Page 2 | The Loafer | October 27, 2015
www.theloaferonline.com
October 27, 2015 | The Loafer | Page 3
Volume 29 • Issue #47
HALLOWEEN
Publisher Luci Tate
Editor Graphic Arts Director Don Sprinkle Office Manager Luci Tate Cover Design Bill May Advertising Dave Carter Terry Patterson Lori Howell Beth Jinks-Ashburn Contributing Staff Jim Kelly Andy Ross Ken Silvers Mark Marquette Brian McManus Joshua Hicks Brian Bishop Nathan Cox 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 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
happenings 4
Halloween Happenings
5
Scary Stories at Fort Watauga
6
Musical Collaration Comes to WETS-FM
7
BMC’s Annual Scholarship Benefit
8
Crooked Road Ramblers at Carter Fold
9
‘Magnificent Magnavox’ exhibit at Reece Museum
10
Halloween Contra Dance
11
Haunts & Happenings
19
‘Death in Vaud-EVILLE’
21
Steel Magnolias at Northeast State Theater
25
Rhythms Of The Mountain Empire
music & fun 14
Spotlight - Great Music & Fun Times
24
Crossword & Sudoku
12
Batteries Not Included - Extended Family Dinner
13
Mountain Movers - The Lee Ann Davis Interview
16
Stargazer - Astronomy Has Its Ghosts & Goblins
17
Skies This Week
18
Screen Scenes - “Goosebumps”
columns & reviews
20 The Trivial Traveler - The Bushman cometh 25
Lock, Stock & Barrel - Winter Firearms Storage
26
Kelly’s Place - Halloween Horrors 2015, The End (?)
Page 4 | The Loafer | October 27, 2015
Milligan to host annual Costumes, Candy, Ghosts, ‘Trunk or Treat’ Goblins and more
Milligan College will host its annual “Trunk or Treat” event on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 6-8 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. This year’s “Trunk or Treat” will be held in the parking lot of Milligan’s Faculty Office Building, located behind the McMahan Student Center. Parking for the event is available behind the Gregory Center for the Liberal Arts. A safe and fun environment for children, “Trunk or Treat” gives area youth an opportunity to enjoy this age old custom in a new and exciting way. Milligan students will dress in costume and decorate their cars to house a variety of treats for participants. “Trunk or Treat” is sponsored by LINC (Linking Individuals to the Needs of the Community). The LINC volunteer center is a student-run organization that connects Milligan students to volunteer needs in the surrounding community. For more information, contact LINC at 423.461.8711. To learn more about Milligan, visit www.milligan.edu.
Haunted Halloween Tales at Birthplace of Country Music Museum
On Wednesday, October 28, at 6:30pm, join Leon Overbay, the Boones Creek Bard, as he shares ghost stories and Appalachian folk tales. A founding member of the Jonesborough Storytellers Guild and a charter member of the Barter Storytellers, Leon is known for his cowboy poetry, Appalachian stories, and southern humor. This storytelling session is free and will be held in the museum’s Performance Theater; it is suitable for older kids and adults. The museum will also host a retelling of “The Bell Witch” legend suitable for all ages on Saturday, October 31 at 12 noon. Free and open to the public, this event is the perfect way for families to end their morning after Pumpkin Palooza at the Farmers’ Market and trick-or-treating on State Street. Bristol Public Library children’s librarian Pam Neal will entertain with this wonderful spooky tale, and there will be candy for your little trick-or-treaters. For more information about Pumpkin Palooza festivities, visit www.BelieveinBristol.org.
“It is our intent to provide not only a safe environment for the kids, but something really fun for everyone” said Greg Jones, Town Manager. “Our King Alleyween event is truly a unique experience kids and adults alike will remember for a long time”. The King Alleyween event will be held in the center of town on Jackson Street. Groups and individuals who would like to decorate their car or truck for the Trunk or Treat are encouraged to register at KingAlley.com or call 276-386-3831. An award will be given for the best decorated car or truck! “Last year was a blast!” said Rebecca Wagers, Events Coordinator. “This year we’ve added some new attractions that we are sure you don’t want to miss! I’m not giving any spoilers, but you never know what might happen on a Halloween hayride! “ This year’s King Alleyween event is sponsored by First Community Bank, Backdraft BBQ, Broadwater Trading Company, Egan Construction, Egan Electrical, Mattern & Craig, Inc, Marcum’s Pharmacy, Gator Vapor, and Sunshine Auto.
In October, the City of Bristol and many businesses will host a number of Halloween themed events. Most all of the events are free and open to the public. Children, teens, parents and/or guardians will enjoy tricks and treats at the events listed below. There is fall fun for everyone on Saturday, October 31, 2015. The day will kick off with Pumpkin Palooza named after Lollapalooza a rock and roll music festival which was created in 1991. Pumpkin Palooza will begin at 9 a.m. and go on until 11:00 a.m. at the State Street Farmers Market. There will be a costume parade and pumpkin decorating. Free pumpkins and treat bags will be offered for as long as they last. The festivities will continue onto downtown streets as Believe in Bristol and Downtown merchants join in the fun Main Street Jonesborough to Host with Trick or Treating along State Street. The annual October Comic Fest and the 2nd Annual Zombie Walk will take place on October 31, starting at 10 a.m. on 6th Street in Downtown Bristol. Get your free comic at Mountain Empire Comics while supplies last. Register for the Zombie Walk at Bridgeforth Design Studio and get ready to do your best zombie impersonation as the horde shambles up and down State Street. The walk begins at 6:30 p.m. and is free to the public. If you want to get a head start on Halloween, check out Ghost Stories and Appalachian Folktales with Leon Overbay on Wednesday, October 28 at 6:30 p.m. in the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. The storytelling session is free The Main Street Program in Jonesborough is proud to and will be held in the museum’s Performance Theater. present an extension of the popular Main Street Brews and For more information on these events, contact Terrie Tunes event with a slight twist dedicated to Halloween on Talbert 423-989-5500 Ext. 2055 or email tsmith-talbert@brisOct. 30. toltn.org. Main Street Jonesborough will host Main Street Brews and Boos the night before Halloween on October 30 from 9 to11 p.m. in the park behind the International Storytelling Center. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the Jonesborough Visitors Center and International Storytelling scheduled for Halloween night! Center or over the phone at (423) 753-1010. The event will include three ghost stories revealed over The main events will take place Halloween night, October 31st, 2015 from 6:00 PM till 8:30 PM on downtown the period of the evening. As the night continues, so does Jackson Street. The Town of Gate City will be full of Zom- the drama, chills and suspense with each spooky tale. In bies and other creatures of the night. King Alleyween will addition, Main Street Café & Catering will be serving three feature Trunk or Treat hosted by many area churches and selections of seasonal craft beer from local breweries durcivic groups. There will be an undead DJ, Zombie Dancers, ing Main Street Brews and Boos. Main Street Brews and Boos is recommended for ages face painting, activities for the kids! Costume contests will be held with a trophy awarded for Infant - 4 yr old, K–5th 12 and up, and guests are encouraged to bring chairs and grade, 6th-8th grade, 9th-12th grade, Adult and Pet catego- blankets. In case of inclement weather, the event will be ries. Bring your best carved pumpkin for a chance to win ½ moved inside to the International Storytelling Center. Main Street Brews and Boos is brought to you by Chugdozen cupcakes from Family Bakery! And take some time to gather around the fires and roast marshmallows while gernaut at RoadRunner Markets. For additional information please visit Main Street the hayrides, including a trip through a haunted forest, Jonesborough on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. continue until 10pm.
Brews and Boos
King Alleyween
www.theloaferonline.com
October 27, 2015 | The Loafer | Page 5
Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area
Scary Stories at Fort Watauga Scary Stories at Fort Watauga is soon to be upon us! On Thursday, October 30th at 7:30 pm, the walls of the historic recreation of the fort will be alive with tales of haints and happenings of days gone by. An annual event not to be missed, Scary Stories is set inside the fort, creating a unique atmosphere for an evening of spooky tales geared to the entire family. We are excited to welcome three exceptional storytellers to the fort this year; C. Keith Young, and the Front Porch Storytellers - Mary Jane Kennedy, and Chad Bogart. Each of these talented tellers is sure to bring a smile to your face and a chill to your spine! C. Keith Young, Raconteur, has performed as the featured storyteller/emcee for the Virginia Highlands Festival, First Night Kingsport, Kingsport Funfest Showtime, Fayetteville Christmas Past Festival, Erwin Strawberry Festival, the Stone Soup Festival (South Carolina), Elizabethton’s Covered Bridge Celebration, Roan Mountain State Park Miller Homestead Days, Sycamore Shoals State Park, plus numerous appearances at Tellabrations and Jonesborough Days. His work as a storyteller, emcee, humorist and professional
musician spans more than three decades. He serves the area as director of the off-campus teaching site in Elizabethton for Northeast State Community College. The Front Porch Storytellers developed and co-founded by Mary Jane Kennedy, Sherri Hyder and Chad Bogart is actively presenting storytelling programs throughout the area and in Elizabethton. Be sure to check out their Historic Ghost Walks in downtown Elizabethton! They have been telling stories together for five years at many schools, civic functions, senior homes and organizations throughout the Mountain Empire. Mary Jane Kennedy spent 30 years teaching in Orlando. She has a background in music, voice over, historical research and storytelling. She is the Co-Founder of The Overmountain Singers, The Homespun Storytellers and The Front Porch Storytellers. She has been actively performing in the area for the last nine years both in music and storytelling. Chad Bogart comes from a long line of storytellers. His abilities are enhanced by a background in music, living history, and historical interpretation. Chad’s interest in scary stories stemmed from fam-
ily ghost tales told by his Grandmother, and are a favorite among his listeners. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and make it a point to mark your calendar now for this exciting family event! If you would like additional information, please call Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area at 423-543-5808. Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area, 1651 West Elk Avenue, Elizabethton, TN 37643 www.sycamoreshoalstn.org
Dada Cabaret to celebrate Halloween with ‘Le Sacrifice’ Dada Cabaret will celebrate Halloween through musical escapism and entertainment with its second recital of the fall season, “Le Sacrifice.” For centuries, artists, writers and musicians have depicted macabre obsessions and disturbing dreams through their craft, and in “Le Sacrifice,” Dada Cabaret offers up an “eerily absurd tale” set in the Tri-Cities. The program, which will be held Friday, Oct. 30, at 7:30 p.m. at the Acoustic Coffeehouse Next Door, 415 W. Walnut St., features a “darkly humorous” narrative weaving new music and old favorites, as well as a costume contest for the audience. Dada Cabaret, an ensemble from East Tennessee State University’s Department of Music, is inspired by literary nonsense; transgressive cinema, which uses shock value and humor; the early 20th century artistic movement of Dadaism, which illustrated absurdity through paintings of purposeless machines and collages of discarded materials; and the avant-garde movement, which featured experimental, innovative art that went beyond what was accepted as the norm. This experimental group seeks to push the boundaries of classical music and transcend the divide between audience and performer. Members of Dada Cabaret include ETSU Department of Music faculty members Dr. Heather Killmeyer on oboe, Dr. Stephanie Frye on tuba and euphonium and tenor Dr. Alan Ste-
vens, along with local writer and pianist Andrew Ford, who narrates the program. “Le Sacrifice” is free and open to the public. Donations are welcome. The recital is for mature audiences and not suitable for children. For more information, call the Department of Music at 423-439-4276
Page 6 | The Loafer | October 27, 2015
American-Russian Musical Collaboration Comes to WETS-FM
On Saturday, October 31, an American-Russian musical collaboration comes to WETS-FM and Dave Carter’s Studio One. Eugene Wolf and Mitya Kuznetsov kick off a two week-6 show tour celebrating the release of their new CD, Where We’ll Never Grow Old, a collection of American country hymns and spirituals from the late 18 and early 19 centuries. A seed planted 18 years ago comes to fruition. They met in 1997 when Wolf was studying Russian with Anna Gabruseva, a teacher from Johnson City’s sister city, Rybinsk, Russia. Kuznetsov, a Rybinsk native and a member of Russian folk group, Seventh Water was visiting friends, Bill Clifton and Tineke Marburg in Mendota, Virginia and Gabruseva thought the two should meet. Mitya was working on a collection of English verse that he was writing melodies for and asked Wolf to sing them so he could be sure of pronunciation. They spent a couple of weeks working, even integrating Kuznetsov into the Wolf and Ed Snodderly’s band, Brother Boys for a couple of shows. A friendship of music and blini was forged and Kuznetsov returned to Russia. They lost touch for a number of years until Wolf discovered Kuznetsov on Facebook in 2012. Mitya had become a solo folk artist and music producer in Russia and had produced a number of solo folk recordings, soundtracks
for foreign films and collaborations with bands Raznotravie and Seventh Water. They decided to pick up where the years left them and collaborate. In Russia. Kuznetsov had performed at the Carter Fold in 1990 with his band, Seventh Water and they recorded their first album, Jolly Good at Classic Studios in Bristol, VA. Wolf and Snodderly had recorded the first of the Brother Boys’ three albums, Mulehead at Classic Studios, too and Wolf went on to create the role of A. P. Carter in Barter Theatre’s original play, Keep on the Sunny Side. It seemed the Carter Family might be good musical ground to meet on. Wolf traveled to Russia in the summer of 2013 with a guitar, an Appalaachian dulcimer and a set of gospel and spiritual songs and Carter Family hymns. A last minute discovery of an American shape note hymn, Russia, written in 1768 lifted the intention of the collaboration. What do Americans and Russians share that is sacred? Are there answers in the music? He and Mitya put together a concert with singers from the church in Rybinsk and musicians from the town and performed in Mitya’s backyard on a stage he had built for summer concerts. He produc-
es 4 concerts each summer with musical guests from all over the world. It turns out the intention of these old melodies tell stories that need no language. The folks of Rybinsk understood exactly what the songs were getting at. The concert was a success and new friendships were formed. They began recording and shot a video for the first song, Anchored in Love and has become one of the most popular versions of the song on Youtube. Wolf recorded 10 songs with only guitar and vocals before he returned to America. Over the past two years, Mitya has taken these simple tracks and created glorious arrangements around them. Mitya often works alone in the studio, arranging, performing all the instruments and vocals. His wife, Anna joins him on many of the vocals. For this project, he also enlisted string players and a saxophonist to fill out what he heard in these wonderful old melodies. The result is a fresh take on songs many of us have held close since the first time we sang them in church. Songs of solace. Tour schedule below. Sunday, November 1 Carter Fold – Janette Carter Memorial Gospel Concert – 2:30 PM Wednesday, November 4 Barter Theatre Abingdon, Virginia - 7:30 PM Saturday, November 7 Song of the Mountains Lincoln Theater Marion, Virginia – 7 PM Wednesday, November 11 Down Home Johnson City, Tennessee – 8 PM
www.theloaferonline.com
The Bristol Music Club’s Annual Scholarship Benefit, Musical Program and Fashion show
On Saturday, October 31 at 2pm at the Paramount Center for Arts in downtown Bristol, The Bristol Music Club will hold their annual Scholarship Benefit, Musical Program and Fashion Show. The theme of this year’s benefit is“A Community in Harmony”. This event is the main fundraiser for the club’s music scholarship program that has been giving scholarships to talented young musicians in our area since 1964. This year’s fashions will be provided by The Galleria and the YWCA Bristol Bridal Station. Models participating in the fashion show represent people who work in agencies or serve on boards who are working to better our community and will include Nancy Arnold, Christina Blevins, Rose Marie Burriss, Dawn Lugo, Hopelyn Mooney, Leah Ross, Beth Shumaker and Kathy Waugh. The musical program for this year’s event will be presented
by Cassie Sun, piano, Thomas O’Neill, tenor and The Lugo Family Strings. Sun, of Kingsport is a student at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, studies piano with Carol Stone and has received superior ratings in the MTNA and National Junior Music Club festivals. O’Neill, of Abingdon, is a student at Patrick Henry High School, studies voice with Rachel Milligan Helton and recently was a winner in NATS Atlantic Competition and spent the summer studying voice at The Brevard Music Center. The Lugo Family Strings includes siblings Cameron, David, Jonathan and Natalie Lugo. Cameron currently is the assistant concertmaster of the Symphony of the Mountains and studies violin with Dr. Thomas Joiner of Furman University. He will be the featured soloist with the Symphony of the Mountains in January 2016 when he performs the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto.
David, Jonathan and Natalie are all members of the Symphony of the Mountains Youth Orchestra and all are studying with Dr. Miro Hristov at the University of Tennessee. The afternoon will conclude with a festive reception in the Paramount Center’s lobby with homemade refreshments prepared by the Music Club members. Providing music for the reception will be a string trio of Bethany Dawson, Cameron Lugo and Natalie Lugo. Tickets for the event are $20 and can be purchased from any Bristol Music Club member or at the door on the day of the event. For more information, you may contact Steve Fey, President of The Bristol Music Club at (423) 764-7176 or Judy Dowe, Chair of the Scholarship Benefit Committee at (276) 669-8509
For the third year, Believe in Bristol is offering $5,000.00 to the best downtown business idea. Building on the ePrize program, and thanks to a generous gift by Wells Fargo, not only will there be a financial reward for successfully opening or expanding/renovating a business in downtown Bristol Tennessee or Virginia, 14 finalists will be selected to participate in the proven nine week entrepreneur training program, Co.Starters. Thanks to a special licensing arrangement from AccelNow, our local entrepreneur accelerator, we are able cover the costs of the textbooks and professional facilitation of the coursework. Anyone is eligible to enter. The top 14 entries will be selected on November 25th to participate in the Co.Starters program, which will begin the first two weeks of December 2015. This training program provides an incredible opportunity for the students to gain an edge in their business strategies. While there will be only one prize winner, all 14 students will
win a comprehensive training program that will empower them in their future business endeavors. A Shark Tank style pitch event will be held the last day of class. Judges from all walks of local entrepreneurialism will score contestants and the winner will be announced that day.
To enter, visit www.BelieveInBristol.org/Business. To be eligible for the prize, contestants must start their business or secure a professional renovation or expansion project in Historic Downtown Bristol within six months to be reimbursed with the prize money.
Believe in Bristol Announces Free Entrepreneur Training and $5,000.00 Pitch Event
October 27, 2015 | The Loafer | Page 7
Page 8 | The Loafer | October 27, 2015
Kilby Spencer & The Crooked Road Ramblers at Carter Family Fold
Saturday, October 31st, 2015, at 7:30 p.m., the Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, Virginia, will present a special concert by Kilby Spencer & the Crooked Road Ramblers. Admission to the concert is $10 for adults, $1 for children 6 to 11, under age 6 free. The Crooked Road Ramblers play traditional old time dance music from the mountains of Virginia and North Carolina. Members of the band are Kilby Spencer on fiddle, John Perry on guitar, Peco Watson on clawhammer banjo, Donald Hill on guitar and vocals, Wayne Dye on mandolin, and Karen Carr on bass and vocals. Most of the band are second and third-generation musicians who now play old time mountain music influenced by their families and communities. Kilby grew up in a musical family. His parents are Thornton and Emily Spencer of the Whitetop Mountain Band – a band that has performed for over four decades.
John Perry is well-known throughout our area for his guitar playing. Lots of people remember John for playing in the award-winning band the New River Ramblers. Donald Hill has been playing music his entire life. His father, Leon Hill, was a musician and singer as well. Don is the senior member of the band, and he was actually playing guitar with the Whitetop Mountain Band in 1982. In fact, he was playing at the 1982 World’s Fair while Kilby was being born. Karen Carr is a dream-come-true for any old time or bluegrass band. She loves to play music and sing. She and Don also handle comedy for the group. Karen is deeply rooted in the musical heritage of the region with relatives who played including Fred Cockerham and Wilson Ramey. Karen’s won the award for best old-time bass at Galax twice. Wayne Dye is a former member of the Russell County Boys – a band formed by the former sheriff of Russell County –
Trigg Fields. Peco Watson is wellknown throughout the region. He played with the award-winning New Ballards Branch Bogtrotters for many years. Kyle Creed taught him a great deal on the banjo. Don’t miss Kilby Spencer and the Crooked Road Ramblers at the Carter Family Fold. It will be an evening of down-home entertainment. Bring along your friends and your dancing shoes! Kilby literally grew up playing on the stage of the Carter Fold, and he knows exactly what Fold audiences expect. He delivers just that in the style his family always has. The Spencers are one of the few bands remaining today that have performed at the Fold continually over the past 41 years. Carter Family Memorial Music Center, Incorporated, is a nonprofit, rural arts organization established to preserve traditional, acoustic, mountain music. For further information on the center, go to http://www.carterfamilyfold.
org. Shows from the Carter Family Fold can be accessed on the internet at http://www.carterfoldshow.com. Carter Music Center is part of the Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail. You can visit the Crooked Road Music Trail site at http://thecrookedroad.org. Partial funding for programs at the center is provided by the Vir-
ginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. For recorded information on shows coming up at the Fold, call 276-386-6054. The Fold is on Facebook – page Carter Fold – and Twitter – @carterfoldinfo. To speak to a Fold staff member, call 276594-0676.
www.theloaferonline.com
‘Magnificent Magnavox’ exhibit featured at ETSU’s Reece Museum
East Tennessee State University’s Reece Museum is hosting an exhibit titled “Magnificent Magnavox,” which runs through Tuesday, Dec. 15. The exhibit recognizes the history of Magnavox, the consumer electronics company which opened its first southern plant in Greeneville in 1947. Magnavox also had a cabinet plant in Johnson City from 1962 to 1979. Featuring radios, record players, televisions, advertising, memorabilia, and text panels, the exhibit is gathered from the collection of the Magnavox Historical Preservation Association (MHPA) and other sources. The exhibit highlights the styles, design and craftsmanship that made Magnavox one of the premier manufacturers in the country. The units reflect the changing lifestyle and consumer tastes from the 1940s through the 1990s. Today, electronics are not thought to reflect individuality—think of rows of nondescript, black flat-screens
in stores. However, in the last half of the 20th century, consumers did want their individuality reflected and Magnavox knew it, producing units in French, Mediterranean, Early American, Classic, Asian and contemporary styles. The exhibit also explores the roots of Magnavox, which developed the first loudspeaker or “sound reproducer.” Additional features include the first single-dial radio made in 1924 in Oakland, California, by Magnavox; the company’s first television produced in 1948 (the cabinet of which was made in Greeneville); and the complete “Spirit of ’76” Collection (produced for the American Bicentennial). A full-color booklet will be available for purchase as part of the exhibit. According to George Collins, curator of “Magnificent Magnavox,” “The units and the related advertising reflect a different time in America, as well as the craftsmanship of the people of North-
east Tennessee who produced many of the pieces. This exhibit is the largest we have mounted. The Magnavox Historical Preservation Association deeply appreciates the support of the Reece Museum and the Center for Appalachian Studies and Services in bringing this exhibit to Northeast Tennessee.” “The History of Magnavox and the Electronics Revolution” by Collins and Bob Bausch and of the MHPA on Thursday, Nov. 5, from 5-7 p.m. The lecture is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served as part of the lecture. The MHPA was formed in 2010 and is based in Greeneville. Its mission is to collect and preserve the history and artifacts of Magnavox and provide educational opportunities. Learn more about the association by visiting www. magnavoxhistory.com. The Reece Museum, celebrating its 50th anniversary, is a unit of the Center for Appalachian
October 27, 2015 | The Loafer | Page 9
Studies and Services at ETSU. Centrally located on campus at 363 Stout Drive, the museum’s regular hours are Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Three parking spaces located directly in front of the museum are designated specifically for visitors to the Reece Museum and the Archives of Appalachia. For more information about the museum, call 423-439-4392 or visit www.etsu.edu/cass/reece. For disability accommodations, call the ETSU Office of Disability Services at 423-439-8346.
Winter Volleyball League
YWCA Bristol will be offering a volleyball league for men’s and women’s quads teams. The league, held on Thursday evenings, will begin on November 5th. Register your team by Monday, November 2nd. The cost is $25 per player. For more information call the YWCA at 423-968-9444.
MPCC will host Trunk or Treat
Memorial Park Community Center, 510 Bert St., will host a free Trunk or Treat for all ages on Thursday, Oct. 29 from 6-7:30 p.m. Participants are encouraged to wear a costume and join the staff for Halloween fun and candy. Registration is not required. For more information, please call (423)461-4852.
Page 10 | The Loafer | October 27, 2015
Halloween Costume Contra Dance The Historic Jonesborough Dance Society will present a contra dance on Saturday, October 31, 2015 at the Jonesborough Visitors Center, 117 Boone Street. The featured band will Playing with Fyre with Andrea Nettleton as caller. Admission to the dance is $7, HJDS Members $5, Students $5. No partner is necessary. All dances are taught by the caller. All dances are smoke and alcohol free. A workshop for beginning contra dancers will be led by the caller at 7:00pm. The dance will run from 7:30-10:30pm with a waltz break at 9:00pm where, once again, Klond-
ike Bars will be served to all who attend Costume judging and prize awards will take place during the break. Playing with Fyre is a relatively new ensemble although the performers are in no way new to the contra dance community. Percussionist, Joey Dorwart, comes from the popular non-trad band, ContraForce. Pianist and composer, George Paul, comes from years of performing around the world with the Avant Gardeners. Fiddler, Rob Zisette, grew up in the family band, Toss the Possum. “This trio has incredible talent and delivers
very high musical energy for the dancers” offers event organizer, David Wiley. “We are so excited that they are playing for our dances on Halloween night and again on January 2nd and 3rd for our New Years Affair weekend.” Andrea Nettleton currently hails from Atlanta, GA. She is rapidly making a name for herself as caller for contra, English and Celtic dance. She brings a repertoire of fun dances and excellent instruction. This event will be Andrea’s first visit to Jonesborough. Its Halloween night which means that all comers are invited
to tap in to their costume creative talent. “Last year’s dance brought so many wonderful costume ideas that we had a hard time picking the winners” offers David Wiley, President of HJDS. At the break, costume contestants will promenade around the dance floor as the judges select the finalists. Then, by applause from the crowd, the winners will be selected. Winners will receive gift certificates from local Jonesborough merchants or free passes to future contra dance events. Costumes are recommended but not required for the dance. On November 7, 2015, the Historic Jonesborough Dance Society will celebrate 10 years of community contra dance in Jonesborough with a Medieval Masked Contra Ball. Anyone who ever played music, called dances or danced in Jonesborough in the last 10 years is invited to rejoin the community for this special celebration. For more information, please contact event organizer, David Wiley at 423-534-8879, visit www. historicjonesboroughdancesociety. org and on FACEBOOK.
www.theloaferonline.com
ETSU to present drama
‘Race’
The Department of Communication and Performance at East Tennessee State University will present the highly acclaimed drama “Race.” Performance dates are Oct. 27-31 (Tuesday – Saturday) at 7:30 p.m. and Friday, Oct. 30 and Sunday, Nov. 1 at 2 p.m. The show will be performed in the ETSU Campus Center Building in Studio 205. Written by David Mamet, “Race” tells the story of three lawyers – one white and two black – who are offered a chance to defend a white man charged with raping a black woman. The plot unfolds as the defendant and the three attorneys struggle with the evidence of the case along with their own individual feelings about race. The show premiered on Broadway in 2009 starring Richard Thomas and James Spader and closed in spring 2010 after 297 performances, earning a Tony nomination for actor David Alan Grier. The show has since been performed in numerous regional theaters across the United States. “Race” stars ETSU students Richard Jackson, Michael Lee, Evin McQuistion and Nifemi Moronkeji. Herb Parker, associate professor of Communication and Performance, is directing “Race,” with graduate student Kathryn Pafford as stage manager. The show contains strong adult themes and language. Tickets are $7 for students and $15 for general admission. These can be purchased by visiting www.etsu.edu/theatre or by calling 423-439-6511. The Campus Center Building is located across from the Bud Frank Theatre. For accommodations for individuals with disabilities, call 423-439-8346.
October 27, 2015 | The Loafer | Page 11
Jonesborough Transforms During Annual Halloween Haunts & Happenings Main Street in Downtown Historic Jonesborough is the place to be on Friday, Oct. 30 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for the annual Halloween event. Halloween Haunts & Happenings boasts the best games, costume contest and trick-or-treating in East Tennessee. Halloween Haunts & Happenings is a free annual event and has been a tradition for area residents for nearly 40 years. Now, thousands come to celebrate this free family evening of fun. The event was recently recognized by the Tennessee Parks and Recreation Association with a Four Star Award. Halloween Haunts & Hap-
penings has something for all ages including trick-or-treating along Main Street as well as lots of games and prizes, face painting, fortune telling and more. This year, the Christopher Taylor Log House will be transformed into the Sanderson Sister’s home from Disney’s Hocus Pocus. Also, one of the main features of the event will be Scary-oke by the Jonesborough Novelty Band, where the group transforms all the classic tunes into Halloween jingles. This year there will also be a DJ offering dance music and fun interactions
with the crowd as well provided by Redefined Media of Jonesborough. The costume contest is proud to have Food City as the sponsor this year offering gift cards and prizes to the winners. It starts at 7 p.m. in front of the Courthouse with several categories including children ages 3 and under, ages 4 to 7, ages 8 to 12, teens ages 13 to 18 and adults. There is also a group category and a pet category for your furry friends. So be sure to join us and don’t forget your costume! Following Halloween Haunts
& Happenings, Main Street Brews and Boos will take place from 9 to 11 p.m. in Storytelling Park featuring scary ghost stories geared towards adults and offering craft beer. Tickets to Main Street Brews and Boos are $10, not recommended for children 12 and under. Both events will be held rain or shine and for more information, call (423) 753-1010.
Page 12 | The Loafer | October 27, 2015
Extended Family Dinner: A Horror Story
I kept doing the math over and over again in my head, I didn’t want to believe the outcome. No matter how many times I kept trying to change the outcome, the number never changed. 14. A birthday dinner for a 12 year old filled with 14 members of my extended family. I was hauling the birthday cake to the restaurant, my aunt had been filled with anxiety about the birthday dinner, but she was furious about the cake. Being a birthday gathering, the cake was pretty important. I
thought about ways to just drop the cake off and duck out of the whole thing, but I couldn’t justify it. Also, I was quite hungry myself. I hadn’t had lunch that day, and my stomach was making loud gurgling sounds. I should also mention that in addition to the cake, the 12 year
old whose birthday we were celebrating was also riding to the restaurant with me. It wouldn’t be fair for me to just throw him to the wolves with nothing but a misspelt birthday cake. That is why my aunt was furious about the cake. The bakery tried their best with a mindcraft creeper cake. The cake actually looked quite good, decorated nicely with green frosting, until you noticed that it said “Happy 12th Birthoy!” instead of “Happy 12th Birthday!” We arrived at the restaurant, I parked the car, got the Birthoy cake and walked in with the 12 year old. Not all of the extended family was there yet, most my immediate family was. I sat down and wound up sitting beside a three year member
of the extended family. The three year old was quiet, but that wasn’t unusual. I leaned over to the three year old and warmly said “Hi, how are you?” The three year old made direct eye contact me, didn’t say a word, got up from their chair, and scooted it as far as they could away from me. “O...K….” I thought, then hoped some bread would soon appear at the table. The waiter came over while I was killing time looking at Twitter on my phone, “Would anyone like some bread, or do you want to wait?” I knew my chance had come, I opened my mouth to say “YES! For the love of all that is holy, yes!” but right as I was about to speak my father said “No thank you, we’ll just wait.” I was damn near ready to the flip the table. My stomach said to me “Screw this, let’s to the burger joint across the street!” However, I’m too nice of a person to obey my stomach--on most occasions. It seemed like an eternity in the amount of time between the call for bread, the arrival of the rest of the family, and actual bread arriving on the table. The wait seemed so long, my hunger so intense, that I began to scribble a rough outline of my last will and testament on a napkin. As soon as I saw bread, I grabbed bread. I ate bread so fast I was almost full when it came time to order. Such is the ordeal of not yelling “BREAD NOW!” fast enough. The last to arrive were not family, but friends of my Aunt’s husband. An older couple, one of whom was wearing a surgical mask over their mouth and nose. I tried to not make note or comment about it, but then I couldn’t help myself. “Oh, are
you sick?” I asked, the answer was “No.” “Do you have an issue with germs?” I tried. Again, the answer was “No.” I quietly hummed “Jesus Take The Wheel” and looked at the menu. The Birthoy boy sat beside me and ordered ravioli, his favorite. When the ravioli arrived, I helped hand it to him from the waiter, pass the couple my Aunt’s husband brought. The non-surgical mask one asked “What is that?” The 12 year old said “Cheese ravioli,” and the non-surgical one said “You mean all that is in there is just cheese!?” The tone of this statement had a hint of anger and bewilderment to it, as if the concept of ravioli was as life altering as the discovery of penicillin. I fought the urge to lob a can of Chef Boyardee at their head, and looked down at my chicken in despair. The rest of the meal was the same questions I get every year on the thankfully rare occasions I see the extended family. “What’s wrong with you? What are you so weird? What’s up with the whole theater thing?” Not those exact questions, but that was the under current. The 12 year old opened his birthday gifts, and birthoy cake was handed out for all to enjoy. The rest of the meal went quickly. I was getting the cake back in the box to haul back to the birthday boy’s home when the girlfriend of one of the extended family remarked she had gotten guacamole on her purse. Yes. Guac in an italian restaurant, but it explained the swipe in the back corner of the cake’s frosting. I can’t recall the last time I was so thankful for a meal to be over. See you next week.
www.theloaferonline.com
October 27, 2015 | The Loafer | Page 13
The Lee Ann Davis Interview 18 years ago, East Tennessee State University hired a young lady who has since changed the landscape for ETSU alumni across the nation and around the world. Lee Ann Davis is as local as they come and definitely someone we can all be proud of while we enjoy the fruit of her labors. You will enjoy getting to know her. BRIAN: We have known each other for quite a few years through our work and friendship connections. For folks who may not know much about you, tell us about growing up here and how it helped shape who you have be-
come. LEE ANN: Kingsport is a wonderful place to call your hometown! I am the only child of John and Babs Willis. I grew up in Lynn Garden and graduated from Sullivan North High School. I cherish my childhood memories of shopping in downtown Kingsport with my Mom at the old Miller’s and JC Penney’s department stores, going to picnics at Eastman Cabins, enjoying Fun Fest activities and being an active member of my church. Following high school, I earned a degree in Mass Communica-
tions from ETSU. While pursuing my degree, I received two internships from WCYB TV 5, and was the first female to receive a news internship. After graduation, I was a reporter and news anchor for WTFM/WKPT Radio Network for over five years. During this time, I received several Tennessee Associated Press awards and was active on the Kingsport Family YMCA board of directors and in Toastmasters. While working at ETSU, I earned a Masters of Professional Studies in Strategic Leadership, which is a valuable asset in my career. Liv-
ing in Johnson City with my husband Tim and our cat, Jase, I find spending time with my family, being active in the community with organizations like Girls Inc. of Kingsport and Baptist Collegiate Ministries are very rewarding. BRIAN: Your loyalty to East Tennessee State has really meant a lot for the school and also the region. Where does that passion come from? LEE ANN: My parents instilled
in me at an early age a strong work ethic. They taught me to do every job I am given to the very best of my ability. In both my professional and personal life, I strive each day to live up to this high standard. This month I have worked for East Tennessee State University’s National Alumni Association eighteen years, with the
Movers ....
Contiued on page 22
Page 14 | The Loafer | October 27, 2015
JV SQUAD
at Jiggy Ray’s Pizzaria 7pm
JERRY PIERCE & THE NIGHTLIFE BAND
JASON LLOYD & FRIENDS
at Damascus Old Mill 7pm
ROAD TRIPP
THE TURNPIKE TROUBADOURS w/ THE BLACK LILLIES
at Uncorked
- TUESDAY - Oct. 27th -
at Biggies Clam Bar
at Paramount Center
WHITEY MORGAN at Capone’s
OPEN MIC
at Acoustic Coffeehouse
- WEDNESDAY - Oct. 28th OPEN MIC
at WoodStone Deli
MARK LARKINS ADAM LAWSON
COREY HUNT BAND at Bone Fire Smokehouse
RAILWAY EXPRESS
at Country Club Bar & Grill 8pm
- SATURDAY - Oct. 31st JIGGYPALOOZA
at Jiggy Ray’s Pizzaria 4pm
BLUESMAN
at Triple B Brewery
NIGHTSHIFT
lawsongarrett & THE LOVE
(Country, Southern Rock, Oldies) at Bluegrass Country Barn 7:30pm ACOUSTIFRIED (Country) at Biggie’s Clam Bar
THE MASONS CONDITION OAKLAND
(Country, Classic Rock, Oldies) at The Show Palace 7pm
OPEN MIC at Jiggy Ray’s
at Down Home 8pm
at Acoustic Coffeehouse
- THURSDAY - Oct. 29th JAZZ at Wellington’s - Carnegie Hotel
JOHN LILLY
at The Down Home
ANDY FERRELL
at Yee Haw Brewing Co.
MARK LARKINS at Salsarita’s 6pm
LIVE MUSIC
at Bone Fire Smokehouse
LAURA THURSTON (Folk) at The Acoustic Coffeehouse
- FRIDAY - Oct. 30th BUCK NELSON / DAD6 at Acoustic Coffeehouse
JENNIFER NICELY & PAUL LEE KUPFER
at The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room 7pm
MOTEL RODEO at The Down Home
SOUTHERN COUNTRYMEN BAND (Country) at The Outdoorsman
SHOOTER
JAZZ TRIO at Uncorked
CROOKED ROAD RAMBLERS at Carter Family Fold
THE PLUM SMUGGLERS at JC Moose Lodge
FOLK SOUL REVIVAL at 620 State
WYLDEHEART
at Holiday Inn (Exit 7)
at The Dispensary 8pm
at Country Club Bar & Grill
THE FARMHOUSE GHOST at O’Mainnin’s Pub & Grill 9pm
SUPER BOB
at Capone’s 10pm
LAUREN COLE BAND at Down Home
LIVE MUSIC
at Bone Fire Smokehouse
JALOPY JUNCTION JEREMIAH DALY THE RHYTHM BREWERS at Acoustic Coffeehousem
BONEYARD REJECTS at Bristol VFW 8:pm
- SUNDAY - Nov. 1st LIVE MUSIC at Bone Fire Smokehouse
8th ANNUAL JANETTER CARTER GOSPEL SHOW w/ EUGENE WOLF & FRIENDS at Carter Family Fold 2:30pm
JOE HOLT
at Acoustic Coffeehouse
- MONDAY - Nov. 2nd OPEN MIC at Acoustic Coffeehouse
BLUEGRASS JAM
at Hardee’s (Boones Creek)
KARAOKE TUESDAY
Karaoke At Numan’s - JCTN ***********************
WEDNESDAY
Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at American Legion 8pm Karaoke At Bristol VFW - BTN Turn the Page Karaoke At VFW Post 2108 - JCTN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Busted Still Brewery ***********************
THURSDAY
Karaoke At Numan’s - JCTN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Electric Cowboy - JCTN Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at Macadoo’s 8pm Karaoke At Holiday Inn - JCTN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment At Everette’s Bar & Grille - JCTN ***********************
FRIDAY
KaraokeAt Bristol VFW - BTN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertaiment at Rainbow Asian Cuisine - JCTN 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 - JCTN Karaoke At Elizabethton VFW Karaoke w/ DJ Marques At Holiday Inn (Exit 7) - BVA Karaoke At Numan’s - JCTN ***********************
SATURDAY
Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - JCTN Karaoke At Numan’s - JCTN ***********************
SUNDAY
Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Mellow Mushroom - JC TN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment At Everette’s Bar & Grille - JCTN
www.theloaferonline.com
Spotlight Directory
620 State Street 620 State St. Bristol 423/ 652-0314
Acoustic Coffeehouse 415 W Walnut St. Johnson City 423/434.9872 Biggies Clam Bar 417 W Stone Dr Kingsport 423/765-9633 Bluegrass Country Barn Hansonville VA
Bone Fire Smokehouse at the Hardware 260 W Main St Abingdon VA 276/623-0037
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
Damascus Old Mill 215 W. Imboden St. Damascus Va 276/ 475-3745 The Dispensary 271 Oak Avenue, Spruce Pine NC 828/765-0050 Down Home 300 W. Main St. Johnson City 423/929-9822
Holiday Inn (Exit 7) 3005 Linden Dr Bristol VA 276/466-4100
Jiggy Ray’s 610 E. Elk Ave Elizabethton 423/ 518-1500 Johnson City Moose Lodge 1801 W. Lakeview Dr. Johnson City 423/926-6400 O’Mainnin’s Pub 712 State St Bristol 423/844-0049 The Outdoorsman 4535 Highway 11W Kingsport Salsarita’s 200 Linden Square Bristol VA 276/ 591-1260 Show Palace 14364 Lee Hwy Bristol VA 276/494-6610 Triple B Brewery 935 Wilcox Ct. #105 Kingsport 423/963-3609
Uncorked 316 Broad St. #102 Kingsport
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 Woodstone Deli 3500 Fort Henry Dr Kingsport 423/245-5424 Yee Haw Brewing Company 126 Buffalo St. Johnson City
Jeremiah Daly
Acoustic Coffeehouse Saturday, Oct. 31st 8:00pm Jacksonville singer/songwriter Jer-
emiah Daly (formerly the frontman of
the acoustic pop band The Perfect Measure) will make his solo debut with The
Darkness Will Be Over Soon out 11/13,
an indie/folk album that’s endearing in its earnestness, honesty and purity of his songwriting and vocals.
Jeremiah will tour in support of the
album in October/November, including a stop at Acoustic Coffeehouse
October 27, 2015 | The Loafer | Page 15
Page 16 | The Loafer | October 27, 2015
Astronomy Has Its Ghosts And Goblins Be it Halloween time in the Universe… Toil and Trouble the Cosmos Shrieks! The Witches Head mocks the Flaming Skull… and shocking is the Ghost of Jupiter! Toil and Trouble For Cosmic Geeks! Bubble away the Vampire Stars That sucks the snot out their mate; Boil away the hungry Black Holes That use galaxies for bait! Toil and Trouble the Cosmos Screams! Ride the Witch’s Broom Through a Zombie Eye; Strap on Thor’s Helmut Hear the Blood Moon cry… Toil and Trouble It’s a bad Cosmic Dream! Be it Halloween time in a bizarre Universe! By MarQ You’re not likely to see “trickor-treaters” dressed up as Galileo or the Hubble Telescope, but Halloween has a lot to do with astronomy…and has some objects that look pretty spooky. Yes, there really is a Witch’s Head Nebula, a Ghost of Jupiter planetary nebula and the cosmic cloud nicknamed Thor’s Helmut for the superheroes on trick-or-treat night this Saturday, Oct. 31. The astronomical connection is a simple calendar benchmark: Halloween is a “cross-quarter” day, approximately in the middle of an equinox and a solstice. You’re actually familiar with three of these cross quarter days: Groundhog Day on Feb. 2; May Day on May 1; and Halloween on Oct. 31.
Lammas Day on Aug. 1 is a bygone Anglo-Saxon England celebration of the first crop of wheat baked into bread. The word means “loaf mass,” a reference to the custom of bring loafs of bread to church to be blessed. The word “Halloween” originated in early forms since about 1745 in a Christianized celebration of the dead. But the origins reach back to the 1200s and influences from Celtic-speaking countries. All Hallows Eve or All Saints Day is the Christian acknowledgement of those departed souls. Associated with death and the dying vegetation of Autumn, the traditional customs arose from Celtic influences of skeletons, death masks and costumes for the journey to eternity. The carved pumpkin, or Jack-OLantern, is thought to have its origin from depicting the face of the Full Moon, and was meant to scare
evil spirits away. The “Trick or Treat” tradition? Well that bit of extortion for candy is a bit of a mystery, having some roots in the Church. The mass swarming of costumed kids canvassing neighborhoods didn’t become a widespread practice until the 1930s. That was about the time that astronomers were figuring out through photography that the fuzzy objects in their telescope were gaseous nebulas and exploded stars. And over the decades of advances in probing the Universe, these celestial objects have taken on names that match their appearance. So, we have some pretty creepy objects out there in the Cosmos. There is plenty to scare you about our Universe: Black Holes are unseen cannibals who devour their own galaxy. The Hubble Space Telescope, and other 21st Century telescopes
in orbit or on the Earth, have given the public some incredibly images of creepy things lurking in the great beyond. Like the Witch Head Nebula, a gaseous cloud 100 times the size of our Solar System that looks like a hooked-nose witch for sure. The Ghost of Jupiter is one of hundreds of “planetary nebula” that look roundish like a planet. They are exploded stars that have rushing gases and matter crashing into each other, creating exotic shapes and internal structures. The Ghost of Jupiter looks a lot like our own planet Jupiter in a backyard telescope. Then there is the Flaming Skull, an X-ray image of a huge cluster of dozens of galaxies that reveals interacting energy lanes which form the human-like features. How about a Zombie Eye staring from space? That’s what and infrared image of the well-known Helix Nebula looks like. And Vampire Stars? Well they
might not enjoy blood, but there are hundreds of stars being orbited by another so close that they exchange matter—or the bigger star sucks the smaller one dry. The planet Mars plays big in Halloween lore as on Oct. 31, 1938 a radio broadcast of H.G. Wells’ “War of the Worlds” had millions of East Coast listeners thinking a Martian invasion was underway. Astronomy is no stranger to superstitions. Comets were thought to be bad omens, particularly for royalty. How about the Full Moon and werewolves? And a Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse has some mysterious implications. Other astronomical things that go “Boo!” in the night might not be so subtle. Like the Big Dipper transformed into a deadly meat clever. It’s that time of year that when looking through telescope, better make sure someone has your back!
www.theloaferonline.com
October 27, 2015 | The Loafer | Page 17
Celestial events in the skies for the week of Oct. 27th - Nov. 2nd, 2015 as compiled for The Loafer by Mark D. Marquette. Halloween Week—and the last days of Daylight Saving Time—will have the Moon shining brightly after full phase. Don’t get caught off guard, America reverts back to Eastern Standard Time the first Sunday in November. That’s THIS Nov. 1st!So, change your clock back one hour when you go to bed Saturday night—and enjoy a 25-hour day. In the morning sky, brilliant Venus starts the week beside Jupiter, and dive bombs to the horizon to be beside Mars at the end of the week. And watch out for those ghosts and goblins!
bright star in an area of the sky that void of any more bright ones. That’s Fomalhaut, an Arabic derivative for “mouth of the fish.” It is also called “The Lonely One” as it is not
Tues. Oct. 27
The Moon is Full Phase today at five minutes after 12 noon. We will think of it as the Harvest Moon, but technically it is the Hunter’s Moon. The Harvest Moon is the first full phase after the Autumnal Equinox, occurring on Sept. 23rd this year, and the Moon was full phase Sept. 28th. Ahem. The Moon will be big and bright!
just the brightest star in the constellation Piscis Austrinus, the Southern Fish, but the brightest thing in the surrounding constellations of Capricornus, Grus, Microscopium and Sculptor. Fomalhaut (FOAM-all-hot) is Wed. Oct. 28 an amazing star and actually has a ring of Jupiter and Venus are astounding to watch an evolving planetary system that has been as they rise together around 5 am, ascending photographed by the Hubble Space Telehigher and higher as the night transcends scope. into twilight and finally dawn. Venus moves Sat. Oct. 31 toward the horizon each day to stand beside Halloween night will have trick-orred Mars on Nov. 2. treaters bathed in some moonlight, and our Thurs. Oct. 29 Moon will be setting around midnight after With the Moon dominating the night releasing the werewolves and vampires into this week, that brings to mind other Octothe night. Today the Sun entered the constelber names given to the Full Moon by Native lation Libra the Scales. American tribes: Moon of Falling Leaves, Sioux; Ten Colds Moon, Kiowa; Moon to Sun. Nov. 1 FALL BACK to Eastern Standard Time Store Food, Ponca; and Big Wind Moon, today—yep, an extra hour to sleep! TechniZuni. cally 3 am is repeated, so we have a 25-hour Thurs. Oct. 29 day. The result…sunset at 6:25 pm EST! The Moon is about its own diameter Makes me sleepy thinking about it! (which is one-half degree) from the bright red star Aldebaran, the “eye” of Taurus the Mon. Nov. 2 A new month on a new work week and Bull, rising together at 10 pm. Leaping over the horizon an hour later is the mighty Ori- you’ll sit around wondering where 2015 has gone! Feed your brain with some cool imon the Hunter. ages of dwarf planets Pluto and Ceres by Fri. Oct. 30 checking out the websites for NASA spaceSometime in the late evening before midcraft New Horizons and Dawn. night you might look south and notice one
Page 18 | The Loafer | October 27, 2015
IN THEATRES NOW Box Office Top 10
In Theaters Now Goosebumps (2015)
A teenager teams up with the daughter of young adult horror author R.L. Stine after the writer’s imaginary demons are set free on the town of Madison, Delaware.
“Goosebumps” Halloween is the perfect time for goosebumps. The “skin pimples” can be caused by haunted houses, scary movies, chilly weather, or politicians horrible hair cuts. Halloween is also the perfect time to hit the theater for a movie that can provide chills and thrills. Thankfully, along with more adult oriented fare, Hollywood has released the family friendly film “Goosebumps”, based on the series of children’s novels by R.L. Stine. The film is described as a live-aciton/computer animated horror comedy, and the mix is perfect for the season of jack-olanterns and costumes. The plot tells the story of teen Zach Cooper (Dylan Minnette), who moves from New York with his Mom Gale (Amy Ryan) to the fictional city of Madison, Delaware, and his interactions with his mysterious next door neighbor (Jack Black) and new friend Champ (Ryan Lee). Almost immediately when Zach and him Mom move in, the teen notices the strange behavior of next door neighbor “Mr. Shivers” (Black) who forbids the lad to cross over this fence and interact with his daughter Hannah (Odeya Rush). Of course, being a teenager, Zach ignores the warning and is over the fence interacting with Hannah. After the two teens have become friends, Zach has becomes enamored with Hannah, and one night hears her screaming next door and calls the police on Mr. Shivers. After being convinced all is well, the police leave, and Zach and Champ break into Mr. Shivers to discover Hannah is okay, but unknowingly unleash an Abominable Snowman
The Martian (2015)
During a manned mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney is presumed dead after a fierce storm and left behind by his crew. But Watney has survived and finds himself stranded and alone on the hostile planet. With only meager supplies, he must draw upon his ingenuity, wit and spirit to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive.
Bridge of Spies (2015)
The Intern (2015)
70-year-old widower Ben Whittaker has discovered that retirement isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Seizing an opportunity to get back in the game, he becomes a senior intern at an online fashion site, founded and run by Jules Ostin.
Sicario (2015)
An American lawyer is recruited by the CIA during the Cold War to help rescue a pilot detained in the Soviet Union.
Crimson Peak (2015)
Woodlawn (2015)
Hotel Transylvania 2 (2015)
Dracula and his friends try to bring out the monster in his half human, half vampire grandson in order to keep Mavis from leaving the hotel.
various books in his plan to take down his nemesis Stein, who is actually disguising himself as Mr. Shivers. Stine and the teens eventually escape the house from a group of nasty lawn gnomes, in an effort to warn the town of the attack of the creatures from the novels. The action eventually leads to the local high school where there is a dance in progress. The dummy and his monstrous cohorts are soon surrounding the school in an effort to get to Stein. Speaking of the monsters, they include every
12-year-old orphan Peter is spirited away to the magical world of Neverland, where he finds both fun and danger, and ultimately discovers his destiny -- to become the hero who will be forever known as Peter Pan.
An idealistic FBI agent is enlisted by an elected government task force to aid in the escalating war against drugs at the border area between the U.S. and Mexico.
In the aftermath of a family tragedy, an aspiring author is torn between love for her childhood friend and the temptation of a mysterious outsider. Trying to escape the ghosts of her past, she is swept away to a house that breathes, bleeds - and remembers.
from one of R.L. Stine’s apparently magical novels. At least the set Mr. Shivers owns have special “powers” that release the monsters from the various stories when the books are unlocked. As expected the Abominable Snowman wreaks havoc on the house and the street when he busts free in pursuit of the three teens. Meanwhile, another monster from one of the novels, a ventriloquist dummy, is released from one of the novels, and “he” proceeds to release all the monsters from the
Pan (2015)
type of creature you can imagine, including everything from a giant insect to zombies. The final showdown takes place at a local abandoned amusement park, a perfect setting, and the monster revolt is squashed. I really enjoyed the performance of Black, which was a pleasant surprise, considering most of his performances I consider annoying at best. The other actors are also good, and the actors playing the teenagers are actually teens in real life, which was refreshing.
A gifted high school football player must learn to embrace his talent and his faith as he battles racial tensions on and off the field.
Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (2015)
After having escaped the Maze, the Gladers now face a new set of challenges on the open roads of a desolate landscape filled with unimaginable obstacles. Source: IMDb.com (10/24/2015)
The film had just the right pace to keep the attention of the younger kids in the audience, and just enough humor to please adults, who may have thought the film might geared to a young audience. In this case, “Goosebumps” is the perfect film for the whole family to enjoy during the Halloween season, and will no doubt be a film many will watch every October.
Rated: PG
B+
www.theloaferonline.com
Arts Array presents “Match”
October 27, 2015 | The Loafer | Page 19
The Arts Array Film Series presented by Virginia Highlands Community College is in its 45th year. All films are presented at the Abingdon Cinemall on Mondays and Tuesdays at 4 p.m. and again at 7:30 pm.
Match (November 2 and 3)
Tobi Powell (Patrick Stewart), an aging Juilliard dance professor with a colorful and international past, is interviewed by a woman and her husband (Carla Gugino & Matthew Lillard) for a dissertation she’s writing about the history of dance in New York in the 1960’s. As the interview proceeds, it becomes increasingly clear that there are ulterior motives to the couple’s visit. Explosive revelation is followed by questions about truth versus belief. “Match” is a story about responsibility, artistic commitment...and love. The Arts Array Film Series is part of the comprehensive cultural outreach program of Virginia Highlands Community College. The series is co-sponsored by the Abingdon Cinemall, the South-
west Virginia Higher Education Center, Emory& Henry College, and King University. Admission to the films is free for the faculties and students at the supporting institutions. Members of the general community may attend for $7.75. For a brochure on the series or more information, please contact Tommy Bryant at 276-739-2451 or email him at tbryant@vhcc.edu.
Jalopy Junction Vaudeville Theatre presents ‘Death in Vaud-EVILLE,’ a Halloween extravaganza
Jalopy Junction Vaudeville Theare will be performing at the Next Door to the Acoustic Coffeehouse on Halloween night, Saturday, October 31 at 9 p.m. Jalopy Junction, a variety sideshow troupe, will be presenting a ghastly performance full of allure, illusion, music, and death. In this performance they will be paying tribute to vaudeville in all of its forms. The night will be an eclectic mix of entertainment performed exclusively to live music. Performances include: the beautiful Bonnie Blaze, fire eater and stunt performer, Patrick Flaherty, mad man piano man, Brando the Great, stage magician and escape artist, Kravius the not-so-great, a blockhead performer and man of inhuman tricks, Momo Evonne, dancer and fire performer, J. Edison, fire
and poi performer. Charis Carter will be playing her marvelous melodies with a few tricks of her own. Tickets are $10 at the door which includes the show and ALL YOU CAN DRINK BEER! Doors open at 8 p.m., show starts at 9 p.m. For more information call or email (423) 943-3486/morganleajay@ gmail.com orjim@acousticcoffeehouse.net. Also check us out on facebook as JALOPY JUNCTION.
MPCC to host Pumpkin Swim
Memorial Park Community Center, 510 Bert St., will host a Pumpkin Swim on Friday, Oct. 30 for ages 2-12. Participants will retrieve a pumpkin from the teaching pool and will decorate it after swim time. Children 6 and younger must have an adult present in the water, and children 7-12 must have an adult in the pool area at all times. Swim diapers are required for non-potty trained children. Cost is $5 per person. Pumpkins are limited to the first 30 participants. For more information, please call (423)434-5755
Page 20 | The Loafer | October 27, 2015
The Bushman Cometh
So here you are, taking in all there is to see and do in the great city of San Francisco. You’ve seen the Golden Gate Bridge, visited Alcatraz, ridden a cable car, and now you’re walking around Fisherman’s Wharf, maybe after a fine meal and some beverages at Joe’s Crab Shack. You’re headed over to Pier 39, to browse some of the tourist traps there, chatting with your traveling companion, and reflecting on what a wonderful trip it’s been. And that’s when a bush leaps out at you and growls, nearly giving you a heart attack and expediting the passage of those beers from
Joe’s in a most undignified way. Congratulations. You’ve just been singled out as an ideal mark by San Francisco’s most recognized street performer – the World Famous Bushman. I first came across this guy on a trip to the bay area in 2000, when he’d already been honing his craft for 20 years. And he’s still at it today. In fact, the uninitiated may also be surprised to find that the Bushman draws his own crowds, an audience of people standing back in amusement at the startled reactions he elicits from passersby. David Johnson, aka the World Famous Bushman, spends his days
camped out on the sidewalk along Fisherman’s Wharf, hiding from oncoming foot traffic behind a couple of eucalyptus branches that he’s brought from home. There he waits until he spots a tourist who looks both oblivious and like they can take a joke (granting safe passage to the elderly, disabled, etc.), at which point he leaps up and growls at them. RAWRRRR!!! That’s it. He keeps a tip bucket nearby for those who appreciate him and his craft. He claims to pull in about $60,000 a year, too – though granted, in San Francisco, that’s only enough to cover the cost of a change of clothes, a stool
to sit on, and some new Eucalyptus branches every so often. To really understand the effect that this guy has on people, you really ought to have a look at the Bushman in action. Then tell me it’s not one of the more amusing things you’ve ever seen. There are all kinds of videos of him earning his living out there on Youtube and other such sites. So consider yourself warned. Of
course, should you forget to heed my words and find yourself having unwittingly fallen prey to the Bushman, your first reaction may be to instinctively commence beating the hell out him. Before you do that though, you may want to take these two things into account: 1) He’s legal, with a valid business permit from the city. 2) He’s got a bodyguard.
www.theloaferonline.com
Northeast State Theater stages
October 27, 2015 | The Loafer | Page 21
the beloved play Steel Magnolias
The Steel Magnolias of Chinquapin, La., are brought to life on stage by Northeast State Theater. Northeast State Theater brings to life one of the most beloved modern American stage productions when Steel Magnolias opens next week. Steel Magnolias tells the story of a group of gossipy Southern ladies convening at a small-town
beauty parlor where they share the bittersweet turns of love, life, and loss. Truvy Jones runs a salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where the ladies in the neighborhood have a standing Saturday appointment. Along with her assistant, Annelle, Truvy styles the hair of many of
the women about town: wealthy widow and former first lady of Chinquapin, Clairee Belcher, local curmudgeon Ouiser Boudreaux, intelligent career woman M’Lynn, and her daughter Shelby, the prettiest girl in town. Shelby’s engagement is the talk of the town, but the joy and excitement of her wedding quickly turn to concern as she faces a risky pregnancy and a myriad of health complications. The play is alternately hilarious and touching— and, in the end, deeply revealing of the strength and purposefulness which underlies the antic banter of its characters. Tickets are available now for evening performances scheduled Oct. 29, 30, and 31, and Nov. 5, 6, 7 at 7:30 p.m. There will be two matinee performances on Nov. 1 and Nov. 8 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 and free to Northeast State students who present valid student identification. All performances will be staged at the Wellmont Regional Center for the Perform-
ing Arts Theater at the Blountville campus next to Tri-Cities Regional Airport. Tickets can be purchased now by visiting www.northeaststate. edu and clicking on the “Campus Life” menu option and Regional Center for Performing Arts link. Doors open approximately 30 minutes prior to show time. Steel Magnolias is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York. Northeast State Theatre is an award-winning program having multiple students and faculty recognized for their artistic achievements by the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. The program’s reputation gives students moving to fouryear institutions considerable respect from academic and theatre professionals alike. For information about tickets or how to purchase tickets call the Box Office at 423.354.5169 or email at tcbrooks@northeaststate. edu.
Hoots ‘N’ Haints Family Festival
Offers An Evening of Fun & Games for Trick-or-Treaters on Halloween Night The Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park will present the annual Hoots ‘N’ Haints Family Festival on Saturday, October 31 from 5-8 p.m. Trick-or-treaters (and their families) are invited to the park’s grounds for an evening of fun activities and games. If you dare, take a stroll through the “Haunted Moat” and see what waits in the shadows. For a bit of bouncy fun, enter the inflatable “Ghost Train.” Before leaving, visit the tent for some ghoulish fun, games, and the gypsy fortune teller. Prizes will be awarded for game winners as well as participants. Admission to events at the Hoots ‘N’ Haints Family Festival is free. All children 12 and under will receive enough free tickets to play every game. Refreshments will be available. For more information, please call the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park at 276523-1322.
Page 22 | The Loafer | October 27, 2015
Movers .... past ten years as the Director of Alumni Programs. I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given, the work that I have been given to do and am very blessed to work with people who share my passion for our work. My personal philosophy is everyone has a story and every person matters. I strive to make each individual I meet feel like an important member of the ETSU Family. I love my job because the personal alumni engagement work we do can make a difference in someone’s life, whether it be a student receiving scholarship money to continue their education or the alum who wants to reconnect to a place they hold so dear. My favorite program is our Spring Weekend, which takes place the Friday and Saturday of Spring Commencement. During the weekend we celebrate our Golden 50’s Reunion, which consists of alumni celebrating reunions of 50 years or more. Many of our alumni who have moved away from Johnson City, cannot believe how the campus has changed. The pride they have in ETSU is contagious! When I see these distinguished graduates, who are in their seventies or older, don their golden caps and gowns lead in the class that is 50 years their junior, it chokes me up every time. We begin working on this activity several months in advance, but on graduation day when I hear the music and feel the Golden 50’s members’ excitement...all of our hard work and effort is definitely worth it. Another favorite program is the ETSU
velop and support programs for
Contiued from page 13 our alumni and students, which
PRIDE program. I love working with our volunteers each year to find new and innovative ways for students, alumni and the region to show their ETSU PRIDE. I find it energizing to work with students and truly exciting to find ways for our alumni to be an active part of the university’s future. BRIAN: I have had the pleasure to be on pit row at Bristol Motor Speedway when you and your husband joined your church choir and sang an awesome version of the National Anthem. How important has your religious upbringing been to you over the years? LEE ANN: My faith in God is the most important thing in my life and asking Jesus to be my Lord and Savior is the most important decision I have made. I fail God every day, but I know I have a future with Him because of His grace, His forgiveness and His love. I have sung gospel music since I was a little girl. My Mother gave me my love for gospel music. We still enjoy going to concerts or listening to music together. When I am invited to sing at a church or for a special event, I love to share the message of God’s love in song. For me, music is a very important part of worship and I take the responsibility of being a part of someone’s worship experience seriously. BRIAN: And again, for folks who might not know you, tell us what your role is at ETSU and can you give us a sneak peak of some things that are coming up? LEE ANN: As the Director of Alumni Programs for ETSU, I de-
will enhance their abilities to be successful in their endeavors, instill pride in their alma mater, celebrate their achievements and welcome them back home to ETSU. This includes planning alumni activities for special affinity groups, reunions, and the general alumni population that will further enhance their connection to ETSU, identify and cultivate volunteer leadership for alumni programs, strengthen the bond alumni have with our university through continued regular communication, media coverage, social media posts and serving as webmaster for our alumni-gated community, www.etsualumni.org<http:// www.etsualumni.org>. One thing I am particularly excited about is growing our new Alumni Mentor program. ETSU students have access to a network of proud alumni which brings students and alumni together for an exchange of ideas and information, as well as giving the mentors a platform in which to share their wisdom about life beyond ETSU. The Alumni Mentor Program is an opportunity for students to form rewarding and mutually beneficial relationships with alumni in their area of study or career interest, and we are looking for volunteers that can draw upon their knowledge, skills, personal experiences and perspective to share insight and feedback with students. We believe this learning partnership will facilitate personal growth and development of ETSU students. The ETSU National Alumni Association is also starting new ETSU Clubs in several cities including Atlanta, Washington D.C., Nashville, Knoxville and other areas that will include activities for alumni, students and parents. We will also be assisting in some upcoming affinity group reunions including the Marching Band and Quillen College of Medicine graduates, as well as Admission Student Recruitment events and our GOLD (Grads Of the Last Decade) Young Alumni group. If the readers would like more information about the ETSU National Alumni Association or any of our programs, please contact me at (423) 439-4218 or email alumni@ etsu.edu<mailto:alumni@etsu. edu>
www.theloaferonline.com
October 27, 2015 | The Loafer | Page 23
Winter Firearms Storage It’s that time of year again, with the air becoming crisper firearms outings happen less and less. So when it becomes too cold to shoot, how should you store your firearms over the winter? The first answer to that question is safely, depending on your living situation safety devices might need to be utilized. Safety should be your number one consideration when storing a firearm. For long term storage magazines should be unloaded and ammunition should be stored separately. It should be noted that this article applies only to firearms to be stored and not used over the winter. It in no way applies to personal protection or home defense firearms, which with the exception of storage to protect minors should be kept at the ready at all times. Once the firearm is unloaded and the ammunition is stored safely and separately the next step is to “Storage Clean” the firearm. Storage cleaning is different that your regular field-strip or maintenance cleaning. You see over the period of 3-4 months any carbon buildup in the action and barrel will mix with residual oil and create the nastiest gunk ever. So it is imperative that your gun be cleaned before being stored. It is also imperative that you leave a little oil on/in the gun to resist rust. After you do your usual cleaning, ensuring all your fingerprints have been wiped
off, leave a light sheen of oil in the action and on/in the barrel. Then carefully place the firearm in its case, bag, safe, etc. It is important that you use quality gun oil such as Rem-oil, Outers, or Hoppes. If you use a bag or safe, a gun sock is recommended to keep dust at bay. Humidity plays a big part in how you should store your gun, for example if you live in a damp climate it might be prudent to buy some damp-rid for your safe, case etc. Extreme variances in temperature can cause condensation which leads to rust, so storing a firearm in a vehicle over the winter is a very bad idea. Ammunition should be stored in a cool dry place as humidity and condensation can compromise the ammo. With ammo costing as much as it does these days, the last thing you want is a box of misfires. The cardboard boxes most ammunition comes in actually attracts moisture, so again using a dehumidifier or a damp-rid product might be prudent depending on you climate. When spring rolls around be sure to deep clean your gun to remove all the excess oil and any dust that might have accumulated. Be sure to rotate and discard damp-rid products as needed. As always I hope you enjoyed this article and if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to email me, I look forward to your feedback.
Cross Stitch @ the Library Washington County Gray Branch Library 5026 Bobby Hicks Highway
If you love to cross stitch, or would love to learn how to cross stitch, please join the Cross Stitch group at the Washington County Gray Branch Library! The Cross Stitch group meets the 2nd and 4th Monday each month at 6:00 p.m. All levels are welcome and instruction for beginners is available. Bring your own project or work on ornaments for the Gray Library Christmas tree. The Gray Library Christmas tree will be decorated by local area arts and crafts. The tree will feature cross stitch and quilting. Have a craft that would make a great addition to our craft-themed tree? Please contact the Washington County Gray Branch Library at 477-1550.
Page 24 | The Loafer | October 27, 2015
www.theloaferonline.com
October 27, 2015 | The Loafer | Page 25
“Rhythms Of The Mountain Empire” A Ten Part Original Series About Local Music, Supported by Tri-City Communities & Adoring Fans
LOCAL MUSIC TRULY INSPIRES ALL OF US..! Written by William Camelot There is an individual feeling deep inside all of us; that seems to be driven by that special “Rhythm” which helps to create unique inspiration...Inspiration that motivates us to pursue our dreams, as music channels those goals and brings them into focus culminating in reality. So, let’s get out there and “Create Something” that’s what “Rhythms Of The Mountain Empire” is all about...The sights and sounds of our local musicians that have become the “Voice” of our times, that reach into our souls as their music moves each of us to explore “The Possibilities..! A WONDERFUL STORYLINE THAT SHOWCASES LOCAL MUSIC...! There is a wonderful story here, a story to be told about these “New Troubadours” of the local music scene; storytelling that attempts to “catch the rhythms of the street” and film it with the dignity it deserves… Of equal importance is how best to put our creative footprint on the storyline...and the best screen play that we can write to showcase how local music impacts our lives. I must admit herein “lies the rub”... What do we put on film that sheds “new light” on the very fabric of the closely knit tapestry of the local music phenomenon and the communities and venues that give a “platform” to the musicians’ talents and dreams..! To that end I submit my favorite quote that puts the entire T.V. series in perspective... “Future Generations May Write Novels About Them, Place Their Lyrics in “Iambic Pentameter”, But For Now, Set In The Present Day, We Will Do Our Very Best To Film Them Not Just As Talented Musicians And Vital Contributors To Our Communities, But “Heroes” To So Many And The Voice Of Our
Time..!” THE MUSICAL JOURNEY... The storytelling T.V. series takes us on a journey through the lives of musicians with Donnie Drummond, rock drummer with Bazooka Boys and Samantha Starling, rock radio DJ (WUYI) as our guides. They weave the tapestry of local music through open mic nights, song writer sessions, rehearsals, the venues, the fans, supporting local businesses and ultimately with an eye on Nashville and that elusive recording contract, or at the very least a successful “Road Show Tour”..! LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION... We sure want to turn on the cameras and get ready to shoot opening segments @ Woodstone & Biggies, but a few important steps need to be taken before that begins… Perhaps the key ingredient to producing a successful T.V. series about local music will be the two main characters that will weave the story not only for the musicians but the very creative and provocative storyline that will be drawn between Donnie & Samantha. This is where the rubber meets the road... Since this is not our first rodeo at creating a screen play; we know what works and what doesn’t. However, Hollywood is littered with the dead corpses of shows that by all accounts were a “slam dunk”..! We are spending a good deal of time understanding our main characters background, this will help us play to their strengths and allow the creative team to produce a “genuine” chemistry between both Donnie & Samantha. We want them to be likeable to our viewing audience and develop a rapport with them that helps us sustain the segments and “Brand” the show as we move forward...
There is still work to be done as we look to select the final 3 Bands for the series. This will be accomplished by creating an “Event” called: “Audition Nite”...! The first will be coming up on Thursday Nov 19th @ Woodstone. To be followed by Biggie’s as the second venue selected to allow us to create another Audition Nite & filming for the second segment... All venues have been selected and we are looking to round out the cast which will include “Cameo appearances with well-known actors... We are also looking into “Appearances” by well know musical acts touring the country with an album to promote. THE SERIES CREATES A REVENUE STREAM TO HELP HOMELESS VETS & CHILDREN WITH CANCER... Sponsors help us with the production, with sales of a very clever T-shirt design by Gary Bortz and a CD of The Musicians involved in the series produced by Crooked Stick Recording Company that will go a long way to helping those less fortunate. We are thrilled there is a true “Give Back” to our communities in the Tri. We hope all will enjoy the series and the main purpose of the production which is to “Showcase” local music but also to help homeless vets and children with cancer…
rhythmsofthemountainempire.com facebook.com/rhythmsofthemountainempire williamcamelot@mymorningcoffee.tv
Page 26 | The Loafer | October 27, 2015
Halloween Horrors 2015, The End (?): Something’s Following Us At a time when horror movies generally fall into two broad categories—remakes (or “re-imaginings”) and “found footage”—we should rejoice when something reasonably original comes along. “It Follows” (directed by David Robert Mitchell, 2014) gives us many reasons to rejoice. Of course, nothing is entirely original, and “It Follows,” as we shall see, does have its predecessors. However, this little gem takes a fresh approach to what has gone before. And it is a fitting movie for this final installment of “Halloween Horrors 2015.” More than one commentator has remarked that all horror movies are ultimately about sex and death, and “It Follows” illustrates the truth of this contention. To make a very intriguing long story short, this film is about the consequences that accompany the first sexual encounter of Jaime “Jay” Height (played to perfection by Maika Monroe), a young girl who lives in Detroit in what appears to be an unspecified time period--so many of the film’s elements remind us of the 1980s, but what we get is an alternate, dreamlike version of the decade that shows outof-place automobiles and clothing, a never-invented clamshell e-reader device, black and white TVs, and a movie theatre featuring the early 60s Audrey Hepburn-Carey Grant movie, “Charade.” Following her first sexual encounter in the backset of her boyfriend’s what-appears-to-be-a-bigOldsmobile, Jay sees a succession of zombie-like characters following her. We are led to believe that these incarnations of “It” threaten those who have had sex and con-
tinue to threaten them until they pass the menace on to someone else through sexual activity. So, in its most elemental level, “It Follows” is about passing from innocence to experience and developing a growing awareness of the inevitability of death (the death of innocence, perhaps?). These theories aside, however, “It Follows” introduces new elements into the horror genre and makes us think twice every time we see a random figure approaching us on the street or in our driveway. It’s all about what Freud called “the uncanny”—an uncomfortable state that arises when the familiar becomes the unfamiliar. Regardless of where you stand regarding the film’s meaning, “It Follows” is visually stunning, featuring several wide-angle shots that serve to increase a growing paranoia that eventually becomes almost unbearable by film’s end. And, in so many ways the true star of the show is the atmospheric soundtrack composed by Disasterpeace (aka Rich Vreeland)—check it out on iTunes. Don’t worry--I am
not about to give you any spoilers. And, besides, I am not sure exactly what the ending of the movie means. Like all good movies, you are left to figure that out for yourself. While I was watching “It Follows” (and I’ve seen it about four times since my first viewing), I was reminded of two other treatments of similar themes—“The Hitch-Hiker,” a 1960 TV episode of “The Twilight Zone,” and Herk Harvey’s long-neglected but now very accessible 1962 cult movie, “Carnival of Souls.” Both of these put us into a world where dreams/nightmares and reality become confused, and where we begin to question our own existence. In her very perceptive review of “Carnival of Souls” (in one of my favorite horror film anthologies, “Hidden Horror”) Shelly Jarenski comments that “I’m sure that psychologists have a name for this kind of fear, but I always just call it ‘Twilight Zone syndrome’. . . . The idea that one cannot trust his or her own reality has always been most terrifying to me. . Carnival
of Souls captures these sensations of anxiety, despair, and existential crisis in a way I have seen no other work of art accomplish.” Both the Twilight Zone episode and the Herk Harvey film provide the template for “It Follows.” “The Hitch-Hiker” follows department store buyer Nan Adams as she is taking a cross-country automobile trip from New York to Los Angeles. Along the way, she becomes increasingly terrified when she is pursued by a menacing little omnipresent man she sees by the side of the road and in her rear view mirror. SPOILER ALERT: When Nan stops to call her mother from a pay phone (when is the last time you saw one of those?), she is informed that Nan died several days earlier in an automobile accident. At that moment, it becomes crystal-clear that the little man is Mr. Death, and when Nan spots him in her backseat after the phone call, she has the answer to his question, “I believe you’re going. . .my way?” “Carnival of Souls,” like “The Hitch-Hiker,” also involves an automobile accident; automobiles, as we have seen, also play a central role in “It Follows,” and in many ways these three stories are in essence automobile sagas about death on the highway. Mary Henry, portrayed with huge doses of eeriness by Candace Hilligoss, is in an automobile with some friends when it plunges over a bridge into the river below. We see her emerging from the wreckage, covered in mud but otherwise unscathed, and the next day we accompany her on a road trip to Utah, where she is taking the position as church organist in a small town; the movie soundtrack consists entirely of creepy organ music, performed by composer Gene Moore.
Enroute to Utah, Mary passes an ominous structure that begins to haunt her, and like Nan Adams, she is stalked by a very creepy old man who shows up in unexpected places (played with horrific perfection by director Harvey in his one and only picture). SPOILER ALERT: As Mary’s sense of reality begins to erode, she realizes that her attraction to the big structure, which once housed a carnival, is beckoning her for a reason—she didn’t survive the accident after all, and the carnival pavilion is summoning her, along with the sinister old man, to join the dance of death that goes on inside its walls every evening—a fitting symbol for the afterlife. This final dance of death scene provided inspiration for George Romero’s seminal zombie flick, “Night Of The Living Death,” which appeared in theatres six years later. Few scenes in any horror movies I can think of are as unsettling as this final one in “Carnival of Souls.” Don’t watch it alone. Needless to say, I urge you to create a triple feature out of these two marvelous movies and one TV show. All three are readily available on streaming services and on DVD/Blu-Ray. I encourage you to purchase the Criterion Collection version of “Carnival of Souls,” not only for the crisp picture quality, but also for the very informative bonus features, and the Legend Films Rifftrax version of “Carnival of Souls,” featuring a very witty, hilarious, and spot-on commentary by “Mystery Science Theater” veterans Mike Nelson, Kevin Murphy, and Bill Corbett. See you next week with my post-Halloween series of columns that will soon begin to look a lot like Christmas
www.theloaferonline.com
October 27, 2015 | The Loafer | Page 27
Page 28 | The Loafer | October 27, 2015