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Volume 31 • Issue #7
on the cover
Publisher Luci Tate
Our Mountains
Editor Graphic Arts Director Don Sprinkle Cover Design Bill May
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 loss of 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!
4 Appalachian Wanderers Our Land, Our Treasure 14 Stargazer Bizarre Weather on Planets and Moons 15 Skies This Week 16 Batteries Not Included Wait Until Battleground 18 Pop Life Underworld: Blood Wars 19 The Casual Work Filters 24 Puzzle Page 37 Kelly’s Place Play
your week’s line-up
Contributing Staff Jim Kelly Andy Ross Ken Silvers Mark Marquette Brian McManus Brian Bishop Daniel Worley Jason Worley Langley Shazor Matt Messer
columns & reviews
Advertising Dave Carter Patti Barr Shawn Hale Paul Kavanaugh
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Driving Miss Daisy Kiss Me Kate Winter Wonderland Dance w/Shooter January Jams Final Weekend Harlem Globetrotters World Tour Lego Club David Landeo's CD Release Party TN Craft Beer Run Women's Choir Auditions Outdoor Expo Spotlight 6"x 6" Fundraiser Old Oak Festival Returns Contra Dance Community Center @ Acoustic Coffeehouse Pets Of The Week Things To Do
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Our Treasure
Our Land,
Our Appalachian Mountains are truly a national treasure. Those soft, forested waves that seem to go on forever have not only shaped our communities, but our very way of life.
Appalachian Wanderers
By Jason & Daniel Worley jdworley@ theloaferonline.com
In Tennessee alone, tourism is a driving force in our economy. Visitors come to hike in our parks, raft down raging rivers, and wind down scenic roads. Lovers of bluegrass or country music also know that both these genres sprung up in the hills and hollows of East Tennessee. Even as we ourselves stop to take in a scenic Smokies view, lumber our way up a winding trail in the Cherokee National Forest, or marvel at the geologic formations of Big South Fork, it is easy to take what we have for granted. Over a million acres of public land stretch across our state alone, including land managed by the national park service, federally-designated wilderness areas, state parks and forests, wildlife management areas and refuges, and state natural areas. If not for the dedication, perseverance, and love of individuals who fought to have these lands protected, many of our Appalachian treasures would no longer be with us. The gorges and rocky cliffs of the Big South Fork would be hidden under a lifeless lake. What little remained of the Smokies’ old-growth forests would long ago have been boarded at a saw mill. Vacation homes and cabins would be found on the slopes of Roan Mountain. Rare and endemic species such as the Citco darter would be extinct. Yes, we truly owe these people a lifetime of thanks for saving the best of our region’s geologic and natural treasures. Currently, it seems there has been a significant push against the formation of new public lands throughout the country. A recent bid to create a new national park in the Monangahela National Forest of West Virginia was shot down by the very senator who spurred the National Park Service to survey the area, while the designation of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument in Maine was fought against despite being land that was willingly donated. Even as politicians on both sides hold our national treasures at arms length in favor of land exploitation by large corporations, local and grassroots efforts continue to obtain new land for the creation of parks and protected areas. Here in Tennessee we have seen the creation of two new state parks in the last four years: Rocky Fork in 2012 and Seven Islands State Birding Park in 2014. While the land at Seven Islands was already protected in the past as a county park, Rocky Fork was in danger of development for many years. Privately owned, the pristine mountain valley located in the Unaka Mountains of Unicoi County could have been logged, or individual parcels sold and vacation homes developed on
Sunset in the forest at Rocky Fork State Park, Tennessee's 55th state park!
the steep slopes. Instead, a local effort combined with the Conservation Fund to purchase 2,036 acres of land for the creation of the new park. An additional 8,000+ acres were purchased by the National Forest Service and added to Cherokee National Forest. While planned facilities such as a visitor center and campground are still in the making, that shouldn’t deter you from visiting our 55th state park. A small parking area located just off Rocky Fork Road provides access to hiking trails that explore almost the entirety of the new park. Whitehouse Cliffs Trail climbs to an overlook providing a sweeping view of the valley, while the Rocky Fork Trail meanders alongside the park’s namesake stream. The Appalachian Trail is easily reached via a short connector trail, providing even more exploration for those who are adventurous. Across the mountain in North Carolina, the soaring peak of Elk Knob holds a commanding presence over the surrounding landscape. The nearly-milehigh peak is home to rare and ecologically significant plant communities, as well as an abundance of natural wildlife. In the early 2000s, the mountain was threatened with a housing development that would have irreversibly damaged the ecosystem. That’s when another endeavor by locals and the Conservancy Fund managed to purchase more than 3,000 acres to permanently preserve the area. Today, Elk Knob State Park remains largely untouched, as the original goal was to keep the park in its natural state. A newly-constructed hiking trail leads to the mountain peak, offering views all the way into Tennessee and Virginia and southward to the Black Mountains. The park is also a great place to try cross country skiing, as its high altitude allows snow to linger even when it is melted from the valleys. As 2017 begins, let’s all remember how important these parks are to us and millions of other Americans who come to enjoy them each year. If you can, use this year to give back to them, whether it’s through the Smokies’ Volunteers in the Parks Program or by donating your time with the Cumberland Trails Conference to construct new portions of the Cumberland Trail. You can contribute to organizations such as The Conservation Fund, which purchase threatened land near existing parks or help to create new protected areas. On a local level, the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy works in the Southern Appalachians to save endangered areas by providing responsible stewardship and engaging in land acquisition. One of their primary areas of focus is to protect the globally significant Highlands of Roan, home to endemic species found nowhere else on earth. These mountains are not just our home. They are an international treasure which are in grave danger. Yes, hundreds of thousands of acres are now protected, but there is so much more we can and should do to further safeguard the forest, the wildlife, our waters, and soil. These mountains need us, and perhaps even more importantly, we need these mountains.
Thursday and Friday the show starts at 7, Saturday is Dinner and a show with dinner starting at 6 and the show starting at 7. Tickets for Thursday and Friday night are $10, Saturday tickets (including dinner) are $25. The show will take place at a crowd favorite venue downtown at Shabby Allie's Boutique, but in her NEW event space, Taylored Venue and Events, located at 117 Shelby Street. The show stars Judy Womack as Daisy Werthan, John Collins as Hoke Coleburn and Russell Marshall as Boolie Werthan. Judy is a familiar face at KTG and has been in multiple play on the KTG stage. Involved in theatre and music for 40+ years, Judy has performed throughout the South East doing leading roles in well over 100 productions: Plays, Musicals, Outdoor Dramas, Dinner Theatre, and the Opera HANSEL AND GRETEL. She has appeared in films and on national T.V., has done commercials and voice-overs (the latest being the voice of the White Witch of Narnia at Warriers Path Park Boundless Playground). A professional Storyteller, Judy has taught high school Drama/Theatre and conducted drama and storytelling workshops in various venues, including schools, libraries, The Kingsport Ballet, Theatre Bristol, and a class at Barter Theatre. She has directed several plays and musicals, among them THE WIZARD OF OZ and HONK at Kingsport Theatre Guild. A recipient of a 2006 Distinguished Artist Award presented by the Arts Council of Greater Kingsport, Judy currently serves as Producing Director of The Off-Broad Street Players, a traveling troupe specializing in Dinner Theatre Murder Mysteries. John Collins has played Hoke Coleburn in almost 15 different productions and is new to KTG. He portrayed Hoke in KTG's Season Reveal Gala and despite suffering a horrific loss of his home in Johnson City due to fire, he came to audition for the role and won it. Russell Marshall is not brand new to the stage at KTG, but this is most certainly the largest role he has ever played. THE STORY: The place is the Deep South, the time 1948, just prior to the civil rights movement. Having recently demolished another car, Daisy Werthan, a rich, sharp-tongued, Jewish widow of seventy-two, is informed by her son, Boolie, that henceforth she must rely on the services of a chauffeur. The person he hires for the job is a thoughtful, unemployed black man, Hoke, whom Miss Daisy immediately regards with disdain and who, in turn, is not impressed with his employer’s patronizing tone and, he believes, her latent prejudice. But, in a series of absorbing scenes spanning twenty-five years, the two, despite their mutual differences, grow ever closer to, and more dependent on, each other, until, eventually, they become almost a couple. Slowly and steadily the dignified, good-natured Hoke breaks down the stern defenses of the ornery old lady, as she teaches him to read and write and, in a gesture of good will and shared concern, invites him to join her at a banquet in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. and it is movingly clear that they have both come to realize they have more in common than they ever believed possible—and that times and circumstances would ever allow them to publicly admit. Winner of the 1988 Pulitzer Prize and the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best OffBroadway Play.
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DRIVING MISS DAISY
Kingsport Theatre Guild
Driving Miss Daisy opens Thursday, January 19 and runs for three nights only.
The Jonesborough Repertory Theatre invites you to see the hilarious musical Kiss Me Kate between January 27th and February 12th at the theatre located at 125½ West Main Street in Jonesborough.
KISS ME KATE
JRT's Production of
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Kiss Me Kate is a play within a play, where the on-stage performances of the actors— who are doing Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew—are greatly affected and complicated by their offstage lives. Between gambling debts, flowers delivered to the wrong person, and romantic links run amok, we have a crazy fun show that will keep you at the edge of your seat. Enjoy well-known songs such as “Another Op’nin’, Another Show,” “I Hate Men,” and “Too Darn Hot” by some of JRT’s finest actors, singers and dancers. Kiss Me Kate—a musical by Cole Porter—is based on the book by Sam and Bella Spewack, and it’s directed by Jennifer Ross and choreographed by Heather Allen. Included in the cast are Brittany Whitson as Lillie, Joe Gumina as Fred, Heather Allen as Lois Lane, and Christopher Ward as Bill Calhoun. Shows will run on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m, and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $16 general admission, $14 for students and seniors. To purchase tickets, call the Historic Jonesborough Visitors Center at 423-753-1010 or go online to www. jonesboroughtheatre.com.
Winter Wonderland Dance featuring SHOOTER Citizens are invited to dance the night away with Senior Services at a special Winter Wonderland Dance from 7-10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20 at Memorial Park Community Center, 510 Bert St. Cost is $5 per person. Silver Sneakers® discount is available for eligible members. Please pre-register and pay in person at the MPCC Senior Services desk. For more information, call 423-434-6237.
January Jams at Barter Theatre
The final weekend of January Jams ends with some of the hottest voices in Americana music. The North Carolina duo Mandolin Orange perform January 20th, while rhythm and blues wunderkind Parker Millsap closes out the series January 21st. Mandolin Orange
Touring their new album “Blindfaller,” Mandolin Orange continues to wow audiences with spine-tingling harmonies and the unvarnished beauty of their lyrics. Holed up at the Rubber Room studio in Chapel Hill, N.C., with a full band this time around, the North Carolina duo laid down the tracks on Blindfaller in a week between touring. They’ve always been keen on the notion that drawn-out recording sessions don’t necessarily yield better results. A good song, and just one good take, will always shine through any studio sorcery. Opening for Mandolin Orange on the 20th is special guest The Dead Tongues. For the last 6 years, songwriter, guitarist, and producer Ryan Gustafson has been making music as The Dead Tongues; building his own corner of the new American musical landscape with twangy garage jams, bohemian country shuffles, opened-tuned meditations, and melancholy love notes. The January Jams series wraps up January 21st with one of the
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FINAL WEEKEND
hottest new names in Americana. Parker Millsap sings with a depth 7 of experience that belies his young age. At just 23 years old, this self-described “skinny white kid from Oklahoma” howls like a Delta bluesman heralding the arrival of rock n’ roll. In the midst of a world so fond of condemnation as entertainment, Millsap’s rootsy rockand-roll poetry offers open-armed love of people and their stories. Opener Riley Anglen was raised up on the knees of Gospel, Bluegrass, Country, Soul, and Rock and Roll in the Tri-Cities of upper East Tennessee. Riley spent his younger years running the banks of the Tennessee River from Bristol, Tennessee all the way down to Guntersville and Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Having been raised on the Bedrock and Cradle of Country Music in Bristol, Tennessee, has a heavy weighted influence on Riley’s songwriting and performance. Now in its 5th year, January Jams brings nationally known musicians to perform in Abingdon for intimate concerts in the 500-seat Barter Theatre. Tickets range from $18 and up, and are available through Barter Theatre’s box office. Presented by Blue Ridge Beverage and sponsored in part by Eastman Credit Union, First Community Bank and Universal Fibers, with support from media sponsors 99.3 The X, 101.5 The Mountain Roanoke, and 88.7 WNCW. Discount ticket packages are available for individual weekends, or for the entire series. Packages only available through Barter Theatre’s box office at (276) 628-3991. All concerts are at 8:00pm, and doors open at 7:15pm. For a full listing of musical acts and dates, visit www. abingdonmusicexperience.com. For tickets, call Barter Theatre Parker at 276-628-3991 or visit www. Millsap BarterTheatre.com.
Freedom Hall, January 21, 2017
The world famous Harlem Globetrotters, featuring some of the most electrifying athletes on the planet, will bring their spectacular show to Johnson City during their 2017 World Tour.
The famed team will feature a star-studded roster that includes Big Easy Lofton, Ant Atkinson, Hi-Lite Bruton, Thunder Law, Bull Bullard and Cheese Chisholm – plus female stars TNT Lister and Ace Jackson*– the Globetrotters’ one-of-a-kind show is unrivaled in the world of family entertainment. Every game will showcase incredible ball handling wizardry, rim-rattling dunks, trick shots, hilarious comedy and unequaled fan interaction. New this season, the Globetrotters will debut basketball’s first 4-point line. The 4-point line will be located 30 feet from the basket – 6 feet, 3 inches beyond the top of the NBA’s current 3-point line. You won't want your family to miss it – buy your tickets today! 423-461-4855.
“
Don't be a gopher. Read The Loafer!" Kathy D.
Star Wars Theme
Harlem Globetrotters
LEGO CLUB
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Join Nick for the LEGO Club on Thursday, January 19, 5:00 p.m. at the Jonesborough Library! Our theme this month is ‘Star Wars’ (Space).
LEGO Club is an opportunity for library patrons of all ages to come together once a month and participate in building challenges. There is no age limit for this program - you can’t be ‘too young’ or ‘too old.’ The Jonesborough LEGO Club now meets on the third Thursday of the month from 5:00 to 6:30 pm. Please bring your own bricks to build with. This program is free of charge; healthy snacks and drinks will be provided. If you have any questions, please call the Jonesborough Library at 753-1800. We are currently taking donations of LEGO bricks for the Jonesborough Library LEGO Club. We thank you for your support!
The studio recording is Landeo’s first concept album. It documents the journey a recruit goes through during Marine Corps boot camp. History: “In the early 80’s I joined the United States Marine Corps….mostly because it was summer break from college and I was looking for something exciting to do as a ‘summer job’ that year. Several years after completing my Reserve obligation in the Corps and graduating college I became a full-time musician. Preparing for a performance for a Toys for Tots (the Marine Corps Reserve philanthropy) benefit in Knoxville in 1997 I came upon the idea of creating 4 songs that revolved around the boot camp experience. Those songs sat in my archives for several years until later in 2005 I decided to complete the project and wrote a total of 17 songs (each tapping into the individual phases of training). I imaged it to be recorded and performed in the vein of The Who’s “Tommy” but with it’s own originality. Fast forward to 2016, and with the persuasion of my musician friends, I completed the project with sessions between Knoxville (at Lakeside Studios) and my home of Charleston, South Carolina. It is now complete and the experience is ready to be shared.” The Release Party will debut selections from the album…which will be available on CD and downloadable cards. The show will include select party covers and other originals from previous albums. Studio: The Knoxville Musicians on the album include: Dave Landeo-composer/producer/vocals/guitars, Vince Ilagan-bass, Vic Ilagan-drums, Joe Thompson-saxophone, Julius Blue-keyboards, Jaystorm-vocals, Doug Shock-vocals, Reggie Coleman-vocals, Travis Wyrick-guitars, Andy Wood-guitars. Most will be performing at the Release Party on Jan. 27th. Info: If you would like more information , please contact Dave Landeo at 865-414-8315 or email at ddlandeo@msn.com. www.Landeo.com
“
Most interesting paper around" Stacee P.
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CD RELEASE PARTY Dave Landeo's "Parris Island – The Rock Opera"
Musician Dave Landeo will be having a CD Release Party for his latest album “Parris Island – The Rock Opera” on Friday January 27, 2017 at the newly opened Wild Wing Café (71 Wilson Ave, Johnson City, TN 37604) from 9pm to midnight.
TN CRAFT BEER RUN
Get Ready to Make a
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What better way to beat the winter doldrums than driving 1,400 miles visiting 76 breweries in just 21 days in a mini-bus? Join us for the road trip of all road trips! You can learn about Tennessee’s craft brewing scene in just 21 days. There is no doubt that craft beer is exploding across the state of Tennessee. One Knoxville small business owner wants to elevate that culture even more by visiting EVERY Tennessee brewery in 21 days, January 24th - February 13th. www.TheTNBeerRun.com Zack Roskop has spent his professional career educating locals and tourists about craft beer and the people who create it in the Knoxville area through his business, Knox Brew Tours. Now, he has decided to take his love of craft beer ‘on the road’ with a trip he’s calling The TN Beer Run. The mission is simple: Highlight the wonderful craft beer the state of Tennessee has to offer. Roskop hopes to accomplish this through a statewide publication in the Tennessee Craft Beer Magazine’s spring issue’s cover article, and through his website, social media efforts, blogs and post trip 21 week YouTube series. The team is traveling in the BREW BUS, a 1989 Chevy mini-bus and consists of Zack Roskop, Matt Malone (photographer), and Jessica Warblow (trip coordinator). Each day the crew will be sharing their experience through a series of Facebook live tours, and each day will have an “after party” open to locals and other craft beer enthusiasts. A full schedule of the route, Facebook live tours, and after parties can be found on the website.
Cantemus Women's Choir
AUDITIONS
Cantemus Women's Choir is now scheduling appointments for auditions for our spring concert season. Cantemus is a dynamic, multi-age group of experienced singers who strive to showcase the versatility and beauty of women’s choral music. Cantemus provides talented and dedicated female musicians with exceptional musical and interpersonal experiences. We hope you’ll consider joining this amazing and fun-loving group! We have openings for soprano 1 and 2. Unfortunately there are no openings for altos at this time. Auditions will take place Tuesday, January 31st from 7-9 pm at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Kingsport. Rehearsals for the spring season will be on Tuesdays from 7-9 pm also at St. Christopher’s, beginning February 7th. Please contact us at cantemuswomenschoir@gmail.com (or through our facebook page https://www. facebook.com/cantemuswomenschoir ) to schedule an audition.
OUTDOOR EXPO Ken Moody Productions is bringing Everything Outdoors to the Knoxville Civic Coliseum
The Great Smoky Mountains Outdoor Expo is an all outdoors show featuring activities, entertainment, destinations, products and Non-Profits from a wide variety of outdoor related businesses. EVERYTHING OUTDOORS, from camping and fishing, hunting and hiking, kayaking and biking, 4 wheeling, and more will all be at the Expo Saturday and Sunday, January 21st and 22nd. River Sports Outfitters and Gage Models & Talent Agency are sponsoring Fashion Shows both days at 1:30pm. River Sports Outfitters will be showcasing their outerwear and the latest in their high tech gear offerings, as well as exhibiting kayaks, paddle boards, Yeti and a treasure trove of various gear. Raised At Full Draw is a Non-Profit organization that is directed toward those interested in learning more about archery hunting. They are bringing an interactive 3D Archery exhibit that can be enjoyed by anyone at any skill level. A climbing corner will be erected to test your skills or inspire a brand new passion! Jack Pine Lumberjacks will be demonstrating their time honored craft throughout the weekend. The Fly Fishing Museum of Southern Appalachia, Ijams Nature Center, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will all be in attendance
to introduce their offerings to the public and to educate everyone on the importance of conserving our natural resources and wildlife. The Great Smoky Mountains Outdoor Expo will be held at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum, located at 500 Howard Baker Jr. Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37915 this January 21st & 22nd, 2017. Show hours are Saturday, 10am-6pm & Sunday, 10am-4pm. Tickets are $12 at the door, kids 12 and under are FREE. Ken Moody Productions’ mission is to get families outdoors enjoying nature and being good stewards of the environment. Ken stated, “Families that enjoy nature together are proven to be healthier and happier. Get the kids away from their devices and plugged into the wonderful natural world around us. We are so lucky to live in East Tennessee, with an abundance of opportunities to take advantage of. I hope the Great Smoky Mountains Outdoor Expo will give options to our community that they are perhaps unaware of. Of course, bringing awareness to so many local businesses is a win for the community, the exhibitors, and our local economy.” Ken has been a nature lover and sportsman his entire life, calling Tennessee his home for the last 25 years, after retiring from the Army. He’s traveled the world and thinks that East Tennessee is hands down the most beautiful place to explore and adventure. To learn more follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GSMOutdoorExpo/, visit us at www.greatsmokymountainsoutdoorexpo.com, or call us at 865-414-6801.
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GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS
Spotlight
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Downtown Country Guido Au’some and the Open Mic Playas
- SATURDAY - Jan. 21st -
- FRIDAY - Jan. 20th -
- TUESDAY - Jan. 17th Jiggy Ray’s Pizzeria
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.
Yarn and Dangermuffin
The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room
Mandolin Orange
High Test Grass
Carter Family Fold
Parker Millsap
O’Mainnin’s Pub
Barter Theatre
Barter Theatre
Open Mic
Irom/ Indighost / These are the Angles State of Sleept
Country Club of Bristol
Acoustic Coffeehouse
Justin Townes Earle Barter Theatre
- WEDNESDAY - Jan. 18th -
Jeff & Justin
Wild Wing Cafe
Jason Lloyd & Co.
O’Mainnin’s Pub
Circus No. 9
Acoustic Coffeehouse
- THURSDAY - Jan. 19th -
Jam with David Mitchell
Wellington’s Restaurant
Oscar Harris
Model City Tap House
Sleepy Owl Brewery
Sundown Band
David Thompson’s Produce
Shooter
Memorial Park Community Center
Dreamcatcher Bluegrass Band Down Home
Asylum Suite CJ’s Sports Bar
Sugarlime Blue
O’Mainnin’s Pub
Michael Cody
Acoustic Coffeehouse
Aaron Foster
Down Home
Shades of Refinement
Holston River Brewing Company
Ryan Ward
O’Mainnin’s Pub
Nightshift Band
- SATURDAY - Jan. 21st -
The Diamonds
Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill
Shades of Refinement
Hansonville Music Barn
Nostalgia Duo
Peerless Steakhouse Lounge
Circus No. 9
Down Home
Thee Honey Badgers O’Mainnin’s Pub
Hope Griffin / Dustin Tolley
Acoustic Coffeehouse
Wyldeheart
Country Club Bar & Grill
Fireside Collective
Bone Fire Smokehouse
Benny Wilson & Hillbilly Bad
Blue Carpet Corner Capone’s
Silver Bullet
Ian Fitzgerald
Dire Hatred / Suppressive Fire / All Hell Summoners Circle
Wise Old River
Matt Hickey Band
O’Mainnin’s Pub
Holston River Brewing Company Acoustic Coffeehouse
Voo Davis
Bone Fire Smokehouse
- FRIDAY - Jan. 20th -
Blindsight w/ Special Guest Season of Me & Mega X
Capone’s
Antiseen / Nerve Endings / the Reppertons Domestic Dispute
The Hideaway
Kerosene Krush
Country Club Bar & Grill
The Hideaway
Wild Wing Cafe
Acoustifried
Rush Street
Shooter
Holiday Inn
Ancient Cities Kaitlyn Baker
Yee Haw Brewing Company
The Ian Feathers Band
Studio Brew
Nice Couch
Holston River Brewing Company
Bone Fire Smokehouse
Studio Brew
Guido Au’some and the Open Mic Playas - SUNDAY -Jan. 22nd -
Community Center Acoustic Coffeehouse
Live Music
Bone Fire Smokehouse
- MONDAY -Jan. 23rd -
The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room
The Gentleman & Liars
Wild Wing Cafe
CJ’s Sports Bar
JV Squad
Open Mic
Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill
Open Mic
Acoustic Coffeehouse
for show time & more details, visit
theloaferonline.com
The Hideaway 235 E. Main St Johnson City 423-926-3896
Sleepy Owl Brewery 151 E. Main St. Kingsport 423-390-8476
Barter Theatre 127 W. Main St. Abingdon, VA
Holiday Inn (Exit 7) 3005 Linden Dr Bristol Va 276-466-4100
Studio Brew 221 Moore Street Bristol VA 423-360-3258
Holston River Brewing Company 2621 Volunteer Pkwy Bristol TN
Wellington’s Restaurant Carnegie Hotel 1216 W State of Franklin Rd Johnson City 423-979-6400
Birthplace of County Music Museum 520 Birthplace of Country Music Way Bristol 423-573-1927 Bone Fire Smokehouse at the Hardware 260 W Main St Abingdon Va 276-623-0037 Capone’s 227 E Main St Johnson City 423-928-2295 CJ’S Sports Bar 516 Morelock St. Kingsport 423-390-1361 Country Club Bar & Grill 3080 W State St Bristol 423-844-0400 David Thompson’s Produce 251 Highway 107 Jonesborough 423-913-8123
KARAOKE
Down Home 300 W. Main St. Johnson City 423-929-9822
Memorial Park 500 E. Main St. Johnson City Model City Tap House 324 E Market St. Kingsport O’Mainnin’s Pub 712 State St Bristol 423-844-0049 Peerless Steakhouse Lounge 2531 N. Roan St. Johnson City 423-282-2351 Rainbow Asian Cuisine 2412 N. Roan St. Johnson City 423-232-6688 Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill 3119 Bristol Hwy. Johnson City 423-262-0444
Wild Wing Café 71 Wilson Avenue Johnson City TN 423-461-0071 The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room 216 E Main St Johnson City Wolf Hills Brewing Company 350 Park St. SE Abingdon VA 276-451-5470 Yee Haw Brewing Company 126 Buffalo St. Johnson City
Rush Street 1229 E Stone Dr Kingsport 423-247-3184
TUESDAY Karaoke w/ Sean at Dawg House Tavern Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Wingstop - Kingsport TN Karaoke At Numan’s - Johnson City TN *********************** WEDNESDAY Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at American Legion 8pm Karaoke w/ DJ Marquez at Holston River Brewing Company 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 Numan’s - Johnson City TN Karaoke at Jiggy Rays Pizzaria ***********************
FRIDAY Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at Sportsman’s Bar & Grill 9pm 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 at CJ’s Sports Bar Karaoke At Elizabethton VFW - Elizabethton TN Karaoke w/ DJ Marques At Holiday Inn (Exit 7) - Bristol VA Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Moe’s Original BBQ Karaoke At Numan’s - Johnson City TN *********************** SATURDAY Karaoke at The Horseshoe Lounge 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 ***********************
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SPOTLIGHT DIRECTORY
Acoustic Coffeehouse 415 W Walnut St. Johnson City 423-434-9872
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BIZARRE WEATHER ON PLANETS AND MOONS Everybody talks about the weather knowing its beyond our control, and that goes double for the few bodies in our Solar System where you can stand and tell which way the wind blows.
Stargazer
By Mark Marquette since 1996 stargazermarq@ gmail.com
Snow in New England, ice in the South and blizzards across the Midwest have been making headlines while the heat is on in Florida and California. Such is winter in North America— unpredictable as a roll of dice. And throughout our Solar System there are plenty of reports from icy bodies and windy clouds. But there are just a few bodies where you can stand up and experience weather as a serious matter. Of the eight planets, five or so dwarf planets and 181 moons in the Sun’s family only four others besides Earth have enough atmosphere to create weather patterns. But, oh, does that produce some extreme forecasts. Venus, Mars and Pluto truly have surface weather and climate patterns. And so does Saturn’s giant moon Titan. But that’s it. Venus, the second planet, might be Earth’s twin in size, but it is certainly the “evil” twin. A thick, 30-mile cloud deck of carbon dioxide has created run-away greenhouse effect that makes Venus a hellish world on the surface. How about a forecast of 900 F. degrees with a gentle, hot Sulphur breeze? Acid rain squeezed from the deadly clouds evaporates thousands of feet above the ground. Rocks are pressed flat by the pressure weight of the clouds, almost like putty in the incredible heat. It’s unlikely anybody will set foot on Venus, heat and crushing atmospheric weight being so intense that three Soviet landers could only last a few hours. Mars will someday see human boot prints, but not without a spacesuit to breath and protection from the Sun’s deadly radiation. Yes, Mars has an atmosphere that supports wind, dust devils, thin clouds and even some snow on the tops of its giant volcanoes. But it is so thin the air is about like where commercial airplanes fly. If you could stand on Mars in your Hawaiian shirt, shorts and flipflops, your feet might be 50 F. degrees, but your belly would be 30 F. and the top of your head 0
F degrees! That’s because the thin Martian atmosphere is a terrible insulator. And because the super-thin Mars atmosphere has no ozone layer to block most of the harmful radiation for the Sun, anything on the surface is fried to complete sterilization. Ugh! The next Solar System body that has weather looks a lot like the great lakes of North Americas. Saturn’s giant moon Titan has an organiclaced envelope of atmospheric gases that support the bizarre weather on the surface below. Rain from the clouds falls into a complex landscape of thousands of lakes connected by flowing waterways, the liquid evaporating back into the atmosphere. And that liquid? Methane and ethane: which is a gas on warm Earth but wet and wild in the -300 F. degree environs of Titan. Mankind knows what that surface looks like thanks to NASA’s auto-tire sized space probed called Huygens that parachuted to a soft-landing at the shores of a methane lake in 2005. The incredible view was foot-level of round, eroded rocks and a distant, orangehaze horizon. Maybe of the biggest surprises of this golden era of exploring our Solar System is dwarf planet Pluto. And what is going on there makes many old-time stargazers like me believe it deserves to be re-planetized! Four billion miles from the Sun, a bright day shines like deep twilight on Earth, yet this near -400 F. degree world half the size of our Moon is every bit as dynamic as anywhere in the Solar System. NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft flew by Pluto and its large moon Charon in July 2016, sending back unbelievable images of a globe enveloped with a dozen layers of nitrogen atmosphere. And then there is a surface of frozen hydrogen seas that might be slushy, barely supporting mountain-size ice bergs. So far away is New Horizons traveling at 30,000 mph that it slowly transmitted back its data for more than a year. There are wispy clouds tossed in a Plutonian wind, thin and thick global atmospheric bands that might be created by outgassing from the surface—even evidence of falling snow.
With more than 180 moons and asteroids of all sizes in the Sun’s family, only Venus, Earth, Mars, Titan and Pluto actually have a surface where weather is a real phenomenon. The “gas giants” Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune all have active weather patterns in their dense and complex atmosphere. But there is no surface to enjoy a cloudy day, their interiors being an exotic metallic hydrogen and maybe a rock core. Among all the moons in the Solar System there are several large ones covered with ice like Jupiter’s Ganymede, Europa and Callisto. They might have occasional ice volcanoes and fissures. And on Jupiter’s Io there are a hundred Sulphur volcanos and vents expelling that poisonous gas into space. But these worlds don’t have the gravity to retain a permanent atmosphere, so weather is transient and brief. Given all the places we can stand and experience the weather, there certainly is no place like our home, Earth. After all, on our beautiful planet you don’t need a weatherman to tell you which way the wind blows!
The early evening sky has brilliant planet Venus and much fainter, red Mars continually moving toward each other at the border of Aquarius and Pisces. Meanwhile for early morning risers, bright yellow Jupiter and pearly white star Spica make a beautiful contrast, and the crescent Moon will be beside this pair before sunrise Thursday morning.
Tues. Jan. 17
Looking east after 7 pm you immediately see several bright stars, include the brightest, Sirius, above the horizon. Sirius makes a “Winter Triangle” with white Procyon high to the left and red Betelgeuse to the right. Sirius and Procyon are in the Big and Little Dog, respectively, and Betelgeuse is the shoulder of Orion the Hunter.
Wed. Jan. 18
Where’s the Moon? Well it is in the after-midnight sky and Thursday morning it makes a spectacular close flyby of Jupiter and Spica in Virgo. Every day the Moon moves 12.5 degrees eastward, which is about the distance between your thumb and pinky finger spread out at arm’s length.
Thurs. Jan. 19
Buzz Aldrin
On this 2006 date in space history, NASA launched the New Horizons space probe to Pluto, which was listed as the 9th planet at the time. Now demoted to a “dwarf planet,” Pluto and its five moons was visited by New Horizons July 14, 2015. The American space probe discovered an active Pluto, both geologically and atmospherically, at -300 F. below zero—which has stunned planetary scientists.
Fri. Jan. 20
Happy 87th birthday to Apollo 11 moonwalker Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin, who landed on the first historic Moon landing with commander Neil Armstrong, deceased. Aldrin is the astronaut standing in the small crater on the Moon in the iconic image that has Armstrong and their moonship reflected in the helmet faceplate. Buzz has been very active the past few years promoting human exploration of Mars on Twitter—and his tweets are fun to follow!
Sat. Jan. 21
The crescent Moon rises at 4 am in the pre-dawn skies in Libra the Scales, right between two stars that are fun to say: Zubeneschamali and Zubenelgenubi. Once part of Scorpius below, they are tongue-twisting Arabic words for left and right claws.
Sun. Jan. 22
On this 1978 date in space history, the resupply ship Progress 1 docked with the Salyut 6 space station, the first time a cargo ship was used in space exploration. In 1992, Orbiter Discovery was launched with seven astronauts. They worked for 8 days in the Spacelab module in the cargo bay, mostly on effects of microgravity on a variety of organisms. And on this date in 1998, Endeavour blasted off on the eighth of nine Shuttle missions to Russia’s Mir space station and the fifth exchange of American astronauts. Seven crewmen were launched with Andrew Thomas, and he was left as Dave Wolf returned after four months on Mir.
Mon. Jan. 23
Keeping attention to the pre-dawn sky for those early risers (or third-shifters headed home) the planet Saturn and the thin crescent Moon team up in the borders of the constellation Ophiuchus the Serpent Handler. This unofficial 13th constellation of the Zodiac is between Scorpius and Sagittarius.
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THIS WEEK
SKIES
Celestial events in the skies for the week of Jan. 17-23, 2017 as compiled for The Loafer by Mark D. Marquette.
theloaferonline.com | January 17, 2017
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WAIT UNTIL
BATTLEGROUND 2017 is getting off to a robust start for blu-ray releases, for as much goodness that Warner Archive brought to HD last year, this year gets started with four titles.
Batteries Not Included
By Andy Ross aross@ theloaferonline.com
“Battleground,” “Wait Until Dark,” “Bells are Ringing,” and “Bad Day at Black Rock” all get Blu-Ray debuts this month, I’ll be talking about the former two this week. One is a film I hadn’t seen before, and the other is one of a handful of films that I find truly terrifying (standing in such great company as “Baby’s Day Out”). Released in 1949 MGM’s “Battleground” was the first major film about World War Two produced after the war had ended. MGM head Louis B. Mayer initially had hesitation about producing the film--which went on to be MGM’s largest grossing film in five years--feeling that audiences wouldn’t want a war movie so close to World War Two having ended. Where “Battleground” differs from most war films is that it’s more of a human story than a war story. A film with very little action sequences. Focusing more on the psyches and morale of men in a situation that most might not prefer to be in. I liked “Battleground” a whole lot. I had never seen the film before, but I had caught tiny snippets of it intermittently while checking in to see what was on Turner Classic Movies during my day. I’m not actually a big fan of war films, but “Battleground,” with its human look at war, I enjoyed tremendously. “Battleground” has a rich cast headed by MGM’s “boy next door” Van Johnson, with John Hodiak, Ricardo Montalban (KAAAAHHHNNN!!!!), George Murphy, and others. On blu-ray “Battleground” looks absolutely amazing. The film is so crisp and rich, that I was surprised to learn the image was produced from a 35mm fine grain positive, not the original camera negative--which was lost in the infamous George Eastman House Fire. Bonus features include the film’s trailer, Tex Avery’s cartoon “Little Rural Riding Hood,” and a short by Pete Smith “Let’s Cogitate” all in HD. Seeing the Pete Smith short on here was a real delight, I’m a fan of Smith’s MGM shorts--which are all a sort of proto version of some of the snarkier humor we find today. 1967’s “Wait Until Dark” is one of the most terrifying films I’ve ever seen. A true suspense thriller in every sense of the word. Based on a stage play of the same name “Wait Until Dark” stars Audrey Hepburn as a blind woman, who finds herself being terrorized by a group of vicious criminals, headed by a sadistic monster played by Alan Arkin, that have invaded her apartment looking for a doll filled with heroin. Directed by Terence Young, who directed a number of Sean Connery’s Bond films, this is a truly fantastic film that amps up tension after tension after tension as it builds to the climax. First time I watched “Wait Until Dark” was on a December afternoon a few years ago, it was bright, but cloudy day, and I had been lazy on the couch watching TCM. Despite knowing darn well I was perfectly safe with plenty of light coming into the room, “Wait Until Dark” grabbed me in such a way that by the end of the film, I yelled out the words “behind you!” at my TV. Stephen King once called it “one of the scariest films ever made” and honestly this is more a straight horror film due to how much of a sense of terror one takes on by the end of the film. The film looks particularly great in HD, the scan made last year from a new interpositive print. Two trailers, and a short featurette from the original DVD release have been ported over. “Wait Until Dark” is a truly scary film, without any monsters, boogeymen, or supernatural elements, or absurd sequels to walk through. Audrey Hepburn is fantastic in the film, it’s an absolute must if you’ve never seen it. Each of these films would be a welcome addition to your home library, it still amazes this wordsmith all the work Warner Archive puts into their blu-ray releases, and it looks like we’re going to be in for much more delights in 2017. See you next week.
theloaferonline.com | January 17, 2017
“FIRST THURSDAY” AT ARTS DEPOT
6”X6” FUNDRAISER
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The Arts Depot in Abingdon, VA is excited to announce its 5th annual, 6”x6” “art from the heart” fundraiser and sale will be held on “First Thursday”, February 2nd from 5-8 pm. The 6x6 artwork will be unveiled at exactly 6:36 PM SHARP!!, revealing more than 130, six inch by six inch, original canvases created and donated to the Arts Depot by the regions finest artists, each to be sold for only $36. Prior to the unveiling and sale guests are invited to arrive at the Arts Depot as early as 5:00 pm to preview a portfolio and digital slide show of the exhibit and be entertained with live music performed by the Abingdon Thumb Strummers featuring the Dulcimer and other traditional stringed instruments. The Arts Depot invites anyone over 21 to enjoy a complimentary glass of wine from Abingdon Vineyard and Winery. Resident artists studios will be open and refreshments and hors d’oeuvre will be served throughout the evening. The reception is free and open to the public. The 6x6 fundraiser has grown to be one of the most anticipated events of the year at the Arts Depot. The event has proven to be a great success due to the generosity of the region’s talented artists and the high quality of their work. The Depot enjoys making it accessible to the community at a ridiculously low price, all for a good cause. The proceeds are used to continue the mission of the Depot Artists Association to support the region’s artists and to maintain Abingdon’s historic Norfolk and Southern freight depot. The Depot Artists Association is a non-profit volunteer organization that operates the Arts Depot and is dedicated to promoting the arts in the community and features the region’s artists. The Arts Depot is located in the historic Depot Square area of downtown Abingdon, VA. The gallery and artists studios are open Wednesday through Saturday 10-4 pm, until 8 pm on the first Thursday of each month or by appointment. There is never an admission charge. For further information contact the Arts Depot at 276-628-9091, e-mail at abingdonartsdepot@eva.org, or visit their facebook place page or the web site at www.abingdonartsdepot.org. The Association is supported in part by grants from the Virginia Commission for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts and Virginia Tourism Corp.
theloaferonline.com | January 17, 2017
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UNDERWORLD: BLOOD WARS I have loved the "Underworld" movie series since 2003(!) when the story of warring vampires and lycans (werewolves) first hit theater screens.
Pop Life
By Ken Silvers ksilvers@ theloaferonline.com
Or course, as fans know, the first film introduced us to the star of the series, Kate Beckinsale, whose portrayal of Selene, a vampire who is a Death Dealer, became an instant classic film character. In the first film Selene falls in love with human Michael (Scott Speedman), who eventually becomes a vampire/lycan hybrid. As the film series progressed, there was a prequel showing how the war between the species began, and 2012's "Underworld: Awakening" introduced fans to Eve, the daughter of Selene and Michael. The latest film in the series, "Underworld: Blood Wars", has Selene on the run from a vampire coven out to get her for causing the deaths of ancient vampires Viktor and Marcus. The vampires are hyped to find Selene so they can also locate her daughter Eve, whose blood is the key to building an army of vampire-werewolf hybrids. Oh, and the werewolves, led by Marius (Tobias Menzies), are also wanting to locate Selene for the same aforementioned reason. While the Eastern Coven of vampires wants Selene dead for her crimes against the elders, the ambitious vampire Semira (Lara Pulver) convinces the coven it is in their best interest to grant Selene clemency, as they will need her fighting prowess due to a rumored pending attack on the coven by a horde of werewolves led by Marius. When Selene returns to the coven, thanks to the efforts of David (Theo James), Selene's protege and ally, she is met with suspension by some of the coven, and is eventually betrayed by some of her own. Thankfully, David and Selene escape the coven and head north to the Nordic Coven, which features all blonde vampires. While she is at the Nordic Coven, Selene has her first battle with the invading Marius, and eventually undergoes an amazing transformation. The films final act features a showdown between the werewolves and vampires inside the Eastern Coven. Said battle features the transformed Selene, and if you thought she was already awesome, hold on. The film features plenty of plot twists and has the usual thrilling special effects. I saw the film in 2D, but afterwards I wish I had chosen the 3D format, but if you are a fan of the series, either version is fine. The actors, led by Beckinsale, fit their roles perfectly, and I recognized several actors that are/were featured in the television series "Game Of Thrones". Speaking of the actors, I will never understand why Speedman left the series. It's not exactly like he is burning up the big screen. For my part, his leaving was an epic fail. I have always loved where the films are shot, mostly in Prague, Czech Republic, as the location is perfect for the style of the series. After the less-than-thrilling 2012 "Underworld: Awakening", the film series is definitely back on track, and the ending sets events in motion for the next chapter. Overall, I found "Underworld: Blood Wars" to be a thrilling and enjoyable new addition to the film series featuring battling vampires and werewolves. (Rated R) 3 1/2 fangs (out of 4)
The Casual Word
By Langley Shazor Follow Langley at TheCasualWord
Featuring a wide variety of music and food and fun, the Old Oak Festival will span across three days, featuring something for everyone, be it live music, theater, arts and crafts or fabulous festival food. Throughout the weekend on stage, the festival will present the sounds of the region, with a wide variety of music from bluegrass to jazz featuring local vocalists and instrumentalists. There are limited spaces still available for artisan and crafter booths. Deadline for reserving a booth is March 31, or until all spaces are filled. “This year’s festival is looking to be bigger and better, with great arts and crafts, performances and opportunities to enjoy a variety of fine arts experiences,” said David Price, director of Music and Band programs at Tusculum College. This year’s special events will include an art show at Allison Gallery, student theater productions, literary readings, a student day on Friday and the return of the Lego construction contest. There is no fee to attend the festival. Art vendor hours will be Friday from noon until 6 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. For more information, contact Price at 423-636-7303. Entertainment and food continues into the evening. Service animals are welcome; however, no pets allowed. Coolers, firearms and alcohol are also prohibited on Tusculum College campus property during the festival. Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged. For updates and more information, visit the website at www.oldoakfestival.org or on Facebook. Tusculum College, the oldest college in Tennessee and the 28th oldest in the nation, is a liberal arts institution committed to providing a liberal arts education in a Judeo-Christian and civic arts environment, with pathways for career preparation, personal development and civic engagement. Approximately eighteen hundred students are enrolled on the main campus in Greeneville and two off-site locations in East Tennessee. The academic programs for both traditional-aged students and working adults served through the Graduate and Professional Studies program are delivered using focused calendars.
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Returns to Tusculum College
All of the posts Hundreds of likes Thousands of followers I found myself falling Wondering what it would be like Actually meeting you Turning on notifications Making sure I never missed Your biggest fan At least I thought Maybe you would notice me too But then By chance You happened to walk by me I realized That you were regular Another person Gifted in photographic geometry Still shots Limited view of actuality We see what we want Only what you show Base the totality of our reality Against wide angled lenses High and lows Framed and vignette Masters of deception
OLD OAK FESTIVAL
FILTERS
The Old Oak Festival will return to Tusculum College campus April 21-23.
theloaferonline.com | January 17, 2017
Lyrics & Lore Weekend a weekend with Storytellers & Songwriters
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The Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival and The International Storytelling Center are joining together at Dollywood's DreamMore Resort Jan. 26-29, 2017 to bring the public a 'hands on' weekend of Lyrics and Lore with #1 Hit Songwriters and International Storytellers. The public is encouraged to bring their families and participate in two free workshops during the weekend; 'Finding the Song Inside of You' and 'Mining Memories and Discovering Family Stories'. During the weekend all in attendance will have the opportunity to hear internationally recognized storytellers tell their tales, learn the stories behind the songs you hear on the radio and see the #1 Hit songwriter who wrote that song perform it in its original version. Night time ticketed concert entertainment for the weekend includes a Friday Songwriters Showcase featuring Country Artist/Songwriter Keith Anderson "Pickin Wildflowers" up close and personal in a songwriters round with Scott Reeves "Made In America" for Toby Keith, Doug Johnson "Three Wooden Crosses" for Randy Travis, and Bill LaBounty "Rock My World Little Country Girl" for Brooks & Dunn. International storyteller, Beth Horner will be part of the opening performance when she tells a 30 minute story that these hit writers co-wrote a song about. Saturday night's concert showcases International Storyteller Bil Lepp, with hit songwriters Brady Seals of Little Texas "God Bless Texas", Bryan White, "God Gave Me You" for Blake Shelton and Gordon Kennedy, "Change the World" for Eric Clapton. These three hit writers will hold a Q&A session Saturday 3-4:30 PM about the songwriting and music business providing a chance for songwriters and the general public to ask industry questions. They will also share stories about their writing process.
Sunday morning from 9-10:30 AM there will be a praise service hour with Grammy Award Winner Carl Jackson, Larry Cordle, and Jerry Salley and International Storytellers Beth Horner and Bil Lepp. This is open to the general public as well as those attending the Lyrics & Lore Weekend at Dollywood's DreamMore Resort. Theses international storytellers and #1 hit song writers will perform free afternoon matinees Friday and Saturday in the Living Room section of the lobby at Dollywood's DreamMore Resort. For tickets to Friday and Saturday night concerts and more information on the Lyrics & Lore weekend go to www.smswf. com or call 865-604-9066. The Lyrics & Lore Weekend is designed to bring the public into an experience with storytellers teaching them how to tell their family story and with songwriters showing them how a story can become a song. These workshops are free. The Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival is also hosting a SMSWF Co-Write with Hit Writers in conjunction with the Lyrics & Lore weekend. The songwriters participating in the SMSWF Lyrics & Lore Co-Write with Hit Writers will co-write a song about the 30 minute story International storyteller, Beth Horner tells. Songs produced during this co-write will be performed after Beth finishes telling the story at Friday night's concert. If you are a songwriter who would like to participate in this SMSWF Co-Write with Hit Writers, please sign up at www.smswf.com under the tab 'For Songwriters' you will find the Lyrics & Lore Co-Write project or call 865-604-9066. The Lyrics & Lore Co-write will take place Thursday evening Jan. 26, 2017. Public is welcomed to participate in all facets of this great weekend. Package Deals including lodging are available. Any questions contact us at smswf@ yahoo.com or call 865-604-9066.
BOGO for New Dancers
The Historic Jonesborough Dance Society will hold a contra dance on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at 7:30pm at the Historic Jonesborough Visitors Center, 117 Boone Street. Performing for the dance will be Groove Contraption. The caller is Stephanie Marie from Charlotte. A class for beginners will be held at 7:00pm. Every dancer is encouraged to attend the class to become familiar with dance steps, formations, and flow. Klondike Bars, the official frozen treat of the Historic Jonesborough Dance Society, will be served at the 9:00pm waltz break. This event is open to all. Our winter promotion to attract new dancers is an offer to all comers to “Buy one ticket and get one free for new dancers”. The BOGO offer is intended for those who have never tried contra dance before” offers event organizer, David Wiley, President of the Historic Jonesborough Dance Society. Bring a friend who has never danced and they get in for free. Admission to the dance is $7 for (yet-to-be members), $5 for HJDS members. Full time Students and children get in for $5. A Family Package has been instituted for members that allows parents and as many children in their core family to get in for only $15. Come to dance or come to listen. No partner is necessary. It is customary at contra dances to change partners after each dance. As always, our dances are smoke, alcohol and fragrance free. Families, students and singles are welcome. All dances are taught by the caller. No previous dance experience is necessary. Contra dancing can be aerobic! Most dancers like to wear shortsleeved shirts and skirts, pants or shorts, depending on the season. Don’t forget to dress in layers – what may be comfortable at the start of the evening might be too hot by the second or third dance. Some folks, who find that dancing really makes them sweat, bring a spare shirt to change into at the break. Generally, contra dancers are an informal bunch and dress to reflect that. Please wear comfortable shoes. The most important feature is a smooth sole that will slide across a wooden floor. Contra dancers have used jazz shoes, leather dress shoes, bare feet, duct-taped bare feet, character shoes, dance sneakers and regular sneakers with or
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theloaferonline.com | January 17, 2017
CONTRA DANCE
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Last year we had to reschedule our Johnson City show because our bus broke down in Phoenix AZ, so we are P U M P E D to be coming back to The Acoustic Coffeehouse on Saturday January 21st!
Grab a beer, and some friends! We'll grab the accordion, and the drums. Community Center is an Orchestral Rock band from Baltimore, MD. With storytelling songwriting and a bombastic live show, the band maintains a constant show schedule while regularly taking on odd projects such as leading parades and composing theatrical scores. www.communitycentermusic.com/
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without suede glued to the sole. Contra dancing is social dancing. The best way to improve your dancing is to dance with people who are more experienced than you. More experienced dancers know this, so you may be surprised to get many invitations to dance from people you haven’t met before. Although contra dancing is a couple dance, it is, in the larger sense, a “team sport.” If new dancers get to dance frequently with more experienced partners, they learn the basics faster and everyone has more fun. Usually, people change partners after each dance. Men ask women to dance and women ask men to dance. Sometimes men dance with men or women dance with women. One surefire way to make sure you have a partner for the next dance is to ask someone. Otherwise, rather than sitting down at the side of the hall, stand up and walk toward the front of the hall. Some people take sitting down to mean that you would like to rest. Groove Contraption comes from the upstate of South Carolina. The band consists of Clinton Ross on mandolin, Chris Liakos on fiddle and Wes Maluk. Clinton Ross graduated from the ETSU Bluegrass, Old Time & Country Music program two years ago. He returned last fall to attend graduate school and continue to work with young musicians entering the program. Wes Maluk has played for contra dances for over 25 years and was at one time a very sought after sound engineer. He plays tenor banjo, guitar and percussion. Stephanie Marie is a contra dance caller from the Charlotte, NC area. She began contra dancing in Durham and Charlotte in 2009 after being invited by some fellow Civil War reenactors. She has been hooked ever since by the energetic music and friendly community. Stephanie began calling dances in 2012 and now has traveled far and wide in the region to call local dances. This past summer, she went to the Country Dance and Song Society (CDSS) camp at Pinewoods, MA, to work with nationally acclaimed caller, Lisa Greenleaf. The camp offered one-on-one and group instruction to build her skill set for calling. Stephanie enjoys and is inspired by the smiles and the energy given up by the dancers out on the floor and the tunes provided by the bands. For more information, contact event organizer David Wiley at 423-534-8879 or visit www.historicjonesboroughdancesociety.org and Historic Jonesborough Dance Society on FACEBOOK.
COMMUNITY CENTER @ Acoustic Coffeehouse
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Answers on page 26
Wally is a five year old Beagle. He is neutered and up to date on all vaccines. This sweet boy loves everyone and other dogs too!!
Sally is a 2 year old Terrier Beagle mix. She is spayed and up to date on all vaccines. Like her kennel mate Wally she loves to play!!
The 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 12pm-3pm and Sun 2pm-4pm. Website is www. bridgehomerescue@gmail.com or like them on Facebook: www. Facebook.com/bridgehome
theloaferonline.com | January 17, 2017
PETS
OF THE WEEK
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theloaferonline.com | January 17, 2017
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THINGS TO DO 4th Friday @ Visitors Center The "Steve & Nancy Duo" will be playing our favorite fun dance music on the 4th Friday of this month, January 27th, at the Jonesborough Visitors Center located at 117 Boone St. In addition to Nancy's vocals and Steve's guitar, these guys always do a terrific job of making great sounds with their generous supply of electronic backup selections. While the event is billed as a Ballroom Dance, a variety of music is played from the 50's, 60's and 70's that provides enjoyable dance opportunities for everyone...can you still do the Twist? Also, Line Dance Sessions are offered at 6:30 and during the break. The dance goes from 7:0010:00 pm and cost is only $6.00. For additional information call 423-943-4190. If you would like to receive a monthly email listing of local dances simply send an email request to tricitiesdanceinfo@ gmail.com.. ________________ Civic Chorale auditions rescheduled for January 19 The Civic Chorale is rescheduling auditions for new members to Thursday, January 19. Auditions will be by appointment and will take place in the choir room of Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church, at the corner of Roan and Market Streets in Johnson City, where the group rehearses. Interested candidates should contact the conductor, Rod Caldwell, via email at caldwell@ptd.net, or by phone at 570-837-9792 to schedule an audition time. Specific auditions requirements are available on the chorale’s website www. thecivicchorale.org under the “join us” tab. The choir rehearses Thursday nights from 7:30-9:30 PM, and
the first rehearsal for the spring season is Thursday, January 19. There will be two concerts in the spring: March 11 and May 6, both at 7:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church in Johnson City. ________________
MECC Offers Old Time Dance Class Mountain Empire Community College will offer PED 195 Old Time Dance on Monday’s from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. This course will cover basic styles of traditional dance from the central and southern Appalachian region. Classes will provide an overview of solo and group dancing history, accompanied by instruction and performance of each dance. The instructor is Tyler Hughes. To enroll, call 276-523-2400 ext. 372 or register online at www.mecc. edu. ________________
at Princeton Arts Center or by Charlie Mattioli at 423-543-1962. calling 423-283-5800. ________________ ________________ Tri-Cities Senior Softball League accepting applications Applications are now being accepted for the Tri-Cities Senior Softball League, a slow-pitch league for men ages 60 and older of all skill levels. League play begins in March, and Memorial Park Community Center, 510 Bert St., will offer winter conditioning for all players at 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning Feb. 2. A softball camp will be held in late February. Registration forms are available at MPCC, Winged Deer Park, and online at www. tricitiesseniorsoftball.com/. Fee is $40 per player, which includes hat and T-shirt. An organizational meeting will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28 at MPCC. Games will be played at Winged Deer Park on Tuesdays and Thursdays through November. The season will include intraleague games, tournaments, and regional play. For more information, contact Jim Hastings at 423-491-0444, Ron Settle at 423-538-9612 or
Elvis Tribute Rescheduled R&M Tribute Entertainment presents a belated Elvis Tribute Show (due to the winter storm) celebrating and paying tribute to the King of Rock N’ Roll on his 82nd birthday at Hudsplace Event Center Saturday, January 21 at 7:30 PM. The show will consist of Elvis through the years in stage style concert performances. Hudsplace Event Center is located at 4110 E Broadway, Maryville, TN. VIP $20 and general admission is $15.00. You may call in advance to reserve your seats (best seats) or tickets can also be purchase at the door at 6:30 PM. ETA’s will be available to take photos and sign scarves. For more information and/or to reserve seats contact Missy at 865-684-6082 or tribute. entertainment@yahoo.com. Three Elvis Tribute Artists will be providing tributes to the King of Rock N’ Roll. Each Elvis Tribute Artist will be performing a full stage concert style performance. Our special guest, Lou Vuto is from Pigeon Forge, TN. Lou has
been headlining in Pigeon Forge, TN for over 20 years. He has entertained thousands of tourists over the past years. He has also had the privilege of sharing the stage with Charlie Hodge (Elvis' loyal side kick) for many years. Lou will be performing a‘70’s concert stage style performance at The Grove Theater. A portion of the show proceeds will be donated to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. For more information about this show or future Elvis & Legend shows you should contact Missy Miller at 865-684-6082 or tribute. entertainment@yahoo.com ________________ Senior Services to offer Mental Health Fair RSenior Services at Memorial Park Community Center, 510 Bert St., will offer adults 50 and older a free Mental Health Fair on Wednesday, Jan. 25 from 12:302 p.m. Discussions will cover depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, PTSD, borderline personality disorders, and treatments. Please call 423-434-6237 for more information and to register.
MPCC Fitness EXPO set for Tuesday Memorial Park Community Center, 510 Bert St., will offer a free Fitness EXPO for all ages on Cryptogram: An age is called Dark, not because the light fails to shine, but because people refuse to see it. Tuesday (Jan. 17) from 5-7 p.m. Drop Quote: "To set up as a standard of public morality a notion which can neither be defined nor conParticipants will be introduced ceived is to open the door to every kind of tyranny." to fitness equipment and classes such as Piloxing, Zumba, P90X, Yoga, Silver Sneakers®, and pool aerobics. Light refreshments will be served. Please register in person at MPCC. For more information, call 423-434-5749. ________________ MPAC to offer Pancakes, Pajamas and Paint event Princeton Arts Center, 2516 E. Oakland Ave., will host Pancakes, Pajamas and Paint from 9-11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28. Participants ages 2-5 can wear their pajamas while painting and eating pancakes. All art supplies will be provided. Cost is $5. Space is limited. Please register by Wednesday, Jan. 25
Kelly’s Place
By Jim Kelly since 1989 jkelly@ theloaferonline.com
As I was preparing to write this playful column I came across an item in my Flipboard, written by Richard Fisher last November. In it, he describes a neat idea that emerged from the World-Changing Ideas Summit. Now that sounds like a very interesting event to attend. At this summit attendees were invited to write down a world-changing idea on a postcard. According to Richard, who was a participant at the event, postcards were chosen because “We may live in a world of screen and digital discourse, but sometimes the written word feels more personal--more direct--and postcards encourage brevity and clarity of thought.” Not a bad idea. I’m sure there’s a postcard app out there somewhere, but why bother? Lots of inspiring and creative ideas were jotted down, including gyms that generate electricity from pedaling and running, “car trains” that would link cars together for common trips, uncoupling when vehicles want to go their separate ways, and a proposal for “entire nations to swap countries (live in each other’s geographies) for a period of time [to] gain new perspective.” Now that’s a world-changing idea that should be followed by our powersthat-be. My favorite postcard idea that follows the theme of this column is “My world-changing idea is to build slides into all buildings so we don’t have the boredom and fatigue of walking down stairs.” Just think how our perspectives would change if had more slides and swings in our workplaces and especially in our classrooms. Of course, there are offices (Google headquarters, for instance) and some classrooms that do have slides, but they are the exception rather than the rule. My point, if you haven’t already guess, is that we need more play in our lives. Yes, life is serious much of the time, and we don’t want to make light of that. But play has a way of making us not take seriously those things that need not be taken seriously, while reducing our stress levels. And I’m not talking about competitive play, like sports. These often raise rather than lower our stress and blood-pressure levels. What I’m referring to is frivolous play, the kind that has no object other than having fun. As Steven Johnson points out in his new book WONDERLAND: HOW PLAY MADE THE MODERN WORLD, many of our most important technological inventions came about because of our desire to play and to be
entertained. For instance, computers first appeared as mechanisms for automating various “toys” like mechanical chess players and musical instruments like player pianos. As a promotional piece for the book explains, Johnson “introduces us to the colorful innovators of leisure: the explorers, proprietors, showmen, and artists who changed the trajectory of history with their luxurious wares, exotic meals, taverns, gambling table, and magic shows [and] compelling argues that observers of technological and social trends should be looking for clues in novel amusements [because you will] find the future wherever people are having the most fun.” While we are on the subject of books about fun and play, I must recommend two of my favorites. First is Kembrew McLeod’s imaginative PRANKSTERS; MAKING MISCHIEF IN THE MODERN WORLD (2014), a book that takes us on a tour of fun and mayhem from the eighteenth century to the present. A related book is John Beckman’s AMERICAN FUN: FOUR CENTURIES OF JOYOUS REVOLT (2014), a new interpretation of American history as seen through the lens of frivolity and anarchism--I have thought seriously about using this as a text for one of future American history courses. What fun that would be. Because we need more play in our lives, especially this week as we contemplate the news coming from our nation’s Capital, I not only urge you to seek out slides and swings, but also to find sources joy in your life. For me, this means watching some classic movies that are just plain fun (while often being satirical as well). You should start your fun-seeking by watching at least one Marx Brothers movie--although it’s difficult to stop with just one. There are several to choose from, such as “A Night At The Opera,” “Animal Crackers,” and “Duck Soup.” Although made during the Depression years of the 1930s, these movies are more relevant today than ever, and I often take great delight in telling people I’m a Marxist-Groucho, not Karl. Movies from the Thirties gave us templates on which most modern humor is based, so let’s stay in that decade a while longer by watching one or more of the very amusing “Thin Man” series of movies, starring William Powell and Myrna Loy as private detectives Nick and Noral Charles, a wisecracking pair that gets themselves in some problematic predicaments while poking fun at the society in which they live. A double feature you shouldn’t miss is “Bringing Up Baby” (1938) and “What’s Up Doc?” (1972). The latter is Peter Bogdanovich’s hilarious remake of Howard Hawks’ equally hilarious “Baby” movie. I won’t give you any spoilers, because I don’t want to ruin your experience of having so much fun. Here’s wishing you a week filled with tree swings, slides, Marx Brothers anarchy, brontosauruses and leopards (you have to see “Bringing Up Baby” to see what I mean), and goofy detectives. Let the fun begin. See you next week.
theloaferonline.com | January 17, 2017
PLAY
My inspiration for this week’s column comes from an experience I had last year while visiting a 27 local business. When I entered the office to discuss my needs, I was invited to sit down in a tree swing that was suspended from the office ceiling. Needless to say, I was very much impressed by this creative approach to doing business and was immediately put at ease while swinging during the transaction. “Why can’t every office be like this?” I asked after my visit. I haven’t seen a tree swing in any office since then, and I have often wondered if the world would be a better place were this the case. We all need a more playful approach to many of life’s experiences.
theloaferonline.com | January 17, 2017
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