The Loafer March 17th

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8

Film Competition opens

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12

3rd Annual Brass Ring Gala

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23

Jonesborough Contra

...plus so much more

Page 2, The Loafer • March 17, 2015

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March 17, 2015 • The Loafer, Page 3

Volume 29 Issue #15 Publisher Luci Tate

E.T. phoned home and said.. “SPRING”

Editor Graphic Arts Director Don Sprinkle Office Manager Luci Tate Cover Design Bill May Advertising Dave Carter Elaine Farris Terry Patterson Lori Hughes Contributing Staff Jim Kelly Andy Ross Ken Silvers Mark Marquette 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 (editorial) adcopy@theloaferonline.com (advertising) 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

in this issue ....

4

Spring All Around The Universe - Mark Marquette’s Stargazer

5

Yee-Haw Brewing Company plans for Johnson City

7

Taste of the Town: Spring Edition

8

PUSH! Film Festival Opens Up Competition

10 The Texas Tenors this Saturday 13

MerleFest is Getting Closer

16

Firefall to perform at NPAC

18

Chris Killian & Dusty Slay at The Comedy Zone

23

Lyrics on the Lawn Summer Concert Series Now Booking Bands

music & fun 14 24

Spotlight - Great Music & Fun Times Crossword & Sudoku

columns & reviews 17 21 25 26

Skies This Week Screen Sceens - “Unfinished Business” Batteries Not Included - “Mr. Ross & The Eat It Up Crew” Kelly’s Place - “A View From The Running Board”

Page 4, The Loafer • March 17, 2015

Spring a Jig and Celebrate the Equinox!

A winter when temperatures on the planet Mars were warmer than some parts of Northeast America is about to end.

Even aliens are rejoicing as they no doubt been hiding out behind the Moon until the Northern Hemisphere thaws out and they can again play their sick game of hide-n-seek. Hey, something’s out there!

So, as I gather up the nerve to open my new electric bill, let’s all pray to the Celestial Gods that bring us the Vernal Equinox, as spring can’t come soon enough!

Astronomers say that this Friday at 8:45 pm the Sun crosses the equator, heading farther north and bringing hotter, more direct rays of heat-giving sunlight.

Meanwhile, the populations of South America, South Africa and Australia are languishing at the end of summer and first days of fall.

Remember that cold, cold day in February when the thermometer plunged to a record minus -14 F. below zero in the Mountain Empire? Of course you do. Well, that same day on Mars the SUV-sized rover Curiosity puttered about the foothills of a mountain in a balmy 43 F. degrees--for a few hours anyway. (It plunged to minus -80 below that night!) And the other rover Opportunity also had some mild Martian weather that peaked in the mid 30s during February when much of Canada and the up-

per States were locked below 0 F. degrees for a week.

Who would have thought it could be warmer on Mars, averaging 140 million miles from the Sun than on Earth at 93 million miles from our heat radiating star? It’s a science thing of heat energy in direct rays of Summer vs. the indirect sunlight in Winter.

Remember the Earth’s globe on your elementary school teacher’s desk? It was knocked over on its side from vertical, and it was fun and easy to spin tilted compared to a spinning toy top.

This 23.5 degree tilt from vertical is the key to our seasons, just like

on Mars where its coincidental 25 degree tilt also causes four distinct weather patterns as solar heat is distributed around the globe. During half our orbit around the Sun our Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun and the Southern Hemisphere is tilted away. The other half of our solar orbit is just the opposite.

The more direct the rays of sunlight, the hotter they are. Witness the fact that you don’t get a suntan until after 11 am when the Sun is up high, not when it’s low in the early morning or late evening.

If you glance at the Sun around noon for a series of weeks, you

will see it is slowly moving, day by day, toward the north, from its highest point. Eventually, on June 20 this year, the Sun reaches its highest point seen in the sky, the Summer Solstice. At that time, the Sun is standing above the Tropic of Cancer, 23.5 degrees north of the equator.

What’s hard to grasp is this cyclic global warming and cooling has absolutely nothing to do with the distance of Earth from the Sun. In fact, Earth is at its farthest point from the Sun during the Northern Hemisphere’s summer.

We are about 95 million miles from the Sun in July. Earth is closest to the Sun, around 91 million miles, in December. That makes the Southern Hemisphere summers slightly hotter than the summers up north.

In the Solar System the tilt or planetary axis varies. Mercury is tilted only two degrees. Venus

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also has a slight axial tilt of two degrees. Mars is tilted at 25 degrees, but it wobbles from 35 to 10 degrees over hundreds of millions of years. Jupiter is tilted slightly at 3 degrees, but Saturn and its rings are cocked nearly 27 degrees from vertical. Uranus is the oddball, whacked completely on its side at 98 degrees from straight up. Neptune is off axis by 30 degrees, and lonely Pluto is a whopping 123 degrees from vertical.

Why our planets are lopsided is something for astrophysicists to still figure out. That’s why astronomy is so fascinating—major discoveries of our origins are still awaiting brilliant minds to put together the pieces of the cosmic puzzle.

Meanwhile, many of us could probably care less how the Solar System evolved, or why spring has finally sprung. We’re just thankful it has.

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Yee-Haw Brewing Company

March 17, 2015 • The Loafer, Page 5

Announces Plans for Johnson City Brewery New Brewery to Open in Early Summer 2015

Yee-Haw Brewing Company announced today that it will brew its first beers right in the heart of Johnson City. The brewery’s flagship location will be located in the East Tennessee & Western North Carolina Depot, aka the Tweetsie Depot, located on Buffalo Street and West State of Franklin Road.

The Washington County Economic Develop Council (WCEDC) supports the revitalization of the property and sees the project as having a significant impact on the downtown area. “The Tweetsie Depot is a cornerstone of Johnson City’s history and played a vital role in the city’s development. The depot served this community well

for many years, and we’re excited for this historical location to be a hub again,” noted Joe Grandy, Chair for the WCEDC. Founding partner Joe Baker noted, “Yee-Haw is a brand that celebrates good beer and good times with friends. We’ve worked hard to create a brand that embraces the rich history, traditions and values of East Tennessee. Downtown Johnson City is growing and we’re excited to be part of the action.”

The Yee-Haw team is joined

by Brandon Greenwood, COO & Brewmaster. Greenwood is an award winning brewmaster with 20 years of experience in the industry. He is the recipient of

multiple medals from the Great American Beer Festival organized by the Brewers Association, the nation’s principal organization of brewers. Most recently, Greenwood worked as the Vice President of Brewery Operations at Lagunitas Brewing Company, the #5 ranked craft brewery in the U.S. by sales volume. In 2012, he assembled and led the team responsible for building and operating the Lagunitas facility in Chicago, IL. Greenwood currently oversees the brewery construction for YeeHaw, and serves as the mastermind behind the creation and production of its soon-to-be released brews. “Yee-Haw is committed to

brewing world class beer. We will provide a quality mix of the finest ales and lagers. Our beer will be bold and flavorful, but easy to drink,” Greenwood said.

Initial distribution of Yee-Haw beer will include on premise accounts throughout East Tennessee.

The brewery’s opening and distribution start dates are set for early Summer 2015.

Further information regarding Yee-Haw Brewing Company can be found at www.yeehawbrewing. com. Information including business hours, distribution locations and additional product offerings will be announced in the coming weeks.

Have an event coming up?

Email a press release and photos to:

editorial@theloaferonline.com

Page 6, The Loafer • March 17, 2015

“Best of Broadway”

to bring popular show music to the stage March 22 at Tusculum College

“Best of Broadway” show on March 22 at Tusculum College will feature performances of songs from popular stage shows such as “Wicked,” “Phantom of the Opera” and “Rent.”

“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” - Mae West

Music from popular Broadway shows is coming to the stage later this month at Tusculum.

“Best of Broadway” will be presented at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 22, in the auditorium of the Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Building on the Tusculum campus. The presentation is part of Tusculum College Arts Outreach’s Acts, Arts, Academia 2014-15 performance and lecture series.

The Best of Broadway will feature a cast of eight singers and dancers performing a revue of well known songs from popular Broadway shows such as “Wicked,” “Hairspray,” “Rent,” Mamma Mia” and “Phantom of Opera.”

“The show is a lot of fun and family friendly,” said John McConnell, producer for the performance, which will be divided into two 45-minute segments with an intermission.

The cast features two performers who have won the prestigious Drama Desk award for performances in Off Broadway productions.

Based in Orlando, the cast of the Best of Broadway performs at Disney World and Universal Studios theme parks and has performed around the world, including shows for U.S. troops stationed overseas.

Arts Outreach is appreciative of the opportunity to bring this level of talent to the local community for a inexpensive ticket cost. Admission for the performance is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors 60 and over and $5 for children 12 and under.

For more information, please contact Arts Outreach at 423-7981620 or email jhollowell@tusculum.edu.

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March 17, 2015 • The Loafer, Page 7

Tastes of the Town Tours:

Spring Edition

Tastes of the Town Tours is back from the winter and set to host their monthly food tour in Abingdon, with a special focus on celebrating the food of Spring, on Tuesday, March 24, 2015. Participants will visit 5 stops for small tastes highlighting each establishment’s food and drink.

Tickets are now available for

purchase online for the food tour.

“There are new chefs and new menus at a couple of our stops,” says tour organizer, Sara Cardinale. “The food available locally in the spring is so fresh, and attendees are in for a treat.”

Stops for the tour include: Heartwood, JJ’s Restaurant & Sports Bar, Wolf Hills, The Tavern and Rain

YWCA Bridal Salon

Opens Doors to Brighter Futures

With every button fastened and the veil positioned just so, a bride turns to see herself for the first time in a wedding gown. A beautiful, confident woman stares back, lost in daydreams of the future.

The dress is perfect.

But what if finding the perfect wedding gown symbolized more than a happily-ever-after? What if it meant that a widowed mother of two can now afford child care or a pregnant teen finds the strength to take on responsible motherhood?

The YWCA’s newest program,

Bristol Bridal Station, is making these “what if’s” a reality by providing every bride an opportunity to give back. Bristol Bridal features new, couture wedding gowns at a fraction of retail price. When a bride purchases her dream gown, she is supporting the futures of women, children and families in YWCA programs. This “Couture for a Cause” provides valuable funding for the YWCA’s slidingscale child care, after-school program for at-risk girls, teen pregnancy education, and women’s

Restaurant. This tour is limited to 25 participants, and is expected to sell out.

Tastes of the Town Tours features restaurants that are part of the Rooted in Appalachia campaign, a local food branding initiative collaboratively launched in 2012 by the Abingdon Convention and Visitors Bureau and Appalachian Sustainable Development. Establishments identified as Rooted in Appalachia partners are dedicated to featuring locally purchased food in their menus, serving local wine or beer and making a good faith effort to purchase local food year round.

Cardinale explains that “at each stop diners will get the chance to hear directly from the chef or owners about what efforts they are making to utilize local products, as well as get a taste of their specialties made with these items.”

The tickets for the tour are $38/ ea, and can be purchased online or by phone. Participants should meet at the Municipal Lot in Abingdon at 5:30pm.

For more information about this event, please visit us on the web at www.tastesofthetowntours.com or reach us by phone at 276-2745483. health and wellness initiatives.

But the good news doesn’t end there. Every dress is priced at a fraction of retail price – up to 75% off retail value! Purchasing an affordable couture gown is now a reality and giving back has never been easier. The boutique is open to the public and women of all income levels. Brides-to-be can shop hundreds of never-beenpurchased wedding dresses made by designers such as Oscar De La Renta and Vera Wang.

Bristol Bridal Station is supported by 23 bridal salons across the United States who believe in the YWCA’s mission of women’s empowerment. These salons faithfully donate new wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses and accessories.

The Bristol Bridal Station is located on site at the YWCA, 106 State Street in Bristol, Tenn. Walkins are welcome Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. To schedule a private appointment during the week or to volunteer, please call 423.968.9444 or email Suzanne Burik-Burleson at s_burleson@ywcabristol.org.

Page 8, The Loafer • March 17, 2015

PUSH! Film Festival Opens Up Film Competition to Submissions

PUSH! Film Festival has opened its film competition to submissions. The first-year festival will be held on June 12—14, 2015 in Historic Downtown Bristol, bringing a variety of curated movies, workshops and presenta-

tions about film, and screenings of juried films including shorts, features, and films focused on Tennessee and Virginia.

“This festival is another great way to bring new arts to our downtown, and it will be a won-

derful event for the community,” said Brad White, Associate Director of Believe in Bristol. “By opening up a film competition, we hope to not only bring fresh and innovative films to the festival but to also host some of the creative filmmak-

ers who submit their films.”

The juried film competition will award prizes in four categories: Best Short, Best Feature, Best Tennessee Film, and Best Virginia Film. With the last two categories, the films must have been shot (in part or in whole) in the relevant state or have been made by a filmmaker whose hometown or current residence is in Tennessee or Virginia.

With the film competition being newly opened, PUSH! has already received several film submissions, and the committee is getting excited to start viewing the films.

“The lineup of films in competition for our inaugural festival is going to be stellar,” said Rusty Sheridan, PUSH! committee member. “The short films category in particular is already getting a number of submissions from all over the country. The Tennessee and Virginia categories are unique and allow local and regional filmmakers a fantastic venue to showcase their work.”

Filmmakers can submit their films via Film Freeway (https:// filmfreeway.com/festival/PUSHFilmFestival), or by sending

an email screener link to committee member Rusty Sheridan (Rustysheridan@gmail.com), who is coordinating the film competition. While electronic submission is encouraged, filmmakers can also submit a DVD by mail to Believe in Bristol, Attn. PUSH! Film Festival, PO Box 1931, Bristol, TN 37621.

The deadline for submissions is April 20, 2015, and the late deadline is May 18, 2015. A small fee for submissions is required – for shorts, Tennessee, and Virginia films, the fee is $15 and $25 for late deadline for submissions; for features, the fee is $30 and $40 for late deadline submissions. Students and educators can submit films for free.

Filmmakers will be notified of the status of their film in early June after going through the jurying process.

For more information about PUSH! Film Festival and the film competition (including rules and guidelines), visit www.pushfilm. org or https://filmfreeway.com/ festival/PUSHFilmFestival, or contact Brad White at 276-6449700 or brad@believeinbristol.org.

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The Laramie Project

opens March 19 at Northeast State A college student is savagely attacked and left tied to a fence on a lonely western prairie – a killing that would thrust a quiet western town into the national spotlight.

Written by Moisés Kaufman and members of the Tectonic Theater Project, The Laramie Project staged by the Northeast State Community College Theatre Department this month tells the story of the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard outside Laramie, Wyoming, and how local residents dealt with a hate crime happening in their town.

Shepard, a 21-year-old gay student registered at the University of Wyoming, was tied to a cattle fence, beaten severely, robbed, and left to die on a bitterly cold

March 17, 2015 • The Loafer, Page 9 night. Eighteen hours later, he was discovered by a cyclist, who first thought the figure attached to the fence was a scarecrow. Shepard was rushed to a local hospital where he died several days later from his injuries. Two local men were charged and convicted of the crime.

Based on more than 200 interviews conducted over 18 months, the play weaves together the events leading up to Shepard’s murder, the aftermath and trial of the killers, and reactions from the people of Laramie. The cast takes on multiple character roles of those interviewed to reveal the underpinnings of homosexuality, religion, class, education, nontraditional lifestyles, and what the crime meant in the cultural landscape of America.

The Laramie Project is a deeply moving theatrical experience that explores both the savage darkness and extraordinary compassion of

humanity. The production contains mature subject matter that may not be suitable for all audiences. The play is being presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York.

Performances are scheduled March 19-21 & March 26-28 at 7:30 p.m. and March 22 and 29 at 2:00 p.m. All performances are being staged in the Wellmont Regional Center for the Performing Arts Theatre on the College’s Blountville campus, 2425 Highway 75, next to Tri-Cities Regional Airport.

Tickets at the door are $10 general admission. Admission is free to Northeast State students with valid student identification.

For more information or how to buy tickets reservations, please visit www.northeaststate.edu/ theatre, e-mail tcbrooks@northeaststate.edu, or call the box office at 423.354.5169.

Page 10, The Loafer • March 17, 2015

The Texas Tenors

this weekend at the Mary B. Martin Auditorium

The Johnson City Symphony Orchestra ends its 2014-2015 season March 21 with its Mary B. Martin Memorial Concert. This year, the Texas Tenors join Music Director and Conductor Robert J. Seebacher and the orchestra at this annual tribute sponsored by James Martin.

With their hit PBS special now airing across the U.S. and a Billboard Top 10 album, “You Should Dream,” it’s easy to see why The Texas Tenors are quickly becoming America’s favorite new tenors.

Since their whirlwind debut four years ago on NBC’s America’s Got Talent, The Texas Tenors have perThe Johnson City Symphony Orchestra will be hosting an Open House at the new office location on March formed over 600 concerts around 20, 2015 from 3:00-5:00 pm. Light refreshments will be provided. Plan to drop by for a few minutes-172 West the world including a 24-city tour in the United Kingdom, ShangSpringbrook Drive, Johnson City, Tennessee. For more information call 423-926-8742. hai, and China, and collaborations with some of the most prestigious symphonies and performing arts centers throughout the globe.

Carver Recreation Center, 322 W. Watauga Avenue will host this year’s Johnson City’s Got Talent event From Alabama to Puccini, The at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 21. The show will feature some of the area’s top talent as 25 performers take Texas Tenors—John Hagen, Marthe stage to sing, dance and more. The overall winner, which the audience will help select, will receive two cus Collins, and JC Fisher—bring season tickets to Dollywood, a four-hour recording session with DOTHERT Recording Studio, and a photog- their unique blend of Country, Classical, and Broadway to the raphy package by Phillip Crum Photography.

Admission to the event is a donation to the Johnson City Parks and Recreation Foundation, with all pro- stage with breathtaking vocals, humor, and a touch of cowboy ceeds going to the afterschool program at Carver Rec. For more information, please call (423)283-5820.

Johnson City Symphony Orchestra Open House

Johnson City’s Got Talent set for March 21st

charm.

In addition to their extensive world tour, The Texas Tenors can be found in cities across the country for extended runs including 65 concerts each year at The Starlite Theatre in Branson, Mo., where they were named 2011, 2012, and 2013 Critic’s Choice Group of the Year, Best Legacy Group, and Branson’s Favorite Christmas Show of 2013. They remain Trip Advisor’s #1 attraction in the region.

Among many other milestones, 2013 saw the debut of The Texas Tenors’ new patriotic show, “Let Freedom Sing,” a celebration of America and her heroes defending freedom at home and abroad. “The Texas Tenors: Let Freedom Sing” joins the group’s other sell-out hit shows—critically acclaimed mainstay “The Texas Tenors Live in Concert” and “The Texas Tenors: Deep in the Heart of Christmas.”

The tenors are always ready to give back and work tirelessly to promote awareness for organizations near and dear to their hearts

Tenors .......

Continued on next page

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Tenors .......

vision and 25 films including P.S. I

March 17, 2015 • The Loafer, Page 11

Continued from previous page Love You, Semi-Pro, Delirious, 30 including ChildFund International, Homes for our Troops, and The Mission Project.

Whether it be stage, television, recording, or multi-media projects, The Texas Tenors never forget their roots. They are proud that these “three friends with a dream” remain self produced and managed with a commitment to quality, family entertainment for all ages.

John Hagen has been described as “astonishing…a superb tenor of deep musicality” making his Lincoln Center debut in New York City in Teatro Grattacielo’s mounting of Mascagni’s Guglielmo Ratcliff. Hagen created three tenor roles in the world premier of The Lost Dauphin for Pamiro Opera Company, airing on PBS. He has performed a vast array of operatic roles ranging from Alfredo in La Traviata to the title role of Otello for Cleveland Opera on tour. Hagen has received many awards and accolades throughout his career including finalist in the New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera competition held at Carnegie Hall, Metropolitan Opera Auditions Regional Finalist, and winner of numerous other competitions.

Highly regarded for his performances of the Verdi Requiem and Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, he has performed these works with more than a dozen symphonies across the United States. Hagen has taught voice and vocal pedagogy at Wartburg College and at his alma mater, the University of Northern Iowa.

Marcus Collins was born is a small town and began performing at the age of four. He first learned how to sing by emulating his favorite artists like Garth Brooks, George Michael, and Freddie Mercury, before training classically in college. Marcus has performed throughout the world on cruise ships and numerous stage productions, including a performance in Times Square with the Broadway cast of Hairspray. He has been in Off-Broadway’s Altar Boyz as Matthew, and over the years in multiple productions of The Sound of Music, first as Kurt, then Rolf, and later Uncle Max. Beyond music he has worked extensively as an actor with appearances in over 100 episodes of network tele-

Rock, Sex and the City, and recurring roles on One Life To Live and As The World Turns. Collins has been guest VJ on MTV’s TRL. One of his favorite roles was appearing as Edward Carnby in the video game Alone in the Dark for Eden Games in 2008.

JC Fisher has entertained audiences around the world for the past 15 years. In high school, he had a passion for sports and also enjoyed singing in church. He discovered a deeper love of singing at Wichita State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in music. Fisher performed various roles including Rodolfo in La Boheme, Tamino in The Magic Flute, Ernesto in Don Pasquale, Henrick in A Little Night Music and was even Miss America’s duet partner at the 1997 Miss Kansas Pageant.

After college, he traveled to Lucca, Italy, where he sang in the Puccini festival under the direction of acclaimed Italian maestro Lorenzo Malfatti. He then created a home base in Katy, Texas, before sailing the high seas aboard over 75 cruise ships worldwide with his one man show—allowing Fisher to create a program with many different genres of music and world class arrangements. This eventually led to his idea of forming The Texas Tenors with his two best friends. His most memorable performance, though, turned out to be from college where he found the young woman who would become his wife. Jennifer Vannatta, Miss Kansas 1998, married him in 2004. They have three children; Jackson, Jenson, and Jennings.

The March 21 concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Mary B. Martin Auditorium of Seeger Chapel at Milligan College. Individual concert tickets are $35, $30 for seniors (65+), and $10 for students.

More information is available online at www.jcsymphony.com or by calling the symphony office at 423-926-8742. The symphony accepts Master Card, Visa, and Discover. Free bus service is available from Colonial Hill, leaving at 6:15 p.m.; Maplecrest and Appalachian Christian Village, at 6:30; and City Hall, at 6:45 p.m. Concerts are partially funded under an agreement with the Tennessee Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Spring Hike - Early Spring Wildflowers and Waterfalls of Rocky Fork Saturday, March 21 • Starts at: 9:00 am

Enjoy the rich wild scenes at beautiful Rocky Fork. We’ll hike past a 100’ high waterfall, through (yes through) pure flowing streams, and head to the high country up on Chigger Ridge. From the top of Chigger Ridge we will be able to spot the 600+ foot Buckeye Falls. This is the only place to view this waterfall in its entirety. This will be a strenuous 7 mile (or more) hike, with several un-bridged creek crossings.

Wear sturdy hiking boots and clothing that will dry quickly. Bring lunch and water. We will meet at 9 a.m. on Saturday March 21, at the Interstate 26 visitors center at exit #46 (Clear Branch Rd) in Unicoi County.

We’ll carpool to the trailhead. Meet at: Interstate 26 Visitors Center. For more information, call 423-239-8531

Page 12, The Loafer • March 17, 2015

The City of Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts presents

The 3rd Annual Brass Ring Gala & The Carousel Fine Craft Show on March 20-22, 2015 at the new Pal’s Roundhouse & Kingsport Farmer’s Market!

Join us for the 3rd Annual Brass Ring Gala on March 20th in the brand new Pal’s Roundhouse and the Kingsport Farmer’s Market from 6–9 PM on Friday March 20, 2015. Regional band, My New Favorites will provide lively music.

Festive food will have an ole-time carnival flair and the cash bar will also feature a signature cotton candy cocktail. Over 25 fine art and craft exhibitors will be set up in booths throughout the Farmers Market – exquisite jewelry, ceramics, pottery, baskets, fine furniture, textiles and a host of other regional and local artists to celebrate and shop. Tickets for the Brass Ring Gala are $50 each which includes admission all weekend long to the Carousel Fine Craft Show. Tickets to the Carousel Fine Craft Show are $7 for both Saturday and Sunday and $5 for one day only. The Carousel Fine Craft Show will be open on Saturday and Sunday 10 AM– 5 PM each day.

The Kingsport Carousel Project has captured the imagination of the region and will soon complete Pal’s Roundhouse which will

house the 1956-vintage Herschel Carousel Machine, Animals and Artwork. Though much care and artistry have gone into each facet of the carousel, this is a working ride and children of all ages (and their parents and grandparents) will enjoy this destination for generations to come. This is a true legacy project for Kingsport. The Brass Ring Gala will celebrate completion of the Pal’s Roundhouse which will house the Kingsport Carousel. Pal and Sharon Barger’s signature gift made the construction possible.

To honor the beautiful new Round House as well as the amazing work of the carvers, painters and machinists who work so diligently and with such care on the Carousel, the 3rd Annual Brass Ring Gala will kick-off theweekend of celebration and shopping.

My New Favorites will return to offer a toe tapping musical array, heavy hors d’ouevres & a cash bar will be available.

This is the perfect time to celebrate with the volunteers of the carousel who have carved frogs, elephants, horses and tigers and to

the painters many of whom painted these platform animals and also painted the Rounding Boards, Bird Features and more. The Carousel’s working Band Organ will be on display and played over the course of the weekend. Who can resist the merry waltzes and polkas!

The finest artists and artisans of the region join in the celebration and offer the Tri-Cities a chance to explore true treasures and the people who make them. Weavers, woodworkers, porcelain and pottery will share the stage with fine furniture and amazing jewelry.

Support these amazing artists and invest in an heirloom work or art.

The Brass Ring Gala and Carousel Fine Craft Show take place at the Kingsport Farmer’s Market located on Clinchfield and Center Streets in Kingsport, TN. The Farmer’s Market is quickly becoming and entertainment and event destination and the up-coming colocation of the Carousel and its adjacent park will further enhance its amenities. Art and artists provide the framework of a creative com-

munity.

There are still many sponsorships available and the public can help assist with the final leg of fundraising by attending the Brass Ring Gala, becoming a sponsor or participating in Engage Kingsport’s Kickstarter. All of

these opportunities can be found at www.EngageKingsport.com.

Tickets are available by calling the Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts at 423-392-8414, in person in room 224 of the Renaissance Arts Center and online at www.EngageKingsport.com

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March 17, 2015 • The Loafer, Page 13

MerleFest to host performances from Belk’s Southern Musician Showcase winners MerleFest, presented by Window World and slated for April 23-26, 2015, will host two of the winners of Belk’s Southern Musician Showcase – the Christian Lopez Band and Down Home Band – as part of the many performances offered at this year’s festival.

The Christian Lopez Band and Down Home Band will perform Saturday on the Cabin Stage at the festival.

The Christian Lopez Band features the 19-year-old Americana singer-songwriter and West Virginia native for whom the band is named. The band plays a blend of music ranging from the folksy, fiery twang of modern-day Americana to rootsy rock ‘n’ roll. Other band members are Michael Silver, Chelsea McBee and Joshua LeBreton.

Nashville-based Down Home Band includes charismatic frontman, guitarist and chief songwriter Jeff Estes along with group co-founder Robert Havill, Stephen

Hopkins, Griffin Criste and Matt Jaggers. On stage, the band unleashes its unique energetic, infectious blues, alternative country, folk rock and Americana hybrid genre that is best defined as American rock.

This is the second year that Belk, the nation’s largest familyowned and operated department store, sponsored the Southern Musician Showcase contest. The showcase is open to solo artists and bands in the Americana, pop country, pop, blues and bluegrass genres. Among the prizes awarded to winners of the showcase is an opportunity to perform at one of eight major fashion, sports and music events across the Southeast, including MerleFest.

“We’re very pleased to announce our partnership with Belk, a great North Carolina-based company,” said Ted Hagaman, festival director. “Belk’s Southern Musician Showcase highlights musicians and genres that are compa-

rable with the MerleFest lineup, and we’re pleased that two of its winners will actually be performing at MerleFest 2015. This is a great opportunity for us to add quality musicians to an already stellar lineup.”

“At Belk, we love to celebrate the connections between music and style. We are excited to highlight those connections through our sponsorship of MerleFest,” said Jon Pollack, Belk executive vice president of marketing, sales promotion and eCommerce. “Festivals like MerleFest play an important role in the South, and this is a great way to serve our customers and this community.”

Belk will also host a Belk Lounge at this year’s festival. MerleFest guests can learn more about Belk’s Southern Musician Showcase and register for prizes at the lounge, which will be located on the festival grounds between the Traditional and Americana stages.

MerleFest, an annual homecom-

The Christian Lopez Band

Down Home Band ing of musicians and music fans, will once again take place on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. The MerleFest 2015 lineup is viewable at www.MerleFest.org/ lineup.

Tickets for MerleFest 2015 are on sale and may be purchased at www.MerleFest.org or by calling 1-800-343-7857. An early bird ticket discount will run through April 22, 2015, in addition to gate pricing.

Page 14, The Loafer • March 17, 2015

Seegar Chapel, Milligan College

TUESDAY - March 17

ETSU AMERICANA NIGHT

***********************

at The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room

at Biggie’s Clam Bar

at Bone Fire Smokehouse @ The Hardware

JASON LLOYD & FRIENDS MAURICE BUTLER (R & B) - 8 pm

DAVID & VALERIE MAYFIELD SHOOTER

at O’Mainnins Pub

(Country, Classic Rock, Oldies) at Slater Center

at Acoustic Coffeehouse

at Biggie’s Clam Bar SOUTHERN COUNTRYMEN BAND at The Outdoorsman

BLIND UNCLE HARRY RANDY & THE O’LUGNUTS

WEDNESDAY - March 18 ***********************

OPEN MIC

at The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room

SLIM CHANCE - 6:30 pm

at The Harvest Table Restaurant

BAY UNO

at Acoustic Coffeehouse

THURSDAY - March 19

EC FRAZIER

ROAD TRIPP

at Country Club Bar & Grill

MINTON SPARKS & JOHN JACKSON with MICHAEL RENO HARREL at The DownHome

at The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room

SOUTHERN COUNTRYMEN BAND

at Bone Fire Smokehouse at the Hardware

QUARTER BOUNCE

at The Acoustic Coffeehouse

NIGHTSHIFT

FRIDAY - March 20 ***********************

ERIN MASON ANNALISE EMERICK At Acoustic Coffeehouse

NOSTALGIA - TRIO - 6:30 pm

at Tavern @ Ridgefields

NIGHSHIFT

(Country, Southern Rock, Oldies) - 8:30pm at Moose Lodge

SUNDAY - March 22 ***********************

KARLA DILLER

at Bone Fire Smokehouse @ The Hardware

SWAMP CANDY at Acoustic Coffeehouse

THE BLACK LILLIES at the DownHome

MONDAY - March 23 **********************

BANDS FROM ETSU at Bristol’s Pickin’ Porch

OPEN MIC

(Boogie Blues) at Biggie’s

SHOOTER

GREYSCALE

at Acoustic Coffeehouse

CATFISH FRYE BAND

***********************

at Wellington’s - Carnegie Hotel

JAMEN DENTON

DAN HOLT / DUSTIN TOLLEY

NOSTALGIA - DUO

TIM WHITE & THE VW BOYS

WILD PONIES AMELIA WHITE

at Bone Fire Smokehouse @ The Hardware

SATURDAY - March 21

***********************

JAZZ

HONEY CHASERS

at Carter Family Fold

(Country, Classic Rock, Oldies) at Bristol Show Palace

at David Thompson’s Produce at Country Club Bar & Grill

(Country, Southern Rock, Oldies) - 7pm at The Old School House

MARK LARKINS at Holiday Inn (Exit 7)

BLUE MOTHER TUPELO at The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room

MEDICINE KING (Rock) - 10 pm at O’Mainnin’s Pub

TEXAS TONERS - 7:30 pm at Mary B Martin Auditoriam at

at Chick-Fil-A

at Acoustic Coffeehouse

Spotlight Directory Acoustic Coffeehouse 415 W Walnut St. Johnson City 423/434.9872 Biggies Clam Bar 417 W Stone Dr Kingsport 423/765-9633 Bone Fire Smokehouse at the Hardware 260 W Main St Abingdon Va 276/623-0037 Bristol’s Pickin’ Porch 620 State St Bristol Tn 423/573-2262 Capone’s 227 E Main St Johnson City 423/928-2295 Carter Family Fold 3449 A. P. Carter Hwy Hiltons Va 276/594-0676 Chick – Fil-A 2103 W Market St Johnson City 423/ 232-2880 Country Club Bar & Grill 3080 W State St Bristol 423/844-0400

David Thompson’s Produce 251 Highway 107 Jonesborough 423/913-8123 The Harvest Table Restaurant 13180 Meadowview Sq Meadowview Va 276/944-5140 Holiday Inn (Exit 7) 3005 Linden Dr Bristol Va 276/466-4100 Mad Greek Restaurant 2010 Franklin Terrace Johnson City 423/328-9070 Moose Lodge 15605 Porterfield Hwy Abingdon, VA 276/ 628-2756 Old South 601 Spring St Johnson City 423/929-3663 The Old School House Saltville VA O’Mainnin’s Pub 712 State St Bristol 423/844-0049 Tavern @ Ridgfields 2320 Pendragon Road Kingsport 423/ 765-0031 The Mecca Lounge 117 Spring St Johnson City 423/928-9360 The Outdoorsman 4535 Highway 11W Kingsport Renaissance Center 1200 E Center St Kingsport 423/392-8415 Rush Street 1229 E Stone Dr Kingsport 423/247-3184 Show Palace 14364 Lee Hwy Bristol Va 276/494-6610 Slater Center 325 McDowell St. Bristol TN Wellington’s Restaurant Carnegie Hotel 1216 W State of Franklin Rd Johnson City 423/979-6400 Willoughby Ruritan 5145 Marvin Rd Bulls Gap Va The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room 216 E Main St Johnson City Tn Woodstone Deli 3500 Fort Henry Dr Kingsport 423/245-5424

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Rising up from the bluffs of Memphis to the mountains of east Tennessee, through the Delta lowlands and muddy banks of Indianola, Mississippi along the way - comes the unique Southern Soul sound of Blue Mother Tupelo.

BMT has shared shows and the stage with many wonderfully gifted and successful recording and touring artists - at theaters, festivals, juke joints, and venues of every sort. You can hear both Micol & Ricky on recordings of some of your favorite artists, too.

Currently on tour as a duo, Ricky and Micol are traveling roads across the United States bringin’ stomp and sway to music lovers lookin for somethin real, soul-filled, earthy and lifted up. BMT is an Official Member of the Nashville Unleashed Roster and can be seen on national television in the Fall 2014.

You won’t want to miss Blue Mother Tupelo Saturday, March 21st at The Willow Tree Coffehouse and Music Room, 216 E. Main Street, Johnson City TN. Bay Uno will self-release his debut LP, Catalina on March 10th, 2015, and it will be available on vinyl, CD and on Spotify and iTunes.

Bay wrote the songs in his bedroom over the course of many years but rarely played them for anyone except close friends. His friend Matt Whyte (Earl Greyhound) offered to record him in his home studio, and it soon turned into a full-length record, complete with a horn section in the living room.

The songs on the record take place around different bodies of water, including the shores of Catalina off the coast of California, which Bay used to visit as a kid. The small island provided a magical backdrop to his childhood, with creatures like roaming buffalo and bright orange fish that could be seen clearly from the dock. Catalina is also where Bay reportedly learned about kissing.

“Anyone that knows me knows that I am obsessed with bodies of water and I will swim at any chance,” says Bay. “I will try to talk you into swimming with me, and you will say, ‘No way, it’s freezing.’ Then I will do anything it takes to get you to follow me into the water.”

Bay Uno performs at the Acoustic Coffeehouse on Wednesday, March 18th

Catfish Frye Band @ Biggie’s - Saturday, March 21st

March 17, 2015 • The Loafer, Page 15

Page 16, The Loafer • March 17, 2015

Firefall to perform at

Niswonger Performing Arts Center

Firefall will perform at Niswonger Performing Arts Center on Saturday, March 21st at 7:30 PM. Over the past forty years, members have come and gone from Firefall, but original member Jock Bartley has kept the band going.

Firefall still tours frequently, with longtime member David Muse joining the band’s lineup once again. Muse is often credited for helping craft Firefall’s unique sound.

Bartley details how the Colorado based band chose their name in honor of a tradition that once took place at Yosemite National Park. “In the ‘50s and ‘60s, there was a tourist attraction where they would slowly push a bonfire off a 2,000-foot cliff. It would look like lava flowing.” Rick Roberts, one of the original band members, had

witnessed the event, so in 1973 he christened the group as Firefall.

For the next decade, the band flourished. Bartley describes 1976 as “a perfect time” for Firefall.

“The album came out and within about three months went gold, which was the fastest gold record in the history of the label,” says Bartley. Capitalizing on the momentum from a string of hit singles, Atlantic Records put the band on the biggest tours of that year. “Our first tour was with Leon Russell,” Bartley recalls.

“Then suddenly we were touring with The Doobie Brothers and The Band. Then it was Fleetwood Mac with Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham. We were even fortunate enough to be one of the main opening acts on the Rumors tour playing in front of 60,000 to 100,000 people a night.”

By 1983, the band had cut eight albums, three of which achieved gold status. They had also put 11 singles on the charts, including “You are the Woman”, “Just Remember I Love You”, and “Strange Way”.

Throughout the 1980’s, the band remained a popular live act, playing fairs, festivals, theaters, and bigger clubs. Firefall’s original singles were still favorites with pop and alternative country radio audiences, and as the classic rock radio format evolved, a number of the band’s songs enjoyed renewed exposure. A Greatest Hits album was released in 1992.

As their music has grown and evolved, Firefall has continued pleasing audiences nationwide with their musicianship, singing, professionalism, and energy.

Looking back on the band’s success, Bartley credits the music as well as the fans. “The songs are still good,” he says. “We owe it to the crowd to make it sound like the original record. We owe the crowd a lot.”

Firefall performs at Niswonger Performing Arts Center (NPAC) in historic downtown Greeneville, TN on Saturday, March 21st at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $35 for orchestra level seating, $30 for mezzanine level seating, and $25 for balcony level seating. Tickets may be purchased online at www.npacgreeneville.com, in person at the NPAC box office, or by calling 423-6381679.

For venue information, and to purchase tickets, please visit www. npacgreeneville.com.

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March 17, 2015 • The Loafer, Page 17

Celestial events in the skies for the week of Mar. 17 - Mar. 23, 2015 as compiled for The Loafer by Mark D. Marquette.

This week the Moon moves from being a crescent in the early morning before sunrise to a thin crescent just after sunset with New Moon in between coincidentally falling on first day of Spring.

The Vernal Equinox occurs at 8:45 pm when in space the Sun is at celestial longitude 0 degrees—called the First Point of Aries (the Ram).

The nights will be dark this week with the Moon setting early. The lion Leo is leading the parade of Spring constellations that are crowding out the Winter ones.

Brightest star of all, Sirius, is in the south below the distinctive stars of Orion the Hunter, while in the north is seen the Big Dipper standing on its handle.

Tues. March 17

St. Patrick’s Day…which has nothing to do with astronomy.

But on this 2011 date in space history, NASA’s Messenger spacecraft began orbiting Mercury. The successful mission continues as the entire surface of the first planet has been photographed by Messenger. Mercury is in the morning twilight, rising just ahead of the Sun.

Wed. March 18

On this 1965 date in space history, Alexei Leonov, 80, took the world’s first space walk outside the Voskhod 2 spaceship. Watching inside the spaceship was cosmonaut Pavel Belyayev. Leonov also commanded the Soviet spaceship that docked with an Apollo manned spacecraft in 1975, and is a Russian national hero.

ly overhead at noon, and around the world there are an equal 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of night. The Moon is at New phase today, invisible near the Sun.

Sat. March 21

The two most familiar constellations are in the sky, Orion in the south and the Big Dipper in the Thurs. March 19 Jupiter reigns over the night north. The mighty hunter is setas the mighty planet is directly ting while the Big Dipper asterism overhead at 10 pm. Any telescope of Ursa Major is rising.

Mon. March 23 will show the yellow globe and its Sun. March 22 On this 1840 date in astronobrownish cloud bands, as well as On this 1997 date in astronomy, my, the first photo of the Moon the four giant moons that are star- the world was abuzz as Comet through a telescope was made like orbiting Jupiter.

Hale-Bopp was closest to Earth by William Draper on a silver and an easy naked eye sight in the platinum photographic plate. Just Fri. March 20 Vernal Equinox is today as the evening skies. Tonight the slender 175 years later, most of us have a Sun enters Aries the Ram…and crescent Moon is to the left of bril- digital camera on our cell phones the long, hard winter is over. Seen liant Venus, a beautiful celestial that will take a great Moon photo through any telescope. from the equator, the Sun is direct- sight.

Page 18, The Loafer • March 17, 2015

Spend the weekend with

a tour of Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

He has shared the stage with some of comedy’s biggest names, including Greg Giraldo, Chris Hardwick, Doug Benson, Marc Maron, Jon Reep, and nearly every comic from “Chelsea Lately.” He has even opened up for Steve-O from “Jackass,” and WWE Superstar to Chris’ already hilarious show forming for comedy clubs and colMick Foley. Until he can perform features even more value for the leges everywhere, and has even in an area near you, Chris’ standaudience’s entertainment dollar. performed for the troops during up and songs can be heard reguIn 2010, Chris was a finalist in the International Songwriting Competition and his song “Bieber Fever” was a front page feature for Funny or Die. By early 2012, Chris released his first full-length live album through Rooftop Comedy Records, “The Not Black Album” to rave reviews. Angie Frissore from the Boston Comedy Scene Examiner wrote: “Killian is the type of comedian that is hard not to like - with his boy-next-door image and southern charm, he manages to get away with things that might land some others in an awkward position.” By October 2014, Chris plans on releasing a full-length studio recorded comedy album of songs and sketches titled “Viral Inflection” to the world.

Chris tours the country per-

Chris Killian & Dusty Slay CHRIS KILLIAN

at The Comedy Zone

Chris Killian never intended to become a stand-up comic. Growing up outside of Nashville, Chris was just a small guy with big dreams, like being a professional wrestler, performing in a boy band, or maybe entering professional pizza eating contests. Luckily for us, none of those dreams materialized and he decided to pursue comedy. Chris’ humor has been described as “overlooked because of his really cool hair.”

While he does have amazing hair, Chris also prides himself on his versatility as a performer, and his perspective as a slightly immature single dad offers a unique take on society that many other comedians don’t have.

Oh, forgot to mention - he writes original comedy songs too. Armed with his guitar (and the voice of a Backstreet Boy), this added depth

larly on XM Radio.

If all of this failed to impress you, just know that Chris Killian’s comedy show is quickly gaining a reputation for being one of the most unpredictable shows in the business. You have two options (A. Miss it and wallow in regret, or (B. See it, and brag to your friends

Comedy Zone.......

Continued on next page

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March 17, 2015 • The Loafer, Page 19

Comedy Zone.......

Continued from previous page about how much cooler you are than them.

DUSTY SLAY

Dusty has a smooth southern style that will make you feel so comfortable you have to laugh. Its like cornbread telling you jokes.

He’s clever, quick witted and relatable.

Slay was born in Alabama, splitting his time living in a trailer park and on a farm. One would say he was born to be a comedian…or a meth addict. In 2004 Slay moved to Charleston, South Carolina where he began performing Improv Comedy. Improv led to stand up and that led to Dusty performing all over the country. Slay recently relocated to Nashville, where he can be seen performing stand up all over town.

“I wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth, i was born with a plastic spoon in my mouth, and i was lucky to have that spoon” –Dusty Slay Dusty has had the pleasure of working with several comedians such as: Jeffrey Ross, Moshe Kash-

er, Jon Reep, Jarrod Harris, Michael Ian Black, Pablo Francisco, Nate Bargatze, Keith Alberstadt, Josh Blue (Last Comic Standing), Jared Logan, DC Benny, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Rory Scovel, Mark Normand, Wendy Leibman, Carly Aquilino and Jessimae Peluso (MTV’s Girl Code), and Rob Schneider!

Dusty was recently featured on

Laughs on Fox and has appeared on “The Bob and Tom Show”!

Clubs * partial list: Zanies Nashville, The Punchline

in Atlanta, Crackers Comedy Club Downtown Indianapolis, Charlotte Comedy Zone, Laughing Skull (Videos from Laughing Skull

Here) Atlanta, South Street Comedy Club Jackson TN. Noted Accomplishments: Winner of 2014 “Fight Night Competition” at the Charlotte Comedy Zone Winner of 2014 “Almost Famous” Competition at the Charlotte Comedy Zone Voted “Best Local Comic 2013” by the readers of the Charleston City Paper Voted “Best Local Comic 2014” by the readers of the Charleston City Paper Winner of the Charleston Comedy Festival Stand Up Competition in 2011 and 2012 Company Member at Theatre 99, “Charleston’s Home for Improv Comedy” You can see Chris and Dusty this weekend, March 20 & 21 at The Comedy Zone at The Holiday Inn, 101 W. Springbrook Drive. Johnson City TN. Call to reserve your tickets (423) 282-4611.

Page 20, The Loafer • March 17, 2015

Arts Array presents “Tracks” The Arts Array Film Series presented by Virginia Highlands Community College is in its 44th year. All films are presented at the Abingdon Cinemall on Mondays and Tuesdays at 4 p.m. and again at 7:30 pm.

Tracks (March 23 and 24) Director John Curran (THE PAINTED VEIL) brings audiences the remarkable true story of Robyn Davidson (Mia Wasikowska), a young woman who leaves her life in the city to make a solo trek through almost 2,000 miles of sprawling Australian desert. Accompanied by only her dog and four unpredictable camels, she sets off on a life-changing journey of self-discovery and renewal. Along the way, she meets National Geographic photographer Rick Smolan (Driver) who begins to photograph her voyage.

The Arts Array Film Series is part of the comprehensive cultural outreach program of Virginia Highlands Community College.

The series is co-sponsored by the Abingdon Cinemall, the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, Emory& Henry College, and King University. munity may attend for $7.75.

Admission to the films is free for the For a brochure on the series or more inforfaculties and students at the supporting mation, please contact Tommy Bryant at 276institutions. Members of the general com- 739-2451 or email him at tbryant@vhcc.edu.

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March 17, 2015 • The Loafer, Page 21

In Theaters Now

Box Office Top 10 Focus (2015)

California town transforms a team In the midst of veteran con man of athletes into championship conNicky’s latest scheme, a woman tenders. from his past - now an accomplished femme fatale - shows up American Sniper (2014) and throws his plans for a loop.

Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle’s pinpoint accuracy saves countless Kingsman: The Secret Ser- lives on the battlefield and turns him into a legend. Back home to vice (2014) A spy organization recruits an un- his wife and kids after four tours refined, but promising street kid of duty, however, Chris finds that into the agency’s ultra-competitive it is the war he can’t leave behind.

“Unfinished Business”

I am concerned actor Vince Vaughn may be falling into the “Adam Sandler trap”. i.e. playing the same character in different movies. If you have seen any of Vaughn’s films, including “The Internship”, and “The Break-Up”, you will know exactly what I am talking about. Vaughn tends to play a guy next door with a grumpy attitude who means well.

Vaughn’s latest “guy next door” film is “Unfinished Business”, and the title proves very appropriate. With a weak script, this so called “comedy” attempts to rely on shock value to cover the ineptitude of all involved. Vaughn stars as Dan Trunkman, an American businessman who one day decides to tell off his overbearing boss and quit his job. Dan proudly announces before the entire office that he is happy to be leaving and will start his own company to rival the one he is leaving. As Dan is leaving he asks if anyone wants to join in his effort.

The only takers are potential retiree Timothy McWinters (Tom Wilkinson) and the inept but sweet Mike Pancake (Dave Franco). With his misfits in tow, Dan heads to Europe to meet with a potential client for a deal that could forever alter their lives. Meanwhile back home, Dan is dealing with a bullied son and a sweet daughter who just wants her Dad to help with a homework assignment.

While dealing with his family issues, Dan and his crew are doing everything they can to land the deal of a lifetime. Of course, nothing runs smooth for the trio, and they have enough misadventures to qualify as modern day Three Stooges. Those misadventures however, are so contrived, the film runs off track trying to hard to be

training program, just as a global threat emerges from a twisted tech The DUFF (2015) A high school senior instigates a genius. social pecking order revolution after finding out that she has been The SpongeBob Movie: labeled the DUFF (Designated Sponge Out of Water (2015) Ugly Fat Friend) to her prettier When a diabolical pirate above the more popular friends. sea steals the secret Krabby Patty formula, SpongeBob and his nemesis Plankton must team up in or- Still Alice (2014) A linguistics professor and her der to get it back. family find their bonds tested when she is diagnosed with EarlyFifty Shades of Grey (2015) onset Alzheimer’s Disease.

Literature student Anastasia Steele’s life changes forever when she meets handsome, yet torment- Hot Tub Time Machine 2 (2015) ed, billionaire Christian Grey.

When Lou finds himself in trouble, Nick and Jacob fire up the hot tub The Lazarus Effect (2015) A group of medical students dis- time machine in an attempt to get cover a way to bring dead patients back to the past. But they inadvertently land in the future with back to life.

Adam Jr. Now they have to alter the future in order to save the past McFarland, USA (2015) - which is really the present.

A cross country coach in a small

funny. I also was very annoyed

by Vaughn’s characters constant sneering and bad attitude, as such does not make for a great, or even enjoyable comedy. Even when Vaughn’s Dan smiles and laughs I was not totally convinced he was in a good place. The one highlight of the film for me was Franco (yes, brother of James), who steals the movie with his innocent, and very UN-PC character. Every time Franco displays that toothy grin, he lights up the screen and makes

us forget we are watching a train wreck. As for co-star Wilkinson, the excellent actor does what he can with his thankless role, and may eventually regretting participating in this mess. Overall, “Unfinished Business” is an unfinished comedy that will leave you wondering what happened to the script, the lead actors talent, and the audience for buying a ticket.

Rated R

C-

A day in the the life of Cave Darter

Page 22, The Loafer • March 17, 2015

Boston/New York Based band

comes to play for Jonesborough Contra Dance!

The Historic Jonesborough Dance Society will hold a contra dance on Saturday March 21, 2015 at the Jonesborough Visitors Center, 117 Boone Street. The dance will run from 7:30-10:30 pm with a waltz and Klondike Bar break at 9:00pm. Coming to Jonesborough to perform for the dance will be Party of Three touring the area from New York and Boston. Calling for the dance will be Nick Boulet from Winston-Salem, NC. Party of Three brings together three musicians from diverse musical backgrounds who share a depth of experience playing for dancing. Combining high energy Scottish and Cape Breton fiddle music with Latin and Funk influenced piano and drum grooves, Party of Three has been enthusiastically received by dancers across the mid-Atlantic and northeast.

Members include Lilly Pearlman on fiddle, Neil Pearlman on piano and Joe De Paolo on drums and percussion.

Pianist and mandolinist Neil Pearlman is rapidly distinguishing himself as a uniquely innovative artist in the contemporary traditional music scene. Called “a tremendous pianist” on BBC Radio Scotland and “a force to be reckoned with” by WGBH’s Brian O’Donovan, Neil is recognized in many Celtic music circles for his unique approach to the piano.

Rooted in traditional Cape Breton piano styles, Neil brings in ideas from many other genres and the result is an exciting new sound that remains true to its traditional roots.

Fiddler Lilly Pearlman has grown up immersed in the musical traditions of Scotland and Cape Breton, performing with family band Highland Soles since the age of nine. Through her experiences living and studying in New York City and Salvador da Bahia, Brazil, she has continued to explore and incorporate influences from various other musical genres--from bluegrass to samba to funk-- into her unique Celtic-based fiddle

sound. Lilly has played across the nation with the bands Party of Three and Alba’s Edge since 2011.

She was also on staff for Scottish Fiddle and Cello Camp at Ashokan, March 2014. Lilly graduates from Barnard College in 2014 with a degree in Dance.

Joe De Paolo has been drumming for over 30 years. His early studies were with Master Drum Teachers Sam Ulano and Joe Cusatis. He has also studied at both Drummers Collective and Irish Art Center in New York City.

Throughout his career Joe has played in jazz/rock fusion, funk, Zydeco, Cajun and contra dance bands. He also plays and teaches bodhran and doumbek. Joe also calls for contra dances and at times combines calling with drumming.

His eclectic past has influenced his current style of playing and can be heard on the three CDs that he is featured on. He has recorded with Eclectic Dance Orchestra, Coracree and Party of Three.

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, Winston-Salem 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!

Come as you are; wear soft flexible shoes for dancing. Come to dance or just to listen. No partner is necessary. All dances are taught.

As always, our dances are smoke, alcohol and fragrance free. Admission to the dance is $7, $5 for HJDS members and $5 for full time students. Families with their own children are all admitted for only $15 as a package.

For further information call event organizer, David Wiley, at 423-534-8879 or visit www.historicjonesboroughdancesociety. org or Historic Jonesborough Dance Society on FACEBOOK.

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March is Make-A-Wish® Month for East Tennessee area Applebee’s. Put your name with the Stars at your neighborhood Applebee’s by making a donation of your choice with your meal purchase.

Enjoy a Brownie or Blondie Bite, during any day in the month of March, for $2 and we’ll make a $2 donation to help “Share the Power of a Wish®”. With your help a check for $100,000 was donated last year.

This year, your donation will help make the wish of local children battling a life-threatening medical condition come true.

Events you can participate in to help us reach our goal.

Pancake Breakfast’s – 8:00 - 10am $5.00 donation

March 17, 2015 • The Loafer, Page 23

Saturday, March 21 at the following Applebee’s locations: 1661 East Stone Drive Kingsport, TN 37660 2771 East Andrew Johnson Hwy Greeneville, TN 37745 207 Collier Drive Sevierville, TN 37862 2771 East Andrew Johnson Hwy Greeneville, TN 37745 Saturday, March 28 at the following Applebee’s locations: 2328 W. Andrew Johnson Hwy Morristown, TN 37814 425 Volunteer Pkwy Bristol, TN 37620 Check us out on Facebook and follow our progress: https://www.facebook. com/pages/Make-A-Wish-East-Tennessee/177426717247 Quality Restaurant Concepts, LLC is the premier operator of Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar in Alabama, East Tennessee, Georgia, Kentucky and Mississippi.

Main Street Greeneville

Begins Band Bookings for Lyrics on the Lawn Summer Concert Series.

Main Street Greeneville is now accepting entertainment promotional kits for the Lyrics on the Lawn Summer Concert Series.

The 2015 series will take place on Thursday evenings during July. This is the second year for the free public outdoor concerts which are held on the lawn of the Dickson- Williams Mansion in downtown Greeneville.

All bands interested in preforming at one of the concerts are asked to send in their best material for review. Promotional kits are to be submitted to the Main Street office

by March 26, 2015. Kits including an audio/ video CD are encouraged. Provide your best material possible. If selected as entertainment for the summer concert series, you will be notified by April 15, 2015. At which time a high resolution photo will be needed immediately for publicity.

Please submit your information to Jann Mirkov, Main Street Greeneville Executive Director. If kits are mailed please address to Main Street Greeneville, 310 S Main St., Greeneville, TN 37743. The deadline for receipt is March 26, 2015. Submit your kit today.

Public Encouraged to Help. If you have a favorite regional group you think is perfect for this series get in touch with them

and encourage them to send in their promotional kit right away. Deadline is March 26, 2015. Spread the word and help us reach out to all the talent in our area. All different genres of music are being considered.

Sponsorships Still Available. Main Street Greeneville is so pleased to coordinate this outstanding community event. It could not be done without funding from our sponsors. If you have an interest in becoming a sponsor please contact the Main Street office at 639-7102 for details. Main Street Greeneville wishes to thank the “early bird” sponsors who are helping to jumpstart this year’s series. They are, Andrew Johnson Bank, Appalachian Lending, Consumer Credit Union, Copies Unlimited, Superior Finance, The Bottle Shop, The Party Haus, and Woody J Productions. Additional sponsors will be announced and recognized as they become available. It takes many partners to provide this event to the community so if would like to help please contact us.

For more information about Main Street Greeneville, their events, sponsorships and how you can volunteer please visit www. mainstreetgreeneville.org or contact the office at 423-639-7102.

Page 24, The Loafer • March 17, 2015

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March 17, 2015 • The Loafer, Page 25

Mr. Ross & The Eat It Up Crew

Ever since I retired from my job with the railroad, I haven’t had a whole lot to do during the day. That’s why I decided to get a group of friends together to go out for dinner, and since I always need filler, um, I mean thought provoking prose for my column, I felt a write up on the situation would be enjoyed by one and all. I call my assembled bunch “The Eat It Up Crew.” My hungry, hungry crew consists of myself, the lady woman I am seeing, a moody college student, and someone known simply as Mr. IBS—so called because he is a very picky eater, but also suffers from horrific Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

The Eat It Up Crew were trying to pick which restaurant to go to for our first venture. We ended up on going to NAME REDACTED, as we hadn’t been to NAME REDACTED in a long time. Mr. IBS was hesitant about going to NAME REDACTED, as the last time he had been there, he had terrible service. Moody college student didn’t really care, as long as the place had wifi. Lady Woman and I were up for anything, so on a bright Saturday evening, we all went out to NAME REDACTED for a meal.

NAME REDACTED was crowed, but not atypically for a Saturday night. There was a short wait, only fifteen minutes, I was OK with that as was my lady woman. Mr. IBS just grumbled, and moody college student kept tweeting on her phone. After our short wait, we were seated at a fairly large table towards the back of the restaurant. A waiter took our drink orders, then returned with what was one of the few red flags of the evening. Something

that was straight out of the Guy Fieri school of food, the house bread dish. “These are our cheese studded, jack sauce filled, bacon ranch gulten bombs” the waiter said. I took a bite, then realized that was a mistake. Mr. IBS refused my offer to try the bread, as he said that simply looking at them was giving him “visions of stomach pains that are in league with Satan himself.”

Thankfully, the rest of the menu at NAME REDACTED was not overthought to excess as was the bread. Lady woman ordered herself the grilled chicken Caesar salad, which looked most tasty indeed. Lady woman informed me that the dressing to leaf ratio was quite on point, and it pleased her greatly. Moody College student ordered a burger, which they claimed to have enjoyed, they mostly stayed quiet during the meal, but they did Instagram the burger, so I guess that is as close to an endorsement as we’ll get out of them.

Mr. IBS played it safe and ordered a lightly fried fish sandwich, which he said was most tasty and was served on fresh bread that he

could tell had been prepared with love and care, most likely while a Barry White album played in the background. I decided to explore the extremes of myself and the menu at NAME REDACTED. I ordered the Cap’n Special, which consisted of four Rockport, Maine lobsters, three twice baked potatoes, and a large tub of drawn butter.

I began to eat this feast of shellfish, then I blacked out. I awoke some hours later, in my bathtub, butter dripping from my fingertips, with no clear memory of the rest of the evening. Lady Woman told me I kept muttering “Oh, no.

Not again” as we left NAME REDACTED, and that the management was very kind to my Lobster fury. All in all, The Eat It Up Crew and I were most pleased with the food, service, and atmosphere of NAME REDACTED. None of us had any ill effects from what we ate, other my blacking out, but that’s not uncommon when I eat lobster. I can’t even go back to Long John Silver’s anymore.

Four out of five stars. See you next week.

Page 26, The Loafer • March 17, 2015

A View From The Running Board From time to time I like to explain the reason (or reasons) why “Kelly’s Place” exists. I’ve done this at least three times since I began writing this column in May 1989, one month after my daughter was born, and now that a new (actually old) photo graces my column, it’s time to explain things once again, and from new perspectives.

I take my cue this week from Herbie Hancock, the well-known jazz musician and my favorite piano player. In one of his reflections on the meaning of jazz, Herbie noted that “Life is about being able to have the courage to be in the moment. And not have to just rest on something that you know worked before. Have the courage to try a new viewpoint. Try a new way of looking at things. There’s a tendency for people to look at things in one way because that wears comfortable.” I guess you might say one of my goals in writing this column is never to “wear comfortable” but instead to always strive to see things from new viewpoints and from new running boards.

And this brings up the reason for the photo that accompanies this column. As Luci Tate, our new Publisher, embarks on a quest to create exciting new visions for this publication, I have chosen this picture as my way of getting on board (no pun intended) with those visions. In case you’re wondering, this is a faded and blemished photograph of yours truly—taken “back in the day” when I was much younger and

growing up at my parents’ motel.

My early home, Kelly’s Motel, was known among the locals as “Kelly’s Place,” therefore eventually becoming the namesake of this column. Yes, that’s me sporting a silly hat, suit, and bowtie while perched on the running board of an old (not at the time, of course)

Chevrolet pickup truck. Needless to say, I was not comfortable wearing that hat, or that suit and bowtie, but about the only time I got my picture taken was right after church before I had the chance to change into something more comfortable. Hence the slight look of displeasure, or maybe devious-

ness, on my face.

When my column received its name, after appearing for the first eight months of its existence with no name, I decided that what I was going to do each week was to write about popular culture, that everchanging and ephemeral subject that is always a moving target.

That way, each week would bring something new and fresh into my life—those new viewpoints that Hancock says keeps us from getting too comfortable. And the view I got to see each week from my running board would never grow old or too familiar. And although I’ve seen many changes in the past twenty-six years, one thing always remains the same— the excitement of seeing what will happen next and the invitations I receive each day to change my viewpoints and perspectives.

I learned this lesson early on at Kelly’s Motel, when each day saw a parking lot filled with new and sometimes bizarre guests that kept my view filled with many diverse wonders and a host of strangers who called our rooms (all twelve of them) home for one brief night.

Little did I know that the seeds for what would eventually become this column were sown back in those running-board-and-bowtie days.

If I can say anything definitive about my formative years it was that I learned to be curious—always on the lookout for something new to think about. Growing up in a motel is perhaps the perfect incubator for curiosity. And going hand in hand with curiosity is creativity and being connected. When my parents rented me a Hammond Organ and encouraged me to play, my life was transformed and I learned how creativity could substitute for intelligence and good looks (two things I lacked).

And by being creative I learned how to be connected to a much wider world. That’s why I tell my students that they should always strive to be curious, creative, and connected. Those three qualities are the Common Core that schools should be focused on rather than on standardized testing and producing one-size-fits-all students.

No one should strive for standardization—that’s way too comfortable and predictable (and downright dull and boring).

Being curious, creative, and connected keeps me from falling into

the “nostalgia trap.” Although I do cherish the memories of my earlier days, I would never want to return, because I’m having way too much fun today, learning new things all the time and finding ever more interesting (and sometimes truly strange) stuff to write about each week. It’s always the element of surprise. Little did I know a couple of weeks ago I would be writing a column entitled “Fifty Shades of SpongeBob” until I read about a California Drive-in Theatre that made the fateful decision to show a family night double feature—on two screens simultaneously—of “Fifty Shades of Gray” and “Sponge Out Of Water.” Stories like this are truly stranger than fiction. And that’s why I love popular culture and am never a victim of writer’s block.

The world is simply filled to the brim with new ideas, some serious and some trivial. I feel very fortunate to find myself transported from that long-ago running board perch to this strange new world of mobile technology, the “internet of things,” and simultaneous showings of Mr. Gray and SpongeBob. And I’m like a kid in a candy store each and every week, thanks to the kind folks at The Loafer. Will wonders never cease?

Before I turn this column loose, I will share with you a poem by Italo Calvino that captures very well the way I feel about what I do and how I treasure the opportunity of sharing my ideas with you, my dear reader, week after week:

“Who are we, if not a combination of experiences, information, books we have read, things imagined?

Each life is an encyclopedia, a library, an inventory of objects, a series of styles, and everything can be constantly reshuffled and reordered in every conceivable way.”

See you next week with another unpredictable view from my everchanging running board.

www.theloaferonline.com

March 17, 2015 • The Loafer, Page 27

Page 28, The Loafer • March 17, 2015