theloaferonline.com | January 31, 2017
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Volume 31 • Issue #9
on the cover Super Bowl Patriots vs Falcons
Publisher Luci Tate 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!
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Stargazer Apollo 14: A Unique Moon Mission Skies This Week Batteries Not Included The Turtles: All The Singles Pop Life xXx: Return of Xander Cage Appalachian Wanderers The Smoke Clears Outdoor Life What is the 6.5 Creedmore Puzzle Page Kelly’s Place May The Lights Never Go Out On The Mary Tyler Moore Show
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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Super Bowl LI Mango Dreams JCSO: In The Hall Of The Mountain King Flamenco & Spanish Dance @ NPAC Kiss Me Kate @ JRT Jeff Brown & Still Lonesome @ Carter Family Iron Design The Art of the Breakup Jason Edwards & Randall Shelton @ Acoustic Coffeehouse Ladie's Tea John Frazier @ O'Mainnin's Spotlight "Foot Ball" Contra Dance Painting the Human Canvas Chocolate Fest Pets Of The Week Things To Do
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TEXAS TUSSLE
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Patriots, Falcons face off in Super Bowl LI
Super Bowl 51 pits the AFC's perennial winner against an NFC organization making only its second Super Bowl appearance as the Patriots take on the Falcons on Feb. 5 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. This will be New England's seventh Super Bowl appearance in 16 years (4-4 all-time) and Atlanta's first since the 1998 season (0-1). NFL.com
New England Patriots
Atlanta Falcons
Mind-blowing stats 1. Leading the way: The Patriots don't lose, and they are rarely ever losing. New England hasn't trailed in a game since their Week 12 win over the Jets. That's more than seven hours with a lead! New England has also held a fourth-quarter lead in 17 of their 18 games this season. 2. Tom Prolific: Tom Brady is considered the G.O.A.T. partly because he is so often on the big stage. This will be Brady's seventh Super Bowl appearance, the most by any player at any position in NFL history, breaking former Bills and Broncos DL Mike Lodish's record. 3. In their defense: Bill Belichick's Patriots teams tend to rely on offense to win games, but this year is a little different. The 2016 Pats led the league in scoring defense (15.6 PPG), a promising sign for Super Bowl Sunday. Every Patriots championship squad has had a Top 10 scoring defense.
Mind-blowing stats 1. Hot starts: With the Falcons' opening drive touchdown against the Packers, Atlanta made it eight straight games in which they've scored a touchdown on the first possession. The Falcons thrive off fast starts, building leads early and pounding their opponents into submission with a mix of runs and passes with an array of targets at Matt Ryan's disposal.2. On fire: Atlanta hasn't lost since Week 13, and just dethroned the hottest team in the NFL in Green Bay, which had an eight-game winning streak. During that stretch, Atlanta has averaged 39 points per game and posted a plus-12 turnover differential. 3. Second time's a charm?: The Falcons have won the NFC just twice in their 51-year existence, with their first and only appearance -- an eventual loss to Denver -- coming after a stunning upset of the Vikings in 1998. This one wasn't as surprising, but puts the Falcons on the game's biggest stage for the first time in Arthur Blank's tenure as owner.
Leading men
QB Tom Brady: Brady is in the discussion for league MVP despite missing four games to start 2016. The Patriots legend set the NFL record for best TDINT ratio in a single season (28-2) en route to reaching his seventh Super Bowl. RB LeGarrette Blount: Blount had a career year in 2016. The tailback led the league with 18 rushing TDs and had his first career year with 1,000+ yards and 10+ TDs in 2016. Blount will be making his second Super Bowl appearance as a Patriot. Coach Bill Belichick: Belichick is no stranger to Super Bowls. He has taken the Patriots to seven as head coach, the most of any head coach in NFL history. Belichick also holds the record for most postseason wins all-time by a head coach (25).
Leading men
QB Matt Ryan: The favorite to win the league's Most Valuable Player award, Ryan has been excellent from the season's outset. The quarterback known as "Matty Ice" set a career-high in yards (4,944) and touchdowns (38) as offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan's offense peaked in the second half of the season. Super Bowl LI is Ryan's first appearance in the game. WR Julio Jones: Jones was perhaps the brightest star of all in the Falcons' offense, posting a 300-yard game early in the season and putting on a dominant performance in the NFC title game romp over Green Bay. Jones is a big-bodied athletic freak of nature who strikes fear in the hearts of opposing defenses and will undoubtedly be a focal point of the Patriots' game plan in the Super Bowl. DE Vic Beasley: The second-year pro shook off a quiet start to his career and to the first quarter of his second campaign by erupting for 8.5 sacks from Weeks 5-10. Beasley finished as the league leader in sacks (15.5) and was a key part of a Falcons defense that only improved as the season progressed.
MANGO DREAMS A doctor and driver on a journey of healing
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“Mango Dreams,” a film telling the story of colliding religions and relationships and budding cross-cultural bridges, will be shown in a free public screening at East Tennessee State University on Monday, Feb. 6. Presented by ETSU’s Mary B. Martin School of the Arts, the screening will begin at 7 p.m. in the D.P. Culp University Center’s Martha Street Culp Auditorium, followed by a question-and-answer session and reception with filmmaker John Upchurch. In this independent narrative film, a Hindu doctor with dementia and a Muslim auto rickshaw driver form an unlikely friendship as they make a 1,000-mile sojourn across India in an auto rickshaw. Dr. Amit Singh, the physician, longs to make peace with his troubled childhood and homeland before dementia erases his memories and his son puts him in a nursing home. The driver, Salim, has his own troubled history of cultural conflicts. While the tensions of religion and history initially create problems for the journey, in the end, Amit and Salim help each other find the peace they have both been longing for. “‘Mango Dreams’ is an entertaining movie with a universal story, with equal parts laughter and tears, and an overall sense of hope,” says Upchurch, director/writer/producer of the film. “People should watch ‘Mango Dreams’ to be reminded that the world is a better place when the bridges outnumber the walls.” “Mango Dreams” won the Humanity Award at the Cebu International Film Festival for its coverage of many diverse topics, including family, religion, politics, aging, geographical boundaries and history. The audience learns that as a child, Amit, portrayed by Ram Gopal Bajaj survived the British partition of India. Since then, he has been running from the nightmare of his childhood. Muslims murdered his family, and he feels responsible for the death of his younger brother. Realizing that dementia is slowly eroding his mind, Amit must return to his childhood home and resolve his past with the present before he forgets it all. Chance leads Amit to Salim, a Muslim portrayed by Pankaj Tripathi, who has himself been tormented by the memory of the brutal death of his wife at the hands of Hindu rioters. Salim offers to take Amit “home” without knowing exactly where the journey will lead. Tensions soon surface, but along the thousand-mile journey, Amit and Salim forge an unforgettable friendship. “I wanted to bring two people together, two opposites, and have them bridge their differences,” Upchurch says. “Doctor (Singh) and Salim are
‘separated’ by age, class, education and religion. I thought it would be interesting to force these two characters together on a journey that both figuratively and literally transports them across borders. “Underneath all the story lines is a common theme – the dissolving of arbitrary borders built upon the foundation of fear. Borders attempt to divide us and subjugate us based on class, race, religion and nationality. The line that sums up the film and my feelings is, ‘We are all just people.’” Upchurch is a filmmaker based in the Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina with bachelor’s degrees in computer and electrical engineering. He also attended City Oaks School of the Arts for Cinema and Video Studies. “Mango Dreams” is his first feature film. “There is no denying the power of the parable,” he says. “Today, I still look up to the storytellers of my childhood. I love how they sparked my imagination, opened my mind to new ideas, and encouraged me to care and to feel more deeply. I learned early that a good story does more than entertain. A good story provokes thought between laughter, promotes healing between tears, transmits a message of hope. In short, a good story should enlighten as it entertains. “The greatest thing I can ever hope to do in this life is tell a good story.” For more information on “Mango Dreams, http://mangoworldmagazine. blogspot.com/2013/06/mango-dreams-feature-film-set-in-india.html. The Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers is a program of South Arts. Southern Circuit screenings are funded in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. South Arts, founded in 1975, is a nonprofit regional arts organization building on the South's unique heritage and enhancing the public value of the arts. Their work responds to the arts environment and cultural trends with a regional perspective, through an annual portfolio of activities designed to address the role of the arts in impacting the issues important to our region, and linking the South with the nation and the world through the arts. For more information on South Arts, visit www.southarts.org. For information about the film, film series or the ETSU Mary B. Martin School of the Arts, call 423-439-TKTS (8587) or visit www.etsu.edu/martin.
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IN THE HALL OF THE MOUNTAIN KING presented by the Johnson City Symphony Johnson City Symphony Orchestra continues their 47th season February 4, 2017 “In the Hall of the Mountain King”. The evening will feature Bella Hristova, violinist, performing Sibelius’ “Violin Concerto in D Minor”. The orchestra will also perform selections from Peer Gynt by Edvard Grieg. Born in Pleven, Bulgaria to Russian and Bulgarian parents, Ms. Hristova began violin studies at the age of six. At twelve, she participated in master classes with Ruggiero Ricci at the Mozarteum in Salzburg. In 2003, she entered the Curtis Institute of Music, where she worked with Ida Kavafian (YCA Alumna) and studied chamber music with Steven Tenenbom. She received her Artist Diploma with Jaime Laredo at Indiana University in 2010. Ms. Hristova plays a 1655 Nicolò Amati violin, once owned by the violinist Louis Krasner. Acclaimed for her passionate, powerful performances, beautiful sound, and compelling command of her instrument, violinist Bella Hristova is a young musician with a growing international career. The Strad has praised, “Every sound she draws is superb,” and The Washington Post noted that she is “a player of impressive power and control.” Maestro Seebacher commented on the upcoming concert, “We are incredibly excited to have Bella Hristova back in the Tri-Cities. A few years ago, she dazzled our audience with the Violin Concerto by Beethoven. In February, Bella and the JCSO will present what is arguably the most difficult, but most sublime concerto for violin. Jean Sibelius' Violin Concerto is powerful, beautiful, and elegant. In addition to this fabulous concerto, we will perform orchestral selections from Edvard Grieg's "Peer Gynt." Practically all of the small pieces that make up "Peer Gynt" are instantly recognizable. Grieg's greatest work is charming, playful,
and very entertaining.” Maestro Seebacher will offer a pre concert lecture in Lower Seeger at 6:45, February 4, 2017. The lecture is free to ticket holders. The February 4 concert begins at 7:30 pm in the Mary B. Martin auditorium of Seeger Chapel on the Milligan College campus. The concert is partially sponsored by Ear, Nose and Throat Associates honoring Dr. Arthur Harris’ retirement and the Carnegie Hotel who provides accommodations for our Maestro and guest artists this season. Eastman Credit Union is the gracious sponsor for Ms. Hristova’s performance. Funds are also provided through the Tennessee Arts Commission. Thanks go to the season media sponsors, Johnson City Press and Jet Broadcasting. Tickets are $40 with special rates for students and seniors. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call 423-926-8742 or online at jcsymphony.com. Cornerstone Village and NHC residents should check their activity bus schedules for transportation. Save the Date! April 21, 2017 is the 2nd annual “Encore” event held at the Blackthorn Country Club. Relaxed atmosphere, light music provided by the Symphony musicians along with wonderful appetizers will provide a great evening for you and your friends. Make reservations now-jcsymphony.com and click Events and “Encore” to purchase tickets. Save the Date! May 6, 2017-”Banding Together”, a family friendly event from 2-6 pm will feature several local Appalachian artists for a half day fundraising concert. Come see Lightning Charlie, Ed Snodderly and Bill and the Belles. Buy your tix now-jcsymphony.com and click Events and “Banding Together” to purchase tickets. Follow the Symphony on Facebook, Twitter and Google for instant updates and exciting events.
Poema de Andalucía is a journey through the cultural richness and traditions of the Andalusian provinces that form the “cradle of flamenco.” Despite their proximity, many stylistic differences exist between the regions of southern Spain. The varied traditions, festivals, and rituals of daily life reflect the special character of its people and have made the Andalusian region a wellspring of cultural heritage, not just for dance and song but for poetry, art, and literature. Through the language of flamenco, this special ‘Poem’ pays tribute to the unique land and people of Andalucía. Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana, in their in 32nd season, believes that the universal spirit of flamenco, a multicultural art form, has the power to build bridges between cultures and inspire audiences from diverse backgrounds. Co-Founder and Artistic Director Carlota Santana leads this company of energetic dancers and musicians in powerful performances, extensive community outreach and innovative arts education programs. A special master class will be offered for a limited number of participants on Monday, February 6th at 6:00 PM. Persons who are interested should call the NPAC business office at 423-638-1328 for more information. The class will increase the participant's awareness and understanding of flamenco dance and its cultural heritage, and includes a brief history of the origins of flamenco dance, music and song and how the various cultures that inhabited Spain have influenced flamenco. This is a handson workshop with instruction in rhythmic handclaps (palmas), arm movements (braceo), body posturing, and footwork (taconeo). The class is supportive and fun, and flamenco technique is woven into a short choreography. By the end of the class the participants will be able to “perform” a simple choreographed dance. In addition, a school day performance titled “Fiesta Flamenca,” is scheduled for 10:00 AM on Tuesday, February 7th for students in grades Kindergarten through 5th. This dynamic program highlights the rhythms and emotions of flamenco. The company brings the essence of the different cultures that influenced flamenco: Andalusian, Gypsy, North African, Arabic and Judaic, to their educational programs. During the program, students listen to the guitarra (guitar) and cante (song) as they watch several types of flamenco dances being performed. Flamenco dancers also add to the music and rhythms with castañuelas (castanets) as well as with taconeo (footwork), and palmas (rhythmic hand claps). Teachers may contact 423-638-1328 for more information and to register their class. Celebrate the beauty of flamenco dance at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center (NPAC) in historic downtown Greeneville, TN on Tuesday, February 7th at 7:00 PM. Tickets are $35 for orchestra seating, $30 for mezzanine level seating and $25 for balcony seats. Tickets may be purchased online at www.npacgreeneville.com, in person at the NPAC box office, or by calling 423-638-1679. NPAC offers online seat selection with no processing or delivery fees. There is a $1.50 ticketing fee per ticket regardless of purchase method. The box office hours are Monday through Friday, 10 AM until 5 PM. The 1150 seat performing arts center is located adjacent to the campus of Greeneville High School. For venue information, and to purchase tickets, please visit www. npacgreeneville.com.
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theloaferonline.com | January 31, 2017
POEMA DE ANDALUCÍA
Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana Presents
Niswonger Performing Arts Center welcomes Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana, one of the nation's premier flamenco and Spanish dance companies, to the stage for an evening of music, song and dance on February 7th at 7:00 PM.
at the Jonesborough Repertory Theatre
theloaferonline.com | January 31, 2017
KISS ME KATE
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“Cole Porter meets William Shakespeare” is how director Jennifer Ross describes the musical Kiss Me Kate, opening Friday, January 27th, and running through Sunday, February 12th, at the Jonesborough Repertory Theatre. Written by Samuel and Bella Spewack, with music and lyrics by Cole Porter, this play-within-a-play features newly divorced Broadway stars Fred Graham (Joe Gumina) and Lilli Vanessi (Brittany Whitson), who are appearing in an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew. Joining them in the cast are young rising actors Lois Lane (Heather Allen) and Bill Calhoun (Christopher Ward), who are notorious for doing anything they can—inside the law and out—to get their big break. Complications arise with romantic misunderstandings between Fred, Lois, and Lilli, who has just become engaged to another man. A pair of prison-educated gangsters adds to the chaos backstage, when Bill’s gambling debts mount up, and he signs an IOU in Fred’s name. “I think this show is fun for audiences because it lets them see what happens in shows behind the scenes, and how that can affect an actor’s performance on stage,” said Brittany Whitson. “That, and the music is really wonderful.” Cole Porter, whose music dominated mid-century America, wrote the score for Kiss Me Kate, which won the first ever
Tony Award for Best Musical in 1949. The show is filled with songs that have since become American standards, such as the romantic “So In Love,” sung by Lilli and Fred. Other numbers include a rousing rendition of “From This Moment On,” the flirtatious “Why Can’t You Behave,” and the hilarious “Brush Up Your Shakespeare”. “Another Op’nin’, Another Show,” which has become an anthem for theaters across the world, first appeared in the musical Kiss Me Kate, and is performed by the talented ensemble cast in an energetic, toe-tapping dance number. The show features several breathtaking dance sequences, expertly choreographed by Heather Allen. The songs from Kiss Me Kate are instantly recognizable, and they’re part of the American musical landscape. In 2015, Kiss Me Kate’s 1949 original cast recording was inducted into the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry for the album's "cultural, artistic and/ or historical significance to American society and the nation’s audio legacy.” Rounding out this spectacular cast are Josh Baldwin, Austin Bird, Will Bishop, Summer Boothe, Brooklynn DeFreece, Jaclyn DiDonato, Ben Garber, Caroline Garber, Madelyn Goward, Shawn Hale, Lindy Ley, Jacob Maurer, Paul McQuaid, Dominic Peterson, Dakota Reynolds, Jessica Shelton, Derek Smithpeters, Don Squibb, Connie Taylor, Corey Tickles, Kari Tuthill, Alex Vanburen, Michelle Weintre, Heather Whalen, and Tara White. 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 423-7531010 or go online to www. jonesboroughtheatre.com.
at Carter Family Fold
On Saturday, February 4th, 2017, at 7:30 p.m. the Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, Virginia, will present a concert of bluegrass music by Jeff Brown and Still Lonesome. Admission to the concert is $10 for adults, $2 for children 6 to 11, under age 6 free. Jeff Brown and Still Lonesome consist of Jeff Brown, Austin Brown, Kyle Murphy, Nick Goad and Mitch Walker. Jeff Brown is a name that is very well known to musicians on today's bluegrass circuit, and has been steadily gaining in popularity with fans, DJ'S and promoters alike. He began playing at the very young age of nine, and hasn't slowed down since. He and his brother formed the Richlands Bluegrass Boys, where he played alongside Blue Highway's Wayne Taylor. In 1993, Jeff went to work for the legendary Larry Sparks as bass player and tenor singer, where he was a Lonesome Rambler from 1993 to 1996. Jeff has performed on many famous stages such as: the Grand Ole Opry at the world famous Ryman Auditorium in Nashville Tennessee, along with the television shows Austin City Limits in Austin Texas and Song of the Mountains on PBS. One notable, while performing with Sparks at the Carter Fold in Hiltons Virginia, Jeff was ask to play bass for Johnny Cash along with his wife June Carter Cash. He continued playing various dates and helping out on multiple recording projects before stepping out to front his current band, Jeff Brown and Still Lonesome. Jeff also toured with The Charlie Sizemore Band, and has pulled fill-in duties with Blue
Highway, Dr. Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys, and Jesse McReynolds, just to name a few. He has served on many boards and committees throughout his career, and continues to be very active in promoting and furthering bluegrass music. Jeff has proven, in a very short time, he's more than capable to stand on his own two feet as a singer, player and band leader. Being from Southwest Virginia, Jeff continues to respect his musical roots, but had the unique ability to make any song his own, and is certain to continue winning over bluegrass music fans wherever he goes. Austin Brown now 18 years old has been playing guitar and bass since the age 3. In addition to music, he loves football and fishing. Austin’s music influences are Ralph Stanley, Tony Rice, Wyatt Rice, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, Blue Highway, Larry Sparks, Barry Bales, D. Sparks, and many others. ]Kyle Murphy is very talented fiddle player, mandolin player and song writer originally from Culver City, California. He grew up around bluegrass music, playing with his dad and sister in The Murphy Family Band from a very young age. Since then he has gone on to play with the ETSU Bluegrass Pride Band and has been with Jeff Brown & Still Lonesome since August 2014. ]Nick Goad is a native of Stuart Virginia and is presently studying business administration. He began playing guitar at the age of 9 and mandolin at 12. During which time he has been recognized as Best All- Around Performer and 1st Place Mandolin at Galax Old Time
Fiddler's Convention in Galax VA. ]Mitch Walker from Raleigh, North Carolina is currently a student at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee. He is presently working on two Bachelor of Arts degrees, one in Bluegrass and the other in Economics. Mitch has been playing banjo since he was 13. He grew up in a musical family with both his grandfather and uncle both playing bluegrass music. Mitch took lessons from long-time IIIrd Tyme Out's former banjoist, Steve Dilling. Steve left an impression and he discovered how much he wanted to play bluegrass. Mitch spent some time touring with The James King Band and most recently with Audie Blaylock and Redline. ]For some of the best traditional bluegrass the region has to offer, be sure to come out and see Jeff Brown and Still Lonesome at the Carter Fold. There will be lots of fiddle tunes, unbelievable vocals, great instrumentals, and amazing harmony. For more information on the band, go to http://www.jeffbrownandstilllonesome. com. You’ll also find them on Facebook and YouTube. ]Carter Family Memorial Music Center, Incorporated, is a nonprofit, rural arts organization established to preserve traditional, acoustic, mountain music. For further information on the center, go to http://www. carterfamilyfold.org. Carter Music Center is part of the Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail. You can visit the Crooked Road Music Trail site at http:// thecrookedroad.org.
theloaferonline.com | January 31, 2017
JEFF BROWN & STILL LONESOME
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IRON DESIGN by Marc Maiorana
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William King Museum of Art is pleased to announce the opening reception of Iron Design: Marc Maiorana on February 2, 2017 from 6 - 8 p.m. Iron Design Company was established to promote modern designs in hand formed iron objects by metal worker Marc Maiorana. Maiorana learned blacksmithing from his father and earned a BFA in Metalsmithing from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Illinois. He was a resident artist at the Penland School of Cra s in North Carolina and has taught at numerous institutions including Penland School of Cra s among others along the east coast. Maiorana has been published in several Schi er books of contemporary metalwork, and was also featured in the publications American Cra , Gourmet, Dwell, Food and Wine, e Washington Post and e New York Times. Recently, Maiorana’s ironwork was exhibited and permanently acquired by the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery. The exhibit opens on February 3 and runs through May 14,
2017. Admission is free and the museum is open to the public. For more information on Iron Design: Marc Maiorana, visit www. williamkingmuseum.org or call 276-628-5005. William King Museum of Art is located at 415 Academy Drive, o West Main Street or Russell Road, in Abingdon. e Museum features ve exhibition galleries, artist studios and outdoor sculpture garden. Educational programs in the visual arts are o ered year-round for both children and adults, and school audiences are served by in-house and outreach programs. 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
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This is one of the best local free papers you can get. I never miss an issue and I love the spotlight section very helpful for local bands! Great job, keep up the good work." Amy K.
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theloaferonline.com | January 31, 2017
Have current events gotten you down? Is your relationship with Uncle Sam just not working for you anymore? Put down the ice cream and box of tissues, and let Dada Cabaret be your guide to channeling that anger and sadness into action. Combining humorous spoken narrative and elements of theater with the unique combination of oboe, tuba, tenor and piano, Dada Cabaret seeks to break the divide between audience and performer. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an evening of virtuosic music and irreverent narration presented in an informal, cabaret atmosphere. Please note that the narrative portion of this recital is rated “Mature Audiences” and is not appropriate for children. www.facebook.com/DadaCabaret.Absurd
Dr. Heather Killmeyer, oboe Dr. Stephanie Frye, tuba Dr. Alan Stevens, tenor Sir Andrew Ford, piano and narrator Featured guest Rande Sanderbeck, percussion Saturday, Feb 4, 2017, 7:30 p.m. at Acoustic Coffeehouse Next Door Admission: $5 adults, students free with ID
Dada Cabaret @ Acoustic Coffeehouse Next Door
The Art of the Breakup
Dada Cabaret, the most entertaining and eclectic chamber ensemble of the Tri-Cities, celebrates the art of ending relationships in its new show, “The Art of the Breakup.”
Jason Edwards & Randall Shelton @ Acoustic Coffeehouse
Friday night February 3rd at 10:00 pm Singer/Songwriter Jason Edwards and Randall Shelton featuring Travis Miller will return to the Acoustic Coffeehouse in Johnson City. In 2015 the duo performed over 200 live shows throughout the area and abroad. They are well known for their original brand of music, and high energy shows. Jason has been performing professionally since the age of 16, and he has shared the stage with several top country stars including Gary Allan. Shelton is a remarkable talent in his own right playing with the soul of a rockabilly great from years past, but with a modern style. Miller plays cajon drum to back up Edwards and Shelton, and it makes for the perfect combination for their unique country/ americana sound. They have been featured several times on the show Daytime Tricities, and will appear on the show again the morning of Feb 3rd on WJHL channel 11. Look for their debut cd to be released later this year. Don't miss this show Friday February 3rd.
at the Senior Center
LADIES VALENTINE'S TEA
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Grab your girls and get ready for a spot of tea at the Jonesborough Senior Center! The annual Ladies Valentine’s Tea will be held on February 10th from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The event is open to the public and will include tea, a light lunch, music and door prizes. For additional information call 423-753-4781. Tickets are available to purchase in person at the front desk of the Jonesborough Senior Center for $10/each. A limited number of tickets are available for the Ladies Valentine’s Tea. The Jonesborough Senior Center is located at 307 E Main St, Jonesborough, TN 37659.
JOHN FRAZIER with Earth By Train @ O'Mainnin's
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John Frazier was honored to be awarded one of the "Best Instrumentalists of 2016" by the "Nashville Scene"! He’s coming to O’Mainnin’s Pub in Bristol, TN with Earth By Train on February 3rd! Steve Martin’s protégé, John Frazier, an A-Session musician’s musician, known for his brilliant mastery of the mandolin, guitar and the fiddle, and his Frazier Band, has audiences screaming for more during his 2016-17 tour for their new CD “SOME PEOPLE CHANGE.” Frazier hopes to make some real changes in the lives of children with disabilities as well too! John says that music in itself can be very healing and because he’s a father of two healthy children; his heart breaks for families in need of help, therefore, his tour will be about healing in many ways and he’s looking forward to donating proceeds from this tour to “The Children’s Miracle Network.” The CD was produced at the famous Destiny Studios in East Nashville with some VIP performers making an appearance on it. His single “Chillin” is already creating a “buzz” within the record industry! John and his band will be shooting a new video this month premiering on YouTube. John is by no means a stranger to success! He has toured
and played with film and comedy legend Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers. During the tour, Frazier, Martin, and the Rangers cowrote the song “Go Away, Stop, Turn Around, Come Back,” that Martin recorded on Rare Bird Alert; and also with John Cowan, Jim Lauderdale and bands, such as, Yonder Mountain String Band and Hit & Run. . He brings a powerful, eclectic history as an acoustic and bluegrass performer into his leadership of Frazier Band. Forever on the move to share his passion for music, John has performed at venues all across the U.S. and overseas from the Grande Ole Opry to The Kennedy Center, and at the Royal Festival Hall in London. He has also appeared on countless TV shows! View all of John’s accomplishments and history @ frazierbandmusic.com
Show starts 10:00 pm - Must be 21+ No cover charge
Spotlight
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Downtown Country Guido Au’some and the Open Mic Playas O’Mainnin’s Pub
Open Mic
Acoustic Coffeehouse
- WEDNESDAY - Feb. 1st -
Mike Preslar
Acoustic Coffeehouse
- THURSDAY - Feb. 2nd -
Mike Snodgrass Band Wild Wing Cafe
Shallow Side w/ Seasons After & Guns Out At Sundown The Hideaway
Snuggly Jones
Model City Tap House
Cornbred
Nightshift Band
Nostalgia Duo
Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill
Live Music
Bone Fire Smokehouse
Taylor Marie w/ Jeff Dane Acoustic Coffeehouse
- FRIDAY - Feb. 3rd -
These Are The Angles / Movie Bran The Cryptoids The Hideaway
this mountain / A Great Disaster
Capone’s
Gordon of Groove O’Mainnin’s Pub
The Fly By Night Rounders
The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room
Singer/Songwriter Night Studio Brew
Jon Stickley Trio Down Home
Tennessee LaRue
Elizabethton Elks Lodge
Railway Express
Chilhowee Lion’s Club
CJ’s Sports Bar
Jerry Pierce & the Nightlife Band
Wallace Coleman w/ Billy Crawford
Johnson City Senior Center
Sulphur Springs String Dippers
Holiday Inn (Exit 7)
Madly Backwards
Sleepy Owl Brewery
Bristol Station Brews & Taproom
Mipso
Crocodile Smile
Down Home
Wild Wing Cafe
Grand Theft Audio Wild Wing Cafe
Hillbilly Soul
Asylum Suite
Holston River Brewing Company
The Diamonds
Holston River Brewing Company
Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill
Sullivan Street
Southern Breeze
Country Club Bar & Grill
Live Music
Bone Fire Smokehouse
“David Wiseman - da6d Jason “”The Comeback Kid”” Edwards”
Acoustic Coffeehouse
O’Mainnin’s Pub
- SATURDAY - Feb. 4th -
- FRIDAY - Feb. 3rd -
- TUESDAY - Jan. 31st 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.
- SATURDAY - Feb. 4th IROM w/ Roman Riot & Short Stay Capone’s
Jessica Reno & Southern Ride Rio’s Grill & Sports Bar
Nightshift Band
Johnson City Moose Lodge
Freeway Revival Live
The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room
Travis Tritt
The Paramount Center for Performing Arts
Country Club Bar & Grill
Jeff Brown & Still Lonesome Carter Family Fold
Bluegrass Sweethearts Bone Fire Smokehouse
Michael Roberts / dada Caberet
Acoustic Coffeehouse
- SUNDAY - Feb. 5th -
Embracer / The Reppertons Archaic Knowledge / 1134
Capone’s
Live Music
Bone Fire Smokehouse
Jason Keiser Music
Acoustic Coffeehouse
- MONDAY - Feb. 6th -
Open Mic
Southern Countrymen Band
Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill
Shooter
Acoustic Coffeehouse
Willoughby Ruritan
Country Club of Bristol
Southern 76
David Thompson’s Produce
Sideline
Capitol Theatre
Shades of Refinement
JJ’s Sports Bar
Junior Sisk & Rambler’s Choice
Down Home
Open Mic
for show time & more details, visit
theloaferonline.com
The Hideaway 235 E. Main St Johnson City 423-926-3896
Rainbow Asian Cuisine 2412 N. Roan St. Johnson City 423-232-6688
Barter Theatre 127 W. Main St. Abingdon, VA
Holiday Inn (Exit 7) 3005 Linden Dr Bristol Va 276-466-4100
Rio’s Sports Bar & Grill 70 Harlan St. Greeneville TN
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 Bristol Station Brews & Taproom 41 Piedmont Ave Bristol VA 276-608-1220 Capitol Theatre 104 S. Main St. Greeneville TN 423-638-1300 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
Holston River Brewing Company 2621 Volunteer Pkwy Bristol TN
Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill 3119 Bristol Hwy. Johnson City 423-262-0444
Jiggy Ray’s 610 E. Elk Ave Elizabethton 423-518-1500
Sleepy Owl Brewery 151 E. Main St. Kingsport 423-390-8476
JJ’s Restaurant 115 Charwood Drive Abingdon VA 276-525-4999
Studio Brew 221 Moore Street Bristol VA 423-360-3258
Johnson City Moose Lodge 1801 W. Lakeview Dr. Johnson City 42-926-6400
Tulips American Grub & Pub 3002 E. Oakland Ave. Johnson City 423-232-0868
Johnson City Senior’s Center 510 Bert St. Johnson City 423-434-6238
Wellington’s Restaurant Carnegie Hotel 1216 W State of Franklin Rd Johnson City 423-979-6400
The Lions Club 116 Industrial Park Rd. Chilhowie VA 276-646-3916 Model City Tap House 324 E Market St. Kingsport O’Mainnin’s Pub 712 State St Bristol 423-844-0049 Paramount Center for the Arts 516 State St. Bristol TN 423-274-8920
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 & Open Mic Entertainment 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 w/ Open Mic Entertainment at Tulips American Grub & Pub Karaoke At Numan’s - Johnson City TN Karaoke at Jiggy Rays Pizzaria ***********************
Wild Wing Café 71 Wilson Avenue Johnson City TN 423-461-0071 Willoughby Ruritan 5145 Marvin Rd Bulls Gap VA 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
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 ***********************
15 theloaferonline.com | January 31, 2017
SPOTLIGHT DIRECTORY
Acoustic Coffeehouse 415 W Walnut St. Johnson City 423-434-9872
theloaferonline.com | January 31, 2017
16
APOLLO 14
A Unique Moon Mission
Stargazer
By Mark Marquette since 1996 stargazermarq@ gmail.com
When ranking the six Moon landings by our great nation more than 45 years ago, Apollo 14 ranks probably at the bottom for interest and discovery.
The Apollo 14 mission unfolded this week of February in 1971, a return to flight after the near disaster of the aborted Apollo 13 Moon mission, featuring the only original Mercury astronaut to walk on the Moon. But despite NASA’s successful third lunar voyage, Apollo 14 is infamously known for three things: the astronauts got lost walking around, one smacked a Titleist golf ball a few hundred yards and the other conducted secret, mind telepathy experiments to Earth from the surface of the Moon. The astronauts of that daring lunar voyager are all deceased in early 2017: Commander Alan Shepard, Lunar Module Pilot Edgar Mitchell and Command Module Pilot Stuart Roosa. What also was perplexing about Apollo 14 was the utter apathy that earthlings had, paying little attention to another ho-hum adventure to the Moon just 10 months after the near-death experience of getting Apollo 13 back safely. The world was riveted to the three-day, Apollo 13 rescue odyssey when three Americans were endangered in a crippled spaceship after an oxygen tank exploded 100,000 miles away on their way to the Moon. The miracle rescue of Apollo 13 in April 1970 involved using the lunar lander as a life-boat, and summoned the collective genius of all of NASA’s best people. With “failure is not an option” attitude—and a lot of luck—the three astronauts and their crippled spaceship made it back alive in a drama accurately portrayed in a blockbuster, Hollywood movie. Sent to redeem that failed mission to the lunar hills at a place called Fra Mauro, three astronauts were sent to the Moon with just 15-minutes of space experience between them. How Alan Shepard maneuvered his 15-minute sub-orbital flight in May 1961 into a coveted seat as commander of a moonship is a subject worked over in books and documentaries. The long story short: Shepard put himself there as the powerful Chief of the Astronaut Office. Shepard was grounded from flying status by Meniere’s disease, a balancing problem revealed after his historic, suborbital flight in the tiny, Mercury capsule. Also grounded among the original Mercury Seven astronauts was Deke Slayton, with a heart murmur. Together, Slayton, as director of flight crew operations, and his assistant Shepard, chose all the flight crews and their backups through the two-man Gemini and three-man Apollo missions. They had a system: Prime crews were the back-up crew two or three missions before. That kept crews together to meld personalities, and let fate chose the desired missions—like that first moon landing. AND, after successful surgeries to fix their medical restrictions, Shepard put himself on a Moon mission and Slayton on the 1975 historic Apollo docking with the Russian Soyuz spacecrafts. Several Gemini astronauts were so wore out (or lost their desire) with their years of intense training that they turned down a Moon mission. Among those Mercury/Gemini heroes not taking a lunar voyage were Wally Schirra, Gordon Cooper and James McDivitt. In fact, 11 space rookies flew in Apollo spacecraft to orbit or land on the Moon. So the astronauts chosen specifically for conquering the Moon had 15 rookies who eventually flew in an Apollo spacecraft. After running the astronaut office from 1963-69, American hero Alan Shepard decided he wanted to walk on the Moon. Yep, he had a pretty big ego. But as ruthless test pilots, the original Mercury 7 all had big heads. Cleared to rocket off the Earth in a NASA spaceship, Shepard jumped the line and put himself in command of Apollo 13. But he quickly realized he needed more time to learn two complex spacecraft, the Command Module and Lunar Module. So he bumped himself back to Apollo 14, putting veteran Gemini and Apollo 8 moon orbiter James Lovell in charge of the near-tragic Apollo 13. So it was on Jan. 31, 1971 that the incredible Saturn V moon rocket blasted off Earth for a three-day voyage to the Moon. Shepard and Mitchell landed on the Moon Feb. 5th in a Lunar Module called Antares with Roosa orbiting in the Command Module Kitty Hawk. Everything went well, and any problems weren’t
of the astronauts themselves. In fact, Shepard made the most accurate landing among the six Moon missions. At age 47, he is the oldest person to walk the Moon. But on the surface he and Mitchell discovered how difficult it was to work on the surface of an unknown world. Using a two-wheeled hand-cart full of tools, the moonwalkers pulled this “lunar rickshaw” around the fluffy soil of the Fra Mauro landing site, which was hoped to be a volcanic plain. It wasn’t. That was in the evidence of the 95 pounds of lunar rock and soil they brought back to Earth. Instead the Antares had landed in a spot deep in churned up lunar soil. Called “regolith,” this ultra-fine grained moon dust is pulverized by micrometeorites constantly bombarding the atmosphere-free Moon. For at least two billion years, the once rocky surface has been churned and churned by impacts from debris all over the Solar System. NASA had underestimated the thickness of the lunar regolith in Fra Mauro, and it was deep. More like a foot of snow deep in some places. That made the lunar rickshaw of tools hard to pull, and also got the moonwalkers tired as they struggled to lift their legs in the deep soil. On their second and last 4 hour moonwalk to look inside of Cone Crater, they had to call off the trek as they were confused to their exact location and had to get back to their moonship. Later analysis revealed the astronauts were just 60 feet from the rim. This was confirmed by imagery from the still functioning Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. But it was possible they could have accidently slid inside the 1,000-foot-wide, deep crater and become stranded. So maybe their failure was a blessing in disguise. And then there was the mind games that Mitchell played while orbiting the Moon and on the surface. Confessed completely in his interesting book “The Way of the Explorer: An Apollo Astronaut’s Journey through the Material and Mystical Worlds.” Mitchell admits to trying ESP thought experiments with participants on Earth during his lunar voyage. He said the results were inclusive, it’s doubtful any real effort was possible as those on Earth had only a vague idea of what Mitchell was doing at any specific time. Mitchell went on to explore the psychic world, UFOs and alien encounters with his Noetic Institute, still a player on the world scene of unexplained consciousness. He died in 2016, a staunch supporter of extraterrestrials and all things psychic. Apollo 14’s most repeated bit of space lore involves Shepard’s passion for golf. During the final sweep of their lunar campsite for their valuable gear, the bad-ass astronaut pulled out a custom-made Wilson six-iron head, attached it to a lunar rake handle and announced to a televised world his intent to blast a golf ball “for miles and miles”. In living color, the earthlings saw a moon man swat one-handed at a couple Titleist golf balls stashed in Shepard’s personal gear bag. Each golf ball flew a few hundred yards in the low gravity and no atmosphere. The legend of astronaut Shepard was solidified in American history. The Apollo 14 mission left NASA breathing easier about the upcoming three Moon missions that would involve longer, 3-day stays and a Lunar Rover. And Shepard, Mitchell and Roosa secured their future lives as true Moon exploring pioneers.
This is the peak of the glorious winter constellations, and at 9 pm all the players are in their positions. The crown jewel of the night, Sirius, is high in the southeast showing off its #1 status as the brightest star in the number one dog, Canis Major. Directly overhead is The Pleiades star cluster, and in between are the bright stars of Taurus, Orion and Gemini. And turning heads this week will be the crescent Moon. Tuesday, Jan. 31 On this 1958 date in space history, America orbited its first spacecraft, Explorer 1. Russia had orbited the first spacecraft in October 1957, Sputnik 1, which had a beeping transmission signal. Explorer 1 had several scientific instruments to record the energized Van Allen belts circling Earth. On this 1961 date, Chimpanzee Ham made the first suborbital flight in a Mercury spacecraft—to be repeated by astronaut Alan Shepard on May 5. And in 1971, Apollo 14 was launched by Saturn V rocket for the Moon with America’s first spaceman, Shepard, as the commander. Wednesday, Feb. 1 On this 2003 date in space history, Space Shuttle Columbia was destroyed during reentry over Texas, just two minutes from completing a 17-day science mission. Losing their lives were six Americans and Israel’s first astronaut. Thursday, Feb. 2 This is also the 1966 date in space history when the Soviet Union safely landed the ball-shaped Luna 9 on the Moon. Luna 9 bounced several
times, and then activated cameras to show earthlings the first view of an 17 alien landscape. Friday, Feb. 3 Bays Mt. Astronomy Club meets at 7 pm at the Discovery Theater at the Kingsport city park. Three Space Shuttles were launched on this date: in 1984, Challenger; in 1994 Discovery; and a year later in 1995, Discovery was launched again. Saturday, Feb. 4 To the north are the “M”-shaped stars of Queen Cassiopeia in the star-rich region of the winter Milky Way. The Big Dipper is beginning to scoop up the eastern horizon, and standing on its end by midnights. And in the south, don’t forget the two hunting dogs of Orion, Canis Major and Canis Minor. The Big Dog has the brightest star, Sirius, while the Little Dog has bright Procyon. With reddish Betelgeuse, they make up the asterism called the “Winter Triangle.” Sunday, Feb. 5 On this 1971 date in space history, Apollo 14 landed their moonship named Antares on the Moon in a place called Fra Mauro. America’s first spaceman, Alan Shepard, deceased, and rookie Edgar Mitchell, deceased, became the fifth and sixth men to walk on the Moon. Orbiting in the Apollo Command Module named Kitty Hawk was Stuart Roosa, deceased. Monday, Feb. 6 The amazing array of bright stars form a giant circle in your imagination, called the Winter Hexagon. Start the dot-to-dot with red Aldebaran in the “V-shaped” stars of Taurus the Bull. Go upward to yellowish Capella, left to Pollux and Castor, then down to Procyon. Sirius is at the bottom then up to Rigel. You can imagine a celestial “G” with Betelgeuse in the middle. It’s easy!
theloaferonline.com | January 31, 2017
THIS WEEK
SKIES
Celestial events in the skies for the week of Jan. 31-Feb. 6 2017, as compiled for The Loafer by Mark D. Marquette..
theloaferonline.com | January 31, 2017
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THE TURTLES: All The Singles I could easily state that I don’t just listen to music, I consume it. Music is perhaps the one thing in my life that is closest to an addiction.
Batteries Not Included
By Andy Ross aross@ theloaferonline.com
I listen to incredible amounts of it, buying records makes me happy, and I talk about it a lot. Part of my musical obsessions is one with the music of the 1960s. There are many bands of the ‘60s that are vastly overlooked and underrated--for a number of reasons, mostly generated by “holier than thou” attitudes at rock rags in the ‘70s. There’s the idea rock music didn’t really come to fore till The Beatles arrived, and/or that music was lame until The Beatles got high. I get where these attitudes come from, but I don’t hold much salt in them. However, attitudes like these are why some really great groups of the era have been regulated to their place in history--by some--based only on the merits of their biggest hit song or songs. There are numerous bands that I feel deserves more cred, praise, and appreciation. One band in particular that is long overdue re-evaluation is The Turtles. I’ve been on something of a Turtles kick lately, over Christmas I received this AMAZING two CD set that was released last Summer called “The Turtles: All The Singles.” “All The Singles” is a treasure trove of material. All of the A sides and B sides the band recorded for independant label White Whale, plus rare tracks and planned singles that went unreleased. The set features immaculate liner notes, plus every track has been mastered from the original mono single masters, with the stereo single masters used for tracks from the late ‘60s on--as monaural singles were more or less phased out by the end 1968. Over a five year career The Turtles managed to generate eight top twenty singles, with a total of eighteen singles hitting Billboard's Hot 100. If you think you don’t know any songs by The Turtles, you’ve most likely encountered their biggest hit “Happy Together”--which was number one for three weeks. The Turtles began life as a surf band called The Crossfires. The group was formed in Los Angeles by high school friends Howard Kaylan and Mark Volman, who were the band’s vocalists, along with Al Nichol, Chuck Portz, Don Murray, and Jim Tucker. Upon singing to White Whale--and to keep up with musical trends of the time-the band changed their
name and shifted to being a folk rock act. Right out of the gate The Turtles showed promise. Their first single, a cover of Bob Dylan’s “It Ain’t Me Babe,” charted at eight on the Billboard Top Ten. Their label was particularly encouraged by the group’s early chart success. As time would pass, The Turtles would become the only hit band on the White Whale label--which led to the owners being very encouraging for the band to turn out more hits, even as The Turtles wanted to explore other styles of music. If you only judged The Turtles based on “Happy Together” you’d be missing sight of a well accomplished band. The Turtles cranked out single after single of amazing songs, with a grand sense of humor-there’s a reason why a number of band members joined Frank Zappa & The Mothers of Invention after The Turtles came to an end in 1970. The best example of the band’s sense of humor is on their concept album “The Turtles Present The Battle of The Bands,” where on each track they take on the role of an entirely different group, posing as each of them in the gatefold sleeve of the record. That same record contains “Elenore,” a song the band wrote as a response to White Whale’s constant requests for another “Happy Together.” “Eleanor” is a satire of “Happy Together” and pop tropes of the era, with lyrics that include “you’re my pride and joy, etcetera.” However, the label didn’t get the joke and loved the song. Upon the release of “Elenore” as a single it hit number six on the charts--it may be satire, but it’s also a catchy as hell song. I think it speaks volumes that even when trying to satirize pop music, The Turtles still managed to craft a catchy pop song. One of the great delights of listening to “All The Singles,” which is presented in chronological order, is hearing not only the band’s own evolution in sound, but also just how many great B sides and little known A sides they have. There’s all the big hits I’ve not mentioned yet, “Let Me Be,” “You Baby,” “Can I Get To Know You Better,” “She’d Rather Be With Me,” “She’s My Girl,” “You Showed Me,” and so on. A particular favorite discovery was the B side to “Elenore,” a surfing pastiche called “Surfer Dan.” There’s also the very hard to find “Christmas In My Time of Year.” A seasonal song recorded by the band under the name “The Christmas Spirit.” When The Turtles broke up, White Whale, angry that they had lost their lone breadwinner, banned Kaylan and Volman from performing under their own names with contract jargon. They adopted the moniker of Flo and Eddie and quickly found work as session singers, and as I mentioned alongside Frank Zappa. Kaylan and Volman would have the last laugh, though. In 1974 when White Whale’s assets went up for auction, they bid and won their Turtles master tapes. “All The Singles” shows a band that should have more cred than they got. Frankly, it’s some of the best pop of the era. With impeccable liner notes, it’s a treasure trove of material for fans, and a great starting place to look at one of the more deserving bands of the ‘60s. See you next week.
xXx
Return of Xander Cage Hey movie fans! This week it's time to get a bit cheesy with Pop Life as I ventured to the theater to see "xXx: Return of Xander Cage", starring Vin Diesel.
Pop Life
By Ken Silvers ksilvers@ theloaferonline.com
This film follows the 2002 (!) original "xXx", and the 2005 release "xXx: State of the Union" which did not feature Diesel, thus the title of the new film. I vaguely remember the 2002 original, mainly due to the jacket Diesel's character wore in the film. As expected, the famous (for these films) jacket makes a return appearance. Just in case you haven't seen any of the aforementioned films, the series began with the recruitment of Xander Cage (Diesel), a extreme sports enthusiast, stuntman and athlete, who was reluctantly recruited by the National Security Agency to be a spy for the United States. In the first film, which did gross $277.40 million, Xander was sent on a dangerous mission to infiltrate potential terrorist located in Central Europe. At the end of the first film Xander is last seen relaxing in Bora Bora where he declines the next mission (and to appear in the sequel), leaving the door open for Ice Cube to take over in the second film. Flash forward to 2017 and Diesel is back as Xander, apparently needing a break from the "Fast and Furious" series. Oh, wait, there is another one in that series coming out this year. The plot of the new film has Xander being recruited back into spy action by CIA Agent Jane Marke (Toni Collette), to help track down a gang led by Xiang (Donnie Yen), after they stole a device named "Pandora's Box" which has the ability to crash satellites into a specified location. Xander agrees if he can have his own team with him which features the following team members: sharpshooter Adele Wolff (Ruby Rose); DJ Harvard Zhou (Kris Wu); and getaway driver Tennyson "The Torch" (Rory McCann). Xander and crew head to the Philippines where the bad guys are hiding out with the device, and the real action begins. The plot features a twist that sends the group to Detroit for another action packed showdown that eventually turns matters into the favor of the good guys. The really unique aspect of these films is the fact the spy is an expert skateboarder and has a large collection of body art, which you will never relate to James Bond or Jason Borurne. The film features enough over-the-top actions sequences to fill several film, and Vin Diesel appears to be having the time of his life. He smiles in almost every scene, and you can tell the smiles are genuine. In fact toward the end of the movie, just before a dangerous stunt, Xander says "I live for this (expletive)". So, apparently, do many fans of this surprisingly enjoyable cheese fest. If you are looking for mindless entertainment where you can just sit back with your pop corn and forget your troubles, then "xXx: Return of Xander Cage" is your ticket to action film paradise. (Rated PG-13) 2 1/2 spies (out of 4)
theloaferonline.com | January 31, 2017
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theloaferonline.com | January 31, 2017
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THE SMOKE CLEARS
We're sure many of you remember well that night two months ago when the news interrupted to bring the shocking statement that the Smokies were on fire.
Appalachian Wanderers
By Jason & Daniel Worley jdworley@ theloaferonline.com
In just a matter of a few hours, hundreds of cabins, churches, wedding chapels, and homes disappeared forever. In the national park, entire mountainsides were turned into raging infernos, scorching old-growth forests, destroying trails, and killing wildlife who couldn't escape. Most saddening, over a dozen souls lost their lives, and hundreds more were left homeless with nothing but the clothes they wore that night. 2016 was one of the driest on record, and throughout the autumn months scores of wildfires ravaged thousands of acres across Tennessee and our neighboring states. A thick haze enveloped the Tennessee Valley, hiding our mountains from view and causing health problems for residents. Cherished places such as Chimney Rock State Park in North Carolina were permanently scarred. These all paled in comparison to the tragedy which we saw unfold that windy November night, when all our world seemed to erupt into flames. It hits close to home, because the Smokies are so near and dear to our hearts. Fast foward two months now. Green grass lines the Gatlinburg Bypass on slopes that were charred black only a month ago. The strip is once again alive and bustling with tourists stopping to taste the moonshine at Ole' Smoky Moonshine or kids tumbling out of Ripley's Haunted Mansion running for their lives. Skiers maneuver down the slopes of Ober Gatlinburg, and famlies enjoy the sites from atop the Space Needle. The roaring waters of Laurel Falls mingle with the shrieks and laughter of children getting splashed by its fridgid mists. At the same time that longtime visitors return to these hills to rekindle old memories and first-time tourists make new ones, the changes brought about by the fire are still readily apparent. The acrid smell of smoke still lingers fresh after a heavy rain. Burnt out cars are trucked out on flatbeds on an almost hourly basis. The Gatlinburg Sky Lift is still closed, the slopes of Crockett Mountain bare of the brightly-colored chairs which have carried millions to the celebrated overlook. Workers sift through the ashes of homes and clear the sites for new construction as businesses and homeowners rebuild. Last week we finally decided to revisit Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the first time since the fire. The sunshine and warm temperatures gave us that itch to get out and enjoy the ourdoors during a time when cold and snow would otherwise make it a miserable experience. While many are under the impression that the majority of the park is closed, only portions along Newfound Gap Road were damaged within the park itself, and all other areas of the park are open as usual. Driving the ever-popular Newfound Gap Road will give visitors the best overview of the damages inflicted by the fire, as it passes through the burned forests near the Sugarlands Visitor Center. The Carlos C. Campbell overlook provides a sweeping view of the scars and blackened sides of Mount LeConte, one of the most affected areas. Continuing toward Cherokee, the rocky spires of Chimney Tops come into view, now completely black and devoid of any plant life. There are still plenty of areas and trails to explore in the Sugarlands Valley. If you want an up close look of the effected areas, the Gatlinburg Trail passes through a charred forest. Here the fire raced along the ground, sparing the larger shrubs and trees. No doubt this area will be absolutely beautiful when spring arrives, as the added nutrients the ashes released into the soil will invigorate new plants and wildflowers to grow. We chose to hike along the Huskey Gap Trail, an often overlooked path which climbes the side of Sugarland Mountain to its namesake along the main crest. Here we were pleasantly surprised to find that the forest here was completely intact, somehow being spared the embers which ravaged so much of the surrounding areas. After seeing so much decimation, it was invigorating to walk through rhododendron tunnels and climb over moss-covered boulders. The two mile trail gently climbed to its destination while weaving in and out of several small stream valleys. Distant views of Gatlinburg and LeConte served
to remind us of the recent disaster and how much work it will take for this area to recover. Gatlinburg and the Smokies have a long road ahead of them to recover. The pain of lives lost will always linger, but with time the physical scars will fade away. The forests will
return, more vibrant and lush than before. New homes will be constructed and businesses will reopen bigger and better than before. Frequent and new visitors will continue to visit and discover what makes the Great Smokies such a magical place. Throughout the coming months and years, the National Park Service will need our help more than ever to help restore the park to its former glory. Recent budget cuts and the new federal hiring freeze come at the worst possible time as the park works to rebuild trails, replant burned areas and fix damaged infrastructure. You can help by donating to Friends of the Smokies or the Great Smoky Mountains Association, both of which contribute to the park by donating time and resources to staffing the visitor center bookstores and helping to rebuild trails. Visit the official NPS website at www.nps.gov/grsm and sign up to be a Volunteer-in-the-Parks. We are participating by adopting a trail within the park to service on a monthly basis. Whether you have time to visit once a week or just a couple of times a year, the Smokies need all of our help. Let's work together to save our mountains, and together, we will watch the forest rise again.
Downed limbs and fire damage have forced several trails in the Sugarlands area to remain closed, such as Sugarland Mountain Trail.
What is the
6.5 CREEDMOOR
6.5 Creedmoor was designed and built by ammo manufacturer Hornady and it was released in 2007. Hornady says it’s “The first production cartridge EVER developed from the ground up to be a TRUE match cartridge”.
Outdoor Life
By Matt Messer matt@ theloaferonline.com
It has grown in popularity tremendously over the past ten years. I would say it has become one of the most popular rifle calibers on the market today. It is a low recoil round with a flat trajectory, which has been proven to be very proficient on whitetail deer and pronghorn sheep. Virtually every major rifle manufacturer is chambering the round in various models to include; Ruger, Remington, Savage, etc… etc. Characteristics of the round are based on the 30tc cartridge which is necked down to accept the smaller.264 bullet. The round is most commonly loaded with a 120 grain or 140 grain bullet. Using the 120 grain you will experience a muzzle velocity of 2,910fps, whereas you will experience velocity reaching 2,710 fps with the 140grain. The most common question I get asked surrounding the caliber is, “What makes this round better than a 308 Winchester?”, or what most refer to as the “Win.” In researching this question I went to accuracy-tech.com here is what they had to say when it came to comparing the drop of the two cartridges. “I’m going to start with the ballistics side of the 6.5 Creedmoor Vs 308 Winchester
debate. I can sum it up fairly easily; the 6.5 Creedmoor trounces the 308 Winchester. Period. End of discussion, it’s just a faster caliber with better ballistics.” Next they compared the performance of both calibers in a 10mph wind, they found the 6.5 to drift 25% less than the 308 Win. This all sounds great! Right? Why would you ever buy a rifle in .308 Win. again? 6.5 Creedmore sounds superior in every way! Well… like everything else, if it sounds too good to be true it probably is. Here are some draw backs to buying a new rifle in 6. 5 Creedmoor as opposed to a 308 win. The ammunition for 308 Win. is considerable cheaper, especially if all you want is a standard load for recreational shooting. Also the barrel life of a 308 will more than double that of a 6.5 Creedmoor’s at 10,000 rounds vs. 3,000 rounds. There’s also the fact that there are just a lot more rifles on the market chambered for the 308 Winchester, and .308 ammo is much easier to find on the shelf of virtually every sporting goods store in the country. In summary 6.5 Creedmoor is a great caliber for medium sized game and is a very accurate round.
theloaferonline.com | January 31, 2017
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TO SUPER BOWL SUNDAY!
theloaferonline.com | January 31, 2017
“FOOT BALL” WARM UP
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The Historic Jonesborough Dance Society will hold a contra dance on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at the Jonesborough Visitors Center, 117 Boone Street. The guest band is Laurie Fisher and Steve Trisman from Asheville. The caller is Nick Boulet. Admission to the dance is $7, $5 for HJDS members and $5 for full time students. All dances are smoke, alcohol and fragrance free. No partner is necessary. Families and children are welcome. A class for beginners will be held at 7:00pm. In addition to the FOOT BALL theme, HJDS will continue to offer the Buy One-Get One FREE tickets for new dancers. The “FOOT BALL” on Saturday gives all the contra dancers a chance to get a good calorie burn before indulging in football party snacks Sunday night. Our dancers will enjoy a “Tailgate style” potluck dinner and an hour of waltz before the dance. Recorded waltz tunes will play from 6:00-7:00pm. The contra dance runs from 7:3010:30pm. “We’ve done this event before but always did it on Sunday afternoon” states event organizer, David Wiley. The first 10 dancers who arrive wearing their favorite FOOTBALL Jersey will receive a free ticket to the annual Jonesborough Kiwanis Club spaghetti supper. During the Foot Ball, we will attempt to do the WAVE up and down the contra lines that will be recorded on video and uploaded to YouTube. Laurie Fisher is a popular musician, dance caller and music teacher. She plays fiddle, keyboard, guitar and bass and has performed and called in Jonesborough on many occasions most recently with her band “BOOM CHUCK”. Joining Laurie Fisher is fiddler/violinist Steve Trisman from Asheville. Trisman is an accomplished musician who plays with Asheville bands, One Leg Up, Bayou Diesel, Jupiter Coyote
and many others. Trisman is moving over from the electric sound to more acoustic to play contra dance music. Nick Boulet began dancing in Knoxville in the 1980s and calling in the 1990s. He has called in Knoxville, Chattanooga, Nashville, Dayton, TN, Damascus VA, Greensboro, NC, WinstonSalem NC, Berea KY, Huntsville AL, as well as Jonesborough TN. He is known for dances that he has written like "Warmin' Up The Car." He loves to dance and calls dances that keep the energy up. He invites all to come on out and dance! Many people are unfamiliar with contra dance because its origins go back to New England. All dances are done to live music. The steps or figurers are similar to Appalachian Square Dance but the formation and flow are vastly different. Contra Dance uses the longwise set or column whereby circles of four dancers are lined up in a long line up and down the hall. The choreography is 64 steps which correspond to the phrase of music in the tune. The caller’s job is to select a dance that matches the skill set of the dancers. Almost always, the programs starts out with very simple figures that all dancers can quickly master. Each dance is taught by the caller until such time that he or she thinks the group can dance it successfully. Each dancer has a partner that they
stay with throughout the dance. The pace is easy to keep up with. The crowd is usually made up of dancers from all age groups. Contra dance is especially good for singles because you do not have to come with a partner. The community aspect of contra dance encourages everyone in attendance to dance with as many partners as possible. Usually, a contra dance has 10-12 dances in one evening. Children and families are welcome. For more information, contact event organizer, David Wiley, at 423-534-8879 or visit www. historicjonesboroughdancesociety.org and the Historic Jonesborough Dance Society on FACEBOOK.
Painting the human canvas Studio Brew Hosts Fine Art Body Painting Competition Studio Brew has made a reputation for their artisancrafted beers. With names like Mosaic Sunset, Mischievous Solstice, and Dark Rider (to name a few) just hearing about our beer can put some people in mind of a beautiful view…or a shadowy figure. It has long been our motto that “Beer is an Art,” and we constantly ask ourselves, “What else can we pair with our beer?” Well, we are excited to announce our most daring, most exotic pairing event yet! Five world-renowned body artists and their models are gathering at Studio Brew (221 Moore St.) on Saturday, February 4th to bring our beer to life! Each contestant will paint his or her “human canvas” with a design inspired by one of our evocative brews. Our esteemed artists are: Tiffany
Beckler (of Skin Wars Season 3 fame), Ren Allen, Aubrie Goodnoe, Jason Lozano, and Aline Backes. Guests in the audience will receive a flight of all five beers the artists will be representing, a tasting of food designed by our chefs to pair with both the artwork and the beer, as well as the chance to watch the art-making process and help judge the final results! Fine art photographers are encouraged to attend and submit their photographs for a special gallery showing and juried competition being held later in the month. Participants contact Bill Bryant at bill@ studiobrew.beer for details. Doors will open at 4pm for those who would like to watch the artists in action. The presentation of the finalized designs and judging will begin at 6:30pm. Tickets are available online at eventbrite.com and are limited to 100 spaces at only 45 dollars apiece. Please, no unattended minors. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fine-art-painting-the-human-canvastickets-31304459481
theloaferonline.com | January 31, 2017
Chocolate Fest Jonesborough's Second Annual
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A perfect way to Celebrate Valentine’s Day Tennessee's oldest town is about to get a lot sweeter!! The second annual Chocolate Fest will be held on Saturday, February 11th from 11 am to 4 pm. Whether you're a chocolate lover or not, the event is a treat everyone should experience. Last year’s Chocolate Fest topped out with 1,600 people in attendance. "We were sold out by 9:30 am" says event organizer and owner of the Lollipop Shop, Jeff Gurley. "The high for the day was 25 degrees and we were just overwhelmed with the response, especially for the first year," Gurley adds. The event is sponsored by JAMSA (Jonesborough Area Merchants Association) and the organization also hosted SodaFest in June, ScoopFest in August and a Cheese and Wine festival in September. "This is a unique event because it's an affordable festival, and there are a lot of great chocolate offerings at the downtown shops and restaurants." As a merchant, we needed something in the middle of winter," Gurley says. The festival strives to bring more life into downtown, providing a quintessential experience highlighting local shops, businesses, and restaurants and inviting visitors to stroll, shop, dine and revel in the sense of community Historic Jonesborough prides itself in. Cameo Waters, The Director of Tourism and Marketing for the Town of Jonesborough says, "I am someone who loves a working and vibrant downtown; somewhere you can grab a coffee, stroll along the streets, and hang out with the locals for a day. Through is a bit of sweet treats and that is exactly what Jonesborough’s second annual Chocolate Fest offers! It gives an opportunity to try endless options of scrumptious chocolates, spend time with your family and friends, and meet the merchants that keep downtown Jonesborough full of life.” The event is to be held Valentine’s Day weekend, February 11th from 11 am to 4 pm. Many Jonesborough Restaurants will be offering special chocolate desserts leading up to the event. There will be endless options— everything from conversation heart chocolate bark, fudge, an outdoor s’mores, chocolate covered cherries and so much more! For more information, please visit the Chocolate Fest Facebook page or call the Visitors Center at 423-753-1010.
theloaferonline.com | January 31, 2017
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Answers on page 26
Chirp a 3 year old female Shar Pei Chihuahua mix. She is spayed and up to date on all vaccines. She is deeply bonded with her brother Dozier and must be adopted with him.
Dozier a 3 year old male Shar Pei and Chihuahua mix and Chirp's brother. He is neutered and up to date on all vaccines. These cuties must be adopted together. Very friendly dogs!
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 31, 2017
PETS
OF THE WEEK
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theloaferonline.com | January 31, 2017
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THINGS TO DO Auditions for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at JRT
“We currently have over 40 children on the waiting list,” says Lowdermilk, “and we need volunteers for these great kids.” 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. ________________
Hands On Museum February Events Tuesday, January 31st - Sunday, February 19th For the Love of Science We may not have a special formula for the science of relationships, but we do have the formula for some fun experiments to help celebrate Valentine's Day in the Eastman Discovery Lab. You won't believe your eyes with our optical illusion heart, learn about solubility while creating a Sharpie tie dye valentine, and enjoy a show of dancing, bobbing conversation heart candies. Tuesday, February 21st Sunday, March 12th Can You Hear Me Now? Discover some of the smallest bones in our bodies - the ones in our ear! Celebrate Alexander Graham Bell's birthday by learning about sound and how Mr. Bell used sound in many of his inventions. Play a song on our palm pipes, listen to our singing crystal water glasses, and even try out our Boomwhackers! The Eastman Discovery Lab will be open by announcement periodically throughout each dayIf you have any questions on these or other programs, please call 423-434-HAND
NARFE Meeting
The National Active and Retired Federal Employees will hold their monthly meeting on Thursday February 2, 2017 at 11:00 am at the Empire Buffet, 2614 N. Roan Street, Johnson City. The speaker will be Dr. Jay Franklin, ETSU Anthropology. He will be discussing his effort to locate and survey as many locations of Native American villages in the upper East Tennessee area. For additional information contact Wayne Robertson at 423-7410612. ________________
of training at the Police Academy, followed by four phases of on-thejob training under the guidance of experienced field training officers. Patrol officers work 12-hour shifts and enjoy a seven-day break each month. Johnson City Police officers are provided with uniforms, equipment and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs). The department operates a tactical training facility, and officers have opportunities to serve on numerous specialty units. The City of Johnson City offers compensation for military leave, group health insurance, paid group life insurance, 10 paid holidays are year, and tuition reimbursement among other benefits. Exam registration will be open through Friday, Feb. 10. Requirements for registering: 21 years of age by Feb. 23, 2017, high school diploma or GED, and not have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude other than a minor traffic violation. The Police Department has a tattoo policy. For more information regarding the tattoo policy, inquire with Human Resources. For more information, call (423)434-6020.
The Jonesborough Repertory Theatre will hold auditions for the Disney musical Beauty and the Beast on Sunday and Monday, February 12 and 13, at 7:00pm for ages 14 and up. There will be a 5:00 audition on Sunday for the role of Chip for ages 8-13. The audition will consist of a cold reading, and a group sing and dance. If JCPD hiring new officers you want to be considered for The Johnson City Police a primary role, please have a Department is currently accepting 1-minute solo prepared. Auditions registrations for the Police Officer will be at the theatre at 125½ E. Examination. The exam is the first Main Street in Jonesborough. step in the department’s hiring For more information, visit process. jonesboroughtheatre.com “We are looking for exceptional MECC Offers Old Time or contact Pam Johnson at Dance Class people to start an exceptionally jrtpublicity@gmail.com. rewarding career with the Mountain Empire Community Johnson City Police Department,” ________________ College will offer PED 195 Old said Chief Mark Sirois. “The path Time Dance on Monday’s from to becoming a police officer is 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. This course will Big Brothers Big Sisters challenging because those who cover basic styles of traditional Looking for Volunteers are ultimately selected must dance from the central and Big Brothers Big Sisters of prove to be worthy of the social southern Appalachian region. Greater Tri-Cities (BBBSGTC) is obligation the badge carries.” Classes will provide an overview looking for community volunteers New officers receive eight weeks of solo and group dancing history, to make a difference in a child’s accompanied by instruction and life. Spending 2 to 4 hours a month with an at-risk youth can performance of each dance. The Cryptogram: Those who danced were thought to be quite insane by those who could not hear the music. help them improve in school, their instructor is Tyler Hughes. To Drop Quote: "Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not, but remember that what you enroll, call 276-523-2400 ext. 372 now have was once among the things only hoped for." behavior and their self-esteem. “We have a need in our or register online at www.mecc. community, and are looking for edu. caring adults to be mentors,” ________________ said Kathy Lowdermilk, Regional Director of BBBSGTC. “If you have MPCC to offer a few hours a month and the Functional Interval Training desire to make a difference, we Memorial Park Community want to talk with you about our Center, 510 Bert St., will offer program.” Functional Interval Training (F.I.T.) Our local Big Brothers Big for ages 50 and older from 8:30Sisters office, which serves the 9:30 a.m. on Fridays in February. Greater Bristol, Kingsport, and Participants will experience Johnson City area, is part of one a high-energy class that of the oldest and largest youth combines aerobic movements mentoring organizations in the with strength and stabilization United States. It’s a system that exercises. F.I.T. workouts offer the has been proven to work and ability to reach fitness goals in a transforms the lives of children challenging yet fun way. who might not otherwise ever Cost is $2 per class. Preget the support they need to registration is not required. grow and successfully meet life’s For more information, please challenges. call423-434-5749.
ON THE MARY TYLER MOORE SHOW
As I mourned the loss of Mary Tyler Moore last week, I couldn’t help but think of the many ways the once mousy Peggy Olson (as portrayed so eloquently by Elisabeth Moss) transformed into a confident and often defiant woman on my favorite TV series “Mad Men.”
Kelly’s Place
By Jim Kelly since 1989 jkelly@ theloaferonline.com
And then I realized that Peggy Olson may never have graced our screens had it not been for Moore’s portrayal of Mary Richards on the trend-setting “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” that aired its famous last episode nearly forty years ago; Katherine J. Lehman also makes this point in her book on depictions of single women in popular culture, discussed below. Of course, the lights in Mary’s office were never really turned off because, in this age of video and audio streaming, we can watch that iconic group huddle any time we choose. Interestingly enough, the first thing I watched after learning of Moore’s death was not an episode from “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” but my favorite episode from “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” “Ghost Of A Chantz,” which appeals to my love of haunted house movies. It is a minimasterpiece of sitcom writing. Taken together, both of Moore’s most successful sitcoms--and there are those who say her stint as Mary Richards was TV’s most important accomplishment-were more influential and pathbreaking than any of us perhaps understood at the time; I feel fortunate in having experienced these shows as they unfolded during the 1960s and 1970s. For the many who are watching these marvelous episodes from the perspective of the 21st century, it is very difficult to fully appreciate the series’ formative impact on the lives we take for granted today. As Jen Chaney, writing in the January 26 issue of Vulture, reminds us, “Every series that came later and focused on women navigating a workplace, from ‘Murphy Brown’ to ‘Ally McBeal’ to ‘30 Rock’ to ‘Parks and Recreation’, has owed a debt to ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show.’ Seriously, go watch an episode of TV Land’s ‘Younger’ and try to tell me that Sutton Foster, consciously or subconsciously, isn’t conjuring a little bit of Mary Richards every time she ties to manage a crisis at Empirical Press.” Chaney goes on to remind us that “what’s more important is the way that Mary Richard’s existence signaled to young women that the challenges of work are just as vital to one’s womanhood as becoming a wife and mother. For some, those challenges are even more vital.” In so many ways, following the trajectory from “The Dick Van Dyke Show” to “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” is a mini-history of the American woman’s transition (never complete, of course) from household ornament (as a complement to appliances like washing machines and dishwashers) to proud and confident arbiter of her own destiny. As more than one commentator noted last week, without Mary Richards there would be no Lena Dunham. There were precursors, of course, to Laura Petrie and Mary Richards, most notably “That Girl”--a show from the early 1960s that depicted a single female with her own apartment and career. “Our Miss Brooks” and “Private Secretary,” two sitcoms from the 1950s, were also about working women, albeit those who were focused on finding the right man. It wasn’t until the 1970s, however, that the role of single women on television took a radical turn and generated quite a bit of controversy. If you are interested in this topic, you should read Katherine J. Lehman’s essential study, THOSE GIRLS:
SINGLE WOMEN IN SIXTIES AND SEVENTIES POPULAR CULTURE (2011), a book that covers a wide spectrum of depictions in movies and television, from “Charlie’s Angels” and “Wonder Woman” to “Looking For Mr. Goodbar” and “The Stepford Wives.” Needless to say, Lehman devotes quite a bit of space to the roles played by Mary Tyler Moore. And the book examines the historical context and the changes in American culture that form the backdrop to these provocative pop culture artifacts. One of the most important facets of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” as Lehman so deftly analyzes, is the way the workplace and Mary’s co-workers develop into a surrogate family. Mary’s relationship with Lou Grant (played by Edward Asher) is particularly important. “During its seven-year run,” Lehman writes, “Mary Tyler Moore offered multiple interpretations of Lou and Mary’s
relationship. While their age and generational differences would suggest a father-daughter relationship, the series also hints at latent romantic attraction.” This problematic relationship was not limited to Mary and Lou, however, because, in one episode, “three of Mary’s male coworkers fantasize about being married to her.” Later series’ like “Friends” and “Cheers” also reflect this image of the workplace-as-family. Single women who don’t define their identity by being married often became political targets, as witnessed by Vice President Dan Quayle’s infamous 1992 attack on “Murphy Brown.” As a counterpoint to Mary Richards, we should, according to David Thomson’s important new book TELEVISION: A BIOGRAPHY, consider Jean Stapleton’s portrayal of Edith Bunker, Archie’s long suffering yet magnanimous wife. Running concurrently with “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “All In The Family” gave us a portrait of an American woman who also reflected the changing role of American women during the late 1960s and early 1970s. For Thomson, Edith Bunker “may be the most endearing woman television has ever had.” We might indeed say that “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and “All In The Family” forever changed our image of women, not only on TV, but in the larger society (if this larger society even exists in the age of television) as well. I hope you will spend this week contemplating this thought. As a way of honoring the role played by Mary Tyler Moore in changing our perceptions, I suggest you read Jennifer Keishin Armstrong’s can’t-put-itdown account of the important place “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” occupies in our collective history: MARY AND LOU AND RHODA AND TED; AND ALL THE BRILLIANT MINDS WHO MADE THE MARY TYLER MOORE SHOW A CLASSIC (2013). And don’t forget to throw your hat into the air at some point. See you next week.
theloaferonline.com | January 31, 2017
May The Lights Never Go Out
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theloaferonline.com | January 31, 2017
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