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Volume 31 • Issue #29
on the cover
Publisher Luci Tate Editor Graphic Arts Director Don Sprinkle
Advertising Dave Carter Patti Barr Paul Kavanaugh Brad Parris Janie Jarvis Renee Taylor
Contributing Staff Jim Kelly Andy Ross Ken Silvers Mark Marquette Brian Bishop Daniel Worley Jason Worley Langley Shazor Distribution Jerry Hanger Teresa Hanger Published by Pulse Publishing, LLC., P.O. Box 3238, Johnson City, TN 37602 Phone: 423/283-4324 FAX - 423/283-4369 www.theloaferonline.com info@theloaferonline.com e-mail: editorial@theloaferonline.com adcopy@theloaferonline.com All advertisements are accepted and published by the publisher upon the representation that the agency and/ or advertiser is authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof. The agency and/or advertiser will indemnify and save the publisher harmless from any lossof expense resulting from claims or suits based upon contents of any advertisement, including claims or suits for defamation, libel, right of privacy, plagiarism, and copyright infringement.
Founder: Bill Williams Let’s Get Social!
columns & reviews
Office Coordinator Amanda Lane
18 Stargazer Area Stargazers Mourn Loss 19 Skies This Week 20 Batteries Not Included Farewell, Caped Crusader 23 Pop Life Wonder Woman 24 Appalachian Wanderers Murderous Mary 26 The Casual Word A Hedge Around Hell 28 Puzzle Page 31 Kelly’s Place Dear Diary
your week’s line-up
Tennessee Pro National Motocross
Cover Design Bill May
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The 5th Annual Tennessee National Motocross South Pacific @ JRT The Market Who was General Morgan? Call for Artists Berry Festival @ Abingdon's Farmer Market Auditions for Tom Sawyer Summer Comedy Nights Survivorman to Visit Tri Cities Caravan of Thieves plays Northeast State Spotlight The Dustbowl Revival @ The Down Home Olympic Day 2017 Pets Of The Week Things To Do
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Photo: Simon Cudby
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The 5th Annual
Tennessee Pro National Motocross
Tennessee National Motocross Brings the World’s Fastest Racers to Muddy Creek Raceway
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ictory Sports is happy to announce the 5th annual TENNESSEE PRO National Motocross will be held at Muddy Creek Raceway on Saturday, June 24, in Blountville, Tennessee. This event is the only PRO Motocross in the Southeast. It’s round #5 of the LUCAS Oil Motocross Championship. This event will bring the world’s fastest pro motocross racers to Muddy Creek. Locals Zach Osborne and Shane McElrath will be trying to win at their local track. North Carolina’s Cooper Webb will be looking to win in the 450 premier class against Eli Tomac, and the rest of the pack. Saturday is PRO day with all pro qualifying and racing. Pro Pit access is available allowing to you to get up and close and get autographs. The weekend finishes upSunday with an amateur race day. Advance tickets are available at ATLAS Cycles in Bristol and JIM’s Motorcycle Sales in Johnson City. Stay tuned to WQUT FM 101.5 for your chance to WIN FREE tickets and VIP Race Packages. For additional information, please visit Muddycreekraceway.com or call (423-323-5497). Make sure to follow the official Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts for exclusive content.
Cody Gragg Memorial 2-Stroke Race Set for Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship Tennessee National MX Sports Pro Racing and Victory Sports have announced the addition of the Cody Gragg Memorial 2-Stroke Race, which will run as part of the Fifth Annual Tennessee National at Blountville, Tennessee's Muddy Creek Raceway on June 24 for Round 5 of the 2017 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship. Cody was a part of the motocross family from the time he started racing 50cc bikes back in 2000. The recent passing of he and his father, Chris, was a very tragic loss for the entire racing community. Cody enjoyed racing 2-stroke motorcycles, so it is only fitting to honor his memory with a full gate featuring these beloved machines. The Memorial 2-Stroke Race will be open to Pro-Am, A Class, and B Class riders only, and riders with a current pro license will not be permitted to compete. The race will run prior to opening ceremonies of the Tennessee National, between 12 Noon and 12:30 p.m. local time. Practice and a qualifying race for the Memorial 2-Stroke Race will take place on Friday afternoon to determine Saturday's 40-rider field. An additional practice will take place prior to the event on Saturday. The race will feature a purse, contingencies, and a very special commemorative award for
the winner. A holeshot bonus will also be awarded. The purse, which started at $500, has quickly surpassed the $12,000 mark thanks to an array of donations, and will continue to be open to contributions through the actual race. Individuals and businesses can donate to the purse by simply contacting Victory Sports. As the event nears, Victory Sports will provide an update on the total purse, while also providing a list of donors. Entry fee into the Cody Gragg Memorial 2-Stroke Race is $40. For more information on signing up for the race, and to make donations to the purse, please contact Jane Gammon at Victory Sports at jane@victory-sports.com or at (423) 323-5497. Additional information is also available at MuddyCreekRaceway.com.
Up next for the JRT
The Jonesborough Repertory Theatre closes their 2016 / 17 season with the vibrant Rodgers and Hammerstein musical South Pacific. Shows run June 23-July 9. The theatre is located at 125½ West Main Street in Jonesborough.
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t is 1943 and the United States Navy has established several bases in the Solomon Islands in preparation for invasions in the Central Pacific. On one such island lives a wealthy, sophisticated French planter named Emile de Becque, whom the Navy wishes to employ as a scout to nearby Japanese held islands. Nellie Forbush, a U.S. Navy nurse, meets de Becque, and a romantic, though complicated, relationship is developed. This remarkable show includes an outstanding musical score that features hits such as “Some Enchanted Evening,” “Gonna Wash That Man Right Out Of My Hair,” and “There Is Nothing Like A Dame.” Add to that a talented cast and the breathtaking setting, and the drama of South Pacific unfolds. This show is the perfect patriotic musical for the Fourth of July holiday! South Pacific is directed by Jennifer Ross, assisted by Tara White, and choreographed by Heather Allen. It is adapted from the novel, Tales of the South Pacific, by James A. Michener. Included in the cast are Lorrie Anderson as Nellie Forbush and Joe Gumina as Emile de Becque, The show is sponsored by Morning Star Farms, Denny Dentistry, and Sonia King and Mary B. Martin. Shows are on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m, and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. There is a Monday show, July 3, at 7:30. Tickets are $16 general admission, $14 for students and seniors. To purchase tickets, call the Historic Jonesborough Visitors Center at 423.753.1010 or go online to www. jonesboroughtheatre.com.
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South Pacific
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Who was General Morgan . . . And How Did He Get an INN?
In the heart of Historic Downtown Greeneville rests the General Morgan Inn, one of the most beautiful aesthetic gems of East Tennessee, second only to the enchanting mountainous views.
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he hotel was first a simple, wooden structure in the 1790’s known as the De Woody Tavern. Graduating from De Woody Tavern, to Bell Tavern, to Lane House, the General Morgan Inn finally got its lasting namesake from General John Hunt Morgan where his last moments were spent. As legend has it, early on the morning of Sept. 4, 1864, a female Union sympathizer, Mrs. David Fry, standing at the rear of the tavern, reportedly spotted Confederate General John Hunt Morgan as he tried to escape Union soldiers searching for him around Saint James Episcopal Church. Mrs. Fry (so stories go), shouted to the soldiers, pointing out General Morgan’s hiding place. During the ensuing gun battle the colorful Kentucky Cavalry officer, popularly known as the “Thunderbolt of the Confederacy,” was shot and killed not far from the rear of the tavern. Stories of the past are etched into the soul of the old hotel that has serviced weary travelers to spry vacationers since 1882. But the downtown district in which the General Morgan Inn lies sports a plethora of history and wondrous relics. Main Street supports a number of privately owned businesses with that Southern “Mom and Pop” charm. Any leisurely shopping trip can also become a site-seeing adventure as one wonders the streets of Downtown Greeneville, passing sites like the historic library, the old courthouse, the Capitol Theatre, the Andrew Johnson Home, and even a church with a Civil War cannon ball embedded in its outer wall! The General Morgan Inn proudly stands hand-in-hand with the small businesses up and down Main Street as well as the famous Niswonger Performing Arts Center. The small community has worked together for generations to become one of East Tennessee’s most alluring places to visit. With the hotel’s exquisite grand ballroom and its dreamy garden terrace with an enthralling sun-kissed view of Downtown, the General Morgan Inn has long been revered as Greeneville’s favorite wedding venue. On-site catering and event-planning in coordination with the many options for everything a bride needs makes the hotel a perfect one-stop contact for that special day. But not only is the hotel equipped with party and wedding space and utilities, it is also an impeccable place to have a lunch or dinner for anyone from a family outing to a corporate meeting. Brumley’s restaurant and bar inside
the hotel holds three dining rooms, one of which can be used for private dining and meetings, excluding the lobby’s private boardroom as well. The restaurant’s award-winning cuisine and wine list allows for any citizen to experience an elegant atmosphere full of art deco themes with a modern flare while enjoying a delicious and exceptional meal to fill your soul and your appetite! The General Morgan Inn is honored to have visitors in the area as well as from well out of town and pledges to continue to be one of Greeneville’s favorite rest stops and vacation spots for generations to come. For more information, please visit GeneralMorganInn.com or call (423) 787-1000.
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he exhibition is juried and will open to the public September 8 – September 16, 2017. The mission of the Women’s Fund is to serve as a catalyst to transform the lives of low-income women and girls in East Tennessee. We have been able to award more than $300,000 in the four years in which we have existed as a granting organization. In Northeast Tennessee, we have made grants to Tusculum College (2014, 2015, 2016), Red Legacy in Elizabethton (2014, 2015, 2016), and the Boys and Girls Club in Elizabethton/Carter County (2015, 2016). In addition to these grants, seven grants have been made to exemplary organizations providing programs for women and girls that serve all 25 counties in East Tennessee. Entries must be original works and not copied from copyrighted or published art or photographs. Qualified original work may include a variation of original work. Paintings and varied mediums, photographs, ceramics, jewelry, wood, sculptures and other mixed media are accepted. Artists who submit entries must be women and at least 18 years of age. All entries must be original works completed within the last two years and not have been exhibited previously at the McKinney Center. The maximum allowed size is 60” x 60” in any direction including frame or stand. Weight is not to exceed 50 lbs. Two-dimensional works must be suitably prepared for hanging.
Framed work must have screw eyes and wire. Textiles and other unframed works must be suitably prepared for hanging. Three-dimensional work must be suitable for hanging or setting on a pedestal. There are no entry fees for this exhibition.
Women artists are invited to submit up to two pieces of art (both for sale). Artists can find the prospectus and entry form online at: http://tinyurl. com/ybaj9apb. Deadline for entries is July 31, 2017. For more information, email Theresa Hammons at theresah@jonesborougtn. org or call 423-753-0562.
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Journeys of Women
Call for Artists
In appreciation of the role of women artists in East Tennessee, The Women’s Fund of East Tennessee, in conjunction with Jonesborough’s Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts, is hosting its fifth Journeys of Women Art Exhibit to honor women artists in Northeast Tennessee.
Abingdon Farmer Market's Berry Festival
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The Abingdon Farmers Market will hold its third annual Berry Festival Saturday, June 24th.
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ith free berry tastings, a best dessert competition, live music and a food demonstration, the festival is a time to celebrate the start of berry season in Southwest Virginia and the true beginning of summer. The Abingdon Farmer’s market opens at 8:00am Saturday, with Berry Festival events kicking off at 9:00am. Between 9:00am and 1:00pm, vendors will be offering free samples of many different types of berries, including blueberries, raspberries, gooseberries and more, all locally grown. There will also be a “Berry Best Dessert” contest held on the lawn underneath the white tent. After having a taste, customers may cast their vote for the “Berry Best Dessert.” There will be approximately five growers entered into the contest, and desserts will be available for sampling. This event will begin at 9am and prizes will be awarded at 12:30. The Berry Festival also includes a food demonstration by Andrea Wann with the Virginia Cooperative extension. She will be handing out free tastings and recipes from 8am-1pm. Andrea will also be educating individuals on food prep and storage. The Abingdon Farmers Market will be having its regular market during this event. Over 45 vendors will be selling all local produce, meats and crafts from 8am to 1pm. The Music at the Market program will also be hosting local musician “Jamie Collins” from 9am-12pm. The Abingdon Farmers Market is sponsored by Berry Home Centers, The Harvest Table Restaurant, The Town of Abingdon and Iron Mountain Crossfit. Contact Market Manager Haley Stewart at (276)-698-1434 or email abingdonmarket@gmail.com with any questions, or visit the market website at www.abingdonfarmersmarket.com or follow them on Facebook.
Festivals
Events
Got an event coming up?
Send it to The Loafer! info@theloaferonline.com
Concerts
Exhibits
for "Mark Twain's TOM SAWYER"
Theatre Bristol announces June 19, 20, 24, and 26 auditions for its upcoming production of Mark Twain's Tom Sawyer, directed by Steve Baskett.
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his fall, Mark Twain's Tom Sawyer, adapted for the stage by Joe Sturgeon, takes us on an adventure at the Theatre Bristol ARTspace, weekends August 25 through September 10. Tom, Huck, Becky, Aunt Polly, Judge Thatcher, Injun Joe, Muff Potter, Sid, and others are brought to life by a cast of 18-20 actors in a stylized version of the traditional story, seasoned with folk and bluegrass music. Veteran and novice actors are invited to audition at Theatre Bristol, 512 State Street, Bristol, TN. Roles are available for young and old, men and women, and there are opportunities to serve on the production crew. Doors will open 30 minutes before the first audition on each of these dates: Tuesday, June 20: 6:30 pm Saturday, June 24: 9:30 am Monday, June 26: 6:30 pm The audition will consist of reading, and for some characters, singing. No preparation is necessary as pieces will be provided, but
prepared material will also be welcome. The audition time will also include cold readings. For more details visit www. theatrebristol.org/audition. Those interested in being a part of the production crew may contact Theatre Bristol at info@theatrebristol.org, or be present at any of the audition times. Directing will be Theatre Bristol actor/director veteran Steve Baskett, recent director of The Adventures of Robin Hood, title performer in Scrooge! The Musical, and most recently Belle's father Maurice in Disney's Beauty and the Beast. The production will open August 25 and run for three weekends through September 10 with evening and matinee performances at the Theatre Bristol ARTspace. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and students, available online at www.TheatreBristol.org. For more information, visit Theatre Bristol’s website or Facebook page, contact Theatre Bristol at 423-212-3625, or email info@theatrebristol.org.
“
The Loafer helps me stay active in the Tri-Cities." David C.
theloaferonline.com | June 20, 2017
Theatre Bristol Announces Auditions
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Summer Comedy Nights Downtown Kingsport at the Emporium on Broad
Are you ready to sit back, relax, and enjoy a night of laughs? If so, downtown Kingsport is a great place this summer to spend your evenings.
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ith the opening of The Emporium on Broad comes another prodigious venue for remarkable entertainment. Vision Productions, Inc./LampLight Theatre continues to bring something new to downtown Kingsport and promises to bring evenings filled with laughter and fun through their Summer Comedy Nights hosted at The Emporium on Broad. The Summer Comedy Nights will run on 3 Saturday evenings throughout the summer. Acclaimed professional illusionists and comedians will be coming from around the country to take the stage at The Emporium on Broad. No need to worry about the content of the shows because all performers will provide “clean” entertainment. The comedy series will be held June 24, July 29, and August 5. All performances will be held at 7:00 PM at The Emporium located next to LampLight Theatre at 146 Broad Street in downtown Kingsport, TN. The “kick-
off” performance will host comedic illusionist, Joseph Young on June 24th. Joseph’s performance includes “audience interactivity, squeaky clean humor, and amazing illusions.” July 29th, the series will host the 2012 winner of the Clean Comedy Challenge, Marty Simpson, and August 5th, we will welcome Carlos Massey “Big Los”, a clean comedian and one of the most requested headliners in the North Carolina Triad area. Admission: Performances are $15 for adults and $10 for children 12 & under. This includes entertainment, delicious appetizers, and drinks (non-alcoholic). Exquisite desserts and specialty coffees and drinks (nonalcoholic) are available for an additional charge. Doors will open one hour prior. For reservations and information, please contact the LampLight box office at (423) 343-1766, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or online at www. LampLightTheatre.com.
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Les Stroud Plays Holston River Brewing Company Sunday
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Survivorman to Visit Tri Cities
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tor producer, crea Award winning e en nc re ie Sc Sc an e di Th e Cana Canada, est known as th ivorman (OLN s) rv er Su og s (R rie TV se ty TV hit nal, Ci and star of the nel Internatio vision Discovery Chan , e history of tele th US l in ne er an uc Ch od pr ly aped on ot e de th roud is ritten, vi ries entirely w Canada), Les St se t vival as ur dc ‘S oa of br r ternationally genre creato in al in an ig e or uc e od th to pr own as history of OLN e. With Les kn shows in the d te e ra t es gh and hosted alon e hi and remains th an is one of th ery Channel US ov d sc se Di en d lic TV’, Survivorm an is US man ience Channel annel. Survivor Canada, the Sc the Discovery Ch tting 2 million on individual on ow sh at pe hi highest rated re ratings in the US ards (formerly orldwide, with dian Screen Aw na Ca 21 r y. fo for broadcast w ed st Photograph s been nominat (twice) and Be oner rit id W episodes. He ha nd st ca Be r has won fo humor and d k an ac ) is bl in e m ur in Ge at the s sign es seem gly man? With hi as he overcom s le g gg ru st Why Survivor s ts hi es for fascinatin Les documen tuations. It mak si al iv rv camera style, su al re le obstacles in insurmountab e business, . re su r fo the top in th ’s at ith th w , e e on ag si st vi le e te th e Stevens, Alic ud has shared es Cotton, Stev m a, Ja sl , Te ng , Musically, Stro La er y el nn s Trav h, Journey, Jo ie Krieger, Blue including Slas my Shaw, Robb Gentry, Lynyrd m y To er s, om ill tg St on en M ev St o, , ag er ic op Co an, Ch onica playing, Randy Bachm his iconic harm r fo e to id w ld or Jakob Dylan, dw olk-roots rock e Roots. Revere mbit, from art-f s ga rie ic se ct le Skynyrd and Th TV ec s hi an songs for ing style runs all the theme usic n m te al Les’s songwrit rit w on s gi re ha s e merou art rock. H He has won nu an hit contemporary pendent films. de ith the Canadi w in l n ra tio ve ra se bo lla co th CD, in ur and scored fo ne (o ings, and rded four CDs , Wonderful Th CD ions, ss ird festivals, reco Se th is rn H Ba . ern Pikes) titled The th en or s N m e fil th g ry s ta er rd en mak cum ently reco in clude feature do rrell. He is curr Fa y is rr d Ba an r Off The Grid, in to m ra nre albu ng-time collabo an art rock ge a produced by lo other Earth is M k and includes s. in m Cl bu e al ik h xt rm” rock legend M Fa t an his fifth and si an th r Gi he ne ot ngle “O by none e on the lead si 2013, being produced ns N’ Roses fam other Earth”. In Gu “M of ng h so as e Sl th on i met Va he e solo from re ev St n, DC whe ure solo from ll in Washingto Ba ll in n Ba ee a as well as a feat Gr an us ce io O inaugural e at the prestig th r ed fo rm C M rfo e pe he was th Joe Biden and ing Vice President r. le el ef ck ston River Brew Ro n Susa session at Hol at ay 5 nd $1 d Su New York with an re e ra 0 in advanc rforming at a s of . Tickets are $1 ld th Les will be pe or 25 w e e th th , d ay re maste 00 this Sund talent who has Company at 7: is outstanding th s is m g! t in n’ en Do the door. be quite the ev vision. Should music and tele
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At Thursday Jams Summer Concert
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he band leader, Marcus King, is only 20 years old. King is a songwriter, guitarist, and lead singer. He is also the driving force behind the band’s recently released second album. "This album is a big melting pot of different kinds of music," says King. "It's the sound of everyone taking their own influences and collectively coming together as a group. We're all really hungry to play, and we're so passionate about this music. I want people to feel the same thing we feel — to leave the show feeling some sense of release. It's almost like the show ends, and everyone can take a deep breath together." The band features Jack Ryan on drums and percussion, Stephen Campbell on bass, Matt Jennings on keys and organ, Dean Mitchell on saxophone, and Justin Johnson on trumpet, trombone and backing vocals. Those who are fans of Tedeschi Trucks Band, The Allman Brothers, Chris Robinson Brotherhood, and JJ Grey & Mofro will enjoy The
Marcus King Band’s sound. The Marcus King Band will take the stage at 8 p.m. after opening act The Get Right Band. The Huffington Post has described The Get Right Band’s songs as taking the audience “immediately to a very happy place.” The Get Right Band’s acknowledgements include being one of Relix Magazine’s “On The Verge” picks, Home Grown Music Network’s 2015 “Best New Band of the Year,” and voted “Best Progressive Band” in Western North Carolina by Mountain Xpress readers. Music will start at 7:00 p.m at the Abingdon Market Pavilion. The doors and beer garden benefiting Abingdon Main Street open at 6:30 p.m. Food trucks and local vendors will be offering concessions beginning at 6:30 as well. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets to sit on to enjoy the show. Inclement weather updates will be posted on social media, and Wolf Hills Brewery will serve as the rain location. In depth descriptions of the artists can be found at abingdonmusicexperience.com.
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The Marcus King Band
On Thursday, June 22 at 7 p.m., the Town of Abingdon continues its Thursday Jams Summer Concert Series by showcasing The Marcus King Band at Abingdon Market Pavillion.
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Plays Northeast State
Caravan of Thieves
Jump on the musical caravan when Caravan 15 of Thieves returns to Northeast State for a live performance on June 22 at 7:00 p.m. in the Regional Center for the Performing Arts at the Blountville campus. The performance continues the College’s Hot Nights, Cool Music summer concert series.
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uzz and Carrie Sangiovanni, the fervent musical couple who front Caravan of Thieves, have traveled a fruitful yet challenging road since they met in late 2003. Soon after, they began blending their voices, writing music, traveling and performing together as the acoustic guitar-toting duo they simply called “Fuzz and Carrie.” Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The concert begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Regional Center for the Performing Arts Theater at the Blountville campus next to Tri-Cities Regional Airport. Tickets are $5.00 and can be purchased at www.northeaststate.edu/tickets, by calling 423.354.5169, or at the door. Northeast State students with ID are admitted free. Inspired by the big band swing era, the Quintette du Hot Club de France, and early American folk music, Caravan of Thieves quickly took shape in the hearts and minds of Fuzz and Carrie. In early 2008, they wrote a handful of songs in this new style and began to fill out their sound with upright bass, violin, an occasional accordion and any other willing participant they could recruit along the way. By the end of their first year, the Caravan started to gain recognition for their distinctive musical vision. The band released their debut full-length album, Bouquet (2009). The couple took their show and growing cast of characters on the road, sharing stages with a variety of artists such as Emmylou Harris, The Decemberists, Keb Mo, Tom Tom Club, Punch Brothers, and many others. The Caravan eventually reached a comfortable stride as show and album producers, songwriters and arrangers, released Mischief Night (2010), The Funhouse (2012) and Kiss Kiss (2015), and continued building on the concept with each tour to follow. Maple Hill Sessions is their latest album featuring acoustic duets inspired by the intimate live moments, singing around a single microphone during their shows. Songs such as “I Get Sad” and “Sweeter” which have become staples in their show have finally been captured during a very private, self-produced/engineered recording session in a friend’s barn with just Fuzz, Carrie, a Telefunken 251 mic and a couple of acoustic guitars. For more information, contact 423.279.7668 or jpkelly@ northeaststate.edu.
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Spotlight - TUESDAY - June 20th The Business Machines / Stuck Lucky / 1134 The Hideaway The Dusty Travelers Elizabethton Farmers Market Rusty Steel w/ Quarter Bounce Holston River Brewing Company Downtown Country Jiggy Ray’s Pizzeria Duty Free Full Moon Jam Hope Griffin O’Mainnin’s Pub
- WEDNESDAY - June 21st The Pine Box Boys Sleepy Owl Brewery Acousta Pimps Wild Wing Cafe Open Mic The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room Open Mic Jiggy Ray’s Pizzeria Jordyn Pepper Acoustic Coffeehouse
- THURSDAY - June 22nd Tall Paul Wild Wing Cafe Borderline Band Bristol Downtown Mural Borderline Full Moon Jam The Diamonds Blackbird Bakery Ryan Ward O’Mainnin’s Pub Markus King Band Abingdon Market Pavillion Caravan of Thieves Northeast State Center for the Performing Arts EC Frazier Model City Tap House Stevie Tombstone Bone Fire Smokehouse Ashley Taylor Acoustic Coffeehouse Rusty Steel Acoustic Holston River Brewing Company Open Talent Night Bears Bar
- FRIDAY - June 23rd Us, If / Mind Modes / The Kindest People The Hideaway Glass Idols, Crowns and Porno Arcade Capone’s Steve Rutledge & the Groove Evolution Wild Wing Cafe
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.
- FRIDAY - June 23rd The Whiskey Sticks Studio Brew Marcus Boyd Band Town of Marion Annabelle’s Curse The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room Bill & The Belles Down Home Mark Larkins Our House Restaurant Rusty Steel w/ Quarter Bounce 50Fifty Sports Tavern Indighost O’Mainnin’s Pub Borderline Band CJ’s Sports Bar Asylum Suite Sonny’s Cafe Acoustifried Country Club Bar & Grill Zac Brown Tribute Band Twilight Alive Concert Series Shiloh Hill Bone Fire Smokehouse Sidney Ready The Grateful Dead Cover Band Acoustic Coffeehouse Chive Charity Event Holston River Brewing Company Billy Crawford Band Marker ‘2’ Grille
- SATURDAY - June 24th Demon Waffle Wild Wing Cafe Victor Lawson / Catfish Frye (duo) Los Amigo’s The Steele Wheels The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room Volk Sleepy Owl Brewery Flashback Down Home Nightshift Band Buffalo Ruritan Shooter Band Laurel Marina The Diamonds Jazz Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill Loose Leaves Model City Tap House David Graham & the Eskimo Brothers 50Fifty Sports Tavern Tuna Goat Show Our House Restaurant Rock & Roll Freakshow CJ’s Sports Bar Joe Lasher, Jr Johnson City Mall
- SATURDAY - June 24th Sundown Band David Thompson’s Produce Before The Storm O’Mainnin’s Pub Southern Rebellion Sonny’s Cafe Acoustifried Country Club Bar & Grill Carson Peters & The Iron Mountain Band Carter Family Fold Loose Leaves Model City Tap House JiggyPalooza 2017 Jiggy Ray’s Pizzeria Wilkinson’s Quartet Bone Fire Smokehouse American Dropouts Acoustic Coffeehouse Chive Charity Event Holston River Brewing Company Jigsaw Jane Marker ‘2’ Grille Junkyard Dogz Bears Bar
- SUNDAY - June 25th Brian Culbertson Niswonger Performing Arts Center Dustbowl Revival Down Home James Meadows Sonny’s Cafe Marshall Ballew Bone Fire Smokehouse Dan Stonerook Acoustic Coffeehouse Survivorman Les Stroud Holston River Brewing Company Ivy Road Marker ‘2’ Grille
- MONDAY - June 26th Open Jazz Jam Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill The Fiddle Scene Crooked Road General Store Open Mic Acoustic Coffeehouse
- TUESDAY - June 27th Sundown Band Holston River Brewing Company Downtown Country Jiggy Ray’s Pizzeria
for show time & more details, visit
theloaferonline.com
Bristol Station & Brews 41 Piedmont Avenue Bristol VA 276-608-1220
Model City Tap House 324 E Market St. Kingsport 423-765-0875
Bear's Bar 4460 Highway 421 Bristol TN 423-502-1975
CJ’S Sports Bar 516 Morelock St. Kingsport 423-390-1361
Painter Creek Marina 766 Painter Creek Rd Bristol TN 423-878-5755
Bone Fire Smokehouse at the Hardware 260 W Main St Abingdon VA 276-623-0037
Country Club Bar & Grill 3080 W State St Bristol 423-844-0400
Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill 3119 Bristol Hwy. Johnson City 423-262-0444
Country Club of Bristol 6045 Old Jonesboro Rd. Bristol 423-652-1700
Sonny’s Marina & Café 109 One Street Gray, TN 423-282-9440
Holiday Inn (Exit 7) 3005 Linden Dr. Bristol VA 276-466-4100
Studio Brew 221 Moore Street Bristol VA 423-360-3258
Boomershine's Pizza 4079 Highway 394 Bluff City 423-575-7500
KARAOKE
Bristol Golf Club 115 Cedar Creek Road Bristol TN 423-797-4411
Holston River Brewing Company 2621 Volunteer Pkwy Bristol TN
TUESDAY Karaoke w/ Tina and West at Dawg House Tavern Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Logans Karaoke with Top shelf Entertainment at Boomershine’s Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City TN *********************** WEDNESDAY Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at American Legion 8pm Karaoke at CJ’s Sports Bar Karaoke w/ DJ Marquez & Top Shelf Entertainment at Holston River Brewing Company Karaoke w/ DJ Brad & Top Shelf Entertainment at Quaker Steak & Lube Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Smokey Bones - Johnson City TN Turn the Page Karaoke At VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN *********************** THURSDAY Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Macado’s - Kingsport Karaoke at CJ’s Sports Bar Karaoke w/ Top Shelf Entertainment at Painter Creek Marina Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City TN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at New Beginning’s Karaoke at Jiggy Rays Pizzaria ***********************
FRIDAY Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at Sportsman’s Bar & Grill 9pm Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Los Amigos Karaoke w/ Shane Rouse at Bear’s Bar Karaoke at Los Amigos - Kingsport Karaoke at Kingsport Moose Lodge Karaoke w/ Reverb Karaoke at The Cottage 8:30 pm Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN Karaoke w/ Toddzilla at Sportsmans Pub Karaoke at CJ’s Sports Bar Karaoke w/ DJ Brad & Top Shelf Entertainment at BoBo’s - Damascus VA Karaoke at Elizabethton VFW Karaoke w/ DJ Marquez & Top Shelf Entertainment At Holiday Inn (Exit 7) - Bristol VA Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Moe’s Original BBQ Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City TN *********************** SATURDAY Karaoke at The Horseshoe Lounge Karaoke w/ Toddzilla at Sportsmans Pub Karaoke at Kingsport Moose Lodge Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment At Macado’s - Kingsport Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City TN ***********************
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SPOTLIGHT DIRECTORY
Acoustic Coffeehouse 415 W Walnut St. Johnson City 423-434-9872
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Area Stargazers Mourn Loss Of One Of Their Brethen
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Stargazer
By Mark Marquette since 1996 stargazermarq@ gmail.com
y motivation is the passing of by best stargazing buddy for more than 30 years, Terry Alford of Johnson City, Tennessee. The outpouring of love and condolences to Terry and his family from the astronomical community around the country reminded me of how lucky I am to have a life-long passion for the stars above, and the many people I call my stargazing friends. I like to think amateur astronomers are a unique group of hobbyists. After all, you don’t see amateur biologists or chemists setting up their equipment for people to come and enjoy. Stargazing, I believe, is a latent gene in all of us humans, going back to the primitive cave man who looked up and noticed the phase of the Moon, the bright pinpoints of light and the hazy belt of the Milky Way. I always say that everyone at one time has a curiosity about the stars, Sun and Moon. We all know a stargazer who is the “go-to guy” for such questions as “What’s the bright star high overhead in our Summer nights?” (In 2017, it’s planet Jupiter). And the fact I’ve been writing my “Stargazer” column for 21 years in The Loafer gives some indication that people enjoy reading about what’s up in the sky. But it’s the people, like in all of our hobbies, that make amateur astronomy so special. And Terry Alford was one of the exceptional stargazers whose impact among his peers made him stand out like few among us. An Army Lieutenant Colonel, Alford worked many years for the Johnson City Sears Co., and was a natural leader in the Jaycees. He retired to tinker in his woodshop and enjoy his wife and grandchildren, becoming a voracious reader and willing participant in local and regional stargazing events. One of the founders of Bays Mt. Astronomy Club in Kingsport nearly 40 years ago, I met Terry at my first meeting back in 1984, as well as one of the other astro club founders, Bob
Let me tell you about the wonderful bond that weaves between the friendships of amateur astronomers around the world. Smith of Kingsport. These two men became my best friends to this day, as well as the big brothers I never had. And like me, our bond was that of modern day “Renaissance Men,” interested in a lot of diverse subjects and master of none—except astronomy. I’ve always said how can somebody know so much about a subject and still be an “amateur.” But that is who amateur astronomers are: there might be a million of our brethren in American, while there are less than 10,000 professional astronomers world-wide. What is unique about spending nights under the stars is it becomes so much more than stargazing. Yes, we look through telescopes at the planets, split some double stars, probe the faint, fuzzy galaxies and nebulae, and tryout the latest eyepiece or enhancing filter to stretch our vision of the Universe to the limit. But as we gaze about with our naked eyes hoping for a needle-streaking meteor to split the night, there is a lot of small talk—and it’s not all about astronomy. Those are the times when I looked up to my “big brothers” Terry and Bob for some personal guidance, chewing on their ears about my latest drama at home or work. And they would unload their problems on me as well. That’s one of the benefits of having friends in amateur astronomy. The comradery goes way beyond the stars. And I’m very grateful for that. When I think of the nights I’ve spent stargazing with Terry and Bob during three decades of friendship, it literally adds up to years of just standing around surveying the Universe and talking. The same is true when I add up the nights Terry and I have spent together in hotels, motels, tents and cabins as invited speakers the last 30 years to astronomy conferences hosted by clubs in Knoxville, Charlotte, Miami, Hickory and more. It’s more than six months of my life, and thank goodness neither one of us are heavy snorers! Terry was also a regular character in our astronomy parody, “Starry Nite
Live!” which myself and others have performed for more than 30 years. Regional stargazers remember him as the “Redneck Astronomer” Terry Lupusworth as well as “Col. Twilight,” who riled against the CIA—citizens in astronomy! His wife, Cathy, supported the craziness and attended many astronomy events... Terry was an adjunct professor and taught astronomy lab at East Tennessee State University for more than 10 years. And we all know that when you add a “G” to astronomy you get “Gastronomy!” So, food bonded a lot of us stargazers during the years, particularly at annual astro picnics. Terry was an excellent cook; his Cajun gumbo was a delicious tribute to his Louisiana roots. Terry, like me, are kind of old school stargazers, probably an influence of our Baby Boomer roots. We both like eyeballing objects through our telescopes, he in particularly shunning fancy equipment of our 21st Century. And me? I enjoy sketching objects like the planets and Moon and occasionally slapping my Nikon camera in a telescope for single frame shots instead of the multiple stacking of CCD astro imagery. Terry also carried the torch for observing with binoculars, which nearly everyone has a pair for sports, birding, whatever. He made a unique binocular mount for a tripod allowing hands free, steady observing. He marketed those for a while, as well as an observing chair that had an adjustable seat. Literally hundreds of amateur astronomers all over America will enjoy those items this summer, made by “Alford Mfg.” When Terry breathed his last terrestrial breath on June 8th, 2017, he was working on his 71st orbit around the Sun. Finding out the sad news, another astronomy brother, Bristol native and long-time Florida resident George Fleenor posted on his Facebook wall a fitting eulogy. I soon followed with my own Facebook post
about losing my astro big brother. As did Robin Byrne of the Bays Mountain club. The outpouring of compassion from all over America was overwhelming with one constant comment: “Terry was a good man.” And what more can anybody ask for when they leave this Earth—to be remembered as a good person? And a terrific friend to many Terry Alford certainly was. He will always be in my heart as a brother I love and whom I’ll deeply miss. Rest in “Colonel”. I’ll see you again one day among the stars.
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ith daylight lasting nearly 16 hours, there’s not much time for stargazing, but hanging out under the stars after 10 pm has its rewards of two planets and a handful of bright stars. And the Milky Way climbs higher as the night wear on, its border full of deep sky objects for sky hunters and their telescopes. One of the real pleasures of Summer stargazing is the sounds you hear while looking around the night sky. From the incessant chants of insects, to dogs parking and that distant, lonesome train whistle, the night will fill your senses with awe and satisfaction. Tuesday, June 20 In the morning sky at 5 am, Venus is brilliant with the crescent Moon below, and the Pleiades star cluster also nearby. A great photo opportunity, use your camera on a tripod and make exposures of 2-30 seconds at 800 ISO with your self-timer to eliminate any camera shake. Don’t discard anything until you download and see it on a computer monitor—you’ll be surprised at all the stars! On this 1996 date in space history, Space Shuttle Columbia was launched with seven astronauts and the 40-foot Spacelab module in the cargo bay for one of the longest missions lasting 17 days. Wednesday, June 21 The first day of Summer is today, the solstice occurring at 12:21 am. The Sun actually enters the constellation Gemini the Twins, though astrologers would have you think it’s in Cancer. Changes in the calendar centuries ago have put the skies out of sync with those entertaining horoscopes, but trust me, if you turned out the light during the day, you’d see the Sun in Gemini, not Cancer. On this 1993 date in space history, Space Shuttle Endeavour was launched with pressurized SpaceHab laboratory its cargo bay. The astronauts conducted 10 days of life science and material processing research, paving the way for future applications in the International Space Station. Thursday, June 22 On this 1973 date in space history, three astronauts returned from a 28-day stay aboard America’s first space station, Skylab. Paul Weitz, Joseph Kerwin and
Apollo 12 moonwalker Pete Conrad were the first crew aboard the huge Skylab, built inside a Saturn V rocket cylinder. Their four weeks in space was the world record at the time and helped pioneer the six-month missions spent by astronauts aboard the orbiting ISS. Friday, June 23 Jupiter is the brightest “star” in the sky, a golden yellow high overhead and bluewhite star Spica is to the planet’s left, both in Virgo the Virgin. Saturday, June 24 Darkness holds off until around 9:15 pm, and rising in the east is the ringed world Saturn, between Scorpius and Sagittarius in the feet of the little known constellation Ophiuchus the Serpent Handler. Sunday, June 25 On this 1997 date in space history, two cosmonauts and an American aboard the Russian Mir Space station narrowly escaped death when a Progress supply spaceship collided with the Spektr module. The huge complex began losing pressure, but quick action shut off the crippled section and Mir was returned to its normal operations. Monday, June 26 As the night wear on, Jupiter dips toward the western horizon after midnight and Saturn brings the Milky Way with it in the east.
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THIS WEEK
SKIES
Celestial events in the skies for the week of June 20-26, 2017 as compiled for The Loafer by Mark D. Marquette.
Farewell, Caped Crusader
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Want to know how long I’ve been a fan of Batman? I’ve been a fan of Batman so long I can’t remember the first time I encountered the character. What I do know, is that one man introduced me and countless others to Gotham’s hero.
T Batteries Not Included
By Andy Ross aross@ theloaferonline.com
hat man was Adam West, who passed away on June 9th. I was born in 1985, so when Tim Burton’s dark “Batman” film was released to theaters in 1989, it was the perfect cocktail of Bat-mania about to burst again. To have grown up during your most impressionable years in the early 1990s was to be able to enjoy Michael Keaton’s Batman, Kevin Conroy’s masterful take on “Batman: The Animated Series” and reruns of the classic ‘60s series that stared West. ]But of all the versions of Batman that I hold near and dear to my heart, the one that I hold there with the deepest affection is West’s Batman—the Batman that won my heart when I was a little kid. My love for the 1960s Batman world is so great, that as news broke of West’s passing, my phone began to light up with messages from friends expressing their condolences. Some of which said “You were the first person I thought of when I heard the news.” West’s portrayal of Batman is the reason why I grew up in a bedroom that was bat-this and bat-that. ]I’d wake up in the mornings in my bed that had Batman bedsheets and a Batman bedspread, walk to the kitchen in my Batman pajamas, eat Batman cereal and watch the morning rerun of the 60s series that would come on. I’d then put on Batman shoes, socks, pants, shirt, and go to school with my Batman backpack and lunchbox. I’d come home, and I’d sit in my Batman chair that my Godparents had made for me, and I’d watch the afternoon rerun of Batman. Oh, and did I mention I had Batman posters and toys all round my bedroom too? ]For years “Batman ’66”—as it’s come to be collectively known— was the red-headed stepchild of the Batman franchise. Derided for its “campy & silly” take on a character who was a dark avenger of the night. Just last year I had a conversation with someone about ten years younger than me, who too loves Batman, but loathes West’s version of the character. Them saying to me “The only reason you love it is because you grew up with it.” Yes, that has a part to do with
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Coming to The Down Home
The Dustbowl Revival theloaferonline.com | June 20, 2017
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Over the past few years, THE DUSTBOWL REVIVAL has been making a name for itself with a vibrant mix of vintage Americana sounds.
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ritics have proclaimed that this eclectic eight-piece “would have sounded utterly at home within the hallowed confines of Preservation Hall in New Orleans' French Quarter” (Los Angeles Times) and their “upbeat, oldschool, All-American sonic safaris exemplify everything shows should be: hot, spontaneous, engaging and, best of all, a pleasure to hear” (L.A. Weekly). Rob Sheffield, in Rolling Stone, hailed them as a great band “whose Americana swing was so fun I went back to see them again the next day.” Their new eponymous album, due out on Signature Sounds on June 16, 2017, however, finds the Los Angeles-based ensemble evolving and refining its music. Their always-joyous sound now reveals a more soulful, funky side that exudes deeper emotions and taps a more modern vibe.
THE DUSTBOWL REVIVAL will be coming your way on SUNDAY, JUNE 25th, 2017 in JOHNSON CITY, TN, at THE DOWN HOME. Show: 7:30pm •Tickets: $20.00 http://downhome.com/event/dust-bowl-revival/
Photo By: Talley Media
(Rated PG-13) 4 Amazons (out of 4)
Pop Life
By Ken Silvers ksilvers@ theloaferonline.com
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he latest actress to portray Wonder Woman, Gal Gadot, first appeared on cinema screens in the 2016 film "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice", and made quite an impact. Most theater audiences went wild when she made a thundering appearance in the film in full costume while saving Batman's life. The character has had a difficult and puzzling trek to the big screen. It's not the fact she hasn't been around long, as Wonder Woman first appeared in comic books in 1942, and has been an integral part of the DC comics world ever since. She has appeared in countless comics, the Linda Carter TV series, and animated films, but the big screen always alluded her, until now. The time for the Amazon princess to hit theaters is now, and she is making quite the impact. For those who have no clue, the character of Wonder Woman was sculpted from clay by her mother Queen Hippolyta (played by Connie Nielsen in the movie), and given life by Zeus in the film version. At the beginning of the film we see Diana as a child living in Themyscira, a hidden island off the coast of Greece with the Amazons, who were created by the gods to protect mankind from Ares, the god of war. So in the film we get mythology, war, and of course superhero action. We get to see Diana train on the island with the Amazons, meet Captain Steve Trevor (Chris Pine), the spy who crash lands near her island paradise, and experience 1918 London. Diana, with the added last name of Prince, courtesy of Trevor, journeys with her wayward solider back to London and World War 1, as she is convinced she can make a difference by killing Ares, who she feels is causing the great war. While in London, it's quite amusing to see Diana adopt to life away from Themyscira, and her reaction to ice cream and 1918 clothing is priceless. She also meets Trevor's secretary Etta Candy (Lucy Davis), who is so funny she nearly steals the film from her powerful co-stars. The film features Diana/ WW in dramatic battle scenes fighting German soldiers alongside Trevor, his cohorts and the British military. One of the many inspiring scenes in the
film has Wonder Woman running toward a German strong hold alone as she refuses to let innocent people die by not taking action. During the film she also falls in love with Trevor and finally confronts the previously disguised Ares. Despite all the serious matters at hand, there are still plenty moments of humor thanks to Diana's talent for being naive concerning mans world, and Trevor's secretary Etta. The actors are all wonderful in the film, and Gadot was born to play Wonder Woman. Pine is excellent as Trevor, and his onscreen chemistry with Gadot practically melts the screen. This film is groundbreaking for several reasons. "Wonder Woman" is the first film featuring a solo female superhero to actually break office records, and to be directed by a woman, in this case Patty Jenkins ("Monster"). Apparently Hollywood has never trusted their big "event" movies to be placed in the hands of a woman. We shall see how "Wonder Woman" has an impact on the film industry. Hollywood's lack of trust aside, this film is an amazing cinematic achievement, and even after two viewings I am ready for more. Wonder Woman will return to the big screen in November with Batman and Superman, and other heroes in "Justice League", and I am counting down the days. Wonder Woman, whose mantra, is "I believe in love", will no doubt be making plenty of future appearances on the big screen, thanks to the smashing success of "Wonder Woman." Now get your lasso of truth and head to the theater.
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Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman, part of the DC trinity that includes Batman and Superman, finally has her own solo live-action movie.
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Murderous Mary Her name is Mary. She was born in 1894 and died on September 13, 1916 at the young age of 21. She loved to play musical instruments, throw a baseball and adored the smiling faces and laughter of children. She stood 11 feet 9 inches tall and weighed 5 short tons. She was employed by Charlie Sparks as a circus performer in the Sparks World
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Appalachian Wanderers
By Jason & Daniel Worley jdworley@ theloaferonline.com
ary was purchased by Sparks in 1896 when she was only 2 years old and quickly rose to her fame as the most famous circus elephant. The addition of Mary helped the circus to begin traveling by railcar and not the usual horse and buggy. Over the years and with much success from Mary, the circus expanded to over 15 railcars and 5 elephants with Mary proudly leading the team. In 1916, the Southern Potteries plant opened for operation in Erwin TN along Ohio Avenue. Here the world famous, hand painted dishware known as Blue Ridge that became notoriously popular in the 30’s and 40’s was produced. With a population of less than 3000 residents, Erwin was starting to make a name for itself. This newly booming American railroad town had pretensions to civilization, boasting its own post office, theatre and courthouse. But you may still be asking yourself, “Okay, but what do an elephant named Mary and the town of Erwin have in common?” The day was Tuesday September 12th, the year was 1916, the town was Kingsport, TN. Mary had just finished performing the first show in the town of Kingsport TN and was taken to a local pond with the rest of her elephant troupe for drinking and splashing around. After spending some time at the pond, Mary was leading the elephant parade back to the circuit tent with her inexperienced handler, Red Eldridge riding on top. During the trip back, Mary noticed a watermelon and decided to go after it with her trunk. Eldridge noticed and didn’t want the onlooking crowd to think he didn’t have control of Mary, so he used his elephant hook to try and herd her back on path. This is where the story becomes confusing because there are two very strong differences of what/how it happened. One story states that Eldridge hooked Mary in her ear causing her pain while startling her at the same time. The second story states that Mary had a bad abscessed tooth (the infections were, of course, only found after Mary was
Famous Shows circus. Even after 100 years have passed since her disturbing death, the story of “Murderous Mary” continues to awe locals and visitors to the small mountain community of Erwin, TN. Many still ask, what does an elephant named Mary and the town of Erwin, TN have in common? killed) and Eldridge hit this tooth with the hook causing her agony. No matter which story is accurate, the next incident leaves no room for speculation. Wherever Eldridge hit Mary with his hook, it was enough that it sent her into a rage and she wrapped his body with her trunk and threw him into a drink stand in front of her. When his body fell to the ground, she walked over and stepped on his head with her front right foot ending his life. Onlookers were horrified and scared and some even took out guns and began to shoot Mary. The bullets had little effect on her think hide and only caused small holes in her skin. The crowd became more scared and made and started chanting, “Kill her! She must be killed!” Sparks knew if his show was to survive, he had to do something about Mary, and it appeared ending her life was the only option he had. It was decided that Mary, due to her size and strength, would have to be hanged. But in 1916 what would hold a 5-ton elephant long enough to hang? It was obvious the only thing that would hold her weight was to use a railroad crane and only the railyard in Erwin had one strong enough, a 100-ton train derrick used to lift railcars. Because of the week worth of rain the area had before the circus and the potential of mudslides around the tracks, the Clinchfield Railroad didn’t want to send their biggest crane 80 miles away to Kingsport and risk it being stranded, so Mary was brought to Erwin instead. Here Mary was hoisted up twice before the execution was successful (the first time the chain broke and Mary fell breaking her hip and sat crying in pain before a second chain was attached and she was lifted again). After left hanging for over 30 minutes, for photographs and witnesses to see, Mary was taken 400 feet up the tracks and buried in an unmarked grave at the Clinchfield Railyard. So now you know what an elephant named Mary and the town of Erwin have in common. Erwin has carried this fame, or ignominy for more than 100 years for something that was created in the neighboring town of Kingsport. In 2016, Erin saw a new festival come to town. This festival was one to remember Mary the Elephant in a more positive light. The Erwin Elephant Festival this year took things a step further and created eight different pint size elephants that are bursting with color. These will be on display throughout the town until October 21st, when they will be auctioned off with the money to help The Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, TN. You do not have to be present to bid, you can contact the Erwin Town Hall at 423.743.6231 for information on placing absent bids. Erwin has tried for so many years to get rid of the shadow of May the Elephant that has literally “hung” over the town. This great festival is just one of the many ways the town is trying to turn the event into something more positive. So while the festival for 2017 is over, be sure and make plans to attend the 2018 festival in Downtown Erwin! Admission is free and there is plenty to do for everyone.
East Tennessee State University will host “Olympic Day 2017” on Friday, June 23, from 9:30 a.m. – noon at Kermit Tipton Stadium, which is on the Science Hill High School campus.
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wo-time skeleton Olympian John Daly, who competed in the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi, will serve as visiting Olympian for the event. Opening ceremonies are at 9:30 a.m., and the day will conclude at noon with closing ceremonies. Youth ages 5-12 are invited to be part of Olympic Day, which is free and open to the public. Activities will include weightlifting, track and field, javelin throwing, shotput and discus, rugby, soccer and gymnastics. The Olympic Training Site, which is part of ETSU’s Center of Excellence in Sport Science and Coach Education, hosted its first Olympic Day event in 2012. No registration is required. For more information, contact Emily Brockelman at 423-439-8477.
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Olympic Day 2017
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A Hedge Around Hell Forgive the assertion But troubled waters Must be stilled I have yet to understand Why the origins of these words Must be bound to a singular entity Why formation Of literary art Necessitates interpersonal connections I assure you It is broader in scope The culmination of events Of words spoken Thoughts Actions Ideas Or Nothing at all Too many paragons of creation Sit silenced Out of "respect" I have no boundaries I reserve no confinement There are no walls around this mind I refuse to build them If truth breeds freedom Than I must be free To speak truth It's genesis rendered irrelevant Find your own meaning Rather than decode structures Attempting to tear down to my foundation Only to create a suitable prison For which incarceration Awaits us all
The Casual Word
By Langley Shazor Follow Langley at TheCasualWord
BATTERIES continued from page 20 drove it around the Christmas tree. Watching those blu-rays was the first time as an adult I had revisited the series at length. What I discovered was though I took it deadly seriously as a kid, now I found all kinds of amazing humor and wit in the show that I had never seen before. I love it just as much now as I did then—maybe even more. To this day when I start an episode of “Batman” and those opening titles begin and Batman and Robin come rushing towards the screen—I still feel a thrill about it. ]West’s unique take on Batman did cause him to live in Typecasting Hell for a number of years, he eventually began to embrace his role as Batman and what it had meant to people. As he did so, the same kids who grew up with his Batman began to cast him projects, and his second career resurgence as “Adam West”—which led to talk show appearances, “Family Guy” and numerous other projects—came to be. One of those best moments—particularly for West as an actor—is an episode of “Batman: The Animated Series” titled “Beware The Gray Ghost.” ]In the episode, West plays an actor who portrayed a super hero on TV named “The Gray Ghost.” A show that was the favorite of young Bruce Wayne, and who has some similarities with Batman. As the episode progresses, Batman himself invites the actor to help him solve a series of crimes that are lifted from plots of the old TV series. West’s character plays an actor who is hard on his luck from typecasting, he gets to see what he brought to the world through Batman’s inspiration from The Gray Ghost. In one moving moment, Batman invites The Gray Ghost to the Batcave, showing him a wall full of Gray Ghost memorabilia. Batman tells him “You were my hero” and an astonished Gray Ghost says “So it wasn’t all for nothing.” It’s a brilliant half hour of TV, and especially moving with West playing the part. ]I’ll always owe Adam West a debt of gratitude for helping fuel my overactive imagination, and making me feel like everything was gonna be OK no matter what. What Adam West created will endure for many years to come, his Batman is a multigenerational fan base. A take on the character wholly his. I’m thankful that in his later years, he got to see what all he inspired in the world, and have the love given back to him with a much deserved career resurgence. The world would be a much poorer place without what he did. ]As I write this, I keep looking over to my right. It’s a shelf of Batman stuff—some things never change. On it I have the blu-ray box, bobble heads, and action figures from “Batman ’66.” On a shelf in my bedroom, I have a collection of the brilliant “Batman ’66” comic book series that DC did a few years ago. Bring it all back home for West’s creation. Even today, when I feel like everything is spiraling out of hand and my worries get the better of me, I can watch “Batman” and it still makes me feel like everything is going to be OK. Rest well, Bright Knight and thank you. For everything. I’ll see you next week. Same Bat-Time, Same Bat-Channel.
“
I Love The Loafer!" Andrew G..
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it, but for all the critics and all the cries of it being an abomination—here’s my response. If it was really that bad, that awful, why has it endured for over 50 years? ]Watching “Batman” as a child and seeing a world fueled by pure imagination inspired me that I could go as far as my imagination could take me. West’s Batman made me feel that anything was possible. There was nothing that couldn’t be solved by taking a pause, going back to the Bat-Cave, and thinking it out. Also, his Batman was the greatest alchemist of all time—inventing a Bat-Pill or Bat-Spray for any situation. Even if you think Christopher Nolan’s “Dark Knight” trilogy is the only true Batman, you have to realize that taking Batman back to his dark roots was a direct response to how much the 1960s TV series brought the character to the mainstream. Without “Batman ’66” it’s entirely possible Batman wouldn’t have survived. The comic was on the bubble of being canceled by DC when the show went on the air. The show elevated The Penguin, The Riddler, and Catwoman from the second tier of Villains. The show invented Mr. Freeze and Barbara Gordon’s Batgirl. Every single comic book movie that rules the roost at the box office today owes a tip of the hat to “Batman ’66.” It was the “Star Wars” of its day. ]In 2014, after years of being held up by legal complications, the TV series was finally released on Home Video. My parents bought it for me for Christmas that year. They got me the deluxe limited edition blu-ray box. The one that came not only with all 120 episodes of the series, but an episode guide, a scrapbook taken from West’s personal archive, a reproduction set of trading cards from when the series was on the air, and to top it al off—a Hot Wheels Batmobile (Let’s be honest here, West had the coolest Batmobile). ]Though I was all 29 years of age on that Christmas morning, opening the gift from my parents—the ones who had bought me so many Batman toys on Christmases long ago—I immediately returned to being a 7 year old head over heels in love with Batman. Yes, I took out the Hot Wheels Batmobile and
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Answers on page 30
Tigerlilly will be spayed soon and up for adoption. Many sweet adult cats ready for adoption!
The shelter is at capacity and need to find forever homes for these cuties! Many males and females. They will all be spayed or neutered and up to date on all vaccines.
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he Bridge Home has an ongoing aluminum can can collection in front of the shelter at 2061 Hwy 75 in Blountville,TN 37617. The cans are collected by a volunteer and the money from the aluminum goes towards badly needed food and supplies for the animals The Bridge Home No Kill Animal Rescue has started a pet food pantry for people that have had financial hardships because of job loss or medical problems and are struggling to feed their pet. They can come by the shelter and get cat or dog food to get through the tough time. Donations can be sent to The Bridge
Home Shelter PO Box 654 Blountville, TN 37617 Every animal in their care is spayed or neutered and fully vaccinated before being adopted. Being a non profit the shelter is funded entirely by membership dues and private donations. They always need volunteers or monetary donations. Other always needed items:pet food, cat litter & cat toys dog treats & dog toys,paper towels, cleaners, office supplies,Purina weight circles. Phone: 423-239-5237 Hours are Mon-Fri 12pm-6pm Sat 12pm3pm and Sun 2pm-4pm. Website is www. bridgehomerescue@gmail.com or like them on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/ bridgehome
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PETS
OF THE WEEK
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THINGS TO DO Blood Drive Marsh Regional Blood Center will conduct public blood drives at the area locations. Visit http:// tinyurl.com/n4aujx9 to find a location near you. In addition to scheduled blood drives, donors are welcome at Marsh Regional’s collection centers: 111 W. Stone Drive, Suite 300, Kingsport, 2428 Knob Creek Road, Johnson City and 1996 W. State St., Bristol. For more information about scheduling a blood drive at a local business, church, school or community organization, please call 423-408-7500, 423-652-0014 or 276-679-4669 or visit www. marshblood.com. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• The Casual Word Adult Creative Writing Class Join us for a free, fun, engaging, and different look into writing. In this class, we will not focus on structure, form, or rules, but on the freedom of writing. It is the goal of this class to open the mind to its full creative potential by allowing participants to write what they want, how they want to write it. Sessions will be student lead; we will engage in topics and subjects that are of interest to the students. The atmos- phere is casual and jovial. This class is designed for all those 18 and up who wish to try their hand at creative writing. Thursdays @ 6:00 p.m. Jones Creativity Center. Bristol Public Library. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• JC Community Drum Circle The Johnson City Community Drum Circle meets every Wednesday evening (April – October), 7pm - 8:30pm, inside the Farmers’ Market Pavilion
next to Founders Park. Everyone is welcome to attend and participate. Come drum, hoop/ holler, dance, or just relax and take in the scene, no experience or “talent” necessary. There are shared instruments and of course you can bring your own drums or percussion. It's all improvised, so there are no mistakes. We just smile and keep playing. Bring your own seating! ••••••••••••••••••••••••••
vendor contact hhyder@hotmail. com or call 571-7693. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• 4th Friday Dance Limited Edition will be playing our favorite fun dance music on the 4th Friday, June 23rd, at the Jonesborough Visitors Center. This is one of the top bands in the area so if you have never visited this dance this is the one you won't want to miss! While the event is billed as a Ballroom Dance, a variety of music is played from the 50's, 60's and 70's that provides enjoyable dance opportunities for everyone...can you still do the Twist? Also, line dance lessons offered at 6:30, with the dance from 7:00-10:00. Cost $6.00. For additional information call 423-952-0772. If you would like to receive a monthly email listing of local dances simply send an email request to tricitiesdanceinfo@gmail.com.
Gray Library Computer Classes Classes begin at 4:30 p.m. and last about an hour. Call the library for information or to register at 423-477-1550. Thurs., June 15 Skype---how to make free phone calls using the internet Thurs., June 29 •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Basic internet searching---how to find what you need online Book Club @ Gray Library "Hidden Figures" to be •••••••••••••••••••••••••• discussed at Gray Adult Book Stress Clinic Community Group June 22. Individuals are invited to come June 22 at 2 p.m., Acupuncture Enjoy a de-stressing and pain to participate. For information relieving thirty minute seated call the library at 477-1550. acupuncture session in the Art Gallery of The Renaissance Cryptogram: The real problem is not why some pious, humble, believing people suffer, but why some do not. Center in Kingsport. Hosted DropQuote: "If I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I may not have it at by Acupuncture Associates, the beginning." come and get your painless acupuncture and get your nervous system strengthened! $40 (plus get a $20 bonus voucher to apply toward your next visit). Join us EVERY THIRD THURSDAY 12-3pm. For infomations, call 423239-7044. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Piney Flats Days Piney Flats Days sponsored by the Piney Flats Ruritan will be held on August 5 from 9:00-4:00 at Mary Hughes School! There will will be craft vendors, music, food, car show, and more! For more information or info on being a
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Kelly’s Place
By Jim Kelly since 1989 jkelly@ theloaferonline.com
have been immersed in this volume for the past two weeks, skipping around as I please among his many entries. Not all entries from every year are included here, because that would necessitate a multi-volume collection. His book has given me the perfect opportunity to peruse the diaries I have kept continuously since 1984; for some inexplicable reason, I kept diaries during 1968-69, but abruptly stopped until the 1980s. I have no intention of publishing these, however, because I not a famous and rich established author and doubt anyone would have an interest in reading my ramblings. My diary entries, which are very short, basically recount factual information about what I did each day, and don’t include any of my explorations into the deeper meanings of these events; these deeper meanings come when I go back and read what I’ve written, and these meanings change every time I go over an entry. These volumes, some hand written, and one year (1989) typed, have been invaluable sources of verification of dates and milestones. Curiously, I made no mention in my entry on May 9, 1989 that that was the day my first Loafer column appeared. Sedaris notes on that day that he vowed to “1. Lose ten pounds, 2. Rewrite the last two stories so I can start something new, 3. Paint a picture of a mole, [and] 4. Make myself go out when I don’t want to.” I noted that it had “Rained all day”, that I presented a synthesizer demonstration to students at Jonesborough Elementary School (I was working in the retail music field at the time), and that I ate dinner at Pizza Inn. No Loafer debut mention, however (my first column was not called “Kelly’s Place”--that didn’t come until the following year). In the introduction to his collection of diary entries, Sedaris notes that keeping a diary “teaches you what you’re interested in [and that the point of writing is] to find out who you are and to be true to that person.” He concludes that “In order to record your life, you sort of need to live it. Not at your desk, but beyond it. Out in the world where it’s so beautiful and complex and painful that sometimes you just need to sit down and write about it.” I agree, and urge you to become a diarist if you aren’t already one. My diary collection appears in all shapes and sizes, from standard notebooks and leather journals to typed ring binders and itty-bitty memo books, not unlike the description Sedaris gives of his collection. I have found that handwritten entries work best, because every time I have attempted to create neat typed or word-processed entries I tend to get way behind and neglectful. The downside is that I have difficulty reading my handwritten notes. I have had fun--and have had many layers of memories dredged up--by comparing my entries with Sedaris’. I selected four years--1985, 1987, 1992, and 2002--for comparison and came up with the following, hopefully-notboring comparisons: Thursday, December 26, 1985 (I was living in Knoxville at the time and working in a piano, keyboard, and organ store): On the day after Christmas, my Mom was visiting from North Carolina and we went out to eat with the owner of the music store and his wife at Pero’s--I had a strange combination of “chicken breast and steak.” Reading this entry brought back fond memories of
my Mom and reminded me of the long-forgotten Pero’s. Sedaris, on this day, enumerated a list of his Christmas presents, including “a radio/tape player ghetto blaster, a wristwatch . . . .socks, underwear, a blank tape . . .two rubber stamps [and] a lighter that looks like Godzilla.” Wonder how many people today have any idea what a blank tape or a radio/tape player are. These, you see, were the days before social media and 24/7 connectivity to the internet. Thursday, July 16, 1987 saw me playing my role as church organ demonstrator for Gatlinburg Presbyterian Church (I did a lot of these kinds of demonstrations in those days, and would occasionally get lucky and sell something). This entry reminded me of the important role retail music has played in telling me who I am. On that day, Sedaris had a perhaps more interesting, although not necessarily stranger day that I had when he “went to the library and passed a street musician [in Chicago] who had a live weasel in his guitar case. It was on a leash and was taking a nap. There was a girl at school who had a weasel, though she called it a ferret. She said it was sweet and would burrow under the covers while she was sleeping. If there was a weasel in my house, I’d move.” On Halloween 1992 (which was a Saturday, the day before my birthday), Jeanna and I took our daughter, Dresdan to the Johnson City Mall for trick-or-treating and then on to her grandmother’s for a community trick or treat. Since that time, hardly anyone shows up in the neighborhood for trick and treating--we were luck to witness the golden age of this activity while Dresdan was young (she was three at the time and now, at 28, is preparing to have a daughter of her own). Sedaris relates that for his Halloween that day, “We went with Ken and Taro to see the Halloween parade. My favorite costume was a very thin, dirty Santa carrying a plastic bag of discarded cans. He was accompanied by a filthy Ronald McDonald.” Hard to top those experiences. On Saturday, March 30, 2002 I “slept late” but made it to work (I was still doing my retail music bit at the time, but moved on to my current teaching job that Fall) on this rainy day. Later that day, my daughter (age 13) was presented with her Easter dress by her great-grandmother. To to top off the day, we inexplicably stopped at K-Mart on the way home--an activity that is now becoming a thing of the past. Sedaris, now living in New York, noted that during the past week, “Milton Berle, Billy Wilder, and Dudley Moore died,” making us aware how much meaning we attach to dead celebrities and how we mark the passing of our time by theirs. Realizing that you might have difficulty relating to my life or David Sedaris’ I hope you will do some reflecting on the days of your own life and will find meaning in the smalest of things. It is indeed amazing how one phrase like “chicken breast and steak” or the recounting of a trip to K-Mart can speak volumes about the contours of our lives. Because these are the kind of things that define who we are. Stop reading and go start a new diary entry. See you next week.
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Dear Diary
David Sedaris, the bestselling author of quirky and funny/serious books like LET’S EXPLORE DIABETES WITH OWLS, SQUIRREL SEEKS CHIPMUNK, and ME TALK PRETTY ONE DAY, has recently delighted us with the first volume of selections from his diaries: THEFT BY FINDING: DIARIES (1977-2002)
theloaferonline.com | June 20, 2017
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