The Loafer January 2nd by The Loafer

theloaferonline.com | January 2, 2018

on the cover

January Jams

Volume 32 • Issue #5 Publisher Luci Tate Editor Graphic Arts Director Don Sprinkle Cover Design Bill May Advertising Patti Barr Paul Kavanaugh Janie Jarvis

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!

16 Stargazer Top 10 Spacey Events of 2017 17 Skies This Week 18 Batteries Not Included A New Year's Wish List 19 Pop Life Unforgettable Pop Moments of 2017 23 Appalachian Wanderers 2017 - The Year of Travel 24 Puzzle Page 27 Kelly’s Place A Year In Movies: A Highly-Selective and Very Biased List

your week’s line-up

Contributing Staff Jim Kelly Andy Ross Ken Silvers Mark Marquette Brian Bishop Daniel Worley Jason Worley

columns & reviews

Office Coordinator Amanda Lane

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 20 22 22 25 26

Abingdon's January Jams Amythyst Kiah Kicks Off January Jams In The Gallery at Last Epic Ink Debuts New Store 2017 KOSBE Awards January Farm and Fun Time Joesph Habedank come to LampLight Theatre Lover's Leap to perform at the Willow Tree January Events at The Arts Depot Jump Starting the Golf Season Spotlight Below 7 & The Get Right Band @ HRBC Learn to Contra Dance in 2018 Paramount Partners Pets Of The Week Things To Do

theloaferonline.com | January 2, 2018

ABINGDON JANUARY JAMS PROMISES DIVERSE MUSIC LINE-UP

A diverse music line-up is on tap in January in Abingdon as the sixth annual January Jams concert series, produced by Abingdon Music Experience and presented by Blue Ridge Beverage, gets underway at the Barter Theatre. From alt-country to soul to bluegrass and rock, Fridays and Saturdays in January promise something for music lovers of all ages and all genres.

pportunities to see the legendary Booker T. Jones, as well as David Grisman and John Paul White this close to home are few and far between, but this year, all three will be a part of the January Jams series. “This is our most diverse January Jams lineup yet,” said Sara Saavedra, special events coordinator for the Town of Abingdon. “From African-American alt-country singer Amythyst Kiah; the soul musician and living legend Booker T. Jones; to the Nashville-based Muddy Magnolias, currently exploding on the scene with a sound that Rolling Stone says ‘melds city grit and delta dirt,’ we have something for everyone.” The concert series, produced by Abingdon Music Experience and presented by Blue Ridge Beverage, will see concert goers enjoying January nights or weekends of music in the historic Barter Theatre in downtown Abingdon. Since the series started six years ago, the Barter has had a full house attending the events to see nationally known music acts which in past years have included music legends like the Blind Boys of Alabama

and Del McCoury, as well as up and coming artists who went on to gain a huge national following, like St. Paul and the Broken Bones and Anderson East. This year’s January Jams promises more of the same. As in the past, the series features nationally known performers, including Grammy Award winners and a Rock N Roll Hall of Fame inductee. "We paid a lot of attention to diversity this year as we were booking the series,” Saavedra said. “Diversity in music, gender and ethnicity are all a part of this year’s series. Abingdon is a music destination for any music lover, and this lineup includes a wide range of legendary musicians alongside up and coming acts out of Nashville." Attending January Jams at Barter Theatre is special, because it’s an intimate, “listening room” experience, Saavedra said. The concerts are seated, and the focus is 100 percent on the music. Additionally, she noted the Barter also offers beer and wine for sale in the lobby, which can be enjoyed in concert seating. "There is life after New Years,” Saavedra said. “Abingdon is open for business every Friday and Saturday in

January. It's the perfect excuse to cure your cabin fever, come out to Abingdon and enjoy dinner at one of our independent restaurants. “Make it an overnight, and enjoy a weekend of music," she suggested. “Abingdon’s restaurants and hotels are open for business and you can enjoy very affordable rates because it’s the off season. Walk to nearby restaurants, or ask about shuttle services to local hotels.” Nightly, weekend and series passes for the January Jams series are available. Season passes are $210. A bluegrass weekend package is offered at the Hampton Inn for $398 which includes two weekend passes and a two-night stay at the Hampton Inn. All packages or weekend/series passes may be purchased through the Barter Box Office. January Jams 2018 is presented by Blue Ridge Beverage and is sponsored by Eastman Credit Union, First Community Bank, The Bank of Marion and Universal Fibers. Additional support is provided by Food City, JJ’s Restaurant and Sports Bar and the Town of Abingdon.

kicks off with Amythyst Kiah & Lillie Mae Amythyst Kiah & Her Chest of Glass January 5th

professed Southern Gothic, alt-country blues singer/songwriter based in Johnson City, TN. Provocative and coolly fierce, Amythyst Kiah’s ability to cross the boundaries of blues and oldtime through reinterpretation is groundbreaking and simply unforgettable. Recent tours in Scotland and the U.K. have seen Amythyst performing for audiences at the Americana Music Association UK Showcase, the Southern Fried Festival, Cambridge Folk Festival, the Edinburgh Jazz Festival, and SummerTyne Americana Festival. She is a crowd favorite at Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion in the U.S., has performed at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, and the Smithsonian Folk Life Festival.

January 12 John Paul White January 13 John Moreland

January 19: David Grisman & John Sebastian

ashville-based singersongwriter and multiinstrumentalist, Lillie Mae is a remarkably gifted musical storyteller, a bright new star that’s been here all along. Her much anticipated, Third Man Records debut "Forever and Then Some" which is produced by multiple GRAMMY® Awardwinner Jack White III at Third Man Studio in Nashville, weaves her own extraordinary experiences with the myriad strains of Americana to create a breathtaking song cycle of romance and struggle, solitude and adventure. January 5: Amythyst Kiah & Her Chest of Glass, $15. January 6: Lillie Mae, $18 or Weekend: $30. January 26 Muddy Magnolias

January 20 Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen with Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley

January 27 Booker T Jones

theloaferonline.com | January 2, 2018

JANUARY JAMS

Lillie Mae January 6th

theloaferonline.com | January 2, 2018

In The Gallery at Last: Fred Carter's Artistic Journey

William King Museum of art is hosting a closing lecture for its latest cultural heritage exhibit, Fred Carter: Primitive Things of Toil and Love, the most comprehensive look to date at the work of Clintwood-based artist Fred Jerome Carter.

n Sunday, January 14, at 2:00 p.m., Jack Wright, a retired professor from Ohio University, will present a talk entitled In the Gallery at Last: Fred Carter's Artistic Journey. For the better part of 40 years, Wright has explored and celebrated Appalachian life through music, theater, film, writing, and activism. His documentary film on Fred Carter, coproduced with William Blanton, had a nine-month run as part of a Fred Carter exhibition at the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore, Maryland. Wright has written for various journals and magazines, appeared on National Public Radio, and in 2007 produced the award-winning book and CD set Music of Coal. He is a two-time winner of the Ohio Arts Council writing fellowship for criticism. In 2010 he received the Cratis Williams Service Award from the Appalachian Studies Association for his exemplary contributions to Appalachian studies. In the Gallery at Last will look at the origins of Fred Carter's art works with a view of beginning to place them into the contexts of their origins and what makes these works "Outsider" or

"Visionary Arf' The influence of Carter's mentors and friends will also be discussed. The lecture is free and open to the public. WKMA is a registered 50l(c)3 organization whose mission is to develop original contemporary and fine art exhibitions that celebrate the diversity of artistic talent and current trends in our region; to preserve the cultural heritage of the region through original exhibitions and our permanent archives; and to provide an extensive arts education program that serves school and public audiences both inside and outside of the Museum. William King Museum of Art is located at 415 Academy Drive, off West Main Street or Russell Road, in Abingdon. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the William King Museum of Art is a partner of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, a member of the Virginia Association of Museums and is funded in part by the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, visit www.williamkingmuseum.org or call 276-628-5005.

Debuts New Store with Grand Opening Set for Wednesday, January 3rd.

It’s been in the planning stage for a while now, but it’s been in the dream stage for many years. And on Wednesday it finally happens.

hil Burchette will open his new tattoo shop. He’s the guy who had the dream. It all started about 20 years ago when Phil opened what is believed to be the first tattoo shop in downtown Bristol. He had a vision even then; he wanted to combine the essential fundamentals of tattooing with the modern approach emerging about that time. To him, striving to be the best was a nice motivator. Flash forward to 2012. Phil accomplished one of the main parts of his overall goal, creating Epic Ink and bringing in top notch, up-and-coming tattoo artists and a renowned piercer. He set up shop on Volunteer Parkway and has been growing larger and busier ever since. He continued nursing and refining his dream all the while. But he needed the perfect spot before he could really think it was possible. Then fate intervened. Valentino’s closed their Parkway location, which was in Phil’s current building. Long story short, Phil took the plunge, and the results will be available to the public starting on Wednesday. You’ll see what Phil Burchette has always thought he was about. The new store is certainly his dream – luxury amenities, private tattoo rooms for all five artists plus space for visiting artists from around the world, a warm, welcoming ambiance. But you know what? None of that matters if you don’t deliver, and that comes down to the artists. The Epic Ink team is as good as it gets. It starts with Scotti Lee, a fifteenyear industry veteran with a reputation as one of the best piercers on the East Coast. Highly trained and experienced, he sets the standard at Epic. Then we have Chris ‘Dizz’ Hicks. He has 25 years of experience and actually trained at Ancient Art in Roanoke. This guy really knows his stuff. Scotti clearly has nothing on him from a training and experience standpoint. What a great couple guys to have on your team. Last, but most assuredly not least, is Kim Lambert. While only having five or six years of experience, Kim has demonstrated that cool, this lady gets it savvy from the very beginning. She is widely noted as a rising tattooer in the region. Phil, Scotti, Dizz and Kim all proudly invite you to come visit their new work home. It’s on the Parkway across from McDonalds, 1101 is the address.

theloaferonline.com | January 2, 2018

Epic Ink

theloaferonline.com | January 2, 2018

Photo Credit: Linda Coffey, VIPSEEN Tri-Cities.

KOSBE Announces Region Winners

2017 KOSBE Awards

The Kingsport Office of Small Business Development & Entrepreneurship (KOSBE) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2017 KOSBE Awards. 2017 Food Truck Business Excellence Me & K’s (Gray, TN)

2017 Veteran-Owned Business Excellence PRO Tint (Kingsport, TN)

2017 Franchise Business Excellence Fish Window Cleaning (Kingsport, TN)

2017 Food Business Excellence Beef ‘O’ Brady’s (Kingsport, TN)

2017 New Business Excellence C & C Restoration (Kingsport, TN)

2017 Construction Business Excellence Jackson Jones Construction (Blountville, TN)

2017 Retail Business Excellence Olive Oil Divine (Johnson City, TN)

2017 Young Entrepreneur Business Excellence Flight Athletic Academy (Kingsport, TN)

2017 Woman-Owned Business Excellence Cassia’s Salon & Spa (Kingsport, TN)

2017 Gazelle Business Excellence Auntie Ruth’s Donuts & Pretzels (Chuckey, TN)

2017 Service Business Excellence Wilson Worley PLC (Kingsport, TN)

2017 IMPACT Award Kayla Marie Hernandez (Jonesborough, TN)

he award winners were announced at an awards ceremony at Meadowview Marriott in Kingsport on December 14th. Several contenders and winners also received bonuses including print and radio advertising, marketing, co-working space, memberships, financial analysis, legal aid, training, and expert coaching. The KOSBE Awards promote economic impact for the Tri-Cities by recognizing small businesses that are leading by example and making an extraordinary contribution to the communities they do business in. The winners exemplify leadership and excellence in overcoming adversity, and a passion for helping others succeed. Award winners serve as inspirational leaders to other local small businesses, and they model best practices that will progress the region as a whole. KOSBE Awards is sponsored by: Eastman, Phil’s Dream Pit, Cumberland Marketing, Millennium Auto Collision Repairs, Eastman Credit Union, Prendergast Construction, Drive18, First Tennessee Bank, Knoxville TVA Credit Union, Pathway Lending, GAAM Wealth Advisors, NETWORKS, SunTrust, Triten Insurance, Food City, East Tennessee Eyecare, Honda of Kingsport, Fanatics 101, F&L Limo & Livery, Bridge Pointe Real Estate and Auction, Hillhouse Creative, AdviCoach, The Bagel Exchange, Tri-Cities Military Affairs Council, Oliver Coal Sales, Holston Valley Broadcasting, The Business Journal, VIPSeen, and Times-News. For more information about KOSBE Awards, please visit www.kosbeawards.org.

In Southwest Virginia

Featuring Flatt Lonesome, Uncle Shuffelo & His Haint Hollow Hootenanny

he show will feature music by the award-winning bluegrass group Flatt Lonesome and the old-time acoustics of Uncle Shuffelo & His Haint Hollow Hootenanny, two high-steppin' roots music acts every music lover should see live and in person! The vintage-vibe live radio show happens monthly in the Performance Theater at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum; this show's date isJanuary 11, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. EST. "We're excited to kick off the new year with such a stellar lineup," said Farm and Fun Time host and producer Kris Truelsen. "Folks are really in for a treat. Both bands are large family bands that have very different approaches to playing within the traditions of string band music and will no doubt make for a wonderfully diverse show." From the moment their brilliant self-titled debut in 2013 dropped, it's been clear that Flatt Lonesome is as the title of its third album album suggests a Runaway Train. The band has achieved multiple International Bluegrass Music Assocation, Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America, and Dove nominations and awards, top charting songs, Billboard charting albums, countless media appearances including becoming familiar faces on the legendary Grand Ole Opry stage and a demanding tour schedule, all testimony to the phenomenon that is Flatt Lonesome. Uncle Shuffelo & His Haint Hollow Hootenanny is a seven-piece, old-time string band from Rover, Tennessee, with a mission to relieve stress, give off good vibes, and cause a general feeling of well-being in all people while promoting the awesomeness of

old-time music. They can be counted on to deliver a high-energy performance influenced by Uncle Dave Macon, Grandpa Jones, The Carter Family, and other old-time greats. Farm and Fun Time features a variety of segments including jingles written and performed by house band Bill and the Belles, a farm report, an heirloom recipe segment, and nationally touring artists. A revival of the former WCYB radio program that aired from downtown Bristol in the 1940s and 1950s, Radio Bristol's Farm and Fun Time is original programming the entire family will enjoy. Tickets to be part of the studio audience for the January and February Farm and Fun Time events are on sale now at BirthplaceOfCountryMusic.org/events. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and guests are asked to be seated by6:50 p.m. Special guests Willie Watson and Larry Sigmon & Martha Spencer will join the show's lineupFebruary 8, 2018. Sponsored by Eastman Credit Union, Radio Bristol's Farm and Fun Time radio show is recorded before a live audience and is broadcast live as well as via webcast. Radio Bristol can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 100.1 FM in the Bristol area, online at ListenRadioBristol.org, and through the station's free mobile app. Can't go to the show? Fans can watch Farm and Fun Time live via Radio Bristol's Facebook page atFacebook.com/ WBCMRadioBristol. For more information on concerts and programming, visit the events page at BirthplaceofCountryMusic.org.

It's the first Farm and Fun Time show of the new year, and tickets to see this live Radio Bristol event are going fast!

theloaferonline.com | January 2, 2018

January Farm and Fun Time

theloaferonline.com | January 2, 2018

Grammy Nominee, Joseph Habedank Comes to Kingsport LampLight Theatre to Host Concert

Singer/songwriter Joseph Habedank is capping off a stellar year with his first-ever GRAMMY® nomination. Nominees for the 60th GRAMMY® Awards were announced in November, with Habedank’s 2017 release, Resurrection, appearing in the Best Gospel Roots Album category. Now, we are grateful to host Joseph on our stage at LampLight Theatre, 140 Broad Street, in downtown Kingsport.

roduced by Wayne Haun, the album, Resurrection, is Habedank’s sophomore studio release on Daywind Records, and received the 2017 GMA Dove Award for Southern Gospel Album of the Year earlier this year. The project features the chart-topping single, ‘Here He Comes,’ as well as nine other new songs co-written by Habedank with acclaimed songwriters such as Michael Farren, Tony Wood, Jimmy Yeary, and Lee Black, among others. Resurrection covers a range of musical styles, from the current radio single ‘Just When You Thought,’ to the southern rock-infused ‘Jailbreak’ and gospel inspired ‘I Believe In The Resurrection.’ Named by Singing News as the 2017 Soloist of the Year, Joseph Habedank has appeared on stage this year alongside the legendary Reba McEntire at the GMA Dove Awards, as well as on the Ryman and Grand Ole Opry stage with Opry members Dailey & Vincent. Joseph has a unique and equally powerful testimony that has been featured on FoxNews.com's Spirited Debate, TBN’s Praise the Lord, and in such publications as Billboard

Magazine, CCM Magazine, and Glenn Beck’s, The Blaze. While the 60th annual GRAMMY® Awards will be held at Madison Square Garden in New York City in late January, the Tri-Cities will have the wonderful privilege of seeing Joseph Habedank in Concert on Monday, January 8th, 2018 at LampLight Theatre. Doors open 1 hour prior. Artist’s Circle tickets are $15, and General Admission tickets are $10. Seating is limited. If handicapped seats (wheelchair accessible) are needed, please contact our Box Office at 423-343-1766. LampLight Theatre will also be offering special VIP Deluxe Dinner Tickets for $30 and will include time with Joseph at dinner. This delicious catered meal is being offered before the concert at 5:30 PM in The Emporium, adjacent to the theatre. Reservations for the VIP Deluxe Dinner Tickets are required. For tickets, group discounts, or more information, contact the LampLight Box Office at 423-343-1766 or online at www.LampLightTheatre.com. LampLight Theatre is located at 140 Broad Street Kingsport, TN.

theloaferonline.com | January 2, 2018

at the Willow Tree, Johnson City on Friday, January 11

Lovers Leap

tanding on the precipice of a new and exciting venture, the band members of Lovers Leap decided to jump. Although it was more of a soaring than a falling when they first played together under the shadow of the beautiful rock outcrop in Hot Springs, NC, for which their name was inspired. At the heart of Lovers Leap is a lovely balance of lush harmonies and provocative solos, intwined in songs that span from old mountain murder ballads to original tunes set to worldly rhythms. As a show unfolds and boundaries dissolve, the nucleus of a performance is steadfast, tugging on the listeners’ heart strings, while also satiating one’s desires through instrumental virtuosity. Independently, Shelby Means (bass, guitar, vocals ), Mary Lucey (banjo, bass, vocals ), Joel Timmons (guitar, drums, vocals) and Billy Cardine (dobro, vocals), have each made an impact on the evolving Americana music scene. Means began singing and playing upright bass as a young’un in a family band. These talents lead her to a GRAMMY nomination with band, Della Mae where she shared the stage with folks such as Willie Nelson, and the Avett Brothers,. Lucey, a founding member of The Biscuit Burners, helped propel the band to international attention with her powerful singing, bass playing and songwriting. She also played with Uncle Earl alongside John Paul Jones for their album release tour. Timmons, as a member of Sol Driven Train has played alongside Bruce Hornsby, Levon Helm and Michael Franti, demonstrating his sonic playfulness, danceable rhythms and Americana pop leanings. Cardine, a slide guitar pioneer, founding member of The Biscuit Burners and current member of Acoustic Syndicate, Rapidgrass and North of Too Far Downs has made a name through his distinct voice on all things slide. He has performed with Edgar Meyer at Carnegie Hall and collaborated with greats such as Debashish Bhattacharya and Jerry Douglas. Collectively the bandmates have presented their sound from the Kennedy Center to Bonnaroo, Merlefest to Telluride, Europe and China to Israel and India. They each have taught workshops throughout the country and internationally on their respective instruments.

theloaferonline.com | January 2, 2018

January Events at The Arts Depot

Opening on January 3rd in the Juried Spotlight Gallery:

Patricia Ringley McCarthy-From Nature to Abstraction: A display of oils, acrylics and mixed media pieces painted on canvas, board and paper.

Opening on January 3rd in the Members Gallery:

Nick Freeman, Blountville, TN (Charcoal), Bonnie Kelley, Lebanon, VA (Watercolor, Photography), Linda Puckett, Bristol, VA (Acrylic), Josiah Stam, Meadowview, VA (Acrylic)

“First Thursday” January 4th 6-8 p.m. Meet the-Artists-Reception for both shows

"Wednesday Morning Painters"

Informal group meeting for weekly “paint-ins” each Wednesday between 10 am and 2 pm. Beginners to professional painters. Everyone welcome! Appalachian Center for Poets and Writers Meetings (ACPW) meets monthly at 7:00 pm on the Third Tuesday, (January 16th) for a Workshop. Writers are asked to bring 6-8 copies of poems or short prose if they like. Contact dwinship@gmail.com For more information on any program or event call the Arts Depot 276-6289091 or visit the website www.abingdonartsdepot.org. All events are free and open to the public. There is never an admission charge.

Festivals

Got an event coming up?

Events

Send it to The Loafer! info@theloaferonline.com

Concerts

Exhibits

The winners gather in Hawaii to jump start the golf season. TV viewers can’t call in rules By Paul Kavanaugh violations anymore, oh – and some guy named Tiger

ntrigue is not something you usually associate with golf, but this is no normal year. We have more real major contenders than in quite some time, if ever. Even to the casual golf fan, guys like Jordan Spieth and Rory McElroy epitomize the top level of a very difficult game. But within golf itself, there are more backstories than you could possibly imagine. Sure, there are the relatively minor stories like is this the year Ricky Fowler moves from pretender to contender; can Jordan complete the career Grand Slam and join the very small group of immortals; can Dustin Johnson get back to the world number one form he exhibited before he fell down the staircase at the Masters and had to withdraw. Then what about McElroy? Has his flame burned out early or will he get his act back together? And what of Justin Thomas – is he the real deal who could dominate golf for a decade? These and many, many more questions lurk as last year’s tournament winners gather in Hawaii this week for the Tournament of Champions. It used to be the season-opening event, but with the revised Fall schedule now, it is actually an early-mid-season event. It is always fun to watch, if nothing else for the beautiful scenery and the whales captured by the blimp cameras. But I am a dyed-in-the-wool fan, so I watch for the golf as much as anything else. But while we’re all enjoying the return of top-level golf to the airways, the elephant in the room is getting bigger. Yes – its Tiger! Mr. Woods has played all of one event so far, but the back and the game look pretty solid for the first time in years, so I personally don’t count him out of anything.

In reality, a return to top form by Tiger Woods is the best thing that could happen to golf – he is the button you push to get viewers flocking to the tube and the course. He single-handedly caused the huge surge in popularity of the game, and his return can only help. If he can contend in a major or two – or even win one – the ratings will go through the roof. And there is not a player out on tour that doesn’t hope that will happen – they know what side of the bread the butter is on! Hey – put down the phone! That’s right – just enjoy the telecast and quit trying to see if someone’s ball moved a tenth of an inch. The USGA and the R & A have discontinued the practice of allowing viewers to phone in perceived rules violations. This was a crazy practice to begin with, not only because golf is an honorable game, but frankly, players need to know what the score is. This came to a head last summer when Lexi Thompson was assessed a major 4-shot penalty in a major because she inadvertently replaced her ball about a tenth of an inch off of the exact spot. Definitely not intentional, but a viewer had noted the apparent mistake and called it in. Cost Lexi a major, cost the LPGA some credibility, had the network going crazy and the rules officials confused. That was a heck of a tenth of an inch! So this year no phone calls. The tours are going to assign a staffer to monitor the TV feeds and keep an eye out for mistakes, and that is a good thing. Sometimes golf officialdom moves at a glacial pace, but here they realized that this could get out of hand, so they acted proactively. Good for them. And, good for golf. Now, if I could just keep my head down . . .

theloaferonline.com | March 28, 2017

Jump Starting The Golf Season

theloaferonline.com | January 2, 2018

Spotlight - WEDNESDAY - January 3rd -

Open Mic The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room

- FRIDAY - January 5th -

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.

- SATURDAY - January 6th -

Donny and the Dry Heavers Sleepy Owl Brewery

Dixie Down Bristol VFW Post 6975

U Turn State Line Bar & Grill

Nightshift Band David Thompson’s Produce

Victor Lawson w/ Boogie Chillin’ Country Club Bar & Grill

Junkyard Dogz Bears Bar

John Miller The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room

Below 7 Holston River Brewing Company

Double $hott Country Club Bar & Grill

Jam w/ Danny Farmer Wellington’s Restaurant

Ethan Bortnick Paramount Center for the Arts

Chris Long Acoustic Coffeehouse - THURSDAY -January 4th -

Live Music Bone Fire Smokehouse Jam w/ Andrew Thelston Sleepy Owl Brewery Bella Raye Blackbird Bakery The Tides Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill Acoustic Jam Session Acoustic Coffeehouse - FRIDAY - January 5th-

Dullside / Earth Suits / Us If Capone’s The Green Fingers The Jake Quillin Band 49 Winchester The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room Webb Wilder & The Beatnecks Down Home

Jet Black Audio Friday, January 5th CJ's Sports Bar

Lillie Mae at January Jams @ Barter Theatre Shiloh Hill Yee Haw Brewing Company

Jet Black Audio CJ’s Sports Bar

Live Music Bone Fire Smokehouse

Volume Five Bluegrass Down Home

Shooter Band CJ’s Sports Bar

Amythyst Kiah at January Jams @ Barter Theatre

Wise Old River Quaker Steak & Lube

Lodi Band Quaker Steak & Lube

Bek & The Starlight Review Acoustic Coffeehouse

- SATURDAY - January 6th -

HipGypsy / Fritz & Co Collateral Jamage Capone’s

Live Music Bone Fire Smokehouse

- SUNDAY -January 7th -

The Get Right Band Holston River Brewing Company Ryan Ward Sleepy Owl Brewery

Ethan Bortnick Saturday, January 6th Paramount Center for the Arts

Victor Lawson

w/ Boogie Chillin' Friday, January 5th Country Club Bar & Grill

for show time & more details, visit

theloaferonline.com

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

TUESDAY

Karaoke w/ Crossroads & Josh Blevins at Dawg House Tavern Family Night Karaoke at CJ’s Sports Bar Karaoke w/ Marques at The Cave Karaoke at Numan’s ***********************

WEDNESDAY

Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at American Legion Karaoke at CJ’s Sports Bar Karaoke w/ DJ Brad & Top Shelf Entertainment at Quaker Steak & Lube

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

FRIDAY

Karaoke at Kingsport Moose Lodge Karaoke w/ Reverb Karaoke at The Cottage Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Moe’s Original BBQ Karaoke w/ Toddzilla at Sportsmans Pub Karaoke w/ DJ Brad & Top Shelf Entertainment at BoBo’s - Damascus VA Karaoke at Elizabethton VFW

Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Smokey Bones - Johnson City TN

Karaoke w/ DJ Marquez & Top Shelf Entertainment at Holiday Inn (Exit 7) - Bristol VA

Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN ***********************

Karaoke at Numan’s ***********************

THURSDAY

Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Macado’s - Kingsport

SATURDAY

Karaoke at The Horseshoe Lounge

Karaoke at CJ’s Sports Bar

Karaoke w/ Toddzilla at Sportsmans Pub

Karaoke at Numan’s

Karaoke at Kingsport Moose Lodge

Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at New Beginning’s

Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN

Karaoke at Jiggy Rays Pizzaria ***********************

Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Macado’s - Kingsport

Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at Sportsman’s Bar & Grill

Karaoke at Numan’s ***********************

FRIDAY

Karaoke w/ Shane Rouse at Bear’s Bar

15 theloaferonline.com | January 2, 2018

SPOTLIGHT DIRECTORY

KARAOKE

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

theloaferonline.com | January 2, 2018

Really Far Out Top 10 Spacey Events Of 2017

A look back in the time machine of what was 2017 reveals some really far out astronomy events while space exploration simply blew your mind!

Stargazer

By Mark Marquette since 1996 stargazermarq@ gmail.com

rom the Great American Eclipse on Aug. 21st to the 17th blast off the year from Earth by SpaceX rockets, the 17th year of the 21st Century continued to push mankind deeper into outer space. With the total solar eclipse and intentional destruction of NASA’s Saturn orbiter Cassini being the #1 and #2 events of the year, the other eight could be jumbled in any order of importance. Relive the Top 10 Astro/Space events of 2017: Great American Eclipse on Aug. 21st Without a doubt, this was the most publicized astronomical event in the history of the world. Clear, hot weather across most of the United States allowed tens of millions to enjoy the two-hour celestial motion of the Moon covering the Sun. For those millions along the path of totality slicing across America’s heartland, the 2 minutes 40-some seconds of day turning into night is a forever memory. Cassini’s Grand Finale NASA has an amazing track record of interplanetary spacecraft lasting well beyond their life expectancy, and Cassini is no exception. Launched in 1997, it began orbiting around Saturn in 2003 a six and one-half year journey, the $3 billion Cassini revolutionized everything we know about this gas giant, it’s incredible ring system and family of 60-plus moons. The spacecraft had 27 participating nations; acquired 635 gigabytes of science data during 294 orbits of Saturn; sent back 453,018 photos; inspired 3,948 published science papers; and wowed earthlings with photos of our planet as a tiny dot in space. Interstellar Asteroid Interloper Late 2017 saw the first celestial body from another solar system cross though the Sun system. Called “Oumuamua” (pronounced “A-moo-amoo-a” or “distant visitor” in Hawaiian) this was quite an eye opener to astronomers. The small size of a quarter-mile long and just 100 feet thick makes it a strange, cigar shaped rock whose trajectory came from the direction of bright star Vega. Battered and eroded by hundreds of millions of years of cosmic radiation, Oumuamua was checked out by the Search for Intelligent Life astronomers, and it was proved to not be an alien spacecraft. It’s long gone and never to be seen again.

NOBEL PRIZE FOR GRAVITY WAVES

The 2017 Nobel Prize in physics went to three Americans who detected gravity waves, a phenomenon predicted by Albert Einstein more than 100 years ago. Two colliding Black Holes created a ripple in the fabric of space, recorded by special detectors in America. Think of a rock dropped in the middle of a still, Atlantic Ocean and a microscopic ripple being detected 2,000 miles away.

EXOSOLAR SYSTEM HAS EARTH-LIKE PLANETS

Photo by MarQ

It’s a cool, “brown dwarf” star not much bigger than Jupiter called Trappist-1, but his has eight planets orbiting it the sizes of Earth and Mars, four of them in the sweet spot to support liquid water and atmospheres. Too dim for naked eyes to see and 40 Light Years away in Aquarius, the Trappist-1 planets are now the subject of intense study by all the world’s great telescopes to see if they can sniff out evidence of biologic activity.

BACK TO THE MOON, AND THEN MARS

So says President Donald Trump as he signed documents releasing funds for a study to return to the Moon in 5-7 years and learn how to make the longer trip to Mars. You might yawn, as Presidents Reagan, Bush, Clinton and Bush II have all said American should reach for the Moon. It was President Obama’s dismantling of the Constellation Moon program that has created a private competition for space travel, making it a good chance that a private firm, and not a government will be the next to put boot prints on the Moon.

DAWN MISSION ENDING

Few people know NASA’s interplanetary spacecraft Dawn and its unprecedented exploration of asteroid Vesta (orbiting from July 2011 to Sept. 2012) and dwarf planet Ceres in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Ceres is larger than Earth’s Moon, and has been orbited by Dawn since March 2015. Discovered is a once active world with white salt deposits on the surface where lakes and rivers once existed. Running out of fuel, Dawn will be crashed into Ceres for a final closeup this small world with a slight atmosphere and lots of historical secrets.

JUNO EYES JUPITER’S EYE

Understanding what makes Jupiter tick may answer many questions about how the Solar System was formed, and NASA’s Juno spacecraft is doing just that. Orbiting close and traveling a fast 30,000 mph since July 2016, Juno has instruments to look deep into Jupiter’s thick cloud layers and cameras to send back the best photos so far. The Great Red Spot has been photographed from just 3,000 miles away, looking like a giant eyeball staring off the planet. At onetenth the size of the Sun, Jupiter is so huge that everything in the Solar System can fit inside of it and still have one-third empty space.

“STATION” OCCUPIED 17 YEARS

The International Space Station has been continuously occupied by humans for 17 years without a gap. Built largely with 35 hard-hat missions by the Space Shuttle (retired in 2011), the three-person Russian Soyuz has been the only way to get there for six years. Astronauts call it “Station,” and the science conducted 250 miles above is contributing to the war on cancer, computer technology, astrophysics, growing space food and long duration problems for spacefliers.

SPACE X INCREDIBLE YEAR

Launching 17 successful Falcon 9 rockets and returning 14 first stages (and some faring covers) for reuse, the space company of billionaire Elon Musk hit stride in 2017, making money off paying commercial and government satellites, and resupplying the International Space Station. And in 2018 there are 40 Falcon 9 launches on the manifest, not including the launch of Falcon Heavy—three, nine-engine rockets strapped together for enough thrust to go to the Moon. Looking to 2018…The big highlight will be a close approach by Mars, climaxing on July 27 when the Red Planet will shine brightly just 40 million miles away—close enough to see the surface in a small, backyard telescope!

hile sun catchers hanging in our south-facing windows toss the rainbow of photons around the walls of our cozy homes, the days might be cold, but they are getting longer. The Sun is at its lowest point south of the year, the acute angle filtering sunlight into our rooms. But day-by-day, the Sun’s arc across the daytime sky is getting higher—adding about 30 seconds a day to our daylight. But there’s still more than 13 hours of nighttime, which pleases stargazers exploring the glorious winter sky. The post-full phase Moon will begin creeping into the morning sky, leaving dark skies at the end of the week. Tuesday, January 2 This date in space history has a lot of interplanetary events: in 1959 Russian Luna 1 became first spacecraft to leave Earth’s gravity, but missing the Moon; in 1972 NASA’s Mariner 9 began mapping Mars; and in 2004 NASA’s Stardust spacecraft flew in formation with Comet Wild 2, dropping off to Earth by reenter capsule particles of the alien body in 2006. Wednesday, January 3 On this 2004 date in space history, NASA’s Mars Excursion Rover named Spirit successfully landed on the Red Planet, beginning a six-year exploration of the surface. Succumbing to battery failure in its sixth year after getting stuck in a hole, Spirit was guaranteed to last 90 days! The rover’s twin, Opportunity, landed a few weeks later but is still alive and well—and ready to celebrate its 15th birthday on Jan. 25th. Talk about NASA giving taxpayers their money’s worth! Thursday, January 4 Early morning risers will be treated to a half-hour of planetary conjunction as Mars draws closer to Jupiter each day in Libra the Scales. From 6 am to twilight at 6:30 am, red star Antares is above the horizon, gold and brightest Jupiter, then red Mars are side-by-side, and brilliant white star Spica is above. Friday, January 5 On this 2005 date in space history, astronomers discovered an object larger than

Pluto and nearly twice as far. Named Eris, it and a half-dozen other objects near the size of Pluto sparked the debate that demoted the planet to “dwarf planet” status, joining Eris, former asteroid Ceres and others in the new classification. Saturday, January 6 Get up and look east at 6 am and watch planets Jupiter and Mars in conjunction, so close to each other on Sunday morning they will look like one star! This all happens in Libra, between bright white star Spica in Virgo above, and below the red heart Antares of Scorpius. A great photo opportunity! Sunday, January 7 On this 1610 date in space history, the great Italian scientist Galileo turned his new telescope to the planet Jupiter and discovered three of its four giant moons. The discovery convinced Galileo that the Earth orbited the Sun and our Moon orbited Earth—which was not accepted knowledge 400 years ago. A few nights later, Galileo saw a fourth Jupiter moon, Ganymeade, joining Io, Callisto and Europa. All four moons, and the cloud bands of Jupiter, are easily seen in any backyard telescope Monday, January 8 Happy Birthday 77th birthday Stephen Hawking, the world’s premier physicists, and one of the longest survivors of ALS. Confined to a wheel chair for decades, Hawking has a brilliant mind that has pioneered modern day physics, which he popularized in his best-selling book “A Brief History of Time.

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THIS WEEK

SKIES

Celestial events in the skies for the week of Jan. 2-8, 2018 as compiled for The Loafer by Mark D. Marquette.

theloaferonline.com | January 2, 2018

A New Year’s Wish List In this, the year 2018, I have a few things I’d like to see happen in this world of ours. 2017 was a real bacon wrapped nightmare, and I really hope we can turn things around this year and truly make the world a better place.

Batteries Not Included

By Andy Ross aross@ theloaferonline.com

his week, with the hopes and wishes of all the children of all the places of all the worlds. I’d like to take some time to list my wish list for 2018. I wish for peace and love for all my fellow humans, I wish that my blood pressure wouldn’t surge each time I catch a tiny sliver of the damned news at night. I wish for us to solve the issue of hunger, that we can help all those who need food. I hope that Waffle House keeps their prices low and continues to not judge me when I walk into there late at night covered in fur and oil. I hope that we can all come together as one, stand in harmony, and sing a heartfelt rendition of “All I want for Christmas is You” in the middle of April—the most unexpected time. I pray, with all my heart, that in 2018 science will finally answer the most pressing question Earth has ever faced. How many licks DOES it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll pop?

I hope in the coming year we can finally determine if kale is the super food that will save us all, or if it’s just merely “fancy spinach.” I also wish that 2018 is the year science can make potatoes a health food. I need to eat fries to drop the pounds. Make this happen, please. I hope in 2018 my ex will stop texting me the Joni Mitchell song “River” every year on my birthday. It’s even weirder since she married last Fall. I wish that this coming year the city will finally approve my grant to build a giant statue of Alex Trebek in the heart of downtown. When asked why I wanted to do this, I simply told them “the children of the world.” I hope those jerks who keep calling me to sell me insurance and medicare will stop calling my house every five minutes this year. These are just a few of my hopes for this coming year, but I hope for you and yours it is a year filled with peace and love and hope and joy and a decent bank account. See you next week.

Unforgettable

theloaferonline.com | January 2, 2018

Pop Moments of 2017

2017 was quite the year in Pop entertainment in all forms, many unforgettable and other forgettable. For the first issue of The Loafer for 2018 I am revealing some of what I felt were unforgettable pop moments of 2017. They are as follows: Season 7 of "Game of Thrones"

Wow what a season. With fighting dragons, massive battles, plot twists, and enough shocking moments to leave us hanging in anticipation, fans of the show are salivating for Season 8, sadly the final one for the series. Where is Jon Snow when you need him?

"Wonder Woman"

Pop Life

By Ken Silvers ksilvers@ theloaferonline.com

Before the film opened in the summer of 2017, many said a film lead by a female superhero would never make it at the box office, much less one directed by a woman. Thankfully the naysayers were wrong, and "Wonder Woman", with Gal Gadot proving she was born to play the role, raked in the millions.

Dollywood expansion

On November 3rd, 2017, Dolly Parton announced at the Pigeon Forge, TN park would name 2018 the "Season of Showstopper." The park will have the usual Festival of Nations, along with season long concerts by artists from Crystal Gayle to Ladysmith Black Mambazo. The new and extremely popular Great Pumpkin LumiNights will be expanded. Needless to say, Dollywood will be the place to visit all during 2018.

"Star Wars: The Last Jedi"

Anytime an new film in the extremely popular series is released, it's a major event. While the latest film divided fans, they still came out in droves and The Force was with them.

"Justice League"

Finally getting the live action treatment. After years of television, DVD and comic book appearances, the famous superhero team finally had their chance to shine of the big screen, thus making cinema history with their first live action adventure. For the most part, the film was loved by fans more than critics, but fans of the DC heroes were just happy to see Superman and company together on the big screen.

The return of the Blue Moon Theater to downtown Johnson City.

It was really sad to see this theater close, but fans of live theater were ecstatic when the theater reopened in 2017, once again providing an entertainment alternative to the downtown scene.

Season 2 of "Riverdale".

Not only did the CW television series bring the famous Archie comic book character to life, they turned the characters and story upside down, and fans of the show are forever grateful. This is not the happy-go-lucky world of the comics, but one in which a serial killer is stalking the town. The actors are perfectly cast, even though lead actor K.J. Apa must dye his hair red. Is there a shortage of red heads in Hollywood?

Batman proposes to Catwoman in the comics.

As a Batman fan, I never thought I would see the Dark Knight propose to anyone based on his crime fighting duties. Holy engagement it happened in 2017! If Batman is to marry, Catwoman is the perfect choice, as the two have quite the storied history. It appears the Bat and the Cat will soon have a history making wedding for comic book fans to cherish. 2017 was certainly and exciting one for pop entertainment, so stick with "Pop Life" in 2018 and we will see what the new year brings.

theloaferonline.com | January 2, 2018

Below 7 & The Get Right Band @ HRBC

The holidays might be behind us but the great music at The Brewery keeps On a-comin’! Below 7 and The Get Right Band kick off By Paul Kavanaugh January at Holston River Below 7

The Get Right Band

n Friday night, Below 7 takes the main stage at Holston River Brewing Company at 8:30. These guys are an amazing rock & roll band with a sizeable local following. Deep, earthy vocals are complemented by some great musicians. Wait till you hear some of these guitar riffs! They are out of Southwest Virginia and primarily play in the 5 surrounding states, but their music is definitely good enough to get them to the next level. Great rock & roll with a couple cold draft beers is absolutely the way to get this first Friday of the new year started! On Saturday we’ll be entertained by The Get Right Band. This 3-member group out of Asheville is getting their fair share of acclaim these days. Their specialty is Funk/Rock/Reggae. Yeah, that’s a lot! Let me defer to the Huffington Post: "The Get Right Band are the type of performers that you just know will break out. Their songs are infectious and take you immediately to a very happy place. The lyrics are smart and bear weight." I don’t know about you, but I am all over being taken to a very happy place! And The Brewery is just the place to have it happen. They have performed on the famed World Cafe, a nationally syndicated NPR show, and have brought their unique sound to major festivals and venues such as FloydFest, The Orange Peel, Music City Roots TV Show, The Green Parrot, Arlene’s Grocery, and Riverbend Fest. Combining catchy, clever, honest songwriting with musical expertise and fearless improvisation, the live show promises to move your head, heart, and hips. Sounds pretty darn good to me. See you there Saturday – I’ll be the one holding a beer!

theloaferonline.com | January 2, 2018

Learn to Contra Dance in 2018! First dance January 6th in Jonesborough

he guest band is GENOA. Calling the dance will be the ever popular Jesse Edgerton from Asheville, NC. Admission for the dance is $7 for adults and $5 for students and children. A beginners lesson is offered at 7:00pm. The dance runs from 7:30-10:30pm with a waltz and Klondike Bar break at 9:00pm. “This is our 13th year in Jonesborough. It’s hard to believe that we have produced close to 400dances in that time, but we are even more thrilled to start the year with such amazingly talented band and caller”, adds event organizer, David Wiley. “Many area citizens still do not know what contra dance is all about. It’s similar to square dance, but the formation and flow is vastly different”. The movement is just a walking step that requires no fancy footwork. GENOA is a band made up of two veteran musicians. Noah VanNorstrand is known throughout the country as the fiddle and mandolin player for Great Bear, a band that once was mother and two sons but now is a group of six that has dazzled the whole contra world. Noah’s driving rhythm, epic dynamics, creativity, and uniquely rocking style have given him a loyal following. He also teams up with Julie Vallimont to form the Buddy System band which plays both acoustic and techno music for contra dance For more information on this dance event or any upcoming events, please contact David Wiley at 423-534-8879 or visit www.historicjonesboroughdancesociety. org. Or Historic Jonesborough Dance Society on FACEBOOK.

Discounts available with ticket stub day of performance

The Historic Jonesborough Dance Society will kick off the 2018 contra dance season on January 6th at the Jonesborough Visitors Center, 117 Boone Street.

Paramount Partners

theloaferonline.com | January 2, 2018

• Bristol Station Brews & Taproom Half off first pint or flight • Broad Street on State 20% off your check of $6 or more • Stateline Bar & Grille 2 for 1 Appetizers • Studio Brew 1/2 Half off first pint Free Appetizer or dessert w/Entrée Purchase • Machiavelli’s Free order of breadsticks with any entrée • Whiskey Rebellion Half off your appetizer • J Frank Free dessert and immediate parking Discounts valid for any and all performances at The Paramount.

theloaferonline.com | January 2, 2018

2017 – The Year of Travel Appalachian Wanderers

By Jason & Daniel Worley jdworley@ theloaferonline.com

Wow, already 2018 and so many more miles to hike, parks to visit, and stories to share! We guess that old saying of, “time flies when you’re having fun” really does hold a true meaning. And for the fun in 2017, that has come to about 14,000 miles traveled, 205 miles of trails hiked, National Parks, State Parks, museums, theme parks and even snorkeling!

ast year in our final article for 2016, we told you that it was both exciting and somewhat frightening not knowing what 2017 would bring us; well, we must admit that it has been a pretty fun-filled year! So many of you have taken your time to email us or send us a Facebook messages commenting on the places we have visited with you over the past year. These messages really mean a lot to us and help to give us ideas of where to take you next. As we go into 2018, please continue to share your ideas for exciting new destinations you want to see us cover in future articles. If there is a state park or trail or something that you have been wanting to know more information about, drop us a line and we will make the effort to check it out and review it here within the pages of The Loafer. Now as we head forward into the months of 2018, we must prepare for an even better year! Something that we started in 2017 and want to continue with you in 2018 is our exploration of the Tennessee State Parks. There are fifty-six of these natural areas stretching across the state all the way to the Mississippi River; we have only visited six so far, barely scratching the surface. Over the past year, we have found that these parks have so much to offer and have a plethora of activities for the entire family. In 2017 we started to step over the line to visit our neighbors to the north and see what they had to offer to us. We took you along with us to several locations in Virginia. From state parks to museums, we found that Virginia has some great locations to offer just as our home state here in Tennessee. While you will not find the massive

peaks in VA such as Mount LeConte or Clingmans Dome we have here in TN, you will find the same beauty within the 38 state parks spread across the state. We plan to take you with us to some of these throughout 2018. Another bucket list item we will check-off is completing the Bristol to Memphis highway. We have taken you from Bristol through Knoxville and on to Nashville. Now we will pick back up in Nashville and continue our journey through Jackson and on to the end of the road in Memphis. We traveled to 3 new National Parks and several of the National Park Units during 2017 and so many of you loved seeing our majestic parks in all their beauty. We plan to travel to and explore more of National Treasures and units this year and take you along for the ride. Since we have covered all of them in our immediate regions we will be traveling to the Northeast and Southwest/Midwest for our next stops on these. If you have a favorite place to hike or explore that you think others should know about, please let us know! We’d love to feature it in a future article and possibly even meet some of our readers. Once again, it’s been an insane amount of fun traveling across the Appalachians and showcasing some of our favorite destinations with each and every one of you. From the rocky crags atop the highest Smoky Mountains to the grassy fields of the lowest valleys, we thank you all for your messages, kind words, and continued readership. We look forward to wandering with all of you to many new places in 2018.

theloaferonline.com | Decem ber 5 2017

Answers on page 30

Chico and Izzy. Chico the male is neutered and up to date on all vaccines. Izzy the female is spayed and up to date on all vaccines.They are 1 1/2 years old and are deeply bonded and must be adopted together. What a fun duo! Very sweet pups!

Lilly and her sweet kitties! She is such a good mommy and her kittens are precious! All will be spayed and neutered and up to date on all vaccines.

he Bridge Home has an ongoing aluminum can can collection in front of the shelter at 2061 Hwy 75 in Blountville, TN 37617 and a second aluminum can collection site at Airworks Heating and Cooling, 5633 Memorial Blvd Kingsport. 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 12pm6pm Sat 12pm-3pm and Sun 2pm-4pm. Website is www.bridgehomerescue@ gmail.com or like them on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/bridgehome

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PETS

OF THE WEEK

theloaferonline.com | January 2, 2018

THINGS TO DO Big Brothers Big Sisters Looking for Community Volunteers Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Tri-Cities (BBBSGTC) is looking for community volunteers to make a difference in a child’s life. Spending approximately 4 hours a month with an at-risk youth can help them improve in school, their behavior and their self-esteem. “Our kids have a need, and we are looking for caring adults to step up and volunteer,” said Kathy Lowdermilk, Regional Director of BBBSGTC. “If you have a few hours a month and the desire to make a difference, we want to talk with you about our program.” Our local Big Brothers Big Sisters office, which serves the Bristol, Kingsport, and Johnson City area, is part of one of the oldest and largest youth mentoring organizations in the United States. It’s a system that has been proven to work and transforms the lives of children who might not otherwise ever get the support they need to grow and successfully meet life’s challenges. Child-volunteer matches are made based on in-depth and comprehensive interviewing with parents, children and potential volunteers. Stringent safeguards are in place to assure that all parties are safe. Volunteer and parent engagement and training also play a big role.Anyone wanting to find out more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Tri-Cities should contact the office by calling 423-247-3240, or visiting TennesseeBig.org. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Blood Drive Marsh Regional Blood Center will conduct public blood drives at the area locations. Visit http:// tinyurl.com/n4aujx9 to find a lo-

verse butterfly fauna. Rita is an enthusiastic, knowledgeable and engaging speaker, as well as a talented photographer and butterfly gardener. Her talk is entitled "A Home For Butterflies," and will be a great chance to learn to make your home environment a better habitat for native butterflies. Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn from the expert on Tennessee butterflies! It's a free event, but preregistration is required. For More Information and to Pre-register: Warriors’ Path State Park, PO Box 5026.Kingsport, TN 37663, (423) 239-6786 or email: Marty.Silver@tn.gov.

journals using creative watercolor brary events by liking the library’s techniques, embellishments, and Facebook page, or following the expressions. No skills required. All library on Twitter and Instagram. materials will be provided. This workshop is free and open to the public. For more information, call Adult Services at 423-434-4454. To learn more about this and other upcoming events, visit the library’s website at www.jcpl.org. You can also keep up to date on li-

cation 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 marsh- Paw Patrol At Freedom Hall blood.com. January 3, 2018 at 6:00 PM Tickets: goo.gl/cSbwnr. Children •••••••••••••••••••••••••• less than 1 year old admitted free. The Casual Word •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Adult Creative Writing Class Join us for a free, fun, engaging, and different look into writ- Make Your Own ing. In this class, we will not focus Self-Nurturing Journal on structure, form, or rules, but The Johnson City Public Library on the freedom of writing. It is will host a Self-Nurturing Journalthe goal of this class to open the Making Makerspace for adults on mind to its full creative potential Thursday, January 4 at 2:00 p.m. by allowing participants to write in the second floor Buffalo Mounwhat they want, how they want to tain Room. Participants will learn write it. Sessions will be student how to make their own simple lead; we will engage in topics and subjects that are of interest to the students. The atmosphere is Cryptogram: History's lessons are no more enlightening than the wisdom of those who interpret them. casual and jovial. This class is de- DropQuote: "History is the sextant of states which, tossed by wind and current, would be lost in confusion signed for all those 18 and up who if they could not fix their position. wish to try their hand at creative writing. Thursdays @ 6:00 p.m. Jones Creativity Center. Bristol Public Library. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Winter Garden Seminar It's less than a month until our annual Winter Garden Seminar here at Warriors' Path State Park. Our 29th annual Seminar will be on Saturday, January 6, and we have an extra-special guest speaker this year. Rita Venable is the author of Butterflies of Tennessee, the first comprehensive guide to our state's rich and di-

A Year In Movies:

A HIGHLY-SELECTIVE AND VERY BIASED LIST Last week, during the waning days of 2017, I recommended some of my favorite books of the year, and this week, during the first days of 2018, I am presenting a list of some of my favorite movies released during the past year. In doing this, I don’t want to encroach on the fine work being done by our own Ken Silvers and Andy Ross. As you know, in my pursuit of the ever-elusive world of pop culture, I often make mention of movies, but I do so not as reviews but as ways of reflecting on the cultural evocations made by these movies. And that is my intention this week as well.

A Kelly’s Place

By Jim Kelly since 1989 jkelly@ theloaferonline.com

s a fan of horror movies, I am very pleased to report the return of the “intelligent” horror film this past year. Although there was a plethora of movies out there to satisfy the legions of fans who prefer jump scares, gory special effects, and sadistic characters, there were also a handful of movies that appealed more to the head than the heart. As I write this I am rewatching the controversial Olivier Assayas film, “Personal Shopper,” which is now available as an attractive Criterion Collection Blu-Ray edition. This film has often been compared to Darren Aronofsky’s much-loved/ much-hated movie “Mother” for its enigmatic ending, of which I can’t make a judgement, since I haven’t yet seen the Jennifer Lawrence movie, which I plan to stream this week. While I was watching “Personal Shopper,” which stars Kristin Stewart as a fashion assistant who believes the spirit of her deceased twin brother is still rattling around in his former house on the outskirts of Paris, I was reminded of two older movies, “The Uninvited,” the Ray Milland haunted house vehicle from the early 1940s and James Whale’s “Old Dark House,” released in the mid-1930s and starring Boris Karloff and a very young Gloria Stewart of “Titanic” fame (and now available at last in a restored version with two commentaries by Cohen Films). “Personal Shopper” is thus a type of old-fashioned haunted house thriller set in the age of texting; in this movie, Kristin Stewart spends more time texting than she does searching for her brother’s spirit inside his creepy house. In fact, some reviewers have suggested that Assayas’ real ghost is the one inside our smartphones rather than anything that might be haunting the corridors of a haunted house. If you are a fan of “Paranormal Activity” stuff or chainsaw-wielding maniacs, chances are you won’t like “Personal Shopper.” However, I do like found footage movies and chainsaws, so I might be the exception. “Personal Shopper” should be seen as a double feature with David Lowery’s “A Ghost Story,” starring Casey Affleck as a very old-fashioned ghost that haunts the house he formerly shared in life with Rooney Mara, one of my favorite actresses (see below). Again, fans of maniac movies or yet another remake of “Friday The 13th” probably won’t like this movie either. It is all atmosphere and, although it is about a haunting, is more bittersweet than frightening. As the Blu-Ray package states, “A Ghost Story emerges ecstatic and surreal--a wholly unique experience that lingers long after the credits roll.” Perhaps the most talked-about horror film of the year is Jordan Peele’s “Get Out,” which pays homage to countless horror movies, most notably “The Stepford Wives” (the 1975 original, not the dismal remake), as well as to the controversial late-1960s Sidney Poitier classic, “Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner?” This clever serious-yet-funny movie works on many levels, from a truly frightening parable on American race relations to a satire on upper middle-class pretensions and posturing. This movie is destined to take its place alongside other milestones of its genre (whatever that may be). May I suggest it as a double-feature with another favorite of the year--Gore Verbinski’s “A Cure For Wellness” (released last February)? This modern reimagining of Bela Lugosi’s “Dracula” is a visual treat and deals with many of the same issues as “Get Out.” Speaking of Rooney Mara (see above), I was taken with Terrence Malick’s latest film, “Song To Song,” which plays like a sequel to his previous “Knight of Cups.” Malick, more than any other director with which I am familiar, has a love/hate relationship with his audience. They either hate him with a passion or passionately love his movies. Like most of his movies, “Song To Song” contrasts its human actors with the world of nature that forms the stage on which they act--a theme

explored perhaps most fully in his 2005 reimagining of the seventeenth-century settling of Jamestown--“The New World.” Needless to say, I was attracted to the musical motifs of the movie and the way it placed its rather mundane human dramas inside the context of the Austin, Texas, music scene. And while we’re on the subject of music . . . . . The last two films on my list are musicals. Although “La La Land” was released on Christmas Day 2016, it qualifies as a 2017 movie. Yes, this movie was panned by a lot of critics, but I found it a refreshing and tongue-in-cheek tribute to “old school” Hollywood musicals like “Singin’ In The Rain.” I know the love story is corny, like most every musical ever made, but the music and the sets (in this case, Hollywood back lots)--the real excuses to make musicals--are the stars of the show. And you can believe that Ryan Gosling became an accomplished pianist as a result of his role preparation if you want. The other musical on my list is Edgar Wright’s “Baby Driver.” While it might not be a musical like “La La Land,” try watching the movie with the volume turned down. Not the same movie, right? After all, this movie inverts the usual formula for an action movie--instead of music being used as background for the plot, in this one the plot functions as background for the musical soundtrack. And what a soundtrack it is. The only thing missing from this movie is Jason Statham. Maybe he will show up in the inevitable sequel. Mindlessness never was more fun. Here’s wishing you a year of watching movies. I am already anticipating which ones will show up on my year-end list for this year. See you next week.

theloaferonline.com | January 2, 2018