The Loafer, February 7, 2012

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February 7, 2012 Volume 26, Issue 9

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` .1:3CA^2'($3.8()3;$%;(L:3/*_.1?()2%&%;<` D$$*.1?()2%&(/(;2&*.)(*.::(C2(1*.;1*C"#$%&'(1*#A*2'(*C"#$%&'()*"C3;*2'(*)(C)(&(;2.2%3;*2'.2*2'(*.<(;:A*.;1X3)*.1?()2%&()*%&*."2'3)%a(1*23*C"#$%&'*2'(*(;2%)(*:3;2(;2&*.;1*&"#b(:2*/.22()*2'()(38L>'(*.<(;:A*.;1X3)*.1?()2%&()*\%$$*%;1(/;%8A*.;1* &.?(*2'(*C"#$%&'()*'.)/$(&&*8)3/*.;A*$3&&*38*(MC(;&(*)(&"$2%;<*8)3/*:$.%/&*3)*&"%2&*#.&(1*"C3;*:3;2(;2&*38*.;A*.1?()2%&(/(;2I%;:$"1%;<*:$.%/&*3)*&"%2&*83)*1(8./.2%3;I$%#($I)%<'2*38*C)%?.:AIC$.<%.)%&/I.;1*:3CA)%<'2*%;8)%;<(/(;2L

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Every year on the 14th day ... of the month of February has millions across the world presenting their !"#$%&"'$(&)*+,&-.'%/0&1")$2(0&-,"-"lates and other lovely gifts. In many countries, restaurants and eateries are ($$'&+"&3$&4!!$%&)*+,&-"56!$(&),"&.2$& eager to celebrate their relationship and the joy of their togetherness through delicious cuisines. There hardly seems to be a young man or woman who is not keen to make the most of the day.

The reason behind all of this is a kindly cleric named Valentine who died more than a thousand years ago.

It is not exactly known why the 14th of February is known as Valentine’s Day or if the noble Valentine really had any relation to this day. Saint ValentineThe history of Valentine’s Day is impossible to be obtained from any archive and the veil of centuries gone by has made the origin behind this day 7"2$&%*84-5!+&+"&+2.-$9&:+&*(&"'!/&("7$& legends that are our source for the history of Valentine’s Day. The modern St. Valentine’s Day celebrations are said to have been derived from both ancient Christian and Roman tradition. As per one legend, the holiday has originated from the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalis/Lupercalia, a fertility celebration that used to observed annually on February 15. But

the rise of Christianity in Europe saw many pagan holidays being renamed for and dedicated to the early Christian martyrs. Lupercalia was no exception.

In 496 AD, Pope Gelasius turned Lupercalia into a Christian feast day and set its observance a day earlier, on February 14. He proclaimed February 14 to be the feast day in honor of Saint Valentine, a Roman martyr who lived in the 3rd century. It is this St. Valentine whom the modern Valentine’s Day honors.

According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, there were at least three early Christian saints by the name of Valentine.

While one was a priest in Rome, another was a bishop in Terni. Nothing is known about the third St. Valentine except that he met his end in Africa. Surprisingly, all three of them were said to have been martyred on 14th February.

It is clear that Pope Gelasius in+$'%$%&+"&,"'"2&+,$&42(+&"8&+,$($&+,2$$& aforementioned men. Most scholars believe that this St. Valentine was a priest who lived around 270 AD in Rome and attracted the disfavor of Roman emperor Claudius II who ruled during this time.

The story of St. Valentine has two different versions - the Protestant and the Catholic one. Both versions agree upon Saint Valentine being a bishop who held

secret marriage ceremonies of soldiers in opposition to Claudius II who had prohibited marriage for young men and was executed by the latter. During the lifetime of Valentine, the golden era of Roman empire had almost come to an end. Lack of quality administrators led to frequent civil strife. Education declined, taxation increased and trade witnessed a very bad time. The Roman empire faced crisis from all sides, from the Gauls, Slavs, Huns, Turks and Mongolians from Northern Europe and Asia. The empire had grown too large to be shielded from external aggression and internal chaos with existing forces.

Naturally, more and more capable men were required to to be recruited as sol%*$2(&.'%&"84-$2(&+"&62"+$-+&+,$&'.+*"'& from takeover. When Claudius became the emperor, he felt that married men were more emotionally attached to their families, and thus, will not make good soldiers. He believed that marriage made the men weak. So he issued an edict forbidding marriage to assure quality soldiers.

The ban on marriage was a great shock for the Romans. But they dared not voice their protest against the mighty emperor. The kindly bishop Valentine also realized the injustice of the decree. He saw the trauma of young

lovers who gave up all hopes of being united in marriage. He planned to counter the monarch’s orders in secrecy.

Whenever lovers thought of marrying, they went to Valentine who met them afterwards in a secret place, and joined them in the sacrament of matrimony.

And thus he secretly performed many marriages for young lovers. But such things cannot remain hidden for long.

It was only a matter of time before Claudius came to know of this “friend of lovers,” and had him arrested.

While awaiting his sentence in prison, Valentine was approached by his jailor, Asterius. It was said that Valentine had some saintly abilities and one of them granted him the power to heal people. Asterius had a blind daughter and knowing of the miraculous powers of Valentine he requested the latter to restore the sight of his blind daughter.

The Catholic legend has it that Valentine did this through the vehicle of his strong faith, a phenomenon refuted by the Protestant version which agrees otherwise with the Catholic one. Whatever the fact, it appears that Valentine in some way did succeed to help Asterius’ blind daughter.

Claudius IIWhen Claudius II met Valentine, he was said to have been impressed by the dignity and conviction of the latter. However, Valentine refused to agree with the emperor regarding the ban on marriage. It is also said that the emperor tried to convert

Valentine to the Roman gods but was unsuccesful in his efforts. Valentine refused to recognize Roman Gods and even attempted to convert the emperor, knowing the consequences fully. This angered Claudius II who gave the order of execution of Valentine.

Meanwhile, a deep friendship had been formed between Valentine and Asterius’ daughter. It caused great grief to the young girl to hear of his friend’s imminent death. It is said that just before his execution, Valentine asked for a pen and paper from his jailor, and signed a farewell message to her “From Your Valentine,” a phrase that lived ever after. As per another legend, Valentine fell in love with the daughter of his jailer during his imprisonment. However, this legend is not given much importance by historians. The most plausible story surrounding St. Valentine is one not centered on Eros (passionate love) but on agape (Christian love): he was martyred for refusing to renounce his religion. Valentine is believed to have been executed on February 14, 270 AD. Thus 14th February became a day for all lovers and Valentine became its Patron Saint. It began to be annually observed by young Romans who offered handwritten greetings of affection, known as Valentines, on this day to the women they admired. With the coming of Christianity, the day came to be known as St. Valentine’s Day.

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D*8(\*$3?(*$(22()&*LLL Date night problem solved, let Kingsport Theatre and a few area restaurants take care of serving up a great meal and a live performance of Love Letters.

Love Letters is a unique and imaginative theatre piece which, in the words of the author, “needs no theatre, no lengthy rehearsal, no special set, no memorization of lines, and no commitment from its two actors beyond the night of performance.”

The piece is comprised of letters exchanged over a lifetime between two people who grew up together, went their separate ways, but continued to share -"'4%$'-$(9&;(&+,$& actors read the letters aloud, what is created is an evocative, touching, frequently funny but always telling pair of character studies in which what is implied is as revealing and meaningful as what is actually written down.

Andrew Makepeace Ladd III and Melissa Gardner, both born to wealth and position, are childhood friends whose lifelong correspondence begins with birthday party thank-you notes and summer camp postcards. Romantically attached, they continue to exchange letters through the boarding school and college years - where Andy goes on to excel at Yale and law school, while <$!*((.&15'=(&"5+&"8&.&($2*$(&"8& “good schools.”

While Andy is off at war Melissa marries, but her attachment to Andy remains strong and she continues to keep in touch as he marries, becomes a successful attorney, gets involved in politics and, eventually, is elected to the U.S. Senate. Meanwhile, her marriage in tatters, Melissa dabbles in art and gigolos, drinks more than she should, and becomes estranged from her children. Eventually she and Andy do become involved in a brief affair, but it is really too late for both of them. However Andy’s last letter, written to her mother after Melissa’s untimely death, makes it eloquently clear how much they really meant, and gave to, each other over the years--physically apart, perhaps, but spiritually as close as only true lovers can be.

This is a lovely short play preformed by four well-respected actors.

The talented Robert McCrary and Jessica Hauldren, make Love Letters a “do not miss”. McCrary, is well known for his beefy roles with King-

sport Theatre and Jessica has been involved with community theatre since she was a small child. Betty Casey and Stan Sanders, are both well known for memorable performances at Kingsport Theatre. Betty is active in regional theatre and Stan is a crowd pleaser for his comedic timing and radio voice.

McCrary and Hauldren will be at Korner-Copia on Saturday, February

11 at 7 p.m. located on Main Street in Kingsport. Full meal includes appetizer, main course and desert (please feel free to BYOB). $24 per person Sanders and Casey will be at Babycakes Cupcakery on Sunday, February 12 at 2PM on Broad Street in Kingsport.

Scrumptious desert and specialty coffee. $12 per person.

Stan and Betty perform Love Letters one last time on Tuesday, February 14 at 7PM at Madagascar Coffee Company on Wilcox Ave. Full meal includes appetizer, main course and desert. $24 per person.

Don’t miss these small private events. There are only three opportunities to see this wonderful play in such a specialized intimate setting. This is a ticketed event. Full menu details can be found on the theatre website, 8.-$3""=&"2&3/&-.!!*'>&+,$&(6$-*4-& restaurant. Tickets can be purchased online kingsporttheatre.org or by -.!!*'>&?*'>(6"2+&@,$.+2$A(&"84-$&.+& 423-392-8427

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,.:5*#A*!3C"$.)*@(/.;1*23*7C(;*UTcUI* ,.)2()*>'(.2)(*!)(&(;2&*The 39 Steps In the history of Barter Theatre, this *(&+,$&42(+&+*7$&+,$&62"8$((*"'.!&+,$.+2$& has brought back the exact same show with the same exact cast due to popular demand.

For one month only, Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps will be produced exactly like it was when audiences went wild for the show in the spring of 2011. Featuring the same talented cast from the earlier production: Ben Mackel, Sean Campos, Hannah Ingram and Nathan Whitmer, get ready to jump back on planes, trains and automobiles in this super-charged adventurous comedic spy thriller.

In the spring, Barter’s Facebook page helped attendees spread the word to friends and family as comments like, “The performance made me want to stand and cheer a hundred times throughout” and “Absolutely hilarious! We’ve been coming to Barter for better than 15 years now and enjoyed almost everything, but this is one of the very best things you’ve

ever mounted, without question. Sean Campos and Ben Mackel are positively brilliant.”

And that is why Barter Theatre is bringing it back.

Who says you can’t bring a fulllength spy thriller to the stage? Who said you can’t have “train chases, plane crashes, shadowy murders, beautiful spies, trilbied heavies, dastardly #*!!.*'(&)*+,&!*++!$&4'>$2(&7*((*'>0&'"+& to mention some of the most iconic moments in the history of cinema” – as the Broadway description depicts – certainly not playwright and adaptor, Patrick Barlow.

In the forward, Barlow tells us, “This version is based on John Buchan’s ground-breaking novel, Alfred Hitchcock’s iconic movie and the exquisite idea of two Northern English writers Nobby Dimon and Simon Corble of doing the whole thing with just four actors.”

It’s true: just four actors play all the -,.2.-+$2(&"8&+,$&$'+*2$&8$.+52$&4!7B

The hero, Richard Hannay, is played by one man (Nathan Whitmer) throughout. Pamela, Annabella and Margaret are played by one woman (Hannah Ingram), and all other parts – Barlow estimates a cool 150 – are played by two men (Sean Campos and Ben Mackel), appropriately called Clown 1 and Clown 2. Katy Brown directs.

“Whitmer made a name for himself at Barter Theatre as Gaston in ‘Disney’s Beauty and the Beast’ as well as other roles in ‘The Glass Menagerie’ and ‘A Christmas Carol.’” said Richard Rose, producing artistic director. Nathan Whitmer is heading to New York after this production.

“Hannah Ingram wowed audiences as Sally Bowles in “Cabaret,” as Evita in “Evita” and numerous other Barter plays and musicals,” Rose added.

Two of Barter’s heavy-hitting comedians, Sean Campos and Ben Mackel play multiple characters, often at the same time, and round out this

all-star cast. Rose adds, “Campos and Mackel have continually raised the bar and this show will leave audiences amazed at their comedic timing and versatility.”

C$'&<.-=$!&*(&.&4D+52$&.+&C.2+$2& Theatre and has been for several years.

But, after eight years and countless roles, including numerous leads, Mack$!&)*!!&+.=$&,*(&4'.!&C.2+$2&3")E8"2& '")0&.'/)./E&"'&+,$&4'.!&6$28"2mance of “The 39 Steps” on March 4. “I .7&4!!$%&)*+,&()$$+&("22")&*'&!$.#*'>& this loving community I have called home for the past eight years. New York has been calling my name for some time now and I’m afraid if I don’t answer now I never will. I’ve written, acted and sang about following your dreams - now its time I take my own advise,” said Mackel.

As the adventure of The 39 Steps treads onstage, we meet Hannay. He is bored. He is tired and bored. So what does he do? He pulls himself together to do something mindless, mindless

and trivial – something utterly pointless.

He goes to the theatre. Little does he know that this is the starting line of a non-stop exciting adventure and, perhaps even a sprint down lovers lane.

“When a gun shot rings out in the middle of the theatre in the play, it is like the starting gun to a marathon in this high-paced, high-energy show,” said Rose. “It truly is a roller-coaster ride/spy thriller. As soon as you think it is safe for a moment, up pops another emergency situation Hannay must handle.”

F,$'&,$&4'%(&,*7($!8&,.'%-588$%& to an attractive young lady very unhappy about being drawn into this situation, will he convince her he lives a life of crime with his deplorable attitude or will he allow her to see the real gentleman he is? Does the couple learn to work together or will this woman +52'&,*7&*'G&H"&+,$/&4'%&"5+&),.+0&"2& who, “The 39 Steps” are in time to save the world? Most importantly, how does

www.theloaferonline.com he survive that gun shot to the chest?

Go on an intriguing and comedic adventure with Barter Theatre in Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps, even the scene changes will “blow your mind.”

Richard Rose, producing artistic director of Barter Theatre, says the '"'I62"4+&"2>.'*J.+*"'&*(&>2.+$85!&8"2& the support of show sponsors CGI, WCYB, FOX Tri-Cities, Tri-Cities CW 4, The Loafer, 103.5 Thunder Country and 102.5 The Renegade, would not be possible.

In addition, Barter Theatre is partially funded by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Virginia Commission for the Arts.

Opening February 23 at Barter Theatre’s Main Stage, 9 to 5: The Musical will bring audiences spectacular dance numbers and Dolly Parton’s award-winning songs in the story of +,2$$&"84-$&)"2=$2(&(+2*#*'>&+"&+.=$& over their company. They learn there’s nothing they can’t do, even in a man’s world.

For tickets, reviews, patron comments and more information about Barter Theatre’s summer repertory and the limited run of Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps,&-.!!&C.2+$2A(&3"D&"84-$&.+& 276.628.3991 or visit www.BarterTheatre.com.

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4%./%*E2)%;<*d".)2(2* \%$$*C()83)/*.2*0>Ee The Miami String Quartet will perform at East Tennessee State University on Wednesday, Feb. 8, at 7:30 p.m. in the D.P. Culp University Center’s Martha Street Culp Auditorium.

The event is co-sponsored by the ETSU Department of Music and the Mary B. Martin School of the Arts.

The renowned quartet has performed for large audiences in Europe, Asia and America when its members were not teaching at Kent State University. But when they sit down to play their instruments, their music is described as personal, intimate and attuned to each individual listener.

“That’s what chamber music is,” says ETSU music faculty member and pianist Dr. Chih-Long Hu, who will perform with the quartet.

“The music is not designed for a big hall. Instead, it is for a small room. The music is close to you, and the Miami String Quartet does remarkable work in this setting.

They can play with such high, intense energy and make their instruments sing.

“After people hear chamber music, as opposed to a big orchestra or soloists, they tell me they just

fall in love with it.”

Hu heard the Miami String Quartet play the opening concert at the nine-day Heartland Chamber Music Festival near Kansas City in 2010. “It was the most amazing experience I have ever heard,” Hu said. “They are highly accomplished musicians themselves, but when they play together, they are so solid, so complete. I wanted our people here to experience it.”

The Miami String Quartet asked Hu to perform with them at a 2011 festival, and Hu later invited the group – lauded by the New York Times as “everything one wants in a quartet” – to visit East Tennessee.

“They are such amazing musicians,” Hu added. “Miami String Quartet is one of the top string quartets in the world. It’s so nice to have the opportunity to hear them in Johnson City and I feel so very honored to be performing with them.”

Hu will lend his expertise at the piano to the “Piano Quintet No. 2 *'&KI1.+0&L69&MN0O&3/&P5'>.2*.'& conductor, composer and concert pianist Erno Dohnanyi, known for his chamber performances, as well

as solo work. The program on Feb. 8 will begin with Ludwig van Beethoven’s “String Quartet No. 4 in C minor, Op. 18,” one of composer’s most popular quartets. @,$&4'.!&)"2=&"8&+,*(&$#$'*'>& of chamber music will be “String Quartet in D minor, D. 810,” also known as “Death and the Maiden,” by Austrian composer Franz Schubert.

With all four movements in the minor mode, the piece is best known for its second movement, which uses the melody of Schubert’s song, “Der Tod and Das Madchen” or Death and the Maiden, as the basis for its variations, and its powerful and “tragic grandeur.”

Performing this evening of chamber music will be Benny Kim, violin; Cathy Meng Robinson, violin; Scott Lee, viola; and Keith Robinson, cello; and Hu on piano. Cathy and Keith Robinson are founding members of the Miami String Quartet, and all the ensemble members are full-time Kent State University faculty artists in residence.

The Miami String Quartet has appeared extensively throughout the United States and Europe.

Highlights of recent seasons include performances in New York at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall; engagements in Boston, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, New Orleans, San Francisco, Seattle and St. Paul; and its own concert series in Palm Beach, Fla. Known not only for its classical repertoire, the quartet also has a strong interest in music education and encouraging new music, which has led to many commissions and premieres. While visiting ETSU, the group will work with a number of music classes and hold a master class for strings.

Tickets for Wednesday evening’s performance are $5 for all students, $15 for senior citizens and $20 for general admission.

For information, call the ETSU Mary B. Martin School of the Arts at (423) 439-TKTS (8587) or visit www.etsu.edu/cas/arts/ or www.

Facebook.com/ETSU.MBMSOTA.

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D*&C(:%.$*4%$$%<.;*:3;:()2 Milligan College’s choral ensembles will join forces to offer a delightful and diverse concert with songs of love and romance on Saturday, Feb. 11, at 1 p.m. in Milligan’s Mary B. Martin Auditorium in Seeger Memorial Chapel. The concert is free and open to the public.

The “Songs from the Heart” concert is part of Milligan’s Family Weekend, Feb. 10-12. The annual Family Weekend is an opportunity for parents and siblings to see what college life is like at Milligan, as well as explore the Tri-Cities area. Oncampus events are planned throughout the weekend, but families are encouraged to do some sightseeing in the local area as well.

“We invite the members of the campus and local community, as well as the families who are visiting us for Family Weekend, to come and be serenaded by many "8&<*!!*>.'&Q"!!$>$A(&4'$(+& singers,” said Noah DeLong, assistant professor of music at Milligan. “We are excited to join all of Milligan’s vocal ensembles to offer this program of love songs in anticipation of Valentine’s Day.” The concert features the Milligan Concert Choir and Women’s Chorale, as well as the college’s two a cappella ensembles, Heritage and Heard Mentality.

The concert will open with the concert choir, conducted

by DeLong, singing “If Music Be the Food of Love” and “Nelly Bly.” Next, the eightvoice a cappella ensemble Heritage will perform “Build Me Up Buttercup” and “Seasons of Love” from the musical “Rent.”

Heard Mentality, Milligan’s men’s quartet directed

by Charlotte Anderson, will sing “Under the Boardwalk” and “Moonlight Serenade.”

Anne Elliott will conduct the Milligan Women’s Chorale in arrangements of “How Do I Love Thee?” and “Strangers

in the Night.” Finally, the program will close with the combined groups singing an energetic arrangement of “Buffalo Gals” by Bob Chilcott.

Many other special events are taking place on campus throughout Family Weekend, including performances of the Milligan theater department’s production of “Alice in Wonderland” in the Gregory Center for the Liberal Arts. Shows are Feb. 9-11 at 7:30 p.m., and Feb. 11-12 at 2:30 p.m. All tickets are $5.

Visitors who will be on campus for Family Weekend are not required to preregister, but a registration table hosted by the Student Government Association and the Milligan Parent Council will be open in Milligan’s McMahan Student Center to welcome families on Friday, Feb. 10, from 3-6 p.m., and Saturday, Feb. 11, from 9-10 a.m. At registration, parents will receive a packet, including a gift from their host, a Friday night meal voucher, tickets to Saturday’s basketball games and coupons for area attractions and restaurants.

On Friday, dinner in Mil-

ligan’s McCormick Dining Center begins at 5 p.m., followed by an all-dorm open house from 7 p.m. to midnight.

Saturday begins with a Dean’s List Ceremony at 10 a.m. in the Mary B. Martin Auditorium of Seeger Memorial Chapel for families of all students named to the Academic Dean’s List. This event is followed by a brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in McCormick Dining Center.

The women’s basketball team will play Union College at 2 p.m. in Milligan’s Steve Lacy Fieldhouse. The men’s basketball team follows with a game against Union at 4 p.m. Dinner will be served in McCormick Dining Center from 4:45-5:45 p.m., followed by a second all-hall open house from 7 p.m. to midnight.

On Sunday, families are encouraged to worship at a local church with their students.

For more information about accommodations and a complete schedule of events, visit www.milligan. edu/familyweekend or call 423.461.8335.

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The Kitchen Witches put a spell on The Blue Moon The Blue Moon Dinner Theatre in downtown Johnson City is cooking up another comedy at 215 East Main Street with The Kitchen Witches, opening Feb. 10.

Written by Caroline Smith, this culinary comedy revolves around arch enemies Dolly and Isobel who both land a spot in the same cableaccess cooking show. Trouble begins to brew as these witches cook up a storm and the competition for the top spot heats up. Will Dolly and

Larry Bunton, this comedy features Debra Shoun, Kate Denson, Travis Welch and Colleen Dunne. Set design is by Brandon Jones.

“When I read the script for The Kitchen Witches I knew this was a show for Larry Bunton to take charge of” Says Artistic Director Edward Breese “ He did a great job directing Nana’s Naughty Knickers here at the Blue Moon and I knew he would enjoy directing another show that will make its Tennessee

a salad of mixed greens in raspberry vinaigrette dressing. A grilled chicken breast smothered with a blueberry reduction, complemented by sides of creamy smashed potatoes and mixed vegetables, will be served as the entrée. Dessert consists of a slice of mouth-watering gourmet cake.

Dessert is also served with a cup of Blue Moon Bhali Coffee from downtown merchant and Blue Moon sponsor Coffee & Tea Haven. For

Isobel be able to take the heat or will they be forced out of the kitchen?

Author Caroline Smith won the Samuel French Canadian Playwriting Competition for her comedy The Kitchen Witches, which premiered at The Stirling Theatre in 2003 and is currently playing in various venues across Canada and the U.S. Directed by Blue Moon veteran

premiere on our stage.”

Kitchen Witches will be showing on Fridays and Saturdays only, Theatre doors open at 6 p.m., dinner service begins at 6:30 and the show begins at 7:30. Dessert is served at the intermission. A special Tuesday night show was added for Valentines Day! The dinner menu begins with

an additional cost, patrons may also upgrade their menus with an R&"5'-$&4!$+&7*>'"'&"2&.&N&"5'-$& >2*!!$%&(.!7"'&4!$+9&S$>$+.2*.'&"6tion is available. Menu upgrades and vegetarian dishes require 48-hour notice.

Ticket prices for the three-course candlelit meal and show are $44.79 Tax included. Tickets are also available for show only and dessert only.

Group discounts are available for parties of 10 or more.

The Blue Moon is a BYOB facility.

Glasses, chillers and openers will be supplied at no additional cost.

The Blue Moon serves sweetened and unsweetened tea, water, coffee and Pepsi products. Pepsi products .2$&.'&.%%*+*"'.!&TU&)*+,&82$$&2$4!!(0& which may be added to your reservation total, or paid in cash or check the night of the event.

Available upon request, the Blue Moon also has celebration cakes, .&%"J$'&2"($(0&"84-*.!&C!5$&<""'& T-Shirts, classy Blue Moon coffee 75>(0&>*8+&-$2+*4-.+$(&.'%&>2$.+&(.#ings on all season ticket purchases.

For more information or to make reservations, call 232-1350 or visit bluemoondinnertheatre.com.

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=3&*=3#3&I*@"&2*23*@"&2*)3";1*3"2*4()$(Z(&2 With the addition of two renowned roots music groups - Los Lobos, considered by critics and fans as one of America’s most distinctive and original bands, and Assembly of Dust, known for their stellar live performances from Bonnaroo to Carnegie Hall - MerleFest 25, presented 3/&V")$A(0&427(&56&.'"+,$2& diverse, crowd-pleasing collection of performers for the festival’s 2012 lineup.

Los Lobos will perform on Friday, April 27, delivering the closing performance of the evening, and Assembly of Dust will perform on various stages on Saturday and Sunday, April 28-29.

Slated for April 26 – 29, 2012, MerleFest 25 will once again take place on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. MerleFest is an annual homecoming of musi-

cians and music fans, gathering to celebrate the memory of musician Eddy Merle Watson, beloved son of American music icon Doc Watson.

Over the years, MerleFest has become known for spontaneous moments, collaborations and last-minute performance additions. To keep up with any additional changes and additions to this year’s lineup – even during the festival – MerleFest encourages fans to sign up for the e-newsletter and to follow the festival through Facebook and Twitter. Links are available at www.merlefest.org.

Rolling Stone magazine has said that, “With the exception of U2, no other band has stayed on top of its game as long as Los Lobos.” Now in their 38th year of making music, the three-time Grammywinning band is still creating inventive and inspiring music.

Though they may have come to the attention of many with their huge hit “La Bamba,” Los Lobos’ rich musicality has continued to evolve and expand with each project and with each tour. Drawing equally from rock, Tex-Mex, country, folk, R&B, blues, and traditional Spanish and Mexican music, this internationally renowned group of performers delivers a graceful, gritty sound that never strays from the musical traditions that form the heart and soul of the band. About their most recent album, Tin Can Trust, NPR’s Ken Tucker said, “Los Lobos is a master of creating moods, of summoning up a setting and putting you in the center of it. From the band’s majorlabel debut Will The Wolf Survive to its latest release, the Grammy nominated Tin Can Trust, the band has always sung about people who take

their pleasures where they can 4'%&+,$7&.'%&),"&!$.%&2*-,& imaginative lives.

All Music has described the New York-based Assembly of Dust as “melding the deep grooves of blues and R&B with guitar work that recalls J. J. Cale and Little Feat.” AOD’s 2011 release Found Sound represents a “behind the curtain” look at a band that has gained notoriety as a studio/live performance hybrid. The energy captured on Found Sound represents what fans from coast to coast have known for years: music’s best kept secret may have just been found.

Ticket purchases for MerleFest 25 can be made on the web at www.merlefest.org or by calling 1-800-343-7857. An early bird ticket discount is available through March 12, 2012.

With over 90 artists performing on 14 stages during

the course of the event, MerleFest 25 is an excellent entertainment value. A complete !*(+&"8&-"'427$%&6$28"27$2(& is available at www.merlefest. org.

MerleFest, considered one of the premier music festivals in the country, is held on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memory of Eddy Merle Watson and is a celebration of what Doc Watson calls “traditional plus” music, meaning the traditional music of the Appalachian regional plus whatever other styles we were in the mood to play.” The annual festival has become the primary fundraiser for the WCC Endowment Corporation, funding scholarships, capital projects and other educational needs.

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Greeneville to be on February’s map for Snowball, Antiques Appraisal Fair

Although this winter has seen record highs, Depot Street will chill down during Main Street: Greeneville’s inaugural “Snowball.”

The event will be held on Feb. 11 from 7-11 p.m. at the George R. Lane building at 130 West Depot St. and will feature live music from The Wild Honey Beans. The group plays music from the 1940s to today, according to their website.

“People can dance, just hang around – they can come have fun and support the Main Street program,” said Jann Mirkov, Executive Director of the program. “Our vision would be to create a vibrant downtown, and having an event like this helps do that.”

Tickets are available for $35 each, only at Main Street: Greeneville’s "84-$&.+&WUX&Y"5+,&<.*'&Y+9&.'%&.+&$#$'+&6.2+'$2(&Z!")$2(&C/&@.77/0& Towne & Country Event Rentals & Venues and the Greene County Partnership.

Additional event partners are Express Wine & Spirits, Express Mart and FATZ Café.

Heavy hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be served.

The focus of the Main Street program is the preservation and revitalization of downtown Greeneville.

“We help polish the jewel that everybody in the community creates,” said Mirkov. “We really encourage involvement from the public and private sectors to help maintain and sustain the downtown area that celebrates our heritage for the present and future.”

Proceeds of the Snowball will go to Main Street: Greeneville and will promote the organization’s various activities, including economic development programs and funding tours of the downtown area.

For more information about the Snowball or about Main Street: Greeneville, call the organization at 423-639-7102 or email director@ mainstreetgreeneville.com.

Winner of the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association Pinnacle Award for peak performance in Tourism as well as a Top 20 Event for February by the Southeast Tourism Society, the 7th Annual Antique Appraisal Fair & Show, to be held February 18. features more than ten appraisers assessing the value of your treasured antiques at a cost of $5 per item. The event also features more than 40 vendors selling their antique treasures as well as local museums and historical attractions.

The innaugural event in 2006 set the standard for quality appraisers, vendors and antiques being appraised and has kept is reputation to this day.

More than 40 local and regional antique dealers enjoyed a multitude of buyers as the cafe of Greeneville High School was overwhelmed with visitors. Also, because of an increase in the number of appraisers in 2011, lines moved quickly as the average wait was less than 20 minutes per appraiser.

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f-*>%/(g Saturday, February 11, at 7:30 p.m., the Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, Virginia, will present a concert of bluegrass music by the Tim White and the VW Boys.

Performing with Tim will be ("7$&"8&+,$&4'$(+&3!5$>2.((&75sicians in the region. Admission to the concert is $7 for adults, $1 for children 6 to 11, under age 6 free.

A longtime supporter of the musical traditions of Appalachia, Tim White settled in east Tennessee in 1974, where he pursued his dream of being an artist, sign painter, and banjo picker.

Tim’s music has gained a strong following throughout the Appalachian region, and he’s fronted several bands over the past two decades - including Troublesome Hollow, the Beagles, and the VW Boys. While he is well-respected for his musical skills, Tim is arguably best known as host of the PBS television concert series, Song of the Mountains. This popular program features bluegrass, old time, Celtic, gospel, and Americana music.

Tim’s interest of recognizing, preserving, and perpetuating the historic music of the area led him to organize the Appa-

lachian Cultural Music Association.

Tim currently serves as ACMA president.

The ACMA helps to support the Mountain Music Museum, which Tim helped found, in 1999. The museum is dedicated to preserving the musical heritage of the southern Appalachians. In addition, Tim produces one of the most popular bluegrass radio programs in the region, The Bluegrass Show, on WAXM (FM 93.5), which airs every Saturday from 9 am to 12 pm as well as a nationally syndicated radio show.

Come join us at the Carter Family Fold for some of the best bluegrass music the region has to offer.

Tim & the VW Boys will be doing bluegrass, gospel, and lots of dance tunes – a little something for everyone. Load up your family and friends and get ready for an evening of unforgettable music

and fun!

Q.2+$2&Z.7*!/&<$7"2*.!&<5(*-&Q$'+$20&:'-"26"2.+$%0&*(&.&'"'62"4+0&252.!&.2+(& organization established to preserve traditional, acoustic, mountain music.

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Double-neck guitarist in Kpt. Hailing from Williamsburg, VA, Mark Kroos is one of the only touring double neck guitarists in the world. His almost strictly instrumental style is characterized by open harmonies, polyphonic textures, incredible tapping technique, and is as entertaining to watch as it is to listen to.

Kroos will be performing February 12 at 6 p.m. at First Broad Street United Methodist Church, 100 E. Church Circle, Kingsport, TN 37662.

The concert is free, but donations will be accepted.

H2.)*'>&*'15$'-$&82"7&8"!=0& Celtic, Indie, and even punk rock artists as well as other great

acoustic guitarist such as Michael Hedges, Andy Mckee and Justin King, Kroos has developed his own edge to the acoustic guitar.

Kroosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; debut solo album, And Grace Will Lead Me Home was released this January to rave reviews. The album features Mark on both double and single neck guitars with no overdubbing and also employs his own innovative studio technique of separating the two signals from the double neck for stereo purposes.

Kroos attended Bowling Green State Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s school of music, majoring in Jazz studies and guitar performance where he studied under

Chris Buzzelli and Matthew Ardizzone. He developed a greater understanding of the instrument and improved his technique immensely. Mark also realized that Jazz was simply not his genre and dropped out after two years so that he could tour with his ska/punk band, The Argonauts.

When the band stopped playing regularly in 2009, Mark began teaching and picked up the acoustic guitar. Having been exposed to the music of Michael Hedges in late high school, Mark quickly got on the scene, began slapping and tapping the guitar and has not stopped since.

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Fast paced show, Alice, presented by Milligan Milligan College will bring the exciting, fast-paced production of Alice in Wonderland to the stage Feb. 9-12 in the McGlothin-Street Theatre of Milligan’s Gregory Center for the Liberal Arts.

Performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 9-11. Matinee performances are at 2:30 p.m. on Feb. 11 and 12. All seats are $5. Tickets go on sale Friday, Jan. 27 in the Milligan Bookstore.

The wondrous adventure is adapted from the original Lewis Carroll novel by Madge Miller and is produced by special permission with Dramatic Publishing. The play is directed by Richard Major, with scenic and lighting design by Pamela Adolphi. Kathryn Handzlik is the stage manager.

“The show is a perfect outing for the entire family to combat the winter doldrums and to experience vicariously the adventures of young Alice as she encounters the White Rabbit, the Cheshire Cat, the Queen of Hearts and of course, the Mad Hatter,” Major said. “The production is paced very quickly to keep the suspense building, even if the story is somewhat familiar to

the audience.”

The cast features Darcie DeLong, a freshman from Indianapolis, Ind., as Alice. Other major roles include Christopher Boswell, a freshman from Johnson City, Tenn., as the White Rabbit; Lacie Black, a senior from Jonesborough, Tenn., as the Queen of Hearts; Colin Blowers, a junior from Elizabethton, Tenn., as the Mad Hatter; and Brennan Seth Tracy, a senior from Oblong, Ill., as the Cheshire Cat. “We’ve assembled an excellent student cast for this production and each and every one of them captures the essence and spirit of all of the familiar characters from the novel,” Major said. “In addition, Pamela Adolphi has created a truly playful wonderland for all of the action to take place in; it is colorful, fun to look at and particularly suitable for the production to play out in a seamless fashion.”

Riding on the heels of Milligan’s recent successful performances that sold out prior to showtimes, Major advises patrons to get their tickets early. Tickets are available at the Milligan Bookstore, open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5

p.m., or by calling 423.461.8733. All major credit cards are accepted.

“At $5 a ticket, this is a wonderful bargain for groups of young people to come and perhaps have +,$*2&42(+&$D6$2*$'-$&($$*'>&.&!*#$& theatrical production,” he said.

For more information about arts events at Milligan, visit www.milligan.edu/arts.

!"#$%59'%()$%*+",$-%.%/$0-1"-2%3'%&45& I am making every effort to see +,$&4!7(&'"7*'.+$%&8"2&3$(+&6*-ture this year before the Academy Awards air on February 26. At the time I was writing this article, I have only seen three, which is bad when compared to last year when I had seen half of the 10 nominated 4!7(9& This year there are 9, so I have my work cut out for me.

Thankfully, one of the nomi'.+$%&4!7(0&The Descendants, has 4'.!!/&"6$'$%&*'&"52&.2$.9&@,*(& effort generated early buzz due to the performance of recent Golden Globe winner for best actor, and Oscar nominated George Clooney.

As with most actors, Clooney has had his ups and downs, but never fails to deliver when he chooses the correct material.

In this effort, Clooney stars as Matt King, a Hawaiian land baron, who works as a lawyer in Honolulu, refusing to live off the vast wealth afforded him by his ancestors. Thus the stage is already set for us admire this character, and you just know he will have a multitude of problems coming his way.

The problems are already front and center at the beginning of the movie, as we discover Matt’s

SILVERS

KEN

Screen Scenes

Clooney excellent in Descendants wife is on life support as a result of a boating accident, and he is left to care for his two daughters.

His 10-year-old daughter Scottie (Amara Miller), is of course living at home, while 17-year-old Alexandra(Shailene Woodley) has been sent to a boarding school due to her rebellious behavior.

The longer Matt’s wife is in a coma, the worse Scottie behaves, and he is so troubled about is daughter he takes Alexandra out of the school and brings her home to assist with her sister.

While he struggles with his daughter, Matt is also dealing with

his cousins who want Matt to sell the 25,000 acres of undeveloped land on Kauai held in trust, which ends in seven years.

Meanwhile, back at home, Matt discovers his wife had been having an affair before the accident, and also discovers she will never recover from her injuries. Talk about a double whammy.

How does this character keep from having a total breakdown? I am sure it has to do with the presence of his two daughters, who he must be strong for, and keep comforting them. The daughters present their own challenges,

but manage to gather their own strength in order to help their suffering father. @,$&4!7&62"#*%$(&6!$'+/&"8& opportunities for melodrama, but director Alexander Payne keeps a tight reign on his cast and keeps them under control to prevent potential over-emoting.

I was really impressed with all +,$&.-+"2(&*'&+,*(&4!70&.'%&:&='$)& Clooney would blow me away.

He actually didn’t really begin to impress me with his performance until about midway through the story. However, when he did, wow.

Woodley has also generated tremendous attention with her wonderful performance, and I was surprised at her snub by the Academy. Of course this is not the 42(+&+*7$&+,$&;-.%$7/&,.(&>"++$'& something wrong. I can think of several instances where their snubs have sent me into a fury, but I’m sure the actors/movies involved are far more disappointed than me.

Y'53(&.(*%$0&+,*(&4!7&.!("& presents a side of Hawaii we don’t "8+$'&($$&*'&4!7(0&.'%&:&2$.!!/& $'["/$%&+,*(&.(6$-+&"8&+,$&4!79&@,$& storyline is basically about reconnecting and forgiveness, and while emotionally heavy, is not heavyhanded. ;8+$2&#*$)*'>&+,*(&4!70&:&-.'&($$& why Clooney has been sweeping through award season, and if his name isn’t called on Oscar night, I will be speechless. :8&/"5&).'+&+"&($$&.&4!7&4!!$%& with quality performances, then The Descendants is your ticket. I )"5!%0&,")$#$20&6*-=&.'"+,$2&4!7& for best picture, but that choice will be revealed in my upcoming Oscar article.

(Rated R) B+

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E2(C*D8)%5.g Northeast State Community College welcomes the extraordinary dance company Step Afrika! to campus Feb. 17 for a night of traditional African step dancing.

The free performance begins at 7 p.m. in the Wellmont Regional Center for the Performing Arts at the main campus, 2425 Highway 75, adjacent to Tri-Cities Regional Airport.

Step Afrika! is the only professional dance company in the world dedicated to the tradition of stepping. The company is critically acclaimed for its efforts to promote an understanding of and appreciation for stepping and the tradition’s use as an educational tool worldwide.

Founded in 1994 by current Executive Director C. Brian Williams, Step Afrika! began as a cross-cultural exchange program with the Soweto Dance Theatre of Johannesburg, South Africa. As a young graduate of Howard University in 1991, Brian traveled to southern Africa through the late Rev. Leon Sullivan’s International Foundation for Education and SelfHelp (IFESH).

While in Africa, Williams came across the South African gumboot dance — an art form created by mineworkers which greatly resembled the stepping he had learned at Howard University. He later met three members of +,$&Y")$+"&H.'-$&@,$.+2$9&@">$+,$20&+,$/&-2$.+$%&+,$&Y+$6&;82*=.B&:'+$2'.+*"'.!&Q5!+52.!&Z$(+*#.!&+,$&42(+&='")'& .++$76+&+"&!*'=&+,$&6$"6!$&),"&62.-+*-$&(+$66*'>&*'&;7$2*-.&)*+,&\573""+&%.'-$&6$28"27$2(&*'&;82*-.9&@,$&42(+& festival was held in 1994, just six months after the election of Nelson Mandela as president of a free and Demo-2.+*-&]$653!*-&"8&Y"5+,&;82*-.9&@)"&/$.2(&!.+$2&+,$/&!.5'-,$%&Y+$6&;82*=.BA(&42(+&62">2.7&*'&+,$&^Y;9 Stepping is a unique dance tradition created by African-American college students. In stepping, the body is used as an instrument to create intricate rhythms and sounds through a combination of footsteps, claps and spoken word. The tradition grew out of the song and dance rituals practiced by historically African-American fraternities and sororities in the early 1900s. Stepping comes from a long and rich tradition in African-based communities using movement, words and sounds to communicate allegiance to a group.

Step Afrika! reaches tens of thousands of Americans each year and has performed on prestigious stages in _"2+,&`&Y"5+,&;7$2*-.0&K52"6$0&;82*-.0&;(*.&.'%&+,$&Q.2*33$.'9&a.'5.2/&"8&MXXX&(.)&+,$&42(+&62"%5-+*"'&"8&Y+$6& Afrika! at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, as a part of the Imagination Celebration Series.

Step Afrika! conducts an annual 50-city tour of American colleges and universities from Maine to Mississippi.

The production is part of Northeast State’s commemoration of Black History Month throughout February.

The performance is free and open to the public. For more information, contact (423) 279-7669 or jpkelly@NortheastState.edu.

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This Week In The Ongoing

“Figures and Faces in the Abstract,” an exhibition of sculptures by Mary-Ann Prack, will be on display at Tipton Gallery through Feb. 24. The public is invited to view the exhibit and meet the artist during a reception on Thursday, Feb. 9, from 5-7 p.m. Other viewing times may be arranged by appointment throughout the run of the exhibit. The Tipton Gallery is sponsored by the East Tennessee State University Department of Art and Design and the Urban Redevelopment Alliance of Johnson City. Prack’s original, hand-built clay sculptures are

WEDNESDAYS

*'(6*2$%&3/&+,$&,57.'&4&>52$9& By employing the abstracted human form as her subject, she “visualizes the quest to unite the essence of the inner spirit to tangible objects.” Her work is .!("&*'1&5$'-$%&3/&,$2&8.7*!/A(& long tradition of architectural work, which is evidenced by the sound structural design of her sculptures. Prack has worked with clay for the past 30 years, exhibiting her work in galleries throughout the United States and Canada. She was the recipient of the “Best in Show” award in the 26th annual “Positive/Negative” National Juried Art Exhibition held at ETSU in the spring of 2011. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. Tipton Gallery is located at 126 Spring Street. For more information, scheduling a viewing, or special assistance

Mountain Empire

for those with disabilities, contact Karlota ContrerasKoterbay, director of ETSU’s Slocumb Galleries, at (423) 4833179 or contrera@etsu.edu.

The following is a schedule of programs that will be held at Legion Recreation Center, 111 Legion St.: Hip-Hop Dance Class – Mondays and Wednesdays, 6-7:30 p.m., ages 11-18, $20 per month. Fundamentals will be broken down step by step as participants learn basic hiphop moves.

Fantastic Fridays – Fridays beginning Feb. 10, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., ages 6-12, $20 per month.

Youth will participate in games, sports, and arts and craft activities. Participants are asked to bring a sack lunch and drink. Early drop-off (7:30

a.m.) and late pick-up (5:30 p.m.) will be available for an additional $2 per child.

Valentine Roller Jam – Feb. 11, 4-7 p.m., all ages, $3 per person. Skaters wearing Valentine colors (red, white and/ or pink) will receive $1 off admission.

Valentine Heart Cookie Class – Feb. 13, 5:30-7:30 p.m., all ages, $3. Cook sweet treats for Valentine’s Day.

Tuesday, February 7 Dr. Julio Frenk, dean of Public Health at Harvard University, will outline a vision for new directions in educating health professionals to confront global challenges when he visits East Tennessee State University Tuesday, Feb. 7, as part of the Leading Voices in

Public Health Lecture Series.

The lecture will be held in the Grand Soldiers Ballroom in the Carnegie Hotel. It begins at 7 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Frenk is widely regarded as a leading international authority on global health.

Before he joined Harvard, he served as minister of health of Mexico from 2000-2006. He pursued an ambitious agenda in that post and notably implemented Seguro Popular, a comprehensive national health insurance plan that expanded access to health care for millions of Mexicans who were previously uninsured. As cochair of the International Commission on Education of Health Professionals for the 21st Century, Frenk co-authored a major report – published in The Lancet – on the future direction

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of higher education for health professionals. Frenk served as a senior fellow in the global health program of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. He was also a recipient of the 2008 Clinton Global Citizen Award, presented to him for helping change “the way practitioners and policy makers around the world think about health.” The lecture will be streamed live at http://elearning.etsu.edu/ publichealthlive.htm. For more information or to request special assistance for those with disabilities, call (423) 439-4597 or send e-mails to osborneg@ etsu.edu.

Wednesday, February 8 Princeton Arts Center, 2516 E. Oakland Ave., will offer a four-week Conversational French Language course from 6-7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays beginning Feb. 8. Course fee is $120, which includes materials.

Instructor Firoozeh “Fay” Saffari will teach the basics of con-

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versational French. The class is open to teens and adults.

Pete Leibman, a former executive for the NBA’s Washington Wizards basketball team, will speak on Wednesday, Feb. 8, at 4 p.m. in the D.P. Culp University Center ballroom at East Tennessee State University. The event is free and open to the public. Leibman’s program is based on his own job search as a new graduate and what he learned about getting the job he wanted. His lecture is entitled “Seal the Deal: Six S.I.M.P.L.E. Steps to Get Your Dream Job after College!” For additional information, or to arrange special assistance for those with disabilities, contact ETSU’s University Career Services at (423) 439-4450.

Princeton Arts Center, 2516 E. Oakland Ave., will offer a four-week cheerleading class on Wednesdays beginning Feb. 8 for ages 5-14. Ages 5-9 will meet from 6:45-7:30 p.m.,

and ages 10-14 will meet from 7:30-8:15 p.m. Fee is $25 for all four weeks. Students will learn cheers, cheer jumps, dance moves, and tumbling skills including round-offs, front handsprings, and back handsprings.

Thursday, February 9 Cultural Arts Division of Parks and Recreation is pleased to present jazz singer Connye Florance in concert at the Kingsport Renaissance Center on Thursday, February 9 at 7 p.m. Reserved seating is available for the concert, tickets are $12. Tickets are available by calling 423-392-8417 or on-line at www.

EngageKingsport.com

The Virginia Intermont College Theatre Department presents Spotlights, a delightful set of one-act plays. The 4&2(+&.&#*'+.>$&6*$-$&3/&@$''$(I see Williams and the second the debut of an original play.

Performances are February 9, 10, and 11 at 7:30 p.m. in Trayer Theatre in the Anne Worrell Fine Arts Center on the VI cam-

pus. General Admission tickets, on sale at the door, are $5.

For more information contact Bonny Gable at 276-466-7973 or bonnygable@vic.edu.

One of Williams’ earliest one-act plays, The Magic Tower is set in the era when glitzy Vaudeville shows were at their peak. Linda, a former actress, left her show for the promise of a fairytale marriage with young artist Jim Flynn.

Though penniless, Jim and Linda stay happy by imagining their attic apartment as their “magic tower”. However, a dose of reality from Linda’s former cast-mates and nosey neighbors threaten to break the spell of the fantasy romance.

Saturday, February 10 Del Shore’s Sordid Lives is coming back to Johnson City!

Sordid Lives tells the story of a family dealing with the death of their octogenarian matriarch.

Tragically, she tripped over her lover’s wooden legs after

an afternoon tryst and hit her head on the sink on the way down. Her son is in a mental institution because he thinks he is Tammy Wynette, her lover’s wife (liquored-up and on Valium) has taken hostages, her sister is trying to quit smoking, her daughters cannot get along, and her gay grandson is trying to decide if he wants to go back into the folds of their dysfunction.

Sordid Lives was the 1996 winner of the Drama Logue Award for best playwright, best production and best direction. Directed by David Hyde and produced by local theatrical company Two Pence Productions, the cast includes \2*84&'&S.'&Q.760&@"%&Q9&]*%I dle, Lee Ann Dalton-Adkins, Shelley Van Camp, Rachel S. Helvey, Hannah Tipton, Cody Lewis, Ashley Seehorn, Adrian Thomas and Derek Smithpeters as Brother Boy. “This show is a cult classic,” say director David Hyde.

“Once you have seen it you

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will quote it forever. Our production will be unlike anything that has ever been done before with this script. It will be a fantastic evening to enjoy good food and laughter with friends and family.”

Sordid Lives is the universally relatable story of a town of family and friends and the trials and tribulations they go through as they learn to see each other for who they are instead of who they wish each other to be.

Ticket prices are $32.09 plus tax. A four-course country dinner is also included with the price of the ticket. This show is intended for mature audiences due to adult themes and language. Sordid Lives will play at The Casbah behind the Italian Pizza Pub at 807 West Walnut Street Johnson City, TN 37604 on Feb 10, 11, 17, 18 and March 2 and 3rd at 6:30pm.

For more information about +,$&(,")&.'%&7$'50&4'%&@)"& Pence Productions on Facebook or call 423-202-3660.

Saturday, February 11 Barter Theatre, a professional, repertory theatre in Abingdon, will hold auditions for college students for the 2012 Season and The Barter Players. Auditions will be held at Northeast State from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm. All interested must register in advance and choose either an AM or PM slot. Directions are under auditions on Barter’s website, www.BarterTheatre.com.

Barter Theatre is seeking actors for The Barter Players company: the acting company performing especially for younger audiences who are non-AEA, College graduates/equivalent experience for year round employment, as well as the apprentice company (summer only), local and non-local jobbers, and possible understudies for the 2012 season. The performance dates of Barter’s 2012 season and more information about each show can be found online at www.

BarterTheatre.com. Brochures are also available at the audition site.

Rehearsals for most plays begin approximately six to eight weeks before they open. Most actors will participate in two productions during the same repertory.

Interested actors must prepare a monologue no longer than one minute, a song no longer that thirty seconds for the audition and bring sheet music. There will be a movement portion of the audition, so actors should wear clothing they can move in. For more information about this audition, go to www.BarterTheatre.com or e-mail Katy Brown, head of casting, at barterplayers@bartertheatre.com.

Camella’s Remember When will be hosting a Valentine’s Tea Tasting event at noon until 2. b.2+*-*6.'+(&)*!!&$D6!"2$&+,$&4'$(+& loose-leaf teas inspired by Love, Paris, and Chocolate! Ooh La La! A lovely Valentine’s Afternoon Tea will be served during event and all participants will receive a complimentary gift bag. Cost is $35.00 per person. To register for this event contact Camella’s Remember When (276-676-0089) at 165 E. Main Street, Abingdon, VA.

TriState Singles will be having a Valentine’s Dance on Saturday, February 11 at the North Kingsport Fire Hall Community Center, East Carter’s Valley Road off Lynn Garden Drive, from 7–10 p.m.

Dixie Drivers will be playing. Cost is $8 for everyone. Bring a single friend and enjoy the evening. Ham rolls, snacks, dessert and drinks provided! Contact numbers: Martha Gibson 357-3232 or Susan Claytor 288-4252.

The Black Faculty and Staff Association at East Tennessee State University will host its annual Black Heritage Event in the D.P. Culp University Center. The evening will include a banquet at 6 p.m. in the Ballroom, followed by a musical program, “Africa Unplugged,” at 7:30 p.m. in the Martha Street Culp Auditorium, lo-.+$%&"'&+,$&42(+&1""29&c;82*-.& Unplugged” is an African dance and drum presentation that blends traditional African music with “everything that is funky about NOW” by taking the stage with “all the purpose and power of Burning Spear and all the good-time-say-what of a New Orleans Brass Band.”

Tickets are $30 per person and include dinner and the concert.

To purchase tickets, or for more information, contact Dr. Angela Lewis at (423) 439-7503 or lewisar@etsu.edu; or Dr. Keith Johnson at (423) 439-7810 or johnsonk@etsu.edu. ETSU students wishing to attend the concert only may purchase advance tickets for $5 in the Student Organization Resource Center (Suite A) on the lower level of the Culp Center.

Friday, February 17 Shakti in the Mountains and the ETSU Counseling Program are happy to host Debra Quayle Travis, LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist), of the Tara Mandala Retreat Center in a 10-hour workshop called “Feeding your Demons: Ancient Wisdom for ]$("!#*'>&:''$2&Q"'1*-+O9&@,$& workshop is designed to teach

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participants how to support themselves and others by transforming negative thoughts and feelings into positive inner wisdom and guidance. With the help of Debra, you can release self-defeating patterns and fears to create a life of harmony and tranquility. Debra Quayle *(&-$2+*4$%&3/&V.7.&@(5!+2*7&;!!*"'$&.(&.& Feeding Your Demons Therapist and is one of the few people who are currently authorized

by Lama Tsultrim to teach this work to others.

Feeding Your Demons is an approach to life’s %*84-5!+*$(0&3"+,&*''$2&.'%&"5+$20&+,.+&*(&3.($%& on compassion rather than fear, on engagement rather than attack. Learn this approach in a caring and nurturing environment and carry this wisdom with you throughout your life. This dynamic 10 hour workshop will be held over two days, February 17 from 6-9 and February 18 from 9-5. If you register before February 10 the price is $100, if you register after February 10 the price is $125. (Friday night only is limited to 10 people, cost is $30.) To receive NBCC Continuing Education Credits, please denote at the time of registration. An additional $20 fee is charged for the Credits. If you are interested in joining us for this transformative experience contact Miriam at: miriamphillips80@gmail.com. The ETSU Counseling Program is an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP) and a co-sponsor of this program. ETSU may award NBCC-approved clock hours for programs that meet NBCC requirements. The ACEP maintains responsibility for the content of this event. For more information on this and other events check the Shakti in the Mountains websitewww.shaktiinthemountains.com Appalachian State University’s 2011-12 Performing Arts Series sponsored by Charter presents another unrivaled season of incredible performances that continues with the Punch Brothers featuringChris Thile performing at Farthing Auditorium on Friday, February 17, 2012 at 8 p.m. Mixing together the musical interests of each band member, the Punch Brother’s music has been described as “…an emerging style of what might be called American country-classical chamber music”

by The New York Times. With a new album titled Who’s Feeling Young Now? to be released on February 14, the Performing Arts Series is $D-*+$%&+"&3$&+,$&42(+&(+"6&"'&+,$&+"52&8"2&+,*(& new album. Advance ticket prices include $20 for adults, $11 for Students 6-18, $10 for Appalachian State Students and $5 for Children 5 & Under. A “Pick 5” discount is available for purchasing tickets in multiples of 5. For tickets or information, call the Farthing Auditorium C"D&L84-$&.+&RXXIRdUI;]@YeMfRfg&"2&RMRIMNMI 4046, or visit www.pas.appstate.edu

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Monday, March 12 The Arts Depot is pleased to offer a three-day watercolor workshop lead by guest instructor Robin Poteet. The workshop will be held Monday, March 12 through Wednesday, March 14, from 9 AM until 4 PM at the Arts Depot in Abingdon.

Robin Poteet is an award winning watercolorist and popular instructor at The Studio School in Roanoke, VA. She was selected as one of ten national “Ones to Watch” in the December 2010 issue of Watercolor Artist Magazine and appeared again in their June, 2011 issue. She was also featured in Art Journaling Magazine and Palette Magazine. Poteet invites you to jumpstart your creativity and take your painting skills to the next level in this comfortable yet focused three-day )"2=(,"69&V.'%(-.6$(&.'%&4>52$(&)*!!&3$&+,$& subjects as students explore techniques that add depth and atmosphere to their work. Robin will unravel the mystery of edge control, water/paint ratio, lively shadows and capturing light. She will provide demos, critiques and ample one-on-one attention. The workshop fee is $185. Registration information is available on the Arts Depot website abingdonartsdepot.org, by calling the Arts Depot at 276-628-9091 or via email at abingdonartsdepot@eva.org. This workshop is for all experience levels, but basic drawing and watercolor skills are needed. Enrollment is limited and pre-registration is required.

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MARQUETTE

MARK

Stargazer

Pair of Moon probes in orbit with thousands of school kids When looking up at the bright Moon this week, think about two small space probes now in orbit and ready to revolutionize what we know about our closest neighbor in space.

And don’t be surprised if some whizz kid in elementary school comes up with some new ideas about our Moon, as these two new satellites "23*+*'>&+,$&<""'&.2$&_;Y;A(&42(+& planetary mission carrying instruments fully dedicated to education and public outreach.

The Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) spacecraft craft -.!!$%&K33&.'%&Z!")&.2$&427!/&*'&"23*+& 32 miles above the lunar surface 125 miles apart.

The size of a washing machine and weighing 400 pounds each, the identical spacecraft have become part of the science curriculum for thousands of 4th to 8th graders around the nation.

C/&.'.!/J*'>&+,$&!5'.2&>2.#*+/&*'15ence on their orbit, scientists will learn more about the interior of our Moon.

Y-*$'+*(+(&)*!!&5($&+,$&>2.#*+/&4$!%& information from the two satellites to X-ray the Moon from crust to core to reveal the Moon’s subsurface structures and, indirectly, its thermal history.

And that will help lunar scientist complete some of the puzzle about what makes the Moon tick inside. Or rather, ring like a bell.

The Apollo landing missions of the 1970s actually exploded grenades in into the surface to create a resonance throughout the interior. Sensitive instruments that recorded the geologic reverberations that echoed through the lunar surface like a ringing bell.

Through the Apollo Era science, it was determined that the most likely origin of the Moon is it was ripped out of the Earth by a collision with a huge object half Earth’s size. That was 7./3$&%52*'>&+,$&42(+&3*!!*"'&/$.2(&"8& the 4.5 billion year age of Earth and Moon.

Most of the lunar craters we see in

telescopes and with spacecraft were -2$.+$%&%52*'>&+,*(&#$2/&#*"!$'+&42(+& billion years of the Solar System. But exactly what the interior of the Moon is 7.%$&56&"8&)*!!&4!!&*'&("7$&='")!$%>$& of how the Moon - and maybe other moons in the Solar System - were formed.

Other theories on the Moon include it being captured by Earth, or it was coalesced separately beside Earth in the solar nebula.

Ebb and Flow went into lunar orbit on Dec. 31, 2011, and Jan. 1, 2012, for a 90 day mission. After that analysis of their input in April, it will be decided whether an extended mission is necessary. But by mid-summer, the two satellites will be intentionally crashed into the lunar landscape.

The GRAIL Science Team will conduct six lunar science investigations to: h&<.6&+,$&(+25-+52$&"8&+,$&-25(+&`& lithosphere. h&^'%$2(+.'%&+,$&<""'A(&.(/77$+ric thermal evolution. h&H$+$27*'$&+,$&(53(528.-$&(+25-ture of impact basins and the origin of mascons (mass concentrations of underground magnetic rock). h&;(-$2+.*'&+,$&+$76"2.!&$#"!5+*"'& of crustal brecciation (mixing of rock types) and magmatism (lava in some rocks, but not others). h&Q"'(+2.*'&%$$6&*'+$2*"2&(+25-+52$& from tides. h&b!.-$&!*7*+(&"'&+,$&(*J$&"8&+,$&6"(sible inner core.

The structure and composition of the lunar interior (and by inference the nature and timing of internal melting and heat loss) hold the key to reconstructing the Moon’s history.

Longstanding questions are: the origin of the dark Maria concentrated on the Earth-side; the reason for the nearside-farside asymmetry in crustal

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E5%(&*>'%&*-((5 Celestial events in the skies for the week of Feb. 7-Feb. 13, 2012, as compiled for The Loafer by Mark D. Marquette.

The Moon continues after Full phase on its eastward journey into the late evening skies. In the west, Venus is brilliant and sets before 9 p.m., while once dominate Jupiter sets around midnight. But taking their place are Mars rising around 9 p.m. and Venus at midnight in the eastern skies.

Tues. Feb. 7 Full Moon is at 4:54 p.m. Some of the names Native American tribes have given the Full Moon of February include: Trapper’s Moon, Black Bear Moon and Raccoon Rutting Moon.

Wed. Feb. 8 At 9:30 p.m. the constellation Leo the Lion has leaped over the eastern horizon, bringing with it the gibbous Moon and red planet Mars to the left. And when you’re seeing Leo in the wintertime, you know that Spring is not far off.

Thurs. Feb. 9 On this 1971 date in space history, Apollo 14 returned from the Moon with 93 pounds of rocks from the Frau Mauro Valley.

The successful mission was followed the near-death disaster of Apollo 13’s failed mission in April 1970.

Fri. Feb. 10 High above Jupiter and in the shoulder of the giant bull, Taurus, is The Pleiades, the Seven Little Sisters. They will be catching your eye as they set in the west by 1 a.m. Use any pair of binoculars to resolve dozens of stars out of this nearby cluster of young stars.

Sat. Feb. 11 On this 2010 date in space history, NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory was successfully launched. Called the Hubble Telescope for the Sun, this $1 billion space observatory is providing stunning visual images of our most important star.

Sun. Feb. 12 Night owls will see the gibbous Moon next to the planet Saturn, a yellow “star,” and bright white star Spica in Virgo the Virgin Maiden. The Moon and Saturn rise together the next two evenings after midnight.

Mon. Feb. 13 Moonless evenings leave the spectacular Winter constellations to shine. At 9 p.m., Orion the Hunter is dead south, and below to the left of it is Sirius, the brightest star in the sky. But it’s easy to compare that Venus and Jupiter are brighter by far.

/$0-1"-2%3'%&45&%.%()$%*+",$-'%!"#$%&6 thickness; and the explanation for the puzzling magnetization of crustal rocks.

Answers to these questions and more are the goal of GRAIL satellites Ebb and Flow as they probe the interior the next 90 days.

Deciphering the structure of the interior will bring understanding of the evolution of the Moon itself, and also extend knowledge of the origin and thermal evolution of the Moon to other bodies in the inner solar system.

For example, while the Moon was once thought to be unique in developing a “magma ocean” shortly after accretion, and now such a phenomenon has now been credibly proposed for Mars as well.

The data is already streaming back, *'-!5%*'>&.'&$D-*+*'>&42(+&!""=&.+&.&

movie taken by one of the lunar satellites as part of a nationwide elementary school project.

In fact, the GRAIL spacecraft, originally launched as “A” and “B,” were renamed Ebb and Flow in a contest by 4th grade students at Emily Dickenson Elementary School in Bozeman, Montana.

Youngsters around the country are participating with NASA in a program called Grail MoonKAM. That stands for “Moon Knowledge Acquired by Middle school students.” Students can request special cameras on the Ebb and Flow satellites to take images "8&(6$-*4-&.2$.(&"&+,$&!5'.2&(528.-$9&& ;'%&.'.!/J$&+,$*2&4'%*'>(&.!"'>&)*+,& NASA scientists.

Thousands of fourth- to eighthgrade students will select target areas on the lunar surface and send requests to the GRAIL MoonKAM Mission Op-

erations Center in San Diego. Photos of the target areas will be sent back by the satellites for students to study.

The MoonKAM program is led by Y.!!/&]*%$0&;7$2*-.A(&42(+&)"7.'&*'& space. Her team at Sally Ride Science and undergraduate students at the University of California in San Diego will engage middle schools across the country in the GRAIL mission and lunar exploration “We have had great response from schools around the country; more than 2,500 signed up to participate so far,” Ride said in a NASA press release. “I expect this will excite many students about possible careers in science and engineering.”

So looking at the Moon has some extra meaning to thousands of kids across America as two small robots from Earth begin their important science mission designed to include students.

Look up and join them, and keep tabs of new images of the Moon by checking with NASA and the GRAIL website.

Photo (above): GRAIL lunar satellites, artist conception

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The response was simply overwhelming, both myself and The Loafer were pleased with the number of entries to our Win a Date With Andy Ross contest. :+A(&3$$'&%*84-5!+&("2+*'>&+,2"5>,& all 12 entries, but I think we’ve found a winner. Ms. Susan Wilson, congratulations! Ms. Wilson is the grand prize winner, and will be my date for the evening of February 14th. I know you’re tingling with anticipation at the possibility as to what this night might bring, so let me give you a quick itinerary of what you can expect for the night.

At Seven that evening I will pick you up at your home, in a beautiful stretch limo provided by The Sue Ann Johnson Boat Repair and Limo Company. I’ll arrive with a beautiful bouquet of roses in my hand, from Col. Dave’s Florist and Garden Center.

Also, Col. Dave’s will be providing you with a one year supply of compost - organically sourced.

From there we will head straight "88&+"&+,$&42(+&(+"6&"'&"52&$#$'*'>0& dinner at the very exclusive bistro Le Godet.

Le Godet has quickly become one of the crown jewels of the TriCities’ food scene since it opened last Fall in Abingdon. Executive

ROSS*

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ANDY

*batteries not included -%;*D*@.2(*-%2'*D;1A*J3&&g Chef, Vincent James Waddel, has created a fabulous menu of French favorites with a unique southern twist. No one can resist the restaurant’s signature appetizer, Chicken Fried Foie Gras.

Next up, we will enjoy one of Le Godet’s great main dishes—such as their BBQ escargot on grits. ;8+$2&.&4'$&7$.!&.+&V$&\"%$+0& we’ll make our way down to C.2+$2&@,$.+$29&Z"2&+,$&42(+&+*7$& ever, The East Appalachian Ballet Company - under the direction of Geoffery Jefferson - will be appearing on the Barter stage, with a brand new production. Die Hard: The Ballet features an amazing

mix of on stage special effects and dance—we will be seated in some "8&+,$&4'$(+&($.+(&*'& the house, and not in the splash zone.

After the show, we will be driven to the trendiest of trendiest night spots in the area, The Fiberglass Onion.

We’ll be in for a treat, for that night - mark*'>&+,$*2&42(+&@2*I Cities’ appearance in well over a year - will be the famed Hall and Oates tribute band,

The Private Eyes.

This is how the night will come to an end, after I drop you off back at your abode, and give you a booklet of coupons good for any product at Johnson City’s newest bakery, House Of the Rising Bun. Yes, congratulations are indeed in order for you Ms. Susan Wilson!

For this is is how you shall be spending Valentine’s Day 2012 with me on a night that you soon won’t forget!

None of this would have been possible without our sponsors for this contest: The Sue Ann Johnson Boat Repair and Limo Company, Col. Dave’s Florist and Garden Center, Le Godet French-Southern Bistro, Barter Theater, The East Appalachian Ballet Company, The Fiberglass Onion, and House of the Rising Bun. Both The Loafer and I thank you for your support during this—what we hope to make an annual tradition.

See you next week.

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63;;A(*Z$3).;:(*#)%;<&* .*).%;#3\*38*b.aa Cultural Arts Division of Parks and Recreation is pleased to present jazz singer Connye Florance in concert at the Kingsport Renaissance Center on Thursday, February 9 at 7 p.m.

Reserved seating is available for the concert, tickets are $12.

Tickets are available by calling (423) 392-8417 or on-line at www.EngageKingsport.com Immerse yourself in a rainbow collection of classic jazz tunes and popular melodies to soothe and inspire. Colors of Jazz delights with a full evening of celebration and song, featuring a rainbow collection of classic jazz standards and contemporary tunes.

Connye Florance delivers her soulful “velvet & wine” vocals, backed by a stellar ensemble of musicians, in a multi-colored wash of spectacular melodies and familiar favorites - from the Blues to Broadway… from The

Cotton Club to American radio .'%&4!79& Immerse yourself in the colors of jazz… Bold and fully infused with history and heritage that have painted the landscape of American music in beauteous fashion. Enjoy works by Duke Ellington, Johnny Mercer, Harold Arlen and other legendary jazz artists alongside popular contemporary standards by America’s favorites. ;(&+,$&/"5'>$(+&"8&4#$&*'& a family of musicians, Connye didn’t have to look far for encouragement when her love of singing took off. “There was just always music in the house …” she recalls of her childhood in North Carolina - either (my) daddy … playing the piano, stomping and grunting out the groove on some Ellington tune; (my) sisters and brother rehearsing their most recent

favorite, or the whole family “choired up” and singing my mother’s favorite hymns whenever the crowd was gathered and the spirit struck… which was very often. We never wanted for a show.”

The scope of Connye’s career has included most every facet of the industry… studio, stage, +$!$#*(*"'&.'%&4!79&Y,$&,.(& sung jingles for Van Camps Food and Major League Baseball, hosted a PBS Literacy Link educational series produced

by KET; been the voice of the “WB” on a number of Warner Brothers jingles across the country, and has even sung country… as a background vocalist on the Elton John/ Tammy Wynette duet What a Woman Needs.

P$2&4!70&+,$.+$2&.'%&+$!$#*sion credits include the feature 4!7&The Client, Proud Heart, starring Lorrie Morgan, and the role of Ramona in the 2000 *'%$6$'%$'+&4!7&8$(+*#.!&8.vorite, Existo.

Connye has toured nationally with Columbia Artists and vocalist Jennifer Holliday, and as featured vocalist with Modern Jazz Tuba Project; The Nashville Jazz Orchestra and with her own award-winning trio of musicians. She has shared the stage with numerous notables, including Steinway artist Beegie Adair, Grammy awardwinner Randy Brecker and vocalist and Grammy-award winning songwriter Benita Hill. Connye is a vocal performance instructor at Nashville Jazz Workshop and is enjoying the success of her one-woman show, “Jazz Rhapsody” Tickets for the Thursday night performance are $12 each for reserved seats.

Tickets can be purchased by -.!!*'>&+,$&Q$'+2.!&C"D&L84-$& at 423-392-8417 or on-line at www.EngageKingsport.com.

This concert is sponsored by the Cultural Arts Division of Kingsport Parks and Recreation, Leisure Services for the City of Kingsport, TN and Engage Kingsport.

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J(;3\;(1*\)%2()*J3;*J.&'*23*?%&%2*0>Ee Poet, short story writer and novelist Ron Rash will visit East Tennessee State University on Tuesday, Feb. 7, to read excerpts from his published and soon-tobe-published works. Sponsored by the Mary B. Martin School of the Arts, the program will begin at 7 p.m. in Ball Hall, room 127. A question-answer session, along with a reception in Slocumb Galleries, will follow.

Rash grew up in North Carolina’s Buncombe County and teaches at Western Carolina University (WCU) in Cullowhee.

“It’s an ideal time to bring him to campus,” said ETSU Department of Literature and Language faculty member and poet Dr. Jesse Graves.

“He is really at his career zenith.

It’s a special opportunity to see a writer at his peak, and he is one of the most talked-about writers of this region in the country.”

The Parris Distinguished Professor of Appalachian Cultural Studies at WCU, Rash has written four prize-winning novels – One Foot in Eden, Saints at the River, The World Made Straight and Serena, published in 2008, which was named Best Novel of the Year by the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance.

He also has earned on two occasions the O. Henry Prize for short story writing and the Frank O’Connor International Short Story Award, as well as ranking as a New York Times best-selling author. The O. Henry Prize recognizes the best (,"2+&4-+*"'&*'&+,$&-"5'+2/0&),*!$0& Graves said, the Dublin-based O’Connor Award each year goes to the top collection of short stories in the world, and Rash was the only

;7$2*-.'&4'.!*(+&*'&MXUX9 “We feel privileged to be able to schedule Mr. Rash for a local reading,” said Mary B. Martin School of the Arts Director Anita DeAngelis.

“He has been called ‘one of the major writers of our time’ and is a master chronicler of Appalachia’s past and present. This visit will be a real treat for anyone who has an .84'*+/&8"2&+,$&2$>*"'&.'%&>""%& literature.”

Rash said he will likely start the reading with a brief short story and a couple of poems, then close with a sneak preview from his soon-to-bepublished novel, The Cove. c:&+2/&+"&4'%&("7$+,*'>&i+,$& audience] can relate to,” said Rash, who starts a 30-city book tour for his new novel in April. “It’s nice to meet students. I like their enthusiasm. I think they come and sometimes they really don’t want to be there, and sometimes they turn around. It’s kind of funny what they will say. I had one say, ‘This wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.’ That was a very sincere compliment.

“I spend so much time in isolation, writing, it’s nice to get out and ($$&+,$2$&.2$&6$"6!$&),"&4'%&("7$& value in the work I am doing – and I’ll get to see a couple of friends i.+&K@Y^j0&*'-!5%*'>&a$(($&\2.#$(0& a young poet who is very, very talented.”

Few writers can match Rash’s depiction of the people and the places of Southern Appalachia, critics and colleagues have said.

“His stories are truly the best I’ve ever read about life in this region,” Graves added. “He gets into every aspect of life – pawn shop owners, people making meth, and in some

of his stories, he really brings the past to life in a really vivid way. He represents the whole spectrum.

“Reading his work makes you feel more alive. He covers a wide range of emotions. You feel something.”

Whether it’s the old or the new South, rural, urban or urbane, Rash said he just wants to illustrate his locales and characters with realism, as well as emotion, wrapped in a good narrative.

“I want the reader to feel I’ve captured the way the people speak, the landscape …” he said. “I hope that people can recognize that I have been true to the place, that I don’t sentimentalize it. I don’t demonize. I just try to show it as truly as I can.

“Within that you also see - and I hope my work shows this – a

certain heroism, stoicism, people doing the best with what they’ve been given.”

The reading and reception are free and open to the public. For information on ETSU Mary B. Martin School of the Arts or this event, call (423) 439-TKTS (8587) or visit www. etsu.edu/cas/arts/ or www.Facebook.com/ETSU.MBMSOTA.

!"#$%64'%()$%*+",$-%.%/$0-1"-2%3'%&45& I’m probably not alone in being a cereal fan. In fact, like many other people I know, I can’t conceive of having breakfast without my cereal and newspaper (which these days might be in the form of an iPad). My love of cereal probably began at an early age when I was enticed to begin my addiction by the various toys and prizes that were planted amid my Cheerios and Corn Flakes.

Cereal toys date back to the late 19th century, when Kellogg became the 42(+&-"76.'/&+"&.(("-*.+$&+,$($&!*++!$& +2$.(52$(&)*+,&$.+*'>&32$.=8.(+9&;+&42(+0& toys were not packed inside the box but were available through mail order after the customer enclosed money and a box top inside the envelope. In fact, according to Wikipedia (so it must be true), cereal prizes have historically been distributed in four ways. @,$&42(+0&.'%&&6$2,.6(&5'='")'&+"& 7"%$2'&-$2$.!&.4-*"'.%"(0&*'#"!#$(& the store management giving away toys and prizes with an in-store purchase. The second method, just mentioned, is the familiar proof-ofpurchase that forces the cereal-eater to wait until snail mail can deliver the goods. A third, and relatively modern, method is attaching the prize to the outside of the box, something that we still see in the form of CDs or DVDs (or, in those prehistoric days of the 1990s, CD-Roms). The fourth method is of course the most popular one (+584'>&+,$&+"/&*'(*%$&+,$&3"D0&$*+,$2& outside the plastic liner or buried in the cereal itself, taking a cue from the way the folks at Cracker Jacks have done it for so many years.

The golden age of cereal prizes was the 1950s, although the practice continued to some extent throughout the ensuing decades. While all sorts of toys, books, and other cheap stuff could be found inside cereal boxes, my favorites were two very fascinating yet cheesy little plastic items - the infamous baking-soda frogman and submarine. I still marvel at how these toys came to life with just a little baking soda. Many a bath has been accompanied by these diving and surfacing frogmen and submarines, which were eagerly snatched up after I poured the contents of the box into a bowl. There was no way I would have waited to eat my way to them.

Not being a fan of nostalgia, I don’t become misty-eyed just thinking about ,")&:&4(,$%&"5+&+,"($&+"/(&c3.-=&*'& the day,” because we are now on the verge of a brave new world of cereal goodies that eclipses my childhood memories. Be on the lookout for a host of digital toys that make those frogmen and submarines look, well, just like

KELLY

JIM

Kelly’s Place

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nothing more than toys.

According to a piece I saw last week in the online edition of USA Today (so it must also be true), General Mills, the cereal behemoth, is planning to resurrect the golden era of cereal toys by implanting all sorts of marvelous enticements delivered via QR codes.

Mark Addicks (yes, that’s his real

name), who has been with the corporation for over 20 years and now serving .(&*+(&Q,*$8&<.2=$+*'>&L84-$20&3$!*$#$(& “There’s never been a time like this (because) of the digital technology that resides in people’s hands.”

Now, thanks to modern miracles like QR codes, “we can now deliver content that engages and enhances the

(consumer) experience.” Of course, baking-soda frogmen and submarines did this back in the 50s and 60s, but a new century calls for new methods. :'(+$.%&"8&=*%(&4'%*'>&-,$.6&6!.(+*-& toys inside their boxes, Addicks want these little consumers to “point a smartphone at the box and see visual surprises.” The concept is apparently

that simple - just point the phone at the box and start seeing things. Just don’t try doing that while driving either your shopping cart or your car.

Addicks gets excited when he imagines how we can “point to a logo and things start to appear... Maybe some functional content will pop up... or you might see entertainment and games coming from a cereal box. What I’m hoping for is pure entertainment.” We had ways of creating the same effects during the days of baking-soda frogmen and submarines, but they were not always legal.

The marketing gurus at General Mills don’t want to stop with cereal, because they have plans to create these interactive packages for their other products, such as cake mix and yogurt.

I guess the QR code on the cake mix box will give us instructions on how to create the perfect dessert; I doubt I would be able to interpret these digital instructions any better than I can the traditional printed ones. Experimentation has already been done with boxes of Honey Nut Cheerios, with QR codes “instructing consumers to turn their camera phone onto the box to see a video of a world of honey.” We already know that cereal boxes hold a certain strange fascination with customers, because research has shown that the “cereal box itself is one of the most widely read mediums, with the average consumer checking out his or her cereal box 12 times.” I know this must be true, because during those times when I didn’t have my newspaper close at hand, either in printed or digital form, I resorted to reading the box.

I may not have read classics like War and Peace, but I do know the literature of cereal boxes pretty well.

I expect that QR codes will become a regular part of our lives in the very near future - which in digital terms might be tomorrow or in the next 15 minutes. They will no doubt start cropping up on every conceivable product. Of course, they already have a head start because I see several of them every day. I can’t wait until my favorite news apps - Newsy, USA Today, and Zite - are embedded in cereal box QR codes. That way I can have breakfast with just my smartphone and my trusty cereal box. _")&*8&("7$"'$&-"5!%&4'%&.&)./& to make a baking-soda frogman or a cheesy plastic submarine materialize like magic from a cereal-box QR code.

What a wonderful world that would be. While you wait on that miracle to happen, I will bid you a fond farewell and will look forward to seeing you next week. Maybe by then my column will have its own QR code.

www.theloaferonline.com

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