to show more of her personality

Joy MollyMiss

and bloom. She will let you pet her if she knows you a bit and of you go slow. Joy was born in 2019. She is spayed, updated on her shots and will be microchipped before being adopted. Her adoption fee is $20.23 during our Spring Fling special.

Last Week's Puzzle Answers

Meet Miss Molly. She is a 4 yr old Staffordshire Terrier that loves to play and always has a toy in her mouth !!! Her tug of war rope is her favorite. Miss Molly will sit for treats and enjoys playing in the pool during the summer months. She loves belly rubs. Miss Molly would prefer to be an only animal.

She is housetrained, has been spayed, microchipped and is current on her vaccinations. Bday 5/14/18. She’s inviting you to come and challenge her to a game of tug of war. Oh, I will tell you, she will win the game - every time !!! Her adoption fee is $20.23 during Spring Fling special.

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:

"It is not because angels are holier than men or devils that makes them angels, but because they do not expect holiness from one another, but from God only."

Dropquote:

"Christianity is not being destroyed by the confusions and concussions of the time; it is being discovered."

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

April 22 - 30 April 22 - 30

Saturdays Saturdays 10:30 am & 5:30 pm 10:30 am & 5:30 pm

Sundays Sundays 2:30 pm 2:30 pm

Tickets on sale at TheatreBristol org

Tickets on sale at TheatreBristol.org

Directed by Directed by Directed by Cindi Brooks Cindi Brooks Cindi Brooks

JOHNSON CITY

SATURDAYS

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

WEDNESDAY APRIL 19TH

Lunch & Learn - Cathy Ball, City Manager 12:00pm at JC Chamber of Commerce

THURSDAY APRIL 20TH

IBN Biz Lunch 11:30am at Golden Corral Buffet

FRIDAY APR 21ST

Johnson City Love & Hiking

Date For Couples (Self-Guided)

7:00am at Willow Springs Park

2nd Annual Classic Car Auction

5:00pm at Dealers Auto Auction of East TN

Weekly YuGiOh Duel Night

6:00pm at CardFox

SATURDAY APR 22ND

Johnson City Love & Hiking

Date For Couples (Self-Guided)

7:00am at Willow Springs Park

Johnson City Farmers Market

8:00am at Founders Park

The Junior Highland Games Festival 10:00am at Tipton-Haynes Historic Site

2nd Annual Classic Car Auction

10:00am at Dealers Auto Auction of East TN

THINGS TO DO THINGS TO DO

Robert Beatty Book Signing

1:00 at Barnes and Noble

Author Talk: Christy Smith

2:00pm at JC Public Library

SUNDAY APR 23RD

Johnson City Love & Hiking

Date For Couples (Self-Guided)

7:00am at Willow Springs Park

BRISTOL

WEDNESDAY APRIL19TH

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

THURSDAY APRIL 20TH

“Spring Blooms” Canvas Class

6:00pm at Kil'n Time Studio

FRIDAY APRIL 21ST

Street Car Takeover at Bristol Motor Speedway

Triple Feature: Danya, Mary, Shelley 8:00pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

SATURDAY APR 22ND

Trash Bash 2023 9:00am at Steele Creek Park

Danger Ranger on Dirt With Cleetus Mcfarland 1:00pm at Bristol Motor Speedway

Board Game Night 5:00pm at Bristol Public Library

Triple Feature: Danya, Mary, Shelley 8:00pm, 10:00pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

KINGSPORT

THURSDAY APRIL 20TH

IBN Biz Lunch 11:30am at Pratt's BBQ

FRIDAY APRIL 21ST

G.O.A.T. Arts Festival 8:00am at Kingsport Farmer's Market

BrewHaHa - A Night of Pizza, Beer & Laughs! 6:00pm at MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center

SATURDAY APR 22ND

G.O.A.T. Arts Festival 8:00am at Kingsport Farmer's Market

Nature: Wolf Howling

10:00am at Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium

Earth Day Yoga Hike 12:30 at Bays Mountain Park

SUNDAY APR 23RD

G.O.A.T. Arts Festival 8:00am at Kingsport Farmer's Market

JONESBOROUGH

TUESDAYS

Jonesborough Storytelling

Guild “Stories n’More” Show

7:00pm at The International Storytelling Center

SATURDAY APR 22ND

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

To be featured in The Loafer's Things to Do email us at:

ABINGDON, VA

WEDNESDAY APR 19TH

IBN Biz Lunch 11:30am at Moon Dog Brick Oven Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

FRIDAY APR 21ST

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

SUNDAY APR 23RD

Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

ELIZABETHTON

SATURDAY, APRIL 22ND

Earth Day Celebration 2:00pm at Sycamore Shoals State Park

TUSCULUM

SATURDAY, APRIL 22TH

Historic Jonesborough Dance Society Contra Dancing 7pm at Tusculum University, Niswonger Commons

Biker Events

sponsored by biker wear

Local Events:

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

2. 11th Annual Thirsty Orange Extravaganza April 29th

3. Jesus Fest April 29th 10am to 1pm Calvary Chapel

4. Biblical Citizenship May 1st 6:30pm Calvary Chapel

5. State Street Tattoo Fest 19th to 21st State Street Bristol

6. Chapel Hart & 8 Second Ride May 28th East TN Distillery

7. Bugtussle June 2nd & 3rd Elizabethton, TN

Bike Night:

1. Wednesday – 19E Pit Stop

2. Wednesday – Jonesboro VFW – Dog Tags

3. Thursday - Quaker Steak & Lube

4. Friday - Tulips

Rides:

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

2. TN18-8 Poker Run May 6th Black Wolf 9:30am

3. Ride To Fight Suicide May 27th 9am Black Wolf

Rallies:

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

2. Thunder Beach Bike Rally May 3rd – 7th

3. Thunder In The Smokies 5th to 7th

4. Boozy Creek Rally May 12th to 14th

5. Myrtle Beach Spring Rally May 12th to 21st

6. True Sons MC Bike Rally June 2nd to June 4th

7. 9th Annual Snake Pit Bike Rally June 9th to June 11th

Beanz Biker Corner Beanz Biker Corner

Hello everyone hope your Spring is outstanding. Don’t forget to stop and smell the flowers. With the warmer weather we all get out and about more, so think about heading out to Bristol Caverns. Bristol Caverns is one of the oldest and most beautiful attractions in northeast Tennessee and has thrived as one of Bristol's most visited tourist attractions. A modern system of concealed, indirect lighting highlights the natural colors and beauty of the formations for your enjoyment. The tours itself takes you to all three levels of the caverns - from Mayor Preston's Chamber in the upper section to the winding banks of the Underground River 180 feet below on the cavern floor. Along the Underground River, you will be dazzled by dramatically displays of formations reflected in the streams waters. You can also peer over Lover's Leap, view the breathtaking Bridal Veil formation and stare in wonder at the dazzling formations of

Beanz Biker Corner

By Anne Hartley 423-297-5675

Entrance Hall. Don't forget to bring your camera!

Beautiful and majestic Bristol Caverns! Far below the earth's surface, in the timeless beauty of Bristol Caverns, a strange and exciting experience awaits you. Paved, well-lit walkways wind through the vaulted chambers and along the banks of the ancient Underground River that carved these remarkable caverns from the hard core of the earth 200 to 400 million years ago. In the frontier days, Indians used the Underground River as an attack and escape route in their raids on settlers. Stealing into the area by way of the Underground River and the caverns, they swooped down on unsuspecting families, then disappeared as if swallowed up by the earth. You will be retracing the same warrior paths while exploring the vast rooms and arches, columns, and natural stone formations of varying size and kinds. These formations, millions of years old, display rich veins of minerals which give the formations beautiful colors of red, blue, gray, brown and sparkling white. Stalactites and stalagmites, some larger than tree trunks and others smaller than straws, fascinate and give play to the imagination. Where some of these formation have grown together, massive columns have been formed reaching from the floor to the ceiling of the lofty rooms. With every view, nature's artistry is at its best and can be seen in the remarkable tumbling cascades and billowing draperies - all of solid stone.

Useless Facts:

1. Most of the World’s Caves Are Undiscovered

2. The TAG Area Used to Be a Sea. The TAG Area contains about 14,000 known caves.

3. Limestone is Made from Dead Animals. Most caves are set in limestone because limestone easily dissolves in rainwater. But limestone starts out in water as well. It’s made from sea organisms, like coral, shells, clams, and so on. When they die, their remains sink to the ocean floor, where the calcium carbonate collects. Once the sea retreats, like in our story above, the layer of limestone remains.

4. If You Discover a Cave, You Get to Name It

5. The 3 Deepest Caves Are Thought to Be Connected. Caves are hydrological systems: so they typically form by water dissolving rock and creating water highways. This means that most caves are connected. The only question is whether the passages are large enough for a human to fit through. This is also thought to be the case for the three deepest caves in the world. All three located in Georgia (the country – not the state), all within a couple of miles of each other.

Junior Leagues to Hold 33rd Annual Food Drive

Junior Leagues to Hold 33rd Annual Food Drive at Area Food City Locations to Benefit

Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee and Feeding Southwest Virginia

The Junior Leagues of Bristol, Kingsport, and Johnson City will hold their 33rd annual food drive at area Food City locations on Saturday, April 15. The Food Drive benefits Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee and Feeding Southwest Virginia. Food City has co-sponsored and promoted the food drive every year.

The need for food is high in our area, so the local Junior Leagues work together annually to combat food insecurity. Our Junior Leagues are important because they provide women with the tools and resources to become effective leaders and make a meaningful impact in their communities. Junior League members encourage everyone to get involved in hunger relief by donating food on April 15. Pre-made bags will be available for purchase at Food City for only $15 and other donations can be dropped off at participating locations on April 15, 2023. This year’s goal is to collect 20,000 pounds of food. Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee and Feeding Southwest Virginia will receive food donations from store locations in their respective regions. The Food Banks distribute food through agency partners and direct service programs. Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee and Feeding Southwest Virginia are members of Feeding America, the Nation’s largest Food Bank Network.

The Junior League is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. Junior Leagues reach out to women of all races, religions, and

trained volunteer.

jlkingsport.org

The Junior League of Bristol, TN-VA, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. The Junior League also reaches out to

effort to end hunger in Northeast Tennessee since 1986. It is the only food bank serving the eightcounty region incorporating Carter, Greene, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington Counties. Their mission is to feed the hungry in Northeast Tennessee by securing and distributing food and engaging our community in the fight to end hunger through regional partnerships, programs, and education. In addition to serving partner agencies, Second Harvest administers programs that directly benefit individuals and families at risk for hunger. During the Calendar year 2020, Second Harvest Food Bank distributed 15,155,025 pounds of food in Northeast Tennessee, the equivalent of 12,629,188 meals provided to people in need of hunger relief in our eight-county region. Visit the Food Bank’s website, www.netfoodbank. org, for more information or call (423)279-0430.

national origins who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to volunteerism.

In addition to donating to the food drive, you can also help by making a monetary donation to your local food bank. More information is available at www.netfoodbank.org and www.faswva.org

Junior League of Kingsport is a non-profit, all-women’s organization committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of

women of all races, religions, and national origins who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism. Website: jlbristol.org

The Junior League of Johnson City is a non-profit organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. Website: juniorleagueofjc.com

Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee has led the

Feeding Southwest Virginia is the largest food supplier for people struggling with hunger in Southwest Virginia. Feeding SWVA serves people who need help with food in 26 counties and nine cities, including many localities among Virginia’s poorest. Established in 1981, their mission is to feed Southwest Virginia’s hungry through a network of partners and engage our region in the fight to end hunger. Feeding SWVA works with over 350 partner programs to distribute millions of pounds of food annually. In the fiscal year 2019, Feeding SWVA distributed over 20 million pounds of food and served over 112,000 people per month. To learn more, visit feedingswva.org or call (276) 628-9266.

When Online Worlds Collide

What was the last thing you searched online? Do you remember?

Facebook does.

Facebook keeps track of your offline activity to show you relevant ads. As frustrating as that sounds, it can be a helpful tool. It can help find products you had no idea existed or that you need and guide you through a purchase. Have you started a new hobby? Facebook wants to show you relevant purchases to help make your foray into that hobby a success. New parents can be shown recommendations of

products that will help them navigate the ups and downs of their newly changed life. Tracking activity sounds like a technological nightmare, but when you look at it in terms of how it can enhance your life, it opens up possibilities that you never knew existed. Give it a chance and if you still don't feel comfortable, you can change your offline tracking by clicking settings - settings and privacy - settings - off Facebook activity.

Social Sentiments

By Wendy Hayden socialsentiments @outlook.com socialsentiments.net

Contra Dance Returns to Jonesborough

Submitted by Joan Ackerman, Secretary HJDS

Historic Jonesborough Dance Society will be returning the Jonesborough Visitor Center, 117 Boone St. on May 13th. Dancing to live music is open to community members of all ages. Dances will be held the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month. There will be a lesson of basic contra dance moves for beginners at 7pm with dancing from 7:30pm to 10:30pm. Tickets are $12 for singles, $8 for students, and $25 for families.

Contra dancing originated in the 17th century in England and Scotland and has become

a joyful Appalachian tradition. The dance is led by a caller who teaches the sequence of figures in the dance before the music starts and then calls out the moves during each dance. There is no required footwork. No partner is needed as it is tradition to change partners for each dance. It is a great opportunity to meet people and make new friends.

Contra dances are family friendly, alcohol, tobacco, and fragrance free. Follow us for dates and announcements on Facebook (Historic Jonesborough Dance Society) and Instagram (jonesboroughcontradance).

Contra dance is energetic and lively folk dance for all ages. It is similar to square dance, but it’s done in long lines rather than four-couple squares.

A ‘Frankly Spectacular Meal

night bar scenes at chain restaurants like Applebee’s, O’Charley’s and Bailey’s on North Roan Street. While we all made the rounds, the tightknit group of OG downtown regulars formed a bond in those days, and it was in that group where I first met Jason.

said “you’re eatin what I’m makin” and proceeded to deliver multiple courses of amazing food to us while we were the only people in the building. My date thought I was literally the most influential human in the Tri-Cities after that!

by Kathie Scalf

I eat a lot of good food across the great state of Tennessee, but it takes something particularly impressive to have me still talking days later.

It’s been almost a full week since my outstanding dinner at J Frank and I caught myself telling my best friend Robbie about it for the second time again today. But before I dive into the full assessment of my meal, I want to share a little bit of history. And while the building that houses the restaurant is rich with historical significance in its own right, I first wanted to share my personal history with its owner, Jason Vanover.

Way back in the land before time known as the early 2000s, downtown Johnson City wasn’t the charming, bustling little hub it is today. Most of the buildings were run down or vacant, and the only nightlife to speak of was Peanut’s Mecca Lounge, Numan’s, Capone’s (which at that time was called Gatsby’s) and Halo. Most people preferred to spend their evenings near campus bouncing back and forth from Poor Richard’s to The Planet or across town hitting the late

Jason was a friend of my cousin Brandy who was 10 years older than me. He was also a regular of all the girls who bartended at Halo and it was hard to ignore his characteristic laugh and charm every time he was in the building. He was blunt and loud but would tease you in a way that made you feel like part of the gang, which considering at that time I was sneaking around with a fake ID and barely graduated from high school, was a welcome reprieve. By the 2010’s, downtown was finally getting cleaned up and I was elated that Jason was opening an upscale dining venture called The Battery in the building that is now home to Southern Craft. Their low country cuisine and coastal ambiance became an instant hit, and their weekend brunch buffet was locally famous, with multiple fresh pressed juice options for mimosas and a rotating selection of fine cuts of meat, lunch classics and breakfast staples. No matter how busy they were, Jason always made it a point to come out of the kitchen, hand deliver something he knew we would love and make us feel like VIPs.

Fast forward a few years and the longstanding Troutdale Dining was up for sale in Bristol. Jason purchased the big, beautiful Victorian home that was once lost to the Civil War and re-branded as J Frank, a name that honors his late grandfather. Just as he had made me feel so welcome as a young, dumb downtown teen, and again during his tenure at The Battery, every single visit I’ve paid to J Frank I’ve been ushered in and treated like a guest of honor, whether it was for a single cocktail or a four course meal. Being a fan of architectural history, he has given me and my friends guided tours from top to cellar of the old, beautiful (and dare I speculate haunted) home. He’s even welcomed me in on a Tuesday when they were closed and prepared a meal for me and a date because we’d driven all the way to Bristol and he happened to be inside doing inventory. He set us up at a table in front of a roaring fireplace, turned on some jazz and

So when I stopped in after a 2 year hiatus on Saturday before Easter, I was happy to accept the same warm reception of loud teasing and a big hug when Jason stepped out of the kitchen and into the bar room to say hello smack in the middle of dinner rush. While every dining room in this building is full of exquisite 19th century design, the bar is one of my favorite spaces. It’s small and intimate with a big fireplace and floor to ceiling woodwork; the perfect place to cozy up with a date over shared plates and a cold drink.

The menu has a perfectly curated selection of small and large plates, sides, salads and meats from land and sea. And while it all looked delicious, I made quick work of my decision to Surf and Turf. To me, 5oz of filet and 2 jumbo shrimp wrapped in bacon for $38 is a nobrainer. That meal in Nashville costs at least $85 and is a la carte, meaning if you add any sides it’s an additional charge. At J Frank, the steak dishes are served with two sides included! I opted for the southern brussels sprouts and smashed potatoes, and having landed on my dinner selections I was able to pair an approriate California cab to compliment my meal. A basket of warm yeast rolls was the perfect appetizer to tide me over, and when my plate arrived it was brimming with savory goodness. I realized I hadn’t been given a steak knife and Jason happened to overhear my request for one so I could tear into my steak. “I’ll get one for you, but why don’t you try using the knife you have first?” he asked. I looked at him like he was crazy- I merely had a dull butter knife for my rolls. But to oblige him I picked it up and prepared to hack away, when the knife melted through the meat as if it were in fact a pad of room-temperature butter. That steak was perfectly cooked to medium rare and so tender I canceled the steak knife and ate the whole thing with the butter knife alone. The jumbo shrimp were wrapped from tip to tail in thick cut bacon, and when I bit into them they exploded, filling my mouth with smokey, juicy flavor. The

brussels sprouts were cooked fork-tender, sauteed in duck fat with bacon and onions and drizzled with balsamic, and the smashed potatoes were loaded with cheese, bacon, scallions and im certain enough butter that my waistline would be embarrassed. This was honest-togoodness the best meal I’ve eaten in the Tri-Cities, quite possibly ever, and I felt like the secret ingredient was it was made with care and pride in quality of work. There’s a lot of hate and anger and sadness in this world today. It can be a very isolating place, especially if you’re solo. To walk in a building and have someone take the time to greet you with open arms, a smile and a laugh no matter how busy they are, is something extraordinary. And I watched Jason do it all night, not just to me, but to practically every guest in the house. I routinely eat at the most fabulous and highly awarded restaurants in Tennessee, but it’s very rare to see an owner provide such a hands-on experience to his guests in the way that is displayed at J Frank. The weather is perfect right now, and my suggestion to you would be to run, not walk, to get a reservation at one of the outdoor tables. You’ll probably see me there on my next visit in town.

XO - Kathie

Old Oak Festival Returns to Tusculum University

Old Oak Festival Returns to Tusculum University with Many New Activities to Build on T raditional Favorites.

Fun for the whole family will abound at the Old Oak Festival at Tusculum University, with many new activities this year complementing traditional favorites that have made this annual event on the gorgeous and historic campus a can’tmiss for people in the region.

The festival will take place throughout the campus Saturday, April 22, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday, April 23, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Highlights include about 20 food vendors and more than 50 other vendors that will sell and show a wide variety of attractive items. A delightful selection of musicians will grace the stage, and a diverse set of writers will be pleased to discuss their craft with festival guests.

New activities this year include a model train show, sword fighting, axe throwing and an outdoor painting event featuring the iconic Old Oak Tree, after which the festival is named.

“That just scratches the surface,” said Kim Kidwell, Tusculum’s associate vice president of institutional advancement. “Guests will enjoy several activities that cater to their interests and generate memories that will last a lifetime. We are thrilled to connect with the community on the grounds of Tennessee’s first higher education institution, build on the many wonderful relationships we have established and meet new friends.”

The festival is a spring tradition at Tusculum and has become a popular time for many of the university’s alumni to return to campus. The campus is also abuzz with community members who enjoy strolling the pedestrian-friendly campus. They peruse the wares at the vendors’ booths, eat delicious food, sit it in the shade listening to great music and

converse with local writers on Authors’ Row. They also have an opportunity to listen to creative writers read their works.

In 2022, festival organizers added the Old Oak Show & Shine car show to the Saturday roster, enabling owners to proudly display their classic vehicles and enthusiasts to examine them to their heart’s content. The car show is back this year, and its primary location has been moved to the front of Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Center.

In a continuing effort to provide the highest level of enjoyment for guests, Tusculum family members are always exploring additional activities that might interest guests.

Junior Hughston Burnheimer, who is majoring in museum studies, has organized the model train exhibit, which will be held in the Thomas J. Garland Library from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday. The Kingsport Model Train Project and the Bulls Gap Museum are coming to Tusculum to help him with the exhibit. He said the passenger and freight trains will represent ones that ran through East Tennessee.

“Most of it will either be the Southern, which ran through Greeneville and from Bristol to Knoxville, or the Clinchfield, which ran from Erwin to Kingsport,” Burnheimer said. “The railroad is still present today, but people might not understand how big it used to be and how it literally shaped communities. Most of the communities around here are what they are because that is where the trains ran.”

Senior Eirik Dahlgren, who is majoring in history and museum studies, has put together the sword fighting, which will be held in an area between the Tusculum Arch and Virginia Hall from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday. Participants will conduct demonstrations of sparring

based on historic manuals to replicate the martial arts they depict. Dahlgren refers to it as a scholarly interpretative discipline. The audience will receive explanations about what they are seeing and be able to participate in brief lessons that do not include combat.

“This activity will help people better understand some of the heritage of our region,” Dahlgren said. “Our main goal is for people to learn about what those who participate in this activity do and potentially develop an interest or at least have it in the sphere of things they are aware of because historic European martial arts is a relatively new thing. Many of the manuals we study were only discovered only about 20 or 30 years ago. It’s a very untapped area of historic scholarship.”

Bill Bledsoe, assistant professor of art and design, will lead the painting of the Old Oak Tree at 1 p.m. Sunday. The tree is estimated to be 250-300 years old and is located next to the Old College building. It measures 273 inches in circumference and is 102 feet high, with a 124-foot average spread. The tree is one of the most prominent landmarks on campus.

The painting activity will be in the en plen air style, meaning participants will create their work outdoors. It builds on the success of the sold-out Couples Painting Night in February in which Bledsoe guided participants to paint a scene from Paris. The cost to participate in this activity is $20, with cash payment at the painting site and the number of participants limited to 20.

“The Old Oak Tree is such a beloved part of the Tusculum campus, and the festival plays an important role in bringing the community and university together,” Bledsoe said. “With that in mind, conducting an en plen air painting is a perfect opportunity to highlight the relationship between the two. Participants

will develop a more complete understanding of what makes the Old Oak Tree so special as it sprouts its leaves again and provides another year of beauty.”

In addition, Bledsoe will have on display at this event a commemorative poster of this year’s festival.

Those who want further entertainment on Saturday can remain on campus after the festival concludes for the day and attend the “5 X 10 Plays” in the Behan Arena Theatre on the lower level of Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Center. Another performance of the “5 X 10 Plays” will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. This event, presented by Theatreat-Tusculum in association with the university’s English and Languages Department contains five plays that last about 10 minutes each. The plays provide a mix styles and tones, enabling the audience to experience the diversity of writing, directing and acting talent in the production.

Tickets for both days are $15 for anyone 13-59, $12 for those 60 and older and $5 for children 12 and younger and can be purchased at https://arts.tusculum.edu/. Festival sponsors to date are Eastman Credit Union, Imerys and Premium Waters. Any organization or individual interested in becoming a sponsor can call Kidwell at 423-636-7303.

Admission to the festival is free, and most activities have no charge. To see the full schedule and learn more about the festival, please visit: site.tusculum.edu/old-oak-festival/. Additional information about the university is available at: www.tusculum.edu

Festival guests will be able to attend the Old Oak Show & Shine on the festival grounds.

The Old Oak Festival will feature a nice blend of musicians Saturday and a gospel music focus on Sunday.

Shazam! The Fury of the Gods

Many non-comic book fans may not realize the character of Shazam, first known as Captain Marvel, has been around since 1940 when he first appeared in Whiz Comics #2. Due to issues with Marvel Comics, Captain Marvel became know as Shazam. The name Shazam is an acronym for Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles and Mercury. When teen Billy Baston speaks the word "Shazam"! he is transformed into an adult with superhuman strength, speed, flight and other abilities. If you are never seen or are too young to remember the 19741977 live action series "Shazam" then you were introduced to the character in the 2019 film "Shazam!". Zachary Levi plays the hero, and let me say he was born to play Shazam. The sequel "Shazam! Fury of the Gods" begins with two of the daughters of the Titan Atlas, Hespera (Helen Mirren) and Kalypso (Lucy Liu) breaking into the Acropolis Museum in Athens, Greece to steal the broken staff of the Wizard Shazam (Djimon Hounsou), who gave Billy Baston (Asher Angel) his powers in the first film. The two daughters take the staff to the Wizard so he can repair it so they can use its powers. After this occurs, we see the Shazam family of foster siblings saving people from a collapsing bridge in

Pop Life

By Ken Silvers

theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com

Philadelphia. As happened toward the conclusion of the first film, Billy gave his foster siblings the same powers he has, and they fight crime together. As Billy has grown older, he is aging out of the foster care program and fears he will be booted out of the Vasquez family home. While Billy tries to keep his Shazam family united, his foster brother and best friend Freedy (Jack Dylan Grazer) is still being bullied at school despite his classmates knowing he has superhero friends. One day at school, he meets a new girl named Anne (Rachel Zegler) who takes an immediate liking to him, but will be revealed later in the film to be not as she appears. Meanwhile, Billy/Shazam receive a warning from the Wizard about the daughters of Atlas coming after him and his family. After a meeting with his family, Billy warns them of the pending danger, and one night when Freddie sneaks out to fight crime on his own, Hespera and Kalypso find him and steal his powers thanks to the newly reformed staff. Billy and his family try to save Freedy, but he is kidnapped by the daughters and the daughters place a dome around the city trapping everyone inside. Thus, the Shazam family has their work cut out for them. The family begins to plan their efforts to rescue Freedy and the city and know battling the daughters will be a challenge, especially know that they have a dragon in tow. When the final battle begins, not only must the family battle the daughters and their dragon, but various monsters the daughters have unleashed as well. As the battle continues, Billy begins to feel his cannot fight without the support of his family, but he eventually must face one of the daughters alone in order to save the city, and his family from destruction. I will not say what happens after the battle concludes, other than to say a great sacrifice is made, resulting in a appearance by Wonder Woman

(Gal Gadot). The film ends with the family reunited in their home, and hopefully we will have a third film. The sequel is far more epic than the original, and gives fans plenty of action, while still having the heart and humor of the first film. All the performances are great, highlighted by Levi and Grazer as Freedy. I just can't imagine anyone other than Levi as Shazam, as he portrays the adult/child role to perfection. The film has two post credit scenes,

the first of which was better in my opinion. This film is fun from start to finish, and despite all the action and bombast, "Shazam! The Fury of the Gods" is a film about family, and how you don't have to be related to be in one. Now playing in theaters.

(Rated PG-13)

Bristol

CONCERT SCHEDULE CONCERT SCHEDULE

BRISTOL TN/VA GREENVILLE TN

PARAMOUNT

Apr 15 Best of the EaglesTribute to The Eagles

Apr 21 BlackHawk

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 3 Sara Evans

Jun 13 Marcy Playground

Jun 17 Nightrain-Tribute to Guns n Roses

Jun 24 Bored Teachers Comedy Tour

Jul 13 Farm and Fun Time featuring Rodney Crowell

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 SupremeTribute to Diana Ross

Nov 11 Chi-Town Transit AuthorityTribute to Chicago

Dec 16 Soultown to MotownTribute to Motown

CAMEO THEATER

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

May 12 The Jerry Douglas Band

Jun 17 Vixen

Jun 24 Robert Randolph

Jul 16 Stryper

Jul 17 Tommy Emmanuel

JOHNSON CITY

FREEDOM HALL

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

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

May 24 The Beach Boys

Knoxville

TENNESSEE THEATRE

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

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 6 Elevation Worship & Steven Furtick

Oct 16 Shania Twain

Nov 24 Kiss: End of the Road Tour

Dec 8 Lauren Daigle

KNOXVILLE CIVIC AUDITORIUM

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

Apr 7 David Sedaris

Nashville

RYMAN AUDITORIUM

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

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

Jun 15 Beyonce

Jul 22 Ed Sheeran

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

Jul 3 Matchbox Twenty and The Wallflower)

Jul 16 Blink 182

Jul 29 Sam Smith

BROOKLYN BOWL

Apr 14 Queensryche

May 20 The Steel Woods

GEODIS PARK

Aug 26 Guns n Roses

Manchester

BONNAROO MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL

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

Chattanooga

RIVERBEND FESTIVAL

Jun 2-4 Maureen Morris, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Trombone

Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Coin, Goose, Big Boi, Blackberry Smoke, Les Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade and more!

Asheville

THE ORANGE PEEL

Apr 20 Judah & The Lion

May 12 & 13 Drive By Truckers

May 21 Trae Crowder

Jun 22 Margaret Cho

EXPLOREASHEVILLE.COM ARENA

Apr 20 Mt Joy

May 9 Robert Plant and Alison Krauss

THOMAS WOLFE AUDITORIUM

Apr 27 Brett Young

July 3 The Smile

Cherokee, NC

HARRAH’S

Apr 21 Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo

May 13 Alter Bridge

May 20 One Vision of Queen featuring Marc Martel

Jun 9 Travis Tritt

Jun 16 Colt Ford

Sep 1 Train with Parmalee

Oct 21 3 Doors Down Better Life Foundation Concert in Wilkesboro, North Carolina:

MERLEFEST

Apr 27-30 The Avett Brothers, Maren Morris, Little Feat, Marcus King, Tanya Tucker, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, and many many more.

Greenville, S.C.:

BON SECOURS WELLNESS ARENA

Apr 27 Kenny Chesney

Jun 23 Dude Perfect

Jul 14 Thomas Rhett

GREENVILLE

A friend recently rewatched the 1992 film “Hook” for the first time since he was a kid. The film held up for him, and halfway into the movie I got a text from him that said “Robin Williams was magic.” This thought stuck in my head as I watched Terry Gilliam’s 1991 movie “The Fisher King” which also stars Williams alongside Jeff Bridges. Williams' performance in the film is one of the finest of his career.

Bridges plays a shock jock who has been fired after a scandal involving things he said to one of his listeners while taking a call on the air. As he stumbles around trying to get his life together, he gets drunk and roams around Manhattan and through a series of events meets a homeless man named Perry (Williams) who is on a quest for The Holy Grail, which he believes is inside a home on the upper east side.

As they become unlikely friends, the Shock Jock finds that their lives are more intertwined than he could have ever imagined. “The Fisher King” is a wonderful movie.

The Fisher King

It’s full of humor and poignancy. It’s a look at the homeless population, and what people sometimes have to go through to become better. Bridges' character begins as an unrepentant jerk who seems happy to blast his brand of whatever out over the airwaves, yet by the end of the film his encounter with Perry has brought out more humanity in him than he ever thought possible.

As a member of that generation where the movies of Robin Williams was a huge part of my childhood, seeing him now in movies is sometimes truly heartbreaking. “The Fisher King” is truly an incredible performance, and in more than one moment of watching the film, I found myself crying watching him. What a gift he truly was to us all.

The Criterion Collection this month re-released “The Fisher King” as part of their line of 4K Ultra High Definition blu-rays. It’s the third time they’ve released the film, having issued it on laserdisc in 1993 and on blu-ray and DVD in 2015. Like other 4K upgrades to titles they’ve previously issued, this new release is a combo edition with the 2015 blu-ray included. The bulk of the bonus material is on that disc, as usual with most 4K releases that come with a blu-ray.

By Andy Ross theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com

Let’s dive into what is new here. The 4K disc features a new 4K digital restoration from the 35mm camera negative that’s graded for Dolby Vision High Dynamic Range, with the final results approved by director Terry Gilliam. The results are really impressive. The film looks fantastic and is hands down the best it’s ever been presented on home video, and arguably better than a fresh 35mm print being projected on opening day.

The audio is presented as a

DTS-HD Masters Audio 5.1 track, which essentially preserves the original theatrical audio mix, and this was sourced from the film’s 35mm magnetic audio masters. It sounds great, with full rich fidelity and good separation. The 4K disc also includes an audio commentary track by Gilliam that was recorded for the Criterion laserdisc release.

The bonus features included on the blu-ray disc are fantastic. These include interviews with Gilliam and the cast, the production team, and the screenwriter. A 2006 interview featuring the late Robin Williams is also included. A viadeo essay

featuring photos taken by Bridges during production, plus footage of him training to be a shock jock with an acting coach. Deleted scenes with optional commentary by Williams are also included, and wrapping up the set are costume tests and a trailer.

“The Fisher King” is an incredible movie and one that I was so happy to have finally seen. This new 4K UHD release by Criterion is well worth the upgrade if you have the 2015 disc, or if you don’t own the film in any form it’s easily the definitive release of the film on home video. Highly recommended. See you next week.