The Loafer 83

Volume 03

Issue 83

Publisher

Lisa Durbin

Creative DIrector

Jon Bill Forrester

Managing Editor

Peggy Gale

DIstribution

Elizabeth Armstrong

Sales

Jessica Carlisle

Entertainment Coordinator

Andreax Jarre

Contributing Staff

Andy Ross

Kathie Scalf

Ken Silvers

Wendy Hayden

Ann Hartley

The Loafer

Po Box 39

Telford, Tn 37690

423-930-7319

www.theloafer.net

theloaferonlineprint@gmail.com

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

Founder: Bill Williams

week’s line-up

NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER

Hello Friends!

I became a mother in 1987 for the first time and to date at least 11 “kids” call me Mom. People are always telling us how awesome we are and how lucky our kids are to have us. We are not awesome at all. We are just people that God chose along the way to be parents to lots of kids. I was born to a single Mom who I loved very much but she was also a young mother so things were not always easy for either of us. Thank God we had our Nannie who was always there for us and many other family members whenever we needed a hot meal or a place to sleep. Nannie was the absolute best example of a mother to me! I lost her a few years ago and I strive to be even a tenth of the mother and woman she was. If I could combine the carefree, fun, adventurous and beauty of my mom with the heart of soul of my Nannie I would be the perfect mother to my kids. I am very much a work in process and still question myself at the end of most days if I am doing anything right for our children.

Let’s Get Social!

It’s Mother’s Day Again

By [https://EzineArticles.com/ expert/Tracy_Batwinas/204861]

Tracy Batwinas

What would life be without mothers? They’re everything in our lives - as friends, mentors, critics, nurses, teachers... In the endless roles that mothers play so that we can feel safe, secure, and loved.

Do you know how Mother’s Day began? It has nothing to do with candies, roses or all that “stuff” that we think of when we think of Mother’s day. You’ll be surprised to know that it started with the need for sanitation. Here’s how it happened....

It all started way back in 1858 in a small town called Webster in West Virginia. There was a woman who lived there by the name of Anna Reeves Jarvis who strived to improve sanitary conditions in the town by forming Mothers’ Day Work Clubs. The Clubs raised money to buy medicine and to hire help for mothers with TB (Tuberculosis), and inspected bottled amilk and food.

During the Civil War she extended the purpose of the Mothers’ Day Work Club to continuing her work for improved sanitary conditions for both sides of the conflict as well as actually treating the wounded. This somehow led to the reconciliation of several family members divided by the war, and she is credited with saving thousands of lives because of her teachings about sanitation.

The daughter of that woman, Anna Jarvis, swore at her mother’s grave in 1905 to dedicate her life to her mother’s project and to work for the establishment of Mother’s Day. True to her word, she quit her job and dedicated herself full-time to campaigning for this special occasion we now observe.

On May 10th, in 1907, the church of Grafton, West Virginia became the shrine of the first unofficial Mother’s Day.

Her hard work finally paid off in 1914 as President Woodrow signed the

resolution that officially established Mother’s Day in the United States. Ironically - in light of modern celebrations of Mother’s Day - as the years passed by Ms. Jarvis became disappointed with the increasing

Similarly, another woman by the name of Julia Ward Howe who was also involved in the Civil War influenced the celebration of Mother’s Day. Ms. Howe was known best for being the author of the words to the “Battle Hymn to

Day for Peace Gathering. Some cities like Boston even continued to celebrate for many years, but the celebrations slowly died out once Howe was no longer paying for the costs.

It’s amazing to think that one woman - Anna Reeves Jarvis - whose simple goal of improved sanitation was able to build such a powerful bridge that she continues to connect people with different beliefs even today.

Modernly, Mother’s Day is celebrated in many countries around the world including Denmark, Finland, Italy, Turkey, Australia, Philippines, and Belgium. In fact more than 40 countries officially celebrate a Mother’s Day.

No matter who we are, how we grew up, or where we live, looking back at that time in our lives when we were still fragile, naive and curious, for most of us it was - and continues to be - our mother who safely guided us on our journey of life.

commercialization of the holiday. She even frowned on the practice of sending greeting cards and flowers, and later became critical of many public figures that were associated with the celebration of Mother’s Day.

Anna Jarvis died in 1948 with no children of her own and was buried beside her beloved mother.

the Republic”.

She was so appalled by the carnage of the Civil War and the FrancoPrussian War that she tried to issue a manifesto for peace at an international conference. In 1872, she began promoting the idea of a “Mother’s Day for Peace”. A year later mothers from 18 cities across America held a Mother’s

Our deepest secrets, hurts, fears, and aspirations are all still kept in her locket of memories, and in ours. She nurtured our pain as hers; sometimes sacrificing the things she would have like to have bought for herself just to be able to buy us our latest whim. However Mother’s Day is celebrated, we just have to keep in mind that it’s not the things we buy for her that matters, it’s the counting of our blessings, the appreciation of the love in our loves, and the opportunity to create a truly memorable Mother’s Day this year - both for yourself - and for those special people in your life.

Article Source: [http:// EzineArticles.com/?Its-MothersDay-Again&id=1149548] It’s Mother’s Day Again

Bristol TN/Va

WEDNESDAY May 10th

Joey Newton 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

THURSDAY May 11th

Bill Dotson 6:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Jason Lloyd 6:00pm at Delta Blues BBQ

Hospital State 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

FRIDAY May 12th

Joey’s Van 6:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Jenna Greene followed by Scotty Melton 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

From the Edge 8:00pm at Delta Blues BBQ

Florencia & the Feeling

8:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

SATURDAY May 13th

Sound Mountain7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Mac Arnold 7:30pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Asylum Suite 8:00pm at Delta Blues BBQ

MONDAY May 14th

Anthony Childress 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Johnson City

TUESDAY May 9th

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

WEDNESDAY May 10th

HB Beverly 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

THURSDAY May 11th

Justin Mychals 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

Kaitlin Butts 7:30pm at The Down Home

Kasey Williams 8:00pm at Mulligan’s Gaming Pub

FRIDAY May 12th

Bill and the Belles 7:00pm at the Down Home

Julie Williams and the Hired Guns 8:00pm at Mulligan’s Gaming Pub

Flannel- 90’s Grunge Tribute

9:30 at Wild Wing Cafe

Holly Ann & Dirt Road Rising

10:00pm at Capone’s

SATURDAY May 13th

Anthony Wayne 8:00pm at Mulligan’s Gaming Pub

Morgan’s Mill

9:30 at Wild Wing Cafe

1134 | Sick Beyond | Elderbug

10:00pm at Capone’s

Kingsport

THURSDAY May 11th

Donnie and the Dry Heavers

7:00pm at Market 2 Grille at Lakeview Marina

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

FRIDAY May 12th

Gents & Liars 7:00pm at Market 2 Grille at Lakeview Marina

Trevor Meade 7:00pm at Gypsy

Circus Cider Company

Full Cirkle 9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

SATURDAY May 13th

Borderline Band 7:00pm at Market 2 Grille at Lakeview Marina

Julie WIlliams and the Hired Guns 9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

Visit Johnson City Moves Travel Forward This National Travel and Tourism Week (May 7-13)

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the annual industry celebration

National Travel and Tourism Week, (NTTW) the annual celebration of the contributions of the U.S. travel industry, will spotlight the essential role that travel will play in driving economic growth and innovation through the theme #TravelForward.

“The travel industry fuels every industry— our industry’s success is the nation’s success,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman. “This week is a prime opportunity to elevate the message that travel is essential to moving America’s economy forward.”

Established in 1983, NTTW is an annual tradition to mark the U.S. travel industry’s role in stimulating economic growth, cultivating vibrant communities, creating quality job opportunities, stimulating business activity and elevating the quality of life for everyday Americans.

Travel serves as a catalyst for a productive U.S. economy and helps power the success of other industries. The U.S. travel industry generated a $2.6 trillion economic output in 2022 and supported 15 million jobs, fueling

communities, small businesses and working families across the country.

Travel spending also generated nearly $160 billion in federal, state and local taxes in 2022—revenue that helped fund critical public services while saving each U.S. household an average of $1,270 in taxes.

In 2022, Johnson City and Washington County’s leisure and hospitality industry sales tax collection was up 24% over prepandemic numbers (2019) and up 11% over 2021. Occupancy and average daily rates for accommodations were up 10% over 2021, resulting in nearly $2.7 million of lodging tax collection in 2022.

In 2021, Johnson City and Washington County had $281.37 million of direct visitor spending. This is slightly less than pre-pandemic expenditures, although full recovery is expected in 2022. As a result of taxes generated by tourism expenditures at the state and local levels, each Washington County household paid $427 less in taxes.

Visit Johnson City and regional partners are recognizing travel’s essential contributions by welcoming visitors at all three Northeast Tennessee Welcome Centers operated by

the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development during this year’s annual industry celebration on May 7-13.

Said Alec Castro, Director of Sales & Public Relations at Visit Johnson City: “Travel is at the heart of Johnson City, powering a strong U.S. economy, creating jobs and strengthening our community’s culture and identity. This National Travel and Tourism Week, we are proud to celebrate all that travel does

for our community now, and all that it will contribute in the future.”

Please visit ustravel.org/NTTW to learn more about National Travel and Tourism Week.

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

Hot Folk Trio After Jack to Play the Jettie

After Jack is a musical celebration of togetherness. Combine your most beloved musical memories with a foot-stomping string band and top it off with harmonies that spring straight from the soul of the mountains, and you’ve got After Jack. Hailing from Ferrum, VA, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the all-female trio performs music from, and inspired by, the rich musical traditions of the region. Named Americana Vocal Group of the Year by the Appalachian Cultural Music Association, the trio couples modern sensibility with distinctly old-time energy to seamlessly blend elements of bluegrass, gospel, and folk. After Jack will play the Jettie Baker Center in Clintwood on Friday, May 12th at 7 p.m. for the final performance of ProArt’s 46th season. Adult tickets are $10 at the door. All children and students admitted free. For more information and to make reservations please visit proartva.org.

Founding members Rachel and Emily Blankenship-Tucker met in 2010, and

songwriter Catherine Backus joined the group in 2019, rounding out the trio, and bringing sparkling instrumentals and her own powerhouse vocals to the mix. The group’s style is largely centered around their signature vocal harmonies, and the three members play an assortment of traditional instruments to compliment the sound. With a mission to bridge the gap between old and new, audiences can expect elements of old-time, bluegrass, county, and other folk styles in every performance. After Jack’s touring radius has spanned much of the US, including tours west as far as Colorado, north to New England, and south to Georgia. Pro-Art partners with a variety of venues, therefore individuals with mobility issues or general questions are encouraged to call (276) 376-4520 or email the Pro-Art office at pro-art@ uvawise.edu. For evolving conditions related to weather cancellations, or similar unforeseen circumstances, patrons are encouraged to check proartva.org for up-to-date information.

Pro-Art is supported in part by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, which receives support from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts,

as well as the Slemp Foundation, The University of Virginia’s College at Wise, Mountain Empire Community College, and the Columbus Phipps Foundation.

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. Seek's partner

2. Chief Theban deity

3. ___ time (immediately)

4. "You fell for it!"

5. Vietnamese specialty

6. Well-ventilated

7. Her, in Hamburg

8. Isle ___ National Park

9. Kenneth ____ (actor)

10. Symbol of strength

11. 106, to Trajan

12. 100-yr. period

13. Gerund's ending

18. Egg beater

22. Actor Moore, to friends (maybe)

24. Tbsp., et al.

26. Part of Edison's sig.

27. Squat, with "down"

28. Found, as a foundation

29. Keep for later

DROP QUOTE

ACROSS

1. Reagan's Secretary of State Alexander

5. Twosome

9. Italian bowling

14. "____ expert, but..."

15. "____! Cherry-O" (kids' board game)

16. Baltimore player

17. "Relax!"

19. Fit for ___

20. Methuselah's father

21. Ache

23. Peg game

25. Considers contemptible

30. Spring event

CRYPTOGRAM

ZCSAS BAS ZRT RTANVI RS NJMS JF: B

PBZSAJBN RTANV, ETQFV ED ZCS

NBRI TW LCDIJHI, BFV ZCS RTANV JFIJVS TQA

PJFV, RCJHC JI OQIZ BI JPLTAZBFZ.

33. Fla. city

35. "South Park" boy

36. 1953 John Wayne oater

37. Autumn mos.

39. One-person boat

Alan Moore

42. Toffee-based candy bar

43. Bread grain

45. Our group in Paris

47. Flock female

48. 1958 Paul Newman film

52. Like a drunkard

53. ___ for elephant

54. To the letter

57. Not too brainy

61. Region around Beersheba

65. Educationally apt

67. ____ fatale

68. Letters on Sputnik

69. Nada, to Nanette

70. Schoolroom group

71. "For ____ jolly good fellow... "

72. Some email attachments, for short

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

30. Degree

31. Fraternal order member

32. Horse controls

33. Cheeks

34. It might prompt a "Gesundheit!"

38. Says, auf Deutsch

40. Crazy, in Paris

41. Show anger

44. Robbers

46. Adam or Will

49. Air platform?

50. Old-fashioned roofing

51. F, in other words

55. Singer Peniston

56. Some X's, in a game

58. Footnote wd.

59. Symbol on a staff

60. Kesey and Griffey

61. Saints' org.

62. Conger

63. Early morning show, briefly

64. Bad ___, Germany

66. Reviewer of books

OF THE WEEK PETS

This beauty is 2 yr old Mila with blue eyes. She came in as an unsocialized older kitten and has come a long way since. Mila is still a little shy, but will seek attention

Mila Ryder

and with a quiet environment, she will adjust just fine. She is good with other cats, spayed, current on vaccinations and will be microchipped when adopted.

There are 5 Mother’s Day Bouquets hidden in this issue of The Loafer. Can you find them all?

Last Week's Puzzle Answers

Sudoku Crossword

Meet Ryder!!! He is a handsome 7 year old Lab/Shepherd mix. Really, he is just an older gentleman who enjoys the simpler things in life, like napping in the sun and begging for treats. Ryder is not very high energy but gets excited for walks and the occasional zoomies

during play. He is dog selective and does not like cats. Ryder is on a poultry free diet due to skin allergies. He would prefer a home with adults or older children and a fenced in yard. Ryder is house trained, neutered, current on vaccinations and microchipped.

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

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

Facebook: bridgehome

bridgehome.org

Cryptogram:

"It is a very delicate job to forgive a man, without lowering him in his own estimation, and yours too."

Dropquote:

"It is possible to fly without motors, but not without knowledge and skill."

Tusculum’s Center for the Arts Holding Painting Workshop at The Doak House Museum in Celebration of Mother’s Day

Treat your favorite lady to a special outdoor painting event at Tusculum University in recognition of Mother’s Day. As part of its Painting with the Masters series, the Center for the Arts will hold a painting workshop Thursday, May 11, at 6 p.m. on the Doak House Museum grounds. The event will be led by Bill Bledsoe, assistant professor of art and design and an accomplished local artist for 45 years.

No painting experience is required to participate.

“Enjoy the ambience of the lovely Doak House, one of the many historic buildings on the campus of Tennessee’s first higher education institution,” said Rouja Green, director of the Center for the Arts. “We have thoroughly enjoyed hosting the community for painting events on campus and welcome guests to join us for this latest opportunity to grow their painting skills and create lifelong memories while celebrating Mother’s Day.”

The Center for the Arts launched the

Painting with the Masters series in February with Couples Painting Night on Valentine’s Day. This event sold out, and because it was a major success, the Center for the Arts decided to move to a larger venue this time. The Center for the Arts also held an en plein air event in front on the landmark Old Oak Tree during the Old Oak Festival. In addition to painting, attendees at the Doak House event can have their pictures taken at a photo booth. They can also hear great music from Strings of Green, a bluegrass band fronted by Brandon Green, a performer for more than 20 years. The other band members are three of his sons, Josiah, Ezekial and Ezra. Bite Me Bistro, a local food truck, will be at the Doak House for people to purchase dinner and desserts.

Bledsoe said participants in the event will create a painting of the Doak House and include flowers that are in bloom at this time of year and native to the area. He will direct them on the elements of the painting through demonstration. Then, he will visit with the participants to

provide feedback and help them with any enhancements to their work.

“This is a novel way to celebrate Mother’s Day and allow moms to participate in something they are creating – potentially with a significant other or a family member – that they will remember in the future,” Bledsoe said. “Traditionally, mothers are taken out to eat or provided flowers that commemorate the coming of spring. Being able to create a painting that captures that time period is something they will never forget. They can then still celebrate Mother’s Day three days later in whatever manner they like.”

Tickets are available for as many as 20 painting stations, and as many as three people can work at a station. The cost is $40 per station, and tickets can be purchased at https://arts.tusculum. edu/. All proceeds from ticket sales will support the Tusculum arts program. Should it rain on May 11, the Doak House event will be rescheduled to

Tuesday, May 16, or Thursday, May 18. That announcement will be made on the Facebook pages of the university, www.facebook.com/tusculum.univ, and the Center for the Arts, www.facebook.com/TUArtsOutreach.

Anyone with questions about the Mother’s Day painting event or other Center for the Arts programming can email Rouja Green at rgreen@tusculum.edu.

The painting event in celebration of Mother’s Day will be held on the historic and beautiful Doak House Museum grounds.

JOHNSON CITY

SATURDAYS

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

FRIDAY MAY 12TH

Johnson City Love & Hiking

Date For Couples (Self-Guided)

7:00am at Willow Springs Park

Weekly YuGiOh Duel Night

6:00pm at CardFox

SATURDAY MAY 13TH

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

7:00am at Willow Springs Park

Johnson City Farmers Market

8:00am at Founders Park

SUNDAY MAY 14TH

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

7:00am at Willow Springs Park

BRISTOL

THURSDAY MAY 11TH

“Cutest Chicken Ever”

Canvas Class 6:00pm at Kil'n Time Studio

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

FRIDAY MAY 12TH

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

THINGS TO DO THINGS TO DO

SATURDAY MAY 13TH

Board Game Night 5:00pm at Bristol Public Library

Comedy Knockout 8:00pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

KINGSPORT

THURSDAY MAY 11TH

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

SATURDAY MAY 13TH

Racks By The Tracks Festival

7:00am - 10:00pm at 308 Clinchfield Street KPT

Farmers Market 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 Intl. Storytelling Center

WEDNESDAY MAY 10TH

IBN Biz Lunch 11:30 at the Black Olive

SATURDAY MAY 13TH

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

Historic Jonesborough Dance Society Contra Dancing 7pm at Jonesborough Visitor Center

ABINGDON, VA

WEDNESDAY MAY 10TH

Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

FRIDAY MAY 12TH

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

SUNDAY MAY 14TH

Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

ELIZABETHTON, TN

WEDNESDAY MAY 10TH

IBN Biz Lunch 11:30am at The Black Olive

Biker Events

sponsored by biker wear

Local Events:

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

2. Meet & Greet Red Rum MC 5/6/23

158 New Beason Well Rd. Kingsport, TN 8pm

2. State Street Tattoo Fest

May 19th to 21st State Street Bristol

3. Chapel Hart & 8 Second Ride

May 28th East TN Distillery

4. Bug Tussle June 2nd to June 4th Elizabethton, TN

5. Thunder Valley Nationals June 9th to 11th

6. WNCJeep Fest June 9th to 11th Maggie Valley

Bike Night:

1. Wednesday – 19E Pit Stop

2. Wednesday – Jonesboro VFW – Dog Tags

3. Thursday - Quaker Steak & Lube

4. Friday - Tulips

Rides:

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

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

Rallies:

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

2. Thunder In The Smokies May 5th to 7th

3. Boozy Creek Rally May 12th to 14th

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

5. True Son MC 37th Bike Rally June 2nd to June 4th

6. Boone Bike Rally June 2nd to June 4th

7. 9th Annual Snake Pit Bike Rally in Shady Valley, TN June 9th to June 11th

Beanz Biker Corner Beanz Biker Corner

Hello everyone, its riding season for those of us who ride. Due to the fact I have already lost a friend and have had other friends hurt in motorcycle crashes this year. It’s time to remind everybody who rides and those who are in vehicles that safety is very important. When you mow your yard DO NOT MOW THE GRASS IN THE ROAD! Grass is the road is like ice to someone on two wheels. If you do blow grass in the road and a motorcycle wrecks because of it, you will be held liable for the bike and the folks on the bike. Just because folks ride motorcycles does not mean we are bad people. We just like the feel of the open road.

Riding motorcycles on public roads carries several times the risk of riding in cars, which themselves are riskier than public conveyances like buses and trains. The human factors of motorcycle crashes are roughly equal between rider behavior and the actions of drivers sharing the roads. So

don’t be rude and mean when you see a bike rolling past you.

Motorcycle Safety Tips: 1. Never ride without a motorcycle license.

2. Always wear an adequate helmet. 3. Check your bike before you ride. 4. Sit down and hold tight. 5. Obey traffic laws and be aware of other vehicles. 6. Watch for damaged roads and obstacles.

7. Get a bike with an anti-lock brake system. 8. Adjust for inclement weather conditions. 9. Dress for protection and visibility. Safety Tips for Cars When you see or hear a Motorcycle: Remember, motorcycles offer very little protection to drivers and passenger, meaning accidents can be extremely dangerous. Decrease your chances of being involved in a motorcycle accident and keep these tips in mind next time you’re on the road. 1. Look before turning. The majority of car-versus-motorcycle accidents occur in intersections when a car turns in front of a biker. When you’re getting ready to make a turn through an intersection it is important to always look twice. The first look should be for other vehicles, and then take a second look specifically for motorcycles.

Beanz Biker Corner

By Anne Hartley

423-297-5675

2. Check blind spots. Often, motorcycles can go unseen on the roadway. Since motorcycles are much smaller than the typical vehicle, they can “get lost” on the road. It is imperative for drivers to check their blind spots, especially before making a turn or passing another vehicle. 3. Increase driving distance. There are several obstacles on the roadway for every driver, but especially motorcyclists. Motorcycles don’t have the luxury of riding over potholes or other debris in the road with little damage. Increase your driving distance behind a motorcycle in case they have to

avoid an obstacle on the road, or they hit something that was unavoidable. 4. Be conscious of the weather. Mother nature is known for causing problems on the roadway, enhancing the chances of accidents.

Useless Facts:

Inclement weather is extremely dangerous for bikers, making it necessary for drivers to use extra caution when driving in difficult weather.

DRESS FOR THE SLIDE NOT THE RIDE

1. Rainbows were called “bows of promise” in Victorian English.

2. The lint in the bottom of your pocket has a name, gnarr.

3. Hershey’s makes one million miles of Twizzlers every year.

4. Honey is the only food that does not spoil.

5. Americans eat an estimated 13 billion hamburgers each year.

More Than a Bonus: Bluegrass Minor Changes Lydia Hamby’s Life

Most graduating students look forward to leaving the books, papers, projects and exams of college behind and jumping into their chosen careers, but East Tennessee State University senior Lydia Hamby plans a different path.

Hamby, who graduates Saturday, May 6, with a bachelor’s degree in human services and a minor in bluegrass music, came to ETSU as a junior right out of high school after earning an associate degree through dual enrollment from McDowell Technical Community College (MTCC) in Marion, North Carolina.

Hamby grew up in Marion in a family that loved music. Her sister began playing classical violin at the age of 4, and, jealous because she was missing out on all the fun, 3-year-old Hamby asked her mother if she could start taking music lessons, too. So, she started taking classical piano.

“I was homeschooled, and so music was a part of my upbringing,” she said. “It was a part of our daily class time. My mom was a great teacher and incorporated anything that we loved to do. So, music, reading – we kind of made our own education, and it was an awesome way to live.”

Hamby loved the psychology and sociology classes she took through MTCC, and talked with a professor about career possibilities in child life specialties or music therapy.

As she looked at colleges, Hamby was drawn to ETSU for its human services major and the hands-on experience it offered through internships and service projects that prepare students for such careers as drug and alcohol counselors, family support specialists, case managers, social services specialists, child abuse workers and more. And with her musical interests, ETSU’s Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Studies was the proverbial “icing on the cake.”

“There were two alumni at my church who were in the Bluegrass Program and loved it,” she said, “and for me, it was like, ‘This is going to be the last time for me to really do this, because I’ll go get a career and settle down, have a family. I’ll always play music, but this will be my last time taking lessons.’ Bluegrass was kind of like the bonus.”

Hamby has learned and grown through her human services classes and calls her

internships with Court Appointed Special Advocates of Northeast Tennessee and ETSU’s Women and Gender Resource Center “life-changing.”

While she loves her human services classes and activities, Hamby found her career goals shifting as bluegrass became more than a bonus.

“Now bluegrass is my favorite part, and

premier band within the program that tours and represents the university most often. Through her work with that band, she felt the love of performing take root. She and the Pride Band have sung the national anthem and Dolly Parton’s “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” at ETSU’s commencement ceremonies, toured in the Bahamas, and participated in the 40th anniversary celebration of bluegrass at ETSU.

me and somebody I’ve looked up to in bluegrass ever since I started,” she said. “Getting to play with her was a dream come true and something I never thought would happen. I remember I was in line at Cookout right after that concert and thinking, ‘Oh, my gosh; this is real. I never want to stop this.’

“It’s so fulfilling, getting to meet people and bond over the love of music,” she continued. “Bluegrass, specifically, is such a small community, and when you meet other people at these shows, you’re there for the same reason – you’re sharing this art that’s so close to your heart. That’s what I love about it. I knew that if I was to ever quit doing that, it would be such a loss for me. So I thought, ‘Well, I just won’t quit. I’ll just do this forever because it’s amazing.’”

Hamby said she uses skills learned through her human services major in the performance and interpersonal interaction aspects of music. In the future, she may seek to combine both human services and music professionally, perhaps by bringing light to mental health within the bluegrass music industry.

But that will be down the road.

“I’m not ready to graduate,” she said. “I have only been here for a year and a half, two years, because I was a transfer student as a dual-enrolled high school student. And so when I was thinking about graduating, it was really bothering me that I was going to have to leave because I feel like I’ve made such good connections and such a home here.

it’s really what’s been like family for me. It’s what’s made ETSU home. I’ve learned so much. It changed my life. I want to do it for a career now.”

Hamby, who picked up mandolin in church, was chosen to play mandolin for the ETSU Bluegrass Pride Band, the

Performing on stage with bluegrass superstar Rhonda Vincent and The Rage in concert at ETSU’s Martin Center for the Arts stands out in Hamby’s mind as not only one of her biggest highlights, but also a turning point.

“Rhonda Vincent has been a mentor to

“ETSU has been everything to me. These past two years, I made friendships that I never thought were going to be so deep in such a short amount of time. The Bluegrass Program changed my life. The Human Services Program just made me such a way better person than I was when I got here. And so I’m not going to leave. I’m looking forward to the next two years in the master’s program here in Appalachian Studies and seeing where it takes me from there.”

We Need the Myspace Era Again

Friendships used to live or die by the “Myspace 8.” We had one guaranteed friend… Tom. We coded our pages to match our personalities and chose our home page song based on our mood.

The Myspace era was a simpler time. Our pages were full of the important things in life, like who was crushing on who, what was trending, and the best songs. We were carefree and happy.

Our online world is now full of depressing news and political views. It’s a dark world where positivity is a rarity. The Myspace era needs to make a comeback. Instead of forced politics and horrendous news, we need more uplifting content. We need the feeling

of being carefree and happy again. Our newsfeeds need to be filled with people lifting each other up instead of school shootings. We need less trying to keep up with everyone else and more using the internet to make ourselves better people. Social media needs a retro shift back to the way it used to be. Before influencers caused us to believe our lives aren’t good enough because we aren’t jet setting to every photogenic location in the world. Before Photoshop became the reason for our insecurities. It’s up to us to make the change. How will you start the shift?

Myspace currently exists in a much different format than the original at myspace.com.

Social Sentiments

By Wendy Hayden socialsentiments @outlook.com socialsentiments.net

ETSU’s Carter Railroad Museum Sponsoring Fall Excursion

Lock in your spot now for a fall railroad excursion.

Sept. 2-4, the George L. Carter Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society and East Tennessee State University’s George L. Carter Railroad Museum will sponsor a trip that features stops in Chattanooga and Blue Ridge, Georgia. Limited seating is available. Tickets must be purchased by July 15.

“This is going to be a terrific holiday adventure if you love trains and the scenic outdoors, with the added attraction of an afternoon at

one of the premier aquariums in the nation,” organizers said.

Forms and waivers are available at the ETSU Carter Railroad Museum, located at 113 Campus Center Building, on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Forms, including ticket purchases, are also available at memrr.org. Select “NRHS” and then “excursions.”

For more information, contact Catherine Cummins at (225) 229-5653 or email her at catherinecummins995@ gmail.com.

An Afternoon on Elk Avenue

by Kathie Scalf

Sometimes it’s fun to play tourist in your own backyard, which is precisely what I did on a recent visit with Mom and Dad in Elizabethton.

Looking to stretch my legs after a long drive up from Nashville and try to wear down the dog who has been cooped up with Grandma Gail for several weeks while I’ve been traveling, I decided to park the car at the Covered Bridge and take a stroll down Elizabethton’s answer to Main Street, aka Elk Avenue.

I was struck by the quiet quaintness of my hometown, especially in comparison to the party buses full of screaming bachelorettes and miles of bumper-to-bumper rush hour traffic to which I’ve become accustomed in Nashville. Walking along the familiar brick columns of downtown Elizabethton feels like taking a step back in time; quite frankly because not a whole lot has changed since I was a kid. While they’ve made some additions to the Covered Bridge Park with the building of the stage and there are some great new shops occupying the familiar storefronts, the downtown staples have remained for as long as I can recall.

As we began our journey winding around the river, I was able to fully appreciate the peace of the rushing water beneath the swaying branches of the willow trees. Being smack in the middle of April and having received tons of recent rainfall, the grass and leaves were lush with fresh greenery and the flowers were blooming. There’s just something about the rebirth of spring that can breathe life into even the oldest and most familiar settings. Crossing under the driving bridge, I was delighted to see one of my favorite waterfowl searching for a midday snack. A large blue heron was

standing not far off the riverbank, his long legs standing steady among the current while he waited for a tasty lunch to swim past. Pretty quickly he was joined by some ducks and pesky swallows who kept diving close to the water, so he gave up and flew to a more isolated spot a bit further downstream, but I was able to spend at least 15 minutes just observing this beautiful bird of pterodactyl proportions up close and personal. We made the obligatory loop across the covered bridge, then headed toward the business end of Elk Avenue. Riverside Taphouse has to be one of my favorite recent additions to downtown. They were just opening when I moved away 4 years ago, but in that time they’ve built on an expansive patio and kept a regular rotation of cold beers for thirsty customers. Not far up the street, Jiggy Ray’s is still rockin’ and rollin’ with live music and hot pies. I may enjoy my fair share of fine dining, but in my opinion there will never be a more perfect pairing than greasy pizza, frosty beers and good tunes. But we really can’t talk about downtown Elizabethton dining without mentioning the OGs- Dino’s and The Southern. Italian meets Appalachian, but both restaurants are both serving up home cooking and full stomachs daily. These restaurants have seemingly been here since time immemorial, greeting every arriving car at the first business block. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more exotic with some kick, Red Chili is a win every time. My go-to dish is the Bi Bim Bap with chicken and as spicy as the owner will make it. Just make sure you have plenty of time to eat; this dish comes out still cooking in a piping hot stone bowl, so it’s a true test of patience to give it time to cool and not scald your mouth. (Spoiler alert: I’ve never not burned my mouth.) Finally, if you’re up in time for breakfast, there’s nowhere better to enjoy a

hot cup of coffee than The Coffee Company. This restaurant has been serving up an excellent selection of rotating seasonal breakfast and lunch offerings for decades and it’s still my favorite quiet spot to crack open my computer and crank out emails when I’m on a work trip in Tri-Cities. Beyond getting your belly full, you can also feed your mind in Downtown Elizabethton. I moseyed into Bookworm Booksellers for the first time this week and was delighted to see books from floor to ceiling, filling this establishment with practically any printed work you could imagine. And for so cheap! There is still nothing more satisfying to me than the smell of ink covered pages and no amount of technology can ever replace the feeling of turning the pages on a good book. I highly encourage you to explore this store before adding another novel to your Amazon cart; chances are, he’s got it on-hand and for far less. Not to mention you’ll be supporting a local small business and not a billionaire stranger. And if you’re still hungry for more knowledge, go around the block to the big beautiful Elizabethton Library. This was my favorite place to go when I was a kid. I could spend hours in there reading Stephen King, Sweet Valley and Fear Street novels. It’s just a stunning Greek revival structure that is peaceful, smells like books and has a full room in the back dedicated to local history; basically my version of Heaven.

Finally, you can’t come to downtown Elizabethton and not go antiquing. You could literally spend the majority of your day browsing the shelves full of vintage knick-knacks at Duck Crossing and Picket Fence and never see it all. I always find something to take home, whether I need it or not. Being surrounded by all these relics of the past, it feels like they’re still holding so much energy, hiding secrets or a story to tell. I like to touch these things and imagine where they

sat in someone else’s home so many years ago, when life and the world was much simpler. In a society that’s going increasingly digital, I think its wonderful to have these tangible memories of the past to take home and cherish just as they were so loved by the people before us. It just seems like good karma, and lord knows I could always use more of that.

There are so many more retail shops and eateries I don’t have space to cover here, many of which have popped up in the years since I’ve been gone. It was nice to see this place with the fresh eyes of essentially a stranger. Elizabethton is a sweet little town with good people; these streets lined with dogwoods and churches and a rickety old wooden bridge tie together folks who genuinely care about their families and community and I’m proud to say I was raised in them. So whether you’re a tourist, a lifer or somewhere in between like me, go down and see what’s new on Elk Avenue. I promise you won’t leave empty handed or hungry!

XO - Kathie

Extinct moles latest find at ETSU’s Gray Fossil Site

Headlines coming out of the Gray Fossil Site and Museum, where a one-of-a-kind ancient ecosystem nearly five million years old is preserved, have focused on the larger fossilized animals like rhinos and red pandas.

But researchers have been paying more attention to the tiny creatures that once roamed the hills and valleys of the present-day Appalachian Highlands. A new study published in Palaeontologia Electronica is the first to analyze the fossil moles of the site. By comparing fossil bones and teeth with other living and extinct mole species, the researchers identified four different types of extinct moles, including two species that are entirely new to science.

Danielle Oberg, a doctoral student at the University of Arkansas and alumnus of East Tennessee State University’s paleontology graduate program, and Dr. Joshua Samuels, associate professor in the ETSU Department of Geosciences and curator at the site, conducted the research. “Mole species are usually tied to environmental conditions and soil types,”

said Oberg. “This many species at one site is quite special.”

Moles are excellent diggers and voracious predators, contributing to their ecosystems by aerating the soil and feeding on tiny animals, the researchers noted. The moles identified in this study represent a variety of lifestyles from digging to swimming, revealing a unique and diverse ancient community.

The two new species identified in this study are Parascalops grayensis, a relative of the hairy-tailed moles that still dig through the soil of East Tennessee today, and Magnatalpa fumamons, a relative of modern-day desmans, aquatic predators found now only in Europe and Asia. This is the oldest known record of hairytailed moles in the world and the first known record of desmans in eastern North America.

The other two moles the researchers identified, Neurotrichus and Mioscalops, have also never been found in this part of the world before, and both lived more generalized lifestyles. Modern-day Neurotrichus (also called shrew-moles)

are adept at digging, swimming and climbing. Altogether, this ancient mole community includes a combination of species and lifestyles unlike anywhere else.

“We have four different moles at the Gray Fossil Site, and the lifestyles of those moles are very different,” said Samuels. “This discovery helps improve our understanding of small predators living here in the Appalachian region about five million years ago.”

Many of these mole bones and teeth are less than a centimeter in length. They were recovered thanks to the site’s

policy to screen-wash all excavated sediments from the site and to the efforts of the many volunteers and students who sort through the ancient sediment to extract tiny fossils.

“It feels amazing to describe and name a new species, and I got to do it twice in one paper,” said Oberg. “I am excited for the dedicated team of wet-screeners and pickers to find even more material for us to publish on.”

Learn more about the site, overseen by the Don Sundquist Center of Excellence in Paleontology at ETSU, at etmnh.org

The lower jaw of a fossil shrew-mole, Neurotrichus. Image by Josh Samuels

Murder Mystery 2

When the movie "Murder Mystery" was released in 2019, I was not sure what to make of the effort which teamed Jennider Aniston with Adam Sandler. I have always liked Jennifer, but Adam is another story for me. I can take him in small doses, and in movies where his voice doesn't sound like nails on a chalkboard. Nevertheless, after viewing "Murder Mystery" I was pleasantly surprised as the actors had great screen chemistry and Adam was less than annoying, and his character was actually likeable. The filmed proved a success, so Netflix has released "Muder Mystery 2" reuniting Jennifer and Adam, and I was actually looking forward to the sequel. The film is set four years after the original film and Nick and Audrey Spitz (Adam and Jennefier) have quit their jobs and started their own detective agency despite Nick refusing to do what it takes to get his detective license. The two are often bickering about their new line of work and decide to take a break from their poorly received detective work and attend the

Pop Life

By Ken Silvers theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com

wedding of their friend Vikram 'The Maharajah' Govindan (Adeel Akhtar), who will be married on his private island. When they arrive at the beautiful island, the Spitzes meet the French bride to be Claudette (Melanie Laurent), and are amazed at the opulent quarters where they will be staying. The couple are reunited with an old friend on the island, and during the night of the wedding party meet several new people including former soccer player Francisco Perez (Enrique Arce), Vikram's sister Saria (Kuhoo Verman) and snobbish Countess Sekou (Jodie Turner-Smith) and her snarky sidekick Imani (Zurni Villanueva). As the party proceeds, an elephant enters the room supposedly carrying Vikram, but it is discovered he has been kidnapped and is being held for ransom. Immediately after the discovery, Nick and Audrey get into detective mode, and plan to solve the mystery until some high-class detectives, led by former MI6 operator Connor Miller (Mark Strong) arrive at the island the next morning Navy Seal style. Miller wants the married duo to have no part in the hostage negotiation, but the kidnappers refuse to talk to anyone but Nick, who they nearly killed the night of the party. The kidnappers reveal to Nick their demand for $70 million dollars for the release of Vikram, and they must deliver the money to them at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Soon all are headed to France, and this is where the film really kicks into high gear. From this point forward there is plenty of over-the-top action, betrayals, and more witty banter between Nick and Audrey. There

are plenty of moments I didn't expect, and that only adds to the fun of the film. The film's climax is in the Eiffel Tower, and the scrimishes here are exciting and often heart pounding. The ending sets in motion for what I hope is a third film as I have come to really enjoy the adventures of Nick and Audrey. All the actors are great, with Jennifer leading the way with

their great comedy chops, and Strong proves to be as effective a villain as he was in the "Shazam" film. "Murder Mystery 2" is a fun action/mystery/comedy romp ready made for a movie night, and proves to be equal or better than the original. Now playing on Netflix. (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

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

Whenever I see prom season roll around I find myself thinking back to my own experiences with prom when I was in High School. Spoiler alert, your intrepid writer was shy and awkward in High School. Prom was something that I wasn’t all that excited about. The popular kids tended to act as if it was the most important day of the year as if their entire lives depended on it. Those people are the ones who peaked then and have been on the downhill coast ever since.

To me, prom was just a thing, I went, I had an OK time. The music wasn’t great and the DJ made fun of me for asking him to play “Amish Paradise” by “Weird Al” Yankovic. I do not miss high school, to say the least. The coming of prom also meant lots of talks from teachers and parents about the whole thing, but the one thing that sticks in my mind is a sort of lecture we were all sent to see in the week leading up to prom.

I don’t remember exactly where we all went, but the entire grade was sent by bus to an auditorium to hear a speech. I think it was, and I’m very fuzzy on the details, maybe a large number of students getting ready for prom from the area schools. One of my friends and I sat together on

The Prom Speech

the bus ride over, I don’t recall what we talked about, probably Monty Python—I was the stereotypical Python nerd in high school.

We sat down in the auditorium and first up was the chief of police to tell us about drinking and driving. Now, I want to make one thing very clear. I think it’s good to tell the youths about what could go wrong on prom night. I don’t want anyone to think I’m making light of such efforts. What I do think is weird, is the way the message was driven home by a lady who spoke after the chief of police.

The reserved-looking lady stood at the podium, she looked out at us all with a dour and slightly judgmental look on her face. I don’t recall what she did, I think she was maybe some kind of a nurse. She began her speech by saying “Look to your left, then look

to your right. One of you is going to DIE this weekend.” I spell “die” with all caps as she wanted to drive home our impending deaths.

“It doesn’t matter what you do, little beer and a little pot? You’re gonna DIE! So when you lay out your pretty prom clothes, make sure you tell your parents what clothes you also laid out that you want to be buried in.” This is when my friend and I looked at each other, we locked eyes and were saying to one another “what on earth is happening?”

She doubled down on her rhetoric about how some of us were bound to die this weekend no matter what we did, or how hard we tried not to. I began to think she was going to look at us and say “If you don’t die this weekend, I’m gonna eradicate you.” Maybe I should have sold the

movie rights to Paramount for a new horror franchise. She just glared at us all, as if she was barely holding back rage, as if she was going to only feel joy if she read a newspaper the following week and saw some of our obituaries in it.

How the speech ended I don’t recall. But I do recall being back on the bus returning to school with my friend who turned to me and said “You know, if no one in our class dies this weekend I’m going to be disappointed.” This was 20 years ago, but it still sticks in my head as a very strange thing. I wish every prom season I didn’t think back to the time a nurse vaguely threatened my entire class, but I do. I suspect it shall be burned in my mind forever. See you next week.

By Andy Ross theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com