Page 2, The Loafer • October 1, 2013
October 1, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 3
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Volume 27 Issue #43
Donald  Davis
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Page 4, The Loafer • October 1, 2013
National Storytelling Festival October 4-6 in Jonesborough
During the National Storytelling Festival, come inside the Storytelling Studio for up-‐ close and revealing interviews with some of storytelling’s most exciting voices. These fascinating and intimate conversations take place in the theater of the Mary B. Martin Storytelling Hall. 2013 Storytelling Studio Schedule Donald Davis -‐ The Stories Behind the Stories – Host is Barbara McBride-‐Smith 10:00 am, Saturday, October 5 Personal storytelling is unique in that its “characters” are real people who have lived and breathed. Join Donald Davis for a candid look at where he draws the line between fact and ϐ tales—including how his family and friends see their side of the story! Milbre Burch and Diane Ferlatte -‐ Mothers and Mentors: The Women Behind
the Storytellers -‐ Host is Connie Regan-‐Blake 11:30 am, Saturday, October 5 In this special studio, Milbre Burch and Diane Ferlatte pay tribute to the women who have most inspired their lives and work. Join the storytellers as they recollect friends, family, and colleagues – including storytelling icons like Jackie Torrence and Kathryn Windham – who’ve shaped their lives and their telling. Ed Stivender -‐ Building Stories – Host is Jim May 2:30 pm, Saturday, October 5 In his famous fractured fairy tales, Ed Stivender depends on his audience to shout out suggestions that help shape the story. But even when they’re ǡ ϐ ϐ decisions that make each telling unique. Ed will explain the art of reading a crowd as well as the role his audience plays in helping ϐ Ǥ
Syd Lieberman – Imaginary Friends -‐ Host is Sue O’Halloran 11:30 am, Sunday, October 6 Many storytellers fell in love with the form early on, through trips to the library. While you might assume Syd Lieberman was the kind of kid who always had his nose in a book, he was a slow reader with little access to the written word. Learn how Syd, a lonely child, found solace and inspiration in his imagination—a survival skill that made him into the master storyteller he is today. Tickets are $15 and on sale now. Call (800) 952-‐8392, ext. 221 or (423) 753-‐2171 for tickets or more information. Seating is limited (and usually sells out quickly!), so be sure to reserve your seat soon. In addition to main stage performances, other special events will be presented during the Festival weekend and before -‐ don’t miss them! Come to Jonesborough early and join Donald Davis for a remarkable evening of storytelling on the Festival grounds,
Wednesday night, October 2nd. Get the Festival party started Thursday night with world-‐ famous singer and songwriter Tim O’Brien, along with Nora Jane Struthers and the Party Line. Stay up late and enjoy two nights of rollicking, grown-‐up fun at the ever-‐popularMidnight Cabaret. Brave the Ghost Story Concerts with two different collections of frightening tales served up beneath the nighttime sky during open-‐air performances which are always a Festival favorite. Hear a specially-‐invited showcase of storytellers new to the National Storytelling Festival stage at a revered festival custom, Exchange Place. Join the fun of the National Storytelling Festival Story Slam! where the teller is you! Take part in a Festival tradition at the Swappin’ Ground. Here, anyone can tell a tale—and
many do. You can even share a story of your own, just be sure to register ahead of time at Festival headquarters. A musician, storyteller, radio producer, and music educator, Robert Jones has been a Ǧϐ years. At an early age Jones became interested in the blues, and started performing at some of Detroit’s best music venues; he accompanied his singing with guitar, harmonica and storytelling, an art which helped ϐ Ǥ
ϐ bluesman Willie Dixon and by sacred musicians such as the Rev. Gary Davis, Jones has shared his work throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe. He is the recipient of the Blues Foundation’s prestigious ‘Keeping the Blues Alive Educator of the Year’ Continued on page 4
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October 1, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 5 with the strains of old-‐time music for a hybrid that is all her own.” —Chicago Sun Times Celebrate, meet the National Storytelling Festival’s featured tellers, and enjoy great food and fellowship at the Yarnspinners’ Party on Saturday, October 5 from 5-‐7 p.m. at the Mary B. Martin Storytelling Hall. Entertainment provided by the Jonesborough Novelty Band, who will be joined by some of your favorite musically-‐talented Ȇ
Continued from page 5
award. Jones is pastor of the Sweet Kingdom Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit. “… Jones does what other blues masters do as well: he tells a story. It’s a long tale, sometimes tortured and twisted, but always interesting – and yes, entertaining.” – Tuscaloosa News An eclectic, original and insightful storyteller, David Novak has a background in theatre arts –including Shakespeare, clowning, creative dramatics, play writing and directing. He has traveled across the U.S. and abroad presenting his work, with appearances in New Zealand, Hong Kong and the Czech Republic. A master of literary collage, Novak’s stories exhibit universal themes of character, courage, caring and wonder. His animated programs contrast simplicity with complexity, the familiar with the surprising, and the ordinary with the fabulous. Novak is the recipient of the NSN ORACLE Circle of Excellence award. “He tells his stories with great physical awareness, a real sense of suspense, humor, and integrity. His range, personality, warmth, truthfulness, imagination, ability to transform, taste, all combined, make him a unique artist.” – Lincoln Center Institute Minton Sparks fuses poetry and her intoxicating gift for storytelling into performances punctuated with music provided by the acoustic guitar of John Jackson, perhaps best known for having played with Bob Dylan. Wildly original, her poetry and stories share her memories
of growing up in a small-‐town southern family, as she reveals the complexities of people’s lives in ways that tickle the senses, prick the conscience and lodge in the soul. Grammy-‐nominated Sparks’ books and writings have received acclaim from NPR’s Weekend All Things Considered and BBC’s Bob Harris Show. Her appearances range from the venerable Old Towne School of Folk Music to the American Songbook Series at Lincoln Center in New York City. “[She] soulfully marries the Southern storytelling tradition
on the accordian. The Yarnspinners’ Party is hosted by the ISC Board of Govenors and sponsored by Holston Distributing, Main Street Cafe & Catering and One Stop Wines & Spirits. Proceeds from this private event go to support the work of the International Storytelling Center. Tickets are $100. This is a tax deductible contribution. For reservations or more information, call (800) 952-‐ 8392, ext. 283.
Page 6, The Loafer • October 1, 2013
Abingdon Crooked Road Music Festival October 4th, 6:30pm
Kitty  Amaral Photo  by  Noel  Amaral
The  Crooked  Road,  in  partnership  with  the  Town  of  Abingdon,  will  present  a  Youth  Music  Concert  on  Friday,  October  4th  at  6:30  p.m.  at  Heartwood:  Southwest  Virginia’s  Artisan  Gateway  as  part  of  the  2nd  Annual  Abingdon  Crooked  Road  Music  Festival.  The  concert  will  feature  •‘Â?‡ ‘ˆ –Š‡ Ď?‹Â?‡•– ›‘—–Š –ƒŽ‡Â?– ‹Â? Southwest  Virginia:  The  Loose  Strings  Band,  Tyler  Hughes,  and  Kitty  Amaral  &  Friends.
“This  concert  highlights  some  of  the  outstanding  musical  talent  of  the  region’s  youth.â€?  said  Jonathan  Romeo,  Program  Manager  for  The  Crooked  Road’s  Traditional  Music  EducationProgram.  “Each  of  these  artists  is  outstanding  in  –Š‡‹” Ď?‹‡Ž†ǥ ƒÂ?† •Š‘™…ƒ•‹Â?‰ –Š‡Â? together  is  sure  to  create  an  exciting  performance!â€?  The  Loose  Strings  Band  from  Galax  Virginia  is  a  group  of  all  girls  ranging  in  age  from  15  to  19.  They  have  been  together  for  8  years,  and  have  performed  throughout  the  region  at Â ÂˆÂ‡Â•Â–Â‹Â˜ÂƒÂŽÂ•ÇĄ ™‡††‹Â?‰•ǥ „‡Â?‡Ď?‹–•ǥ and  churches.  Three  of  the  band  members  are  now  in  college,  but  •–‹ŽŽ Ď?‹Â?† –‹Â?‡ ˆ‘” –Š‡‹” Â?—•‹…Ǩ Š‡ band  plays  an  eclectic  repertoire  of  bluegrass,  gospel,  and  country  music,  and  are  known  for  their  tight  vocal  harmonies.  As  a  highlight  in  their  young  career,  they  have  had  the  distinct  honor  of  recently  working  with  Sammy Â
Shelor,  the  banjoist  and  leader  of  the  Lonesome  River  Band,  as  their  mentor  and  producer  of  their  two  new  CD’s,  “The  Next  Chapterâ€?  and  “Everlasting  Faithâ€?. Born  in  the  coal  mining  town  of  Big  Stone  Gap,  Virginia,  Tyler  Hughes  has  been  exploring  the  world  of  old  time  music  since  age  12.  Tyler  found  his  love  for  Old  Time  banjo  several  years  ago  and  continues  his  study  of  the  instrument  at  East  Tennessee  State  University  (ETSU)  where  he  is  currently  pursuing  a  bachelor’s  degree  in  Bluegrass,  Old  Time,  and  Country  Music  Studies.  Tyler  can  be  seen  performing  with  several  groups  including  the  Empty  Bottle  String  Band,  ETSU’s  Old  Time  Pride  Band,  and  The  Generation  Gap.  Along  with  studying  the  traditions  of  Appalachian  music,  Tyler  also  teaches  and  promotes  old  time  music  through  Mountain  Empire  Community  College’s  Mountain  Music  School.  His  most Â
recent  album,  “Wise  County  Jailâ€?,  Correll,  Matt  Combs,  James  Leva,  was  released  in  2012  and  can  Erynn  Marshall  and  Shane  Cook.  be  found  at  various  retailers  She  dreams  of  sharing  old  time  including  Heartwood,  The  Post,  music  around  the  globe  someday!  and  online  at  County  Sales. ‹––› Š‡ƒ†• —’ –Š‡ „ƒÂ?† ‘Â? Ď?‹††Ž‡ǥ Kitty  Amaral  &  Friends  enjoy  with  Donna  Correll  on  bass;  sharing  an  array  of  historical  Kyle  Dean  Smith,  banjo;  Harrol  old  time  tunes  from  the  region  Blevins,  guitar;  and  Jerry  Correll,  and  beyond.  Kitty  is  11  years  technical  advisor. old  and  from  Elk  Creek,  Virginia.  For  more  information  on  the  Š‡ „‡‰ƒÂ? ’Žƒ›‹Â?‰ –Š‡ Ď?‹††Ž‡ performers,  the  full  schedule  and  at  age  5  and  is  presently  a  to  purchase  tickets:  visit  www. •–—†‡Â?– ‘ˆ –Š‡ ‘Ž† –‹Â?‡ Ď?‹††Ž‡”ǥ abingdon-Ââ€?crookedroadmusicfest. Jerry  Correll.  Kitty  was  recently  com  or  call  the  Abingdon  awarded  The  Wayne  Henderson  Convention  and  Visitors  Bureau  and  Swannanoa  Gathering  at  1-Ââ€?800-Ââ€?435-Ââ€?3440. scholarships  for  ‘Ž† –‹Â?‡ Ď?‹††Ž‡ The  Loose  Strings  Band playing,  and  has  won  Š‘–‘ „› ”‹•–‡Â? Â‡ÂƒÂ”Ď”Â‹Â‡ÂŽÂ† numerous  awards  at  Ď?‹††Ž‡”• …‘Â?˜‡Â?–‹‘Â?• throughout  Virginia  and  North  Carolina.  Kitty  has  studied  and  played  music  under  Â?ƒÂ?› Ď?‹Â?‡ Ď?‹††Ž‡”• including  April  Verch,  Brad  Leftwich,  Jerry Â
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October 1, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 7
Rainforest Adventure
Hands On! Regional Museum
Explore Rainforest Adventure on Exhibit at Hands On! Regional Museum, in Johnson City, TN, through January 5, 2014. Rainforest Adventure is a multisensory expedition that introduces visitors to tropical rainforests around the world, highlights the challenges facing these unique ecological wonders and suggests ways that people can make a difference. Rainforest Adventure topics include: tropical rainforests around the world, conservation, scientists, animals, plants and
global connections. Guests are introduced to scientists and the ways they study rainforests. Children role-‐play as research assistants on a series of problem-‐solving adventures. Over 40 interactive components allow visitors to: • Meet scientists and explore the ways they study rainforests • Become a research assistant through assignments, costumes and props • Take a closer look at plant and material slides through an oversized microscope • Climb a kapok tree that’s 9 feet tall • Study plant and animal life in the different layers of the rainforest • Weave on a loom • Climb through a tree log to discover animals that make their homes there. • Explore a gorilla nest • Discover products that come from tropical rainforests • Visit children around the
world and learn how their families help protect the rainforests • Learn about what you can do to help protect rainforests around the world. “We are very excited to be able to offer such an exciting and unique exhibit,” says Kristine Carter, Hands On! Marketing Manager. “It’s very interactive, perfect for families as well as school groups.” Rainforest Adventure was created by Stepping Stones Museum for Children with support from The Jaffe Family Foundation and MeadWestvaco Corporation.
About Hands On! Regional Museum Hands On! Regional Museum ͷͲͳȋ Ȍȋ͵Ȍ ϐ organization that hosts nearly 70,000 visitors annually. Centrally located in downtown Johnson City, Hands On! hosts school groups from 40 counties in four different states and visitors from across the U.S. Visit online at www.handsonmuseum.
org or call (423) 434-‐HAND. Find us on Facebook. About Stepping Stones Museum for Children Stepping Stones Museum for Children is a private, non-‐ ϐ dedicated to broadening and enriching the lives of children. Museum exhibits, educational programs and special events complement efforts in schools, childcare centers and homes. Stepping Stones is one of the top 50 children’s museums across the country and among the most respected and popular family resources ǡ ϐ more than 2 million children and families since opening in 2000. To learn more visit www. steppingstonesmuseum.org.
WEDNESDAYS
Page 8, The Loafer • October 1, 2013
Appalachian Highlanders Pipes & Drums Featured 35th Annual Wise County Famous Fall Fling October 12th
Alongside the crafts, food and activities festival-‐goers have come to expect of the Wise County Famous Fall Fling over the past 34 years, they’ve come to expect music, and plenty of it. In addition to the traditional mountain music, the Appalachian Highlanders Pipes and Drums have become as much a tradition as the Fall Fling itself! This group, based in Abingdon, Virginia, will bring enthusiasts from all over southwestern Virginia and eastern Tennessee who love to hear the soulful sound of the Highland bagpipe. The music feast doesn’t stop with the bagpipes! The variety of music lined up for this year’s Fall Fling is sure to please festival goers again this year! A full slate of performers are set to entertain crowds in two locations this year. The main stage will be at the Big Glades Community Square amphitheater and the Pickin’
Porch will offer informal acoustic jam sessions for scheduled groups and any others who want to join in the music. This year’s line-‐up of performers at Big Glades offers a wide variety of traditional mountain bluegrass and gospel music. The VFW will open the 35th Annual Fall Fling Saturday October 12th at 9 a.m. followed by Angel Mefford at 9:30. At 10 a.m. Saturday, Kelsey Copelandtakes the stage followed by the Center Stage Cloggers. Young and young at heart will enjoy this foot stompin’, toe tappin’ entertainment! At 11 am, the ǡ ϐ
local bluegrass bands take the stage. From 11:45 am until 12:30 pm festival-‐ goers can catch their breath and enjoy the heart felt southern gospel music of the King’s Messengers. Saturday afternoon, ϐ with one of Kentucky’s best, Wolf Creek Grass. At 1:15 the Bluegrass Kinsmen with Fiddling Billy Baker and the Virginia Sweethearts will entertain you with their traditional bluegrass and one ϐ country along with the legendary Virginia Sweethearts. Following ϐ ǡ harmony of Raisin Cane from 2-‐3 pm and settle in for the very best in old time music with the White Top Mountain Band at 3. From 4-‐5 you’ll hear Lee County’s ϐ ǡ band and end the day with the very best in classic country, Benny Jones and CMT Country! Sunday’s music lineup begins at Noon with Jimmy Mullins and the Biscuit Burners followed by the best Scottish and Irish music you’ll ever hear from the Appalachian Highlanders Pipes and Drums at 12:45 pm. The Dennis Cove Band, South Mountain Bluegrass Boys, Appalachian Strings, will play at 1:45, 2:45 and 3:45 pm respectively. Winding down the festival at 4:45 pm will be Mr. Bluegrass himself, Kody Norris and the Watauga Mountain Boys followed by The Principles, ϐ harmony you will ever hear at 5:45. Bring a chair and spend the weekend enjoying some great music at both Big Glades and the Pickin’ Porch at this year’s Fall Fling! For schedules and more info on other Fall Fling events, go to Ǥ ϐ Ǥ , or call 276/328-‐8184.
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Frank Warren: PostSecret Appalachian State University October 8th
Frank Warren is the keeper of 500,000 secrets from people all over the world. As the author and curator of the PostSecret Project, Frank Warren shares his experiences as “the most trusted stranger in the America” in an inspirational and entertaining lecture as a part of the 2013-‐ 14 Performing Arts Series at Appalachian State University. Frank Warren’s lecture, PostSecret, will be held on October 8 at 8pmat the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts in Boone, N.C. He will be signing books in the lobby following his lecture. For more information on the event, visit pas.appstate.edu. The PostSecret Project is a collection of highly personal and artfully decorated postcards mailed anonymously from around the world, displaying the soulful secrets we never voice. Frank Warren thinks of PostSecret as a safe and anonymous “place” where people can hear unheard voices and share untold stories. Visit his blog at postsecret.com to learn more about the project. Adult tickets are $20 and student tickets are $10. The Pick 5 discount is available for this show and offers a break on
the ticket price when the tickets are purchased in ϐ Ǥ The Pick 5 discount is offered on most of the events during the 2013-‐ 14 Performing Arts Series. To purchase tickets or inquire about the Pick 5 discount, call or visit the Schaefer Center for the Performing ϐ 8 2 8 -‐ 2 6 2 -‐ 4 0 4 6 . Tickets can also be purchased online at pas.appstate. edu. 2013-‐2014 Performing Arts Series Season For videos, images and detailed information about each performance, visit pas.appstate. edu. Tedeschi Trucks Band Friday, Nov. 1, 2013, Savion Glover’s STePz Friday, Nov. 15, 2013, River North Dance Chicago Friday, Jan. 31, 2014, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014, STOMP™ Tuesday, Mar. 4, 2014, Montana Repertory Theatre: The Miracle Worker Thursday, Apr. 3, 2014, and Appalachian’s Department of Theatre & Dance and the Hayes School of Music: Kiss Me, Kate Friday-‐ Sunday, Apr. 11-‐13, 2014. The Performing Arts Series supports the teaching mission of Appalachian State University by presenting a diverse array of music, dance and theatre events designed to enrich the cultural landscape of the campus and surrounding region. By creating memorable performance experiences and related educational and outreach activities, the series promotes the power and excitement of the live performance experience;
provides a “window on the world” through the artistry of
nationally and internationally renowned artists and showcases ϐ nation and our region. Performing Arts Series Corporate Sponsors: McDonald’s of Boone, Nationwide—Charles Eyler Agency, Park Terrell, Associate and Peabody’s Beer and Wine
Merchants. Festival media sponsors include: Charter Media, Our State Magazine, High Country Radio, Mountain Television Network, WDAV 89.9 FM, WFDD 88.5FM, WETS 89.5FM and WASU 90.5FM.
Page 10, The Loafer • October 1, 2013
All For A Song
Local Author Signs New Book Mauk’s of Jonesborough October 4th & 5th Barry Blair is a native of Virginia and grew up in the Roanoke area. He currently makes his home in Jonesborough, Tennessee. He is a graduate of East Tennessee State Ǥ ϐ novel, released in late 2011. Now, he plans to do two book signings for his latest novel, All For A Song. ϐ October 4th at Mauk’s in Jonesborough from 10a.m. till 2 p.m. Next will be Saturday, October 5th from 10am til 2pm. For more information on Barry Blair and his books, please visit www. ϐ Ǥ Ǥ Unwound is available at local bookstores, as well as online as Amazon Kindle edition e-‐book. All For A Song is also available locally, and online. Who killed Johnny Rose? He was
an over-‐the-‐hill Opry star with his best days behind him, or so it seems. Nashville Homicide Detective Jake Bender, who moonlights around town as a singer and songwriter, is assigned the case; nobody knows the country music scene like he does. As he looks into Rose’s past, several suspects quickly emerge. But when someone turns themself in and confesses to the murder, it isn’t any of the people Jake suspects. At the same time, Jake must deal with his ex-‐ wife, the Mayor of Nashville, who has her eye on being the next Governor of Tennessee. She wants the case solved quickly, no matter the consequences, and her involvement brings her right back in to Jake’s life. What evolves is a wild ride around Music City involving characters from all walks of life. Welcome to “Hillbilly Hollywood.”
Mike June
Acoustic Coffeehouse October 8th Austin, TX based singer-‐ songwriter Mike June will be starting a tour that begins in Reston, VA onSeptember 14th and ends...well, that will be determined. After a busy 2012 that saw June release two critically-‐acclaimed records (EXILE ON WILSON STREET and TALKIN’ REVOLUTION BLUES) and play over 125 shows in the US, this New Jersey-‐born artist is raising the stakes. He plans to play as many as 200 to 250 shows between September 2013 and September 2014. “It’s what musicians have been doing since the beginning of time: going town to town and playing in front of people; there is nothing I would rather do. It’s the best way to connect with people, and that is really what music is all about: connecting,” says June. A stable music career has not been easy to come by for June. After years of battling
an alcohol and drug addiction that distracted him from focusing solely on music, he feels he is just coming into his own. “Getting sober and then meeting Jon Dee absolutely changed my entire life,” he says, “After having worked every job from garbage man ǡ ϐ ǯ hitting my stride as a writer, an artist and as a person.” Jon Dee Graham, 3-‐time Austin Music Hall of Fame inductee, member of the True Believers and guitarist for John Doe, has taken June under his wing. The two have toured the US together for over two years with June acting as Graham’s opening act. “It’s more of a life experience than anything else. Jon Dee has seen and done it all, and I couldn’t ask for a better teacher than him. Plus, he is one of the greatest songwriters alive. I couldn’t ask for a better situation. And we have a mission every night: to make people feel better.”
October 1, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 11
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TCPC Photo Contest Entries Sunday Oct. 6, 2-5 pm At Viking Hall
Sunday afternoon Oct. 6th is the entry time for photographs competing for $1,000 in total prize money, including $200 Best of Show, at the 6th Annual Twin City Photo Club Contest at Viking Hall. Amateur photographers can bring their prints to Viking Hall from 2-‐5 pm Sunday and chose from 10 categories. Accepted are 8x10s on an 11x14 or 8x12 on a 12x16 matt of neutral color, and it is $5 per entry. There is an “open” category for any size prints. The TCPC contest winners will be displayed during the two-‐day
ArtShare 2013 on Oct. 12-‐13 at Viking Hall. The Saturday and Sunday event “Celebrates the Spirit of the Artist,” and will feature regional and local artwork of all mediums. Categories and prizes for the TCPC contest include: Focus on Bristol, $125 and rosette; 50 Shades of Autumn; $125 and rosette; Open size category, $100 and rosette; Monochrome, $50 and rosette; People, $50 and ribbon; Animals, $50 and ribbon; Inanimate, $50 and ribbon; Fine Art, $50 and ribbon; Landscape/ Plants, $50 and ribbon; Youth 17 & under, $100 and ribbon. Best of show will receive $200 and a rosette. Ribbons will be awarded for second, third and honorable mention. There will be a reception for the entrants on Friday 11 October at Viking Hall from 5:30-‐7:30 PM, during which time winners will be announced. Entries must be picked up
on Sunday 13 October 2013 between 4:30 -‐5:30 P.M. only. See ArtShare and TCPC on Facebook for more information. TCPC Photo Contest Rules 1.This competition is limited to amateur photographers only, ϐ person that derives less than 25% of his or her income from the sale of photography. ʹǤ ϐ in our mountain empire region,
and must have been taken in the state of Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, Kentucky, or West Virginia. **Focus on Bristol must be within the city limits of Bristol.** 3.Entrants may enter up to 5 photos in each category, not to exceed 10 total entries. 4.The entry fee is $5.00 per print. All fees are nonrefundable. 5.Print image must be 8 x 10 matted to 11 x 14, OR, 8 x 12 matted to 12 x 16 and mounted ϐ ǡ board or backboard. Mats must be white, cream, gray or black, and must be rectangular window
mats; no geometric shapes will be accepted. Absolutely no frames, hangers, or glass will be accepted, and inadequately constructed mats and /or mounting boards will disqualify the entry. TOP or UP must be indicated on the back of the mounting board if the orientation of the image is questionable. 6.Each photograph must be titled. “Untitled” is not acceptable. 7.Identical photographs cannot be entered in different categories, even if altered. Article photos by Mark D. Marquette
Page 12, The Loafer • October 1, 2013
“Fresh Impressions: Tour de France”
Johnson City Area Arts Council Gallery October 4th Opening Reception
The Johnson City Area Arts Council welcomes all to the art opening and reception of “Fresh Impressions: Tour de France” on Friday, October 4th, 2013 from 6 to 8p.m. This exhibit features paintings created by six regional artists during an art retreat abroad this past July. The group traveled to France to paint outdoors, “en plein air,” as part of a workshop held at La Bonne Etoile, a retreat located approximately an hour outside of Paris. La Bonne Etoile artists’ retreat was developed to ϐ from an experience in another culture as well as offer them a time of seclusion and solitude for creating and recreating. The gallery show will exhibit from October 3rd through 29th and will feature art works by Monique Carr, Meg Dillard, Donna Harmon, Joy McGinnis, Nancy Jane Earnest, and JoAnne McDonough. The tour leader and instructor of the immersive workshop, Monique Carr, shares, “I enjoy so much
painting outdoors. To me, it is the best way to learn and grow as an artist…I was convinced that this year I needed to conduct a workshop in France to share what I had just experienced-‐-‐the joy of painting and the beauty of FranceǤdz ǡ ϐ seven others who reveled in the experience. Now the community is invited to share in the beauty they captured and brought back stateside. The opening reception and exhibit will be held at the Johnson City Area Arts Council Gallery at 300 East Main Street in downtown Johnson City. The JCAAC gallery is also regularly open from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. weekdays. The Johnson City Area Arts Council is a designated local arts agency supported in part by grants from the Tennessee Arts Commission and others, and contributions by members and businesses. For more information about this organization or scheduled events, please call 423-‐928-‐ 8229 or visit www.arts.org.
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Reagan Boggs 620 State October 4th
Appearing live at 620 State 620 State Street – Bristol, TN 37620 Friday, Oct. 4 with The Coal Men. Quicksand is Reagan Boggs’ third and latest solo release. It gets its name from “Can’t Do Life,” a song that Boggs wrote nearly ϐ Ǥ constant tug-‐of-‐war that can go on in the mind between hopes and expectations and the reality of what is as “life happens.”
ϐ change and how easily we are drug down by acceptance. The “quicksand” theme resonates throughout the album. The 12 songs on the project that are her own writings expose a very raw side of her. They cross a range of emotions from insecurity, hopelessness, loss, and revelation. With her rich voice, she strips bare stark realities, feelings, and situations that trap people in jobs, places, and relationships. The album is not all “depressing,” she says with a laugh. She does admit the overall mood may be serious, “but these are the things we
struggle with, or at least I know I do.” There is more diversity in the sound when compared to her previous releases Never Looking Behind and Right Now. She showcases her Pound, VA heritage in the light-‐hearted track, “Appalachia,” that has roots feel mixed with a little JJ Cale. “Not the New Me” leans more
toward a blues or Motown vibe, and the driving acoustic guitar in “Come to Me” is reminiscent of early Steve Earle. “When it Mattered,” a good-‐bye lullaby with a sarcastic edge, may have ϐ in the 1960s. The new album also features a unique rendition of Eddie Vedder’s “Better Man” delivered ϐ Ǥ Dz have listeners ‘see’ through a woman’s voice,” Boggs explains. “Abuse is not always physical or visible, and leaving or being alone seems much worse than just dealing with it. It’s such a great song -‐ with such an unnerving production.” Reagan teams again with producer and engineer Eric Fritsch (Sheryl Crow, Scott Miller) of Eastwood Studios in Nashville, TN. The recording includes an array of talented musicians including Fritsch playing multiple parts. Dave Coleman (The Coal Men) sings and plays steel guitar on the duet Dz Ǥdz ϐ (John Prine, Chris Knight), Steve Bowman (Counting Crows) and Matt Crouse (Billy Dean, Savannah Jack) play drums on the record. Park Chisolm (Kevin Costner, Jo Dee Messina) and Bones Hillman (Midnight Oil, Elizabeth Cook) are featured on electric and upright bass. David Duffy (Elvis Perkins) plays the violin and Eric Brace (Last Train Home) also helps tell the story of “Better Man.” Quicksand is due out January 28th. For more information and a free download of “Better Man,” visit www.reaganboggs.com.
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Home Craft Days Behind the Scenes Mountain Empire at Grandfather Mountain Behind the Scenes Habitat Tours at Grandfather Mountain will be offered at a discounted rate during the month of October, giving participants the opportunity to catch a glimpse of Grandfather’s newest animal addition, Nova the otter. Nova came to Grandfather Mountain from a wildlife rehabilitator and will not be added to the Otter Habitat until she has a little more age under her belt, however Behind the Scenes Tour participants will be able to view her private habitat in an area called “The Plaza” and meet this vivacious little pup. The Behind the Scenes Habitat Tours usually cost $30 per person but will be offered for $20 per person for the entire month of October. These guided tours are led by Grandfather’s extremely knowledgeable keepers and offer the public an opportunity to see where animals eat and sleep, learn what it takes to care for the animals year-‐round, and learn why these animals call
Grandfather Mountain home. Each tour takes approximately one hour and 30 minutes. There is no age limit but small children must be carried if they are not capable of walking on their own. The use of strollers is prohibited during the tour. Participants must be able to walk up and down steep terrain, wear closed-‐ toe hiking or work boots, dress in layers and be willing to sign a waiver of liability. Behind the Scenes October tours are scheduled every day of the week at 1 p.m., excluding Oct 1, 15, and 29. An additional tour is also offered on Saturdays at10:30 a.m. The $20 cost per person is not included in park admission. To make a Behind the Scenes reservation before your trip, please call 828-‐733-‐8715. Any remaining tour spots can be purchased on the day of at the Nature Museum Gift Shop. For more information, visitwww.grandfather.com or call 800-‐468-‐7325. Photo by Katie Casella
Community College October 18-20
ϐ mountain culture in the Southwest Virginia region was realized in 1971 with the establishment of Home Craft Days in picturesque Big Stone Gap, Va. Since that time, the festival has served as an integral part of Mountain Empire Community College’s longstanding commitment to promoting and preserving the rich musical and cultural heritage of Southwest Virginia. Now celebrating its 42nd year, MECC’s Home Craft Days features musicians and artisans from throughout Southwest Virginia, East Tennessee, and Eastern Kentucky. Demonstrations of weaving, pottery making, grist milling, wood crafting, basket weaving, broom making, quilting, tatting and much more are offered, along with musical
performances throughout the three-‐day event. The 2013 Home Craft Days celebration will be held October 18-‐20 on the campus of Mountain Empire Community College. The event kicks off with a free Friday night concert featuring Dale Jett and Hello Stranger, the Empty Bottle String Band, Robin and Linda Williams, Sparky and Rhonda Rucker and the Mountain Music School String Band. Saturday and Sunday will feature performances every hour on the main stage. Come home to the food, fun, and friendship of Southwest Virginia and join us at the 2013 Home Craft Days festival. For more information, visit our website at www. homecraftdays.org.
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Dr. Chih-Long Hu Slavic Night Concert
Toy F. Reid Eastman Employee Center October 5th, 7:30pm
Most of us are familiar with the Carter Family who drew heavily from Appalachian life and old folktales for their musical inspiration, but how many of us have heard the Russian folktale of Russlan and Ludmilla set to music? This epic fairytale tells the story of the abduction of Prince Vladimir’s daughter, Ludmilla, by an evil wizard and the attempt by the ϐ and rescue her. This is just one story featured at the Symphony of the Mountains “Slavic Night” concert on Saturday, October 5 at 7:30pm. The evening will feature soloist and award-‐winning pianist, Dr. Chih-‐Long Hu. Dr. Hu has been featured on NPR stations around the country and received critical acclaim for his album “Formosa Caprices” as “Best Crossover Album” and “Best Performance” by Hu. “Our season theme is ‘From These Mountains’ and Dr. Hu ϐ theme.” says Symphony of the Mountains Music Director Cornelia Laemmli Orth. “This incredible Taiwanese, world-‐ class pianist is right here in our own backyard.”
ϐ Russian and Czech music that was inspired by the life and folktales of the Slavic people. In addition to “Russlan and Ludmilla: Overture” by Mikhail Glinka, you will also hear one of the most famous piano concertos ever written, Tchaikovsky’s “Concerto for Piano, No. 1, Op. 23.” The evening will culminate in the most beloved symphony by Dvorak; “Symphony No. 7, Op. 70.” The music will create a fairytale world as seen through
the eyes of these brilliant composers. The concert will be held at the Toy F. Reid Eastman Employee Center in Kingsport and tickets are $35 for adults with children and students always admitted free to all Symphony of the Mountains concerts. To purchase tickets, visit the Symphony of the Mountains’ website at www. SymphonyoftheMountains.org or call (423) 392-‐8423.
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Turtle Island Quartet
ETSU’s Martha Street Culp Auditorium October 4th, 7:30pm Simon and Garfunkel set the pop standard for feelin’ groovy in the mid-‐1960s. Since the mid-‐ 1980s, Turtle Island Quartet has ϐ ϐ own “groove” and sharing it with audiences around the country. While most string quartets of two violins, a viola and a cello hone their standard repertoire of Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Dvorak and Barber, Turtle Island is jazzing up old standards, creating new music and making forays into folk, bluegrass, swing, be-‐bop, funk, rhythm and blues, new age, rock, hip-‐hop, as well as music of Latin America and India. The quartet’s next foray will take them to ETSU’s Martha Street Culp Auditorium Friday, Oct. 4, for a 7:30 p.m. performance of their “Art of the Groove” program. “I knew about Turtle Island Quartet because I am a big fan of the Windham Hill recording label … This group recorded with them for years and are still recording now on other labels and performing around the world,” says Mary B. Martin School of the Arts Director Anita DeAngelis. “We are excited to partner once again with the Academy of Strings, as we did last year for Brian Lewis, but this year we are excited about expanding the community outreach.” The students and Friday evening’s audience will be hearing what cellist Yo-‐Yo Ma has called “ground-‐breaking” music and musicianship – “authentic and passionate, a ϐ creative music-‐making today.” The Birmingham News found Ǧ ϐ Ǧ classical fusion “…intellectually engaging, technically dazzling and emotionally rich.” Their spectrum-‐stretching program includes contemporary
American styles, featuring works by Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Dave Brubeck, Thelonious Monk, Herbie Hancock, Bob Dylan, Chick Corea, Egberto Gismonti, Paquito D’Rivera and rock guitar legend Jimi Hendrix. The evening will also feature Turtle Island “resident composer” Balakrishnan’s music of diverse inspirations and styles. In his new composition Tree of Life, an exploration of Darwin’s Theory of Evolution, listeners might hear strains of “Strangers in the Night” and “All of Me” intermingled with myriad American, Indian and Latin American musical impressions. “Often, folks won’t realize that even though we’re staring into these sheets of music, a lot of [what we play] is improvised,” Balakrishnan told NPR in a 2009 interview. “That’s not expected from string players, and that’s been a great source of income for us.” Balakrishnan said that while he has tremendous respect for Bach, Beethoven and Brahms, his musical world encompasses much more and rather than playing together like a string quartet, he says, Turtle Island plays more like a band. In addition to Balakrishnan, the group includes other founding member cellist Mark Summer, violinist Mateusz Smoczynski and violist Benjamin von Gutzeit, all known for their alternative techniques. For information about the ETSU Mary B. Martin School of the Arts, call 423-‐439-‐TKTS (8587) or visit www.etsu.edu/ martin. “Like” ETSU Mary B. Martin School of the Arts on Facebook and follow it on Twitter at TheArtsAtETSU. For information on Turtle Island, visit www.turtleislandquartet. com.
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“The Colors of Grandfather” Showcases Fall Foliage With Guided Walks
As fall approaches the Blue Ridge Mountains, Grandfather Mountain remains one of the best leaf looking destinations in Western North Carolina. One way that guests can enjoy fall foliage this season is Grandfather’s guided walk series “The Colors of Grandfather” offered on October 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, and 20. Grandfather Mountain is home to many different species of plants and hardwood trees that range from bright yellow cottonwoods and pumpkin-‐ colored beech trees, to blood-‐red sourwoods and rusty red oaks. “The Colors of Grandfather” will visit various locations around Grandfather Mountain to showcase a spectacular contrast of stunning autumn hues. These guided walks led by members of the Stewardship Foundation’s educational staff give guests an opportunity to learn more about color change and explore many different species of plants and trees native to Grandfather Mountain. Participants will become more ϐ and will be able to ask questions about the color-‐changing phenomenon that takes place in the fall. These programs begin at 1 p.m. and are included with the
cost of park admission. For more information about “The Colors of Grandfather” phone 800-‐468-‐ 7325 or visit www.grandfather. com. In addition to the planned programming inside the park in October, fresh fall color photos are posted daily throughout the month on the Mountain’s website, Facebook page and Twitter account. These postings include up-‐to-‐date reports on leaf looking conditions, helpful tips for visiting the area in fall ϐ the brightest trees. The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation is Ǧ Ǧ ϐ established to preserve Grandfather Mountain, operate the nature park in the public interest and participate in educational research activities. For more information phone 800-‐468-‐7325 or plan a trip at www.grandfather.com. Photo: A member of the Grandfather Mountain education staff leads guests on a guided walk to talk about fall foliage. The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation will offer “The Colors of Grandfather” guided walks October 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20. (Photo by Helen Moss Davis)
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There Is No Mountain Acoustic Coffeehouse October 2nd, 10pm
There  Is  No  Mountain  is  a  Portland,  OR-Ââ€?based  husband-Ââ€?and-Ââ€?wife  duo  that  combines  percussion,  acoustic  guitar,  and  ƒÂ? ƒˆĎ?‹Â?‹–› ˆ‘” ˜‘…ƒŽ Šƒ”Â?‘Â?› –‘ …”‡ƒ–‡ ƒ unique  brand  of  folk/pop  with  intricate,  ™‘”Ž†njÂ?—•‹…nj‹Â?Ď?Ž—‡Â?…‡† ƒ””ƒÂ?‰‡Â?‡Â?–•Ǥ The  band’s  style  has  been  compared  in  print  to  current  acts  like  The  Dirty  Projectors  and  Avett  Brothers  and  classics  like  Paul  Simon’s  Graceland,  but  it  is  perhaps  more  telling  that  reviewers  have  –”‹‡† –‘ ’‡‰ –Š‡ †—‘ǯ• Â?—•‹…ƒŽ ‹Â?Ď?Ž—‡Â?…‡• ‹Â? genres  ranging  from  jazz  to  folk,  classical  to  psychedelic  rock,  and  world  music  to  metal.  TINM  often  describe  themselves  as  “americana  with  a  short  attention  spanâ€?.   Kali  Giaritta  and  Matt  Harmon  approach  their  craft  as  connoisseurs  of  this  country’s  musical  heritage,  but  like  to  challenge  themselves  to  keep  things Â
interesting  and  surprising  without  losing  the  broad,  catchy  appeal  that  they’ve  cultivated  over  the  years.   Audiences  that  choose  to  ask  about  the  meaning  behind  each  song  also  get  a  wide  range  of  story-Ââ€? telling  from  the  duo. Expect  the  unexpected  -Ââ€?  strange  songwriting  twists,  intricate  arrangements,  and  a  dynamic,  unique  take  on  vocal  harmony  that  has  been  keeping  audiences  on  the  edge  of  their  seats  all  over  the  country.
The Koffin Kats The Mecca Lounge October 4th, 8pm
Š‡ Ž‡‰‡Â?†ƒ”› ’•›…Š‘„‹ŽŽ› ‘—–Ď?‹–ǥ Š‡ ‘ˆĎ?‹Â? ƒ–• ™‹ŽŽ „‡ ’‡”ˆ‘”Â?‹Â?‰ ‘Â?‡ Â?‹‰Š– only  at  The  Mecca  Lounge.  The  show  is  –Š‡ Ď?‹”•– –‘ „‡ Š‡Ž† „› –Š‡ Â?‡™Ž› ˆ‘”Â?‡† C.F.  Promotions.   Opening  the  show  will  be  local  favorites:  The  Cryptoids,  Ghosts  in  the  Snow,  The  Hanging  Judges,  and  Southwest  Virginia’s,  The  Electric  Ills.   Admission  is  $10  in  advance,  and  $12  day  of  the  show.   The  age  limit  is  21  and  up. With  over  nine  years  of  touring  internationally  and  1200+  shows,  the  ‡–”‘‹– „ƒ•‡† ‘ˆĎ?‹Â? ƒ–• Â?‡™ Š‘Â?‡ ‹• on  the  road.  This  trio  kicked  it  off  in  June  of  2003  with  the  mission  to  not  stop  for  anything.  Vic  Victor  (Lead  Vocal,  Upright  Bass)  would  join  forces  with  long  time  ˆ”‹‡Â?† ‘Â?Â?› ‘ˆĎ?‹Â? Č‹ Â—Â‹Â–ÂƒÂ”ČŒ ƒÂ?† •–ƒ”– laying  the  ground  work  for  the  sonic  ƒ••ƒ—Ž– Â?Â?‘™Â? ĥ Š‡ ‘ˆĎ?‹Â? ƒ–•Ǥ They  put  together  songs  with  subjects  ranging  from  Sci-Ââ€?Fi  to  dealing  with  the  horrors  of  the  real  world.  With  Eric  “E  Ballâ€?  Walls  (Drums)  they  began  in  small  local  bars  playing  for  beer  and  eventually  made  their  way  out  of  the  Mid  West.  The  next  couple  of  years  proved  to  be  up  with  numerous  North  American  tours  and  down  with  drummer  changes.  During  –Š‹• –‹Â?‡ –Š‡› ”‡Ž‡ƒ•‡† –Š‡‹” Ď?‹”•– –Š”‡‡ albums  -Ââ€?  S/T  (2003),  Inhumane  (2005), Â
and  Straying  from  the  Pack  (2006).  These  releases  and  the  tours  caught  some  attention  and  helped  get  the  name  ‘ˆ Çł Š‡ ‘ˆĎ?‹Â? ÂƒÂ–Â•Çł Â?‘–‹…‡† ‹Â? –Š‡ ™‹†‡ world  of  punk  &  psychobilly.  In  2007  Vic  and  Tommy  hooked  back  up  with  Eric  to  get  ready  for  the  fourth  album,  Drunk  in  the  Daylight  (2008),  and  began  what  the  Kats  are  now  known  for‌  NON  STOP  TOURING  &  TRYING  TO  MAKE  EVERY  SHOW  A  PARTY.  With  their  love  for  their  fans  and  for  the  road  they  set  out  to  play  everywhere  willing  to  listen  to  them.  In  the  recent  years  they  have  been  able  to  make  a  name  for  themselves  in  Europe  as  well  and  have  been  included  on  tours  with  some  of  the  tops  acts  in  psychobilly  such  as  Mad  Sin,  Nekromantix,  &  The  Meteors.  In  2009  they  released  “Forever  For  Hireâ€?  and  at  the  years  end  Tommy  left  the  band  to  pursue  a  normal  life.  Shortly  thereafter  EZ  Ian  Jarrell  took  over  the  guitar  and  hopped  on  tour.  While  on  the  road  they  worked  on  material  that  would  become  featured  on  a  split  album  with  The  12  Step  Rebels  in  released  in  Spring  of  2011.  Š‡ ‘ˆĎ?‹Â? ƒ–• ”‡Ž‡ƒ•‡† –Š‡‹” Â?‘•– recent  full  length  “Our  Way  &  The  Highwayâ€?  in  January  2012. Â
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Nora Jane Struthers & The Party Line
Acoustic Coffeehouse, October 3rd
Nora  Jane  Struthers  &  the  Party  Line  bring  their  traveling  Carnival  of  acoustic  Americana  to  Jonesborough  on  Thursday,  October  3  when  they  perform  at  International  Storytelling  Festival  -Ââ€?  www. s t o r y t e l l i n g c e n t e r. n e t / festival.   The  high  energy,  Nashville-Ââ€?based  quintet  perform  Struthers’  original  story-Ââ€?songs  with  tight,  three-Ââ€? ’ƒ”– Šƒ”Â?‘Â?‹‡•ǥ Ď?‹††Ž‡ǥ Â…ÂŽÂƒÂ™ÇŚ hammer  banjo,  acoustic  guitar,  bass,  and  drums.   Struthers  was  catapulted  into  the  spotlight  when  she  lead  her  band  to  a  blue  ribbon  at  the  prestigious  2010  Telluride  Bluegrass  Festival  band  competition  (previous  winners  include  Nickel  Creek  and  The  Dixie  Chicks)  and  now  her  group  is  touring  heavily  in  support  of  their  April  16  release,  Carnival.   “When  you  go  to  a  carnival,  you  go  into  a  sideshow  –‡Â?–ǥ ƒÂ?† ‘Â? ‡˜‡”› •–ƒ‰‡ ›‘— Ď?‹Â?† ƒ different  person  with  a  different  story,â€?  says  Nora  Jane  Struthers.  “That’s  why  I’m  trying  to  do  with  this  album  –  craft  vignettes,  and  in  some  cases  more  developed  narratives,  about  imaginary  people’s  lives.â€?  Nora  Jane  Struthers  steps  forward  with  a  distinctive  sound  and  on-Ââ€?stage  style  –  her  personal  collection  of  vintage  dresses  makes  her  one  of  the  most  visually  striking  of  modern  acoustic  artists.  But  the  moving,  perceptive,  and  witty  songs  on  Carnival  represent  a  new  quantum  leap,  born  of  hard  work  and  deep  creative  ”‡Ď?Ž‡…–‹‘Â?ǤDz ˜‡” –Š‡ ’ƒ•– –Š”‡‡ years,  as  I’ve  been  touring  and  performing,  I  realized  that  primarily  I’m  a  storyteller,â€?  she  says.  “I’ve  been  working  to  hone  my  skills  so  I  can  do  that  better.â€?  After  listening  to  Carnival,  no  one  will  deny  the  keen  edge  of  Struthers’  masterful  new  work.  The  album  marks  the  recording Â
debut  of  Struthers’  touring  band,  the  Party  Line  (which  takes  its  handle  from  one  of  the  record’s  songs,  about  the  early  days  of  rural  telephone  calls).  The  gifted  group  of  instrumentalists  includes  Struthers’  longtime  collaborator  P.  J.  George  (upright  bass,  harmony  vocals,  pedal  steel  guitar,  accordion  and  banjo),  Joe  Overton  (clawhammer  banjo  and  harmony  vocals),  Aaron  ‘Â?ƒŠ ‡™‹• Č‹Ď?‹††Ž‡ǥ –Š”‡‡nj Ď?‹Â?‰‡” „ƒÂ?ÂŒÂ‘ÇĄ „ƒ”‹–‘Â?‡ Ď?‹††Ž‡ǥ mandolin)  and  Drew  Lawhorn  (drums).  “Nora  Jane  infuses  bright,  fresh  lyrics  into  this  traditional  genre  with  sheer  intelligence.  Musically,  she  take  unconventional  twists  and  turns,  while  ‘holding  you  to  the  road’  with  commanding  charm.â€?  —  Claire  Lynch  “Nora  Jane  Struthers  is  one  of  the  most  mesmerizing,  haunting  and  hard-Ââ€?hitting  projects  I’ve  ever  heard.  Her  lyrics  are  simply  spectacular  and  have  achingly  beautiful  melodies  to  boot.  This  is  one  of  my  favorite  all-Ââ€?time  albums  and  certainly  the  most  arresting  music  I’ve  heard  in  a  long  time.â€?  —  Dave  Higgs,  Bluegrass  Breakdown “Old  time  music  continues  to  reinvent  itself  in  the  able  hands  of  young  artists  like  Nora  Jane  Struthersâ€?  —  Tim  O’Brien
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“Creatures of the Night and Bonfire Delight” Grandfather Mountain October 5th
Grandfather Mountain is excited to announce the return of “Creatures of the Night and ϐ dz Ǥ This after hours gathering on October 5 offers participants a unique opportunity to experience the wonder of Grandfather Mountain in complete darkness! The night will start off at 6:30 p.m. as the sun begins to set ϐ the Mountain not generally open to the public. Hot apple cider, hot chocolate, marshmallow
roasting sticks and chairs will be provided. Guests should bring ǡ ϐ ǯ ingredients to enjoy around the ϐ and local folklore. Participants then have the opportunity to partake in a nocturnal prowl around the mountain. This tour will start at the top of the mountain where Grandfather’s habitat staff will point out different peaks and answer questions about the surrounding mountain range. The group will then work
their way down the mountain in search of owls and other creatures before meeting some of Grandfather’s resident nocturnal friends and learning how these animals use their senses to help them navigate in the dark. All proceeds from the “Creatures of the Night and ϐ dz renovations on Grandfather’s animal habitats. Admission is $18 per adult and $12 for 8-‐12 year-‐olds. Participants must be eight years of age or older. Space is limited to 48 participants and reservations are required. To learn more about this event contact the habitat staff at 828-‐ 733-‐8715. Online registration begins September 4 on www. grandfather.com The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation is Ǧ Ǧ ϐ established to preserve Grandfather Mountain, operate the nature park sustainably in the public interest, provide an exceptional experience for guests, and inspire them to be good stewards of the earth’s resources. For more information, visit www.grandfather.com or call 800-‐468-‐7325. Photo by Monty Combs
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Fall Train Excursion Carter Railroad Museum
East Tennessee State University’s George L. Carter Railroad Museum and the George L. Carter Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society will sponsor a train excursion on the Big South Fork Scenic Railway on Saturday, Oct. 26. Ticket requests must be made by Oct. 11. A fee of $59 for adults and $49 for children includes the round-‐ trip bus ride from Johnson City to Stearns, Ky.; train fare on the Big South Fork Scenic Railway; and admission to the McCreary County Museum. The Kentucky and Tennessee Railway ride will encompass a 16-‐ mile round-‐trip into the Daniel Boone National Forest and Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, past scenic vistas and mountain streams, and 600 feet into a gorge. The train will stop at Blue Heron Coal Mining Camp, a National Park Service outdoor interpretive site. Time is also allotted for a visit to the McCreary County Museum in Stearns. The town of Stearns was created by Justus S. Stearns, who bought 30,000 acres of virgin timberland in southern Kentucky in 1902. The town was the hub of a logging ϐ electric sawmill in the United States was used and 2,200 people were hired to work in 18 coal and lumber camps. The Kentucky & Tennessee Railway operated 12 steam locomotives over 25 miles into the Big South Fork River valley. By the 1950s, the Stearns Company closed
several coal mines and the railway discontinued passenger service. Stearns sold its mining rights in 1976, and by 1987, mining ceased along the railway. The company’s land holding transferred to the Daniel Boone National Forest and the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, as well as to private ownership. On the day of the excursion, passengers should arrive at ETSU’s parking lot 22a on Go Bucs Trail at 6:15 a.m. for check-‐in and loading. The bus will leave promptly at 7 a.m. No refunds will be made for late arrivals who miss the bus. A Hobo Box Lunch comprised of a ham and cheese sandwich, chips, a cookie and drink will be available for $8 and may be purchased along with tickets. Other lunch options include the Coal Bucket concession stand at Blue Heron and a restaurant and snack bars in Stearns. Riders may also take a Ǧ ǡ ϐ under the seat. Ticket order forms and liability waivers can be picked up at the Carter Railroad Museum on Saturdays from 10 a.m.-‐3 p.m. or printed off by visiting the Mountain Empire Model Railroaders (MEMRR) club website at www. memrr.org, choosing “NRHS News,” then “Ticket Order Form.” Checks or money orders should be made payable to George L. Carter Chapter, NRHS, and mailed, along with the ticket request and liability waiver forms, to George L. Carter Chapter, NRHS, P.O. box 70697, ETSU, Johnson City, TN 37614.
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Fomalhaut: An Amazing Star in Your Backyard
If you want to see another solar system forming, just go outside at 10 pm and look at the bright star rising in the southeast that spends the night seemingly alone. But this star called Fomalhaut (prounounced FO-‐mal-‐oat) is far from lonely…it actually has a ring of cosmic material orbiting it, and a giant planet we can actually see. The exoplanet simply called “Fomalhaut b” is twice the size of our huge planet Jupiter, maybe 200,000 miles wide and
in a 2,000 year orbit around its parent star. It was discovered by the Hubble Space Telescope in 2008, and joins a handful of images taken of giant planets orbiting nearby stars. Unknown just 20 years ago, ϐ exoplanets is about 400, while there are 5,000 more suspects that just need more data to add them to the ranks of stellar planetary systems. There are multiple exoplanets being found around most parent stars, making it possible there are
more planets that stars in the Universe! ϐ comes from watching the tiny shifts in a star’s position caused by the gravity of orbiting bodies. It is astrophysics at its highest level, and is done by linking telescopes sometimes thousands of miles apart on Earth, as well as atmosphere-‐free data from a
few specialized NASA satellites orbiting in space. Foremost of those exoplanet hunting telescopes is the Kepler Space Telescope, which was designed to look for planets around stars. It did well for the ϐ ʹͲͲͻ ǡ ϐ ͳ͵Ͷ exoplanets orbiting around 76 stars, and creating a catalog of 3,000 candidates. But failure of some gyroscopes needed to point the Kepler Telescope has ended the extended mission in August 2013. Now it’s up to the ground-‐
based telescopic behemoths on top of the world’s highest mountain ranges to ϐ new NASA exoplanet hunter, still on the drawing board, is launched. The world’s greatest telescope observatories used to be known to the general public because there were so few: Mt. Palomar’s 200-‐inch Hale Telescope and the 40-‐inch lens at Yerkes Observatory being the premier astronomy tools for decades in the 1950s-‐70s. Today, a revolution in huge mirrors of up to 400 inches have allowed more light gathering power, and with computers, astronomers can optically link several huge telescope together in what’s called “interferometery” and see farther than ever into the Universe. Some of these great astronomy observatories of today and the size of their optical machines include: Grand Telescope of Canaries, a 409-‐inch mirror that is the Continued on page 23
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center piece of a complex of telescopes on a volcano peak, 7,400 feet above the Canary Islands, Spain Keck I and Keck II, each a 394-‐inch (33 feet) mirror, they are built 279 feet apart and create the world’s largest light-‐ gathering instrument when optically combined. They are 13,000-‐feet on Hawaiian volcano Mauna Kea. Notable others are South African Large Telescope, 362-‐inches, Northern Cape, South Africa; Hobby-‐Eberly Telescope, 362-‐inches, McDonald Observatory, Texas; Large Binocular Telescope, two 320-‐inch mirrors side-‐by-‐side, Mt. Graham, Arizona; Subaru (323-‐inches) and Gemini North (318-‐inches) on Mauna Kea; and four 323-‐inch Very Large Telescopes and Gemini South (318-‐inches) at the observatory complex on northern mountains of Chile. But back to Fomalhaut in our evening skies. It is in the constellation The Southern
October 1, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 23 Fish, Pisces Austrinus, not to be confused with Pisces the Fishes in the Zodiac. Fomalhaut is the 13th brightest star in the Northern Hemisphere, but there are no other bright stars near it. Therefore, this star has been prominent in any star lore from antiquity. The formalized name we use today comes from the Dz ϐ ǡdz translated Fomalhaut; To the ancient Persians, it was called Hastorang, the southern most of “royal stars;” the Chinese name of Beilashimen means North Gate of the Military Camp; and to the Aboriginal people of South Australia, it is a strong man named Buunnil. Our 21st Century perception of Fomalhaut is now an intimate ǡ ϐ of telescopes probing nearby stars for clues about exoplanets. This star is about twice the size of our Sun, or 2, million miles wide. And it is a young star, less than 1 billion years old (some say 500 million years old). And it is very close to our star, only
25 Light Year away. That means the light you see from Fomalhaut tonight left the star in 1988. Fomalhaut has a ring of debris circling it some 25 billion miles wide, a little larger than our entire Solar System. If it was brighter, you could see this
primordial cloud of a new solar system in a backyard telescope. Inside Fomalhaut’s primordial cloud, a giant planet has already formed, and the Hubble Space Telescope has watched it move in its orbit since 2008. This exo-‐solar system of
Fomalhaut is visible by many ϐ ǡ watched closely from now on. So we are watching the creation of worlds around a star. And the show is visible in our eyes and mind from our own backyard.
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October 1, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 25 Celestial events in the skies for the week of Oct 1-‐7, 2013 as compiled for The Loafer by Mark D. Mar-‐ quette.
Listening to people talk about the weather over the years tells me that October is a favorite month for just about everybody—and for a bunch of different reasons. The trees changing color, cozy sweater weather, football, hayrides and Halloween! Some of us even like calling it “Rocktober!” , as the season rocks us all the way to the new year. Stargazers love October for some of the clearest skies of the year. Weather patterns are set up to cleanse the skies of dust and manmade pollutants, making for better “seeing” with telescopes. Just because it’s a clear night doesn’t mean it’s a good one for telescopes. A lot of atmospheric motion and invisible “pil-‐ lows” of cold and warm air can make the sky scintillate—ya know, twinkle. It’s the air bending starlight back and forth that causes the twinkling from a point of light. And bad air can make the Moon in a telescope look blurry like it’s under water. The ǯ ϐ ǡ light waves not bending as much. Tues. Oct. 1 Happy 55th birthday to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration! Born ǯ ϐ ǡ NASA echoes around the world as the leader in space exploration. From sending 24 men to the Moon to the seven unmanned landers on Mars to Voyager 2 leaving the Solar System, NASA has had more than 100 interplanetary missions that have ϐ -‐ tion. Wed. Oct 2 At 9 pm, high above the eastern horizon are the four stars of the Great Square of Pegasus. Andromeda shares the northern most star, and high in the north is her ǡ ǡ ϐ Dz dz Ǥ are the three bright stars of the Summer Triangle, with the Milky Way running from north to south. Thurs. Oct. 3 Happy birthday to NASA moonwalker Charlie Duke, born this date 83 years ago. ϐ ͳͻʹ ǡ ͵Ǧ Ǧ highland mountains of the Moon with John Young, also 83 and last week’s Sept. 24th Ǥ ϐ ǡ ǯ even consider his lunar adventure in the top 5 things of his life! He was the Capcom astronaut and said the famous ϐ ͳͳ
ǡ ϐ Dz ǡ Trank... Tranquility, we copy you on the ground. You got a bunch of guys about to turn blue. We’re breathing again. Thanks a lot!” At the end of his own moonwalk, Duke left on the soil a photo of his family. Fri. Oct. 4 On this date in 1957, the world was forever changed as the Communist Soviet Union launched into orbit ϐ spacecraft, Sputnik 1. The size of a basketball with three foot antennas coming from it, a recording sent out a “beep-‐beep” signal for the entire world to hear. This kicks off World Space Week, marking the 56th year since the Space Age began. Celebrations around the world, particularly in Europe, highlight the milestone of Sputnik 1. Sat. Oct. 5 On this 1882 date in space history, the father of modern rocketry, Robert Goddard, was born. His plans in the 1920s for liquid-‐fueled rockets were adapted by Nazi Germany in the ‘40s and used to create the V-‐2 rocket bombers that shelled England. America could have launched a satel-‐ lite into space a decade before the Russians if the Truman, and then the Eisenhower Administra-‐ tions had believed in Goddard’s vision. Sun. Oct. 6 At 7:30 pm, the slender crescent Moon points the way to planet Mercury, below it as a faint, reddish star in the evening twilight. Saturn is above the Moon, and to the left is brilliant Venus. You have to look quick as the pair set below the horizon by 8 pm, and Venus is gone by 8:30 pm. Mon. Oct. 7 There is no “dark side” of the Moon, but there sure is a backside, and it was unknown until this ͳͻͷͻǤ ͷͶ ϐ ǡ crude photo of the Moon’s far side was sent back to Earth by the Soviet Union’s Luna 3 spacecraft. The image showed bright mountains and only two small dark lunar seas—a stark contrast to the dark lava seas covering the earth-‐facing side.
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Autumn is a time of football, colorful leaves, pumpkins, and the beginning of the Fall/Winter movie season for Hollywood. After the summer blockbuster season is over, the movie world unleashes more prestigious fare in an attempt to lure Oscar attention. Never fear, along with ϐ ǡ will still be family oriented efforts, along with expected blockbusters. I will be drawing your attention to some of the ϐ December that I feel you may want to make time for. Here we go:
October-‐ “Gravity” (Oct. 3rd)-‐ The much ϐ features the mega star power of Sandra Bullock and George Ǥ ϐ stars on screen as astronauts is a must see. The previews alone left me breathless. “Runner Runner” (Oct. 4th)-‐ ϐ singer/actor Justin Timberlake combine forces in a gambling thriller that is sure to heat up theaters this fall. The Puerto Rico setting is a bonus. “Romeo and Juliet” (Oct. 11th)-‐ The creator of the hit TV series “Downton Abbey”
wrote and produced the latest effort featuring the famous star crossed lovers, and I would expect grandeur and plenty of mood lighting. “Captain Phillips” (Oct. 11th) -‐ Tom Hanks is featured in this true-‐life thriller based on a 2009 hijacking of a freighter, and the ϐ pounding thrills. “12 Years A Slave” (Oct. 18th)-‐ ϐ ǡ ͳͺͶͳǡ one generating early Oscar buzz, and with a cast that includes Michael Fassbender and Star Trek star Benedict Cumberbatch, how can this one be anything but award bait. “Carrie” (Oct. 18)-‐ The remake of the 1976 original makes the list due to the presence of Julianne Moore, who will no doubt steal the movie from her onscreen daughter with the psychokinetic ability. The effects will no doubt overpower the movie, but time and a trip to the theater will tell. “The Counselor”-‐ (Oct. 25th)-‐ Again, star wattage lights up the screen with the presence of Brad Pitt, Michael Fassbender, Cameron Diaz, Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem, in a tale of shady characters in the drug world. November-‐ Dz dz ȋ Ǥ ͳ ȌǦ ϐ stars Namoi Watts as the late Princess Diana and is centered on her little known relationship with Dr. Hasnat Khan. Pictures of Watts in character are
impressive. “Last Vegas” (Nov. 1st)-‐ With Michael Douglas, Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman and Kevin Kline, one may call this effort the AARP version of “The Hangover”, and should be just as fun if not more so. “Thor: The Dark World” (Nov. 8th)-‐ Chris Hemsworth is back with his big hammer, so fanboys will have something to tide them over until next summer. “The Wolf of Wall Street” (Nov.15th) Leonardo DiCaprio is once more team with director Martin Scorsese in a tale of excess in the 1990’s. Oh, and Matthew McConaughey is also on hand. Expect DiCaprio to again light up the screen. “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” (Nov. 22nd)-‐ The second ϐ Dz dz Dz ϐ dz ϐ adventures of Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and company. December-‐ “Out of the Furnace”-‐ (Dec. 6th)-‐ Christian Bale sheds his Batman suit for this mystery thriller. I found the preview for ϐ ǡ you can clearly see why Bale is an Oscar winner. “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug”-‐ (Dec. 13th)-‐ The awkward title aside, hobbit hero Biblo Baggins is back with Orlando Bloom and a Dragon! “American Hustle” (Dec. 13)-‐ Christian Bale is in his second
December movie which also features Bradley Cooper and Amy Adams in a tale of cunning con artists. The cast alone is worth seeing this one. “Tyler Perry’s A Madea Christmas” (Dec. 13th)-‐ Well there had to be a movie with “Christmas” in the title released! “The Monuments Men” (Dec. 18th)-‐ A movie set during Word War II with George Clooney, Matt Damon, Bill Murray, John Goodman and Cate Blanchett. ϐ ϐ ǡ and save art that was looted by the Nazis. “August: Osage County” (Dec. 25th)-‐ Plenty of star wattage on Christmas Day with Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts facing off as ϐ based on the award winning Broadway play. “Jack Ryan” (Dec. 25th)-‐ Action movie fans get a holiday gift in the form of Star Trek’s Captain Kirk Chris Pine starring as the CIA hotshot in this reboot/ origin story of the character who have been previously played by Harrison Ford, Alec Baldwin and ϐ Ǥ Those just a few of the holiday movie treats headed to a theater near you. Many of the ϐ doubt be hits, along with some surprises that will come in under the radar. Here’s to an awesome Fall/Winter movie season!
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The Weirdest Movie I’ve Ever Seen There are certain movies that defy description. Movies that are so strange, so bizarre, people would swear you were making them up, until you actually produced ϐ showed it to them. There are movies in this world that were designed to be weird from the get go, but nothing is quite as weird as movie that wasn’t designed that way. A movie that was made just as any other movie on the yearly slate for the studio. A movie that was made not as a strange B picture, but as a major A production, with a big name cast, a budget, and everything. Such a movie is MGM’s 1971 picture Pretty Maids All in a Row. It is, without question, the weirdest movie I’ve ever seen. Pretty Maids All in a Row is such an odd movie, that I have a hard time trying to wrap my brain around it. It’s very much a product of its time, and very much the kind of movie that NO ONE would dare try to make Ǥ ǯ ϐ heard of, until a recent DVD release by Warner Archive. It was issued once on VHS in the mid 1990s, but by in large has been something of a forgotten Ǥ ϐ was written and produced by a post canceled Star Trek Gene Roddenberry, you’d think it ϐ Ǥ The obscurity can’t be blamed ϐ ǯ Ǥ ϐ stars of the era. Rock Hudson, Angie Dickinson, Telly Savalas, and even character actor Keenan
Wynn. The Star Trek connection doesn’t end at Roddenberry’s involvement. James Doohan, Scotty from the original Star Trek series, appears as a detective’s assistant. To add to the cult ϐ ǡ by Roger Vadim, who made that 1960s mondo classic Barbarella. Cast and crew aside, what is it about Pretty Maids all in a Row that makes it such a strange, motion picture oddity? It’s the plot. Yep. The plot. Why? Rock Hudson, with a mustache that would make Burt Reynolds cry, plays a married high school football coach/guidance councilor/ psychologist, who is also having multiple affairs with female students (and his nickname is “Tiger” by the way). That’s right, affairs with students, and when they get too attached to him, he kills them and leaves cryptic messages on their underwear. No, I’m not making this up. All
of this centered around a young student named Ponce De Leon ǡ ϐ and bothered over the females in his class. Taking his woes of “inexperience” to good ole Rock, Rock then proceeds to set him up with the sexy substitute teacher, Angie Dickinson. Again, I’m not making any of this up. Where does Telly Savalas ϐ ǫ ǯ asked! As the bodies start to pile up, and the pants start to come off, Telly shows up as a proto Kojak to solve everything. That’s the ϐ Ǥ meets murder mystery ϐ ǡ a theme tune by The Osmonds, as if things weren’t weird enough.. Last year, for a period of time, I was doing a monthly weird movie night with a group of friends. It was a fun excuse to share some of the crazy B movies I love with friends. Of all ϐ ǡ Pretty Maids all in a Row is the one that left the biggest impression. What kind of an impression did the movie make? The word “shock” isn’t quite right, but it might be appropriate to say that we were driving around that ball park’s parking lot. The ϐ “I can’t believe we’re actually watching this”. No matter how many times you tell people to prepare themselves, nothing can quite live up to the actuality of seeing Pretty Maids all in a Row. One friend jokingly refers to it as Dz ϐ us last year”. Have I wetted your appitte to see this amazingly strange and weird artifact of a by gone era? The DVD I mentioned earlier, put out by Warner Archive, comes recommended. However, you ϐ ͳͲͺͲ HD on their new Warner Archive Instant streaming service. Frankly, that sounds like it might be the way to go for newbies to Pretty Maids all in a Row, it’s the only way to know the true majesty of Rock Hudson’s mustache. See you next week.
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Page 30, The Loafer • October 1, 2013 “Why is there a retirement home next to an airport? Because old people can’t hear.” Dz ϐ the streets. And now there is one swimming in your pool.”
Halloween Horrors 2013, Part One: We’re Experiencing A Sharknado
What better way to begin my 24th annual Halloween Horrors series than with a movie described by contributors to IMDB as “gloriously incompetent,” “gleefully terrible,” “a true work of art,” “a whirl wind into the sublimely ridiculous,” Dz ϐ made,” and “singlehandedly the ϐ dzǫ the best description of what’s going on with this year’s already-‐ Ǧϐ ǡ Dz dzǡ is another viewer’s assessment ϐ ǯ
greatness is that “absolutely nothing makes sense.” Of course, the poster sums it all up in the tagline, “Enough Said.” Wiser words were never spoken, because here we have a movie that truly speaks for itself. Just watch it and see what I mean. Be honest and admit that you can’t help but love a movie with classic lines like these: “Storm’s dying down. How can you tell? ϐ around”
And who says they don’t make movies like they used to? But, wait, there’s more. As an extra added bonus, this one features Tara Reid and John Heard, plus a cast of thousands (sharks, that is). If that’s not enough to give you goose pimples, consider that the screenplay is by Thunder Levin. Perfect name, perfect movie. “Sharknado” can best be described as a “Guilty Pleasures” movie because it’s so good yet so very bad. Although we feel slightly embarrassed to be watching it, we can’t tear our eyes away from Ǥ ǯ ϐ list, alongside another gem, the mother of all guilty pleasures movies, “Road House,” starring Patrick Swayze, Kelly Lynch, Sam Elliott, and Ben Gazzara. Although this little masterpiece has no sharks, it does have a very large and menacing stuffed polar bear. If you ever wonder what the 1980s were all about, just watch ͳͻͺͻ ϐ ǯ your answer. Don’t worry, I’m not going to give any spoilers in this column
ǯ ϐ ǡ because even if I did reveal the ending, no one would believe me. Trust me, this is one of the most improbable and surreal endings I’ve ever seen in a movie. Not that I was expecting the ending to be even remotely rational, however. I will warn you from the outset if you haven’t seen it yet—if you are one of those right brain people who expect movies to at least mimic reality, don’t go see “Sharknado,” because it has absolutely nothing in common with physics, the laws of natural science, credibility, or just plain common sense. If you, like most people, crave a big dose of escapism, this is your ticket. You will probably want to own it, because you will be comforted just knowing that this movie is in your house, ready at a moment’s notice to be rewatched again and again. There are some people who will deny that this movie is a horror move, existing more as a Z-‐grade action movie or even a sappy romantic or family drama. But I see it as a horror movie doing what horror movies do best—namely, commenting on our values and things we hold most dear in a very frightening or existential way. In this case, Director Anthony C. Ferrante is riding the wave (no pun intended, because this is also a surfer
dude movie) of our seemingly inexhaustible interest in sharks. Not only are we surrounded by ϐ Dz ǡdz but there are also countless TV shark shows swimming around in our TVs and smart devices. “Sharknado,” if you didn’t already know, started out its life as a made-‐for-‐TV-‐movie on the Sci-‐Fi Channel. And now, with its phenomenal success, we probably shouldn’t have to hold our breaths for very long waiting for the inevitable “Sharknado” sequels to begin washing up on our screens. This over-‐the-‐top shark movie is highly derivative (which was no doubt a conscious decision by its creators) and makes reference to many other movies within its 1 hr. 26 min. time frame. Without having to think very deeply (or at all-‐-‐thinking not being a perquisite for watching this movie), I was able to make ϐ movies that give “Sharknado” is most endearing qualities: Independence Day, Jaws (and it’s many progeny, of course), The Wizard of Oz, every Irwin Allen disaster movie ever made (i.e. The Towering Inferno, Fire, Flood, The Poseidon Adventure, Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea, The Swarm, etc., etc.), Godzilla (and every monster-‐invades-‐ the-‐city movie ever made), and Moby Dick, the iconic American character that started the whole sea-‐as-‐metaphor, whale/shark as symbol of evil thing back in the 19th century and later surfaced as a movie starring Gregory Peck (in fact, “Sharknado” should have been dedicated to the memory of Gregory Peck). I’m sure there are many more references, but this column can only be so long. I will take my cue from the movie poster and say “Enough Said,” because I’m just about out of things to say about this mesmerizing movie. If you haven’t seen it yet, I encourage you to add it to your watchlist, and if you are among the hundreds, millions, or billions who have already seen it once or countless times, let me invite you to go back into the belly of the shark to discover even more improbable and outlandish treasures waiting inside. See you next week with Part Two of my series, which will have little or nothing to say about ϐ Ǥ
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