The Loafer August 15th by The Loafer

theloaferonline.com | August 15, 2017

on the cover

Dale Jr's

columns & reviews

24 Stargazer Marq's Top 10 Eclipse Tips 25 Skies This Week 26 Batteries Not Included Requiem for a VCR 30 Pop Life 10 Groundbreaking Summer Blockbusters 33 Appalachian Wanderers The Biltmore House 39 The Casual Word Welcome Back 40 Puzzle Page 43 Kelly’s Place The Internet Declares Love is Dead (And Other Pop Culture Excursions)

your week’s line-up

Last Ride @ BMS 5 6 7 8 10 11 13 13 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 21 22 26 28 32 34 35 37 41 42

Dale Jr's Final Stand @ BMS Elizabethton Municipal Golf Tournament BMS Race Schedule Food City Family Race Night Food City Names Grand Marshal & Honorary Starter Space Jam @ Capitol Theatre Open Auditions for "ANNIE" Friday Night Dance featuring Jerry Pierce Pre-Race Concert with Cody Jinks MO5AIC to perform at Tusculum College The Steel Woods added to lineup Million Dollar Quartet Rocks Barter Theatre Easton Corbin Kicks Off New Season at NPAC Revamped Music Lineup @ HRBC for Race Week See the Eclispe @ Steele Park 'Home and Family' Exhibit on display Spotlight BMS Fast Facts SCC Ready for August Race Eclipse Block Party & Celestial Festival Sick planet, sick pets, sick people... The Hillbilly Gypsies @ The Carter Family Fold Storytelling Live! Welcomes David Holt Pets Of The Week Things To Do

Volume 31 • Issue #37 Publisher Luci Tate Editor Graphic Arts Director Don Sprinkle Cover Design Bill May Advertising Patti Barr Paul Kavanaugh Janie Jarvis Office Coordinator Amanda Lane Contributing Staff Jim Kelly Andy Ross Ken Silvers Mark Marquette Brian Bishop Daniel Worley Jason Worley Langley Shazor Distribution Jerry Hanger Teresa Hanger Published by Pulse Publishing, LLC., P.O. Box 3238, Johnson City, TN 37602 Phone: 423/283-4324 FAX - 423/283-4369 www.theloaferonline.com info@theloaferonline.com e-mail: editorial@theloaferonline.com adcopy@theloaferonline.com All advertisements are accepted and published by the publisher upon the representation that the agency and/ or advertiser is authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof. The agency and/or advertiser will indemnify and save the publisher harmless from any lossof expense resulting from claims or suits based upon contents of any advertisement, including claims or suits for defamation, libel, right of privacy, plagiarism, and copyright infringement.

Founder: Bill Williams Let’s Get Social!

BMS to celebrate

DALE JR'S Final Stand at the Last Great Colosseum

For more than 20 years, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has been a fixture at Bristol Motor Speedway, both as a kid in Victory Lane with his dad and as a driver taming the all-concrete high banks. As he prepares for his final week behind the wheel at The Last Great Colosseum, both the Speedway and guests from all around the world will be there to salute his BMS legacy. Â

uring the Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race week, guests will have numerous opportunities to help Bristol honor Earnhardt Jr., including visiting the Dale Jr. Moments Museum, accumulating Junior collectable items, saluting Little E on Lap 88, picking up a copy of the official program and much more. "The Earnhardt name is synonymous with Bristol," said Jerry Caldwell, executive vice president and general manager at Bristol Motor Speedway. "Whether it's celebrating in Victory Lane with his pops, watching his father's famous bump-n-run on Terry Labonte in 1999 or celebrating his 2004 historic sweep, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has been an important part of history here. It's only fitting that we join together with our guests to celebrate his accomplishments." The flagship attraction surrounding Earnhardt Jr.'s final Bristol race weekend will be the Dale Jr. Moments Museum. Located in the Fan Zone, this exhibit will showcase his signature BMS moments through interactive displays. Guests will be able to relive the past with Earnhardt Jr.'s iconic No. 8 show car and add themselves via photo station to his famous broom photo in Victory Lane when he swept the 2004 August races. The Dale Jr. Moments Museum will also house other Junior memorabilia, a "Thank You Jr." wall where fans can write and share their favorite race memories, a photo gallery journey recalling Earnhardt Jr.'s career and LED screens featuring his greatest moments at Bristol. The backside of the display will feature more current moments along with a Nationwide No. 88 Chevy show car. In addition, some of the biggest names in Earnhardt Jr.'s racing career will visit the Dale Jr. Moments Museum to share their experiences, including former crew chief, cousin and friend Tony Eury Jr., who will make an appearance on Saturday between Noon and 2 p.m. The museum will be open on Friday, Aug. 18 and Saturday, Aug. 19 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Junior fans will also want to check out the speciallywrapped race car that will be located outside the entrance of the Dale Jr. Moments Museum. The car will feature a distinct wrap celebrating Earnhardt Jr.'s JR Nation Appreci88ion Tour. Guests will be encouraged to

sign the car during the weekend. Following the race, the car will be donated to Earnhardt Jr.'s car graveyard at his property in North Carolina. Speedway guests will see special homages to Earnhardt Jr. throughout property. On Saturday, a select number of guests who enter the gates will receive a special collector's card that will highlight six moments from his Bristol career. All guests in the grandstands will be asked to stand at Lap 88 and salute the driver of the No. 88 Chevy for Hendrick Motorsports. Those who have tickets on the frontstretch will also be able to take part in a card stunt salute to Junior during pre-race. One collector's item that all Earnhardt Jr. fans will want to obtain is the Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race commemorative program. The program, which is adorned with a special edition tribute cover designed by iconic NASCAR artist Sam Bass, contains numerous feature stories about Junior authored by some of NASCAR's most prominent journalists. The cover design pays tribute to the Earnhardt legacy and features Earnhardt Jr.'s No. 88 Axalta Ducks Unlimited camo scheme on-track, as the iconic midnight black No. 3 Goodwrench Chevy of his father, Dale Earnhardt Sr., watches from above. Official commemorative programs, which include a t-shirt and a diecast car, are $15 and can be picked up at Speedway World at the O. Bruton Smith Building or at any official BMS souvenir stands located around Speedway property.

DALE JR continued on page 36

theloaferonline.com | August 15, 2017

GolfTournament

First Annual Elizabethton Municipal

theloaferonline.com | August 15, 2017

On Friday, August 18th The Community Center of Abingdon (CCOA), the VFW, and the American Legion will join to host the First Annual Charity Golf Tournament to be held at the Elizabethton Municipal Golf Course in Elizabethton, Tennessee.

his tournament is truly unique in that it is a joint effort of the CCOA, and Posts from three different cities across two different states, who have come together to host this tournament to establish an awareness that the only Meals on Wheels program in all of Washington County, VA no longer requires disabled Veterans to be over the age of 65 to qualify

WHO: WHAT: WHERE: WHEN:

for the Meals on Wheels services. Multiple sponsorship packages are still available. Current sponsors include Arbyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, the American Legion, the VFW and many local businesses. More information is available at: https://thecommunitycenterofabingdon.com/golftournament/ or https://www.facebook.com/ccoagt/

The Community Center of Abingdon, the American Legion, the VFW. 18-holes of golf, contests: closest to the hole, longest drive, straightest drive, putting contest, 50/50s, door prizes, raffle, gift bags, lunch by Arbyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, mulligans and red tees and much more. Keynote speaker Emmitt Yeary and recognition of Veterans Chef David Williams, VFW Post 6975 Commander Jerry Greer, and VFW Post 2166 Social Quarters Manager Rick Norman. Elizabethton Municipal Golf Course, 185 Buck Van Huss Rd, Elizabethton, TN 37643.

Registration opens at 11:30, lunch at noon, Shotgun start at 1:00, with awards to follow.

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

UNOH 200 & Bush's Beans 150 9:00 AM to 9:55 AM - UNOH 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series 1st Practice 11:00AM to 11:55 PM - UNOH 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Final Practice 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM - Bush's Beans 150 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Final Practice 1:00PM to 1:45 PM - NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Autograph Session Gate 14 - Darrell Waltrip A-B Mezzanine 1:45 PM to 2:30 PM - Andy Ross - American Rebel Concer NASCAR Trackside Live Stage / Fan Zone 2:00 PM - John Hunter Nemechek / Chevy Display / Midway 2:30 PM - Landon Huffman / Chevy Display / Midway 2:45 PM - Kaz Grala / Chevy Display / Midway 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM - Arista Manning Concert NASCAR Trackside Live Stage / Fan Zone 3:15 PM - Bush's Beans 150 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Qualifying 3:15 PM - Justin Haley and Johnny Sauter / Chevy Display / Midway 4:35 PM - UNOH 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Qualifying 4:45 PM to 5:15 PM - NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Autograph Session 5:45 PM - Bush's Beans 150 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Driver Introductions 6:05 PM to conclusion of Event - Start of Bush's Beans 150 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour (150 Laps, 79.95 Miles) 8:00 PM - UNOH 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Driver Introductions 8:30 PM to conclusion of Event - Start of UNOH 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (200 Laps, 106.6 Miles)

Thursday, August 17, 2017

1:00 PM to 1:55 PM - Food City 300 NASCAR XFINITY Series 1st Practice 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM - Food City Race Night / State Street, Downtown Bristol TN/VA 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM - iBelong Reception The Foundation Room, State Street, Bristol, TN 3:00 PM to 3:55 PM - Food City 300 NASCAR XFINITY Series Final Practice 5:00 PM - Dan Deel Concert / Earhart Campground 6:00 PM - Speedway Children's Charities Live Auction / The Bruton Smith Building 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM - Speedway Children's Charities / Seat Time Racing / Pit Gate 6:30 PM - Monster Energy Freestyle Motocross Demo / Earhart Campground 7:00 PM - Chris Hennessee Concert / Earhart Campground 8:00 PM - Monster Energy Freestyle Motocross Demo / Earhart Campground 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM - Speedway Children's Charities The Night Race 5K Presented by Bojangles 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM - Fitzgerald Peterbilt Transporter Parade Starts at Pinnacle to Speedway 9:45 PM - Benton Blount Concert / Earhart Campground

Friday, August 18, 2017

Food City 300 & Pinty's Qualifying 9:00 AM- Speedway Children's Charities 50/50 Raffle booths open 9:30 AM to conclusion of Event 10:00 AM to 11:25 AM - Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race 1st Practice 12:00 PM - Speedway Children's Charities Meade Tractor Cornhole Tournament 12:00 PM - Benton Blount Concert / Earhart Campground 12:30 AM to 1:55 PM - Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race Final Practice 1:30 PM - Monster Energy Freestyle Motocross Demo / Earhart Campground 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM - Caveman Concert / NASCAR Trackside Live Stage / Fan Zone

SCHEDULE continued on page 27

theloaferonline.com | August 15, 2017

Race Schedule

Celebrates 30 Years

Food City Family Race Night

theloaferonline.com | August 15, 2017

Food City Family Race Night is one of the premier pre-race events on the NASCAR circuit. This year, the company is proud to be celebrating the 30th Anniversary of their popular fan-based event, which will return to State Street in downtown Bristol, VA/TN on Thursday, August 17, 2017.

ans can expect an exciting line-up of driver autograph sessions, show cars, simulators, souvenir trailers, entertainment and free food samples (while supplies last). The action will get underway at 1:00 p.m. and continue until 9:00 p.m. $5.00 advance tickets are available at area Food City locations. Tickets will be $6.00 on the day of the event, with children twelve and under admitted free of charge. Food City Family Race Night has contributed over $557,500 in event proceeds over the past 30 years. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s proceeds will benefit Theatre Bristol and Bristol Ballet. Food City would like to thank their media partners, Bristol Herald Courier and News Channel 11. Several drivers and attractions are already confirmed, including a number of NASCARâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s veteran and rising young stars: Aric Almirola (6-7 p.m.) Derrike Cope (5-7 p.m.) Chris Buescher (7-8 p.m.) Ben Rhodes (5-7 p.m.) Elliott Sadler (6-7 p.m.) Erik Jones (6-8 p.m.) Joey Gase (6-7 p.m.) John Hunter Nemechek (5-6 p.m.) Grant Enfinger (2:30-3:30 & 6:30-7:30) Morgan Shepherd (7-8 p.m.) Ryan Truex (5-7 p.m.) William Byron (6-7 p.m.) Justin Allgaier Chad Finchum NASCAR Legends Brownie King (5-7 p.m.), Gene Hobby, Joe Nemechek (5-6 p.m.), Larry Utsman (5-7 p.m.), Paul Lewis, Terry Anderson, Travis Tiller and John Utsman (5-7 p.m.) Super Street driver Bobby Helton Super Modified driver Brian Voiles

Live entertainment will be offered on two stages and is scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m. Wanted Stranger will perform from 2:00-2:45 p.m. on the Pepsi stage (in front of Tri-Summitt Bank), followed by the Jess Zimmerman Band from 3:15-4:00 p.m. and a special production honoring our Nations Veterans from 4:004:15 p.m. The Jason Lovins Band will take the stage from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Join Food City and MC - Larry McReynolds for welcome ceremonies from 6:00-6:30 p.m., as they honor The Nemechek Family and PVA Spokesperson, Richard Petty. Racing Review, hosted by Larry McReynolds will follow from 6:45-7:30 p.m., featuring Joe and John Hunter Nemechek. Kaitlyn Baker will perform live in concert from 7:45-8:45 p.m. Free food sampling will be available from 4:00 until 9:00 p.m., while supplies last. Shuttle services will be available from 11:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. Pick-up and drop off locations include: the Tazewell Speedway driver Aaron Guinn Bruton Smith Building (front entrance) at Bristol Motor Speedway; Tower C/Speedway Blvd. at BMS; Hwy. 11E Kingsport Speedway drivers Austin Peters, Dustin Smith, Jay Swecker, & Whitetop Road; Hwy 394 and Whitetop Road; Hwy. 394 & Copperhead Road and the Bristol Mall - Exit 1 off Josh Collins and Kres VanDyke, Ronnie McCarty and Wayne Hale I-81. The event site is located just minutes from Bristol Motor Speedway. Mod 4 drivers Carter Davidson and Toby Jones Mark your calendar and make plans to attend the 30th Anniversary Food City Family Race Night. For a Street Stock driver Dennis Deese complete listing of attractions, please visit the website at www.foodcity.com, where updates will be posted Mini Cup driver Hannah Seal as they become available. Please note that driver autographs are limited to time availability and schedules Winston Mini driver Rayne Holland are subject to change. Late Model driver Kevin Wolfe FWD/Compact drivers Donny Holland, James Powell and Kayla Powell Other drivers, including: Lexi Gay, Jenna Wagner, Adam Gray, Dillon Hodge, Morgan Widener and Zach Mathena

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

The Loafer is really priceless. I look forward to every new issue. Kelly R.

theloaferonline.com | August 15, 2017

Special appearances will also be made by: Hermie Sadler of SPEED (6 p.m.) NASCAR Artist Sam Bass (5-8 p.m.) Miss Food City 2017 Callie Corum John Earnhardt ETSU Head Coach, Carl Torbush and ETSU Football Players Local Authors Chuck Thompson, Joe Tennis and David McGee Twin Peak Girls Food City Big Cart

theloaferonline.com | August 15, 2017

Food City Names Race

Grand Marshal and Honorary Starter

his weekend, Food City will celebrate the 25th Anniversary of their sponsorship of the Food City 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway. The supermarket chain is Bristol Motor Speedway’s longest running title sponsor and the second longest in NASCAR. Company officials announced today that local sports director/ anchor Kenny Hawkins and news anchor Paul “PJ” Johnson will team up to serve as the event Grand Marshal and Honorary Starter. Hawkins will serve as Grand Marshal, giving the starting command, while Johnson will serve as Honorary Starter, waving the green flag to signal the start of next Friday’s 25th Anniversary Food City 300. “With six retail supermarkets in the immediate area, Food City is extremely proud to be a part of the strong Bristol retail community,” says Steven C. Smith, Food City president and chief executive officer. “As Bristol Motor Speedway’s longest running title sponsor, we are honored to have two of our local veteran newscasters join us for this historic celebration.” Hawkins serves as sports director and anchor for News Channel 11, WJHL-TV, where he has been employed for more than 30 years. He is a graduate of East Tennessee State University, with a degree in Mass Communications. During Hawkins’ tenure, WJHL has received numerous awards. In 2004, he won the Virginia Associated Press Award for Best Sports Department, the only station located outside the state to ever win the prestigious honor.

Hawkins was inducted into the ETSU Communications Department Hall of Fame in 2005. He also co-hosts the “Morning Monster” radio show on WXSM Cumulus radio 640AM three mornings a week. Hawkins is extremely active within the community and assists a number of charitable organizations, including United Way, American Cancer Society, Speedway Children’s Charities, Doe River Gorge, St. Jude’s and the Diabetes Association, just to name a few. He was the co-chairman and helped raise millions of dollars for the Tri-Cities Chapter of the Step Out Walk for Diabetes. Hawkins is the proud father of twin daughters.

MARSHAL continued on page 36

huge hit upon its release in November 1996, SPACE JAM is about an evil alien theme park owner who is looking for a new attraction. The owner makes a plan to kidnap Bugs Bunny and the Looney Tunes gang. Bugs challenges them to a basketball game to determine their fate, recruiting NBA legend Michael Jordan for the team. SPACE JAM will be shown August 31, 2017 at 7:00 PM. Admission will be $5.00 For one night only The Capitol will transform into a portal back into the 1990s. Not only will SPACE JAM be shown that evening, but attendees can enter to win a vintage Sega Genesis video game system with selected games. This 90s game system giveaway is sponsored by Playmore Games of Greeneville. Playmore is the prominent locally own and operated video game store in Greeneville. Playmore offers a wide selection of games and movies, for sell or trade, with systems covering all generations from the late 1970s to today. SPACE JAM will be introduced by local Film Writer Andy Ross: “Though it may seem like a odd pick, SPACE JAM should be one of our more fun screenings” Ross says. “I’m so thankful to be with The Capitol Theater for this event, and their wonderful prize sponsor Playmore Games. This should be an event that every ‘90s kid will want to attend.” Though on August 31st it will be 2017 outside, inside The Capitol it will be 1996. Believe you can fly, and come enjoy SPACE JAM only at The Capitol Theater! The Capitol Theater is a historic theater that operated as a movie theater from 19341992. Today it’s mission as a non-profit performing arts venue is to be a center of the arts for Greeneville and beyond, and to lead the way in repertory screenings of classic film.

theloaferonline.com | August 15, 2017

@ Capitol Theatre

SpaceJam

The Capitol Theater of Greeneville, Tennessee wishes to take you back in time this Summer. All the way back to 1996 with a showing the ‘90s blockbuster SPACE JAM.

theloaferonline.com | August 15, 2017

may contact Theatre Bristol at info@theatrebristol.org, or be present at any of the audition times. ANNIE opens November 17 at 7;30 pm, and runs the 18 at 7:30 pm, 19 at 2:30 pm, 24 at 7:30 pm, 25 at 7:30 pm, and 26 at 2:30 pm at the Paramount Center for the Arts. Tickets are $16 for adults and $12 for seniors and students, plus processing fees, and will be available at www.ParamountBristol.org. Theatre Bristol is pleased to present ANNIE as part of its family-friendly 52nd season, along with Three Times Three, The Adventures of Peter Rabbit, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Tom Sawyer, and Junie B. in Jingle Bells Batman Smells. Theatre Bristol's production of ANNIE: Book by THOMAS MEEHAN, Music by CHARLES STROUSE, Lyrics by MARTIN CHARNIN, Original Broadway Production Directed by MARTIN CHARNIN, Based on "Little Orphan Annie"®, By Permission of Tribune Content Agency, LLC. ANNIE is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also provided by MTI. www.MTIShows. com. For more information, visit Theatre Bristol’s website or Facebook page, contact Theatre Bristol at 423-212-3625, or email info@theatrebristol.org.

theloaferonline.com | March 28, 2017

heatre Bristol announces August 19, 20, and 21 audition dates for its upcoming holiday production of ANNIE, directed by Kenn Naegele. Veteran and novice actors are invited to audition at Theatre Bristol, 512 State Street, Bristol, TN. Roles are available for young and old, men and women, and there are opportunities to serve on the production crew. Important audition details, times for children and adults, music selections, and more are provided at www. theatrebristol.org/audition. This Thanksgiving, ANNIE brings together a family--one of her very own, including dog Sandy. This heartwarming family comedy is a perfect way to celebrate the holiday together, with favorite songs Maybe, It's a Hard Knock Life, Easy Street, N.Y.C., Little Girls, I Don't Need Anything But You, and, of course, Tomorrow. The much-loved story and music finally return to the Paramount Center for the Arts stage November 17-26 for six performances. Directing is Theatre Bristol veteran Kenn Naegele, who has performed in and directed more than 60 productions in his career in New York State and Tennessee. He most recently directed Oklahoma, and he is pleased to be directing one of his favorite shows at Theatre Bristol since last directing its production of South Pacific. Those interested in being a part of the production crew

to feature Jerry Pierce

Theatre Bristol Announces Auditions for "ANNIE" Roles available for men, women, children, and a dog

Friday Night Dance

Open Auditions

itizens are invited to put on their dancing shoes and join Senior Services on Aug. 18 for a Friday Night Dance featuring Jerry Pierce and the Nightlife Band. The dance will be held at Memorial Park Community Center, 510 Bert St., from 7-10 p.m. and is open to ages 50 and older. Admission is $5 per person; Silver Sneakers® discount is available for eligible members. Please register in person at the MPCC Senior Services desk. For more information, call (423)434-6237.

theloaferonline.com | August 15, 2017

Cody Jinks

Gets the party started with the Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race Pre-Race Concert

merging star Cody Jinks will bring his unique outlaw country and classic Southern rock sound to the Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race pre-race concert. Jinks, whose latest album "I'm Not the Devil" was released last August and debuted at Number Four on Billboard's Country Albums chart, will perform Saturday, Aug. 19 on the backstretch prior to Bristol's wildly popular driver introductions. "Cody Jinks is a throwback entertainer, known for his musical versatility and a take no prisoners approach to performing," said Jerry Caldwell, executive vice president and general manager of Bristol Motor Speedway. "His blend of country and rock will be the perfect counterpart to the electric atmosphere of the Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race." Jinks might be a rising star in the country music scene, but he has been around the music industry for 15 years. A native of Denton, Texas, Jinks has released seven country albums spanning 10+ years and a rock album prior to that. His authentic blend of country and rock styles is a tribute to his talent and his popularity among different sectors of music fans. His covers of Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" and Soundgarden's "Black Hole Sun," which was dedicated to the late Chris Cornell, have earned universal praise from critics and fans alike. "Over the last few years I've been fortunate enough to go to a few NASCAR races and have met a few guys from some of the teams," said Jinks. "I've been to Bristol for a race, but not the Night Race and now I get to play it. That's about as cool as it gets for me, what an honor!â&#x20AC;? While supplies last, Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race ticket holders may add on a prerace SuperPass and be stage-side (on the track) for the concert featuring Cody Jinks. The SuperPass also includes a Track Walk and track access for driver introductions. Tickets for the Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race week are still available. Two-day weekend packages start at just $99 for adults and $10 for kids (12-and-under). For more information, visit www.BristolTix.com or call 423-BRISTOL.

O5AIC, described by Tony Bennett as “the best vocal group I’ve heard,” will bring their special brand of music to the stage at Tusculum College on Wednesday, Aug. 16. The five-man vocal group will be performing at 7 p.m. in the auditorium of the Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Building on the Tusculum campus. The performance will be the first in the 2017-18 Acts, Arts, Academia performance and lecture series, coordinated by Tusculum Arts Outreach. MO5AIC performs a unique blend of R&B, pop, rock, jazz, big band and Top 40 songs with a twist. Offering a different face of a cappella music, the five-man group performs with no instruments, using just their voices and microphones to create a full sound that has audiences frequently puzzled about where the band is. MO5AIC features Josh Huslig, Heath Burgett, Jake Moulton, Corwyn Hodge and Roopak Ahuja. The group was started by Huslig, who was turned on to vocal music when he heard Prince’s “7” in high school and realized that the voice can be just as an interesting as the instruments accompanying it. As the vocalists came together, their talent first received widespread attention when they submitted a video to CBS News’ The Early Show, which was conducting a nationwide search for The Great A cappella Group.” The contest was judged by personal heroes of the members of MO5AIC, Boyz II Men, and they won. In 2008, MO5AIC earned more attention and accolades through MTV’s “Top Pop Group,” talent show. While the contestants were to be pop groups, MO5AIC found themselves as the only a cappella group competing and had to fight to keep their allvocal sound when asked to use instruments by the show’s executives. MO5AIC won the contest, much to the surprise of those executives. The group has opened for such acts as Stevie Wonder, Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas, Jay Leno and the late Prince and appeared on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.” MO5AIC’s talent also landed them a residency headlining the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $5 for students. The Acts, Arts, Academia performance and lecture series is supported by Tusculum Arts Outreach, Hearts for the Arts, the Tennessee Arts Commission, the late Dr. Sam Miller in memory of Agnes Ault Miller and generous donors and volunteers. To reserve tickets or for more information, contact Arts Outreach at 423-798-1620 or email jhollowell@tusculum.edu.

theloaferonline.com | August 15, 2017

MO5AIC to perform at Tusculum College

theloaferonline.com | August 15, 2017

The Steel Woods

theloaferonline.com | August 15, 2017

Added to musical lineup during Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race Week

here’s nothing like the mix of racing and music and Bristol Motor Speedway will have plenty of both during the upcoming Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race week. In addition to the previously announced Cody Jinks prerace concert on Saturday, Aug. 19, Southern rock band The Steel Woods and country music artist Lance Stinson highlight the musical offerings of the weekend. “The Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race week is all about entertainment,” said Jerry Caldwell, executive vice president and general manager of Bristol Motor Speedway. “We’re looking forward to these bands bringing another level of energy to an already exciting few days.” The Steel Woods will perform the post-race concert on Friday night, following completion of the Food City 300 NASCAR XFINITY Series race. They will perform at the NASCAR Trackside Live Stage, located in the Fan Zone near the iconic Bristol tower outside Turn 2. The Steel Woods, whose debut album Straw in the Wind was released in May, are working their way towards the top of the charts. The group’s album sits at No. 32 on the Americana Radio Chart. They recently made their Grand Ole Opry debut in July and were so well

received that they were asked to return August 8 for a second show. Announced last month, Jinks will bring his unique outlaw country and classic Southern rock sound to the Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race pre-race concert on Saturday, Aug. 19. He features an authentic blend of country and rock styles that have built a popular fan base among different sectors of music fans. His covers of Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” and Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun,” which was dedicated to the late Chris Cornell, have earned universal praise from critics and fans alike. Tickets for the Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race week are still available. For more information, visitwww.BristolTix.com or call 423-BRISTOL.

theloaferonline.com | August 15, 2017

Tony® Award-Winning Musical Rocks ‘N’ Rolls Barter Theatre

he Tony® Award-winning Broadway musical Million Dollar Quartet, inspired by the electrifying true story, rocks Barter Theatre’s Gilliam Stage on Aug. 18. Tickets are available starting at just $20 for each show and are on sale now at Barter Theatre and on Bartertheatre.com. On December 4, 1956, an auspicious twist of fate brought together four young musicians – Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley. Sam Phillips, the undisputed Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll who was responsible for launching the careers of each of these icons, gathered the four legendary singer/songwriters at the Sun Records studio in Memphis for the first and only time. The result? One of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll jam sessions in history. Million Dollar Quartet brings that unbelievable evening to life with an irresistible tale of broken promises, secrets, betrayal, humor, and celebration, featuring timeless and enduring hits including “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Fever,” “That’s All Right,” “Sixteen Tons,” “I Walk the Line,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “Hound Dog,” and more. The cast of Million Dollar Quartet features Bill Morey as Jay Perkins (Brother Jay), Jon Rossi as Fluke, Taylor Gray as Jerry Lee Lewis, Luke Darnell as Sam Philips, Austin Hohnke as Carl Perkins, Peter Oyloe as Johnny Cash, with Tiffan Borelli as Dyanne and Daniel Durston as Elvis Presley. The show is directed by Susanne Boulle, and features the book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux, with original concept and direction by Floyd Mutrux. The design team includes Hana Lee Goff (set designer), Lee Martin (costume designer), Andrew Morehouse (lighting designer) and Tony Angelini (sound designer). Million Dollar Quartet won a Tony® Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical and received two Tony® nominations, one for Best Musical and one for Best Book of a Musical (Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux). The show received an Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical, a Drama Desk nomination for Outstanding Musical Revue, and three Drama League nominations including Distinguished Production of a Musical and Distinguished Performance. Million Dollar Quartet is produced by Team Gershwin, in association with Barter Theatre and Theatrical Rights Worldwide. Visit the Million Dollar Quartet website at www.MillionDollarQuartet.net.

Kicks Off the New Season at NPAC

With dashing good looks, a guitar and a southern style, Easton Corbin is bringing a little bit of country to Greeneville to kick off the 2017-2018 season at NPAC. The country singer from Florida will be performing Saturday, August 26th at 7:30 PM at NPAC.

hen Easton Corbin first broke into the country music scene in 2009, he did so with a bang by releasing two No. 1 singles -- “A Little More Country than That” and “Roll with It.” With those two hit singles, he became the first country male artist in 17 years to have his first two consecutive singles reach No. 1. After that, the world took notice. Corbin’s track record now includes three American Country Awards, the title of Billboard’s Top New Country Artist of 2010 and performances with some of the biggest names in country music. He is lauded for his traditional country sound, authentic lyrics and mastery of understatement. American Songwriter says, "Easton Corbin has one of those rare, glorious voices that was made – just made – for singing country music.” Corbin’s last album About To Get Real was a No. 1 selling album that included his emotional “Are You With Me” and his Top 5 hit “Baby Be My Love Song” and was the followup to his first two successful albums which included his now signature No. 1 hits as well as the Top 5 hits “Lovin’ You Is Fun” and “All Over The Road.” Corbin performed before sold out crowds in 2016 on Carrie Underwood’s The Storyteller Tour and released his fourth album this year with “A Girl Like You,” his new single with a mix of romance, twang and drum-machined beats. Easton Corbin performs at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center (NPAC) in historic downtown Greeneville, TN on Saturday, August 26th at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $50 for orchestra level seating, $45 for mezzanine seating and $40 for balcony seats. Tickets are on sale now for all performances for the entire 2017-2018 season and may be purchased online at www. npacgreeneville.com, in person at the NPAC box office, or by calling 423638-1679. NPAC offers online seat selection with no processing or delivery fees. There is a $1.50 ticketing fee per ticket regardless of purchase method. The box office hours are Monday through Friday, 10 AM until 5 PM. The 1150 seat performing arts center is located adjacent to the campus of Greeneville High School. For venue information, and to purchase tickets, please visit www.npacgreeneville. com.

theloaferonline.com | August 15, 2017

Easton Corbin

Revamped Music Lineup for Race Week

Holston River Brewing Company announces

theloaferonline.com | August 15, 2017

ace Week at The Brewery just got better. John McGlocklin, Entertainment Director, just announced a revamped music lineup. Starting things off on Thursday night is the Marcus Boyd Band playing from 8:30 – 11:30. Then on Friday Below 7 takes the main stage from 9:00 – 1:00. Finally, on Saturday, Race Night, H.B. Beverly takes the stage starting at 10:00 to allow race fans a chance to get there. As an added courtesy to their customers and race fans, The Brewery will operate a shuttle between their parking lot and BMS on both Friday and Saturday. Friday, the shuttle will operate from 1:00 PM thru 11:00 PM. Hours on Saturday begin at 9:00 AM and continue until after the race. If you haven’t had the opportunity to hear Marcus Boyd, you’re in for a treat. Based out of Music City, this Southwest Virginia native grew up playing country, bluegrass and gospel music and then became acquainted with rock, blues and classical styles. His professional influences include Tom Petty, Garth Brooks, Vince Gill, Leo Kottke and Counting Crows. His music is a blend of traditional country, bluegrass, modern country and rock. Should be quite the entertaining show!

Below 7 is a rock band out of Saltville, Virginia. A very energetic band with a wide following, they will provide a nice contrast to Marcus Boyd when they take the stage Friday night. Then local artist H.B. Beverly will close out the weekend with his Americana style of music that has built quite the local fan base. He takes the stage at 10:00. A nice lineup of different styles, Race Weekend at The Brewery will be the place to be.

he original photographs in this exhibit were created by participants in an eight-week “Artful Aging” workshop taught by Katie Sheffield, ETSU visual resources curator, using film-based darkroom developing and printing techniques. The workshop is one of several creative arts workshops offered by the Johnson City Public Library through a “Seeding Artful Aging” grant. The library was one of only 15 nonprofit organizations throughout the United States to receive one of these grants from Aroha Philanthropies. “Artful Aging” programs are designed to inspire and enable older adults to learn, make and share the arts in ways that are novel, complex and socially engaging. Their work is driven by “teaching artists whose creative process and understanding of older adults bring joy, connection, improved health and well-being, and a renewed sense of purpose to older adults in community and residential settings.” The Slocumb Galleries, located in Ball Hall, 232 Sherrod Drive on the ETSU campus, are open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., with extended hours until 6 p.m. on Thursday and during receptions. For more information on the exhibit or reception, contact Slocumb Galleries Director Karlota Contreras-Koterbay at 423-483-3179 or contrera@etsu.edu. For disability accommodations, call the ETSU Office of Disability Services at 423-439-8346. For more information on “Seeding Artful Aging” activities sponsored by the JCPL, contact Lisa Williams at 423-434-4356 or lwilliams@jcpl.net.

21 theloaferonline.com | August 15, 2017

or the first time in 26 years a total solar eclipse will occur in our country, and it will darken the skies from Oregon to South Carolina. This rare occurrence will be viewable here in Bristol as well. The city’s Parks and Recreation Department is organizing an event on Monday, August 21 in Steele Creek Park beginning at 2:00 p.m. The staff will have two sun scopes set-up along with a meteorite display. 200 pairs of eclipse glasses will be available, free of charge, while supplies last. In our area, the eclipse will peak at 2:37 pm EDT, when the moon will obscure 95 % of the sun. In areas where the total eclipse takes place the sky will go dark for a few minutes, the temperature will drop, stars will appear, and the birds will become confused and begin singing their nighttime songs. “This will be an exciting opportunity to share a rare occurrence with friends in a unique setting. We invite everyone to come out and enjoy the eclipse festivities,” said Jeremy Stout, Nature Center Manager For more information contact Jeremy Stout at 423-989-5616 or jstout@ bristoltn.org

Exhibit on display at Slocumb Galleries

at Steele Creek Park

‘Home and Family’

See The Eclipse

“Home and Family,” an exhibit of black-and-white photographs, is on display at East Tennessee State University’s Slocumb Galleries through Aug. 25. A reception is planned for Thursday, Aug. 17, from 5-7 p.m.

- SATURDAY - August 19th -

- FRIDAY - August 18th -

Broke-N-Busted Holston River Brewing Company

The Jae Marie Project Band Wild Wing Cafe

Gomer & The 3 Pyles Painter Creek Marina

Downtown Country Jiggy Ray’s Pizzeria

The Ragbirds The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room

Blowin Smoke Sonny’s Cafe

Stemwinder Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill

Harper and the Bears Sleepy Owl Brewery

Byzantine Capone’s

Lamayah Acoustic Coffeehouse

Jerry Pierce & Nightlife Band Johnson City Senior Center

Old Movie Night Bears Bar

Hunter Grigg Wild Wing Cafe

Benton Blount 12pm Lance Stinson 2pm Chris Hennessee 4pm & 5:30pm DJ Ty Street 9pm The Tailgaters 10pm at Earhart Campground

DJ Ty Street 12:30pm The Tailgaters 3pm & 5:30pm at Earhart Campground

Arsonists Get All The Girls w/ I Set My Friends on Fire The Hideaway

Under The Table Band Painter Creek Marina

Open Mic The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room

Crazy Like Lexi Sonny’s Cafe

Greg Garing/ Community Center Acoustic Coffeehouse Open Mic Woodstone Deli Johnny Cox Acoustic Set Bears Bar

Hoopers Ball ft JC Flow Arts Gypsy Circus Cider Company

- WEDNESDAY - August 16th -

- THURSDAY - August 17th Jam w/ Jason Decristofaro Wellington’s Restaurant Coal Creek Sportsmans Pub Mark Larkins Los Amigo’s Dan Deel 5pm Chris Hennessee 7pm Benton Blount 9:45pm at Earhart Campground Benny Wilson Sonny’s Cafe Nostalgia Duo at Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza Annabelle’s Curse Allandale Mansion 7 Mile Mushroom Model City Tap House The Steve Smith Acoustic Coffeehouse Live Music Woodstone Deli Marcus Boyd Band Holston River Brewing Company Shake It Like A Caveman Studio Brew Open Talent Night Bears Bar Shooter Band Food City Family Race Nite Bristol

49 Winchester / Dead 27’s Founders After 5 The Local Honeys Down Home Borderline Band Lakeview Marina Marker II Westwend Acoustic Coffeehouse Below 7 Holston River Brewing Company Hillbilly Soul Quaker Steak & Lube 3.0 Country Club Bar & Grill Shooter Band Elizabethton Elks Lodge

- SATURDAY - August 19th Drop Dead Dangerous Wild Wing Cafe William Wild w/ Corey Kilgann The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room Kaitlyn Baker Down Home The Roan Crows Jiggy Ray’s Pizzeria Cambium Sleepy Owl Brewery Nightshift Band Bristol Country Show Palace The PF Flyers David Thompson’s Produce

Jackdaw’s 7 Our House Restaurant Sundown Band Smyth County Moose The Diamonds Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill Rock & Roll Freakshow Los Amigo’s Breadfoot Acoustic Coffeehouse H.B. Beverly Holston River Brewing Company Acoustifried Quaker Steak & Lube From The Edge Lakeview Marina Marker II Justin Crider, Junkyard Dogz Bears Bar Rusty Steel w/ Quarter Bounce Country Club Bar & Grill

- SUNDAY - August 20th ORWS The Hideaway Drop Dead Dangerous Sonny’s Cafe Charlie Millikin Acoustic Coffeehouse Ivy Road Lakeview Marina Marker II The Bosses Live Brews and Tunes

- MONDAY - August 21st Eric Paslay / Chris Lane Appalachian Fair

- TUESDAY - August 22nd Brett Young Appalachian Fair Stemwinder at Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza Downtown Country Jiggy Ray’s Pizzeria Asylum Suite Holston River Brewing Company

theloaferonline.com

theloaferonline.com | August 15, 2017

- TUESDAY - August 15th -

If you or your band are playing in the upcoming week and would like to be in The Spotlight, call in advance to (423) 283-4324 or go online to: theloaferonline.com. Due to last minute cancellations or changes, please call the location to confirm.

for show time & more details, visit

Spotlight

Country Club Bar & Grill 3080 W State St Bristol 423-844-0400

Model City Tap House 324 E Market St. Kingsport 423-765-0875

Bear's Bar 4460 Highway 421 Bristol TN 423-502-1975

Holiday Inn (Exit 7) 3005 Linden Dr. Bristol VA 276-466-4100

Quaker Steak & Lube 629 State St. Bristol VA 276-644-9464

Bone Fire Smokehouse at the Hardware 260 W Main St Abingdon VA 276-623-0037

Holston River Brewing Company 2623 Volunteer Pkwy Bristol TN

Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill 3119 Bristol Hwy. Johnson City 423-262-0444

CJ’S Sports Bar 516 Morelock St. Kingsport 423-390-1361

Lakeview Marina 474 Lakeside Dock Drive Kingsport

KARAOKE

TUESDAY Karaoke w/ Tina and West at Dawg House Tavern Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Logans Karaoke w/ Marques at Painter Creek Marina Karaoke with Top shelf Entertainment at Boomershine’s Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City TN *********************** WEDNESDAY Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at American Legion 8pm Karaoke at CJ’s Sports Bar Karaoke w/ DJ Marquez & Top Shelf Entertainment at Holston River Brewing Company Karaoke w/ DJ Brad & Top Shelf Entertainment at Quaker Steak & Lube Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Smokey Bones - Johnson City TN Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN *********************** THURSDAY Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Macado’s - Kingsport Karaoke at CJ’s Sports Bar Karaoke w/ Marques at Painter Creek Marina Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City TN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at New Beginning’s Karaoke at Jiggy Rays Pizzaria ***********************

Sonny’s Marina & Café 109 One Street Gray, TN 423-282-9440

FRIDAY Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at Sportsman’s Bar & Grill 9pm Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Los Amigos - Kingsport Karaoke w/ Shane Rouse at Bear’s Bar Karaoke at Kingsport Moose Lodge Karaoke w/ Reverb Karaoke at The Cottage 8:30 pm Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN Karaoke w/ Toddzilla at Sportsmans Pub Karaoke at CJ’s Sports Bar Karaoke w/ DJ Brad & Top Shelf Entertainment at BoBo’s - Damascus VA Karaoke at Elizabethton VFW Karaoke w/ DJ Marquez & Top Shelf Entertainment at Holiday Inn (Exit 7) - Bristol VA Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City TN *********************** SATURDAY Karaoke at The Horseshoe Lounge Karaoke w/ Toddzilla at Sportsmans Pub Karaoke at Kingsport Moose Lodge Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Macado’s - Kingsport Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City TN ***********************

23 theloaferonline.com | August 15, 2017

SPOTLIGHT DIRECTORY

Acoustic Coffeehouse 415 W Walnut St. Johnson City 423-434-9872

theloaferonline.com | August 15, 2017

Marq's Top 10 Eclipse Tips The day is almost here that will turn to night for more than two minutes in the afternoon, and millions of Americans can’t wait to blackout!

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he media hype is fever pitched, and you undoubtedly know more about a total solar eclipse than you ever imagined. It will be the Great American Eclipse, so take time to enjoy. The next total solar eclipse crossing the United States will be April 8, 2024 when the swath of totality goes from San Antonio, Texas to Cleveland, Ohio. So, I’ve put together a Top 10 list of eclipse tips to be mindful and make it a good experience.

DO NOT LOOK AT THE SUN WITH ANY OPTICAL DEVICE. You WILL hurt your eyes. That includes binoculars, rifle sights, telescopes. Only with proper Sun filters and precautions can you keep your eyes safe. BE SMART WITH YOUR SMART PHONE. The partial phases can, and will for some, fry the cell phone camera. Put a solar eyeglass filter over the camera lens. But during the final seconds and through totality taking cell phone photos will be okay.

Stargazer

By Mark Marquette since 1996 stargazermarq@ gmail.com

GET THERE EARLY. Wherever you plan to watch the partial phases and/or totality, get there early. Even if your destination is your own backyard to get relaxed and enjoy. This will be largest mass movement of humans to see an event of nature ever, so don’t underestimate the traffic jams on the Interstates that probably will happen by late Monday morning. LOOK DOWN, OBSERVE NATURE. Not everything cool about an eclipse of the Sun is happening in the sky. During the partial phase tree leaves will act like pinholes and there will be hundreds of crescent Suns on the ground, picnic tables and vehicles. If more than 95 per cent partial you might witness shadows soften and a dimming like twilight. It will get a little cooler. During totality, cows will head for the barn, roosters will crow and maybe lightning bugs will start their mating ritual. Be aware of all your senses. EVERY TOTAL ECLIPSE LASTS 8 SECONDS. That’s the advice from seasoned total eclipse chasers, who say it is easy to get distracted and, boom, it’s over. So, have any photos preplanned and camera on a tripod with all settings made and just a few images planned. Best advice is kick back in a lawn chair with binoculars around your neck for the total phase and a camera beside you for a few steady shots.

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DON’T OBSESS ABOUT PHOTOS. That’s right. Everyone will want to take their own photos, but there are thousands of professionals and even more outstanding amateur photographers who have planned for months to capture that fantastic image.

ENJOY THOSE PROFESSIONAL PHOTOS There will be some jaw-dropping and clever photos and videos made of the Great American Eclipse. Check them out all over the Internet, and one of the best places will be spaceweather.com, space.com, astronomy.com and skyandtelescope.com. KEEP THOSE SOLAR EYEGLASSES. You can use those solar eyeglasses anytime on the Sun, and sometimes there are some big sunspots than can be seen naked eye. Or put them in an envelope and label it “Do Not Open ‘Til April 8, 2024,” the next total solar eclipse in America. DON’T CUSS THE WEATHERMAN. Sunday night’s meteorologists might be the most watched forecast in history as several million people will be wanting to know if it will be clear at their primary observing choice, or will they be forced to travel to a backup, clear site.

LET THE ECLIPSE MAKE AN IMPRESSION. Sit back and enjoy the hype and big day of the Great American Eclipse, no matter what the weather. It will still get dark as night in the totality belt where some places will probably be cloudy on a hot, August afternoon. If you’re seeing a partial phase, enjoy that too. If you’re an artist, let the eclipse provide an inspiration for a song, sketch, photo, painting, pottery or poem. Be sensical and safe this special Eclipse Monday, Aug. 21st. And if you’ve got a great story to tell or image to share, eclipse me with an email.

New Moon total eclipse of the Sun on Monday leaves the evenings with moonless nights and a great time to learn the dot-to-dot patterns of the constellations. Use a planisphere that dials in the sky for any time of year, or download a star chart from Sky Maps.com and begin learning the familiar patterns known since ancient time. Enjoy the Great American Eclipse! Tuesday, August 15

Looking west in the early evening you’ll see a yellowish star dominating—Arcturus in Boötes the Herdsman. The third brightest of all the stars we see, this beautiful star is 37 Light Years away, fairly close to Earth: that’s why it appears so bright. Arcturus will set around midnight.

the twilight and form a giant Summer Triangle with Vega. as it gets darker in the west, bright Arcturus will appear.

Saturday, August 19

Wednesday, August 16

Don’t forget Jupiter high in the western sky and Saturn directly south as darkness grips our Summer nights. Any telescope will thrill the observer as the moons of Jupiter and rings of Saturn are clearly visible.

Scorpius looks like a giant fishhook with red star Antares in the creature’s heart. To the left is Sagittarius the Archer, though the outline is that of a Teapot. Out of the spout is steam in the form of the Milky Way. Above the spout is the center of our Galaxy, and looking in that direction—unseen by all the stars blocking our view—is a tremendous Black Hole! Astronomers have discovered that most other galaxies have a Black Hole in the center…and they are not sure why.

Thursday, August 17

Sunday, August 20

My daughter, Jessie, turns 21, and she’s had a rich experience about the influence of astronomy in our world history. I hope Jessie remembers that no matter what the changes of human affairs on Earth, both personally and globally, the same starlight in tonight’s sky has shown down for millions of years, and will be the same stars millions of years from now. I also remind Jessie that just because silly astrology says she’s a Leo, she’s really a Marquette!

Friday, August 18

After a long day’s work, it’s relaxing to sit under the twilight sky and watch the stars come out. The brightest ones overhead and east will be first, and look for Vega directly overhead. Deneb to the north and Altair to the south will pop out of

Dark skies mean the Milky Way will be easy to see from a dark site free of light pollution. Spanning from north in Cygnus the Swan to south in Sagittarius, a pair of binoculars will provide lots of entertainment. Dark nebula, star clusters and star after star after star are revealed in this long arm of our Milky Way Galaxy.

Monday, August 21

IT’S HERE! Great American Eclipse! If traveling, leave early, be prepared for delays everywhere, and have patience. Remember, today may be the largest mass movement of humanity to witness any natural, scientific event. AND don’t forget, people will be driving back to their homes Monday afternoon and night, so drive respectfully and arrive safe.

25 theloaferonline.com | August 15, 2017

THIS WEEK

SKIES

Celestial events in the skies for the week of August 15-21, 2017 as compiled for The Loafer by Mark D. Marquette.

theloaferonline.com | August 15, 2017

Requiem for a VCR

Batteries Not Included

By Andy Ross aross@ theloaferonline.com

fter going back and forth with my internet provider about this, they insisting there were no outages in my area, I went down to my basement office to look at things. As I got closer and closer to my desk I noticed everything was off. No computer, no lights on my router, or lights on my modem. I went out to the breaker box, sure enough, the breaker labeled “Basement Outlets” was off. Simply flipping it back on didn’t help either, it went right back off again. After a day long process of trial and error, it turned out that lighting ran in on the surge protector that powers my home theater. This is what was tripping the breaker. I bought a new surge protector, and hooked everything back up--not a small task as the back of my Home Theater is a dense jungle of cords, cables, and wires.

There was an awful storm about a week ago. It knocked the power out for a few minutes at the house. When the power returned, some things were not back--the internet was out for hours.

Plugged in, I flipped the power switch on the new surge protector. A click was heard and then it all went off again. There was still something in the long chain of equipment causing the breaker to trip. When I finally discovered what it was my heart sank. The source of the power surge was my VCR. The VCR that has been in my family for decades. I realize what you may be saying right now. “Andy, it’s 2017. Who uses a VCR anymore?” I’ll tell you who does. Committed movie freaks like me! That’s who! In addition to all the DVDs and blu-rays and-in my case--laserdiscs, there are countless hours of rare and hard to find movies I have on VHS. A few years ago I began an effort to convert the more obscure of the material to DVD, so the loss isn’t as great as it may sound. But still, it sucks that I am no longer able to pop in an orange VHS of “Clarissa Explains it

All” whenever I get that whim. The Ross Family VCR got me through endless hours of Marx Brothers and Abbott & Costello movies as a kid, worked hard during my teenage years to record “Mystery Science Theater 3000” off the sci-fi channel, and then in its later years worked hard so I could get those rare tapes and precious home movies converted. Now getting a replacement VCR is absolutely an option. I can scrounge around thrift stores and get one that fits my needs (needs to be a four head at the least). But the old friend had just so much power stored up in it from that storm that it’ll trip every breaker it comes in contact with. It’s gone off to that big Magnavox show room in the sky. Thankfully, I got the tape to the Clue VCR game converted before it died. Can you imagine NOT being able to play that? See you next week.

theloaferonline.com

Fast Facts:

Bristol Motor Speedway was established in 1961. Bristol Motor Speedway Dimensions • 0.533-mile concrete oval known as the “World’s Fastest Half Mile”. • Concrete racing surface is 40-feet wide • Straightaways are 650-feet long NASCAR stands for “National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing”. The creation of NASCAR is credited to bootleggers, who began modifying their cars to outrun the police. The first NASCAR race was held in Feb. of 1948 on the beach in Daytona, Florida NASCAR race cars use a 4-speed transmission. NASCAR uses an unleaded, ethanol fuel blend. Nitrogen is used in the tires rather than air because it has a more consistent rate of expansion and contraction. NASCAR drivers can experience 3 Gs of force against their bodies, comparable to the forces pressing down on shuttle astronauts at liftoff. Drivers can lose up to 10 pounds of fluid weight during a race through sweat.

Friday, August 18, 2017

Food City 300 & Pinty's Qualifying 2:00 PM - Lance Stinson Concert / Earhart Campground 2:45 PM to 3:30 PM - Andy Ross - American Rebel Concert NASCAR Trackside Live Stage / Fan Zone 3:00 PM - Speedway Children's Charities Meade Tractor Cornhole Tournament 3:00 PM - Monster Energy / Bellator MMA Legends Fight Autograph Session with Phil Davis & Dan Henderson / Earhart Campground 3:40 PM- Pinty's Qualifying for Food City 300 NASCAR Xfinity Series Qualifying (All Positions) 4:00 PM - Chris Hennessee Concert / Earhart Campground 5:00 PM - Monster Energy Freestyle Motocross Demo / Earhart Campground 5:30 PM to 6:15 PM - Wyldeheart Concert / NASCAR Trackside Live / Fan Zone 5:30 PM - Chris Hennessee Concert / Earhart Campground 5:45 PM - Pinty's Qualifying for Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race Qualifying (3 Rounds - All Positions) 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM - Billy Crawford Band / NASCAR Trackside Live / Fan Zone 6:30 PM - Monster Energy Freestyle Motocross Demo / Earhart Campground 7:00 PM - Food City 300 NASCAR Xfinity Series Driver Introductions 7:30 PM to conclusion of Event - Start of Food City 300 NASCAR Xfinity Series (300 Laps, 159.9 Miles) 9:00 PM - DJ Ty Street / Earhart Campground 10:00 PM - Still Woods Concert / NASCAR Trackside Live / Fan Zone 10:00 PM - The Tailgaters Concert / Earhart Campground

Saturday, August 19, 2017 Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race 9:00 AM - Speedway Children's Charities Meade Tractor Cornhole Tournament 9:00 AM - Speedway Children's Charities 50/50 Raffle booths open / Various locations 11:00 AM - DJ Ty Street / Earhart Campground 12:00 PM - Speedway Children's Charities Meade Tractor Cornhole Tournament 12:15 PM to 1:00 PM - Caveman Concert / NASCAR Trackside Live Stage / Fan Zone 12:30 PM - Monster Energy Freestyle Motocross Demo / Earhart Campground 1:00 PM to 6:30 PM - Cold Pass 1:00 PM to conclusion of Driver Intros - Pre Race Garage Experience 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM - Track Walk/Tours (must enter no later than 3:30PM) 1:00 PM - Dirty Grass Soul Concert / Earhart Campground 1:15 PM to 2:00 PM - Rossdafareye Concert / NASCAR Trackside Live Stage / Fan Zone 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM - Andy Ross - American Rebel Concert NASCAR Trackside Live Stage / Fan Zone 2:30 PM - Monster Energy Freestyle Motocross Demo / Earhart Campground 3:00 PM - Speedway Children's Charities Meade Tractor Cornhole Tournament 3:00 PM - The Tailgaters Concert / Earhart Campground 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM - Kids Autograph Session (1st 100 Kids) Kevin Harvick and Daniel Saurez/ Fan Zone 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM - NASCAR Trackside Live Stage / Fan Zone 4:00 PM to 4:20 PM - Dale Jr. Appearance / Mt. Dew Display / Midway 4:00 PM - Monster Energy/Bellator MMA Live Fights Earhart Campground 5:15 PM to 5:45 PM - Moose Roberts / NASCAR Trackside Live / Fan Zone 5:30 PM - The Tailgaters Concert / Earhart Campground 5:45 PM to 6:30 PM - Pre Race Concert 6:50 PM - Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race Driver Introductions 7:30 PM to conclusion of Event - Start of Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race (500 Laps, 266.5 Miles)

For a complete schedule, visit: www.bristolmotorspeedway.com/fans/fan-schedule/

27 theloaferonline.com | August 15, 2017

SCHEDULE continued from page 7

theloaferonline.com | August 15, 2017

SCC Ready for August Race Weekend with many memory-making opportunities

The Bristol chapter of Speedway Children's Charities (SCC) has numerous opportunities during the Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race week that will both create amazing memories from the week, including a driver intro ride along with Dale Earnhardt Jr., but also make a difference raising money for children in need. "We have so many unique events that serve two purposes: to create a precious memory during race week and to help raise money for local children in the community," said Claudia Byrd, executive director of Speedway Children's Charities. "We invite everyone to come and be a part of the Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race festivities while also making a difference in the lives of those kids who need difference makers in their lives." The Bristol Ultimate Experiences Online Auction runs until Aug. 16. Auction items include the opportunity to ride with one of NASCAR's superstars during driver introductions for Saturday night's Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race. Drivers on the auction block include Earnhardt Jr., Kyle Busch, Joey Logano, Kevin Harvick, Danica Patrick and more. Junior fans will have two chances to win as he will be competing in both the Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race and Food City 300 NASCAR

ome of SCC's opportunities include the Bristol Ultimate Experiences Online Auction, Memorabilia Live Auction, Night Race 5K presented by Bojangles, Meade Tractor Cornhole Classic, Half-Mile Hot Laps driven by Seat Time Racing School, the Night Race 5K presented by Bojangles, the 50/50 Raffle presented by Grand Home Furnishings and Johnsonville Brats sales in the Midway.

SCC continued on page 38

theloaferonline.com | August 15, 2017

10 Groundbreaking Summer Blockbusters

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As the summer movie season is winding down, and with "Wonder Woman" declared the 2017 summer box office winner, I decided to turn back time and list what I feel are the 10 most groundbreaking summer blockbuster films of all time. The films on my list may have been eclipsed at the box office by other films, but the films on my list were first and important nonetheless.

Pop Life

By Ken Silvers ksilvers@ theloaferonline.com

"Jaws". Released in the summer of 1975, "Jaws" is considered the father of summer blockbuster films. The Steven Spielberg directed film left beach-goers horrified to set foot in the ocean after experiencing this thrilling film. The film was the highest-grossing film of all time until we get to #2 on my list. "Jaws" is the perfect film to watch at a summer pool party. Try it.

"Star Wars". Hitting theaters in May of 1977 with a bang, the epic space opera forever changed the way sci-fi films were made. I will never forget the first time I saw this movie on the big screen. I was left breathless during and after the film, and became a forever fan of Luke Skywalker and his friends in that galaxy far, far away. We should be forever grateful to George Lucas for bringing these beloved characters into our lives.

"Jurassic Park". Once again Steven Spielberg was able to delight movie fans with a "monster". This time in the form of a T-Rex and other assorted dinosaurs. When the film was released to theaters in the summer of 1993, movie fans were amazed with the realistic dinosaurs presented in the films. I will never forget the scene with the raptors in the kitchen of the park where the cloned dinosaurs were on display. Thrilling. Years later we are waiting on yet anther sequel to be released in June of 2018. More summer fun can be expected.

"Batman". The summer of 1989 finally brought the caped crusader to the big screen in a film worthy of his storied history. In the hands of director Tim Burton, the Gothic styled film featured a classic performance from Jack Nicholson as the Joker, and proved to doubters that Michael Keaton could pull off a capable Dark Knight. The film started a new wave of "Batmania" that had not been seen since the campy Batman show of the 1960's. Even though Superman beat Batman to the big screen, the Dark Knight proved to have the edge at the box office. Plus, one can ever forget the awesome bat symbol movie poster. Being a huge Batman fan, this was the beginning of a string of Batman films, except for one misstep, that kept me happy.

"Independence Day". This film made its presence know on July 3rd of 1996 with plenty of bang for your bucks, resulting in movie fans jamming theaters. The Will Smith sci-fi thriller, made us nervous in the anticipation of pending alien attacks on every major city in the world. The special effects were amazing and it was an event to attend a film with this title on or around the 4th of July. The film burned up the box office was nicknamed "ID4". Even though the film holds a special place in the hearts of many movie fans, a tepid sequel left us cold and disappointed.

"E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial". When this film debuted in the summer of 1982, most films had featured villainous and horrible outer-space aliens. When the lovable alien know as ET made his appearance, he left movie fans with a warm feeling in their hearts and a tear in their eyes when he left his Earth bound best friend Elliott to return home. The film was so popular it provided a boom in sales for the candy Reese's Pieces, featured prominently in the story. The scene of ET and Elliott flying on his bicycle in front of the moon is a classic cinema moment. Spielberg did it again.

"Spider-Man". In the summer of 2002 fans of the web-slinger finally got to see their hero swing across New York City with the special effects the character deserved. The character was originally supposed to have his own film over 25 years before the release of this film, but I think we can all be grateful it was delayed due to the advance in special effects. Actor Tobey Maguire brought the character of Peter Parker/Spider-Man to life, and though many had mixed feelings about his performance, he will always be the first Spidey. The film broke box office records making the film a must-see in 2002. Years later we are now on our third Spider-Man, but this film will forever be remembered as the classic film it is.

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"Alien". Did I mention friendly outer-space aliens earlier in my list? Well, the summer of 1979 featured the release of this chilling film featuring the first appearance of the alien that begins life by attaching to the mouth of a human or any other available creature, and is eventually "born" by bursting through its hosts chest. The creature matures extremely fast into a horrific being with an extremely large mouth and acid for blood. Not exactly something you would want to encounter in a dark alley. The film is like being trapped in a carnival fun house you desperately want to flee. The smashing success of the film led to sequels, one of which was released earlier this year. I will never forget the tag line for the film: "In space no one can hear you scream."

"Terminator 2: Judgement Day." The 1991 film is a sequel to the moderately successful "Terminator" film, but in this case part 2 blew the original out of the water. Arnold Schwarzenegger really makes the character his own in this film, despite being challenged by the very impressive and improved shape shifting T-1000, played to perfection by Robert Patrick. The film also proved actress Linda Hamilton could hold her own with any male action hero. Despite a few less-than-stellar sequels, "T2" will forever be remembered as a classic summer sci-fi film. Honorable mention: "Wonder Woman". The hottest film of the summer of 2017 was the top grossing film featuring a female superhero, and proved a woman director, Patty Jenkins, could helm the lead of a summer blockbuster. So there it is, my list of some of the most groundbreaking summer blockbusters of all time. If you have your favorites I would love to hear from you! See you at the movies!

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"Raiders of the Lost Ark". Did I just mention Steven Spielberg? The director has yet another film on my list in the form of the Harrison Ford starring vehicle. This film hankered back to the days of the film serials of the 1930's and 40's, and proved you can make old things new again while keeping a sense of nostalgia intact. Ford was perfectly cast as the fedora wearing Nazi fighter. The film was pure fun for those who attended the film in the summer of 1981, and an eventual sequel brought about the "PG-13" rating. The theme song, along with the "Star Wars" theme, is one of the most memorable in cinema history.

theloaferonline.com | August 15, 2017

and Celestial Festival

Eclipse Block Party

Ethan Funderburk, Anna Floyd and Mike Floyd Photo by Whitney S. Williams

n celebration of the "Great American Solar Eclipse" the Town of Jonesborough will be hosting an Eclipse Block Party and Celestial Festival on Monday, August 21st from 1pm- 4pm. The event will be filled with everything celestialthemed from food, crafts and live music. Educational talks provided by Dr. Rico Ignace, Astro physicist professor at ETSU, will be held in the theatre at the Storytelling Center. There will be a live feed of the Eclipse crossing over America provided by NASA streaming in the lobby of the Storytelling Center. Adding to the fun, the Heritage Alliance and the McKinney Center will be leading eclipse-themed crafts in Jimmy Neil Smith Park along with celestial face painting. Enjoy a special setlist from the Ozone Rangers who will be playing live on the plaza of the Storytelling Center from 12:30pm- 2pm. Then, join Dr. Rico on the Plaza as the eclipse coverage reaches its maximum and have an opportunity to view the sun through his telescope and UV filter. Several merchants and restaurants will offer eclipse specials and fun treats. Artists will also be dotted along Main Street selling celestial-themed crafts and more. There will be an extremely limited number of viewing glasses available the day of. In addition, there will be limited Jonesborough Solar Eclipse souvenirs to commemorate the once in a lifetime event. For more information call the Jonesborough Visitor Center at 423-753-1010 or visit the event website www.celestialfestival.com.

Festivals

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Events

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Concerts

Exhibits

The Biltmore House It stands over 5 stories tall. It has a footprint of over 178,926 square feet of floor space that includes 135,280 square feet of living area. It is the largest privately owned house in the United States. It has been owned by the same family since the first day it opened on Christmas Eve, 1895. It is commonly known as the Biltmore House.

Appalachian Wanderers

By Jason & Daniel Worley jdworley@ theloaferonline.com

ny visitor arriving at the Biltmore House today will still be just as awe inspired as visitors were a hundred years ago. Upon entering the three-mile-long approach road, visitors are faced with the massive brick and pebbledash lodge gate standing almost 4 stories tall. This structure alone should set you up for what you are getting ready to experience. As you snake your way up the approach road, you’ll find you anticipation of seeing the house heightened (almost a sense of mystery) by the magnificent forest all around you. Finally, visitors pass through the iron gates and pillars that are topped by early 19th-century French stone sphinxes and enter the expansive court of the house. You may think you have arrived in Loire Valley of France. The magnificent French Renaissance chateau with intertwined features of a 16th century castle stands in front of you. But wait, I thought we were in Asheville North Carolina? Builder/owner George Vanderbilt loved to travel and crossed the Atlantic more than 60 times in this lifetime. After finding the beauty of the southern Appalachians in 1888 on a trip with his mother, Vanderbilt bought up over 125,000 acres of land and picked out this location for his grand house. Now that the land was purchased, he was ready to travel to Europe for inspiration. With his architect, Richard Morris Hunt, at his side, Vanderbilt visited the castles and lands of European estates. The end result, of course, was The Biltmore Estate. Upon entering the massive vestibule, you will be greeted in the entrance hall. This was the first thing guests would see once inside the house. Here the floors are paved with marble, and the walls and arches of Indiana limestone will take your breath away. As you look around and see the Winter Garden, gaze up at the Grand Staircase, and hear the music of the organ pipes, you will enter sensory overload. We highly recommend purchasing the audio tour for your time in the house. This handheld device allows you to press a number for each room, hallway, and area of the house you enter and hear a recording from actual family members and estate historians explaining the area you are in. Otherwise, you will start to the right and you are on your own in this 250-room house! As you pass the Winter Garden, you will see the exotic bamboo furnishings that Vanderbilt brought back from France as well as the original sculpture in the center called, Boy Stealing Geese. On the outside walls of this area, you will find copies of the Parthenon frieze that Vanderbilt had executed in Paris. As you wind your way down the hall, you will soon find yourself in the largest room of the house. The banquet hall with its seventy-foot tall barrel vaulted

ceiling arches stretches seventy-two feet long and forty feet wide. The room has two built in gilt-trimmed throne chairs, and an oak dining table with sixtyfour chairs. Around the room hang five Flemish tapestries that Vanderbilt purchased in Paris in 1887. These intricate textiles, woven of silk, wool, and metallic thread between 1546 and 1553 tell the story from Roman mythology of Venus, Mars, and Vulcan. At one end of the room is a triple fireplace large enough to walk into and the other end holds a massive pipe organ with hundreds of pipes. Beside the banquet hall is the more intimate breakfast room. Although much smaller than the grand banquet hall, this room still had hand tooled leather covered walls, Italian marble wainscoting and door trim. The ceiling has ornate plasterwork and is highlighted with gold-tinted glaze and heavy pendants with tiny acorns that are symbols in the Vanderbilt family crest. Other notable rooms on the first floor include the Billiard Room with custom handmade billiard and pool tables. The smoking and gun rooms adjacent to it are where the men would retreat in the afterhours for talking. Here also Vanderbilt would show off his latest gun or trophy kills. On the other end of the house, is one of our favorite rooms, the two-story rich walnut paneling library room. With over 23,000 books in his personal collection, you will find over 10,000 in this one room. The ceiling is lined with the painting by Giovanni Antonio Pellegrini that was in the Pisani Palace in Venice called, The Chariot of Aurora. It was taken apart in panel and installed in the Biltmore House; it is the most important work by the artist still in existence. The two-story oak and marble fireplace hides a staircase that leads to the second floor living area and completes the second level walkway around the room. Vanderbilt was an avid collector of books and had his entire collection custom bound. Off from the library room you will enter the 90 feet long Tapestry Gallery. This room provides a colorful setting for three 16th-century Flemish tapestries representing, The Triumph of Virtue Over Vice, that were woven in 1530. Above these are stenciled ceiling beams and a painted limestone fireplace hood modeled after those in the Chateau de Pierrefonds in France. You may not believe it, but we have only covered mostly the first floor of this “Castle in America”. We will be dividing up this trip into several articles to ensure that we can do justice to everything you need to know and see from this wondrous museum of history. Make sure to come back next week to read about more rooms and gems you’ll find as you explore, The Biltmore House.

theloaferonline.com | August 15, 2017

Sick planet, sick pets, sick people... Climate change and "the runs". Dr. Kate Zimmerman

Tri-County Veterinary Hospital

armer isn't better unless you're a blood sucking, poop residing, headache causing or otherwise nasty parasite. THEN, the warm is great! Things are heating up and weather patterns are increasingly unstable - just look at the crazy rain of the past week! But all this helps new diseases migrate north (and no wall will stop them). Some transmitted by mosquitoes make both pets and people pretty miserable. The human ones have odd names like Dengue and Chickengunya. Equine Encephalitis and West Nile viruses affect people, horses, and pets. Pets have their own mosquito related

issues with heartworms. Then there's a host of new tick borne diseases steadily creeping this way. But bloodsuckers regularly make the news. Water borne diseases tend to be too drippy for headlines. Giardia a single celled protozoan - is the most notorious and most common waterborne disease in the US. This nasty protozoan caused the historic "amoebic dysentery" of the early settlers and is still swimming happily in our lakes, streams, creeks, ponds and mud puddles. It can live free in the environment OR in your dog's (or your) intestinal tract where it causes watery to bloody diarrhea - in both you and your dog. It's sneaky - it can actually have limited

to no symptoms in a dog, all the while staying infectious to you via the dog's poop. And this summer? We've seen almost a case a day! So, what to do? If your dog has the trots, trot them over to your vet (and bring some poop)! If you don't want to join them in trotting, that's easy! Wash your hands! (and don't eat dog poop).

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@ The Carter Family Fold

The Hillbilly Gypsies

aturday, August 19th, 2017, at 7:30 p.m., the Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, Virginia, will present a concert by the Hillbilly Gypsies – an old time band. Admission to the concert is $10 for adults, $2 for children 6 to 11, under age 6 free. Hailing from the beautiful mountain state of West Virginia, the Hillbilly Gypsies have been making and performing their own brand of old time bluegrass and original mountain music for over a decade. Formed in 2001 from a chance meeting at the now infamous Wednesday night old time jam in Morgantown, West Virginia, the Hillbilly Gypsies have been pickin’ and grinnin’ and entertaining their loyal fans ever since. The band is best known for their high-energy live performances and have become a crowd favorite at major festivals, fairs and concert venues all across the mid-Atlantic region and abroad. They perform in the old fashioned style, playing

around a single vintage ribbon microphone. This “old timey” approach adds an authentic high-energy barn party atmosphere to their show. Watching the whole band work around the mic is like taking a trip back in time. It’ll sure make you want to get up and dance! IBMA members since 2005 and a crowd favorite at many IBMA promoter showcases. Featured on several nationally syndicated TV and radio shows such as Mountain Stage, Song of the Mountains, Woodsongs, Red Barn Radio, & the Wheeling Jamboree. Listed as the most innovative musicians redefining mountain music in West Virginia by the West Virginia tourism website – http:// gotowv.com/. Voted West Virginia’s best band by West Virginia Living Magazine – Best of West 2014 competition. Voted the best band in Morgantown, West Virginia by Morgantown Magazine. Winners of the DelFest Band Competition. Featured regularly at the historic Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, Virginia, and mentioned in the New York Times for lively appearances there. Featured on BBC television in 2011. Trae and Jamie Lynn Buckner, original founding members and lead singers for the band, are also husband and wife. In addition to playing all across the country for the last sixteen years together, the duo has performed internationally on multiple occasions. They have performed four times at the Al Ras Bluegrass and Old Time Music Festival in Barcelona, Spain – headlining the festival’s ten year anniversary. In addition to their Barcelona performances, they have played in England, Prague, the Czech Republic, Italy and Ireland. They recently traveled to Asia to perform in Thailand. Through the years, a dozen members of the Hillbilly Gypsies have joined the band and later moved on. Some still pop in from time to time and join the Gypsies on stage. Once a Hillbilly Gypsy – always a Hillbilly Gypsy. The group has released six CDs over the years that represent some of the best Appalachian music you’ll ever hear. For an evening of unforgettable old time, bluegrass, and traditional music come out and see the Hillbilly Gypsies at the Carter Family Fold. Be prepared for an evening of high-energy, no holes barred family fun! The Gypsies have become a Carter Family Fold favorite. To learn more about the Hillbilly Gypsies, go to their site at: thehillbillygypsies.com.

theloaferonline.com | August 15, 2017

36 DALE JR continued from page 5

Earnhardt Jr. will make a special appearance at 4 p.m. on Saturday at the Mountain Dew display, located in the Midway outside the frontstretch. No matter how one chooses to celebrate Earnhardt Jr.'s final Bristol race weekend, guests are encouraged to post their photos to Bristol Motor Speedway's social accounts (www.Facebook.com/BristolMotorSpeedway and www.Twitter.com/BMSupdates) using the hashtag #Appreci88ion and #ItsBristolBaby. Guests will have numerous opportunities to see Earnhardt Jr. on-track as he competes in both the 25th anniversary of the Food City 300 NASCAR XFINITY Series race and the Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race. Tickets to see both races start at just $109 and kids 12-and-under are only $10 for the combo ticket with the purchase of an adult ticket. Visit www.BristolTix.com or call 423-BRISTOL to purchase tickets today.

MARSHAL continued from page 10 “It is an honor to represent such a giant leader in the grocery business, NASCAR and the community,” says Hawkins. Johnson serves as news anchor for News 5, WCYB-TV, where he has been employed for 28 years. He also served as the station’s sports director for a number of years. In 2007, Johnson began anchoring the news on Fox Tri-Cities. He now anchors the news on both stations. An award-winning reporter, he is a member of the National Motorsports Press Association. In 2005, Johnson received the most prestigious media honor in NASCAR, the Russ Catlin Motorsports Journalism Award, followed by the Charlie Harville Award as National Motorsports Press Association Reporter of the Year in 2012. His short story, The Dirt on Bristol Motor Speedway was published by the popular Chicken Soup for the Soul series on NASCAR. In 2016, Johnson was honored by both the Tennessee Associated Press and the Virginias Associated Press as the Best News Anchor of the year. He is a graduate of East Tennessee State University. An avid golfer, Johnson volunteers for a number of organizations including Healing Hands and local animal rescue. His daughter, Morgan suffers from Type One Diabetes and he is a big supporter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. “The first race I covered at Bristol was won by Dale Earnhardt---now all these years later, I can’t believe I’ll be waving the green flag on his son’s final weekend at Bristol,” says Johnson. Food City is Bristol Motor Speedway’s longest running sponsor and the second longest in NASCAR. The Food City 300 gets under way at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, August 18, 2017. Qualifying for the event takes place at 3:40 p.m. on Friday. Tickets are still available and may be purchased at www.bristoltix.com or by calling the BMS ticket office at 423-BRISTOL (274-7865).

by Kim O’Connor

Grammy-winning musician and storyteller David Holt has always been a connoisseur of interesting characters.

is passion for unusual stories started at his family’s dinner table and eventually led him high into the North Carolina mountains, seeking out rare techniques, unusual stories, and fascinating instruments from devotees to mountain music who were often reclusive or hard to find. Holt has since come to know a lot about mountain music, a unique genre that he says can be played on “everything from the piano to the paper bag.” “I felt like I’d stumbled on a lost world,” Holt says. “These people were born in the 1870s, 80s, and 90s. I didn’t have an agenda other than to learn from them, and no one ever turned me away.” During an upcoming residency at the International Storytelling Center (ISC) in Jonesborough, Holt will showcase many of these nearly lost techniques, play from his extensive repertoire of mountain music standards and originals, and share a lifetime’s worth of stories from the road and from his experiences with his many mountain teachers. His appearance is part of ISC’s popular Storytelling Live! series, and will include a string of afternoon performances that begin at 2 p.m. in the Center, Tuesday through Saturday, August 22 – 26. He’ll have a selection of unusual instruments on hand, including the washboard and a replica of a Civil War-era banjo. As the self-made historian has worked to preserve and perform some of our country’s oldest songs, Holt has become an important figure in the storytelling scene even though his first love was music. “Mountain music

really grew out of people’s lives, so stories are a big part of it,” he says. Most of the stories he tells these days are taken from his life on the road with iconic musicians like the late Doc Watson, but he occasionally weaves in some of the folk tales he learned in the early days. While he now has several television shows and a host of awards under his belt, Holt remains humble, an attitude that stems from his deep and abiding love of the music, which always comes first. “That’s part of the way you do something like this for 45 years,” he says. “You’ve really got to keep yourself entertained first of all, and then worry about other people.” All of Holt’s concerts will be downtown in the Mary B. Martin Storytelling Hall, located in the International Storytelling Center, on Main Street. Ticketholders for all performances can present their ticket stubs for a 10 percent discount on same-day dining at JJ’s Eatery and Ice Cream or Main Street Café, two popular eateries in Jonesborough. The 2017 season of Storytelling Live! will bring a different storyteller to Jonesborough each week through the end of October. Information about all performers, as well as a detailed schedule, is available at storytellingcenter.net. The International Storytelling Center is open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. For more information about Storytelling Live! or to make a group reservation, call (800) 952-8392 ext. 222 or (423) 913-1276.

theloaferonline.com | August 15, 2017

Storytelling Live! Welcomes David Holt

SCC continued from page 28

theloaferonline.com | August 15, 2017

XFINITY Series. In addition to the ride along, winners will also receive a Cold Pass for race day. Other prizes include the Bristol Motor Speedway All-Access Package and the Spotter for a Day package. For more information, visit www.sccauctions.com. The Memorabilia Live Auction gives guests an opportunity to leave with one-of-a-kind items from top NASCAR drivers. The event will be held on Thursday, Aug. 17 on the third floor of the O. Bruton Smith Building. A preview of the items will be held at 5 p.m. with bidding at 6 p.m. Items on the auction block will include autographed sheet metal and jackets, rides with the top names of NASCAR and much more. The official Night Race 5K presented by Bojangles will also take place on Thursday, Aug. 17 at 8:30 p.m. Guests will be able to run on the legendary dragstrip of Thunder Valley, go for a lap around the Last Great Colosseum and finish inside for a roaring party to welcome the arrival of NASCAR driver haulers in the Transporter Parade. NASCAR XFINITY Series driver Blake Koch and crew chief Chris Rice will serve as the official race starters. Registration is $25 at www.bristol.speedwaycharities.org. The Meade Tractor Cornhole Classic will take place Aug.18-19 in the Fan Engagement Area at BMS. Cost is $40 to enter per team. Guests can register at www.bristol.speedwaycharities.org or on site, pending open

spaces. Qualifying will take place on Friday, Aug.18 at Noon and 3 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 19 at 9 a.m. and Noon. The Championship will be held Saturday at 3 p.m. Guests who want to experience the thrill of top speeds around BMS should check out Half-Mile Hot Laps driven by Buck Baker's Seat Time Racing School. Experiences will be set up on track from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 17. Check out www.SeatTimeRacingExperience. com for more information. A portion of the proceeds will benefit SCC. The Red Bucket Brigade presented by Food City returns to the Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race for the second consecutive year. During the first caution or at the 50 lap mark, whichever comes first, volunteers will pass around red buckets in the grandstands. Fans are encouraged to donate their loose change into the buckets. Guests attending the race weekend can also enter for the chance to win up to $100,000 by being a part of the 50/50 Raffle presented by Grand Home Furnishings. Tickets are $10 and are available at any SCC booth on Speedway property. The winning ticket will be drawn during the Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race. Johnsonville Brats will be set up in the Midway selling brats and beverages on Friday, Aug. 18 and Saturday, Aug. 19. SCC will receive a portion of the proceeds from the sale.

Counting down Hours Seconds Days Minutes

The Casual Word

By Langley Shazor Follow Langley at TheCasualWord

Poised in preparation Waiting for the bell to toll the doors to swing open Halls and ears Filled with joyous Raucous Jubilation Salutations exchanged Inquiries made of missed time Smiles all around Anticipation culminated A multitude of emotions Move across milliseconds In linear fashion This first degree In one hundred and eighty the wings of time Growing longer and stronger Continuing to gain speed Until we return Summoned by the bell toll

theloaferonline.com | August 15, 2017

Welcome Back

theloaferonline.com | August 15, 2017

Answers on page 42

Kwali is an eight year old Rat Terrier mix. She is spayed and up to date on all vaccines. This sweet girl was left at the shelter this week because her owner couldn't keep her anymore. She is a sweet and laid back lap dog. Please consider her for your family!

Dottie is an 5 month old Terrier mix. This cutie was found as a wondering stray this week. She is well socialized and sweet! She has just been spayed and is up to date on all vaccines. Please give this cutie a furrever home!

he Bridge Home has an ongoing aluminum can can collection in front of the shelter at 2061 Hwy 75 in Blountville,TN 37617. The cans are collected by a volunteer and the money from the aluminum goes towards badly needed food and supplies for the animals The Bridge Home No Kill Animal Rescue has started a pet food pantry for people that have had financial hardships because of job loss or medical problems and are struggling to feed their pet. They can come by the shelter and get cat or dog food to get through the tough time. Donations can be sent to The Bridge

Home Shelter PO Box 654 Blountville, TN 37617 Every animal in their care is spayed or neutered and fully vaccinated before being adopted. Being a non profit the shelter is funded entirely by membership dues and private donations. They always need volunteers or monetary donations. Other always needed items:pet food, cat litter & cat toys dog treats & dog toys,paper towels, cleaners, office supplies,Purina weight circles. Phone: 423-239-5237 Hours are Mon-Fri 12pm-6pm Sat 12pm3pm and Sun 2pm-4pm. Website is www. bridgehomerescue@gmail.com or like them on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/ bridgehome

theloaferonline.com | August 15, 2017

PETS

OF THE WEEK

theloaferonline.com | August 15, 2017

THINGS TO DO Blood Drive Marsh Regional Blood Center will conduct public blood drives at the area locations. Visit http:// tinyurl.com/n4aujx9 to find a location near you. In addition to scheduled blood drives, donors are welcome at Marsh Regional’s collection centers: 111 W. Stone Drive, Suite 300, Kingsport, 2428 Knob Creek Road, Johnson City and 1996 W. State St., Bristol. For more information about scheduling a blood drive at a local business, church, school or community organization, please call 423-408-7500, 423-652-0014 or 276-679-4669 or visit www. marshblood.com. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• The Casual Word Adult Creative Writing Class Join us for a free, fun, engaging, and different look into writing. In this class, we will not focus on structure, form, or rules, but on the freedom of writing. It is the goal of this class to open the mind to its full creative potential by allowing participants to write what they want, how they want to write it. Sessions will be student lead; we will engage in topics and subjects that are of interest to the students. The atmosphere is casual and jovial. This class is designed for all those 18 and up who wish to try their hand at creative writing. Thursdays @ 6:00 p.m. Jones Creativity Center. Bristol Public Library. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• JC Community Drum Circle The Johnson City Community Drum Circle meets every Wednesday evening (April – October), 7pm - 8:30pm, inside the Farmers’ Market Pavilion next to Found-

ers Park. Everyone is welcome to attend and participate. Come drum, hoop/holler, dance, or just relax and take in the scene, no experience or “talent” necessary. There are shared instruments and of course you can bring your own drums or percussion. It's all improvised, so there are no mistakes. We just smile and keep playing. Bring your own seating! •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Stress Clinic Community Acupuncture Enjoy a de-stressing and pain relieving thirty minute seated acupuncture session in the Art Gallery of The Renaissance Center in Kingsport. Hosted by Acupuncture Associates, come and get your painless acupuncture and get your nervous system strengthened! $40 (plus get a $20 bonus voucher to apply toward your next visit). Join us EVERY THIRD THURSDAY 12-3pm. For infomations, call 423-239-7044. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Off The Couch Tri-Cities Ladies Only Social Activities Group For bi, lesbian or straight ladies. The goal of this group is to get you off the couch and out of the house so you can have fun going to various activities, meet new people and make friends. Activities include live music, open mic night, drum circle, storytelling, social/ coffee hour, comedy, bingo, billiards, sporting events, theatre and karaoke. Locations for activities can take place in different areas throughout the tri cities. Johnson City- The Willow Tree Coffeehouse, The Down Home, Founders Park, JC Community Theatre, Acoustic Coffeehouse, Yee-Haw Brewing Company, 50fifty Sports Tavern Bristol- Border Bash, Quaker Steak and Lube, Studio Brew,

Volunteer Needed The Johnson City Board of Commissioners will consider one appointment to the Health and Education Facilities Board. This board meets on an as-needed basis and aids medical and educational facilities in obtaining tax-free loans as allowed by a combination federal and state statutes. Each term is three years. Applicants should be interested in community affairs and must be city residents. Applications are available at the Municipal and Safety Building, 601 E. Main St., and can be faxed or mailed by calling 423-434-6009. To complete an application online, please visit www.johnsoncitytn. org/boards. Applications will be accepted through Sept. 22. For additional information regarding the Health and Education •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Facilities Board, please contact MPCC seeks cooking instructors Sheri Keenan at 423-434-6009 Memorial Park Community Cen•••••••••••••••••••••••••• ter, 510 Bert St., is currently in search of contractual instructors Annual Bluegrass and Bayou to implement youth and adult Low Country Boil cooking classes. Candidates St. John’s Episcopal Church in should apply in person at MPCC. Johnson City, Tennessee presFor more information, call 423- ents the Annual Bluegrass and Bayou Low Country Boil on Sun434-5758. day, August 27, from 5:00 p.m. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• to 8:00 p.m. On the stage will be Rockingham Road and The Great Bristol Station Brews & Taproom Kingsport- , Rush Street Neighborhood Grill, Gypsy Circus Cider Company, Sleepy Owl Brewery Possible singers/groups: Wise Old River, Yarn, Amythyst Kiah, Annabelle's Curse, If Birds Could Fly, Beth Snapp, The Black Lillies, The SteelDrivers, Megan Jean and the Klay Family Band, Bill and the Belles, Sang Sarah, Indighost, The Steel Wheels, The Dustbowl Revival, The Get Right Band, The Ragbirds, Underhill Rose, Dangermuffin, Folk Soul Revival, The Jake Quillen Band, The Whiskey Gentry, and The Way Down Wanderers. To join visit: http://tinyurl.com/ y8utzb4r. Any problems with signing up on Meetup send an email to offthecouchladiessocialgroup@gmail.com.

Smoky Mountain Bluegrass Band. Tickets are $30 and may be purchased at the church office using cash or check. Visit annualbluegrassandbayou. eventbrite.com to purchase tickets online. The church is located across the street from the Johnson City Public Library at 500 N. Roan Street. For more information please call 423-926-8141. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Card Making/Scrapbook Page Making Class Are you looking for a new hobby or a creative way to remember your summer fun? Come to the Card Making/Scrapbook Page making class at Gray Library on Thursday, Aug. 17. The class will begin at 2 p.m. Participants will meet for two hours and learn how to create a greeting card of their choice and one summer-themed scrapbook page. Supplies are provided, but you must register by calling the library at 423-4771550 •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Free Tastings Free Tastings, usually 2 liquors and a wine at Tri Liquor, every Friday from 4-7pm. 6681 Bristol Hwy, Piney Flats. Next to Food City. 423-538-7000.

Cryptogram: Don't walk behind me - I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me - I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend. DropQuote: "Listen to the desires of your children. Encourage them and then give them the autonomy to make their own decision. "

(And Other Pop Culture Excursions)

Ever since politics became a form of pop culture entertainment, I have nearly lost sight of what used to be pop culture--you know, the world of vacuous entertainers and movie stars. So, this week, let’s take a look at something other than tweetstorms and fake news. Let’s examine some really serious stuff, like the breakup of Chris Pratt and Anna Faris.

Kelly’s Place

By Jim Kelly since 1989 jkelly@ theloaferonline.com

very morning as I eat my cereal and almond milk (I hate myself for being so trendy), I peruse one of my favorite apps--Apple News. Yes, I dutifully take a look at world news and so desperately hope I have clicked on my entertainment section instead. Once I realize I have not done this, I quickly move to the section labeled “Entertainment” and settle down for some real news. And it seems that this week (which will be “last week” by the time you read this) the news is obsessed with the dissolution of the “perfect” eight-year marriage between Chris Pratt and Anna Faris. As the piece from USA Today that I read informs us, “The Internet took it hard when Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie split up. When Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow decided to ‘consciously uncouple,’ hearts were broken. But no one saw this coming. Hollywood super couple Chris Pratt and Anna Faris announced late Sunday they’re calling it quits after eight years of marriage.” Before long distraught people with nothing better to do sent out their condolences with tweets like #LoveisDead. And the most urgent question seemed to be “If your favorite Hollywood couple’s marriage doesn’t last, then what’s the point of love?” Never mind that North Korea is threatening to destroy Guam or even Alaska. Life as we know it has already ended with this unthinkable breakup. I have created a folder in my Evernote app called “Who Cares?” for this kind of thing, and I am ready on the verge of flashes her mega-watt smile in saucy red heels in NYC.” We learn by reading this breaking news column that Naomi “looked chic in a white dress, matching shades, patent leather red heels, and a matching Fendi clutch selected by stylist Jeanann Williams.” We can all feel more safe and secure knowing that Naomi Watts is so fashion conscious, can’t we? And we will feel even more secure after we learn that “Megan Fox dons sky-high wedges for lunch with Brian Austin Green.” My favorite need-to-know flash, however, comes from (you guessed it) People magazine. Can you believe that “after her morning workout, Jennifer Lopez looks both ways before crossing the street on Tuesday in New York City”? If you have any doubts, a photo accompanied this revelation. What’s next? “Taylor Swift was spotted putting one foot in front of the other as she walked down the street in Des Moines, Iowa.” Photo included. Do we have time for one more item? This one comes from my favorite subscription service, “Texture,” which offers a selection of magazines I try to read (i.e. skim) each week. Just to keep up appearances, i include “The New Yorker,” “Atlantic,” and “National Geographic” in my reading list. But this item comes from the irresistible “US” magazine. One of the zaniest features is “What’s In My

running out of space. While you mourn the death of love, let’s turn our attention to another interestingyet-meaningless tidbit. According to yet another article from USA Today, infamous dog whisperer Cesar Millan is partnering with Audible to create a new service called Audible for Dogs (my cats are already filing for discrimination). Yes, it’s true--your dog can now become a bibliophile and should lead a happier life after listening to literary works. Audible lists a Hartpury College study conducted in 2015 that “showed that listening to audiobooks rather than music reduced stress in animals” (including cats, perhaps?). Millan’s Dog Psychology Center (yes, it exists) has found that “76% of dog owners who played audiobooks for their dogs reported an increase in calm, relaxed behavior in their pets over a four-week period.” Wonder what happens during the fifth week? Needless to say, Audible has created a web page specifically for this new booksfor-dogs project. Books listed on this page include “The Art Of Racing In The Rain,” “A Dog’s Purpose,” “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” “A Journey To The Center Of The Earth,” “Winnie-the-Pooh,” and of course a selection of Milan’s own book like “Cesar Millan’s Short Guide To A Happy Dog,” and “How To Raise The Perfect Dog.” Conspicuously missing from this list are titles like Stephen King’s “Pet Semetary” and “Cujo.” You can always depend on DailyMail to keep you upto-date with really important news like “Naomi Watts Bag?,” a periodic look inside the purses and bags of celebrities. The August 14th issue features “Sharknado” actress Cassie Scerbo, who empties the contents of her bag for all to see--something that is very well planned, no doubt. After all, would you want to show the real contents of your bag? In a rather mind-numbing expose, Scerbo delights us with confessions like “As a kid, it was all about pink. Now I go opposite and everything is plain black. I was gifted Marshall headphones, which are cool, but I also use the iPhone headphones,” “I take the Wellness Formula supplement from Whole Foods. I’m obsessed with it. I feel like it’s the cure to everything,” and “I have to keep a miniplanner. If I don’t write something down, I won’t remember it. Alerts or reminders set on my phone will not work. I’m so old-school.” Will the knowledge never end? I vote for a regular feature called “Let’s Look Under My Car Seat And See What We Find.” Should be very interesting. Hope you’ve enjoyed this little excursion into a welcome side of pop culture. Now we have to be dragged screaming and kicking back into the world of fake news. But first, let’s shed some more tears for Chris and Anna. See you next week.

theloaferonline.com | August 15, 2017

The Internet Declares Love is Dead

theloaferonline.com | August 15, 2017