The Loafer October 31st by The Loafer

theloaferonline.com | October 31, 2017

on the cover

Volume 31 • Issue #48

Editor Graphic Arts Director Don Sprinkle Cover Design Bill May Advertising Patti Barr Paul Kavanaugh Janie Jarvis

Contributing Staff Jim Kelly Andy Ross Ken Silvers Mark Marquette Brian Bishop Daniel Worley Jason Worley Langley Shazor Distribution Jerry Hanger Teresa Hanger Published by Pulse Publishing, LLC., P.O. Box 3238, Johnson City, TN 37602 Phone: 423/283-4324 FAX - 423/283-4369 www.theloaferonline.com info@theloaferonline.com e-mail: editorial@theloaferonline.com adcopy@theloaferonline.com All advertisements are accepted and published by the publisher upon the representation that the agency and/ or advertiser is authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof. The agency and/or advertiser will indemnify and save the publisher harmless from any lossof expense resulting from claims or suits based upon contents of any advertisement, including claims or suits for defamation, libel, right of privacy, plagiarism, and copyright infringement.

Founder: Bill Williams Let’s Get Social!

columns & reviews

Office Coordinator Amanda Lane

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Stargazer Daytime is slipping into the Night Skies This Week Batteries Not Included Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me Pop Life Tyler Perry's BOO2! A Medea Halloween Appalachian Wanderers Abraham Lincoln Birthplace NHP Mountain Movers The Eric Wheeler Interview Puzzle Page Kelly’s Place Wanna Play?

your week’s line-up

SPECIAL SPACES

Publisher Luci Tate

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Special Spaces 43rd Annual Carter Festival Studio Brew Claims Silver Medal Bach on the Move ETSU Veterans Day Ceremony Songwriting Workshop with Ed Snodderly Ronnie Milsap @ NPAC Drunk-O-Lantern, Last week to enter It's Christmas Connection Time An Evening with Jill Andrews Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers @ HRBC Spotlight The Paul Brock Band plays Northeast State Paramount Partners Veterans Musical Concert Pets Of The Week Things To Do

theloaferonline.com | October 31, 2017

Special Spaces is a nonprofit organization that creates dream bedrooms for children with life challenging illnesses. Just what the doctor ordered.

pecial Spaces evolved on the premise that children battling life threatening illnesses need a place to find peace and comfort. Through the generous support of volunteers, sponsors and you, we are transforming the bedrooms of these special children into magical places of hope. The Special Spaces core crew of a licensed contractor, seamstress, painter and designer come together to make each and every room special. That core crew utilizes the talents of volunteers, friends and family to create a dream bedroom in just one day! Everything is custom made on site to the wishes and medical needs of the child and their family. We create dream bedrooms for children with life-threatening medical illnesses. This is a place that only the child can dream or imagine while addressing their medical needs. Our focus is answering one question; Where does a child go when battling a serious illness to find peace and comfort? Special Spaces was founded in July 2004 on the precedent that children battling life-threatening illnesses need their own special space. This is a place of hope and inspiration, and a special space to find peace and comfort. As of today, Special Spaces has created hundreds of bedrooms across the country. It is the vision of our organization to have a Special Spaces Director everywhere there is a child in need. In the last five years, Special Spaces has been able to create more than 80 dream bedrooms for children in Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, California and Florida with more affiliates are being started all over the country each year. So please take a look through the site and determine if you could share your time, talent or treasure with Special Spaces. If you, your business or community group would like to help sponsor or volunteer for a Special Spaces room, or if you have a passion for children and design and would like to start a Special Spaces afiliate in your area.....please contact us as soon as possible at 865-659-8531 or jennifer@specialspaces.org I promise it will be a day you will always remember and a day that a child with a life threatening illness will never forget. Donations and wish list items can be found at specialsspaces.org

Ben Boone

SPECIAL SPACES TRI-CITIES…….

en started out having headaches. I was told it was eye strain, then migraines, then a sinus infection. After a lot of persistence from us, we got the doctor to do a CT scan which reveled he had a tumor. We were sent to St. Jude for treatment. Ben had a gross total resection of his tumor (which was situated in the center of his brain). He then had 30 proton radiation treatments followed by 5 months of chemo. September 19th, 2017 marks one year since that first devastating scan. Ben has had to overcome many obstacles but has done so fearlessly. He got the name "fearless Ben" because when he was first diagnosed they asked him to name his tumor. Ben is a very intelligent 10 year old. He said he wanted to name the tumor "fear". So when it was removed he would be "fearless" Special Spaces Tri-Cities will be making over Ben’s room on January 13, 2018 sponsored Team Masterpiece with Monat. To donate to Ben’s Room, visit specialspaces.org. Please specify “tri-cities” on your donation. For more information about Special Spaces Tri-Cities visit their facebook page at facebook. com/SpecialSpacesTriCities.

hile we romanticize the idea of a dusty road trip to make a record, we forget that A.P., Sara and Maybelle Carter left Bristol without any idea that they would ever be asked to record again. At first, Victor didn’t even release the songs recorded by the Carters despite the fact that they recorded more material than any other artists who took part in the sessions. A.P. and his family undoubtedly thought their musical talents went unnoticed. Of course, the Carter Family did have their first record issued on November 4, 1927 – “Poor Orphan Child.” The record was a small local hit (akin to having one’s picture in the local newspaper), but certainly nothing to sustain any kind of musical career. It wouldn’t be until the following year when the release of “Single Girl, Married Girl” changed American music and along with it the lives of the Carter Family forever. But despite the massive success of “Single Girl,” there is something unique about that very first record. While other records would go on to sell more copies, “Poor Orphan Child” marked the beginning of a new and unexpected chapter in the lives of the Carters, their community, and the rest of the nation – a leap into previously uncharted territory, a wide open future rooted in the traditions of the past.

Mountain Park Old Time Band The Carter Family invites you to its’ 43rd Annual Memorial Music Festival the first weekend in November. This year’s festival weekend marks the 90th anniversary of the release of that very first Carter Family record. Doors open Friday, November 3rd, at 3:00 pm, and the music kicks off at 6:00 pm. On Saturday, November 4th, the doors open at noon, and the music will begin at 3:00 pm. Friday’s show features the Mountain Park Old Time Band. Saturday’s performers are Larry Sigmon and Martha Spencer – the Unique Sound of the Mountains, Carson Peters and Iron Mountain, and the Whitetop Mountain Band. Carter Family music will be featured both days with Maybelle’s granddaughter, Lorrie Carter Bennett, and long time Carter Family friends Ronnie Williams and Eugene Wolf. A special guest, Ms. Charly Markwart, will be featured on the Carter Family sets showcasing songs she wrote about the Carters. Raised in rural Michigan, she came to the

FESTIVAL continued on page 7

theloaferonline.com | October 31, 2017

Annual Carter Festival

We’ve all heard the story of the trio of Poor Valley musicians known as the Carter Family making the long, hot drive to Bristol in early August 1927 to audition for the Victor Talking Machine Company, only to make it big as the first country music superstars. Of course, the real story is not nearly as simple.

at the Great American Beer Festival®

Studio Brew Claims Silver Medal

theloaferonline.com | October 31, 2017

“The Ferguson” Wins Prestigious Brewing Honor in Oatmeal Stout Category By Paul Kavanaugh

tudio Brew received a silver medal at the 2017 Great American Beer Festival (GABF) competition. Presented by the Brewers Association, GABF is the largest commercial beer competition in the world and recognizes the most outstanding beers produced in the United States. The top three winners in the competition’s 98 beer-style categories were announced October 7 at the Great American Beer Festival awards ceremony held at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colorado. What an amazing journey this has been. “As Pam & I stood on stage receiving our medal I had a flash back to the day I brewed my first beer in a 5-gallon bucket as a homebrewer in 2008 thinking ‘I finally found what I wanted to do in life’. Fast forward to 2017 here we are on stage accepting this award on behalf of Studio Brew and for the amazing group of people who are Studio Brew. We are so proud in sharing this award with our friends and craft beer fans throughout VA & TN and the Tri-Cities because they are part of the Studio Brew Family as well,” said Erich Allen, Co-Owner and Master Brewer at Studio Brew. The Brewery was recognized in the Oatmeal Stout beer-style category for “The Ferguson,” a rich, opulent dark British style ale brewed with savory whole rolled oats, deep-roasted malts, chocolatey cocoa nibs, and creamy milk sugar. The 2017 GABF competition winners were selected by an international panel of 276 expert judges from 7,923 entries, plus 118 Pro-Am entries, received from 2,217 U.S. breweries. “Each year the Great American Beer Festival showcases the best that American brewers have to offer,” said Chris Swersey, competition manager, Great American Beer Festival. “With a record 8,000 + entries, this year’s competition was the most competitive to date. Congratulations to all the winners who truly demonstrated why the U.S. is the world’s best and most diverse brewing nation.” For more GABF competition information, including the 2017 winners list and photos, visit GreatAmericanBeerFestival.com. When I chatted with Erich last week, he wanted to point out that winning this medal was a team effort. The brew crew had only been together for about 5 weeks when they brewed this batch, without any trial and try again, which is unusual in the industry. He also wanted me to mention that he really appreciates all the good wishes and kudos from the local brewing community. Studio Brew feels like they won this for the region, and any award like this will only help attract attention to our vibrant local craft brewing industry. Good for them!

mountains of Appalachia to trace the roots of America’s music. An emerging Americana artist, Charly has ingrained those roots into her musical foundation. Now known as the Carter Family Fold, music shows actually began in the one-room grocery A.P. Carter built and ran as a country store in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Presenting weekly concerts was Janette Carter’s way of honoring not only her family’s legacy and our Appalachian culture, but a promise she made to her father just prior to his death in 1960 that she would see that his music lived on. Starting to present music shows in 1974, as her father had in what he called the A.P. Carter Park, the early days of the Fold’s weekly concerts were much like the first Carter Family 78. Janette had no idea what would happen; she just did the best she could with what she had. In the process, she created something that went further than anyone could have imagined. On this 90th anniversary of that first Carter Family record, we invite you to come celebrate this special anniversary with us. Sing, dance, jam, shop for some unique homemade mountain crafts, help yourself to some good home cooked food, and take time to stroll through the cabin birthplace of A.P. Carter and the Carter Family Museum (both historic landmarks and located on site).Each note you will hear, and each dance step you take, is a new like stepping back in time while embracing the future of Appalachian mountain music. Rooted in the traditions of the past, mountain music is here to stay. Come be a part of living history and join us for this very special anniversary year

and annual festival. This year’s festival is dedicated to Mark Wolfe, great grandson of A.P. and Sara Carter; Papa Joe Smiddy, a much-loved regional treasure and proponent of mountain music; Walt Salyer, husband of Fern Carter Salyer (daughter of A.P.’s brother Ermine and his wife Ora Carter); and Juanita McConnell, wife of Burdette McConnell who served as a volunteer at the Fold from the time music shows began. The loss of each of these people is felt deeply as each of them represented a special

part of our Carter Fold family. Tickets are available at the gate only; all seats are festival seating. Tickets are $10 for adults on Friday, $20 for adults on Saturday, or both days $25 for adults. Children’s tickets (ages 6 to 11) are $5 a day; under age 6 free. Gates open at 3:00 pm Friday and at noon on Saturday. Music on the stage gets underway at 6:00 pm on Friday night and at 3:00 pm on Saturday afternoon. Carter Family music will open each set – Friday night, Saturday afternoon, and Saturday night. Friday’s performance by the Mountain Park Old Time Band will feature their group on two sets. Saturday’s performers will be featured on afternoon and evening sets. Music begins at 6:00 pm Friday and lasts until 10:00 pm. On Saturday, it begins at 3:00 pm and runs until 6:30 pm., with a supper break from 6:30 to 7:15 pm. Saturday evening’s performance starts at 7:15 pm and lasts until 10:45 pm. Ticket gates, craft and outside food booths open at 3:00 pm on Friday and at noon on Saturday. Visitors may take chances to win a homemade quilt. The A.P. Carter Cabin Birthplace and the Carter Family Museum will be open from the time the gates open each day until 8:00 pm. There will be lots of music and jamming on the grounds in addition to the scheduled performers inside the Carter Fold. A special area for jamming will be set up adjacent to the museum. Limited rough camping is available. For information, visit carterfamilyfold.org.

theloaferonline.com | October 31, 2017

FESTIVAL continued from page 5

Bach on the Move

theloaferonline.com | October 31, 2017

Adventurous cellist takes classical music ‘to the people’ Matt Haimovitz was born in Israel and grew up on the West Coast, listening to classical music, taking up the cello at 7 and performing as soloist with Zubin Mehta and the Israel Philharmonic by age 13.

T Photo By: Steph-Mackinnon

he prodigy recorded for Deutsche Grammophon for a decade, performed with music legends such as Isaac Stern, James Levine and Pinchas Zukerman and studied music at the Juilliard School and Harvard, graduating with highest honors. The traditional path of a modern classical musician, however, was not for Haimovitz. He wanted to take his music “to the people.” Since the year 2000, the cellist has been alternately playing in concert halls, nightclubs, cafés and on rooftops – to connect with audiences of all ages and walks of life. “Classical music can't survive the way it is. It can't be isolated from the rest of culture …” Haimovitz told the Pittsburgh PostGazette. “There are other ways of presenting it. This is such a direct way of taking it to the people.” Haimovitz will start the month of November taking Bach cello suites to various locations on and off the East Tennessee State University campus. Sponsored by Mary B. Martin School of the Arts at ETSU, Haimovitz will perform three free mini-concerts

on Wednesday, Nov. 1, and a fourth ticketed full concert on Thursday, Nov. 2. He calls the combination of 30-minute free concerts in unusual locations followed by a main-stage performance The Bach Suites: A Moveable Feast. On Nov. 1, the GRAMMY® nominee – who has studied with Leonard Rose and Rose’s protégé Yo-Yo Ma – will perform Bach Suite II and an overture by Du Yun at ETSU’s Sherrod Library at noon. At 2:30 p.m. Nov. 1, Haimovitz will play Bach Suite IV and a contemporary overture by Roberta Sierra at Johnson City Memorial Park Community Center, then at 5 p.m., Eastman Corporate Business Center in Kingsport will be the venue for Haimovitz’s performance of Bach Suite V with an overture by David Sanford. Then, on Thursday, Nov. 2, Haimovitz will give a full concert at ETSU at 7:30 p.m. in Culp Auditorium, performing Bach Suite I with an overture by Philip Glass; Suite III and overture by Vijay Iyer; and Suite VI preceded by Luna Pearl Woolf’s commissioned overture. BACH continued on page 26

Festivals

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Events

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Concerts

Exhibits

Veterans Day Ceremony

theloaferonline.com | October 31, 2017

In observance of Veterans Day, the Veterans Affairs Standing Committee, the Student Veterans of America, and the East Tennessee State University Department of Military Science will hold a ceremony on Friday, Nov. 10, at 11 a.m. to honor and remember those who have served their country through military service. The public is invited to attend.

he event will take place on the ETSU campus at the Veterans Memorial in the Quad (behind Gilbreath Hall). Members of the ETSU Marching Band and the University School chorus will provide patriotic music, and Jerrica Dyson, a junior at ETSU, will sing the national anthem. In addition, the ETSU Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadets will conduct the Placement of the Wreath ceremony while “Taps” is played. E.g. Brig. Gen. Rodney D. Fogg will offer remarks at the ceremony. Fogg graduated from King College in 1987 and was commissioned into the U.S. Army through East Tennessee State University. He holds master’s degrees in logistics management and strategic studies from the Quartermaster Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Command and General Staff College and the Army War College. Fogg became the 54th Quartermaster General Commandant for the U.S. Army Quartermaster School in June 2016. The Quartermaster School trains, educates and develops soldiers, civilians and members of other services and nations. The school also commands the 23rd Quartermaster Brigade in Fort Lee, Virginia. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held in Brooks Gym. Visitors may pick up a parking pass at Parking Services, located at 123 Stout Drive (at University Parkway entrance to campus). For more information, contact Charles Patton of the Veterans Affairs Standing Committee at pattonc@etsu.edu or ETSU’s Department of Military Science at 423-439-4269. For disability accommodations, call the ETSU Office of Disability Services at 423-439-8346.

theloaferonline.com | October 31, 2017

Songs Come Apart Workshop with Ed Snodderly

Join us on Saturday, November 4, 10:00am—2:00pm for Songs Come Apart, a workshop with renowned songwriter Ed Snodderly.

d will pull apart one of his songs to delve deep into the songwriting craft – looking at the ways lyrics come together, the harmony of the words used, and the way a song changes from inception to final cut. To really get the full benefit of the workshop, participants are encouraged (but not required) to bring their own works in progress, giving you the opportunity to take apart your song and put it back together with Ed’s guidance. Workshop space is limited to 16 people so register now; the cost of the workshop is $50. If the workshop is full, please email info@birthplaceofcountrymusic. org to be put on a wait list. Ed Snodderly is a celebrated musician and songwriter from Johnson City, Tennessee. He uses images from the old and odd Appalachian world and combines them with his own musical backbone to create inspired, original, and beautiful songs. You might think of A. P. Carter with Charles Bukowski meeting up in a diner, and them both falling in love with the same waitress talking with a hillbilly accent and a pierced tongue. Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, and others have recorded Ed’s songs, and he has recorded for Philo, Zu-Zazz, and Sugar Hill Records. The third verse of his song “The Diamond Stream,” is permanently displayed on the wall in the Hall Of Honor at the Country Music Hall Of Fame in Nashville, Tennessee. Ed teaches songwriting at East Tennessee State University in the Bluegrass, Old-Time and Country Music Program.

The workshop takes place at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum Performance Theater. To register visit: tinyurl.com/y7kz8rwv.

Ronnie Milsap

Ronnie Milsap, known for timeless classics such as “Smoky Mountain Rain” and “It Was Almost Like a Song,” performs to a sold out crowd at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center on November 4th.

ith 40 number one hits, seven Grammy® awards and eight Country Music Association Awards, Ronnie Milsap has earned a reputation as one of the most versatile country crossover singers of his time, and ranks as the pre-eminent country soul singer of his generation. Hits such as “Any Day Now,” “Lost in the Fifties Tonight,” “It Was Almost Like a Song,” and “I Wouldn’t Have Missed It For the World” have made Milsap one of the best-loved and most enduring artists in Country music history. Ronnie Milsap represents much more than any twoword definition can convey: a humble, overtly friendly fellow with a talent as vast and multi-dimensional as the American South. Milsap provided Country music with one of its most important voices, as the genre was moving beyond its rural roots into the mainstream of modern entertainment and then pushed them further with songs like “Day Dreams About Night Things” and “Pure Love.” Steeped in the mountain music of the North Carolina hills

and schooled in classical piano, Milsap early in life found inspiration in a wide variety of music. Even as he mastered Beethoven and Mozart, his heart belonged to hard-core country and rhythm-and-blues -- music he heard beamed from powerful radio stations located in Nashville. NPAC welcomes Ronnie Milsap to the stage on Saturday, November 4th at 7:30 p.m. for this sold out performance. Tickets are on sale now for all performances for the entire 2017-2018 season and may be purchased online at NPACgreeneville.com, in person at the NPAC box office, or by calling 423-638-1679. NPAC offers online seat selection with no processing or delivery fees. There is an additional $1.50 ticketing fee per ticket regardless of purchase method. The box office hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. The 1150 seat performing arts center is located adjacent to the campus of Greeneville High School. For venue information, and to purchase tickets, please visit npacgreeneville.com.

theloaferonline.com | October 31, 2017

The Niswonger Performing Arts Center welcomes Country Music Legend

theloaferonline.com | October 31, 2017

he Civic Auditorium will be filled with holiday wreaths & floral arrangements, primitive & country crafts, Christmas ornaments, pottery, stained glass, woodcrafts, handmade soaps and lotions, fabric crafts, needlework, doll clothing, jewelry, dichroic glass, handmade greeting cards and paper art, leather crafts, paintings, figurines, candles, baked goods and much more! Continuing in the 2017 show, courtesy of Bubba’s Book Store, several regional authors will be on hand each day to sign their books in the Civic Auditorium West Room. Also in attendance this year are the artists from Kingsport’s Senior Artisan Center. Their crafts will be set up in the Civic Auditorium History Room. Outside, attendees will find kettle corn and fried food items available for purchase. Country favorites will be served on stage at the Christmas Connection Café, and baked goods from Kingsport Ballet and Suzuki Talent Education will be at the entrance of the Civic Auditorium. With the holidays fast approaching, Christmas Connection is a great place to find unique gifts and support master craftsmen in our region.

DATES/HOURS: Friday Nov. 3 12 Noon - 7 PM Saturday Nov. 4 10 AM - 5 PM Sunday Nov. 5 12 Noon - 4 PM For more information on the Christmas Connection event, please visit EngageKingsport.com and search ‘Christmas Connection’ or call 423-392-8414.

theloaferonline.com

theloaferonline.com | March 28, 2017

It’s Christmas Connection Time!

Kingsport’s 38th Annual Christmas Connection, 13 a free admission event, is to be held November 3-5 at the Kingsport Civic Auditorium. Sponsored by the Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts, Christmas Connection hosts the region’s best arts and crafts vendors.

theloaferonline.com | October 31, 2017

An Evening with

Jill Andrews

The Capitol Theatre in historic downtown Greeneville, TN will host an evening with Jill Andrews on Friday, November 3rd with the show starting at 8:00PM as part of the Capitol’s Appalachian Homegrown Series.

eth Snapp will open the show. The series brings some of the brightest artists from our Appalachian region to the stage on the first Friday of each month. Many will remember Jill Andrews from her days with The Everybodyfields, which blazed onto the altcountry scene in 2004. The EBF’s were co-founded by Andrews and Sam Quinn. The band released three stellar albums and after years of national touring, decided to venture off into other projects. Jill opted to make a go on her own and released a self-titled EP in 2009, followed up with the full-length album, The Mirror, in 2011 and The War Inside in 2016. Since that time, Andrews has toured with the likes of The Avett Brothers, along with many other super talented artists. Her songs have been showcased on such shows as Grey’s Anatomy, The Good Wife, Nashville, Hart of Dixie and American Idol. Jill, who now lives in Nashville, spends much of her time song-

writing and collaborating with a number of artists. On her newest solo record, The War Inside, Andrews shines a light on her own struggles and successes, tying the songs together with a new sound that mixes her folk background with a wider set of influences. “It was a time filled with many new and exciting beginnings, as well as some deep personal loss,” says Andrews, who wrote the album after relocating to Nashville, TN. “The album focuses in on some particular moments of triumph, hardship, and hope.” The War Inside reaches into the pop and indie rock world, while still tipping its hat to Andrews’ Appalachian roots. Longtime friend Seth Avett even makes an appearance on the album, singing a duet with Andrews on “I’m so in Love with You”. Tickets for the show are $15. For more information on this show, or other events at the Capitol Theatre, visit capitolgreeneville.org.

To play Holston River Brewing Co.

theloaferonline.com | October 31, 2017

Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers

The Brewery continues to attract top notch entertainment, this Friday, Nov. 3rd with the well-known bluegrass band Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers. By Paul Kavanaugh

hese guys have an energetic mix of quality Bluegrass and Gospel music, a professional presentation, inventive instrumental work, a wide variety of vocal arrangements including a Capella quartets and tasteful, down-home humor. Their professionalism and successful, heavily played recordings have kept them in demand with a national audience. JMRR have been seen by thousands of fans across the country at nearly every national bluegrass event. A contributing factor to JMRR’s success is their active marketing capabilities, due to Mullins’ network of radio stations in the Midwest, including a 24/7 webcast available at myclassiccountry.com or the new “Classic Country Radio” app for Android and iPhone.

But don’t take my word for it. Pete Fisher, General Manager of the Grand Ole Opry, simply says “They are awesome!” And Jon Weisberger of the Nashville Scene adds “A second-generation ’grasser, Mullins grew up around music at its very best, and the Radio Ramblers’ take on tradition is more informed -- and therefore richer and more nuanced -- than that of many who wave the banner.” Sounds like an awesome night to visit the Brewery. And that’s not all. On Saturday Virginia Ground will take the main stage with their always popular music. Sharing the stage is Time Sawyer, another really good band with a great sound. Good music and great beer – what more could you possibly ask for?

- FRIDAY - November 3rd -

- TUESDAY - October 31st -

- SATURDAY - November 4th -

Skeleton Pecker / Povertybomb / Achyman The Hideaway

Jim Thackery & The Drivers Down Home

Jake Quillin Band / Natural Born Leaders The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room

The Bosses The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room

Southern 76 Elizabethton Elks Lodge

The Sugarbeats Yee Haw Brewing Company

Sabrewulf / Mega X / Swallw The Sky at Sleepy Owl Brewery

Jill Andrews Capitol Theatre

The Rhythm Revue Kingsport Moose Lodge #972

Downtown Country Jiggy Ray’s Pizzeria

Magus Vaughn Quaker Steak & Lube

Shooter Band Show Palace

Real Life Heavies Studio Brew

Darrell Webb Band Down Home

Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers Holston River Brewing Company

The Barefoot Movement Capitol Theatre

Nightshift Band Lion’s Club

Full Moon Ramble w/ Folk Soul Revival Bristol Train Station

Shooter Band State Line Bar & Grill

Sundown Band Willoughby Ruritan

Brandon Santini Gypsy Circus Cider Company

Shake Yo MoneyMaker Holiday Inn

Appalachian Fusion Pavillion at Founders Park

Hinder / Josh Todd & The Conflict Capone’s

Jigsaw Jane Country Club Bar & Grill

Virginia Ground / Time Sawyer Holston River Brewing Company

Rhythm Review Woodstone Deli

Live Music Bears Bar

Phoenix Band CJ’s Sports Bar

Copper Ridge Country Club Bar & Grill

- WEDNESDAY - November 1st Open Hoot Down Home Bike Night Bears Bar Otto and the Moaners Acoustic Coffeehouse

- THURSDAY - November 2nd Loose Leaves High Voltage Jam w/ Joe Ti Quartet Wellington’s Restaurant Live Music Bone Fire Smokehouse Open Talent Night Bears Bar Mike Younger / Jason Keiser Jazz Duo Acoustic Coffeehouse State of Affairs Model City Tap House Nostalgia Duo Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill

- FRIDAY - November 3rd Deadwood Drifters / Altergrave / Porno Arcade / Jamie Lyons The Hideaway Silent Stone w/ Tom Handgun Capone’s Live Music Bone Fire Smokehouse Studs of Steel Electric Cowboy Forlorn Strangers The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room

- SATURDAY - November 4thLIL WYTE Rio’s Grill & Sports Bar Mark “”Porkchop”” Holder & MPH O’Mainnin’s Pub Appalachian Strings / Mason Dixon Boys / Railway Express Sullivan Street CJ’s Sports Bar Live Music Bone Fire Smokehouse BasketCase / Lost in Space / Seasons of Me The Hyperion Grill Nightshift Band Moose Lodge

Shooter Band Bristol Country Show Palace Caleb Ryan Martin / David Ryan Acoustic Coffeehouse Soul Swaggert Woodstone Deli

- SUNDAY - November 5th Hawthrone Heights The Hideaway Live Music Bone Fire Smokehouse D.T. Huber Acoustic Coffeehouse

theloaferonline.com

theloaferonline.com | October 31, 2017

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.

for show time & more details, visit

Spotlight

KARAOKE

Country Club Bar & Grill 3080 W State St Bristol 423-844-0400

Model City Tap House 324 E Market St. Kingsport 423-765-0875

Bear's Bar 4460 Highway 421 Bristol TN 423-502-1975

Holiday Inn (Exit 7) 3005 Linden Dr. Bristol VA 276-466-4100

Quaker Steak & Lube 629 State St. Bristol VA 276-644-9464

Bone Fire Smokehouse at the Hardware 260 W Main St Abingdon VA 276-623-0037

Holston River Brewing Company 2623 Volunteer Pkwy Bristol TN

Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill 3119 Bristol Hwy. Johnson City 423-262-0444

Karaoke w/ Crossroads & Josh Blevins at Dawg House Tavern

Karaoke at Kingsport Moose Lodge

Family Night Karaoke at CJ’s Sports Bar

Karaoke w/ Reverb Karaoke at The Cottage

Karaoke w/ Marques at The Cave

Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN

Karaoke at Numan’s ***********************

Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Moe’s Original BBQ

Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at American Legion

Karaoke w/ Toddzilla at Sportsmans Pub

Karaoke at CJ’s Sports Bar

CJ’S Sports Bar 516 Morelock St. Kingsport 423-390-1361

Lakeview Marina 474 Lakeside Dock Drive Kingsport

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

Karaoke w/ DJ Brad & Top Shelf Entertainment at Quaker Steak & Lube Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Smokey Bones - Johnson City TN Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN ***********************

THURSDAY

Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Macado’s - Kingsport Karaoke at CJ’s Sports Bar Karaoke at Numan’s Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at New Beginning’s Karaoke at Jiggy Rays Pizzaria ***********************

FRIDAY

Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at Sportsman’s Bar & Gril Karaoke w/ Shane Rouse at Bear’s Bar

Sonny’s Marina & Café 109 One Street Gray, TN 423-282-9440

FRIDAY

Karaoke w/ DJ Brad & Top Shelf Entertainment at BoBo’s - Damascus VA Karaoke at Elizabethton VFW Karaoke w/ DJ Marquez & Top Shelf Entertainment at Holiday Inn (Exit 7) - Bristol VA Karaoke at Numan’s ***********************

SATURDAY

Karaoke at The Horseshoe Lounge Karaoke w/ Toddzilla at Sportsmans Pub Karaoke at Kingsport Moose Lodge Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment At Macado’s - Kingsport Karaoke at Numan’s ***********************

17 theloaferonline.com | October 31, 2017

SPOTLIGHT DIRECTORY

Acoustic Coffeehouse 415 W Walnut St. Johnson City 423-434-9872

theloaferonline.com | October 31, 2017

Daytime is slipping into the Night

It’s the time of year that finds daytime slipping into the night, which stargazers love but most people have a hard time getting used to: the end of Daylight Saving Time is Sunday, November 5th, and it’s dark at 6 pm!

G Stargazer

By Mark Marquette since 1996 stargazermarq@ gmail.com

one is the 7 pm golf tee time for a quick round of nine; forget about the outdoor tennis court after work; gardening season is done, and that patio furniture is stacked and covered. Admit it, you’ve been yawning during supper! It’s a rare human who is not affected by darkness. The cycle of day and night is a rhythm that is in our DNA—it gets dark and you begin to shut down for the day. The night used to be filled with stars and those twinkling lights were the center of attention and a form of entertainment for many thousands of years. We’ve lost that sense of connection to the night as the 20th Century bought about the amazing invention of harnessing electricity and illuminating the home, streets and as an innocent mistake, the night. That nemesis to stargazing today is called light pollution. And its ugly forms of mis-direction and inefficient illuminating of our night has shielded most of us from seeing many stars from the backyard. The result is a disconnection from generations of people who enjoyed and even worshipped the night. Up until the 1960s, every suburban backyard was a stairway to the stars. Not so much today. A true example of the naivety of Joe and Jane America about the starry sky that happened after Hurricane Irma swiped up the interior of Florida, shutting electricity off to millions. The night after was beautifully clear skies, and there were some emergency calls to 911 reporting fire on the horizon. It was the Milky Way! That’s another example that we’ve lost to night to urban sprawl. People looking at the moonless sky after Irma had never seen a starry sky before…it’s not their fault. That’s why the U.S. Parks Service does a great job providing access to the wonders of nature. And from time to time there are public stargazing events, so be sure to contact any park near you to see if they have night star programs. That is another rhythm of the sky and humans, again dealing with the light and day of the seasons. In the Summer it doesn’t get dark until after 9 pm, and we stay up late to stargaze an hour or so. And in the Winter when it does get dark early, it is usually cold and keeping warm is on your mind, secondary to stargazing.

Spring and Autumn are when darkness descends between 7 and 8 pm, and the temperatures are usually moderate. And that is the time when most science centers have their stargazing programs. The skies are in beautiful transition during these seasons, the Milky Way being replaced by the mighty Orion and vice versa. Because so few people can’t see the night sky from their homes, what is lost are the benchmarks that the constellations provide by a casual glance. Many an amateur astronomer knows the seasons just by looking up. Maybe it’s in late August when putting the telescope away for the evening that I look up in the after-midnight sky and see in the northeast the Great Square of Pegasus clearing the horizon, and I know the end of Summer is near. Seeing bright star Vega on the western horizon at twilight means Winter’s grip is close at hand. Understanding celestial motion isn’t a formula to be memorized; it is the position of certain constellations in the sky that can tell time. I like using a racetrack as an example, the Earth rolling along a 600-million-mile oval (though our orbit is only slightly elliptical) The fans in the stands are the constellations with the Sun in the middle. At the start/finish line, it’s Summer and the stands are the stars of the Milky Way that wrap around from Turn 4 to Turn 1. As the Earth races between Turns 1 and 2, you are in the midst of Autumn. Heading down the backstretch you see the stars of Winter in the grandstands. The Sun, in the middle, outshines the stars of the daytime, the Summer ones across the front stretch. As you round Turns 3 and 4, it is the Spring constellations in the grandstands, and the bright Sun hides the Autumn stars in the daytime (in Turns 1 and 2). Stepping on the gas for the Finish Line, there is the Milky Way again across the grandstands and heading for Summer. Yet this concept eluded the greatest stargazers for thousands of years, everyone believing what they saw was everything going around the Earth. It took Copernicus, Galileo and 400 years of changing that dogma to reach our understanding of our Universe today. A concept that during the dark days of Winter, you can sleep on.

he last week of Daylight Saving Time is Sunday we “fall back” and have a 23-hour day. The waxing gibbous Moon will shadow the evening ghouls and goblins that linger around after Halloween, and our natural satellite will be at full phase on Saturday. This will be the Hunter’s Moon. November is named for the Latin “novem,” or number nine, as it was the ninth month in the old Roman calendar that begin with March. Friday, November 3 On this 1957 date in space history, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 2 with the first living creature to orbit Earth; a mixed breed dog named Laika. It was only the second space flight ever—basketball-sized Sputnik 1 was launched a month before— and the one-ton vehicle with pressurized capsule was an amazing accomplishment. Unfortunately, Laika was doomed to die in orbit as “Muttnik 2” had no reentry capability. The heroic dog succumbed when the life support system broke down after Wednesday, November 1 Looking north, the familiar five stars that form a “W” on its side are one day in space. easy to recognize—the throne of Queen Cassiopeia. Her daughter, Andromeda, is east of her, and below is the hero Perseus, the Saturday, November 4 mythological savior of the abducted princess. Lurking along the The full Hunter’s Moon rises at sunset, shining down on bare trees and illuminating the southern horizon is the monster that terrorized Andromeda, the landscape for the pioneering hunters of Native Americans centuries ago. whale or creature called Cetus. Sunday, November 5 Good bye Daylight Saving Time! Get ready for the 6 pm drive time home in the dark Thursday, November 2 Today and Friday will find the gibbous Moon rising in the twilight as 3 am was eliminated last night and today is a 23-hour, Eastern Standard time day. before Saturday’s full phase, the landscape a beautiful canvas for photographers to capture this special moonrise. Download a Monday, November 6 smartphone app to show you the exact place for moonrise in your Bundling up for an hour or so of stargazing is worth it as in that time the sky will noticeably change. The Summer Triangle that frames the Milky Way is setting in the part of the country. west, and the Great Square of Pegasus rides high in the northeast. By midnight, the mighty hunter Orion will have cleared the eastern horizon to begin his reign over the night. Tuesday, October 31 Halloween night will have trick-or-treaters bathed in some moonlight, and our Moon will be a gibbous phase in the sky, releasing the werewolves and vampires into the night. Today the Sun entered the constellation Libra the Scales.

theloaferonline.com | October 31, 2017

THIS WEEK

SKIES

Celestial events in the skies for the week of Oct. 31-Nov. 6, 2017 as compiled for The Loafer by Mark D. Marquette. 19

theloaferonline.com | October 31, 2017

Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me

In April of 1990, TV viewers were introduced to a body, dead—wrapped in plastic—that became the hottest mystery to hit TV.

F Batteries Not Included

By Andy Ross aross@ theloaferonline.com

or all of its first year on the air, “Twin Peaks,” created by David Lynch and Mark Frost, kept viewers inthralled with its central mystery of “Who Killed Laura Palmer?” The show ended the year as one of the top rated series on air. But it began to unravel during the second season. A combination of creative differences and network interference caused the ratings to drop significantly. “Twin Peaks” was canceled after two seasons, ending on a cliffhanger that featured the most pure force of good in the show’s universe, Special Agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) possessed by BOB, the evil force at the center of the show’s mythos. Though ABC was done with “Twin Peaks” David Lynch wasn’t and announced a film “Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me,” a prequel showing the last days of Laura Palmer’s life. Most of the TV cast returned, with a few exceptions—due to either scheduling or complete displeasure with the creative direction the second season. That, along with fear of typecasting, is one reason why MacLachlan was hesitant about making the film, eventually agreeing to, but only for a much reduced role. This led to the creation of another team of FBI agents, filling the role that was originally intended for Dale Cooper. “Fire Walk With Me” shows Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee) during the last week of her life, and it’s a brutal one. Laura Palmer leads a double life. Beloved high school homecoming queen by day, and thrill seeking, drug addict by night. Haunted by a demonic force who has taken possession of someone very close to her, become more and more filled with horror. When “Fire Walk With Me” was released in 1992, fans of the series rushed to the theater to see it. However, even the most die-hard of fans were turned off by the film. Reception

was overwhelmingly negative, and the film was actually booed by audiences at the 1992 Cannes Film Festival. Many fans were largely dissatisfied with the film—which gave little answers to burning questions, even the biggest one, it didn’t truly resolve the cliffhanger at the end of season two—fans would have to wait till earlier this year to get that cleared up with the limited series that aired on Showtime during the summer. Though time has given “Fire Walk With Me” some critical reappraisal, it’s still a film that can be polarizing to fans. I like “Twin Peaks” and I have mixed feelings about “Fire Walk With Me.” There’s parts of the film I very much enjoy, and then there are other parts that are just downright hard to watch. The Criterion Collection brings “Fire Walk With Me” to stand alone blu-ray release in a new edition approved by Director David Lynch. This isn’t the first time “Fire Walk With Me” has been on blu-ray, it was included in the 2014 “Twin Peaks: The Complete Mystery” box set. As far as one can tell, the sound mix and transfer—both very good, both supervised by Lynch—are the same ones here. Some of the bonus material from that set is ported over here as well, the “Between Two Worlds” interview piece with Lynch and the actors who portrayed the Palmer family. But exclusive to this release are new interviews with Sheryl Lee, and longtime Lynch collaborator and composer Angelo Badalamenti. If you own the box set which includes “Fire Walk With Me,” then it’s unlikely you’ll wanna upgrade to this stand alone edition, unless you’re a completist and want to see the new interviews. What Criterion has done though is the definitive version of “Fire Walk With Me” on home video, all under the supervision of it’s most unique director. It’s a fine job from all involved. See you next week.

theloaferonline.com | October 31, 2017

plays Northeast State

The Paul Brock Band

Dance a jig and get your Irish on when the Paul Brock Band performs at Northeast State Community College bringing an evening of unmatched traditional folk music.

his internationally popular Irish folk band travels from Ireland to share Celtic, Irish and Global music and dance on Nov. 1 at 7:00 p.m. in the Wellmont Regional Center for the Performing Arts on the Blountville campus next to Tri-Cities Regional Airport. The concert is free and open to the public. Button accordionist and melodeonist, Brock is one of Ireland’s most celebrated traditional musicians and has been at the forefront of Irish music for many years. He gets splendid support by bandmates Shane Ferrell on banjo, Denis Carey on piano, and Dave Curley on guitar and vocals. A multiple All-Ireland accordion champion born in Athlone, County Westmeath, Brock pursued a solo career through the 60’s and 70’s by mastering the single-row, two-row, three-row, and five-row button accordions. His illustrated lecture “Irish Traditional Music in America – The Golden Era” has been widely acclaimed. As a soloist, Brock has toured extensively throughout the world. He has performed with leading musicians and has been a special guest artist on a number of occasions with the beloved Irish band The Chieftains. His list of awards and accomplishments are many. Brock previously performed at Northeast State as a part of the renowned Brock McGuire Band which he co-founded with Manus McGuire. They produced many well-received albums including Green Grass Blue Grass, a collaboration with Grammy-winning musician Ricky Scaggs that celebrated the deep historical connection between Appalachian and Irish music. The band will also perform at 1:30 p.m. in the Kingsport Center for Higher Education in the auditorium. The performance is open to students, faculty, and the public. The concert is sponsored by Northeast State’s International Education Committee. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit northeaststate. edu or email internationaled@northeaststate.edu.

theloaferonline.com | October 31, 2017

Tyler Perry's BOO2!

A Medea Halloween I really like the character of Medea, as created and preformed by Tyler Perry. Yes she is outspoken and outrageous, but always funny.

T Pop Life

By Ken Silvers ksilvers@ theloaferonline.com

(Rated PG-13) 2 Jack O' Lanterns (out of 4)

he character of Medea returns to the big screen in the new film "Tyler Perry's Boo2! A Medea Halloween", a sequel to the 2016 original film. Even though I like the Medea character, I am not quite sure what audience Perry wants to target for this film. The film is rated PG-13 for good reason, what with frequent drug and sex references. Perry certainly isn't targeting the movie to younger kids, which is a shame. I can imagine a film with less cursing which would allow you to comfortably bring along the younger kids. Had this film been more "family friendly", it would have been in the "Hocus Pocus" category of Halloween films. Sadly, this film falls in its own category: disappointing. The film continues the look into the life of the Brian Simmons (Perry) family as they are celebrating the 18th birthday of daughter Tiffany (Diamond White). As the celebration begins, strife is in the household as Tiffany feels to old to deal with her dads childish birthday parties. The conflict is only heightened when Tiffany's mom, Deborah (Taja V Simpson), divorced from Brian, gives her daughter a new car for her birthday. She also allows Tiffany to attend a Halloween party with a local college fraternity at a lakeside campground where many people had been murdered several years back. Madea gets wind of the party, and soon she and Hattie (Patrice Lovely), Aunt Bam (Cassi Davis) and Uncle Joe Simmons (Perry) are headed out to the campground to rescue Tiffany. However, along the way to the lake, Madea and company encounter a creepy young girl with long black hair and a really bad complexion. Meanwhile, at the campground, the party-goers are being attacked by creepy men in gas masks and supposedly left for dead. When Madea and company finally make it to the campground they run afoul of the masked men, and eventually find Tiffany and several of her friends in a rickety abandoned house. Eventually Brian and another dad show up to save the day, allowing for Medea to appear in another film.

I had several problems with this film, one of which was the supposed "comedy". At the beginning of the film the characters sit around taking about their "experiences" (I will leave it at that) and this causes the film to come to a complete standstill. Once the film does pick up, we encounter the "actors" from the first film playing the local fraternity brothers to annoying perfection. Every time these frat boy characters, led by Yousef Erakat, speak, it's like nails on a chalkboard. Nothing the boys do is remotely funny. The other aspect of the film I was disappointed in was the excessive references to drugs and sex, as this film could have been so much more. It's such a shame Perry feels the need to include so much of the aforementioned in his script. While Medea has many great moments in the film, everything and everyone else around her is left in the graveyard of missed opportunity. "Tyler Perry's Boo2! A Medea Halloween", is a fine example of a great idea that completely runs off the rails. Keep those 12 and under at home.

National Historical Park

Abraham Lincoln is, without a doubt, one of America’s most iconic and beloved Presidents.

Appalachian Wanderers

By Jason & Daniel Worley jdworley@ theloaferonline.com

ou’d be hard pressed to find someone who doesn’t have admiration for our 16th Commander in Chief. He held the country together when it was almost ripped in two by the Civil War, delivered one of the greatest speeches in our nation’s history, and issued the Emancipation Proclamation, ending the vile craft of slavery. His fame and iconic place in American history continued to grow even after his death on that ill-fated night in Ford’s Theater, more than one-hundred fifty years ago. Today, we see his face every time we pull out a five-dollar bill to buy lunch or flip a penny in a coin toss. Streets, counties, and even cities are named in his honor. For many Americans, no pilgrimage to our nation’s capital is complete without a stop at the Lincoln Memorial. The magnificent marble temple serves as the definitive tribute to the man who helped the United States in its greatest time of need. Millions have stood in awe and reverence on the steps that lead up to the great carving, contemplating how one man who started off in poverty could rise to such a powerful position and accomplish so much. Many of those visitors would no doubt be surprised to know that this is not the original Lincoln Memorial. The monument in DC was dedicated in 1922, but the original Lincoln Memorial was completed almost a decade before in 1911. To reach it, one must travel deep into the rolling hills of the Bluegrass State. Located about forty miles north of Mammoth Cave National Park, the site is protected within the borders of Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park. The park is an easy drive off I-65, just a few miles outside Hodgensville, Kentucky. The historic site preserves Sinking Spring Farm, a sprawling area of fields and woodlands which was the first home of the future President. It was here, on a cold February day in 1809, that Abraham was born to Thomas and Nancy Lincoln. Although they only lived here a few short years before a property dispute forced them to move, the site is rich with history. It was here in 1909 that the Lincoln Farm Association began construction of the First Lincoln Memorial. Today, the neoclassical temple dominates the surrounding landscape from its spot atop the park’s highest point. Fifty-six steps lead up to the marble pillars which line the front, one for each year of the President’s productive life. Inside sits a representative log cabin that intends to give the visitor a glance into the early life of Lincoln. Interpretive displays continue the story of the Lincoln family and the memorial itself which was begun in the visitor center located near the parking area. Abraham Lincoln Birthplace NHP offers visitors a chance to connect with nature in addition to learning of all the wonderful history. The Boundary Oak Trail winds through the woodlands behind the memorial. The farm’s namesake Sinking Spring sits near the start of the trail and provides a cool place to retreat during a hot day. An accessible walkway begins next to the visitor center and provides another route for visitors to reach the memorial entrance. Across U.S. Highway 31E sits a picnic area and access for two more nature trails.

This is not the only portion of the park, as another unit sits a short drive away on the east side of town. Known as Knob Creek, it was here that the Lincolns moved after being forced off their land. They would remain here for five years before once again making a new start, this time in Indiana. This place harbored the first memories for little Abe, including those of slaves being marched down the road in the front of his house on their way to auction. An information area is run by the Park Service and offers some information on the area. The Lincoln Tavern sits on the site today and was built in the 1930’s first as a dance hall and later as a gift shop. Next to this sits the Gollaher Cabin, home to one of Abraham’s boyhood friends. It was reconstructed here since the original Lincoln home was long since demolished. Open fields stretch behind the complex and can be explored via a mowed trail which runs along Knob Creek. It was here that the young Abe almost lost his life trying to cross the stream after a heavy rain. He was saved by his friend Austin; whose home now stands where Lincoln’s once did. Visitors can continue on the trail as it enters the woods and climbs to the top of the ridge which overlooks the farmstead. If you want to follow more of Lincoln’s extraordinary life, it’s only a two-hour drive through Louisville to Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial in Indiana. Three hours more will lead to Springfield and Lincoln’s final home before Washington.

theloaferonline.com | October 31, 2017

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace

theloaferonline.com | October 31, 2017

The Interview

BRIAN: You have obviously lived plenty of other places and seen a lot in your life. What is it about this region and the people here that make you continue to want to call this region home? ERIC: I was talking to customers the other day and telling them how much we love it here. I think I shocked them a little when I told them I feel bad for people who have lived here all of their lives. The look he gave me was funny, and then I said, "If you have never lived anywhere else, you can't really appreciate how good it is here." To them, this is just how it is. This is a real community of people that treat everyone like neighbors - not strangers. I have never come into a community and been made to feel so welcome.

Mountain Movers

By Brian Bishop bbishop@ theloaferonline.com

BRIAN: First of all, thank you for taking time to talk with me. We always start at the beginning, so let’s talk about what growing up was like for you and where you grew up. Can you make sure to share about your dad cornering the law enforcement doughnut market? ERIC: I was born in a small town in upstate New York called Horseheads. My dad (Gary Wheeler) was on the Horseheads Police Department. When I was 9 months, old we moved to Ocala, Florida and Dad went on the Ocala P.D. In 1971, Dad wanted to go into business and he left the P.D. We moved to Vero Beach, Florida and opened our first donut shop Tayst-O-Donuts. It was a small store, only about 450 square feet. Mon and Dad built the business into three locations, and we had the first drive-through window in Vero. We had the shops for 35 years, and they are still going strong. The family we sold the shops to is running everything just like we did. We hand cut our donuts and did everything from scratch, just like we do at Wheeler's Bagels now. Just a little side story - Dad got into politics and ran for County Commission and served two terms. He then ran for Sherriff and served two terms as the Sherriff for Indian River County, about a 500-person agency. It was the big joke in town for years because when Dad was Sheriff, he also owned all the donut shops in Indian River County. I got to grow up in a great small town working in the family business. We had lots for friends and family around. I don't think I could have had a better time growing up.

BRIAN: When we talk about the values that make this area truly unique, our focus on the importance of family is central to that. How important is your family and how do you keep that focus while doing the daily work of running a business? ERIC: Family and Faith have always been at the core of everything I do. I went to Tabernacle Baptist School for Kindergarten through 8th grade and then went to public school. Just like everyone else, I have had hard times, but it has always been family and my relationship with God that keeps me going. When I was 24, I was diagnosed with type 1 or Juvenile Diabetes. Now I'm a big guy. I'm 6'2'' and about 250 pounds. When I was first diagnosed, I went down to 136 pounds and was very sick. I spent about a week in the hospital and my pastor (David Foster) came to visit me and talk to me about how I was doing and how my faith in God was doing. He was concerned that I would be angry with God. I told him that even though I was sick and weak, I never felt like God had abandoned me or that I lost my faith. I told him what I am going through is nothing compared to what Job when through, and I had my family with me, my Mom ( Donna Wheeler ) and my Dad (Gary Wheeler) and they are amazing parents. They were there with me through everything. I have found that when I have problems and no matter what I do I can't figure out how to solve the issue, I have to surrender the problem and put it into God's hands and every time, without fail, it works out so much better than anything I could have come up with. BRIAN: And now for the grand finale, I want to make a statement once again. For those who have not parted the doors of Wheeler’s bagels, they are missing out. Here is your chance to share. What are the latest and greatest offerings at Wheeler’s and how can people stay up to date with what is going on? ERIC: I love making food for people and when we opened Wheeler's Bagels, we wanted a place where people could come and meet with friends and have good food. We make everything from scratch. I even make my bagel bases from scratch. I mix my own salts and sugars and malts. I get my flour from an artisan mill out of California because it is non-bleached and non-bromide. It's all naturally aged. We crack eggs and build our batters up from scratch for our muffins and cookies, and we use Boars Head meats and cheeses.

theloaferonline.com | October 31, 2017

Eric Wheeler:

When you meet Eric Wheeler, you will remember him from that day forward. 25 My friends and I are frequent fliers at his shop “Wheeler’s Bagels” and the food is as wonderful as the service. This sort of success in food service does not come by accident. Eric comes from a family tradition that helped lead him to the Tri-Cities as well as into law enforcement and entrepreneurship. Read up on Eric and then go get yourself something delicious!

theloaferonline.com | October 31, 2017

26 BACH continued from page 8 Haimovitz will also conduct a strings master class Thursday, Nov. 2, 9:45-11:45 a.m., in ETSU’s Culp Auditorium. Auditors are welcome. No reservations are required. At age 32, Haimovitz was already listed “among the world’s finest classical cellists.” He told NPR’s All Things Considered that in his hundreds of concert hall performances, he seldom saw attendees from his own generation. As a result, Haimovitz decided to go to them, rather than expecting them to come to his, perhaps daunting, big concerts. His first “alternative” performance was at Iron Horse Music Hall in North Hampton, Mass. The response was just as Haimovitz and his wife had hoped. The hall was packed. “There were jazz music lovers, indie rock, people who would never go to the symphony,” he told host Eugenia Zukerman of Noted Endeavors. “There was this incredible electricity. From this experience, I knew we had hit on something … There was a need for something to change the routine and reach out to audiences and just strip away the barriers that had been built up over a couple decades.” A tour of nightclubs and cafés, which he called his Bach “Listening Room Tour” and others dubbed “Bach in Bars,” ensued to rave reviews and, of course, toasts. “Glasses of wine, cocktails and pints of beer sit on the tables in the intimate club,” reports the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette from a 2005 evening at Club Café, Pittsburgh. “Chatter abounds, peppered with laughter. The buzz is palpable … a solo cellist takes the stage. He sits down to play ‘stodgy’ Bach, no less … “As the musician passionately digs into the cello; it melds with the environment and enraptures the audience, even among the clinking of glasses. By the end of the night, Bach's famed cello suites seem fresher than they have before – and so does classical music.” The alternative tour changed the musician’s perspectives, as well. “Seeing punk rock fans sitting next to classical music aficionados in a smoky dive bar has awakened him to the power of music to bring people together,” NPR reported. “The experience has also broadened his musical palette, he says, and has given him a stronger connection with all of his audiences, in both the nightclubs and the concert halls.” To further speak to the younger generations and rock ‘n’ roll fans, Haimovitz continues to expand his repertoire and reach, shredding his own arrangement of Jimi Hendrix’s “Star-Spangled Banner” (a result of his own “obsession with the electric guitar”) and performing mash-ups of music like Stravinsky and Janacek, Radiohead and Arcade Fire with renowned pianist Christopher O’Riley of From the Top fame. The cellist’s arrangement of the national anthem, which he titles “Anthem,” has special meaning to him as an American artist and native of Israel. “Having the freedom to pursue something as crazy as taking Bach cello suites to the streets …” he told ABC, “This kind of thing is not possible in many parts of the world to have the freedom to try something like that … I feel very fortunate that I can survive doing what I love.” For more on Matt Haimovitz, visit http://www.matthaimovitz.com. For more information about ETSU’s Mary B. Martin School of the Arts or to purchase tickets, visit www.etsu.edu/martin or call 423439-TKTS (8587).

• Broad Street on State 20% off your check of $6 or more • Stateline Bar & Grille 2 for 1 Appetizers • Studio Brew 1/2 Half off first pint Free Appetizer or dessert w/Entrée Purchase • Shanghai Chinese Restaurant 10% off your entire check • Machiavelli’s Free order of breadsticks with any entrée • Whiskey Rebellion Half off your appetizer • J Frank Free dessert and immediate parking

n honor of Veterans Day, the event will feature the Tennessee Highway Patrol Honor Guard presenting and retiring colors, along with the Daniel Boone Marine Junior ROTC. Presenters will include Mayor Kelly Wolfe, Jonesborough Veterans Affairs Committee Chair Marion Light, and Town of Jonesborough Operations Manager Craig Ford. Musical entertainment will be provided by Jonesborough Repertory Theatre’s players and the popular, Appalachian Express Chorus. Deborah Montanti of the Heritage Alliance will present on the Washington County/ Jonesborough History Museum’s Veterans Exhibit and Taps will be provided by Jim Culp. The event will be followed by a reception that is open to the public. For additional information, call 423-753-1010 or visit jonesboroughtn.org.

27 theloaferonline.com | October 31, 2017

Musical Concert

Veterans Paramount Partners

Discounts available with ticket stub day of performance

• Bristol Station Brews & Taproom Half off first pint or flight

Jonesborough’s Board of Mayor & Alderman and Veteran’s Affairs Committee will host the 2017 Veterans Musical Concert on Sunday, Nov. 5 at 2:30 p.m. at the Historic Jonesborough Visitors Center.

theloaferonline.com | October 31, 2017

Answers on page 30

Sylvia is a 2 year old female domestic long hair kitty. She is spayed and up to date on all vaccines. This sweetie is so friendly and companionable. She is right by your side and has a cute raspy meow! Please consider her for your family!

Julian is a 1 year old domestic short hair. He is neutered and up to date on all vaccines. This pretty boy loves to play! Please come by the shelter and visit him and so many sweet pets!

he Bridge Home has an ongoing aluminum can can collection in front of the shelter at 2061 Hwy 75 in Blountville,TN 37617. The cans are collected by a volunteer and the money from the aluminum goes towards badly needed food and supplies for the animals The Bridge Home No Kill Animal Rescue has started a pet food pantry for people that have had financial hardships because of job loss or medical problems and are struggling to feed their pet. They can come by the shelter and get cat or dog food to get through the tough time. Donations can be sent to The Bridge

Home Shelter PO Box 654 Blountville, TN 37617 Every animal in their care is spayed or neutered and fully vaccinated before being adopted. Being a non profit the shelter is funded entirely by membership dues and private donations. They always need volunteers or monetary donations. Other always needed items:pet food, cat litter & cat toys dog treats & dog toys,paper towels, cleaners, office supplies,Purina weight circles. Phone: 423-239-5237 Hours are Mon-Fri 12pm-6pm Sat 12pm3pm and Sun 2pm-4pm. Website is www. bridgehomerescue@gmail.com or like them on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/ bridgehome

theloaferonline.com | October 31, 2017

PETS

OF THE WEEK

theloaferonline.com | October 31, 2017

THINGS TO DO Blood Drive Marsh Regional Blood Center will conduct public blood drives at the area locations. Visit http:// tinyurl.com/n4aujx9 to find a location near you. In addition to scheduled blood drives, donors are welcome at Marsh Regional’s collection centers: 111 W. Stone Drive, Suite 300, Kingsport, 2428 Knob Creek Road, Johnson City and 1996 W. State St., Bristol. For more information about scheduling a blood drive at a local business, church, school or community organization, please call 423-408-7500, 423-652-0014 or 276679-4669 or visit marshblood.com. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• The Casual Word Adult Creative Writing Class Join us for a free, fun, engaging, and different look into writing. In this class, we will not focus on structure, form, or rules, but on the freedom of writing. It is the goal of this class to open the mind to its full creative potential by allowing participants to write what they want, how they want to write it. Sessions will be student lead; we will engage in topics and subjects that are of interest to the students. The atmosphere is casual and jovial. This class is designed for all those 18 and up who wish to try their hand at creative writing. Thursdays @ 6:00 p.m. Jones Creativity Center. Bristol Public Library. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Food for Fines & Pet Food for Fines The Washington County Library is again accepting donations of food for area food banks during the month of November in lieu of collecting fines for overdue materials. The Jonesborough Library

open to all ages and will include a variety of Halloween fun and games. Admission is free for children ages 6-16 in costume, $1 for adults in costume, and $2 for anyone not in costume. Game tickets will be $.50 each. Best costume prizes will be will be donating their collections awarded. For more information, to the Jonesborough Area Minis- please call 423-461-8830. terial Association’s Food Pantry •••••••••••••••••••••••••• (JAMA). The Gray Library is collecting for the Gray Community Chest Made Around Here Market Food Pantry. The foods needed Jonesborough will Host the are assorted canned food items Made Around Here Market Au(fruit, vegetables, meat, etc.), dried tumn Craft show on November 10 beans, cereal, peanut butter, rice and 11. and pasta, cereals, boxed dinners. Come out and take a stroll Also included are baby formula and through nearly 40 various venbaby food. Remember, we cannot dors’ booths and explore hunaccept glass containers, perishable dreds of skillfully handcrafted food, or out-of-date items. items. The Made Around Here Both libraries are also doing a Pet Market is nearing its 40th anniFood for Fines drive. Donations versary and will feature local and will go to Good Samaritan Min- regional artisans and crafters, as istries Pet Food Pantry. We can well as residents from surroundaccept canned cat/dog food, cat ing states. litter, bagged food (small bags preItems include handmade potferred), treats, and potty- pads. No tery, carefully crafted jewelry, open packages please! seasonal décor, sea glass jewelry, For each qualified item donated, handbags, woodcarvings, quilt$1.00 in fines will be forgiven. Pay- ed items, aprons, and clothing, ment for lost or damaged library among other eclectic items. materials and processing fees are Experience the Made Around not included in the program. Here Market on November 10 and Even if you do not have fines, 11 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. inside please donate! There are many in the Visitors Center, as well as an our communities that depend on additional marketplace located these services. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Turkey Shoot ‘fowl’ shot Do you have what it takes to win a holiday turkey? The Turkey Shoot “fowl” shot competition will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 16 at Memorial Park Community Center, 510 Bert St. The winners in two age groups (11-14 and 15 and older) will take home a bird for the family feast. This is a free event. Please register in person at MPCC. For more information, call 423-434-5758. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• 31st Annual Halloween Festival Carver Recreation Center, 322 W. Watauga Ave., will host its 31st annual Halloween Festival on Tuesday, Oct. 31 from 6-9 p.m. This event is

outside in the main parking lot area. Admission is free but donations will be accepted for Jonesborough’s free children’s event in December. For more information about the Made Around Here Market visit Historic Jonesborough on Facebook or call 423-753-1010.

plus some extra features that you might not know about. Questions are welcome from participants. Bring your own phone to the class, if you have one. All ages are welcome. Call the library at 423477-1550 for more information or to register.

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Friday Night Dance with Jerry Pierce and the Nightlife Band Citizens are invited to join Senior Services from 7-10 p.m. the first and third Friday of each month to dance the night away to live music at Memorial Park Community Center, 510 Bert St. Jerry Pierce and the Nightlife Band will take the stage on Friday, Nov. 3. Cost is $5 with a Silver Sneakers® discount for eligible participants. Please pre-register and pay in person at the MPCC Senior Services desk. For more information, call 423-434-6237.

YWCA Bristol Offers Winter Volleyball League YWCA Bristol will be offering a volleyball league for women's quad teams. The league, held on Thursday evenings, will begin November 9th. Cost is $25 per player. Register your team by Monday, November 6th. For more information call the YWCA at 423968-9444 or contact Patty Bailey at p_bailey@ywcabristol.org

•••••••••••••••••••••••••• Android Tech Class Does your Android smart phone make you feel less than smart? Will you be purchasing one for someone on your Christmas list? If so, come to the next tech class at Gray Library, at 4:30 p.m., Nov. 16. This class will focus on the basics of Android smart phones,

•••••••••••••••••••••••••• Get ready for holiday season with Carved Join Senior Services at Memorial Park Community Center, 510 Bert St., for Carved, an hour-long body-weight workout designed to boost metabolism for ages 50 and older. Classes will be held from 8:30-9:30 a.m. on Nov. 3, 10 and 17. Cost is $2 per person. Sign in at MPCC prior to each class. For more information, call 423434-6237.

Cryptogram: There is no cure for birth and death save to enjoy the interval. DropQuote: "I could not at any age be content to take my place in a corner by the fireside and simply look on."

T Kelly’s Place

By Jim Kelly since 1989 jkelly@ theloaferonline.com

he book in question is Ian Bogost’s intriguing PLAY ANYTHING: THE PLEASURE OF LIMITS, THE USES OF BOREDOM, AND THE SECRET OF GAMES (2017). Bogost is best known for his work with video games, and as the author of books like HOW TO TALK ABOUT VIDEOGAMES, THE GEEK’S CHICHUHUA, PERSUASIVE GAMES, AND ALIEN PHENOMENOLOGY. In his latest volume, Bogost revises our thinking (or mine, at least) about the definitions of terms like “play,” “games,” and “fun,” that we generally take for granted. Before I read this book I had always thought that “play” and “fun” were synonymous and that both defined activities that represent escapes from the structure and rigor of the everyday world of work, rules, and regulations. In other words, we play to escape work, and we have fun when we are released from rules and boundaries. According to Bogost, these “common sense” assumptions should be questioned.

The basic premise of Bogost’s book is very simple: “Play isn’t doing what we want, but doing what we can with the materials we find along the way. And fun isn’t the experience of pleasure, but the outcome of tinkering with a small part of the world in a surprising way.” So, play and fun don’t represent the elimination of boundaries, but the recognition that we need to learn how to be as creative as possible within the boundaries we have been given. Bogost calls these the “playgrounds” of life. Everything can be envisoned as a playground with boundaries and materials, which Bogost calls “content.” In this sense, life basically consists of play within the confines of playgrounds-and playgrounds can take the form of schools, hospitals, churches, restaurants, homes, and practically anything within which we live and work. And these playgrounds are not build just for us, so we have to find ways to use these well-defined playgrounds in the most creative way possible. A good example is what we get out of watching sports. When you think about it, sports like football and basketball should be anything but fun, because in order to play (or watch) you have to be willing to work within a tightly restricted and constricted environment. We are not free, for example, to increase or decrease the number of players in these games, the dimensions of their playing fields, or the rules that govern them. So, where’s the fun in all that? It is, as Bogost says, what we do with what we are given. How to make something endlessly watchable or playable given all these constrictions is the key to defining play, fun, and creativity. In this sense we can “play anything,” as the book’s title implies. As Bogost points out, play “entails a paradox: it is an activity of freedom and pleasure and openness and possibility, but it arises from limiting freedoms rather than expanding them.” It is within these limits that play and fun are possible. One of the most thought-provoking passages in Bogost’s book proposes several of the many ways we can describe a book and its uses. Here is a great example of how we are called upon to be creative with the things we given. A book “can be read as a tool to disseminate knowledge”, placed on a shelf for display of the owner’s “particular interests and aspirations,” serve as “a booster seat” at the banquet table, as a gift, acquisitioned for the public library, become a “makeshift fan or a provisional visor on a hot, bright summer afternoon.” And, last but not least, a book can be “rolled up and used as a deadly weapon against a fly or mosquito,” used a doorstop, a leveler for an unsteady table, compost for a landfill, or, perhaps most creatively, as food for a goat. In this case, we can’t alter the dimensions, weight, or number of pages of this particular book, but we can play with it in any number of configurations, showing very well how creativity is the art of making do with the limitations we are given. Bogost’s ideas have given me new tools to think with and have inspired me to imagine the possibilities that exist in a world of limitations. A similar approach is taken by a book I have yet to read. The just-published-last-week book by Anthony Brandt and David Eagleman, THE RUNAWAY SPECIES: HOW HUMAN CREATIVITY REMAKES THE WORLD, is the perfect companion to PLAY ANYTHING. As an advocate of creativity, curiosity, and connectedness in my own classes, I am intrigued by Brandt and Eagleman’s chapter on “The Creative School,” where they state that “Creativity is not a spectator sport. Exposure and performance are valuable, but it’s not enough to listen to Beethoven and act out Shakespeare. Students have to get on the playing field and do the bending, breaking and blending themselves.” In other words, the classroom should be the place where students--and teachers--learn how to be creative within the framework of limitations. And, as Bogost reminds us, they need to treat both the museum and Walmart as places where learning (and play and fun) can take place. See you next week with another visit to the playground known as “Kelly’s Place.”

theloaferonline.com | October 31, 2017

Wanna Play?

You have to admit that a book containing the following passage is worth more 31 than a passing glance: “God help me for admitting it, but I enjoy circulating through the Atlanta Walmart more than I enjoy visits to the Atlanta High Museum of Art--my hometown mausoleum for culture rather than consumption.”

theloaferonline.com | October 31, 2017