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Town-Wide Yard Sale
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Bristol’s Border Bash Is Back Youth Music Festival Announced
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THURSDAY JAMS
Volume 30 • Issue #23
happenings
Publisher Luci Tate Editor Graphic Arts Director Don Sprinkle Cover Design Bill May Advertising Dave Carter Terry Patterson Lori Howell Beth Jinks-Ashbrook Patti Barr Contributing Staff Jim Kelly Andy Ross Ken Silvers Mark Marquette Brian McManus Joshua Hicks Brian Bishop Daniel Worley Jason Worley 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 (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
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Thursday Jams
8
Hidden Butterflies
9
Living Divine with Olive Oil Divine
10
Spring Train Excursion
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Camelot Come To Live - TN Medieval Faire
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Abingdon Competing for Coolest Small Town
15 Ben Stalets at Acoustic Coffeehouse 22 “Who Murdered Mimsy?”
columns & reviews 14 18 20 21 23 25 31
Batteries Not Included - Haunted Honeymoon Stargazer - You’re At the Texas Star Party Pop Life - Purple Rain The Trivial Traveler - Polk’s Place Appalachian Wanderers - Tennessee Route 1: The Memphis To Bristol Highway Lock, Stock & Barrel - Safety First Kelly’s Place - Yet Another Graduation Speech
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O’Conner Band At Down Home
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Storyteller Adam Booth To Perform
28 Things To Do 29
Pets Of The Week
30 Classifieds
Tennessee Medieval Faire
music & fun 16
Spotlight - Great Music & Fun Times
26
Puzzle Page
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
RYAN WARD
at O’Mainnin’s Pub Thursday, May 12th @ 10pm
theloaferonline.com | May 10, 2016 | 3
THURSDAY JAMS
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BRING FREE CONCERTS
he Town of Abingdon has big plans for its summer concert series, now in its fourth year. The Thursday Jams summer concert series showcases a wide range of nationally recognized bands at the Abingdon Market Pavilion each Thursday evening, May19 through July 21. Presented by Blue Ridge Beverages and the Abingdon Music Experience, the concerts are free and open to the public; a beer garden will be provided by Abingdon Main Street, and local food vendors will be on hand. Beginning May 19th with a special double header of Joe Pug and Horse Feathers, the series includes wellknown musical acts such as Langhorne Slim & The Law, Rising Appalachia, John Moreland and many others. For a full listing of musical acts and dates, visit www.abingdonmusicexperience.com. This summer will mark the 4th annual Thursday Jams series, which drew thousands of locals and visitors last year. The series is sponsored in part by Eastman Credit Union, Ecological Energy Systems, Universal Fibers and First Community Bank. Music will begin 7:00 pm each Thursday at the Abingdon Market Pavilion, with a beer garden benefitting Abingdon Main Street opening at 6:30 pm. A variety of food truck and local vendors will be on hand offering concessions. The events are family-friendly, and attendees are encouraged to bring their chairs and or blankets to enjoy the shows. No outside alcohol is allowed. The series will host a variety of musical genres including Americana, southern rock, country, indie folk, soul and roots. Bands performing during Thursday Jams have also appeared at internationally-recognized festivals like Rhythm and Roots Reunion, Floyd Fest, and Bonnaroo as well as Jimmy Kimmel Live and Music City Roots. Local talent will open each Thursday for the headliners, who will start their sets at 8pm. Abingdon Music Experience is now in its fourth year of presenting live music in Abingdon. Other programs include January Jams at Barter Theatre, Music on the Lawn (running now through May 15 on the front lawn of The Martha Washington Inn & Spa), Thursday Jams, Hops & Howlers Craft Brew Fest June 18th, and the 2nd Annual Main Street Busker Fest September 3rd, a one-day festival that will fill downtown Abingdon with street performers. For a full listing of musical acts and dates, visit www. abingdonmusicexperience.com. For more information, call 276-676-2282 or email Event Coordinator Sara Saavedra at ssaavedra@abingdon-va.gov.
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May 19th
Joe Pug & Horse Feathers If You Like: Josh Ritter, Ryan Adams, The Avett Brothers, Bob Dylan, Gregory Alan Isakov Joe Pug got his musical start by providing CDs for his fans to pass along to their friends. This led to a string of sold out shows and a record deal with Nashville indie Lightning Rod Records, and an opening gig for Steve Earl’s tour. Since then Pug has been on the road for hundreds of shows, including at Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo and The Newport Folk Festival Justin Ringle, the man behind all ten years of Horse Feathers, steers away from the sometimes melancholy feel of prior albums with their latest album ‘So It Is With Us’. An acoustic group playing slowburning, minimalist folk, Horse Feathers invoke the nostalgic.
TO DOWNTOWN ABINGDON THIS SUMMER
Thursday Jams 2016 Lineup May 26th
Banditos
If You Like: Drive By Truckers, Alabama Shakes, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, The Broadcast, hard driving Southern Rock Originally from Birmingham, AL, Banditos is a group – more like a gang, actually – of six 20-somethings, nowadays operating out of Nashville, close to, and simultaneously very far away from, the gleaming towers and industry hustle of Lower Broad and Music Row. With the rugged power of a flashy Super Chief locomotive, the Banditos’ self-titled debut album bodaciously appropriates elements of ‘60s blues-fused acid rock, ZZ Top’s jangly boogie, garage punk scuzz a la Burger Records, the Drive-By Truckers’ yawp, the populist choogle of CCR, Slim Harpo’s hip shake baby groove, and gut bucket Fat Possum hill country mojo. From backwoods bluegrass, to slinky nods to Muscle Shoals soul and unexpected bits of doo-wop sweetness, the Banditos recall many, but sound like no one but themselves. June 2nd
John Moreland
with special guest Adam ‘Bovine’ Bolt If You Like: Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, Sturgill Simpson Some days, being John Moreland has to hurt. As others bury experiences and stifle regrets, Moreland pokes old wounds until you’re sure they’ve got to be bleeding again. It’s painful. But in Moreland’s care, it’s also breathtakingly beautiful. With the release of his highly anticipated third solo album High on Tulsa Heat , he offers another round of the lyrics-first, gorgeously plaintive songs that have earned him devoted listeners across the country. When Moreland released In the Throes in June of 2013, the album didn’t just charm listeners — it stunned them. American Songwriter proclaimed that “[t]hose not familiar with the Oklahoma City singer-songwriter should remedy that pronto,” while No Depression declared the collection “isn’t so much songwriting as alchemy with words and music.” MSNBC host Rachel Maddow heard his songs and joined the chorus, tweeting: “If the American music business made any sense, guys like John Moreland would be household names.” June 9th
June 16th
with special guest Cicada Rhythm If You Like: Sara Watkins, Langhorne Slim, The Wood Brothers, Shovels & Rope, Jason Isbell, Jill Andrews The third full-length effort from L.A.-based duo HONEYHONEY, 3 is an album born from fascination with the sweet and the sleazy, light and dark, danger and magic. Working with Dave Cobb (the producer behind Jason Isbell’s Southeastern and Sturgill Simpson’s Metamodern Sounds in Country Music), lead singer/ banjo player/violinist Suzanne Santo and vocalist/guitarist Ben Jaffe twist their gritty, harmony-driven brand of Southern-flavored rock & roll through tales of lost souls, broken boys, girls with gold in their spit. Equal parts inward-looking and endlessly curious, the two songwriters also take a mirror to their own experience in lust and heartache and never shy away from revealing the messy truth. And whether they rattle or soothe or joyfully inspire, HONEYHONEY instill each song with a straight-from-the-gut honesty and elegance of storytelling that make 3 both cathartic and electrifying.
with special guest Dori Freeman If You Like: Houndmouth, Lord Huron, Paul Simon, The Last Bison, Oh Hellos, Swear and Shake Asheville, North Carolina’s River Whyless is a band much like that titular body of water – a mingling of currents, a flow of time and physical space, all brought together in a murmuring sense of purpose. It is the expression of a group of musicians, three of which are songwriters, who have played together in various forms since their college days in the North Carolina mountains. The English trad-folk sounds are the band’s obvious touchstones, putting them in a category similar to contemporaries like Fleet Foxes and Stornoway.
HONEYHONEY
River Whyless
theloaferonline.com | May 10, 2016 | 5
Thursday Jams 2016 Lineup June 23rd
Rising Appalachia
If You Like: Carolina Chocolate Drops, Xavier Rudd, Michael Franti, Trevor Hall, Nahko & Medicine for the People Sisters Leah and Chloe tear into sound with sensual prowess as stages ignite revolutions and words light up spirit fires. Listen to their beautiful sound for poetic harmonies, soul singing, spoken word rallies, banjos, fiddles, many beats of drums, kalimbas, washboard rants, groove, and community building through SOUND. Joined by Imhotep on the New Orleans bass drum, Abram on contra bass, and Forrest on the beats, their style redefines performance. With a host of versatile collaborators on board expect anything from trumpet to beatboxing, poets to trapeze, and circus to burlesque. Rising Appalachia uses sound as a tool to spark a cultural evolution and birth a new movement, creating soul sounds for us all…. Their prolific self-sculpted career has included 5 independently released full length albums and a full length LIVE DVD, which have sculpted a path for the new generation of music aficionados and created a new lens to understand the impact of global sound on the world at large. Having been raised in the American South with soul music for breakfast and Appalachian lullabies at night, sisters Leah and Chloe have drawn great inspiration from their global family. Their mother and father claimed art and music as a fully expressed part of their lives and the girls have been shaped by the sounds of the South. They and their dedicated musical comrades have continued to use those powerful roots to find musical connections and community around the world… June 30th
Smooth Hound Smith
If You Like: Shovels & Rope, Rayland Baxter, Mipso, Humming House Smooth Hound Smith is a foot stompin’ American roots duo comprised of “one-man-band” Zack Smith (guitars/vocals/foot drums/harmonicas/banjo) and Caitlin Doyle (vocals/percussion). Established in 2012, and currently based in East Nashville, TN, they record and perform a varied and unique style of folky, garage-infused rhythm & blues. Using primal foot percussion, complex, fuzzed-out, finger-picked guitar patterns, warbled harmonicas, tasty harmonies and A LOT of tambourine, they are able to create something rugged and visceral- a modern interpretation of early blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll music that harkens back to the traditions of hazy front porch folk songs as well as raucous back-alley juke joints.
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festival
Thursday Jams 2016 Lineup July 7th
Langhorne Slim & The Law
with special guest Time Sawyer If You Like: The Avett Brothers, The Felice Brothers, Blitzen Trapper, Justin Townes Earl, Dawes Langhorne Slim has been described as a “rootsy, boyishly handsome singer-songwriter”. Langhorne Slim has been making music his whole life, and his musical journey has developed from a deep respect for the lyricism of Bob Dylan and the punk-rock leanings of the ‘90s-era alternative bands to which Slim listened. Slim’s extensive live touring has gained him fans and momentum across the country and the globe. His simple, folky tunes are injected with a dose of rock ‘n’ roll and boisterous energy that is contagious to his live audiences. His music pushes traditional folk fare toward rollicking, rock-tinged arrangements which has gathered him a reputation for putting out great albums and putting on even better shows. July 14th
Liz Vice
with special guest Beth Snapp Trio If You Like: Sharon Jones, Cody Chesnutt, Mavis Staples, Bonnie Raitt, St. Paul & the Broken Bones, Etta James Gospel, Soul, and R&B-infused artist Liz Vice is from Portland, Oregon. Her songs feature dynamic, soulful vocals, with lyrics that are classically influenced enough to feel timeless and reference her deep-rooted spirituality. While working in film, she began attending a new church in Portland and inexplicably found herself compelled to audition for the worship team, a small group of singers and musicians who led the young congregation in contemplative, folk-inspired songs. Vice began singing in smaller, laid back services during the week, until one Sunday, Vice was called to sing solo in front of the full congregation of nearly 400 parishioners. It was a life-changing performance. White decided to give Vice songs he intended for his own solo project. After just one rehearsal, she and the band headed into Jackpot Studios to record all of the instrumentation live to tape. The buzz about the music they were creating was so strong that when they announced a local release show, it sold out almost instantly. Her riveting performance led to dates with Cody Chesnutt and St. Paul & The Broken Bones, as well as a slot at the prestigious Blues Fest, and now, an international release for the album on Ramseur Records. July 21st
Honey Island Swamp Band
If You Like: The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Anders Osborne, North Mississippi Allstars Great music begins with great songs, and great songs are what the Honey Island Swamp Band is all about. The band came together after Aaron Wilkinson (acoustic guitar, mandolin, vocals) and Chris Mule’ (electric guitar, vocals) were marooned in San Francisco after the levee breaches following Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, and had a chance encounter with fellow New Orleans evacuees Sam Price (bass, vocals) and Garland Paul (drums, vocals) at John Lee Hooker’s Boom Boom Room on Fillmore Street. They knew each other from having all played together in some form or another in various New Orleans bands, and with the great unknown regarding their return to their underwater hometown looming in the distance, they decided to put together a band and get some gigs going. Honey Island Swamp Band‘s music has been described as “Bayou Americana” with timeless songs from Wilkinson & Mulé, highlighted by Mulé’s searing guitar, Wilkinson’s sure-handed mandolin, and 4-part vocal harmonies, all anchored by the powerful groove of Price & Paul’s Louisiana stomp rhythm section. The addition of Trevor Brooks on Hammond B-3 organ to the HISB family in 2010 has rounded out the band’s sound, which draws from a variety of influences in the world of roots music, including artists such as Lowell George & Little Feat, The Band, Taj Mahal, Gram Parsons, Jerry Garcia, Johnny Cash, Jimmy Reed, Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, and New Orleans’ own Earl King and Dr. John.
For more information on bands, plus photos and videos, visit www.abingdonmusicexperience.com
theloaferonline.com | May 10, 2016 | 7
The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Johnson City/Washington County
Challenges Community to Find Hidden Butterfly
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utterflies can be hard to catch, but that’s the challenge volunteer leaders with the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Johnson City/ Washington County are giving local residents as part of their “Butterfly Stories: Hope Takes Flight” campaign. The new campaign, starting this month in collaboration with wellknown artist and entrepreneur Tasha Wahl, creator of the “Butterfly Effect”, is a national initiative of the Relay For Life program to engage cancer survivors and caregivers in sharing their stories of inspiration and hope. “Hearing the words ‘you have cancer’ can evoke a multitude of emotions, from fear of the unknown to uncertainty about what the future holds. It can change the lives of everyone in it’s path. The changes that take place-both seen and unseen- allow a person to see life from a new perspective” says Julie Williams, 2016 Relay For Life of Johnson City/Washington County Event Lead, cancer survivor, and caregiver. A butterfly can be a symbol of powerful transformation and new beginnings. Before gaining its beauty and the ability to take flight, the caterpillar must embark on a journey that can seem unbearable. However, it perseveres with the hope that it will emerge stronger. And it does, transforming into a butterfly able to soar, just like our survivors and those touched by cancer. The campaign kicks off with one-of-a-kind butterfly designs hidden in prominent locations throughout the community. Clues to their whereabouts will be shared on Facebook at “Relay For Life of John-
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son City” or on Twitter at “RelayForLifeJCT” starting Wednesday May 11th until the butterfly is found. Once the butterfly is located, the finder will be asked to contribute their personal story as a survivor or caregiver, or how they have been touched by cancer. Upon returning the butterfly to the local American Cancer Society office at 508 Princeton Road, the finder will receive a gift and other recognition. The butterfly will then be hidden again and will continue until the Relay For Life of Johnson City/Washington County event scheduled for June 25th at Winged Deer Park from 2:00 p.m. – 10 p.m. Nearly 5,000 communities across the nation will participate in the search for butterflies. Once all butterflies have been located, a special art collection will be created. Dollars raised by Relay For Life help the American Cancer Society save lives by funding groundbreaking cancer research, supporting education and risk reduction efforts, and providing free information and critical services for people with cancer who need them. To participate in this campaign and start following the clues, visit the Relay For Life of Johnson City’s Facebook page at “Relay For Life of Johnson City” or search for them on Twitter using the keyword “RelayForLifeJCT”.
By Alex Quillin
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Living Divine in the Tri-Cities Region with
Olive Oil DivinE
live Oil Divine’s humble beginnings have grown into a specialty foods shop that features top quality extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars. Olive Oil Divine now carries over sixty different balsamic vinegars and olive oils, along with other products including handmade pastas, gourmet stuffed olives, spices, jams, olive oil beauty products, and much more. The owners, Greg and Shirley Mueller tell the story of the series of events that inspired them to open Olive Oil Divine. “We were eager to work together in our own business again, and we felt led to the product of olive oil through Divine intervention,” said owner Greg Mueller. “Its our mission statement to provide the best curated oils, balsamic vinegars, and specialty food items to this area, to encourage healthy eating, and to build Divine relationships with our customers.” The couple began to discuss the series of roadblocks they encountered when opening the store. They both talked about how they did not think they would be able to overcome many of them but they simply chose to “let go and let God.” “God abolished all of the roadblocks for us,” said Shirley. “That solidified our beliefs that we were doing the right thing.” Olive Oil Divine has grown more quickly than Greg and Shirley thought it would. Perhaps it is because each product is sourced from small cultivars and independent momand-pop shop organizations. Maybe it’s because each product is hand picked with regard to local taste and preference by the couple. It could also be because of the monthly ticketed events hosted at Olive Oil Divine. Most likely, it is a combination of these things that keeps their customers eager for more. One of their most popular events is their Guest Chef program. For this event, Olive Oil Divine hosts chefs from the area’s top
restaurants to present a cooking class to a private audience. This after hours event features a laid-back environment where audience members can learn new recipes using their favorite balsamic vinegars and olive oils. Another top event is a wine tasting with local wine scholars where wines are paired with foods made with Olive Oil Divine’s products. Greg and Shirley with Olive Oil Divine have recently sponsored the Fit 4 Life TV program, and they proudly continue their quest to be the Tri Cities’ go-to source for promoting healthier eating and living. In fact, they recently announced a partnership with Spine & Sports Chiropractic to encourage healthy lifestyle changes rather than the use of medications. The next time you visit Olive Oil Divine, ask Shirley about her most memorable stories during Olive Oil Divine’s first year of business. She will tell you about their Divine Room, a gift, and answered prayers. Ask them about their favorite recipes for the product you purchase, and learn about how to maintain a healthy lifestyle with the help of
their products. For more information on Olive Oil Divine and their partners visit OliveOilDivine.com, GetFit4LifeInc.org, and SpineandSportsTn.com.
Sinus infections affect over 30 million of us a year. According to the Mayo Clinic, this type of infection is typically fungal in nature, not bacterial. Often antibiotics are prescribed, but unfortunately they destroy not only the harmful bacteria, but also the beneficial kind designed to naturally control fungal or yeast overgrowth.
In fact, the over-use of antibiotics exacerbates the incidence of sinus infections by promoting the overgrowth of yeast. As a result, sinuses can become irritated, inflamed and swollen, causing painful pressure, congestion and possibly even infection. Xlear (pronounced Clear) is a gentle nasal mist containing a natural plant-based ingredient call Xylitol, which researchers in Finland have proven to safely and effectively reduce sinus congestion, inflammation and infection. When used on a daily basis, Xlear can keep sinuses clear of irritants, bacteria and yeast. . . and it’s safe for all ages. As always, we guarantee your satisfaction. Locally Owned for 35 Years
theloaferonline.com | May 10, 2016 | 9
ETSU’s Carter Railroad Museum
to host spring train excursion
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ast Tennessee State University’s George L. Carter Railroad Museum and the George L. Carter Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society will host a train excursion on The Star of Knoxville paddle wheeler along the Tennessee River and then to the Secret City Scenic Excursion Train near Oak Ridge on Saturday, June 18. The trip includes a visit to the Southern Appalachian Railway Museum. Ticket requests must be made by June 10. A fee of $95 for adults and $80 for children over the age of 2 includes the bus ride from Johnson City to all the excursion venues and back; a lunch buffet cruise on The Star of Knoxville; the train ride; and admission to the Southern Appalachian Railway Museum. The train departs from the Heritage Center near Oak Ridge. Each round trip covers approximately 14 miles and lasts about one hour. The trains are pulled by 1950s vintage Alco diesel locomotives. The air-conditioned coaches and dining car are all restored from 1940s era passenger railroading. On the day of the excursion, passengers should arrive at ETSU’s parking lot 22a on Go Bucs Trail by 9:30 a.m. for check-in and loading. Riders may take a small carry-on
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cooler, if it will fit under the seat. The estimated arrival time in Knoxville is 11:30 a.m. for the riverboat departure at noon. Buses will leave at 1:30 p.m. for the Secret City Train ride and board the train for the 3 p.m. ride. At 5 p.m., buses will leave for the return to ETSU, arriving around 7 p.m. Ticket order forms and liability waivers can be picked up at the Carter Railroad Museum on Saturdays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or printed off by visiting www.etsu.edu/railroad/. Checks or money orders should be made payable to George L. Carter Chapter, NRHS, and mailed, along with the ticket request and liability waiver forms, to George L. Carter Chapter, NRHS, 519 Headtown Road, Jonesborough, TN 37659. For further information, contact Charlene McLeod at 386-717-2925 or chardanmcleod35@comcast.net.
Historic Jonesborough Gears Up for May 14 Town-Wide Yard Sale
onesborough welcomes the public to its annual spring town-wide yard sale on Sat., May 14 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. The yard sale is a fundraising effort to assist with the Jonesborough Area Merchants & Services Assoc. Spaces are 10x10 and will cost $15 for a single, $25 for two and $30 for three. Reservations are required. The sale will take place along the sidewalks throughout the Historic District. Other shops and restaurants along Jonesborough’s Main Street will be participating in the event with a variety of bargains. The event is part of the 502 mile festive roadside sale which is held on US 11 from Meridian, Miss. through Birmingham, Ala. The US 11 sale also takes places in Dade Co., Ga., as well as Chattanooga to Knoxville and Jonesborough. Jonesborough has historically been one of the largest stops on the 502 mile route. For more information on the yard sale or to participate, contact Jeff Gurley at 423-913-2663 or visit www.visitjonesborough.com. For more information on the 502 mile sale visit www.us11antiquealley.com.
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Camelot Comes to Life
on May 14 at the Tennessee Medieval Faire
arkhorse Entertainment, LLC, invites you to go back to the early Middle Ages (c. 500) and celebrate King Arthur and Camelot at the second annual Tennessee Medieval Faire, situated in Harriman just 30 miles west of Turkey Creek. This rugged outdoor festival opens on May 14 and runs the last three weekends in May, including Memorial Day. Leading the charge is The Royal Joust performed three times a day by the Hanlon-Lees Action Theatre. There will also be sword fighting at the Warriors’ Chess Matches, performed twice daily. Between arena shows, Unicorn and Warhorse Rides will be offered. “Excitement is increasing because more people know about the Faire,” said Barrie Paulson, VP-Manager & Entertainment Director. “People tell us they appreciate the quality of our show and want to see it grow.” Rotating on three stages will be professional, interactive, family-friendly shows. Acts returning this year include Aaron Bonk’s “ridiculously dangerous” Fire * Whip
Hanlon-Lees by Pamela Morgan
* Sword Show; The Jackdaws, previously named Banish Misfortune; Professor DeWitt’s Punch and Judy Puppet Show; Albi Belly Dance; and Aristotle Simplified, aka Einstein Simplified. New acts this year include Topsy Turvy, an acrobatic duo; Feckless Fear Dearg, a Kentucky Celtic band; Tom Smiter--Bizarre Feats of Rhythm and Melody; and Dendarah Middle Eastern Dance with Raks el Anwar. There will be other musicians, interactive folk dancers, fairy tale shows and medieval games. The Royal Players, who roam the Faire and interact with patrons, include the characters of King Arthur, Queen Guinevere and Merlin. Performance schedules will be posted on the festival website by May 11 and will be available at the Faire. The number of medieval village merchants has almost doubled this year and will include around 50 craft, food and beverage vendors. Artisans will sell their handcrafted wares made of leather, wood, clay, metal, glass, cloth, etc. Hungry patrons can enjoy delicious medieval fare including turkey legs, gyros, hearty soups, scotch eggs, dragon jerky, fresh fruits and desserts. Hot and cold beverages including beer will also be available. The Tennessee Medieval Faire will be open on May 14-15, 2122, 28-29-30; rain or shine. Hours are 10-5 EDT. Ticket prices are $16.95 for ages 13 and up, $8.95 for ages 5 to 12, and will be free for ages 4 and under. Parking is free, and tickets will be available for purchase at the gate with cash or credit. Onsite camping for patrons is not included, but public campgrounds and hotels are nearby. The festival is located at 550 Fiske Road, Harriman, TN. For Faire rules, guidelines and more information, please visit www.TMFaire.com. Please like us on Facebook.
theloaferonline.com | May 10, 2016 | 11
Abingdon, VA is competing for
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“Coolest Small Town in America”
bingdon, Virginia has just been nominated by Budget Travel Magazine as one of 15 finalists for the Coolest Small Town in America. This annual contest recognizes cool towns of under 10,000 people. The selection was made by a team of national travel journalists, based on Abingdon’s popular support as well as their own assessment. Online voting continues through June 6th at http://www.budgettravel.com/contest/vote-for-americas-coolest-small-town-2016,25/#_. Votes can be cast once every 24 hours. Budget Travel defines a ‘cool’ small town as one with an energetic vibe, often blending community spirit with a vibrant arts scene, unique local history and gorgeous scenery. This is the 11th competition held by Budget Travel Magazine, which brings a national spotlight to cool small towns across the country. The winner and top 9 runnersup will be featured in print and online at Budget Travel Magazine. Past winners have also been featured on CNN.com, the Huffington Post, AOL Travel and Yahoo! Travel. The timing of the nomination is serendipitous, as Abingdon celebrates National Travel and Tourism Week (May 1 - 7, 2016). Visitors to Abingdon boost the economy, as they spend money on overnight lodging, meals, gas, shopping and recreation. The Virginia Tourism Corporation reports that visitors to Washington County in 2013 spent over $96 million in the community. That spending supports local jobs, helps keep the tax burden low, and brings tax revenue to local governments.
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Nominated by Budget Travel Magazine as one of 15 finalists
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Bristol’s Border Bash is Back May 20 Historic Downtown’s Premier Concert Series Celebrates 17 Years
elebrating 17 years in Historic Downtown, Border Bash Bristol’s premier spring/ summer concert series is back for another amazing season starting May 20, 2016! Hosted by Believe in Bristol, the Birthplace of Country Music, and the Cities of Bristol, Virginia and Tennessee, Border Bash is about fun, family, great music, and creating memories to last a lifetime. “Border Bash is a tradition that showcases everything that makes Downtown Bristol special, and that includes great live music,” said Christina Blevins, Executive Director of Believe in Bristol.” Bristol’s downtown is definitely a hub for a wide variety of food, unique shopping, community events, and an all-around great place to come together with friends and family. This year Border Bash will introduce audiences to a whole new roster of talented, emerging acts that cross a wide range of genres.” “We look forward to Border Bash every year,” said Leah Ross, Executive Director of the Birthplace of Country Music. “It’s a great kick-off to festival season, and it gives residents and travelers alike an added incentive to enjoy everything Historic Downtown Bristol has to offer.”
2016 Border Bash band lineup: • May 20 - The Carolina Catskins (ragtime, Appalacian swing) The Tennessee Stifflegs (old-time, Western swing) • June 3 - The Dirk Quinn Band (funk/jazz improv) | Elliot Root (alt-rock) • June 17 - Abbie Gardner & Jesse Terry (Americana) | The Midatlantic (folk-rock, newgrass) • July 4 - Front Country (Americana) | Rob Nance (Americana) • July 15 - The Comet Conductors (rock) | B R U N S (rock) • August 5 - The Grand Shell Game (prog-Americana) | The Kodiak Brotherhood (southern rock) Border Bash takes place on State Street in Historic Downtown Bristol. Vendors and activities set up at 6:30 p.m. and live music begins at 7:00 p.m. Border Bash is a free community event supported by the Cities of Bristol, Virginia/Tennessee, Anne and Ben Cowan, Bank of Tennessee, Blackbird Bakery, BlakleyMitchell Co., Brown, Edwards & Co., Camellia Digital, Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Express AV Productions, New Peoples Bank, Renasant Bank, Revolution Curbside Recycling, Strongwell Corporation, The Bristol Hotel: McCall Capital, LLC, Tom and Barbara Smith/ Merrill Lynch, Tri City Tent and Event, Walling Distributing, Wells Fargo and media sponsors Bristol Herald Courier, WBCM Radio Bristol, 99.3 The X, Electric 94.9 FM, WCYB-5, and WXBQ 96.9 FM.
theloaferonline.com | May 10, 2016 | 13
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Haunted Honeymoon
hoy! This week I’m going to talk about the 1940 MGM British production “Haunted Honeymoon,” which has no relation to the Gene Wilder and Gilda Radner film of the same name. First, however, I have a very IMPORTANT RADIO ANNOUNCEMENT to make. This Sunday, May 15, at 11:00 AM, your humble writer will be taking over the much famed WFMU Rock and Soul Ichiban internet radio station for an hour. Yes, for one hour I’ll be spinning a bunch of carefully chosen records and goodies for your enjoyment. Go to
14 | May 10, 2016 | theloaferonline.com
wfmuichiban.blogspot.com for how to tune in, and follow me on Twitter (@ThatAndyRoss) for more as we get closer to Sunday. Thanks! Right, now onto the film! “Haunted Honeymoon” is a production made at MGM’s then newish British studios. It’s based off a Dorothy L. Sayers’ novel and features her detective Lord Peter Wimsey—played by Robert Montgomery (dad to Elizabeth Montgomery). I don’t know a thing about the history of the character to be honest, the only time I’ve ever been aware of him was from ads for VHS tapes of TV adaptions in the old PBS Video catalog that would show up twice a year at the house. Constance Cummings plays Lord Wimsey’s new bride, crime novelist Harriet Vale, but now that the two are married they have vowed to live a crime free life. The opening scene of the film involves our detective couple trading witty remarks while going over who to thank for the variety of wedding gifts that they have been sent. This scene opens with a fun tracking shot of a series of candelabras getting increasingly larger. Watching this scene I couldn’t help but think of another detective couple of the screen—particularly in this era— Nick and Nora Charles of MGM’s wildly successful Thin Man series. The thought that kept going over and over in my mind during “Haunted Honeymoon” was that perhaps MGM was trying to start another franchise in the Thin Man vein. Unfortunately, “Haunted Honeymoon” is plotted in a clunky way. It’s not a bad film, it has some good moments, but the mys-
tery takes a backseat to everything. The film runs an hour and thirty-nine minutes, a whole half hour goes by before the murder occurs, then the film gets to the hour mark before the body is discovered and the investigation begins. I couldn’t help but think the idea is that the audience would love the central characters so much, they would just want to watch then interact, instead of solving a murder. “Haunted Honeymoon” received its DVD debut from those denizens of deep digging Warner Archive, the transfer is fine, but a little soft—perhaps due to whatever elements were accessible— yet it is by no means unwatchable. It’s an interesting little curio of a film, I suppose if you’re a fan of Dorthy L. Sayers it would be worth seeking out, but for the average film fan I’d say try to rent it unless it’s one you’ve been desperately wanting. See you on the radio Sunday, and in this paper next week.
Ben Stalets Treats Johnson City to Dose of the Midwest
May 12th, 2016 The Acoustic Coffeehouse • 415 W Walnut St. Johnson City, TN 37604• 423.434.9872
U
pon cracking the egg that is Ben Stalets, you find yourself two yolks; the first is a Country tinged, folk soaked, lyrically driven song, the second is a sweaty, rock n’ roll rooted performance. However you prefer it, you’ll end up full. The chance to taste his sound for yourself will be coming up on May 12th at 10 pm, when Stalets will be performing a free show in Johnson City, TN at the Acoustic Coffeehouse. Stalets’ medley of soundscape has allowed him to open for a diverse collection of critically acclaimed acts, such as; Valerie June, Whitey Morgan, Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Local H, and Icarus Account. He’s also been a staple at classic music destinations like Nelsonville Music Festival, and as a return guest on Knoxville’s Blue Plate Special. Stalets ended last year traversing the country in support of his newest album, Country Midwestern, whose title served to finally put a name to his niche. True to his Ohio-bred, blue-collar work ethic, he has committed to the road, starting out 2016 with yet another tour of the Midwest, with a southern tour planned for May and a national tour in the works for this fall. American Idol, he is not, but his Hank Williams howl, sturdy fingerpicking, and road-dog mentality leave little doubt that you’ll want to hear from him again. “It’s artists like Ben Stalets that Midwesterners get spoiled with. There is a plethora of talent that spend years on local stages for no more than a few PBRs and a tip jar, often allowing their own modesty to interfere with self promotion and marketing.” –Midwestern Gentleman You’re in luck, Johnson City, the Midwest is coming to you. All that’s left to do is show up to the Acoustic Coffeehouse on May 12th at 10 pm and soak it up while you can. For a preview, check out Ben’s latest: https://benstalets.bandcamp.com/album/country-midwestern
theloaferonline.com | May 10, 2016 | 15
S O LG T P
T I
- TUESDAY - May 10th -
SHAWNA CASPI
H
- FRIDAY - May 13th -
THE GENTLEMEN & LIARS
at Acoustic Coffeehouse 8pm
at Biggie’s Clam Bar 9pm
at O’Mainnin’s Pub
at Country Club Bar & Grill
GUIDO AUSOME & THE OPEN MIC PLAYERS CROOKED ROAD REJECTS DOWNTOWN COUNTRY at Jiggy Ray’s 6:30pm - WEDNESDAY - May 11th -
OPEN MIC at Jiggy Ray’s SCOTTY MELTON at Hungry I at the Apex THE DUO TONES at O’Mainnin’s Pub OPEN MIC at Acoustic Coffeehouse - THURSDAY - May 12th JOEY T / PATRICK TAYLOR at Capone’s SMOKEY MOUNTAIN SIDESHOW at Sonny’s Marina & Cafe 7pm
DOWN HILL STRUGGLERS BILL AND THE BELLES
at The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room 8pm BENNY WILSON BAND at Marker “2” Grill
SOUTHERN REBELLION
(Country, Classic Rock, Southern Rock) at Quaker Steak & Lube 7pm
BIG SANDY & HIS FLY RITE BOYS at Bone Fire Smokehouse
DIRTY SOUL REVIVAL
at Holston River Brewing Company 8pm RYAN WARD at O’Mainnin’s Pub 10pm
WHETHERMAN / BEN STALETS at Acoustic Coffeehouse
- FRIDAY - May 13th RETROVILLE at Sonny’s Marina & Cafe 7pm EARTH SUIT / SUNDALE WAITING ON PAVEMENT at Capone’s JAYSTORM PROJECT at 50Fifity Sports Tavern 8pm BLUESMAN & THE BLUES ESSENTIALS at Marker “2” Grill EMPRESS at State Line Bar & Grill 6pm LOCUST HONEY at Down Home REBECCA DANIELS at Jiggy Ray’s 8pm BENNY JONES at The Family Barn 6pm
INDIGHOST / 20 WATT TOMBSTONE
at Sleepy Owl Brewery 8pm PAYTON TAYLOR at Yee Haw Brewing Company 8pm THE HONEYBADGERS at Bone Fire Smokehouse
HARPETH RISING
at The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room 8pm
DIRTY SOUL REVIVAL
at Holston River Brewing Company 9pm THE BASTARDS OF FATE at The Hideaway 8pm
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WYATT EASTERLING / CURTIS ELLER at Acoustic Coffeehouse
- SATURDAY - May 14th JUKE BOX BOYS
at Sonny’s Marina & Cafe 7pm
UNDER THE TABLE
at Marker “2” Grille 7pm BAKERSFIELD (Alt. Country, Outlaw Country, Texas Honky Tonk) at David Thompson’s Produce 7pm
LANCE STINSON WANTED:The Bon Jovi Tribute Band at Racks by the Tracks 8pm
SPRING FLING
at The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room 8pm RAILWAY EXPRESS at Holiday Inn (Exit 7)
LIL’ MERLE & THE COUNTRY ROCKERS at The Family Barn 6pm
FATSTACKS & THE FUN GUY
at Yee Haw Brewing Company 8pm JV SQUAD at Jiggy Rays NIGHTSHIFT (Country, Southern Rock, Oldies) at The Show Palace 7pm
THE COLOR 7 & THE KEVIN WILDER GROUP at Capone’s IAN FEATHERS at Holston River Brewing Company 9pm
CHARLES BARKER BAND at O’Mainnin’s Pub
BIG COUNTRY BLUEGRASS at Carter Fold BEN STALETS at Sleepy Owl Brewery THE NEW CONSPIRATORS at Bristol Brewery FRAZIER BAND at Bone Fire Smokehouse KEYNOTES at Acoustic Coffeehouse SOUTHERN REBELLION (Country, Classic Rock,
Southern Rock) at Country Club Bar & Grill
- SUNDAY - May 15th -
IVY ROAD at Marker “2” Grille O’CONNOR FAMILY BAND featuring MARK O’CONNOR at Down Home THE DUOTONES at Sonny’s Marina 7 Cafe JAM SESSION at The Family Barn 1pm THE JAZZ DOCTORS
at Martha Washington - Music on the Lawn THE TRAVELERS at Bone Fire Smokehouse COMMUNITY CENTER at Acoustic Coffeehouse
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.
- MONDAY - May 16th -
DREAMCATCHER at Bristol’s Pickin’ Porch HIGHLY SUSPECT at Capone’s ADJUST THE SAILS at Acoustic Coffeehouse
KARAOKE
TUESDAY Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Boomershine’s Pizza Karaoke at 50Fifty Sports Tavern Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City TN *********************** WEDNESDAY Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at American Legion 8pm Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Smokey Bones - Johnson City TN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Marker “2” Grille Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN *********************** THURSDAY Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City TN Karaoke at Holiday Inn - Johnson City TN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Mellow Mushroom Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Poor Richard’s Campus *********************** FRIDAY Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at Sportsman’s Bar & Grill 9pm Karaoke w/ Reverb Karaoke at The Cottage 8:30 pm Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN Karaoke at Elizabethton VFW - Elizabethton TN Karaoke w/ DJ Marques at Holiday Inn (Exit 7) - Bristol VA Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City TN *********************** SATURDAY Karaoke at The Horseshoe Lounge 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 *********************** SUNDAY Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Everette’s Bar & Grille - Johnson City TN ***********************
Spotlight Directory 50 Fifty Sports Tavern 2102 N. Roan Street Johnson City Acoustic Coffeehouse 415 W Walnut St. Johnson City 423/434.9872 Bone Fire Smokehouse at the Hardware 260 W Main St Abingdon Va 276/623-0037 Bristol Brewery 41 Piedmont Ave Bristol VA 276/ 608-1220 Bristol’s Pickin’ Porch 620 State St Bristol 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 Country Club Bar & Grill 3080 W State St Bristol 423/844-0400 David Thompson’s Produce 251 Highway 107 Jonesborough 423/913-8123 Down Home 300 W. Main St. Johnson City 423/929-9822 Family Barn 15559 Lee Hwy Bristol VA Holiday Inn (Exit 7) 3005 Linden Dr Bristol Va 276/466-4100
Holston River Brewing Company 2621 Volunteer Pkwy Bristol TN Hungry I at the Apex 604 W. Market St. Johnson City Jiggy Ray’s 610 E. Elk Ave Elizabethton Marker “2’ Grill at Lakeview Marina 474 Lakeside Dock, Kingsport 423/323-4665 O’Mainnin’s Pub 712 State St Bristol 423/844-0049 The Outdoorsman 4535 Highway 11W Kingsport Quaker Steak & Lube 629 State St Bristol VA 276/644-9647 Show Palace 14364 Lee Hwy Bristol VA 276/494-6610 Sleepy Owl Brewery 151 E. Main St. Kingsport 423/390-8476 Sonny’s Marina & Café 109 One St. Gray TN 423/283-4014 State Line Bar & Grill 644 State Street Bristol 423/652-0792 Wellington’s Restaurant Carnegie Hotel 1216 W State of Franklin Rd Johnson City 423/979-6400 The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room 216 E Main St Johnson City Yee Haw Brewing Company 126 Buffalo St. Johnson City
COMMUNITY CENTER Acoustic Coffeehouse Sunday | May 15th
Community Center writes storytelling songs and our live act features saxophone, accordion, violin, cello, clarinet, and highly-arranged vocals. We played our first large festivals this past summer and two singles from our latest album are in rotation on many national radio stations. Community Center has performance residencies in Brooklyn, Philadelphia, and Boston, and our live shows have been winning over diverse audiences since we have made the jump into fulltime touring. theloaferonline.com | May 10, 2016 | 17
YOU’RE AT THE
TEXAS STAR PARTY
S
WITH MARQ! Photos by MarQ
targazing in your backyard can be fun and rewarding in many ways, but nothing beats a huge national gathering of amateur astronomers like the one I’m writing from—the famous Texas Star Party! Known world-wide for some of the clearest skies on our continent, it’s one of the biggest gatherings of stargazers in the world and is scheduled each May at the historic Prude Ranch, a working dude ranch at Ft. Davis, TX. Just where’s that? Well, it’s exactly 1,755 miles from my driveway in Boones Creek, Tennessee, according to my pickup truck that took me and a week’s worth of camping gear to a place that really seems like another country. And that’s in a good way. As the Mexican culture abounds in this Southwest Texas region that is also the home of one of the world’s premier telescope facilities, McDonald Observatory, founded 60-plus years ago and just 12 miles from the Texas Star Party site. So you know the skies are dark! That’s what attracts stargazers to a certain spot—the darkness and clarity of the night sky. And the Ft. Davis, TX area is one of the darkest places in the continental USA and a haven for amateur astronomers with the astrophotography bug. Like me. I have been to about 60 national star parties in my 50-plus years of amateur astronomy, including chairman many times of the popular Bays Mt. Astronomy Club “Starfest” usually conducted for about 100 people in October in Kingsport, TN. The Texas Star Party has been on my bucket list for a while. It is among the Big Five of famous star parties America: Winter Star Party in the Florida Keys; the Okie-Tex Star Party in Kenton, Okla.; Nebraska Star Party near Valentine; and Stellafane, since 1926 the granddaddy of them all in Springfield, Vermont. Having been to the Florida event many times, I have three more big star parties to look forward to! Of course there are dozens of other very awesome star parties around America each year (many could be in the top 5 also!). Let me take you a little behind the scenes at what can be a bizarre world to the outsider…strange in the fact that 500 people are gathered to capture photons from alien worlds in various ways with their eyeballs, photography, sketching and even words—like me! These stargazing events of any size need several things to accommodate the dark sky lovers. First, accommodations for the masses, like sleeping, bathroom and eating facilities. Second, you need a huge field or two to stage all the tele-
18 | May 10, 2016 | theloaferonline.com
scope, binoculars and other observing tools. Third, to make it interesting in the daytime there are speakers, some local and some national known stargazing “celebrities” from the hobby’s magazines and Internet sites. So like any business or pleasure event, this all takes a lot of money to bring it all together. Participant fees for such events can range from $50 to $250 depending on the amount of meals included and speaker fees. Of course there are all kinds of “swag” you can buy with the stargazing event logo, from T-shirts, hoodies, mugs, pencils, hats, etc.—all the usual stuff we love as celestial tourists. And just to make sure your wallet leaves as thin as possible, there are also a good assortment of venders selling anything from high-end telescopes to meteorites. Amateur astronomy is an interesting hobby in that you can be deeply involved with just modest equipment, or you can run with the “Big Dogs” and their “state-of-the-art” telescopes and supporting astrophotography equipment. That equipment can run into thousands of dollars and can include “cosmic duck blinds” to hide all the light emitting computer screens and shield their expensive photon capturing machines from stray white light that might ruin a photography run. You see, white light is the absolute enemy of any stargazer, be professional or amateur. We call it “light pollution,” and its why major observatories are built out of the way on top of remote mountains—like McDonald Observatory, operated by the University of Texas in Austin, some 430 miles away. Astronomers live in a “red light district” of sorts. But it’s a good thing. Our eyes take about 15 minutes to adapt to the dark as our pupils widen to capture more light. Once you’re exposed to white light from car headlights or such, you lose your sensitivity to the dark and our eyes have to start over. But red light doesn’t’ effect our night vision, so armed with red flashlights, we can read our charts, see our instruments and keep from tripping over each other! In fact, you can be booted from a star party if you accidently turn on our car lights or flip on a white light switch—it’s taken that serious. The reason is many amateur astronomers today are interested in taking photos at night, either through their telescopes or capturing the night landscape of stars. One pop of a white light could ruin an exposed image. That’s why some of the most serious astro-imagers do their night work with the telescope and supporting computers encased in some sort of structure that looks like an office cubical. In fact, some astronomers use regular duck blinds to work from while their telescope is outside the structure under the star. These very serious astrophotographers might spend a while night on just one ob-
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STARGAZER
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ject, trying to perfect their high-tech hobby. Their results with today’s digital cameras, powerful telescopes and super-duper computer software rivals the photos done by the largest observatories decades ago. In fact, valuable research is being done by backyard amateurs who are zeroing in on specific wavelengths of light like hydrogen and helium. I’m not THAT kind of amateur astronomer. I have modest equipment, and enjoy naked eye stargazing or using binoculars just as much as probing the Moon, planets and celestial wonders of galaxies, nebula and more. A common question when meeting new stargazers at the TSP is “Are you a taker (of images) or an observer?” I happily reply: “I’m a writer!” Capturing the essence of stargazing and sharing that with Joe and Jane America has been my passion with The Loafer for 20 years. Whether you have a simple telescope or an elaborate research grade instrument, everyone is treated equal and is willing to share their knowledge and a look through the eyepiece. As the Sun sets and the twilight begins, it’s “game time” for amateur astronomers. There’s always sightseeing daytrips around any major stargaze, but once back at camp there is much to do to prepare for the night’s observing. Telescopes are uncovered from their protective space-age blankets that reflect light to keep them cool as well as keep dust away. Observing tables are covered with star charts, eyepieces, camera gear, sketch pads and plenty of red lights. Being organized is a secret to a good night of finding double stars, galaxies, nebula and much more. Let the stargazing begin! As everyone does their own set up ritual, the stars begin to appear. It’s always a mood setter to just sit back and enjoy the end of the day, watching our familiar stellar friends reappear while often catching satellites glinting sunlight. Telescope motors whirl…a hair dryer in the distance evaporates dew off a lens…conversations from one end of the observing field to the other rival the sounds of insects…laughter is common everywhere…and then: “WOW!” is shouted in unison as a bright meteor splits the night. THAT’S always a delight! As the night wears on, the numbers of active observers fall off as the sleepy return to their quarters. 2 am…3 am…4 am…who’ll be last one’s standing at sunrise? Too soon the morning twilight begins to snuff out the darkness. Before you know it the once dark landscape is again alive with scenery. You yawn as the final chore from a night of stargazing is stowing everything safely in the event of wind and rain. One night of the star party is down. Time for a morning nap only to awaken in time for the afternoon talks. And we stargazers happily repeat this cycle as often as we can! But it’s not all about the stargazing. In fact, like most hobbies, it’s the fellowship of the people that endear us to astronomy clubs and star parties. And one thing about our stargazing brethren that I think is unique is the respect and honesty everyone has for each other and the valuable tools we use to probe the night. Hundreds of thousands of dollars in telescopes, cameras, computers and support equipment are strewn all over the observing sites. Yet theft is a very rare occurrence. You may come as stranger to a star party, but you’ll leave with a pocket full of email addresses and phone numbers from a bunch of new friends. And next time you see each other, it’s like a brotherhood. Of course, as we make friends, we sometime lose a buddy who we’ve shared the night sky with. As I have recently. Many of us meet under the stars and later become friends in each other’s homes. Such is the case some 30 years ago when I met my Bristol, Tennessee friend Steve Scales, who died recently and to whom I dedicate this “Stargazer” column. I was at the Texas Star Party during Steve’s memorial service, but that night I saw a beautiful meteor with his name on it streaking across the starry night. Enjoy the glorious Universe, Steve. The rest of your stargazing buddies will catch up soon enough. theloaferonline.com | May 10, 2016 | 19
Purple Rain
W
4 Doves Rating
ith the recent tragic passing of musician Prince, several theater chains across the country brought the 1984 film “Purple Rain” back to theaters for a special run. In the films theatrical run in 1984, the film grossed $68 million in the U.S. and over $80 million worldwide. The rock musical drama follows “The Kid” (Prince) and his band The Revolution and their attempts to keep the group afloat. Not only must The Kid deal with his groups in-fighting, but his father’s physical and verbal abuse as well. The rough life The Kid must deal with keeps him in rehearsals most of his waking hours at local nightclub First Avenue. Life at the club is not all smooth either, as The Kid and his band often clash with rival group The Time and their flashy lead singer Morris Day. Eventually The Kid meets the new love of his life, Apollonia (Apollonia Kotero), but the relationship catches the attention of Day, and he attempt to drive a wedge between the two. Eventually the two bands have a “showdown” that leads to a inspiring performance of “Purple Rain.” All the drama aside, we all know the real reason the movie is awesome: the music. In fact, the films soundtrack won an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score, and the soundtrack sold over 15 million copies in America and 25 million worldwide. With songs including “Let’s Go Crazy”, “When Doves Cry”, and of course “Purple Rain” coupled with amazing concert performances by Prince and The
20 | May 10, 2016 | theloaferonline.com
Revolution, it’s easy to see why the album and movie are a perfect representation of the 80’s. It was truly awesome to experience the film on the big screen in a theater with the speakers thumping, and I often sang along. Thankfully, no one could hear me aside from my companion, who shockingly had never seen the film! Over the years, I have seen parts of the movie on television, with a partial viewing last year with some friends at my house when we accidentally happened upon the film, so it was great to see it from start to finish. If you have never seen the film, don’t expect the acting to be on par with the music, as Apollonia was nominated for a couple of Razzie Awards (The anti-Oscars). Prince, on the other hand, surprises with his warmth and emotional range, which are on display on and off the stage. As for Day, he does supply the film with some much needed humor, but the singer never met a mirror he didn’t like. Even if you were never really a huge Prince fan, I still recommend taking in a viewing of the film, if for no other reason than to see what a brilliant musician the Purple One was. We have truly lost a one-of-a-kind talent, who will forever be missed in the world of music. One of my favorite Prince songs is “When Doves Cry”, made even more poignant with his passing. “Purple Rain” is a classic piece of cinema history forever preserving the talents of the remarkable Prince. (Rated R) The film receives a special 4 Dove rating.
Polk’s Place
T
he post-presidency home of James K. Polk no longer stands, which is perhaps fitting for a man who is effectively Tennessee’s forgotten president. Now overshadowed by Andrew Jackson’s fame and Andrew Johnson’s infamy, Polk’s relative obscurity betrays the fact that he accomplished more during his four years in office than most twoterm presidents do with eight. He oversaw expansion that fulfilled America’s manifest destiny, reestablished an independent treasury, and led the nation to victory in the Mexican-American War. Indeed, Polk is really the lone bright spot among antebellum presidents, serving during an era known as much for interstellar space travel as it is for good leadership. With an oratory skill so respected that he was given the curious nickname Napoleon of the Stump, Polk quickly rose through the political ranks – becoming Speaker of the House and, soon after, America’s 11th president. Yet, as his amazingly productive term drew to a close, President Polk looked forward to retirement back home in Nashville, where he and his wife had purchased a large, stately house within sight of the state capitol, affectionately naming it Polk Place. That retirement at Polk Place would be brief, however. Just three months after leaving office, he died of Cholera in June, 1849. This being a time before presidential libraries, Polk was interred in a tomb on the front lawn of Polk Place and the nation called it a day. His wife, Sarah, remained in residence there for the next forty years, becoming a fixture of Nashville society. She received many visitors there, too, from General Grant (who had greatly admired her husband) to numerous Confederate personalities. During the Civil War, Polk Place was neutral ground. By the time of Sarah’s death in 1891, though, Polk Place had seen better days. It wasn’t long afterward that President and Mrs. Polk’s heirs put the 80 year-old building up for sale. The State of Tennessee attempted to purchase the property as a home for its governor, but it ended up in private hands – hands that had it demolished in 1901. Since then, the spot has been home to an apartment building, a YWCA facility, and even a Best Western. So what’s there now? Well, the Best Western has been rebranded The Capitol Hotel. The YWCA remains, but is now home to state government offices. Even Polk’s remains have packed up and left – having been reinterred nearby
on the grounds of the Tennessee State Capitol. Those on a Polk pilgrimage who are interested in seeing more than an historical marker can at least visit the James K. Polk Home State Historic Site in Columbia, TN, about an hour away. That’s the only home of President Polk to be left intact, other than the White House. Of course, if you’ve got the moxie to show up at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue asking about Napoleon of the Stump, I’d be interested to hear how that goes.
theloaferonline.com | May 10, 2016 | 21
Murder Mystery Caravan Presents
“Who Murdered Mimsy?” an original play by Wendy Overman
M
eet Jake Flanagan, an average Joe who gets caught in the middle of anything but an average situation when he is hired by Langston Williams to deliver one simple package. No one in the Williams’ household is exactly as they appear to be. As for the package Jake is delivering, well, it is not typical either! This play offers all the elements of a slapstick farce and all the mystery of a classic “who done it?” From garden gnomes to brownies to mink coats, this play has something for everyone. It will keep you guessing – and of course laughing. The audience interactive murder mystery and dinner takes place on Saturday, May 14th at Alta Cucina Restaurant, 1200 N. Roan St., Johnson City, TN. Tickets for the 3 course gourmet dinner with complimentary pairing wines and show are $ 59.00 per person. Seating at 6:00PM. For information and reservations, call 423-676-3003 or 423-928-2092
5th Annual Crooked Road
Y
Youth Music Festival Announced
outh musicians from throughout Southwest Virginia will be featured at the 5th Annual Crooked Road Youth Music Festival on Saturday, May 14th from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Heartwood in Abingdon. 15 bands and traditional music programs (over 200 youth musicians) will perform throughout the day. The festival will highlight regional traditional music programs including the Albert Hash Memorial Band Program, Country Cabin String Band, Floyd JAMS, Scott County JAMS, VHCC Old Time String Band Class, Franklin County JAM Program, Washington County JAM Program, WiseJAMS–Big Stone Gap, WiseJAMS-Coeburn, and WiseJAMS–Norton. Additional performers include the Buttermilk Girls, Changing Lanes, Nick Weitzenfeld & Co., and the Yates Family. Workshops will be presented at the festival including “Appalachian Heroes and Hoodlums” at 11:30 a.m. and “Animal Songs of the Appalachians” at 12:30 p.m. with Ted Olson, and a songwriting workshop with Johnny & Jeanette Williams at 1:30 p.m. The Crooked Road Youth Music Festival is sponsored by Abingdon Convention and Visitors Bureau, Heartwood, National Endowment for the Arts, Ratcliffe Foundation, Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, Virginia Commission for the Arts, Wayne C. Henderson Scholarships Program, Brown Dental Associates, Tazewell Music Club, and Wordsprint. Heartwood: Southwest Virginia’s Artisan Gateway is located off I-81 at Exit 14 in Abingdon, VA, and features food, music, and craft of Southwest Virginia. Admission to the festival is $5.00 for adults, $2.00 for children 6-12, and kids 5 and under are free. For more information call (276) 492-2409 or email: info@thecrookedroad.org.
22 | May 10, 2016 | theloaferonline.com
Tennessee Route 1:
The Memphis to Bristol Highway
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Photo and article by
any of you here in the Tri-Cities area are no doubt quite familiar with U.S. Highway 11 West, especially if you travel between Bristol and Kingsport often. For some, it is no doubt too familiar as you sit in the traffic of Stone Drive on your morning commute. Nothing seems special about it at all, and yet, this four lane highway once had a far more impressive name then it does today: The Broadway of America. The Tennessee portion of this historic road stretches a grand total of 538 miles from the Mississippi River all the way here to downtown Bristol. Originally designated as the first state highway, or Tennessee Route 1, this served as the main thoroughfare across the state before the advent of Interstates 40 and 81, which roughly parallel the same route. Unlike these interstates, The Memphis to Bristol Highway offers the traveler adventure, history, and an up close look at the Tennessee countryside as it passes through four of our state’s music cities. The first portion we recently covered runs between Bristol and Knoxville for about 120 miles. This is perhaps the easiest section to follow, as the entirety of the road is concurrent with U.S. Highway 11 West. In addition, the Tennessee Department of Transportation recently installed commemorative road signs along the route so you’ll always know if you are on the right track. Starting as West State Street in Bristol, take the road through familiar Sullivan County, passing through west Bristol and Kingsport. Entering Hawkins County, you’ll soon pass the first interesting historical landmark: Allandale Mansion. Known as the “White House of Kingsport,” this 1949 mansion is now owned by the city of Kingsport and can be booked for weddings, showers, and other occasions. If no event is scheduled, take a moment to pull in the driveway and admire the architecture and gardens along the Grand Lawn. You’re now within the historic and lush Holston River Valley, an area filled with farms and open fields wedged between the ridges of Clinch and Bays Mountains. Before leaving Hawkins County you’ll pass through picturesque towns such as Surgoinsville and Rogersville in an area first settled by the grandparents of Davy Crockett. The historic community of Bean Station greets you as you enter Grainger County alongside Cherokee Lake. This town sprang up as a frontier outpost along the original Wilderness Road Daniel Boone blazed to nearby Cumberland Gap. Later on during the Civil War, Bean Station was the site of an 1863 battle as the Confederate troops attempted to capture the town, forcing the Union Army to eventually retreat. Known later for its mineral springs, the area became a tourist destination as many sought out its “healing waters.” Take caution here as the road temporarily joins U.S. 25 West before exiting to the left. If you have time, take a small detour and continue another five miles on 25 West as it climbs up the south side of Clinch Mountain to cross the gap. Here you will find the Bean Station Overlook, a pull-off overlooking the entire Holston River Valley, Cherokee Lake, and nearby Short Mountain. Back on TN 1, you’ll pass through the heart of Grainger County and the town of Rutledge, famous across the region for their delicious tomatoes. They even have an
entire festival dedicated to the scrumptious fruit that makes a great day trip. Another point of interest for history buffs lies on the Grainger County courthouse lawn. Moved from its original location, here you will find the 1820’s shop where future President Andrew Johnson originally operated his own tailor business. Soon you’ll enter Knox County, home of Knoxville and the 1982 Worlds Fair, a city long steeped in music inspired by the nearby Appalachian Mountains. Knoxville is a destination in itself, serving as the gateway to Great Smoky Moun-
Tennessee Route #1 Approaching Rogersville. tains National Park and home to favorites such as the famous Dogwood Arts Festival and University of Tennessee Volunteers. Before you reach the town, however, you’ll pass a little known treasure not far from the county line known as House Mountain State Natural Area. This state park unit protects the highest point in Knox County and offers hiking trails for all ages. We’ll be back to check it out another time. Coming to the end of this section, the route does get a little confusing. Once you enter the city limits you’ll soon merge with U.S. 70 and pass an interchange with I-40. Knoxville Zoo Drive on your right leads to a day of fun with animals of all kinds, as well as the Tennessee Valley Fairgrounds. After several more miles you’ll come to U.S. 441, where a left turn will take you directly into downtown and the end of this first section. We’ll be back with another article on the portion between Knoxville and Crossville another time.
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O’conner band at down home
ritically acclaimed country group O’Connor Band featuring Mark O’Connor will be performing at The Down Home on Sunday, May 15th. The O’Connor Band spent the first couple months of 2016 recording their debut album for the Concord Music Group/Rounder Records, Coming Home, under the visionary guidance of producer Gregg Field. The album is slated to be released August 2016. The group features one of the most iconic fiddlers in American history, Mark O’Connor. His collaborations with James Taylor, Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Tony Rice, Bela Fleck, Sam Bush, Alison
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Krauss, Yo-Yo Ma, Wynton Marsalis, and many others have led to performances on the most visible concert stages worldwide. In the O’Connor Band, Mark is joined by his wife Maggie (fiddle, vocals), son Forrest (mandolin, guitar, vocals), and Forrest’s partner Kate Lee (fiddle, vocals). Their repertoire is centered around some of Mark’s greatest instrumentals as well as songs written by Forrest and Kate, the band’s lead singers, whose tight harmonies and lyrical honesty have earned praise from the likes of Krauss, Rosanne Cash, and Mary Gauthier. Maggie, a Master’s graduate of the Peabody Institute, is herself an accomplished violinist and fiddler and has performed duos with Mark around the world, including with the Mendelssohn Orchestra (Hungary), the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, and the Santa Rosa Symphony. The O’Connor Band is supported by the talents of national flatpick guitar champion Joe Smart and Eastman School of Music graduate and current University of Miami DMA candidate Geoff Saunders. Their Down Home show begins at 7:30 PM ET. Tickets are $20 in advance. Tickets can be purchased by mail with check or money order through The Down Home. They can also be purchased at Campbells Morrell Music in Johnson City TN (423-929-1083) during regular business hours. Tickets sold at the door as well.
Safety First
W
ith shooting season right around the corner it is important to make safety an integral part of your shooting routine. One of the first things to consider is making sure you have the right safety equipment. Hearing protection is among the most important, make sure your hearing protection is rated for firearms. Many earmuffs and earplugs are designed for construction noises etc. Therefore they don’t offer high enough decibel protection. Next make sure you have safety glasses. Again make sure that they are rated for shooting, as wearing underrated safety glasses can result in shrapnel entering the eye from ricochet impact. Make sure you have some bottled water in your range bag, and lastly something shooters often forget and regret the next day is sunscreen. If you’re shooting outside make sure to wear sunscreen. The next thing to consider is range etiquette rules, if you are shooting at a range these should be posted prominently or provided to you prior to shooting. If you are not at a range and are shooting in the back yard etc follow the following rules. First the shooter should always be forward of the observers, this reduces the risk of observers being hit by ricochets or hot brass. Second firearms should not be loaded until the shooter is at the firing line. Detachable magazines may be loaded in the staging area, but must remain separate from the gun until the shooter is at
the firing line. If the firearms has an internal magazine such as a pump shotgun than it should not be loaded until the shooter is at the firing line. Likewise revolvers should not be loaded until the shooter is at the firing line. Lastly everyone shooting should be able to recite the following four rules of gun safety prior to shooting, whoever is hosting the shooting is responsible for everyone knowing and following these rules. The four rules of gun safety, everyone should know these rules it doesn’t matter if they’re 7 years old or 70. • Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. • Do not load the gun until you’re ready to shoot. • Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot. • Know your target and beyond. Lastly have a first aid kit and knowledge of basic first aid, it is recommended that your kit contain a blood clotting agent and a tourniquet. The further removed from medical assistance you are the greater your knowledge of trauma treatment should be. Accidents do happen, and this could mean the difference between saving and losing a friend. As always I hope you enjoyed this article, if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to email me, I look forward to your feedback.
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Answers found on page 28
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Storyteller Adam Booth to Perform in Jonesborough
dam Booth, a storyteller who specializes in intricate tall tales and imaginative combinations of classic tales, will be the next performer in the International Storytelling Center’s Teller-in-Residence program, a live performance series based in downtown Jonesborough. Booth, who has generated a lot of buzz in the storytelling world since his debut as a featured teller at the National Storytelling Festival last year, will offer daily matinees during his weeklong residency, May 17 – 21. Performances start daily at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, in the Mary B. Martin Storytelling Hall. The Southern native has been a student of storytelling all his life, starting with the family stories he heard from older family members almost every weekend when he was growing up. “I didn’t know anything about the world of platform storytelling, meaning festivals and things like that,” he says. “But I was very aware of storytelling as a kid. I thought story time was just a part of everyone’s life. It wasn’t, but I thought it was.” All those years at his elders’ knees shaped his sensibility, but Booth makes a concerted effort to bring something different to the table. “I don’t tell a lot of personal stories, even though that’s the kind of storytelling I grew up on,” he says. “There are a lot of other people out there on the circuit who are doing that, and I want to offer Adam Booth by Katelyn Stoneberger something a little different.” Booth became aware of the world of professional storytelling as a high school student writing a report on the West Virginia Liars Contest, the old stomping grounds of popular storyteller Bil Lepp. On the advice of Lepp, Booth made his way to Jonesborough soon thereafter. “When I went to the National Storytelling Festival as an audience member for the first time, I realized this profession is much bigger than I had realized,” he says. It wasn’t long before he was on that stage himself. Like Lepp, Booth currently lives in West Virginia. His home is in a tiny town—the state’s oldest—that’s not unlike Jonesborough, a place he’s grown to love. “What’s so great about Jonesborough is you’re like the guest of honor for the town for the whole week,” he says. “It’s the best kind of work.” Storytelling Live! tickets for all performances are just $12 for adults and $11 for seniors, students, and children under 18. Walk-in seating is available, but advance purchase is recommended. All ticketholders can present their ticket stubs for a 10 percent discount on same-day dining at JJ’s Eatery and Ice Cream or Main Street Café, two popular eateries in Jonesborough. The third performer in ISC’s acclaimed Storytelling Live! series, Booth will be followed by more than two dozen other “tellers in residence,” who will perform in Jonesborough through the month of October. Information about all performers, as well as a detailed schedule for 2016, is available at www. storytellingcenter.net. The premier sponsor of Storytelling Live! is the Mountain States’ Heart & Soul program. Additional funding comes from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Tennessee Arts Commission, the East Tennessee Foundation, Eastman Credit Union, the Mooneyhan Family Foundation and the Niswonger Foundation. The International Storytelling Center is open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. For more information about Storytelling Live! or to make a group reservation, call (800) 952-8392 ext. 222 or (423) 913-127
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things to do
ETSU to offer class for adults who wish to learn to play the piano
East Tennessee State University’s Office of Professional Development will offer a non-credit class designed for adults interested in learning to play the piano or in reviewing and refreshing their piano skills. Participants will study the mechanics of playing the piano, develop music reading skills and gain an understanding of basic harmony and rhythm through the use of classical and popular melodies. No prior background in playing piano or reading music is required. The $175 course begins Tuesday, May 17, and will meet from 6:30-8 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday for six weeks, ending Thursday, June 23. The class will meet in ETSU’s Mathes Hall piano lab. The instructor for the course will be Jerilyn Paolini, a member of ETSU’s music faculty since 2001. Paolini teaches individual and group piano classes and directs the ETSU Summer Piano Camp. She also regularly performs in music department concerts. For further information or registration, call 800-222-3878.
LAST CALL for Christmas Connection– Arts & Crafts Fair- Vendor applications! Deadline is JUNE 1st, 2016.
Seeking ARTISTS, ARTISANS, & CRAFTSMEN of all trades… Now accepting applications from those interested in exhibiting at the 37th Annual Christmas Connection– Arts & Crafts Fair. Christmas Connection--Arts & Crafts Fair: Nov. 11 – 13, 2016. Calling all artists, artisans, and craftspeople of all trades! Kingsport’s Christmas Connection, an event sponsored by the City of Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts, is celebrating 37 years of arts and crafts in 2016! Applications are now being taken for those wishing to exhibit in this 3-day event, which is by invitation only. Application deadline: June 1st, 2016. Christmas Connection has been a staple in the community for over 30 years. It is a very well established cultural event in Kingsport, hosting the region’s best arts and crafts vendors.
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DATES/HOURS: FREE Admission to the public! Fri. Nov. 11: 12Noon - 6PM Sat. Nov. 12: 10AM 6PM Sun. Nov. 13: 12Noon - 5PM Applications will be accepted thru June 1st, 2016. To access the vendor application from the city website, and for more information visit: http://arts.kingsporttn.gov/cc or call 423-392-8415
Mindful Recovery Group Open To the Public
Anyone recovering from any type of addiction, including alcoholism and drug addiction, is invited to attend the Mindful Recovery Group. The group can serve as an alternative or addition to traditional 12-step recovery meetings and does not require any particular belief or spiritual practice. Mindful Recovery meets every Thursday from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Appalachian Dharma & Meditation Center (ADMC), 108 W. 10th Ave., Suite 3, Johnson City, TN. The meeting is free and confidential. For more information, contact mindfulrecovery4et@ gmail.com. ADMC offers opportunities to explore Buddhism, meditation of various forms, mindfulness and much more. For more information about ADMC, visit the website www.dharma4et.org or contact dharma4et@gmail.com.
Mountain Makins Festival Invitation to Musicians
Rose Center is preparing for the 41st Annual Mountain Makins Festival on October 22 and 23, 2016 in Morristown, TN. Once again, there will be continuous musical entertainment during both days of the Festival, and a Preview show on Friday night, Oct. 21. The festival features bluegrass and old time music, but also “new grass,” rockabilly, and other types of roots music. Musicians interested in performing at this year’s Mountain Makins Festival will need to contact Rose Center by May 30, 2016. Bands should send audio samples of their music, information about their group, photos, and contact information. Mountain Makins Festival, a celebration of Appalachian culture, is the larg-
est event in Hamblen County, drawing 7000 visitors from throughout the region. This year it was named the Best Festival in the Southeast by the Southeast Festivals and Events Association. It has been designated a “Top 20 Event in the Southeast” four times by the Southeast Tourism Society; and was also voted “Best Festival in East Tennessee” by readers of Tennessee Magazine. The festival is a fundraiser for historic Rose Center, an 1892 school building, now a museum and cultural center. Musicians may contact Rose Center at: PO Box 1976, Morristown, TN 37816; beccy@rosecenter.org; or 423-581-4330.
churches and individuals to help reflect on history and community. Entry fees include $50 for commercial and political entries and $25 for non-commercial entries. A mandatory safety meeting will take place on Monday, June 28 at the Jonesborough Visitors Center at 6 p.m. to review rules and line-ups of the parade. A refund of $10 will be given for attendance to the meeting. For a parade application and additional information, visit www.jonesboroughtn.org
The Jonesborough Parks and Recreation Department is currently accepting entries for the 46th Annual Jonesborough Days Parade to be held Saturday, July 2nd at 10 a.m. The parade sets the stage for the final day of the Jonesborough Days festival with a celebration of the community and its heritage. The theme of the 2016 parade is “Only In Jonesborough.” It is requested that entries be designed and decorated to focus on the Only In Jonesborough theme. Music and historic representations of the theme are encouraged as it is a great way for businesses,
ect. Entry fee is $10 per pallet. Participants will have two weeks to complete their project, which will be on display at PAC through July. Schedule is as follows: • June 6-10: Wooden pallets may be picked between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. • June 27-July 1: Pallets must be returned to Princeton Arts Center. • July 8: Artisan reception and unveiling of Pallet Art Projects from 6-8 p.m. • Aug. 1: Pallets may be picked up from PAC. For more information, please call (423)283-5800.
PAC to offer Pallet Project Entries Now Being Accepted ArtPrinceton Arts Center, 2516 E. Oakfor Annual Jonesborough land Ave., invites artisans ages 15 and older to participate in a Pallet Art ProjDays Parade
DROP QUOTE: “Making duplicate copies and computer printouts of things no one wanted even one of in the first place is giving America a new sense of purpose.” CRYPTOGRAM: Tears are nature’s lotion for the eyes. The eyes see better for being washed by them.
pets of the week
Jasper and Ivory are domestic short hairs that are spayed and neutered and are current on all vaccines. These sweeties are lap cats!
Tiger is a one year old domestic short hair. He is neutered and up to date on all vaccines. He is a handsome and sweet boy looking for his forever home! The Bridge Home has an ongoing aluminum can can collection in front of the shelter at 2061 Hwy 75 in Blountville,TN 37617. The cans are collected by a volunteer and the money from the aluminum goes towards badly needed food and supplies for the animals The Bridge Home No Kill Animal Rescue has started a pet food pantry for people that have had financial hardships because of job loss or medical problems and are struggling to feed their pet. They can come by the shelter and get cat or dog food to get through the tough time. Donations can be sent to The Bridge Home Shelter PO Box 654 Blountville, TN 37617 Every animal in their care is spayed or neutered and fully vaccinated before being adopted. Being a non profit the shelter is funded entirely by membership dues and private donations. They always need volunteers or monetary donations. Other always needed items:pet food, cat litter & cat toys dog treats & dog toys,paper towels, cleaners, office supplies,Purina weight circles. Phone: 423.239.5237 Hours are Mon-Fri 12pm-6pm Sat 12pm-3pm and Sun 2pm-4pm. Website is www.bridgehomerescue@gmail.com or like them on Facebook: www.Facebook. com/bridgehome
SELL .... YOUR .... STUFF
www.theloaferonline.com theloaferonline.com | May 10, 2016 | 29
PLACING A CLASSIFED LINE AD:
Go to: www.theloaferonline.com, create an account, and enter your classified. Call 423282-1907 or email: classifieds@theloaferonline.com if you have any questions.
01 General Items
73 Real Estate
49 Electronics
1,080 sqft. Completely remodeled
Phone: 423-408-0424 Price: $ 600.00 Nikon D3200 camera body, Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6, Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D, speed light flash, fisheye/ macro lens attachment, ND filters, a strap, sync cable, camera battery charger and grip , camera sync cable, 16 GB SD card, lg and sm camera bags, lg and sm tripods and camera/flash mounts. Very good condition, well cared for. If interested in an individual item, will consider. For more information, call or text Elijah.
dated bathroom, recessed lighting, crown molding, new roof in 2010, multi zone surround sound system wired to every room and outside the home, ADT pulse security system with motion sensors and video cameras. Listing by Wayne and Debi Bartley, Remax Checkmate Johnson City. For more information contact them at 423-2820432 (office) or 423-676-6180 (cell) Wayne & Debi Bartley, RealtorsRe/max Checkmate, Inc.
Nikon D3200 Camera, Lens, with features including hardwood floors throughout the home, upVarious Accessories
73 Real Estate
85 Jobs 93 Drivers/Delivery
You’re important. Let us show you how! Hiring Drivers: OTR, Regional, Teams, Owner Opps. Morristown Drivers Service, Inc. 844-MDS-Jobs. www.MDStrucking.com
103 Sales/Marketing
Account Representative Phone: 423-283-4324. The Loafer is seeking motivated account representatives to service various territories throughout TriCities. Must be enthusiastic, hardworking, positive, successful. Part time - Full time. Flexible hours. Must have reliable transportation, smart phone & self-motivated. Join 72 For Sale The Loafer team today! Email ***Condo for sale *** resumes to info@theloafeornPrice: $ 94,900.00 Woodstone Condos - 2 bedroom line.com / 1.5 bath. Listing by Wayne and Debi Bartley, Remax Checkmate Johnson City. For more information contact them at 423-282-0432 (office) or 423-676-6180 (cell) Wayne & Debi Bartley, RealtorsRe/max Checkmate, Inc.
Homes like this don’t come available often!
Phone: (423) 612-1367 Price: $ 132,000.00 306 Mockingbird Place, Blountville, TN. 3 bedrooms, 1 bath -
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107 Services
107 Services
110 Beauty / Salon
141 Motorcycle/Scooters
A Style 4 U. We are a full service salon owned and operated by by Sandi Smith, with hair stylist Renee Gibson on board, that offers professional cuts, styles, colors, and perms at affordable prices. The best prices in the Tri-Cities area. Men’s haircuts are $10. Women’s are $12. We have over 32 years experience in the business and we want to help you get your style on! We are located at 943 Volunteer Parkway in Bristol, Tennessee, near Auto Zone. Call us at 423534-9825. Walk ins welcome!
121 General Services
NOTHING MAKES A PROPERTY LOOK BETTER THAN A NICE SLATE-BLACK PARKING LOT OR DRIVEWAY!! Asphalt
Sealing • Crack Repai • Line Striping! Book your appointment today for a free quote! 423-383-3553
128 Lawn & Garden
Mowing starting at $25! Contact Majestic Lawn Care Small yards start at $25. We also offer general landscaping such as mulching, small tree/bush removal, sprucing up flowerbeds, general yard cleanup. For a free estimate contact us at 423-268-7319 or majesticlawnserivces@yahoo. com Visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/majesticmowing.
138 Transportation 2004 Honda XR50 Phone: 423-383-3553 Price: $ 600.00 Great running bike
145 Mind, Body & Spirit 149 Natural Alternatives
129 Legal
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS. Unable to work? Denied benefits? We Can Help! WIN or Pay Nothing! Contact Bill Gordon & Associates at 1-800-864-9032 to start your application today!
Stop Smoking Naturally with Hypnosis. Tired of being chained to the deadly habit of smoking? Are you motivated to stop smoking without using chemicals or chewing gum or wearing patches? I can help motivate you to stop this expensive, negative, unhealthy habit. Call us today at A New Path Hypnosis, 423-341-8898 or visit www.anewpathhypnosis.com to get started living a healthier life today. Free information session for all new clients.
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YET ANOTHER GRADUATION SPEECH
t this time of year, as countless anxious and perhaps relieved students prepare to matriculate from their alma maters, I generally (but not always) enjoy sharing my thoughts about that well-worn and perhaps outdated mode of communication--the graduation speech. I doubt that I will ever be called upon to deliver such an oration, but if I do, I promise it will be very short and maybe not so sweet. And it might very well take the form of a musical or video performance. I recall that the most memorable (by far) graduation speech I ever heard was not a speech at all, but a wonderful musical performance by Doc and Merle Watson offered upon the occasion of my graduation from Appalachian State University many years and many lives ago. I still use this as the benchmark by which to measure the success of the many subsequent speeches I have sat through, and so far no one has come close to measuring up. While thinking about this topic, and listening to a replay of Doc and Merle’s performance in my head, I read a little piece, “How To Write A Graduation Speech,” put out by the Josten company, purveyor of many things having to do with graduations (i.e. rings, invitations, caps and gowns, etc.). Needless to say, a musical performance was not listed anywhere in this guide. Instead, we are treated to the usual suspects. For instance, when writing your perfect graduation speech you should choose an appropriate theme, such as “paths through life,” “overcoming obstacles,” “classmates as individuals,” “looking back to the early years,” “memories of high school [or college],” “making a difference,” and “congratulations.” I was disappointed to not find “a sure cure for insomnia” included in this list of sleep-inducers and texting incentives. Also included in this short little advice sheet is the admonition to make sure your speech doesn’t include one or more of the following: “insults to individuals or groups,” “racial or ethnic jokes,” sexual innuendos,” and “false information.” Needless to say, some of our political candidates have not read this list or followed its advice. Of course, what doesn’t work in a graduation speech might be just the thing to get you elected. The Josten folks conclude with this very strange suggestion: “If you go blank during your speech, don’t panic. Instead, focus your eyes on one person in the audience which will make it look as though you are being forceful and dramatic. Pause for about four seconds before focusing on someone else. Repeat until you have collected your thoughts.” Obviously, there should be a limit on how many times you repeat this procedure before you are asked to leave the podium. So, let’s forget all this sage advice and lists of themes and focus on what really matters (besides getting out of the ceremony as quickly as possible)-namely, the whole reason why students are put through this ordeal. And that should be to become lifelong learners rather than test-takers. Grad-
uation should signal the beginning, not the end, of the learning process. The whole purpose of being in school is to learn how to learn without being in school. Schools should, in short, prepare students to learn how to learn. And how do you do that? Well, for starters, you don’t focus on giving tests, but on asking questions and finding creative solutions. As I tell my students, they should focus on being CURIOUS, CREATIVE, and CONNECTED. One of the first questions we ask not long after birth is “Why?” While some parents find this irritating, I rejoiced every time my daughter asked this question, because it gave me an opportunity to encourage her to be curious. Warren Berger’s intriguing book A MORE BEAUTIFUL QUESTION is chock full of valuable questions we should all be asking. And the best questions are the ones that can’t readily be answered by a Google search, such as “What is the fresh idea that will help my business stand out? What if I come at my work or my art in a whole different way? How might I tackle a long-standing problem that has affected my community, my family?” These are the kinds of questions that aren’t measured by standardized testing, but they go to the heart of curiosity, which leads to . . . . . . CREATIVITY. Learners should also be creators. And creativity doesn’t always mean you have to be an artist. Again, standardized testing can’t measure creativity, which, sad to say, is probably why so few students are not asked to be creative. More than any other places on earth, classrooms should be centers of creativity. There should be multiple paths toward getting an “A,” whereas the road of standardized testing only proscribes one way. Students / learners should also be CONNECTED, and not just in a technological way (i.e., with Wi-Fi and 4G). Being connected means cultivating the ability to see connections between various sources of information and to understand how past and present are connected in many relevant and surprising ways. As Michael Patrick Lynch writes in his new book, THE INTERNET OF US (which I wrote about recently), being connected means having understanding, and not just mere knowledge. Googling can give us knowledge, but not understanding. Understanding requires plenty of hard work and critical thinking, and there are many paths that lead to the acquisition of this valuable skill. So, to make a very long story short, we should be creating learning environments that encourage students to be curious, creative, and connected. And we can only do this when students are doing something in the classroom rather than just listening to lectures and taking tests. In this mobile world we are living in, students already have the necessary information at their fingertips. What they, and us, need most is the kind of understanding that Lynch writes about. In short, my graduation speech advice is very simple: “Never stop asking questions, create something new every day, and search for connections that will make you a lifelong learner.” And if you can find a speaker who will play music rather than talk, hire him immediately! See you next week. Before I go, let me congratulate those of you who will be graduating in the next few weeks. I wish you well as your learning adventure begins. theloaferonline.com | May 10, 2016 | 31