The Loafer 81

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month

In 2008 Prevent Child Abuse America introduced the Pinwheels for Prevention® campaign. What our research showed, and what our experiences since then have reinforced, is that people respond positively to pinwheels, which represent childlike whimsy and lightheartedness and our vision for a world where all children grow up happy, healthy, and prepared to succeed in supportive families and communities.

Volume 03

Issue 81

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

your week’s line-up

Let’s Get Social!

NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER

Hello Friends!

columns & reviews

Child Abuse awareness month is something that means more to my family than most. My husband and I have been fostering and adopting for the last 12 years and most of the kids that have made their way into our family have suffered some type of abuse. If you haven’t been affected by abuse or trauma you really can’t know what these kids have endured. Lots of love and therapy is involved in their healing. This is not just therapy for them but also for me. There is a lot to be learned from a child that has lived a lifetime before they are even double digits old. I mentally promised our pastor on Sunday that I would not judge others but I will never understand what a woman is thinking when she ingests or injects drugs while pregnant or allows a man to abuse her child. I am currently working on forgiveness for the ones who have damaged the kids I am lucky enough to now call mine. If you are a teacher or work with children in other positions, please make sure those kids know they can come to you for help if they are being abused in any way. I remember asking my first foster child why she didn’t just tell her teacher that she was being abused and was hungry most of the time and her response was “I didn’t know they could help me”. We all need to help them!

If you have ever thought about fostering…now is

Recognizing the 4 Types of Child Abuse

By [https://EzineArticles. com/expert/Kerry_ Graves/741059]Kerry Graves

Fundamentally there are four primary types of child abuse, each varying greatly in severity, and the symptoms are not always easy to notice. Although much is currently being done in an attempt to break the abuse cycle, this societal problem persists, and will most likely do so for quite some time. Outlined below are the four major categories of child abuse, and the possible resulting symptoms to look out for.

Physical Abuse

Physical child abuse basically consists of inflicting physical injuries on a child. Whether intentional or unintentional, injury to a child resulting from direct physical contact can be considered physical abuse. There is a distinct difference between physical abuse and physical corrective punishment. Physical abuse refers to injuring a child as a result of physical aggression. However, physical punishment is limited to the use of physical force as a corrective measure to inflict temporary pain, but not injury.

Children who have been physically abused tend to be very timid in the presence of their abuser. Some other symptoms might include a strong resistance to return home, general fear of adults, or any physical manifestation

of possible abuse such as bruises, burns, bite marks, cuts or welts.

Sexual Abuse

This type of abuse can take many forms and is often one of the most difficult types to anticipate. Sexual abuse is any sexual act between an adult and a child, and this is

Emotional Abuse

Also known as mental abuse, verbal abuse, or psychological abuse, this form of abuse is often present alongside all other forms of child abuse, and can have much more detrimental and long-lasting effects than the other types. Emotional abuse is attitude, behavior or failure to act that conflicts with

committing an offense against a child, neglect involves parents or guardians taking no action to ensure the wellbeing of the child. Neglect can often be linked with emotional abuse. Children who habitually wear dirty or unsuited clothing, and are regularly unclean or hungry are a likely candidate for this form of abuse.

Many abuse cases can stretch across multiple categories, and no two cases are ever identical, no matter how similar they might seem. Contact your local law enforcement or a private investigator is you suspect child abuse is taking place in your home or elsewhere, or if you are a victim yourself.

not just limited to intercourse. Any form of incest, display of pornography, rape, fondling, or commercial exploitation through child prostitution or child pornography constitutes sexual abuse to a child.

Possible signs that a child has been abused sexually include: an inappropriate interest in sexual acts or subject matter, seductive behavior, strong avoidance or rejection of sexuality in general, or an intense fear of a specific person or member of the family.

a child’s mental well-being or development. Children who are chronically subjected to verbal insults or are often made fun of can exhibit some disturbing behavior after a time.

Neglect

Child neglect is most likely the most widespread form of child abuse. There are more children who suffer from neglect than from physical and sexual abuse combined, yet it is an extremely difficult condition to identify because of its nature as a form of inaction. Instead of directly

Mr. Kerry Graves, MSW, is a licensed and bonded private investigator [http://www. gravesinvestigations.com] and owner of Graves Investigations Inc., a private investigation and executive protection firm located in Greensboro, NC.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles. com/?Recognizingthe-4-Types-of-ChildAbuse&id=5277860]

Recognizing the 4 Types of Child Abuse

Bristol TN/Va

WEDNESDAY Apr 26th

Moose “Trainwreck” Roberts

7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

THURSDAY Apr 27th

RJ Smith 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Corey Snowden 6:00pm at Delta Blues BBQ

FRIDAY Apr 28th

Abby Bryant & The Echoes

6:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Peter Dee followed by Alpine Motel 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Joshua Ray Walker 8:30pm at Bristol Casino Bar

SATURDAY Apr 29th

Shake It Like A Caveman

5:30pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Chris Long followed by Mike Preslar 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Brandon Maddox

10:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

MONDAY May 1st

Anthony Childress 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Johnson City

TUESDAY Apr 25th

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

WEDNESDAY Apr 26th

HB Beverly 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

THURSDAY Apr 27th

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

Justin Mychals 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

Chris Long 7:00pm at Mulligan’s Gaming Pub

FRIDAY Apr 28th

Gman Blues & Dr. Ron 8:00pm at Mulligan’s Gaming Pub

2HL 8:00pm at Tulips Grub & Pub

Kayla McKinney and Twisted Trail 9:30 at Wild Wing Cafe

SATURDAY Apr 29th

Dave Peterson 7:00pm at Mulligan’s Gaming Pub

Midnight Mojo

9:30 at Wild Wing Cafe

Strange Gods | The Half that Matters | Sleep City

10:00pm at Capone’s

SUNDAY Apr 30th

Parker Millsap w/Alexa Rose

7:00pm at The Down Home

Kingsport

THURSDAY Apr 27th

Crash Test Radio 7:00pm at Market 2 Grille at Lakeview Marina

Kelly & Christian 7:00pm at The Sports Mill

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

FRIDAY Apr 28th

Cash Crop 9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

SATURDAY Apr 29th

From The Edge 7:00pm at Market 2 Grille at Lakeview Marina

Jason Ellis 7:00pm at Gypsy

Circus Cider Company

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

Rogesville, TN

SATURDAY Apr 29th

Stone Fire Band 7:00pm at Rack ‘Em Up

Foreigner - The Greatest Hits Tour

Freedom Hall Civic Center – Johnson City

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Tickets On Sale NOW!

that continues to propel sold-out tours and album sales, now exceeding 80 million. Responsible for some of rock and roll’s

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

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

Create Appalachia Issues Call for Entries for Upcoming Exhibit

Create Appalachia invites Appalachian artists to submit works in any digital medium, including film, video, animation, game art, digital illustration, graphic design, photography, 3D print, and more. Selected works will be included in a new exhibition: Digital Salon: Cyber Site-Seeing. This exhibition will be displayed prominently in the Create Appalachia Kingsport Center Gallery located at: 225 W. Center St., Suite 115, Kingsport, TN 37660. The gallery is open to the public every day from 8:30 AM to 5 PM. Cyber Site-Seeing, the second annual exhibit in Create Appalachia’s Digital Salon series, will open to the public on May 24, 2023. An opening reception will follow on June 1, 2023, from 6:00pm - 8:00pm. Digital artists from any part of Appalachia are encouraged to submit their work for this show.

Create Appalachia supports entrepreneurs and drives economic development in the region by providing a variety of opportunities to the diverse community of creatives working in the area. A robust schedule of exhibits at the Kingsport Center Gallery is one of the many ways in which Create Appalachia provides support and opportunities, though the organization also offers professional programming, coworking and private

offices, and unique collaborations with our partners. Create Appalachia serves Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and neighboring counties in North Carolina and Kentucky.

Important Dates

Submission Deadline: May 10th

Notification of selected artists: May 12th

Drop off dates: May 16th, 12p-2p; May 17th 5p-7p

Physical work must be dropped off in person**

Exhibit Opening: May 24th

Opening Reception: June 1st 6p-8p

Exhibit Closing: September 8th

The submission form can be found on CreateAppalachia.org and at: digitalsalon2023.artcall.org/. There is an entry fee of $20 for a maximum of 3 submissions. Please note that all work will be required to be delivered and returned in person at the gallery location. Anyone with questions about this exhibit or whether a work is appropriate for submission may send an email to katie@createappalachia.org

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.

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

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.

If

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.

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."

ETSU

East Tennessee State University invites the public to the final Re-Generation Story Slam of the season at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 28, in Johnson City.

“Our last story slam of the Spring 2023 season promises to be one of the most exciting,” graduate assistant and event producer Cory Howard said.

Happening at The Down Home, located at 300 W. Main Street, this month’s theme is “Quests.” All in attendance are invited, but not required, to submit their names into a random drawing to be selected to tell personal stories about long journeys, impossible obstacles, stunning victories, devastating defeats and every kind of quest in-between.

“The theme ‘Quests’ arrives as many of the ETSU Storytelling program graduate students will be finishing up their time at the school and embarking on new adventures, so it seems quite appropriate,” Howard added.

Presenting Season’s Final Story Slam

The rules:

Audience members wishing to tell a story will drop their name into a fishbowl, and the MC will draw 10 names randomly.

You will have five minutes to tell a story. The story should be true, related to the theme and told, not read.

The audience will vote for their favorite story, and the top story winner gets $50. There is no admission price, though organizers suggest a $5-$10 donation. Adult-themed stories are likely. Presented by ETSU Storytelling, the event is also made possible by the student organization Storyteller Collective at ETSU, the Department of Communication and Performance and The Down Home.

Contact Storytelling at storytel@etsu. edu or (423) 439-8188 for additional information.

JOHNSON CITY

SATURDAYS

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

THURSDAY APRIL 27TH

Canvas Class Fundraiser

6:00pm at Into the Fire

FRIDAY APR 28TH

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 29TH

Johnson City Love & Hiking

Date For Couples (Self-Guided)

7:00am at Willow Springs Park

Johnson City Farmers Market

8:00am at Founders Park

Bug Kids Canvas 10:00am at Into the Fire

Thirsty Orange Festival 1:00pm at Founders Park

Improv Sports! 8:00pm at Wallace Theater

SUNDAY APR 30TH

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

7:00am at Willow Springs Park

THINGS TO DO THINGS TO DO

BRISTOL

WEDNESDAY APRIL 26TH

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

THURSDAY APRIL 27TH

Butterfly Canvas Class

6:00pm at Kil'n Time Studio

Improv Stand-Ins 7:30pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

SATURDAY APR 29TH

Southwest Virginia Friends & Farmers Breakfast 8:30 at Sugar Hollow Park

Board Game Night 5:00pm at Bristol Public Library

KINGSPORT

THURSDAY APRIL 27TH

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

SATURDAY APR 29TH

Opening Day 8:00am at Kingsport Farmer's Market

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

JONESBOROUGH

TUESDAYS

Jonesborough Storytelling

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

SATURDAY APR 29TH

Historic Jonesborough

Town Tour 1:00pm at Chester

Inn State Historic Site

LIMESTONE

SATURDAY APRIL 29TH

HEAR me Roar! 5:00pm at Bright's Zoo

ABINGDON, VA

WEDNESDAY APR 26TH

Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

FRIDAY APR 28TH

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

SUNDAY APR 30TH

Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

Johnson City Public Art to host Art·Struck Festival in May

The Johnson City Public Art Committee (JCPAC) will host its third annual Art·Struck Festival on May 6 at The Pavilion at Founders Park, 105 W. Main St., in downtown Johnson City from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The festival will bring together artists and arts organizations to celebrate and support the arts community while highlighting the public art pieces that have been installed throughout Johnson City. Featuring art vendors, live music, a giant puppet march, road roller printmaking, art activities and demonstrations, and live performances, this family-friendly event is free and open to the public.

The Art·Struck Festival’s market will feature the work of over 60 artists ranging from painting, printmaking, and digital art to ceramics, fiber art, and jewelry. JCPAC member and artist Sage Perrott will oversee on-site road roller printmaking, generating oversized prints of an original, hand-carved design created by local artist Beka AddisonBrowder. The large-scale prints will be offered for sale to the public along with smaller prints on items such as bandanas and tote bags. The Cattywampus Puppet Council, a Knoxville organization, will lead a puppet march with giant paper mache puppets. Festival attendees are welcome and encouraged to participate in the march and will be provided with puppets and other items to carry. Attendees will also have the opportunity to enjoy hands-on activities such as a weaving fence, sculpture assembly, wand making, art puzzles, bucket drumming, and chalking.

Other Art·Struck highlights include a chalk art competition, a student

art display, and music, dance, and aerial acrobatics performances. Several bands will be located in the Founders Park Amphitheater including Whitetop Mountain Band, Charlie Maples, and Florencia & the Feeling. All these and more are brought to the public by generous sponsors: Bravissima!, Umoja Arts & Cultural Inc., and Fischman Gallery.

The following artists and organizations will be participating in the festival:

Art Demo/Activity Hosts

Girl Scouts of the Southern Appalachians

McKinney Center

Meraki Movement Studio / Dance

Renfrow Originals

Tennessee Craft

Informational Booths

ETSU Department of Art & Design

Washington College Academy

Watauga Valley Art League

Performers/Buskers

Cattywampus Giant Puppet March

11:30 a.m.-noon, 1-1:30 p.m.

Whitetop Mountain Band 12-1 p.m.

Martha Spencer 1-1:30 p.m.

Twirling Twins 1-3 p.m.

Charlie Maples 2-3 p.m.

Florencia & the Feeling 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Meraki Movement Studio’s Cultural Movement Art Exhibit

Art Vendors

Holly Allen

Melissa Gaffney

Emma Massick

Beth Andrews

Sonia Garcia

Will Morrison

Elise Askonas

Jean G’Fellers

Christina Nech

Sean Bailey

Richard Graves

Sarah Nobles

Adam Barnette

Erik Hansen

Taylor Norris

Marci Berkhimer

Ivy Hansen

Judy O’Hara

Kara Bledsoe

Raven Harmon

Marcy Parks

Kayla Byrd

Madison Hayton

Emily Parris

Judy Cable

Ashlee Hill

Xander Pope

Brett Cook

Deborah Hughes

Phoebe Proudlove

Elena Corradino

Nicole Hymowitz

Bill Russell

Kristen Dalpiaz

Willow Iverson

Brian Serway

Candice Davis

Sydney Jackson

Steven Shelton

Amy Deel

Kathryn Jenkins

Web Stevens

Misty Dempsey

Ryan Jenkins

Ginny Tallent

Sage Dinger

Haley Keene

Dianna Lynne Tucker

Aspen Draves

Tylynn Kilgore

Christy Ward

Tara Elouafi

Russell Lawson

Greg West

Kaitlyn Enderby

Elaina Blount Liles

Matt White

Lilith Erbach

Audrey Loveland

Stacie Williams

Jason Flack

Chelsea Magruder

Ashlyn York

Lamar Foster

Christina Majic

Angelique Fraley

Becky Hope Mallory

Sommer Franklin

Deborah Marshall

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.

Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park May 2023- Programs and Tours

Come Share in the Glorious Cause of Liberty!

Sabine Hill Guided Tour

Friday, May 26 1:00 pm

Adults - $9.00; Ages 7 to 17 years$5.00; 6 and under free

Tax included

Max: 12

Registration required - www. tnstateparks.com/parks/events/ sycamore-shoals

Join Park Ranger Cory Franklin for a guided tour of this stately home built by Mary Patton Taylor, widow of Brigadier General Nathaniel Taylor. The site has been described as one of the finest examples of Federal architecture in the State of Tennessee. During your tour you will have the opportunity to take

in the colorful and architecturally detailed interior while learning about the influential Taylor family who called Sabine Hill home in the early 19th century. Sabine Hill is located at 2328 West G Street, Elizabethton, TN.

Please note, only portable toilet facilities are available at this time. Accessibility to the home includes steps and an interior staircase. Tour may be subject to cancelation in the event of severely inclement weather.

Bird Walk with the Lee & Lois Herndon TOS Chapter

Saturday, May 6 8:00 am

Meet other birders and naturalists at Sycamore Shoals for a morning of birding during the migratory season.

Fellowship English Country Dancing

Saturday, 6 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm

Beginners and seasoned dancers alike are all welcome! The afternoon will include the opportunity to learn dances from different worldwide cultures. No cost to attend. Open to anyone, with or without experience or a partner. Meet in the Visitor Center. Sponsored by the Sabine Hill Social Society.

Watauga Valley Art League Meeting

Sunday, May 7 1:30 pm

All are welcome to join our area artists for their monthly meeting, highlighted by an art related presentation.

Siege at Fort Watuaga

Saturday & Sunday, May 20 & 21 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

It is the summer of 1776 and the Watauga settlement is at war. Join us as 200 colonial and Native reenactors present this dramatic retelling of the Cherokee attack brought on the settlers of the Watauga valley. Visit the living history camps, shop with period vendors, and witness battle reenactments both days. Hear the rattle of muskets, smell the campfire smoke, and see history come to life at the Siege of Fort Watauga. Contact the park for detailed schedule.

Spring Knap-In at Fort Watauga

Saturday, May 27 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Knapping – with a “K”– has nothing

to do with sleep! Knapping is the art of making stone tools, and the KnapIn at Fort Watauga is our celebration of Tennessee Archaeology Week. Watch primitive skills craftsmen make arrowheads, spear points and other survival tools. There will be demonstrations of primitive tools such as a bow, arrow, and atlatl throughout the day.

Old Time Music Jam

Led by Art Lang

Sunday, May 28 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm

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

“Never Forget”

Memorial Day Concert

Monday, May 29

6:00 pm

Free Admission

Join us on Memorial Day as The Johnson City Community Concert Band, under the direction of Dr. Christian Zembower, presents “Never Forget” a special concert to remember and honor those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. In addition to the concert a special ceremony will recognize those, from the American War of Independence to the present day, who have fallen in the service of our country.

Presented in the Fort Watauga Amphitheater.

Inspiration Is Everywhere... If You Know Where To Look

A quick internet search of the word "inspiration" leads to numerous quotes looking to help boost the hopes of the people who are searching for ways to pull themselves up and brighten their day. The best inspiration can be found through your own experiences. Your successes can inspire you to continue that path and create more successful experiences. Negative experiences can create lessons that teach you how to cope in ways you had not previously considered.

Inspiration can be found in the lives of the people you care for. Their experiences create life lessons that can promote a positive outlook. By talking your loved ones through their experiences, you learn more about yourself and how you would handle certain situations.

Positivity creates a better world. Actively searching for inspiration can completely change your outlook and promote a better mentality.

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.

It’s officially that rare couple of weeks when the weather is enjoyable versus insufferable and everyone is ready to stretch their legs following their winter hibernation. Lucky for us in Northeast Tennessee, we live in the perfect place for outdoor excursions and you don’t have to be a seasoned outdoorsman to participate. Whether you’re seeking a lazy afternoon picnic amongst the flora and fauna, or a full blown calorie-torching hike to breathtaking views, the Tri-Cities has you covered.

You can’t get much more centrally located than Buffalo Mountain Park. Settled right off South Roan Street in Johnson City, this 725 acre park sits 3300 ft above sea level and offers a bird’s-eye-view of Johnson City so bring your binoculars! If you want to get a great workout you

Take a Hike!

can do the “Grand Circuit,” a 4.5 mile loop that will take you along White Rock Trail, Fork Ridge Trail and Cascade Trail. If you’re a little more pressed for time or just want a direct shot to a lookout, take the 2.5 mile route straight to White Rock. Pack your Dr.Enuf (since they’re headquartered at the base of the mountain) and refresh yourself at the top, while you sun yourself on the rocky bluffs for which the area is named. Just be wary of snakes, particularly this time of year. You’re not gonna be the only cold-blooded creature feeling frisky from the warmer weather; I’ve personally seen both copperheads and rattlesnakes at this location, so just be careful where you’re stepping and keep Fido leashed and close by. If you’re looking for something with plenty of family friendly appeal and easy access, look no further than Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium. Located in Kingsport, this nature preserve is actually the largest city-owned park in the state of Tennessee, clocking in at an impressive 3,750 acres. The 40+ miles of hiking trails that extend across the majority of the property are as easy as a leisurely stroll around their 44 acre lake, or as difficult as the rocky road up to the 100ft tall fire tower that offers views of 4 states!

What differentiates Bays Mountain from other parks is what it offers beyond hiking. In addition to its miles of trails for hiking and biking, Bays Mountain boasts a ropes and zip line adventure course, barge rides on the lake, a planetarium with an astronomy club and observatory, and my favorite attraction – animal habitats. At this park you can get up close and personal with myriad fish, reptiles, birds of prey, foxes, otters, deer, bobcats and most notably, wolves!

At various times of day you can view these incredible creatures while they howl, feed and just go about their daily routine. Bays Mountain is certainly a treat for all ages and activity levels.

If you want to add an aquatic aspect to your outdoor adventures, take advantage of one of the many waterfall hikes in our region. Pack a picnic lunch and make the easy half-mile trek to the base of the Blue Hole Falls. This water is bone chilling year-round, but is spectacular for lounging on rocks and enjoying some snacks. If you’re looking for a more intense hike in the Hampton area, you can check out one of the most popular attractions in the area at Laurel Falls. This moderate to difficult trek is less than 5 miles in and out, but if you feel like extending your day, begin your journey first to Coon Den Falls and follow the Laurel Fork Trail that will lead you directly to Laurel Falls. There are multiple waterfalls along the Erwin side of the AT, my favorite being Rock Creek Falls. This hike is only 3 miles out and back, but is pretty challenging and requires getting your feet wet, so make sure to wear appropriate footwear. While you’re in Erwin you could also visit Martin’s Creek Falls, Sill Branch Falls or Spivey Flats, which can be seen from the convenience of your vehicle if you have someone who can’t make a hike but still wants some beautiful scenery.

Finally, start making your plans to attend the Rhododendron Festival at Roan Mountain State Park now even though it isn’t until June. The best thing about Roan Mountain is that, at over 6000 ft high, the weather is always 20 degrees cooler, which means it’s a little slower to bloom in the summer. Roan Mountain State Park hosts year-

by Kathie Scalf

round activities, but the blossoming of their native rhododendrons is worth the wait. In addition to strolling the gardens, participants can enjoy traditional music, purchase handmade crafts, watch old-timey folkway demonstrations, and indulge in multiple food vendors. Hike along the balds for breathtaking unobstructed views, or pack your fishing pole and see what’s biting; the Doe River which sits inside the park is stocked regularly with 3 species of trout!

I personally think nature is our greatest asset in Northeast Tennessee. It’s easy to get sucked into the couch scrolling on our phones or catching up on streaming shows in our free time. But what a waste it would be not to take advantage of these beautiful days before the wretched humidity of summer sets in by getting out and exploring our natural beauties!

XO - Kathie

Dogwood Arts Festival Expands, Announces 2023 Entertainment Lineup

Event to Feature 42 Live Performances, 100+ Fine Artists, Vendors from Across the Country

The Dogwood Arts Festival brings artists and art lovers from across the country to Downtown Knoxville for a 3-day celebration of art, culture, and natural beauty. The 2023 event will take place April 28th-30th. In 2021, the festival relocated from Market Square to the Performance Lawn at World’s Fair Park. Two years later, festival organizers announce plans for the event to expand outside of the Performance Lawn with live music and performances in the Amphitheatre alongside a culinary arts tent, a Maker Market, and live art demonstrations taking place on the greenway and along the waterfront in World’s Fair Park. As in years past, the Dogwood Arts Festival will also feature just over 100 fine art vendors on the Performance Lawn, food vendors, plant and flower sales, blooming beer gardens, and free activities for the entire family.

The 2023 event will feature forty-two live performances on two stages throughout the weekend. From opera and slam poetry to dance, contemporary ballet, and award-winning Americana artists — the diverse entertainment lineup has something for everyone (see a full list of performing artists below).

Expanded Footprint & New Offerings:

Culinary Arts Tent: A Taste of Real Good Kitchen Dogwood Arts is partnering with Real Good Kitchen to showcase the culinary arts at the 2023 Dogwood Arts Festival! Guests can experience ‘A Taste of Real Good Kitchen:’ featuring 12 local food entrepreneurs — from Authentic Ghanaian cuisine and fresh pasta to chicken & waffles, bao buns,

and chilaquiles — there’s something to inspire every palette. $35 tickets include tastings from five participating vendors during a particular time frame.

Tasting Schedule: Saturday, April 29th

(10AM-2PM, 3-6PM) | Sunday, April 30th

(11AM-4PM) ○ Tickets can be purchased online prior to the event or at the culinary tent located at the top of the World’s Fair Park Amphitheatre

Maker Market & Live Art Demonstrations

Saturday, April 29th & Sunday, April 30th Guests can enjoy a Maker Market on the lawn and greenway next to the World’s Fair Park Amphitheatre featuring a variety of vendors including: Smokey Mountain Spice Factory, Old Bailey Farms, English Rose Farms, KnoxFill, French Broad Lavender, Green Yams LLC, Proper Popcorn, Butter from the Block, Bake That Dough, Tonya Rea’s, and 865 Studio Screens

The Maker City tent will feature live art demonstrations from local artists and makers.

Emerging Makers Tent

Sunday, April 30th from 10AM-5PM in the World’s Fair Park Amphitheatre

The Emerging Makers Tent is a new initiative at the Dogwood Arts Festival to support emerging local and regional makers. This opportunity was developed to provide a supportive environment for makers to gain practical experience selling their artwork at a professional craft fair. Thirty vendors were juried into the event.

For over sixty years the Dogwood Arts Festival has been one of the most celebrated cultural events in Knoxville. Each spring when the dogwoods bloom, visitors and locals alike come together to celebrate art, enjoy live

music, and take in the natural beauty of East Tennessee.

Event Details:

Location: World’s Fair Park (Performance Lawn & Amphitheatre) 963 World’s Fair Park Drive, Knoxville, TN 37916 Festival Hours: Friday, April 28th Saturday, April 29th: 10AM-7PM

Sunday, April 30th: 10AM-5PM Website:: www.dogwoodarts.com/ dogwoodartsfestival

A daily rotating lineup of mobile food vendors will be available, alongside a beverage area with beer selections provided by Cherokee Distributing Company and specialty cocktails from Sugarlands Distilling Company. The ORNL Federal Credit Union Kid’s Creation Station will feature art activities and entertainment for little ones all weekend long!

The Dogwood Arts Festival is sponsored by ORNL Federal Credit Union, Visit Knoxville, Home Federal Bank, the Tennessee Arts Commission, Sampson Foundation Fund, Cherokee Distributing, Pilot, the Downtown Knoxville Alliance, the City of Knoxville, Knox County, Crowne Plaza, Sugarlands Distilling Company, US Cellular, Graphic Creations, Hamarki Wellness, American Home Improvements, Renewal by Andersen, Dollywood, The AB Project, Maker Exchange, Pivot Point Gallery, and Moke America Knoxville.

2023 Performing artists include (in alphabetical order): Annalyse & Ryan,

Blue Ridge Gathering, Brand New Box of Matches, Cattywampus Puppet Council, Circle Modern Dance, Drums Up, Guns Down, Enoch Contemporary Ballet, Fountain City Ramblers, Kami Astro, HaCha Latin Dance Company, Haley Labelle, I.N.K., Ignite! Powered by Dancers Studio, John T. O’Connor Center Singing Seniors, Jonathan “Courageous” Clark, Jorden Albright, Kaleb Mullins and the Witness, Knox County Schools Student, Knoxville Honkers & Bangers, Knoxville Opera, Love is the Answer Community Showcase, Make Music Knoxville presents Build-a-Band, Marki, Marlee Hart, Melissa Hale, Milk Man & The Big Band, Pistol Creek Catch of the Day, Rachel McIntyre Smith, Raisin Love “One Day at a Time,” Red Zephyr, RheaSunshine Poetry with the 5th Woman, Rob Malka & The Undisputed Truth, RYDE: Royal Youth Dance Ensemble, Sam Hatmaker, School of Rock, Scott Apple, Shayla McDaniel Band, Stranger May, Suzuki Violins, The Montvales, Veronika Jackson, and the Wild Blue Yonder Appalachian Celtic Band.

Dogwood Arts, presented by ORNL Federal Credit Union, is a 501(c)3 organization with a mission to promote and celebrate our region’s art, culture, and natural beauty.

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

PARAMOUNT

May 11 Steep Canyon Rangers

May 19 A Brothers RevivalTribute to The Allman Brothers

May 20 Paramount Chamber Players

May 21 Mac Powell

Jun 3 Sara Evans

Jun 13 Marcy Playground

Jun 15 Dave Mason

Jun 17 Nightrain-Tribute to Guns n Roses

Jun 24 Bored Teachers Comedy Tour

Jul 2 Ozark Mtn Daredevils

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 Supreme-

Tribute to Diana Ross

Nov 11 Chi-Town Transit AuthorityTribute to Chicago

Dec 16 Soultown to MotownTribute to Motown

CAMEO THEATER

May 10 An Evening with Roger McGuinn

May 12 The Jerry Douglas Band

May 19 Jason Petty “Hank and my Honky Tonk Heroes”

May 20 Donnie Baker and Friends Howlin Wolf Moonshine Comedy Show

Jun 17 Vixen

Jun 24 Robert Randolph

Jul 9 Glam Slam Metal Tour with Enuff Znuff, The Quireboys and Bad Marriage

Jul 16 Stryper

Jul 17 Tommy Emmanuel

Aug 17 Foghat

JOHNSON CITY

FREEDOM HALL

Jun 2 Mr. Speed- Kiss Tribute

Nov 1 Foreigner

MARTIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS

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

CONCERT SCHEDULE CONCERT SCHEDULE

KINGSPORT

FUN FEST SUNSET CONCERT SERIES

Jul 20 Danny Gokey with Ellie Holcomb

Jul 21 Boys II Men with JohnnySwim

Jul 22 Clay Walker with Brittney Spencer

RED, WHITE AND BOOM

Jul 1 Cheap Trick

GREENVILLE

NISWONGER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

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

Jul 14 Dugger Band

Knoxville

KNOXVILLE TN

TENNESSEE THEATRE

Apr 26 Ben Folds and a Piano

Apr 27 Wilco

Apr 28 Amy Grant

May 2 Gary Clark Jr.

May 10 The Flaming Lips

May 12 Keb Mo

May 13 Alice Cooper

May 20 Chelsea Handler

May 21 The Wood Brothers with Shovels & Rope

Jul 25 ZZ Top

Aug 15 Lyle Lovett and His Large Band

Aug 18 Kansas

THOMPSON BOWLING ARENA

May 16 Stevie Nicks

May 23 Breaking Benjamin /Bush and Another Day Dawns

Jun 23 Hank Williams Jr.

Jul 15 Thomas Rhett

Jul 29 The Chicks

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 COLISEUM

Aug 24 Billy Strings

Sep 14 Parker McCollum

BIJOU THEATRE

May 18 Spyro Gyra

Aug 11 /12 The Steeldrivers

Aug 23 Devon Allman & Donavon Frankenreiter

Oct 7 Henry Cho

Nashville

RYMAN AUDITORIUM

May 8-10 John Mellencamp

May 12 Gov’t Mule

May 15 Tom Jones

May 19 Crowded House

May 24 Rick Springfield

Jun 2 Boz Scaggs

Jun 3/4 Tanya Tucker

Jun 11/12 Indigo Girls

Jun 15 LeAnn Morgan

Jun 17/18 Styx

Jun 18 Jackson Browne (Opry)

Jun 24 Tori Amos

Jul 6 Sam Bush

Jul 13 Rhonda Vincent

Jul 27 Ricky Skaggs

Jul 28 America

Jul 30 Melissa Etheridge

Aug 7 Sara Evans

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

May 4 Janet Jackson with Ludacris

Jun 13 Duran Duran

Jun 17 Bryan Adams and Joan Jett

Jun 19 Drake

Jul 1 Kid Rock

Jul 3 Matchbox Twenty and The Wallflowers (new date)

Jul 16 Blink 182

Jul 24 Greta Van Fleet

Jul 29 Sam Smith

Aug 1 Nickelback

Aug 12 Luke Bryan

Sep 12 Alice Cooper and Rob Zombie

Sept 20 Wu-Tang Clan

Sept 22 Avenged Sevenfold

Sept 29 Thomas Rhett

Oct 11 John Mayer

Oct 19 Depeche Mode

Oct 3 Kiss End of the Road

Oct 25 Queen & Adam Lambert

Dec 22 Madonna

NISSAN STADIUM

May 5-7 Taylor Swift

Jun 11 CMA Fest

Jun 15 Beyonce

Jul 22 Ed Sheeran

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

BROOKLYN BOWL

May 20 The Steel Woods

GEODIS PARK

Aug 26 Guns n Roses

BROWN COUNTY MUSIC CENTER

Apr 29 Blues Traveler

Apr 30 Buddy Guy

May 17 Chicago

Jun 6 Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band

Jun 9 Rodney Carrington

Jun 11 KC and the Sunshine Band

Jun 19 Jackson Browne

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!

BRISTOL TN/VA

GREENVILLE TN

The Air Conditioning Rollercoaster

These are the trick days, my friends. The days when the weather likes to be cold in the morning and very warm in the evenings. The days when you’re not sure what on earth to set your air conditioner to. If you set it for warm, you’ll be toasty and happy in the mornings, but miserable in the evening and angry with yourself when you try to sleep. Setting it for the cool setting means a happy house in the late afternoon and evening, pleasant sleep, but also waking up and feeling like you need to grab a jacket as soon as you leave your bed. They say you should set your house to a cooler temp for better sleep, and I have found this to be true. I just think it’s a bit of a shock to the system to wake up and feel like you’re at the north pole, only for the temps to reach 75 outside later that same day. Now, I know that you could set the house to the one temperature you want it to be at all day and night, throw the thermostat into “auto mode” and you’ll be happy all the live long day. However, doing that

will most likely cause the A/C unit to run an awful lot, and despite being a man of creature comforts I do want to be somewhat friendly to the environment with my central air system.

Still, and I know it’s the first of first-world problems, it is annoying to play the game of “What are we setting the AC to today?” I try to keep things around 71 degrees right now. That way if it’s a hotter day it keeps the house from being miserable, but in the mornings it’s not too bad cold either. Today though, it was 65 in the house when I woke up and it was quite warm last night. So warm I left my overhead ceiling fan on while I slept, which helped me sleep, but it was very cold indeed in my bedroom.

I got out of bed, opened my closet, and grabbed a fleece robe.

I went into the kitchen and had some coffee, then I went to my living room to sit and figure out my day. After an hour or so with my morning coffee and then breakfast, I’ll find I’m too hot in the robe and take it off. Then I go down to the basement office and it’s cold so I have to get the robe again. Only to wrap up work before lunch to head back upstairs and find it’s now a most pleasant 72 in the house. That was the day I was glad I switched things to cool as it soon got to be 74 outside and it was downright humid in the house the day before when I still had things set to warm. Just something so unpleasant about a humid house. It makes me all kinds of grumpy. One summer my A/C unit went out and had to be replaced. It got up to 87 inside my home and I didn’t sleep, my

poor cat was sleeping by the air vents in hopes to feel something. But I will be happy when the weather decides to get itself together and I can finally leave the A/C on one thing instead of setting it warm one day for a day or two, bouncing over to cool for another few days, then back to warm, repeat. The irony is I know darn well I will be bitterly complaining about missing the cold mornings when the deep heat of summer is here. I don’t enjoy the super hot air.

Some do, and that’s fine, but it was never my cup of tea. However, I am looking forward to warmer days ahead after these up-and-down mornings. Then I can set the thermostat to 72 and leave it there till the Fall. I can’t wait to get off the weather rollercoaster. See you next week.

By Andy Ross theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com