The Loafer September 26th by The Loafer

theloaferonline.com | September 26, 2017

on the cover

Volume 31 • Issue #43 Publisher Luci Tate Editor Graphic Arts Director Don Sprinkle Cover Design Bill May

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

19 Stargazer Autumn Nights, Stargazing Delight 19 Skies This Week 20 Batteries Not Included Red, White, and Blaine 22 Pop Life IT 25 Appalachian Wanderers Mount Rogers 26 The Casual Word Cast Away 28 Puzzle Page 31 Kelly’s Place Taking A Shower: A Prequel to "Halloween Horrors 2017"

your week’s line-up

Advertising Patti Barr Paul Kavanaugh Janie Jarvis

4 BINGO! 6 The Four Seasons Exhibition 7 2017 Umoja Festival 9 House of Martyrs 10 The Battle of Blountville 11 Downtown Folk Fest 12 The Simon & Garfunkel Story @ NPAC 14 Get Funk with Ranky Tanky 15 Devin Dawson & Eli Young Band @ The Pinnacle 16 Spotlight 27 Paramount Partners 27 Holton Riverfest 29 Pets Of The Week 30 Things To Do

theloaferonline.com | September 26, 2017

By Paul Kavanaugh

One of the most ubiquitous words in the English language. Sure, people yell it at Bingo halls when they have a winner – But I bet you use it all the time for other purposes.

uppose you’re making a point to someone and they get that flash of “I get it” – your reply is naturally “Bingo.” Or you’re searching a map for a certain place when you suddenly discover it – again, “Bingo!” You might be surprised to learn that the term was originally “Beano.” Bingo as a game of chance can be traced back to 1530, to an Italian lottery called "Lo Giuoco del Lotto D'Italia," which is still played every Saturday in Italy. From Italy, the game was introduced to France in the late 1770s, where it was called "Le Lotto", a game played among wealthy Frenchmen. The Germans also played a version of the game in the 1800s, but they used it as a child's game to help students learn math, spelling and history. When the game reached North America in 1929, it became known as "beano". It was a country fair game where a dealer would select numbered discs from a cigar box and players would mark their cards with beans. They yelled "beano" if they won. At a carnival near Atlanta, Georgia, New York toy salesman Edwin S. Lowe renamed it "bingo" after he overheard someone accidentally yell "bingo" instead of "beano." He hired a Columbia University math professor, Carl Leffler, to help him increase the number of combinations in bingo cards. By 1930, Leffler had invented 6,000 different bingo cards. They were developed so there would be fewer non-repeating number groups and conflicts when more than one person got Bingo at the same time.

Lowe was a Jewish immigrant from Poland. Not only did his E.S. Lowe company produce bingo cards, he also developed and marketed the game Yahtzee, for which he bought the rights from a couple who played it on their yacht. In the US, the game is primarily staged by churches or charity organizations. Their legality and stakes vary by state regulation. In some states, bingo halls are rented out to sponsoring organizations, and such halls often run games almost every day. Church-run games, however, are normally weekly affairs held on the church premises. These games are usually played for modest stakes, although the final game of a session is frequently a coverall game that offers a larger jackpot prize for winning within a certain quantity of numbers called, and a progressive jackpot is one that may increase per session until it is won. Bingo is not legal in Tennessee (more about that later) but is in Virginia under the regulation of the State Gaming Commission. There are four local bingo parlors that we are aware of, three in Bristol, Virginia and one in Wadlow Gap. While all offer slightly differing versions of the various games, the constant is that, by law, 10% of the gross proceeds goes to charity and 1.125% goes to the State of Virginia as revenue. Most parlors offer pull tabs as well, so there is always a lot of action going on. Regulations limit the payout per game to $100 with the exception of the different progressive games, where the payouts can, over time, grow substantially. One large jackpot game is allowed each session as well. Some places split that into two games with half the jackpot awarded in each game.

ways... scholarships, schools, police, hospitals, local food pantry, St. Jude’s. They 5 hold 2 community events each year and everything from food, games, and door prizes are free to the public. Next up is the Harvest Moon Celebration on Oct. 21 beginning at 2:00 and including a corn hole tournament, cake walks, bounce houses, face painting, food and drinks. Live band at 7:00 will be Ivy Road and Benny Wilson with door prizes during the music. So, there you have a brief history of bingo and a look at our local operations. But wait, you say, what about Tennessee. This is a rather sordid story. Tennessee did allow bingo games into the late 1980s, but many were ripe with corruption. Operation Rocky Top was launched in 1986 as an FBI and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation undercover investigation into illegal activities in charity bingo, including the illegal sale of bingo licenses. A first-year member of the Tennessee House of Representatives (and future Lieutenant Governor), Randy McNally of Oak Ridge, became a secret participant in the investigation in 1986 after he reported to authorities that a bingo lobbyist had offered him bribes and had boasted about bribing other lawmakers. For the duration of the investigation McNally "wore a wire" and cultivated the trust of bingo lobbyists and other insiders so they would talk freely in front of him and offer him bribes. Ned McWhirter, who was Speaker of the Tennessee House when the investigation began and who was elected governor in 1986, also was praised by federal officials for cooperating with the investigation. Operation Rocky Top became public in January 1989 when W.D. "Donnie" Walker, a one-time bingo regulator in the state government who later became a lobbyist, pleaded guilty to offering McNally a $10,000 bribe in exchange for his vote on a measure to legalize horse racing. In exchange for a plea bargain, Walker gave investigators details on how he had helped bingo operators become chartered as bogus charities so they could obtain state licenses to run bingo games, and how bingo operators then channeled money back to state legislators who were part of the scheme. At the height of activity there were nearly 300 bingo operations in the state with estimated annual revenue of $31 million. The investigation resulted in over 50 convictions and the incarceration of several politicians, most notably state House Majority Leader Tommy Burnett. Two other targets of the investigation committed suicide before testifying: Tennessee Secretary of State Gentry Crowell (in December 1989, just before he was scheduled to testify for a third time before a federal grand jury) and State Representative Ted Ray Miller of Knoxville (after being charged with bribery). Following the scandal, Tennessee established limits on political contributions and placed new restrictions on lobbying – and de-legalized bingo. Luckily for us, Virginia has regulators who are right on top of the games and allow all of us bingo fans a place to play and enjoy each other’s company. See you there – hopefully I am the one yelling BINGO!

theloaferonline.com | September 26, 2017

Locally, the largest of the parlors is AmVets Post 5, located on Euclid close to where it merges with State Street. They operate four nights per week, two under the auspices of AmVets and two under the auspices of their Ladies Auxiliary. AmVets began their bingo games in Tennessee, but with the law change moved to several places in Bristol before acquiring their own building in 2000. What makes AmVets unique is that they offer both conventional paper cards, typically played with a dauber, and computerized cards that can support many more cards than a paper player could possible keep up with. AmVets also has computer pull tab machines that look eerily like a slot machine and are just as much fun. AmVets allows smoking but does have a non-smoking section. The friendly staff operate a gift shop and a snack bar with many excellent food and dessert items. They have had a progressive jackpot reach as large as $21,000, although they are typically won before reaching such a high level. Operating on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, AmVets is always fun to visit. Give them a try – maybe you’ll be the one to yell Bingo! St. Anne’s Catholic Church, up on Euclid from Piedmont, is a church sponsored bingo hall that operates three nights per week. The sessions are actually played in the Msgr. Hickie center behind the church at the corner of Oakview and Chester. The school sponsors the Monday games with the proceeds going to tuition abatement and the church sponsors the Tuesday and Saturday games with the proceeds going to various church and local charities. There are no electronic machines at St. Anne’s; they are the traditional paper cards only. Originally in Tennessee at the K of C, they moved to the parish center when Tennessee outlawed bingo. Some K of C volunteers, as well as church volunteers, have been working bingo for the church for many, many years and have gotten to know the regulars so well that they consider themselves a family, and as a family, celebrate and grieve together with various life events. Pull tabs are a big part of St. Anne’s bingo nights, and their progressive jackpots can get right up there as well. The snack bar features hot dogs, pizza, sandwiches and lots of sweets. St. Anne’s is a non-smoking facility, although they do allow for several 10-minute breaks throughout the evening for those who want to step outside. Fun for all is the order of the day, and well worth a visit for the chance to yell Bingo! A third bingo hall in Bristol is Interstate Bingo on Euclid, just up from the highway. Their games are on Saturday and Sundays with a daytime and evening session both days. We weren’t able to get more information by press time, but rest assured they operate along the same general lines as the other places, although they do not appear to have computer machines. Finally, the Ruritan in Wadlow Gap has bingo every Monday and Friday beginning at 6:00. The admission book is $20.00; everything else is optional. Extra books are $5, progressive games are $5, blackout games are $4 and the quickie is $1. All games pay $100 except blackout pays $500 and progressive would be whatever amount it is in that given night. All proceeds go back to the community in various

theloaferonline.com | September 26, 2017

North East Tennessee Plein Air Painters Group Exhibition

The Four Seasons

he North East Tennessee Plein Air Painters group will present an exhibition titled “The Four Seasons” at the Arts Depot in Abingdon, VA. The exhibit begins Wednesday, September 27 and runs through Saturday, November 18, 2017. The 13 artists representing the group are Donna Bird, Sheryl Daniels, Don Gotterbarn, Janet Hartmann, Monique Carr and Mary Nees from Johnson City, TN, Judy Fitzgerald, Leslie Davis, Brenda Bundrant of Kingsport, TN, JoAnne McDonough from Mount Carmel, TN, Carol Dixon of Gate City, VA, Renee Pitts from Piney Flats, TN and John Youssi of Jonesborough, TN. They will present more than 50 paintings depicting all four glorious seasons painted “en plein air.” Arts Depot will host a Meet-the Artist Reception on Saturday, September 30, from 2-4pm. They call themselves “Just Plein Nuts” and the phrase aptly describes this organization of artists that meet casually throughout the year to paint “en plein air.” The core group consists of about 20 regulars who meet weekly at various Tri-Cities locations to paint the endless supply of interesting subject matter and beautiful scenery that the region offers. A common thread between these artists is that they “seek not only to improve their skills while painting from life, but also to increase awareness and appreciation for the natural beauty of the region” says Leslie Davis, a member of the group. They are passionate about sharing this vision through their work, and see themselves as “unique voices in the campaign to preserve and promote popular local parks and sites frequently visited as well as the lovely but overlooked places that we pass every day without a second glance” Some of the group’s favorite locations for painting include the Tipton Haynes Historic Sight and Rocky Mount in Johnson City, the Linear Trail and Farmhouse Gallery in Erwin, Eastman Recreational area, Bays Mountain, Allandale Mansion, Cleek Farm, Farmers Market, and Exchange Place in Kingsport, Sycamore Shoals State Park in Elizabethton, Jonesborough’s Mill Creek Park, and the Scott County Golf Course in Gate City just to name a few. The Arts Depot is located at 314 Depot Square, Abingdon, VA. in Abingdon’s historic Norfolk and Southern freight station. Admission is always free and everyone is always welcome.

September 27 through November 18 Meet-the-Artists Reception Saturday, September 30, 2-4 pm

Festival

East Tennessee State University is partnering with the Umoja Cultural Arts Committee for this year’s Umoja Festival, which will take place in downtown Johnson City on Friday, Sept. 29, and Saturday, Sept. 30.

aytime activities on both Friday and Saturday include a children’s area, the annual ETSU Animation Festival, MMA cage fighting, wrestling and festival food. Vendors will showcase and sell artwork, jewelry, clothing and crafts. Throughout the festival, and capping off each night, will be a selection of bands and musicians from rock and roll, rhythm and blues, rap and gospel music. The children’s area will have a colorful autumn theme and will include a petting zoo, interactive activities, face painting, a coloring contest, inflatables and much more. In addition, health screenings and informational booths featuring ETSU and other non-profits will be prominently located on the streets of downtown Johnson City. From New Orleans, festival favorite the Zulu Connection stilt walkers, featuring Shaka Zulu as well as the Wato-to Dancers, will perform throughout the day. The ETSU Digital Media Program will hold its annual Animation Festival during Umoja. Since 2005, the Animation Festival has showcased the work of international animators of all skill levels. Entries will be judged by a panel of industry professionals and scored based on criteria such as artistic merit, story and technical proficiency. A cash prize will be awarded to the animations that score the highest in the student, independent and professional animator categories. In addition, a critic’s choice award will be given to the animation that scores the highest overall, and an audience choice award will be given to the animation that receives the most votes from visitors. The Friday evening main stage lineup includes Kryss Dula & Friends; the Billy Crawford Band, featuring one of East Tennessee's premiere blues guitarists; Bleu Jackson; and Free Flow, performing a mixture of funk, soul, and R&B covers with an original twist. The Friday night headliner is The Umoja Band. Although its name is the same as that of the festival, this five-piece band hails from Atlanta. Umoja’s extensive repertoire covers a wide variety of music from the timeless classics to the wonderful sounds of Motown to the latest dance songs

of today. Umoja has also performed as the opening act for recording artists such as The Commodores, Jerry Butler, Peabo Bryson, Jennifer Holiday and OutKast. On Saturday, the festival kicks off with the annual parade beginning at the Carver Recreation Center at 10 a.m. and ending in downtown Johnson City at the Umoja Unity Festival Main Stage. The grand marshal for this year’s parade will be ETSU Men’s Basketball Coach Steve Forbes, who will be joined by members of the team. Also featured in the parade will be ETSU Women’s Basketball Coach Brittany Ezell and the team, as well as members of the ETSU baseball, softball and triathlon teams. The ETSU Marching Bucs will kick off the festivities along with beloved ETSU mascot, Bucky. Musical entertainment on Saturday includes Melanie DeMore on the Youth Stage. Born in the Bronx, but raised in Anchorage, DeMore has lived in Oakland, California, for the last 21 years. The songwriter, troubadour and emissary of tolerance, kindness and harmony through the sound of her voice, has traveled the world and was a founding member of the Grammy-nominated vocal ensemble Linda Tillery and the Cultural Heritage Choir. Also featured on the Youth Stage will be B.J. Goliday from Bristol, Virginia. Goliday is a musician, singer and dancer. His album, “Just Slap the Bass,” is a mix of old school funk, dance and R&B. New this year will be Mixed-Martial-Arts (MMA) cage fighting, and wrestling will return to the festival. The Lou Jerome Band from Philadelphia will perform on the main stage Saturday night. They have opened for Cuba Gooding, Stephanie Mills, Bobby Womack and Vivian Green at the African American Cultural Festival. Johnson City’s own The Jae Marine Project Band will also perform. The headliner for the main stage Saturday night will be DJ Unk from Atlanta. American rapper Anthony Platt, or DJ Unk, is best known for his smash hit, “Walk It Out” from his debut album “Beat'n Down Yo Block.” The song peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, and was the first top-10 single of his career. In 2013 he released the single, “Have a Toast,” followed by “Wait” in 2014.

theloaferonline.com | September 26, 2017

2017

theloaferonline.com | September 26, 2017

House Of Martyrs T

his year’s Mortality Room revisits a horror classic from the past. This ultimate, alternative Halloween experience is called “House of Martyrs”. The production centers on a contemporary, modern-day high school scenario with flashbacks into the lives of past martyrs who were tortured and killed for their faith. Due to the nature of the “true to life” atrocities, there is no avoidance of the gruesome details depicted in this drama. Because the production is very explicit in nature with its disturbing “real life” situations, it promises to make the audience contemplate their own lives and hopes to inspire courage in the face of martyrdom. Through the use of multi-media, professional staging, and theatrical illusions, LampLight Theatre will be transformed into a bloody chamber of torture. Satan and his servants’ ploys are unveiled as the audience journeys back and forth through history on a twisted timeline of horror. “House of Martyrs” is not for the faint-hearted and will leave you to decide in whom and what you really believe. This production is rated PG-13. Due to the graphic nature of the drama, we feel it necessary to have this rating. We strongly recommend that students under the age of 13 have parental permission or be accompanied by a guardian or parent. Performances will be weekends in October. Fridays and Saturdays at 6:30PM and 9:00PM. Sundays at 6:30PM ONLY. Two additional performances will include Monday October 30th and Tuesday October 31st at 6:30PM ONLY. No reservations are necessary, however they are recommended in order to guarantee times and seating. Suggested donation for the performances is $8 for all ages. Please call the box office for reservations and more details. (423)343-1766 or visit the website: www.lamplighttheatre.com

Halloween Show Not for the Faint-hearted

theloaferonline.com | September 26, 2017

LampLight Theatre presents

theloaferonline.com | September 26, 2017

The Battle of Blountville

22 September 1863

Listen to the voices of 150 years ago during the War Between the States when the monumental battles of Shiloh, Gettysburg, Chickamauga and countless other fields of honor are the most remembered. Not to be forgotten are the thousands of smaller engagements and skirmishes which were fought with valor and equal tragedy.

ravel a few miles into East Tennessee, cross the fields and streams where the men of the North and the South gave their lives and here you will find the historic little town of Blountville. East Tennessee was of strategic importance during the Civil War primarily because the East Tennessee & Virginia Railroad ran through upper East Tennessee directly southwest to Knoxville and South to Chattanooga. Early in the war, both sides recognized the importance of the railroad line for both supplies and communications. Throughout the next four years, small battles took place in order to gain possession of this railroad with its Holston River Bridge in nearby Zollicoffer, which is today known as Bluff City. A second factor which provoked Union animosity was the holding of seized property rights of Union sympathizers held by Matthew Haynes of Blountville whose brother was the eloquent Landon C. Haynes, Speaker of the Confederate Senate. A third target for Union guns was the tannery on the banks of Muddy Creek on the west side of Blountville. This tannery furnished the saddles for Mosby’s raiders, a Confederate

Brigade of cavalrymen who looted Union sympathizers in Northeast Tennessee. Thus, three major factors made Blountville a Union prize to be destroyed. On 22 September 1863, the war with all its horror came to Blountville. Federal forces advanced from Knoxville and arrived on the outskirts of Blountville. Union forces quickly occupied the heights overlooking the west side of town; this chosen site was the cemetery – the “City of the Dead”. Union cannons were aligned on the gravesites of the locals and their slaves alike. Reacting to the threats, Southern forces formed artillery on a knoll near the present-day Blountville Middle School; another line was established by Rebel forces on a nearby hillside in front of the Masonic Hall, now the site of the maintenance building for the Sullivan County School System. The battle of artillery and cavalry began in earnest at lunchtime Union guns offered the initial volley with the Court House as the first target. In only a few minutes, the Court House was burning. Though casualties were light for both armies, the town was devastated, with countless homes and businesses burned to the ground by fires

BATTLE continued on page 23

Battle of Blountville Reenactment

1173 Hawley Road, Blountville, TN 37617 For additional information about the 2017 Reenactment, please contact one of the following representatives from the Department of East Tennessee Reenacting: Phillip Bishop, (423) 782-9668; Tim Williams, (423) 276-9294; or Richie Ireson (423) 292-3451.

theloaferonline.com | September 26, 2017

A Family Mountain Celebration and Down-Home Jamboree

Fall for Downtown Folk Fest

all season is upon us and what better way to celebrate than at LampLight Theatre’s "Fall for Downtown Folk Fest." Come and usher in the fall season as we celebrate the mountain heritage of east Tennessee and southwest Virginia. On Saturday, September 30, revisit the old days and enjoy local traditions on Broad Street in Historic downtown Kingsport. Arts and Crafts booths will be set up by local artisans, crafters and churches. Candles, jewelry, wreaths, and seasonal handmade crafts will be for sale. There will be a Cornhole tournament with prizes for the winners! There are still open spaces for individuals or groups wishing to sell their wares. All day long, good “vittles” will be on hand. Vendors will be selling Hamburgers, Hotdogs, Kraut and Kielbasa, Walking Taco’s cotton candy and fried apple pies, Make sure you bring a good appetite with you. Entertainment for all ages will be going on all day as well. Live bluegrass and folk music will be performed by local musicians on our Broad Street stage. To take a break from the heat, enjoy creative arts performances inside LampLight Theatre by a talented group of performers throughout the day. For animal lovers, bring your dog for a great deal on a nail grinding! There will be a special area for children with face painting and crafts and a bounce house. "Fall for Downtown Folk Fest” runs from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday, September 30th. The admission for the all-day festival is FREE. This weekend celebration will begin Friday night, September 29th, at 7:00 PM with a performance in the theatre of the Down-Home Jamboree: “Old Time Gospel Sing” featuring Tattered Saints and Friends. The festival will conclude with a second performance on September 30th at 7 PM. These performances are done in true “Gaither Homecoming” sing-a-long fashion with old and new gospel favorites, southern gospel and shape note singing. Suggested donation for the evening performances is $10 Adults, $5 Students, and FREE for children under 6. Tickets will also be available throughout the day at Folk Fest or can be purchased at the door. Doors will open at 6:00 PM both evenings. Reservations are suggested and can be made by calling the LampLight box office at (423) 343-1766, Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm or online at www. lamplighttheatre.com.

theloaferonline.com | September 26, 2017

NPAC

September 29th 7:30 p.m.

Direct From London’s West End

he internationally-acclaimed hit theater show The Simon & Garfunkel Story will play at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center on September 29th at 7:30 PM on its tour of more than 45 U.S. and Canadian cities from coast to coast. The immersive concert-style theater show chronicles the amazing journey shared by the folk-rock duo, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel. It tells the story from their humble beginnings as Tom & Jerry to their incredible success as one of the best-selling music groups of the ‘60s to their dramatic split in 1970. It culminates with the famous “The Concert in Central Park” reunion in 1981 with more than half a million fans in attendance. Using huge projection photos and original film footage, this 50th Anniversary celebration also features a full live band performing all of their hits, including “Mrs. Robinson” (featured in the 1967 film The Graduate), “Cecilia,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “Homeward Bound,” and many more. With more than 100 million album sales since 1965, Simon & Garfunkel’s perfect harmonies and songs that poignantly captured the times made them one of the most successful folk-rock duos of all time. Over the years, they won 10 Grammy® Awards and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. In 1977, their Bridge Over Troubled Water album was nominated at the 1977 Brit Awards for Best International Album. In 2003, Simon and Garfunkel were awarded a Grammy® Lifetime Achievement Award and the following year saw their “The Sound of Silence” awarded a Grammy® Hall of Fame Award. Don’t miss The Simon & Garfunkel Story, a show that has been seen by more than a quarter-million people throughout the U.K. and Europe, at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center Friday, September 29th at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $35 for orchestra level seating, $30 for mezzanine seating and $25 for balcony seats. 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 AM until 5 PM. 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 www.npacgreeneville.com.

It’s estimated that eight out of ten of us have inadequate levels of magnesium, a mineral involved in the function of nearly every cell of our bodies, especially those in our muscles and nerves. A deficiency of magnesium contributes to muscle pain, cramps, fatigue, anxiety and insomnia. Magnesium is known for its naturally relaxing effect, by which it can help relieve chronic muscle aches and pains, particularly those associated with fibromyalgia, TMJ, migraine headaches and leg cramps. Also effective in soothing the nervous system, it can improve quality of sleep and lessen feelings of anxiety.

Topical application of Magnesium Gel provides maximum absorption through the skin directly into affected tissues, which potentially helps avoid bowel irritation common to many. It’s an easy, effective means to calm your kids when they’re a little too frisky. To help relax and fall asleep at night, simply apply to the bottom of the feet. As always, your satisfaction is guaranteed.

Locally Owned for 36 Years

theloaferonline.com | March 28, 2017

GET

Funky

theloaferonline.com | September 26, 2017

Ranky Tanky to share sounds, traditions, spirit of Lowcountry with ETSU, Upper East Tennessee audience

The Gullah culture, along the coasts and islands of South Carolina and Georgia, has a colorful heritage of language, handicrafts, Lowcountry cuisine and heartfelt music dating back to the 1600s, when West Africans were brought to the southern coastal areas to cultivate rice, a crop they were expert in growing.

anky Tanky, which means “work it” or “get funky” in Gullah, is a new concoction of longtime musicians from South Carolina and its Lowcountry, with a mission to spread Gullah music worldwide through recordings, video, performances and educational outreach. They call it “sustaining a true heartland of American music.” Ranky Tanky’s Lowcountry debut this year has been followed by a tour of the U.S., Canada and Europe, and East Tennessee State University is on the band’s schedule for Sunday, Oct. 1, at 6 p.m. in the D.P. Culp University Center’s Martha Street Culp Auditorium. The ETSU Jazz Collective, comprised of student musicians in the Jazz Studies program, will open the show, which is in conjunction with the 2017 Umoja Festival. This quintet, based in Charleston, South Carolina, performs the timeless music of Gullah culture, from playful game songs to ecstatic shouts, from heartbreaking spirituals to delicate lullabies, with influences of jazz, blues, gospel and folk music. Members of Ranky Tanky are drummer Quentin Baxter, trumpet player/vocalist Charlton Singleton, guitarist/vocalist Clay Ross, bassist Kevin Hamilton and vocalist Quiana Parler. “Clay came up with this new project centered around the Gullah culture,” Singleton says. “Now, Quentin and I basically grew up immersed in it, being from the Lowcountry, Kevin as well. Clay, though, is from Anderson, South Carolina. So, when Clay first started talking about doing this project, he would say, ‘Listen to this song,’ and he was so excited about it. We would

FUNKY continued on page 23

n Friday, September 29th, The Pinnacle will host multi-platinum country music artists, Eli Young Band. Known for hits like “Even If It Breaks Your Heart,” “Drunk Last Night,” and their ACM Song of the Year, “Crazy Girl”—Eli Young Band has been thrilling fans around the world with their unique, contemporary country sound. Straight off the release of their new album, “Fingerprints,” the band is currently on tour and ready to come to The Pinnacle and put on an incredible show. Opening for Eli Young Band at the event is up-and-coming country music artist Devin Dawson. His blend of folk and contemporary country music has made him one of the new country music artists to watch in 2017. Devin will be showcasing several new songs from his upcoming debut album, including his hit single “All On Me,” which released earlier this year. The Pinnacle will be hosting the concert in the parking area across from Aubrey’s. Parking will be available in the main parking area between Aubrey’s and Belk, with additional parking on the opposite side of Pinnacle Parkway across from CARMAX. The concert will be an open-air event with no reserved seating, so come early to get the best spots. Gates for the concert will open at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, September 29th, and Devin Dawson will perform starting at 7:30 p.m. Eli Young band will begin their performance at 8:30 p.m. Area vendors will be on site serving food and refreshments as well as all the great dining options already available at The Pinnacle. No tickets are necessary. Just come make a day of the amazing shopping, attractions, and food available at The Pinnacle and stay for one of the best nights of country music in the region. It’s all totally FREE, thanks to our sponsors WXBQ 24 Carrot Country and The Pinnacle, the region’s premier lifestyle shopping destination! For more information, visit WXBQ.com or ThePinnacle.com.

theloaferonline.com | September 26, 2017

Coming to The Pinnacle

Two Great Country Performances

The Pinnacle is once again showcasing why it is the 15 region’s premier destination for shopping, dining, attractions, and entertainment by hosting an incredible night of food, fun, and music for the whole family. Come and be part of one of the biggest and best nights of country music in the region!

Spotlight - TUESDAY - September 26th -

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.

- THURSDAY - September 28th -

- SATURDAY - September 30th -

Ryan Ward O’Mainnin’s Pub

Quarter Bounce with Rusty Steel Kingsport Moose Lodge #972

Downtown Country Jiggy Ray’s Pizzeria

Southern 76 Full Moon Jam

Southern Countrymen Band Willoughby Ruritan

The Diamonds Blackbird Bakery

Hope Griffin Jiggy Ray’s Pizzeria

Our last night/ Brett Cammack Acoustic Coffeehouse

Acoustic Show w/ Chris Long, Mick Kyte & John Condrone Yee Haw Brewing Company

Unknown Rythym Model City Tap House

And she Did w/ Fortress Capone’s

Nostalgia Duo Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill

Rhythm & The Roosevelts Gypsy Circus Cider Company

Stemwinder Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill Old Movie Night Bears Bar Guido Au’some and the Open Mic Playas O’Mainnin’s Pub Mal Cooper Acoustic Coffeehouse

- WEDNESDAY -September 27th Lauren Arp Wild Wing Cafe Throw The Fight / Glass Houses / Deadships Capone’s Bike Night Bears Bar The Teen Bartenders with The New Conspirators O’Mainnin’s Pub Ryan Hutchens Acoustic Coffeehouse

- THURSDAY - September 28th -

- FRIDAY - September 29th Mike Snodgrass Band Wild Wing Cafe Siren Quaker Steak & Lube Jimmie D. Band Down Home Michale Graves w/ 1134 The Hideaway Kevin Buttry Band Jiggy Ray’s Pizzeria Demon Waffle Founders After 5

Ragged Union Down Home

Eli Young Band & Devin Dawson The Pinnacle

Jigsaw Jane Quaker Steak & Lube

Borderline Rush Street

Southern 76 Full Moon Jam

Fritz & Co. with Hip Gypsy Holston River Brewing Company

The Diamonds Blackbird Bakery

Southern Breeze Country Club Bar & Grill

Stemwinder Red Barn

The Steel Woods Capone’s

Michael Cable & Wil Bledsoe Portobello’s Italian Bistro

Cranford Hollow O’Mainnin’s Pub

Jam w/ After Dark Wellington’s Restaurant

Bonner Black Acoustic Coffeehouse

Open Talent Night Bears Bar Linda McRae Down Home

Shooter Band Bluff City Heritage Days 10:30am Jericho Temple - evening Wyldeheart Holiday Inn Borderline Rush Street James Meadows Band Painter Creek Marina JV Squad Holston River Brewing Company Limited Edition Bristol Country Show Palace Ali Randolph & The Outta Luck Band Country Club Bar & Grill Junkyard Dogz Bears Bar

- SATURDAY - September 30th The Kindest People / Earth Suits / Dead Wait The Hideaway

Garden of Groove IV O’Mainnin’s Pub The Brian Rigby Band Bristol Station Brews & Taproom California Jeff Cordes Acoustic Coffeehouse Rock & Roll Freakshow Woodstone Deli

- SUNDAY - October 1st Jason Keiser Jazz Duo Acoustic Coffeehouse

theloaferonline.com

The Business Machines / Reflex Machine The Hideaway

for show time & more details, visit

theloaferonline.com | September 26, 2017

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

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

Lakeview Marina 474 Lakeside Dock Drive Kingsport

TUESDAY Karaoke w/ Tina and West at Dawg House Tavern Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Logans Karaoke w/ Marques at The Cave Karaoke at Numan’s ***********************

WEDNESDAY Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at American Legion 8pm Karaoke at CJ’s Sports Bar 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 ***********************

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

FRIDAY Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at Sportsman’s Bar & Grill 9pm Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Los Amigos - Kingsport Karaoke w/ Shane Rouse at Bear’s Bar Karaoke at Kingsport Moose Lodge Karaoke w/ Reverb Karaoke at The Cottage 8:30 pm Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN Karaoke w/ Toddzilla at Sportsmans Pub Karaoke at CJ’s Sports Bar Karaoke w/ DJ Brad & Top Shelf Entertainment at BoBo’s - Damascus VA Karaoke at Elizabethton VFW Karaoke w/ DJ Marquez & Top Shelf Entertainment at Holiday Inn (Exit 7) - Bristol VA Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City TN *********************** SATURDAY Karaoke at The Horseshoe Lounge Karaoke w/ Toddzilla at Sportsmans Pub Karaoke at Kingsport Moose Lodge Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Macado’s - Kingsport Karaoke at Numan’s ***********************

17 theloaferonline.com | September 26, 2017

SPOTLIGHT DIRECTORY

KARAOKE

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

Autumn Nights Stargazing Delight

theloaferonline.com | September 26, 2017

The autumn skies are one of the starry delights of the year, and the last time you might spend night time outdoors.

Stargazer

By Mark Marquette since 1996 stargazermarq@ gmail.com

Let’s face it, the days are numbered that you’ll be outside after dark as cold weather and busy holidays keep most of us inside when the day turns to night. And we don’t want to think about those January and February cold nights, when there are dark skies at 6 pm and we don’t have the gumption to brave the usually harsh weather. So, make some time every week for half an hour or so of stargazing by just sitting outdoors in comfortable clothes on a comfy recliner and allowing your eyes to adapt to the night. I guarantee it won’t be wasted time. I think you might be recharged a little bit, and for sure you’ll witness with eyes and ears a new perspective on your neighborhood. Most of us will be battling the security lights of the neighbors, so try and block yourself from annoying stray light. Start relaxing outside in the deep twilight. You will see and hear all kinds of nature stirring about as the stars come out to play with you Your eyes take about 15 minutes away from white light to allow the pupils to open wider and allow a dramatically better night vision. The human eye isn’t sensitive to red light, and flashlights with a red bulb or cellophane are what’s needed to look at a star map or equipment. As your eyes open wide like an owl, use your ears to hear the night world around us coming alive. You’ll hear crickets and other insects in their nocturnal cacophony, then a few bats will dart by, snagging flying insects that buzzed by you earlier. You realize car tires make a sound of their own on the streets, and somewhere overhead a propeller plane is heading to a twilight landing. A dog barks, quarreling cats howl and in the distance a train’s whistle moans. Suddenly, it’s dark. Even if the Moon is high and the lunar light drowns out the stars, there will always be a few dozen of the brightest to shine through. And maybe a planet or two. Getting familiar with the night sky is like meeting neighbors as you drive down a road that repeats every 12 months. Seeing the Great Square of Pegasus in the northeast this Autumn time of the year is like seeing an old friend you haven’t talked to since February when the celestial horse was setting in the west.

A star chart is essential and fun to use when beginning to get curious about which star is which and the starry outlines of the constellations. A “planisphere” is a star wheel that can be moved to show you the star patterns at any date and time, and they can be found at most book stores. Libraries will have several books on constellations, and free sky charts are on the Internet, like StarMaps.com. Hey! That 1965 edition of the New Encyclopedia Britannica you inherited from your parents—or snagged cheaply at a yard sale—will no doubt have a star chart for the North and South Hemispheres of Earth. Even some world atlases will have star charts. It doesn’t matter how old your star chart is, the constellations haven’t changed in millions of years, only the positions of the Sun, Moon and planets change. To know the night sky is truly a rewarding experience that never gets old. There is so much to learn…and so little time. You can’t stargaze the faint nebulae and galaxies when the Moon is bright for a week or so around full phase, and then you have plenty of cloudy nights. Also, everyone has a personal life that has lots of evening commitments. So, you might be lucky to seriously stargaze just five or six times a month. Before you know it, the night sky has changed its mythological characters, the constellations you were learning are setting, and new ones are rising in the east with stories told thousands of years ago. After a season or two of steady stargazing, you’ll come to learn the rhythm of our Earth’s journey around our favorite star, the Sun. The rewards will be something you only measure inside your mind. Take advantage of these mild Autumn nights that have so many starry friends awaiting your acquaintance. Look up and imagine each starry point as a world of its own, probably with several planets and maybe a companion star orbiting it. Remember, you are looking at the same stars that all humans have gazed upon. And no one owns the original, the stars are there for everyone to see and do with what they want. Maybe you’ll find it so enjoyable that you’ll continue stargazing though the Winter and get in rhythm with the seasonal stars. You won’t be disappointed—the Spring stars are just around the celestial corner.

he first full week of Autumn sees the night canopy of stars in transition. Saturn is taking its parting shots in the west, and with the planet setting are the Milky Way constellations of Scorpius and Sagittarius with it. In the east, the Great Square of Pegasus is rising, a sure sign that leaves and the thermometer will be dropping.

Tuesday, September 26 Early risers will see brilliant Venus and red Mars clear the eastern horizon at 6 am and move ahead of the impending sunrise at around 7:15 am. In the evening, the Moon is above ringed world Saturn.

January 1986 launch explosion of Challenger. This important four-day return to space by America went as planned with few problems for the all-veteran, five-man crew that flew Discovery on its seventh trip to space.

Saturday, September 30 On this 1994 date in space history, Space Shuttle Endeavour was launched on this Wednesday, September 27 STS-94 mission. During a 10-day mission, six astronauts used the Space Radar First Quarter Moon today, the terminator of the Moon separating Laboratory in the cargo bay to study Earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s geology, hydrology, oceanography, the lunar night from advancing daytime. Watch the movement of and agriculture. the terminator across the lunar landscape, on Earth we call that twilight. Sunday, October 1 On this 1958 date in space history, the U.S. Congress officially formed the National Thursday, September 28 Aeronautics and Space Administrationâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;known round the world as simply NASA. Saturn is in the southwest ready to say its goodbye in a month On this 59th anniversary, our unmanned space program is doing wonders making or so, its yellowish glow a contrast from the red star Antares in discoveries on Mars, the Moon, Saturn, Jupiter and the Universe. But it has been Scorpius to the right. six years since the last manned launch when the Shuttle was retired. And the Orion spacecraft is still years away from its first flight. Friday, September 29 On this 1988 date in space history, Space Shuttle Discovery Monday, October 2 roared off the launch pad at Cape Kennedy, Florida, with two The big, bright Moon will illuminate the night, heading for full phase Tuesday redesigned strap-on rockets, returning America to space after the night, the Harvest Moon.

theloaferonline.com | September 26, 2017

THIS WEEK

SKIES

Celestial events in the skies for the week of Sept. 26 - Oct. 2, 2017 as compiled for The Loafer by Mark D. Marquette. 19

theloaferonline.com | September 26, 2017

Red, White, and Blaine

Batteries Not Included

By Andy Ross aross@ theloaferonline.com

In 1996 Christopher Guest returned to the mockumentary genre with his look at regional theater “Waiting for Guffman.” Guest, most famously, being one third of the fictional rock band Spinal Tap in the perhaps the best mockumentary ever made, “This is Spinal Tap.”

uffman” also kicks off the cycle of Christopher Guest directed mockumentaries. The films all using the same group of actors, and all written by Guest with Eugene Levy, both of whom also act in the films. Guest’s films are largely improved by the actors, with the written material serving as an outline for the film’s story. “Guffman” takes place in the fictional town of Blaine, Missouri—a small town that is celebrating its 150th anniversary. Big dreamer and New York Transplant, Corky St. Clair (Guest) has created a musical celebration of the town called “Red, White, and Blaine.” The show within the show appears towards the end of the film, Guest teamed up with his "Spinal Tap” cohorts, Michael McKean & Harry Shearer, to pen the songs for the homegrown musical. St. Clair has also used his off-off-off-off-broadway connections to invite a broadway producer, Mort Guffman, to come and see his new show and offer his thoughts. Guest assembled an absolute knock out cast that features: Catherine O’Hara, Parker Posey, Fred Willard, and Bob Balaban. Simply put, it's one of the funniest films of the ‘90s, and a movie I have been a big fan of years. I can’t actually recall the first time I saw it, but that I've always loved it. “Waiting for Guffman" was a critical hit, but a commercial failure when it was put in limited release in 1996. The

film found its audience on home video. If you've ever been involved in any capacity with community theater, the film is an absolute must. It’s funny if you haven't, but if you have, the film takes on an extra certain personality that you catch immediately. Warner Archive has brought “Waiting For Guffman” to blu-ray, in a very nice edition that includes all the bonus material from the 2001 DVD release. A commentary track from Guest and Levy is included for the feature well, as well as optional commentary from the pair on the deleted scenes included on the disk. The original theatrical trailer is included as well. “Waiting For Guffman” looks good on bluray, but it’s not spectacular. That’s because “Guffman” was shot on 16mm, converted to 35mm for release. In short, it looks like what it’s mocking, a low-budget documentary from the 1990s. That being said, there’s a sharpness to the film that I’ve never seen it have before on home video. For fans of the film, upgrading is an easy option. It’s a real delight to see “Waiting for Guffman” come to HD from Warner Archive, it’s very much an endearing film that’s just as funny today as it was when it was made. If you’ve never seen it, you owe it to yourself to pick up the fine new blu-ray edition and check out the “stool boom” all for yourself. See you next week

theloaferonline.com | September 26, 2017

IT (Rated R) 3 1/2 balloons (out of 4)

Pop Life

By Ken Silvers ksilvers@ theloaferonline.com

I rarely read novels by Stephen King, but I certainly see film adaptations of his work. Such is the case with the new film "It", which has become a smash hit since hitting theaters.

rarely read novels by Stephen King, but I certainly see film adaptations of his work. Such is the case with the new film "It", which has become a smash hit since hitting theaters. The film is based on the 1986 (!) novel of the same name, and was previously released as a TV miniseries in 1990. Fans will forever remember said mini-series thanks to the remarkable performance of Tim Curry as the eponymous being It, also known as Pennywise the Dancing Clown. In the new big screen version, Pennywise is played by Bill Skarsgard, and his take gives Curry a run for his money. For those who have no clue, the film is set in 1988 and is the tale of seven kids in Derry, Maine, who are terrorized by the being known as It, who only appears in the town every twenty-seven years. The being has the ability to shape- shift and manipulate, all while being unnoticed by adults. Upon his return to Derry, the town has a sudden rash of missing kids and teens. His first victim in the story, sevenyear-old Georgie (Jackson Robert Scott), has a brother named Bill (Jaeden Lieberher) who will stop at nothing to find his missing and presumed dead little brother. Bill eventually convinces his fellow outcast friends to join him on his quest to find Georgie. During their search, each of Bill's friends must confront their greatest fears thanks the torment directed toward them by Pennywise. As expected, none of the adults in the film believe anything the kids are telling them, as they can't see Pennywise. When will characters in horror movies ever believe what they are told? While Bill and his friends are being taunted by Pennywise, they must also deal with the school bullies, who have their own issues. The story line does a wonderful job in capturing each of the kids fears, and I love how once they rely on one another, they discover their true strengths lie in teamwork and friendship. The film has a thrilling and satisfying ending, which makes fans anxious for "It: Chapter Two." All the performances in this film were marvelous, and Skarsgard is perfectly creepy as the terrifying Pennywise. The kid actors are all amazing in their respective roles, and have great screen chemistry. While friends of mine who have read the novel revealed to me much was left out of the movie, this comes as no surprise, as the 1990 film was a mini-series, so no wonder there will be a part two. The film has plenty of "jump" moments, but does not totally rely on the tactic to scare the audience. The mere apprehension of what Pennywise will do next is enough to leave you feeling tense and anxious. The film also has several cringe worthy moments, but that is to be expected with this genre of film. "It"is one of King's best adaptions to film, and certainly left me with chills, and I will never look at clowns and red balloons the same way again, proving the success of this effort.

BATTLE continued from page 10 House, businesses and homes destroyed – Only a few historic structures and homes remained. Left behind were the dead and wounded from both sides as well as a town destroyed. Here on this ground, as well as in Gettysburg, men fought and paid the ultimate sacrifice. Eventually, both armies would withdraw from the immediate area, but Blountville, like much of the South, was left smoldering, and its citizens weeping; thus, this once peaceful village would never be the same.Old Hawley Farm 1173 Hawley Road, Blountville, TN 37617

The Department of East Tennessee Reenacting will present the 2017 Battle of Blountville Reenactment. The event is co-sponsored by the Sullivan County Department of Archives and Tourism and the Battle of Blountville Civil War Military Park. For additional information about the 2017 Reenactment, please contact one of the following representatives from the Department of East Tennessee Reenacting: Phillip Bishop, (423) 782-9668; Tim Williams, (423) 276-9294; or Richie Ireson (423) 292-3451.

something that is unique.” Singleton is the artistic director and conductor of the Charleston Jazz Orchestra, the city’s resident big band, while Baxter is a Grammy-nominated musician and producer, co-principal of Charleston Jazz Initiative and adjunct professor of Jazz Studies at the College of Charleston. Hamilton has performed with ensembles and artists including the Charleston Jazz Orchestra, Houston Person, Gregory Hines and Rene Marie and holds a degree in music theory from College of Charleston. Parler, who grew up about 50 miles from the South Carolina coast in Harleyville, was a top contestant on “American Idol” in 2003 and has toured and performed with Miranda Lambert and fellow “American Idol” alumni Clay Aiken, Kelly Clarkson and Ruben Studdard. In addition to touring with Ranky Tanky, Ross performs worldwide with his New York City-based band, Matuto. While traveling and playing “global music” with Matuto, Ross noticed that “no one (was) representing this music of South Carolina on a global scale in this way,” he told the Charleston Post and Courier. “I just felt we could do this.”

Baxter, Hamilton and Singleton, Ross’ musical friends and mentors, agreed that the time might be right, but that Ranky Tanky needed to mix traditional Gullah with a jazzy contemporary funk. “I’m not interested in dressing up in plantation clothes to make a point,” says in Charleston Scene. “This is about having very contemporary arrangements of songs that celebrate a culture that didn’t used to be able to celebrate itself.” Ranky Tanky’s set list intertwines research including early field recordings of such artists as Bessie Jones, John Davis and Laura Rivers; band members’ memories of growing up in the Lowcountry hearing its oral traditional music; the syncopation and swing of legends like Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Maynard Ferguson; and modern jazz, blues and folk – all with a sense of playfulness, emotion and often spiritual intensity. Tickets for the Oct. 1 performance at ETSU are $20 for general admission, $15 for seniors and $5 for students. For tickets or more information, call the Martin School of the Arts at 423-439-TKTS (8587) or visit www.etsu.edu/martin. For disability accommodations, call the ETSU Office of Disability Services at 423-439-8346. For more on Ranky Tanky, visit http://rankytanky.com.

FUNKY continued from page 14 look at him and go, ‘Oh, yeah, that song’ ... ‘Yeah, I have been listening to that song since I was probably 3.’ “As musicians that have studied a lot of different styles of music and performed and toured with a number of different groups, the interpretation we bring to this traditional music is

theloaferonline.com | September 26, 2017

started by the explosions of Federal guns. For four hours, the battle raged when Union forces dislodged the Confederates who began a withdrawal to present-day Bluff City. The Confederates’ withdrawal was a pre-planned surprise counter-attack, with fresh Confederate troops awaiting the pursuing Federals. The plan was not destined for success when Union forces discovered the Confederate plot and refused battle; the men in blue retreated to Blountville. All of the Federal forces returned toward Knoxville within two days. That fateful little day left a burning town – a burned jail, a gutted Court

theloaferonline.com | September 26, 2017

Appalachian Wanderers

By Jason & Daniel Worley jdworley@ theloaferonline.com

hether it be long treks across breezy meadows or a short walk through a damp forest, devoid of sunshine and sound alike, these are some of our favorite places to hike. The evergreens, beech, and mountain ash create an environment more akin to the northern reaches of Maine than our own forests in the lowlands of the Tennessee Valley. Mount Rogers is one of these islands in the sky. Sitting at 5,729 feet, it is the highest point in the entire state of Virginia and also the highest point north of the Roan Highlands until you reach New England. The magical landscape surrounding the broad mountain peak consists of primeval evergreen forest, rocky outcrops, and open fields known as balds which stretch for miles in almost every direction. Hiking trails abound, as much of the area is protected as part of the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area and Grayson Highlands State Park. Portions of the mountain slopes are granted further protected as official wilderness areas. In addition to its fame as the highest area in the state, Mount Rogers is also widely known for the herds of wild ponies which roam its open woods and rocky fields. Originally introduced in 1975 to ward off the return of the forest to the historic balds, the ponies have thrived and are now an iconic part of the area’s culture. We have visited Mount Rogers National Recreation Area in the past when we biked the Virginia Creeper Trail. While that rightly is one of the top destinations within the park, we had yet to explore the park’s roads or four hundred miles of hiking trails. Two weeks ago, on a brilliant sunshiny morning, we decided to set Mount Rogers itself in our sights. Reaching the summit requires a hike along a portion of the Appalachian Trail, and although the famous footpath comes very close to the top, hikers must take a short spur trail to reach the top. Two different routes are available for hikers to choose from, both with a length of approximately four miles one way. One may choose to approach from the west after parking on Virginia Highway 600 near Whitetop, or they can enter the recreation area via Grayson Highlands State Park. If it is your first time scaling the mountain, we recommend the second option. The state park is a wonderful destination in its own right and has a visitor center with an abundance of information about the area. The A.T. in this area also passes directly through pony territory. Enter the state park via Virginia 362, just off U.S. Highway 58 east of Whitetop. Be advised that the park does charge a small entrance fee of $7 for out-ofstate visitors and $5 for Virginia residents. If you want to check out the visitor center, drive to the end of the park road. Otherwise, park at the Massie Gap

Parking Area and head north across the open field towards the fenced area. A gate will allow you to pass through, and head uphill on the Rhododendron Trail. This is a moderate climb along a newly-renovated trail that intersects with the Appalachian Trail in only 0.5 mile. Turn left (southbound) on the A.T. at this point and follow it another 0.5 mile to the border with the national recreation area. It was in this open meadow that we encountered our first small group of ponies. A mother and her small colt were standing right off the trail where a small crowd had gathered. About six other ponies grazed nearby. There are several important things the parks want visitors to be aware of regarding the ponies. Despite their friendliness, they are in fact wild and have been known to kick and bite park guests. It is against park policy to pet or feed them, although this happens all the time. If they approach you, be alert and ready to move away if needed. They may nudge you or nibble on your clothing, but soon enough they will realize you have no food and move on. We had several individuals nuzzle and rub against us as we crossed through the meadows that day. Once you’ve taken pony pictures to your heart’s content, pass though another gate to exit the state park. The trail soon changes and starts climbing a little more steeply. Up ahead you can see the rocky peaks of Wilburn Ridge, the mountain which connects Mount Rogers with the peaks within the state park. Over the 0.9 miles, the Appalachian Trail will skirt to the right of these peaks, offering some amazing views of the Little Wilson Creek Wilderness and the Blue Ridge Mountains beyond. If you want to challenge yourself, the Wilburn Ridge Trail offers an extremely steep and rocky climb up and over both pinnacles before reconnecting with the A.T. after 0.7 mile. The views are well worth the effort, but we recommend returning via this route so you can save energy for the climb up Mount Rogers. If you take the A.T. route, a very interesting portion passes through a short tunnel and cave at the base of one of the rocky peaks. You will pass through several intersections and a couple more pony-filled meadows before reaching the border of Lewis Fork Wilderness. Soon you will see the dark, forested peak of Mount Rogers itself. A short downhill jaunt soon leads to the intersection with Mount Rogers Spur Trail. The fields soon give way to a brooding timberland where everything is covered with moss. 0.5 mile from the split you will reach the top. Lying within the wilderness area, there isn’t much to see other then the hundreds of trees and an official U.S. Geological Survey marker. Enjoy the eerie silence of this ancient forest and then return the way you came.

25 theloaferonline.com | September 26, 2017

Mount Rogers

The fragrances of fraser fir and red spruce are wonderful smells which many associate with the festive times of the holidays. If you’re an avid hiker, though, it is a scent which evokes memories of walks in the high country atop the highest peaks of the Appalachians.

theloaferonline.com | September 26, 2017

Cast Away I have been lost Left adrift Amidst detritus Ships wrecked Windless sails Unmanned and Unmast Undulating As tides pull me ever closer This glimmer of hope Tossed to and fro As I am once again pulled Lifeless Powerless A shade of my former self Tangled Knotted Destitute Alone in this body Of mostly water Decaying particles Disintegrating porous limbs Aging the only constant In this age of antiquated vessels Where I once reigned supreme I now sink To my final resting place

The Casual Word

By Langley Shazor Follow Langley at TheCasualWord

• Stateline Bar & Grille 25% off your check – alcohol not included • Studio Brew 15% off food and gift shop merchandise • Shanghai Chinese Restaurant 10% off your entire check • The Southern Churn 10% off your order • Machiavelli’s Free order of breadsticks with any entrée • Whiskey Rebellion Half off your appetizer • J Frank Free dessert and immediate parking

theloaferonline.com | September 26, 2017

Co-Sponsored by The Loafer

RiverFest

• Broad Street on State 20% off your check of $6 or more

Holston

Discounts available with ticket stub day of performance

Paramount Partners

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

theloaferonline.com | September 26, 2017

Answers on page 31

Rufus is a 2 year old male who will be neutered soon and up to date on all vaccines. Rufus was found abandoned in a church parking lot. He is such a sweet and loving dog! Please consider him for your family!

Candy was found running on the side of the road the day I took this picture. She was named Candy because she is so sweet! Estimated age is 5 and she is spayed and will be up to date on all vaccines. Such a lively and fun dog!

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 | September 26, 2017

PETS

OF THE WEEK

theloaferonline.com | September 26, 2017

THINGS TO DO Public Art Walking Tour On Saturday, Sept. 30, the Johnson City Public Art Committee will host a walking tour through Founders Park and the surrounding area to view 14 new sculptures on display downtown. Bill Brown, guest juror of this year’s Biennial Sculpture Exhibition, will lead the tour, discuss the selection process and sculptures, and answer questions from participants. The tour is free and open to the public. Participants are asked to meet at the Pavilion at Founders Park at 1:30 p.m. The tour is expected to take one hour. For more information about the Johnson City Public Art Committee, please visit www.johnsoncitytn.com/art/ or email ncampbell@johnsoncitytn.org. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Blood Drive Marsh Regional Blood Center will conduct public blood drives at the area locations. Visit http:// tinyurl.com/n4aujx9 to find a location near you. In addition to scheduled blood drives, donors are welcome at Marsh Regional’s collection centers: 111 W. Stone Drive, Suite 300, Kingsport, 2428 Knob Creek Road, Johnson City and 1996 W. State St., Bristol. For more information about scheduling a blood drive at a local business, church, school or community organization, please call 423-408-7500, 423-652-0014 or 276-679-4669 or visit www. marshblood.com. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• The Casual Word Adult Creative Writing Class Join us for a free, fun, engaging, and different look into writing. In this class, we will not focus on structure, form, or rules, but on the freedom of writing. It is

Admission to the show is free, but voluntary donations will be accepted for St. Jude Research Hospital. Collectors and enthusiasts are welcome. Come talk to our many knowledgeable vendors or just take a walk down memory lane. The show will be held Saturday, September 30, 2017, at the Jonesborough Visitors’ Center located at 117 Boones Street, Jonesborough, TN from 9:30am to 3:00pm. For further information contact Ellen at 423-753-0022 or Mary at 423-247-1639

World event on October 28. The event on October 28 will begin at 4:30 p.m. and participants must have attended at least one practice and filled out a registration form to be eligible to dance. Dancers may arrive between 4:30 and 5:30 to sign in, review the dance moves, and have a snack. The dance will begin at 6:00 p.m. Participants are encouraged to dress in zombie attire. For more information about these and other Youth Services programs, please call 423-434-4458.

put a stop to the count's neverending bloodlust. Tuesday Night @ the Movies is a free event sponsored by the Friends of the Washington County Library. Popcorn and drinks will be provided. For more information, please call the Jonesborough Library at 753-1800.

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 Storytelling Live! write it. Sessions will be student Making his annual rounds lead; we will engage in topics and through the town of Jonesborsubjects that are of interest to ough in the days leading up to the students. The atmosphere is the National Storytelling Festival, casual and jovial. This class is de•••••••••••••••••••••••••• celebrity storyteller Donald Davis signed for all those 18 and up who •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Movie Night at the will offer a series of rare, intimate wish to try their hand at creative Jonesborough Library performances at the International writing. Thursdays @ 6:00 p.m. Thrill The World Practice Join us at the Jonesborough Li- Storytelling Center as the next Jones Creativity Center. Bristol at Johnson City Public Library Thrill the World is an annual brary on October 3rd at 5:30 p.m. guest in the organization’s TellerPublic Library. worldwide simultaneous dance for Tuesday Night @ the Movies! in-Residence (TIR) program. Due •••••••••••••••••••••••••• of Michael Jackson’s Thriller for The featured movie for October to popular demand—Davis’s perworld records. Thousands of is a spooky classic, just in time for formances typically sell out—he JC Community Drum Circle will be performing up to three The Johnson City Community people in cities around the world Halloween! Drum Circle meets every Wednes- will learn the Thriller dance and Bela Lugosi plays the mysteri- times a day during his residency. day evening (April – October), perform it precisely at the same ous Count who travels to London His live storytelling shows will 7pm - 8:30pm, inside the Farmers’ time. All ages may participate in and takes up residence in an old run daily from October 2 – OctoMarket Pavilion next to Found- dance practice to learn Thriller at castle. Soon the Count begins to ber 5, Monday through Thursday, ers Park. Everyone is welcome The Johnson City Public Library wreak havoc, sucking the blood of on ISC’s campus in downtown to attend and participate. Come in the Jones Meeting Room on the young women and turning them Jonesborough. Performances bedrum, hoop/holler, dance, or just following Wednesdays in October into vampires. When he sets his gin on Monday at 2:00, Tuesday relax and take in the scene, no at 6:00 p.m.: October 4, 11 and sights on Mina (Helen Chandler), and Wednesday at 11:00 and 2:00, experience or “talent” necessary. 18. Sign-ups will take place at the the daughter of a prominent doc- and Thursday at 11:00, 2:00, and There are shared instruments practices and are a commitment tor, vampire-hunter Van Helsing 4:00. A detailed schedule is availand of course you can bring your to participate in the Thrill the (Edward Van Sloan) is enlisted to able at www.storytellingcenter.net. own drums or percussion. It's all improvised, so there are no mis- Cryptogram: Life does not cease to be funny when people die any more than it ceases to be serious when takes. We just smile and keep people laugh. playing. Bring your own seating! DropQuote: "Love must not touch the marrow of the soul. Our affections must be breakable chains, that we can cast them off or tighten them." •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Fall Doll & Bear Show Fall Doll & Bear Show has returned to Jonesborough and is to be held on Saturday, September 30th from 9:30am to 3:00pm. After a brief hiatus, the show, which had been held in Jonesborough, twice-a-year, for over 20 years, is back. Featured at the show will be antique, vintage, modern and art dolls which will be available for purchase. The show will also include bears and other doll related items, such as clothing and accessories which will also be available to purchase.

Taking A Shower:

A Prequel to "Halloween Horrors 2017" My annual series, “Halloween Horrors,” doesn’t officially begin until next week, but I am offering this week’s column as a prequel (just like so many recent horror films are so fond of doing). Before the series debut, I think you might like to take a shower.

Kelly’s Place

By Jim Kelly since 1989 jkelly@ theloaferonline.com

hat I am referring to is perhaps the most famous (and infamous) scene in movie history--the three-minute shower scene from Alfred Hitchcock’s iconic 1960 movie, “Psycho.” The inspiration for this column comes from the imminent October 13 release of Alexandre Philippe’s new shower scene documentary “78/52: 78 Shots And 52 Cuts That Changed Cinema Forever.” During its preview phase, this film has garnered much attention and has won awards at the Calgary Underground Film Festival, the Fantasia Film Festival, and the Catalonian International Film Festival. Hey, I realize we’re not talking about the Academy Awards here, but this is a start. At least the documentary features a wellknown cast of commentators, including Jamie Lee Curtis (whose late mother, Janet Leigh, claimed to have stopped taking showers when she emerged from her week-long stint in the shower set), Guillermo del Toro, Danny Elfman, Brent Easton Ellis (the author of AMERICAN PSYCHO, and Peter Bogdanovich. Much has been written about the shower scene, and an analysis of this famous segment is generally a focal point for the many authors who have contributed to the very large collection of books that have been written about Hitchcock’s films. Many of these books devote a lot of space, or even an entire chapter, to discussing and perhaps over-analyzing these three harrowing minutes. Chief among these are Stephen Rebello’s ALFRED HITCHCOCK AND THE MAKING OF PSYCHO, David Thomson’s provocative THE MOMENT OF PSYCHO: HOW ALFRED HITCHCOCK TAUGHT AMERICA TO LOVE MURDER, Janet Leigh’s PSYCHO: BEHIND THE SCENES OF A CLASSIC THRILLER, and my favorite, Peter Conrad’s THE HITCHCOCK MURDERS, which is about as good as it gets when it comes to Hitchcock books. Add to this list a very interesting book with a very interesting premise, Philip J. Skerry’s (what an appropriate name), PSYCHO IN THE SHOWER: THE HISTORY OF CINEMA’S MOST FAMOUS SCENE (2009). Yes, we’re talking about a book that, in a little over three hundred pages, focuses on just one scene. How could that not be a little over-indulgent and perhaps a little boring, you ask? Well, the secret is that Skerry, in the course of his shower scene analysis, gives us a very absorbing tour through Hitchcock’s major films (as well as through a good chunk of cinema history as well) in order to set the infamous scene in its proper context. Along the way he intersperses some interviews with the principal characters involved with the production of the movie, including actress Janet Leigh, screenwriter Joseph Stefano, assistant director Hilton Green, and film editor Terry Williams. It is of course unfortunate that Skerry never had the opportunity of interviewing the Master of Suspense himself, but we thankfully have some valuable book-length interviews already, with the likes of Francois Truffaut and Peter Bogdanovich. In one of his best and most valuable sections, “The First Time,” Skerry collects a number of recollections from people from all walks of life who recall their first impressions upon seeing the “Psycho” shower murder for the first time.

I have often wanted to assemble a group of people who have never seen the film and record their thoughts.. Maybe one day I will get around to doing this, if I can find anyone who has no knowledge of the film, and especially the shower scene. The heart and soul of Skerry’s book is Chapter 11, “The Culmination of Suspense and Terror: The Shower Scene,” in which he gets around to focusing on the scene itself, after two hundred and eighteen pages of preparation. He begins by observing that “It’s no exaggeration to say that the shower scene is the most analyzed, discussed, and alluded-to scene in film history. Its major images and sounds have become iconic and instantly recognizable.” He goes on to say that there are several reasons for this, including technical, cinematic, social, cultural, and intellectual explanations. His views are echoed by those of “78/52” director Philippe who tells us in a recent Entertainment Weekly review that “78/52 is the result of a lifelong passion for Alfred Hitchcock, and his obsessive search for the ultimate cinematic trick. . . .The shower scene is a watershed cultural moment, the most important scene in the history of motion pictures, t h e culmination of decades of experimentation for Mr. Hitchcock, and the purest expression of his absolute mastery of the art and craft of filmmaking. That scene is a joy to discover, and endlessly rediscover, because it contains countless mysteries and secrets, and ceaselessly challenges us to think about film as art in new and exciting ways.” According to Skerry, Philippe, and David Thomson (the author of the aforementioned THE MOMENT OF PSYCHO), the moment Janet Leigh dies in the Bates Motel shower, a new era in filmmaking was given life--an era where old restraints were lifted and the movies ventured into areas they had never gone before. With the birth of the ratings system, and those familiar G and PG symbols, filmmaker’s were free to become more and more graphic with their treatments of onscreen violence and sex, and the way was prepared for a new generation of filmmakers like Scorsese, Coppola, DePalma, Rafelson, Altman, and Tarentino. The curtain that separated the Old and the New Hollywood was forever rent and pulled down, revealing a quite new corpus delicti. Here’s hoping you will be anticipating the release of “73/52.” If you are one of the few who have never seen “Psycho,” or if have taken that shower ore than once, give me your thoughts Stay tuned next week for the first installment of this year’s “Halloween Horrors.”

theloaferonline.com | September 26, 2017