The Loafer September 27th

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Volume 30 • Issue #43 Publisher Luci Tate Editor Graphic Arts Director Don Sprinkle Cover Design Bill May

happenings

Advertising Dave Carter Patti Barr Sam Jones Shawn Hale Jeffrey Pom Paul Kavanaugh Contributing Staff Jim Kelly Andy Ross Ken Silvers Mark Marquette Brian McManus Joshua Hicks 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 (editorial) adcopy@theloaferonline.com (advertising) All advertisements are accepted and published by the publisher upon the representation that the agency and/or advertiser is authorized to publish

4 INK 5 One Of The Oldest Tattoo Shops 6 PUSH! Film Festival Venues Set

columns & reviews 22 Stargazer - Spectacular Autumn

Skies All Week 23 Skies This Week 24 Batteries Not Included - Pumpkin Spice Underbelly 24 The Casual Word - Rush Hour 26 Pop Life - Gotham 28 The Trivial Traveler - The Lost County of James 31 Appalachian Wanderers - Terror In The Carolinas 39 Kelly’s Place - The Return of Beatlemania

6 Inka-A-Zoid 7 Bristol’s Newest Tattoo Shop 8 Little Chicago Tattoo 9 The Working Artists 10 Studio 13 Tattoos and Piercings 12 Sacred Ink 14 The Tattoo Den 14 Paramont Chambers Players To Perform 15 Multiple Artists @ Epic Ink 16 The Black Jacket Symphony presents

The Beatle’s Abbey Road

17 Tattoo Artists: They’re Just Like Us 18 Cheap Trick To Perform @ NPAC 19 House Of Ink 25 An Evening Of Live Bands, Bikers & BBQ 27 Artist Takeover Of The Visitor Center

music & fun 20

Spotlight - Great Music 34 Puzzle Page

29 Famous Fall Fling 32 Contra Dance 33 Storytelling With Donald Davis 36 Things To Do 37 Pets Of The Week 38 Classifieds

the entire contents and subject matter thereof.

The agency and/or advertiser will indemnify and save the publisher harmless from any loss of expense resulting from claims or suits based upon contents of any advertisement, including claims or suits for defamation, libel, right of privacy, plagiarism, and copyright infringement.

Founder: Bill Williams

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rom simple to extravagant, tattoos are more popular than ever in 2016. You can’t walk down the street without spotting some serious ink. Look around the room, and you’re bound to catch a glimpse of a tattoo or tow peeking from sleeve cuffs, creeping up necks or clinging to anklebones. Look around the beach (or yoga class, or volleyball practice, or wherever people have a stronger tendency to skimp on clothes) and you are practically guaranteed to see a whole lot of ink on shoulders, legs, arms, and on the not-so-elusive lower and upper back.

There is no doubt that the tattoos of 2016 will continue to reshape our idea of what a tattoo can and cannot be. We expect to see trends from 2016 carry over into 2017, as the tattoo world has already been exposed to some of the great feats within the industry. Individuals from around the globe tend to gravitate toward some of the hottest tattoo trends every year, so we rounded up some styles and designs that you should keep your eye on for 2016.

Minimalist A favorite among supermodels and “it” girls, this trend is both fashionable and affordable. These tattoos generally consist of simple black line work with little to no additional detail. From shapes to elegant script, minimalist tattoos are perfect for tattoo hopefuls who are afraid of major commitment.

artist Scotti Lee - Epic Ink (Pictured above)

American-Traditional American Traditional tattoo style featuring bold black lines, black shading and bright colors.

Artist Justin Brown The Bristol Tattoo Company (Pictured to the left)

Fandom From the Deathly Hallows to Daenerys Targaryen, fan tattoos are more popular than ever. LA fandom can grow around any area of human interest or activity. The subject of fan interest can be narrowly defined, focused on something like an individual celebrity, or more widely defined, encompassing entire hobbies, genres or fashions.

Artist Josh Renfro - Studio 13 (Pictured to the right)

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Watercolor These colorful tattoos have made a big splash in 2016.

Watercolor tattoos are characterized by their lack of line work, which gives the illusion that they are painted onto the skin. Watercolor tattoos are notoriously difficult for artists to execute—but when it is done well, the effect is amazing.

Mandala These symbols offer visual elements that balance and represent harmony and unity. The mandala is extremely versatile and can carry a number of meanings that are limited only by the creator and the observer. The overall goal of a mandala is to be a tool on one’s spiritual journey.

Artist Billy Jack Billy Jack Tattoo (Pictured above) Surrealism These dreamlike tattoos will make you do a double take.

From melting faces to creepy clowns, this trippy style combines the everyday with the abnormal. Inspired by artists such as Salvador Dali and his famous melting clocks, this trend is certainly unique.

Artist James Smotherman Jinx Proof Tattoo (Pictured to the left)

Cubism The cubism style has grown tremendously in 2016. Cubism was most notably popularized

by Pablo Picasso in the early 20th century, but it’s making a comeback. These unique tattoos borrow from this distinct style to create truly eye-catching pieces.

Finger Finger tattoos are all the rage among people who want discreet ink. One-word phrases on the inside of the finger are popular, as well as simple shapes on the knuckles that mimic the appearance of jewelry. Who needs rings when you have a more permanent accessory?

Stick and Poke Stick and poke tattoos have evolved from something you do in your mom’s basement with a sewing needle to a full-on fashion trend. These tattoos are done completely by hand, one dot of ink at a time. Designs are usually simple but elegant.

One of the oldest tattoo shops in Tennessee

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billy jacks tattoos

ometimes the search for quality is not as easy as one might think. If you are looking for the best quality work for your new tattoo, Billy Jack’s is the place to go. The legendary Billy Jack established his shop in 1990 in Bristol and has had 100% ratings from the health department ever since, a fact he is justifiably proud of. He has been featured in multiple magazines throughout the years and has had numerous local articles and news spotlights as well. Billy tells us that the variety of work he performs is beyond your imagination. Considering the imagination that goes into tattoo art, that’s quite a statement.

Head’s up, local pros: Billy Jack’s is now looking for a licensed artist that is serious about their work. He says that if you are interested in working with a veteran of the tattoo world in the longest established shop in Tennessee, stop in and see Billy Jack.

Billy also asks, please don’t forget to like us on Facebook!

Make sure you’re ready

Before you get a tattoo, think carefully about it. If you’re unsure or worried that you might regret it, give it more time. Don’t allow yourself to be pressured into getting a tattoo, and don’t get a tattoo if you’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Choose the location of the tattoo carefully. Consider whether you want the tattoo to be visible or hidden under clothing. Also remember that weight gain — including pregnancy weight gain — might distort the tattoo or affect its appearance.

The legendary Billy Jack plies his trade.

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PUSH! Film Festival

Tickets Available, Venues Set, Volunteers Needed

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USH! Film Festival has opened its box office and set the venues for the 2016 Festival weekend! The festival will host a variety of curated movies, workshops and presentations about film, along with screenings of juried films including shorts, features, and films focused on Tennessee and Virginia over the course of a three-day weekend on October 21–23, 2016.

Check out the festival’s online store at www.pushfilmfest.com, where filmgoers and PUSH! supporters can purchase festival tickets! Tickets may also be purchased at Believe in Bristol located at 36 Moore Street Bristol, Virginia. Festival tickets are currently being sold at the below price levels.

Weekend Pass (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday screenings) is currently available for purchase online or at Believe in Bristol for $50. These passes will also be available to purchase during the festival weekend at each of the film venues, at Believe in Bristol, and online. Beginning October 21st, the Weekend Pass will be $60.

A 5-Screen Pass is currently available for purchase online or at Believe in Bristol for $20. These passes, to be used anytime throughout PUSH!, will also be available to purchase during the festival weekend at each of the film venues, at Believe in Bristol, and online. Beginning October 21st, the 5-Screen Pass will be $25.

Single screening tickets may be purchased at the film venue or Believe in Bristol for $5 during festival weekend only. These tickets will not be sold online.

Festival attendees should note that because seating is limited, film attendance will be based on a first-come, first-served basis at each film venue. Film venues will be The Paramount Center for the Arts, The Birthplace of Country Music Museum, and The Bristol Public Library.

In addition, with PUSH! quickly approaching, there are a variety of volunteer needs during the festival. If you are interested in volunteering for PUSH!, please visit www.pushfilmfest.com. Each volunteer for PUSH! will receive two complimentary single screening tickets and a t-shirt. Underneath the ‘CONTRIBUTE’ section, you may download and complete the application. Please return the completed application via fax to Believe in Bristol, Attn: PUSH! Film Festival at (276) 644-4181 or email to ckidd@birthplaceofcountrymusic.org.

PUSH! Film Festival is looking for contributors. For more information about contributing to PUSH! Film Festival, please visit www.pushfilmfest.com, or contact Christina Blevins or Maggie Bishop at 276-644-9700, pushfilmfest@believeinbristol.org.

About PUSH! Film Festival PUSH! Film Festival, held in Historic Downtown Bristol, TN/VA, hosts a variety of curated movies, workshops and presentations about film, along with screenings of juried shorts, features, and films focused on Tennessee and Virginia.

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cott Compton has opened a state of the art tattoo and piercing studio in Colonial Heights, Tennessee. They are 100% Health department certified! Come see Scott and the highly talented staff at Inka-zoid for your next amazing piece of body art. Check out our ad on page 2!

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Bristol’s Newest Tattoo Shop

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Right in Downtown

here is nothing more stressful and exciting than opening a business and becoming your own boss. The ability to set your own rules and standards and making something out of nothing is thrilling. In July of 2016 that is exactly what Justin and Lisa Brown, the owners of The Bristol Tattoo Company, set out to do. The goal was to not only create a fun and inviting environment to get tattooed in, but also to raise the bar on cleanliness and health within tattooing. Justin has been in the industry since 2008 and has learned valuable lessons through his experiences at the shops he’s worked at. He strives everyday to be a better artist and to keep up to date on all of the new rules and regulations within the tattooing community. The first thing you notice about any medical facility is its cleanliness and attention to detail. A tattoo shop should be no different. When floors haven’t been swept in months or mopped in even longer, there may be a problem. Justin and Lisa are proving that a tattoo shop

can not only be a fun and inviting atmosphere, but can also be clean and sterile.

“Sometimes we get too comfortable and things become so routine that the most important aspects of working in a shop may seem so small, and end up overlooked,” Justin says. He wants to help educate people on the safety and health aspects of having work done and why it is so important to be tattooed by a professional. Tattoo shops already tend to have bad reputations and are often stereotyped. Tattooing needs the honor, respect, and pride restored to it. Justin and Lisa hope The Bristol Tattoo Company can help to do just that. With the cleanliness of the shop being the most important thing, they also have paid close attention to the aesthetics of the shop. With custom flash covering almost every wall and a nice big open floor plan, both pay homage to the tried-and-true classic tattoo shops of the past, such as Sailor Jerry, Bob Shaw and Bert Grimm. These shops and artists that are legends helped revolutionize this business to what it is today.

Bristol Tattoo Company is conveniently and proudly located at 504 State St in downtown Bristol, TN/VA. Specializing in the classic American-Traditional style of tattooing with bold lines and bright colors that are proven to hold the test of time. Feel free to stop by the shop Monday through Saturday, 12 to 9, to talk with an artist and acquire your next piece of art that will last a lifetime. theloaferonline.com | September 27, 2016 | 7

Little chicago tattoo

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ittle Chicago Tattoo Company started small in Johnson City in 2011 and has been growing ever since, due to a community of people that place their trust in us on a daily basis and allow us to thrive. Where the shop started and where it is today is a dream come true, not only in what we’ve achieved but in our ability to give respect to those that have come before us in our industry. We do so in part by displaying photographs of tattoo legends on our walls, simply to remind us of where we came from and provide the opportunity to describe them and their importance to our daily customers.

Here we use some of the most modern equipment available to provide a quality tattoo but, ultimately, we are still using tried and true methods that have been honed throughout tattooing history and pay homage to those that came before us. We strive to remember the past and at the same time facilitate the creation of the highest quality tattoos using modern, as well as traditional techniques and equipment, in a safe, clean, and inspiring environment to create something that our clients will wear with pride for many years to come.

As a shop we also want to provide a safe, clean and inspiring environment for tattoo artists of any artistic discipline to create beautiful, quality tattoos that make the artist and client proud of their achievement together and give them confidence that they’ve acquired the best tattoo that they could. In doing so our aim is to give the wearer of these tattoos we create a source of personal power, feeling of accomplishment and everlasting pride that will accompany them their entire lives, all while practicing the safest methods of cross-contamination protection and adhering to the highest standards of cleanliness.

Tattooing itself has come so far and there are such great artists available right

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Voted Johnson City Tattoo Studio of the year for both 2015 and 2016

here in our area, that help keep tattooing alive and moving forward. We are proud of what our industry has become and where we stand in that community.

It’s an honor that the local community has supported us all these years and has voted us Johnson City Tattoo Studio of the year for both 2015 and 2016.

In the end our goal is simple, to offer a place where people from all walks of life are welcomed to come in for a good time and a unique experience while getting pierced or tattooed, and carry that experience, as well as the art, for the rest of their lives. We feel lucky and proud to be a part of such a soulful production of art.

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The Working Artist

Creative meets business in free talk at ETSU: ‘Creating a Career in the Arts’

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visual artist herself, Crista Cloutier spent most of her career on the business end of the arts, selling millions of dollars of artwork to galleries, running her own gallery and nationally recognized studio, appraising, licensing and writing about art and curating exhibitions.

Then Cloutier decided “to push the refresh button,” sell all her possessions and move to France. There, she created a new life for herself, writing about being an artist and developing an international business school for visual artists called “The Working Artist.”

Her resulting work with artists

in over 30 countries and myriad arts areas has earned Cloutier the recent honor of being selected

by LinkedIn as an “Influencer in the Contemporary Art World.”

Mary B. Martin School of the Arts will present a free public talk by Cloutier titled “To Be A Working Artist: Creating a Career in the Arts” on Thursday, Sept. 29, at 5 p.m. at East Tennessee State University’s Reece Museum. The talk is in tandem with the Best of Tennessee Craft 2016 Exhibition at Reece Museum through Dec. 2.

“Ever since she walked away from the commercial world, Crista has been teaching workshops and developing programs and courses to help artists learn the business side of the art world, and this is something that is pretty significant,” says Anita DeAngelis, director of Mary B. Martin School of the Arts at ETSU. “There are several current studies right indicating that college arts programs (theatre, dance, visual art, music, etc.) aren’t teaching students the business skills that they need in order to survive once they leave school.

“So why are we having a business person come in and talk during this particular exhibition?

As it turns out, one of the things that Tennessee Craft includes in its mission is helping craft artists market themselves. We thought it was important to have some discussions on this particular topic during that exhibition.”

Every day in her “first” career, Cloutier says, she met an artist who was “lost, confused or doing it wrong … The struggling artist is not a myth. It’s a real person.”

In her talk, Cloutier will, she says, explore the journey of the artist, how one finds a voice, develops it and uses it to create a professional career as a working artist.

“You are really responsible for your own business,” says Cloutier in an interview with Smart Hustle Magazine. “Because as an artist, you are an entrepreneur. So artists just need to start stepping up and taking on that responsibility.”

An artist, she says, is a self-employed small business owner and that position carries specific responsibilities. “They must understand their market, they must behave professionally within that market and they must set and achieve financial goals,” Cloutier says in an artsjournal.com blog. “They also need to understand the unique financial and legal situations that their business entails.”

James Robischon, owner of Robischon Gallery in Denver says, “Ninety-nine percent of the artists I know should take this course.”

Artist . . . continued on page 30

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tudio 13 Tattoos and Piercing was established in 2004 by veteran tattoo artist Nathan Debord, with the simple mission of excellence in mind.

Through the years the shop has gone through many changes, but have always prided themselves on keeping a traditional street shop appearance,but with a custom shop mentality. A fun loving crew who’s always ready to crack jokes and keep a light atmosphere, is sure to be ready to help you on your new tattoo journey. Artist at Studio 13 vary in styles which is why they can handle anything you can dream of, from the smallest of the small to the most realistic piece of art. “We find that tattoos are a personal experience, so we make sure to get each piece to the most appropriate artist. Not all artist are cut out for every tattoo but all artist find joy in different pieces.” said Nic McWilliams.

Josh Renfro and Brad Almeroad moved with Nathan from House of Ink in 2004 to create Studio 13 after a few artist changes, Nic McWilliams joined the crew in 2006

and Camron Scism followed soon after. Studio 13 has been very lucky to have kept the same crew for many years ensuring a consistentproduct that you are sure to love. “Tattoos are not only about the artistry, cleanliness is as important if not more to what we do.” said Nathan Debord. Health inspected quarterly per year, the shop doesn’t allow an inspection score under 100/100. Artist Josh Renfro has toured the United States tattooing at conventions and meeting many amazing artist along his journey such as the legendary Philadelphia Eddie. Nic McWilliams has also had mentionsin Tattoo Magazine. Studio 13 is not only a premier tattooing establishment, but they are the foremost shop when it comes to body piercing; with three experienced piercers on staff they are always ready to help with your piercing needs. Everything from your standard navel piercing to micro-dermals “We use only 316 L surgical implant grade steel or titanium to make sure that every piercing heals better than your bargain bin piercings.” Studies show that the most common reaction in piercings is a nickel alergy, using sergical steel (which has a very low amount of nickel) or titanium ( which is hypo alergenic) ensures every piercing is not only pierced with the utmost attention to detail but also the highest quality of jewelry making the extra money worth every penny. Many people do wonder how tattoos and piercings are priced.

Piercings are a set price starting as low as $20 for an ear piercing and most piercings are in the $30 range. Tattoo wise our minimum is $40 and prices are based on size, detail, and location. For any inquiries contact via social media, email (Studio13tat2@hotmail.com) or call at (423)928-4224.

“We find that tattoos are a personal experience, so we make sure to get each piece to the most appropriate artist. Not all artist are cut out for every tattoo but all artist find joy in different pieces.”

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Sacred ink

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acred Ink Tattoos & Piercings was established in 2001 in Bristol VA. As one of the most distinguished shops in the area, Sacred Ink is highly regarded in the community for quality artwork and a clean, friendly atmosphere. After spending 14 years on Euclid Avenue, we relocated to the Black Wolf Harley Davidson plaza in December 2015 and joined forces with Guilt Tattoo bringing 5 of the best local artists together with unlimited and mind-blowing talent.

With reputable work that stands out as second to none in the TriCities, Sacred Ink was voted the #1 tattoo shop in the “Bristol’s Best” campaign 2 years in a row. Combining that prestigious award with our award winning artists who were recognized at the top of their field in competition on a National level, our unrivaled reputation sets a precedent of perfection for the other shops in this area.

Taking pride in our professional environment, all of our supplies and equipment are sterile and opened in front of our clients to ensure peace of mind. Our clients safety and well-being is our first priority regardless of the service being rendered. As a fully licensed tattoo and piercing salon, our artists and piercers are also individually licensed and certified in CPR and First Aid, as well as Bloodborne Pathogen Training which satisfies the necessary regulations of Virginia.

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All five of the Sacred Ink artists are well versed in any style of tattooing. Our ability to establish a rapport with our clients and work with them on their design is matched with the most comfort we can provide during their session. Understanding a clients idea and combining it with the artistic ability of the Sacred Ink artist has proven to be an unparalleled encounter with superior results.

Sacred Ink believes in excellence with not only our art but also with our customer service. We have the most loyal and devoted clients with longstanding relationships proven to be gaining in momentum every day. Sacred Ink also believes in giving back to the community through the Bridge of Hope Street Ministry. This ministry is funded by a piercing special at Sacred Ink on the first Tuesday of each month where the money is raised to feed 70-80 people a month locally in the Tri-Cities. If you would like more information on this ministry, please call us.

Having your personal experience with Sacred Ink is an easy process. We recommend appointments but walk-in’s are taken on a first-come-first-serve basis. For more information on setting up an appointment with one of our artists, please call us or message us on Facebook. We are happy to help turn your idea of a tattoo design into a reality that will stand the test of time.

Sacred Ink wishes to thank our loyal clients that we have had the privilege of getting to know, tattoo and pierce throughout our journey. Our satisfied clients have made this more than a successful business that has stayed true to our mission, vision and values for over 15 years! Thank you for your continued support and for being a part of the Sacred Ink family- We are truly grateful. www.SacredInkStudio.com • Visit us on Instagram at: Sacred_Ink_Tattoo Like us on Facesbook: Sacred Ink Bristol VA

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The Tattoo Den

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he Tattoo Den is located at 602 East Elk Avenue in Elizabethton, TN. We are the Tri-Cities only Custom Tattoo Studio / Fine Art on Canvas Gallery. We have a well experienced team of clean professional artists that can cater to any art style you like from small and simple to very complex. Stop in and hang out on the nice leather couches, with 2 UHD big screens, enjoy some good music, admire the fine art on canvas, produced in house and hung throughout the gallery while your artist prepares for you tattoo. We want to promote a positive relaxing environment, with a well trained, friendly staff. We have a custom line of aftercare products to help heal your new body art as well. Check us out on social media @thetattooden423 to stay updated on all our contests, specials, and giveaways.

Check out our ad on the back page!

Paramount Chamber Players to perform ‘Four Seasons’ at ETSU

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wo works by the same name celebrating the seasons will be performed by the Paramount Chamber Players at East Tennessee State University on Saturday, Oct. 1, at 7:30 p.m. in Mathes Hall.

The Paramount Chamber Players, the premier chamber music ensemble in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, celebrates its 12th year with the 2016-17 season.

The ensemble will perform Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons,” which it calls “one of the most beloved and played works in all of music history largely as a result of the joy that permeates its every musical moment.”

The Paramount Chamber Players will share the stage with Colpi d’arco, a new student chamber ensemble, on Piazzolla’s “Cuatro Estaciones Porteñas (The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires).”

Tickets are $15 for general admission, $12 for seniors and free for students with ID. For more information, call the Department of Music at 423-439-4276. For disability accommodations, call the ETSU Office of Disability Services at 423-4398346.

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Multiple Artists at Epic Ink

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n business since 2011, Epic Ink on Volunteer Parkway features multiple artists. Interestingly enough, all of their artists have been with them since they opened. Owner Phil Burchette has 20+ years in the industry and is adept at any style of tattooing. Phil has worked in custom tattoo shops and earned the most experience in street shops all over the states. His special interest as of late is in black and grey, but he is certainly able to tattoo any style.

Epic Ink boasts combined experience of over 65 years among their artists. Scotti Lee is one of area’s best Piercers with over 12 years’ experience as well as being a tattooist. Chris Hicks, formerly of Ancient Art in Roanoke, VA, has over 20 years’ experience in the industry. And then there is Kim Lambert, who in her few short years tattooing has excelled in her craft, being unafraid to tackle intricate designs.

Epic will find the correct artist for the tattoo you want. Their goal is to pair the right client with the right artist. As Phil says, we believe when you come in our door, customer service comes first; no rock star attitudes, just great tattoos!

Epic Ink is located at 1101 Volunteer Parkway in Bristol, Tennessee. You can reach them at 423-573-7070.

“An EPIC Tattoo & Piercing Experience”

ETSU to offer Basic Photography and Photoshop classes with Keith Dixon

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ast Tennessee State University’s Office of Professional Development will offer Basic Photography and Photoshop classes with professional photographer Keith Dixon in October.

The sessions will meet at Keith Dixon Studios, 308 S. Roan St. Basic Photography will be held Saturday, Oct. 1, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Photoshop will be Saturday, Oct. 15, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Basic Photography provides the fundamental techniques an expert uses to create memorable images. This class will take place both inside the photographer’s studio and into the field to learn the basics, as well as hidden secrets.

The class will include learning the features and settings of a camera, exploring creative lighting techniques and studying how to frame a shot to make the most impact for images that will make a lasting impression. Participants should bring a camera.

Photoshop encompasses lessons from basic navigation to image enhancement, exploring techniques used to manipulate images, edit content, work with filters and organizing files. No experience is required, but students should bring a laptop computer, if possible.

The fee for one session is $99 or $179 for both sessions. Lunch is not included.

ETSU employees may use their employee audit opportunity to pay for the course.

Specific information for each session and registration are available online by visiting www.etsu.edu/professionaldevelopment and clicking the image for the class.

For further information, call the Office of Professional Development at 800-2223878. theloaferonline.com | September 27, 2016 | 15

WQUT PRESENTS

THE BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY The Beatles’ Abbey Road

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1ST, 2016 PARAMOUNT BRISTOL

518 STATE ST. BRISTOL, TN 37620 – 8:00PM – ALL AGES

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TICKETS ARE $35.00 TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT TICKETFLY.COM,

BY PHONE AT 877-987-6487, OR IN PERSON AT PARAMOUNT BRISTOL BOX OFFICE

he Black Jacket Symphony offers a unique concert experience through recreating classic albums in a live performance setting. A selected album is performed in its entirety by a group of handpicked musicians specifically selected for each album, with no sonic detail being overlooked--the musicians do whatever it takes to musically reproduce the album.

The performance is separated into two sets. The first set features the album being recreated as a true symphonic piece. The second set, which features a selection of the album artist’s “greatest hits,” opens in full contrast to the first set with an incredible light display and the symphony being much more laid back. The tone is set very quickly that the show will feature the high level of musicianship of the act being covered and will also be accompanied by all the bells and whistles of a major rock and roll show.

For more information, please visit http://www.blackjacketsymphony.com

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PRESENT

Tattoo Artists: They’re Just Like Us

Written by: Whitney Smotherman and Kaleb Herbert

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inx Proof Tattoo Emporium isn’t just a place where you go to get a badass tattoo for a reasonable price, nor is it just a place to come listen to some prime tunes provided by Backdoor Records and gaze upon the many fish tanks brimming with beautifully exotic creatures.

No. It’s also where a family works together and plays pranks on each other. Please meet our staff: James Smotherman aka James the Fang Snakebite Southernman is the owner and proprietor of Jinx Proof. He is mean with a spray can and even meaner on a saxophone. A recreational chili enthusiast, Snakebite likes long walks on the moon and fish watching in his spare time. He once beat Sasquatch in a staring contest, but he doesn’t like to talk about it.

Then there is Ronnie Pierson aka Patrick Crazy, Uncle to some, Nonnie or Pinky to many.

He is a 6 time heavyweight ballroom dancing champion in the drunken boxing style category.

Favorite catch phrase: Roadhouse.

Of course we have to include Justin Murabito, who boasts a number of talents. Not only is he an Underwater Basket Weaving Instructor, he is also a grade A tattoo machine builder. When he isn’t tattooing or building machines, he’s fashioning retirement roosts for injured cocks rescued from illegal cock fighting rings. Appears to help his friends when you say “Bito” 3 times in front of the mirror.

Last but not least is the youngest brother in our family, Kaleb. He is a bacon-loving Taurus, a lover and a fighter that specializes in neo-traditional/graffitiesque style. He dislikes yuppies and coleslaw. “Honkies rumble, crackers crumble.” Yes, ladies, he’s single.

So now when you are nearby, you can stop in and pretend like we’ve met before. It won’t matter to us because we treat everyone like a friend. Kinda like Cheers but without the booze and Woody Harrelson.

Tattoo by: James Smotherman

theloaferonline.com | September 27, 2016 | 17

Recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees,

Cheap Trick,

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to perform at NPAC

heap Trick, one of the most covered rock bands of all time, will bring their unique union of massive melodies and razorblade riffs to the NPAC stage on Thursday, September 29th at 7:30 PM. Since the 70’s Cheap Trick has been blending elements of pop, punk and even metal in a way that is instantly catchy and recognizable. With timeless classics such as “I Want You to Want Me,” “Surrender,” and the late 80’s lighter-waving favorite, “The Flame,” Cheap Trick is a musical institution.

Front-lined since 1974 by Robin Zander (vocals, rhythm guitar), Rick Nielsen (lead guitar), and

Tom Petersson (bass guitar), the Rockford, IL-born band is set to impact still another era. Known for blending hard rock with catchy melodies, the group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on April 8, about a week after the band released its 17th album Bang, Zoom, Crazy …

Hello, its first release in seven years. The album has garnered glowing reviews worldwide with Cheap Trick adding their own special brand of mischievous wit and maximum rock ‘n’ roll.

With over 5,000 performances spanning four decades, 20 million records sold, 29 movie soundtracks, and 40 Gold and Platinum recording awards, Cheap Trick is undoubtedly one of the most influential rock groups of the past 50 years.

Don’t miss Cheap Trick at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center (NPAC) in historic downtown Greeneville, TN on Thursday, September 29th at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $65 for orchestra level seating, $60 for mezzanine seating and $55 for balcony seats. Tickets may be purchased online at www.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 a $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 in. For venue information, and to purchase tickets, please visit www.npacgreeneville.com.

18 | September 27, 2016 | theloaferonline.com

House of ink

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So maybe you want to get your first ever tattoo, or your second or eleventh even.

How do you choose a shop to trust with putting something permanent on your body? Time and again residents of the Tri Cities turn to House of Ink, Johnson City’s oldest running tattoo shop. Often getting a tattoo is a big experience for most people, especially if it’s their first. You may be nervous, or excited, or usually both. Visiting House of Ink puts you at ease. The shop is hard to miss, with its bright blue exterior and old school tattoo art in the windows. Inside the vibe is cozy and fun, welcoming and drama-free. Pages of flash line the walls, but talk in depth with the artists to find something that really works for you. Shop owner Casey Sword has been tattooing since 1999, and has created for herself a loyal following. She especially loves doing American Traditional tattoos and “girly” colorful designs, often with a vintage vibe. Artist Nathanial Sawyers specializes in more custom designs and artwork, and had been creating unique tattoos for over 13 years. He has also done work in graphic design, including business cards, logos, illustrations and book covers. House of Ink also offers piercing. Justin Davis has been piercing since 2008, and can answer any and all questions you may have about body modification, including different types of piercings, specialty piercings, and dermals. The professionals at House of Ink love and appreciate all their clients, and want you to know that you are the reason they do what they do. You may walk into House of Ink as a blank canvas, but guaranteed you will leave as a unique piece of art.

CRISSIE MCCREE

TO PERFORM AT ACOUSTIC COFFEEHOUSE

WHEN: Saturday, October 1 at 8PM WHERE The Acoustic Coffeehouse 415 W Walnut St, Johnson City, TN 37604 Additional information, including tour dates and music links, can be found at CrissieMcCree.com.

theloaferonline.com | September 27, 2016 | 19

S O LG T P

T I

- TUESDAY - Sept. 27th -

MVT

- FRIDAY - Sept.30th -

at Willoughby Ruritan

THE ACCIDENTAL SEABIRDS

at Niswonger Performing Arts Center 7:30pm

at Hungry I Apex

at Jiggy Ray’s 6:30pm

at Bristol Brewery 8pm

- WEDNESDAY - Sept. 28th -

FOUR SEASONS

at The Paramount Center for the Arts 7:30pm

BJORN & FRANCOIS

THUNDERCOCK / GREY LADIES / SPACE JUNK

SINGER SONGWRITER NIGHT w/ SCOTT TUCKER

JV SQUAD

at The Acoustic Coffeehouse

- SATURDAY - Oct. 1st -

ADAM MCMILLAN (A little bit of everything)

at The Acoustic Coffeehouse

DOWNTOWN COUNTRY

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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.

at The Hideaway 10pm at Studio Brew 8pm

SCOTTY MCCREERY JB5NDIME

at Mural Stage on State Street - Bristol VICTOR LAWSON & BOOGIE CHILLEN at Damascus Brewery 7pm THE PARKWAY HANDLE BAND 6pm c2 & BROTHERS REED 7:30pm

DANGERMUFFIN 9pm at Bikes, Beer & BBQ @ The Pinnacle

THE TRONGONE BAND

SALLY & GEORGE

CRAZY LIKE LEXI

MUDBUGS

OPEN MIC

ANOTHER FABLE w/ GIPSY DANGER & GO CAT

RUSTY STEEL / QUARTER BOUNCE

VIVA LE VOX

RUSTY STEEL / QUARTER BOUNCE

at Our House Restaurant

THE WAY DOWN WANDERERS at The Down Home

MARK LARKINS at Luke’s Pizza at Jiggy Ray’s

at Sleepy Owl Brewery 9pm

MISS ELLIE & FRIENDS at The Harvest Table 6:30pm

- THURSDAY - Sept. 29th -

CIRCUS MUTT

at Bone Fire Smokehouse

ZACH ROSS, DAN COUPER and CHASE BUCHANAN at Capone’s

ADAM MCMILLAN (A little bit of everything)

at Rainbow Asian Cuisine

CHEAP TRICK

at Niswonger Performing Arts Center 7:30pm

DENNIS COFFEY

at The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room 8pm at Jiggy Ray’s 8pm

at Blackbird Bakery 7pm

CARSON PETERS & IRON MOUNTAIN at Bristol’s Pickin’ Porch

at 50 Fifty Sports Tavern

NIGHTSHIFT

at Music on the Square - Jonesborough

LIVE MUSIC

at O’Mainnin’s Pub

THE BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY

at Bone Fire Smokehouse

JOHN PAFFORD BAND

at Country Club Bar & Grill

JACKDAW’S 7

NATE LEE BROKEN

LIVE MUSIC BELOW 7

BOMBALDI

at The Paramount Center for the Arts at Cleek Farms 6pm

at Bristol Brewery 8pm

WYLDHEART

at The Acoustic Coffeehouse

- SATURDAY - Oct. 1st -

STEP COUSINS w/ DREAM CATCHER AND MICK KYTE

at The Hideaway 10pm

at Country Club Bar & Grill

DAVID KRAAI / CRISSIE MCCREE AMERICAN GONZOS at The Acoustic Coffeehouse

- SUNDAY - Oct. 2nd -

at Capone’s

LIVE MUSIC

at Yee Haw Brewing Company

NICK NACE / MADELINE

JORDAN BULLINS

THE JAYSTORM PROJECT

SOUTHERN 76

at Full Moon Jam - Downtown Bristol

A BLUES REMEMBRANCE FOR B.B. BLEVINS

at The Acoustic Coffeehouse

SOUTHERN COUNTRYMEN BAND

20 | September 27, 2016 | theloaferonline.com

at Bone Fire Smokehouse

ERIC CONGDON

at Yee Haw Brewing Company

CURBSIDE ORCHESTRA at TAPS!

TOUGH OLD BIRD

at The Show Palace

MY NEW FAVORITES

LONESOME RIVER BAND

at Model City Tap House 7pm

at Brew Rebellion

MOTEL RODEO / EARTH SUITS SOULSHINE

at Founders After 5

JAM w/ MARION EDWARDS at Wellington’s Restaurant 8pm

at O’Mainnin’s Pub

ADAM LAWSON

JAMES MEADOWS BAND MOMMA MOLASSES

at Studio Brew 8pm

at Capone’s

at Art in the Heart Gallery 6pms at Quaker Steak & Lube

at The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room 8pm

at Capitol Theatre 7pm

at Rio’s Grill & Sports Bar

at The Down Home 8pm

at Bone Fire Smokehouse

at The Acoustic Coffeehouse

- MONDAY - Oct. 3rd -

OPEN MIC at The Acoustic Coffeehouse

theloaferonline.com

Spotlight Directory 50 Fifty Sports Tavern 276/944-5140 2102 N. Roan Street Johnson The Hideaway City 235 E. Main St Johnson City Blackbird Bakery 423/ 926-3896 56 Piedmont Ave. Bristol VA Holiday Inn (Exit 7) 276/ 645-5754 3005 Linden Dr Bristol Va Bone Fire Smokehouse at the 276/466-4100 Hardware Hungry I at the Apex 260 W Main St Abingdon Va 604 W. Market St. Johnson 276/623-0037 City Bristol Brewery Jiggy Ray’s 41 Piedmont Ave Bristol VA 610 E. Elk Ave Elizabethton 276/ 608-1220 Luke’s Pizza Bristol’s Pickin’ Porch 3111 W. Market St. Johnson 620 State St Bristol City 423/573-2262 423/ 328-0186 Capitol Theatre Niswonger Performing Arts 104 S. Main St. Greeneville TN Center 423/638-1300 212 Tusculum Blvd GreenevCapone’s ille TN 227 E Main St Johnson City 423/ 638-1328 423/928-2295 O’Mainnin’s Pub Carter Family Fold 712 State St Bristol 3449 A. P. Carter Hwy Hiltons 423/844-0049 VA Our House Restaurant 276/594-0676 4903 N. Roan St. Johnson Country Club Bar & Grill City 3080 W State St Bristol 423/ 282-1555 423/844-0400 Paramount Center for the The Damascus Brewery Arts 32173 Government Rd. Damas- 516 State St. Bristol TN cus VA 423/ 274-8920 276/469-1069 Quaker Steak & Lube Down Home 629 State St Bristol VA 300 W. Main St. Johnson City 276/644-9647 423/929-9822 Rainbow Asian Cuisine The Harvest Table Restaurant 2412 N. Roan St. Johnson 13180 Meadowview Sq Mead- City owview Va

KARAOKE TUESDAY Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Boomershine’s Pizza Karaoke w/ Marques at Painter Creek Marina Karaoke at 50Fifty Sports Tavern Karaoke At Numan’s - Johnson City TN *********************** WEDNESDAY Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at American Legion 8pm Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Smokey Bones - Johnson City TN Turn the Page Karaoke At VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN *********************** THURSDAY Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Macado’s - Kingsport Karaoke At Numan’s - Johnson City TN Karaoke At Holiday Inn - Johnson City TN Karaoke at Jiggy’s Rays Pizzaria Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Mellow Mushroom - Johnson City ***********************

423/ 232-6688 Sleepy Owl Brewery 151 E. Main St. Kingsport 423/390-8476 Studio Brew 221 Moore Street Bristol VA 423 / 360-3258 Wellington’s Restaurant Carnegie Hotel 1216 W State of Franklin Rd Johnson City 423/979-6400 Willoughby Ruritan 5145 Marvin Rd Bulls Gap VA The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room 216 E Main St Johnson City Yee Haw Brewing Company 126 Buffalo St. Johnson City

FRIDAY Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at Sportsman’s Bar & Grill 9pm Karaoke w/ Reverb Karaoke at The Cottage 8:30 pm Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN Karaoke At Elizabethton VFW - Elizabethton TN Karaoke w/ DJ Marques At Holiday Inn (Exit 7) - Bristol VA Karaoke At Numan’s - Johnson City TN *********************** SATURDAY Karaoke at The Horseshoe Lounge Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment At Macado’s - Kingsport Karaoke At Numan’s - Johnson City TN *********************** SUNDAY Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment At Biggie’s Clam Bar ***********************

theloaferonline.com | September 27, 2016 | 21

Spectacular Autumn Skies All Week

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he spectacular, moonless autumn skies are upon us this week, a great time to spend outdoors in evenings that are perfect for sweater weather.

Few times of the year stir the emotions in the stargazer as does the transition from a hot summer to the cool, crisp nights of October.

Darkness falls around 8:30 pm as the square of stars that comprise the body of the celestial hero and spring constellation Hercules says goodbye in the western horizon, while the huge square of Pegasus the Horse climbs above the eastern skies.

Directly overhead, the Milky Way spans from north to south in all of its glory. Thought of as a summer sight, the band of stars is spectacular for a few hours in the nights of October as it moves from zenith (directly overhead) toward the west.

Straddling either side of the Milky Way is the familiar “Summer Triangle” of three stars. To the north is Deneb, the tail of the Great Swan, Cygnus. To the east is the brightest, Vega in Lyra the Harp.

On the west side of the Milky Way is Altair in Aquila the Eagle.

Our Milky Way Galaxy is shaped like a pinwheel with one of the section of stars, the Perseus Arm, crossing our line of sight from late spring to late autumn.

October skies are notorious for being some of the best of the year; the deep blue days and crystal clear nights are a stargazer’s delight.

Pick up a pair of binoculars skyward and take a slow tour up and down the Milky Way. The optical trip is always rewarding with thousands of stars and plenty of intellectual stimulation.

Among all those stars, is somebody looking back?

One thing you CAN count on is that somebody IS looking down at us. Dozens of orbiting satellites are snapping images of our world every hour. Just check out Google Earth or even the radar map of the weather bureau to see your neighborhood from space!

Satellites of all types are crossing the sky, and the brightest are easily seen up to a couple of hours after sunset and a couple of hours before sunrise.

That also goes for the International Space Station and the Hubble Space Telescope. Several Internet websites, including the NASA site, Heavens-Above, and SpaceWeather include detailed predictions of satellite pass overs. There are also several Smart Phone apps to give you info about what’s up every minute of the night.

After darkness sets in, no casual glance to the south will fail to see the bright planet Saturn and Mars.

Saturn is in Scorpius, a golden contrast above the red Antares, the heart of the Scorpion. To the far left of this pair is red Mars, making a big triangle. The Red Planet is entering the borders of Sagittarius after spending a few weeks in Ophiuchus the Serpent Bearer, the unacknowledged 13th “house” of the zodiac. This

22 | September 27, 2016 | theloaferonline.com

photo by MarQ snake handler with the strange name is actually one of the oldest known constellations. Ophiuchus (o-FEE-U-kus) is a large constellation with his leg dipping between the Scorpion and Archer.

The Sun actually spends 18 days a year in Ophiuchus, compared to just 6 days in Scorpius. And 32 days in Sagittarius’ borders. Go ask your astrologer about that in your horoscope!

Mars is in the heart of our Milky Way Galaxy, and astrophotographers are having fun getting the red globe in images near some well-known nebula and globular clusters.

The stars of Sagittarius make an outline of a tea pot, with a spout, handle and top. Mars is just entering the spout area of the constellation, and the stars of the Milky Way look like steam.

Looking to the south on these Autumn nights and you are looking into the heart of the Milky Way, or Galaxy. But you need to look quick, Scorpius and Sagittarius are in a low swath across the band of the Zodiac. They will set in the southwest shortly after 11 pm.

As the evening wears on toward midnight, the star cluster The Pleiades catches our eye high in the east. Then the familiar “V” shape of Taurus the Bull appears with the red star Aldebaran marking the mythical animal’s eye.

Looking north, the “W” shape of Cassiopeia the Queen is easy to see, and there is a thin part of the Milky Way in its borders. Below it is the “Y”-shaped stars of Perseus the Hero. The famous “Double Cluster” of hundreds of stars is an easy binocular object in this faint constellation.

Perseus is between the maiden he saved, Andromeda and Pegasus. The head of Andromeda is technically the northern point of the Great Square of the horse, a star called Alpheratz. Mick Jagger sings “See you on Alpheratz…” on the Rolling Stone hit “2,000 Light Years from Home.”

By midnight, the twin bright stars of Castor and Pollux are clearing the horizon in Gemini. And the exciting Milky Way constellations of Sagittarius and Scorpius have been replaced by a giant void of very few stars. This is the domain of the one bright star that you’ll notice—Fomalhaut. The Arabic word translates to “mouth of the fish,” as it is part of the Southern and Northern Fish. But it was aptly called the “Lonely One” by Persian astronomers.

Take time out from the busy world and sit outside these cool nights as the stars come out to play.

Before you know it the Autumn transition will be complete, the summer constellations will really be gone, and the approaching grip of winter will have us thinking of warmer days.

Celestial events in the skies for the week of Sept. 27-Oct. 3, 2016, as compiled for The Loafer by Mark D. Marquette.

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he next two weeks will be moonless in the evenings, affording some beautiful views of the Milky Way and rising Autumn constellations. The Summer Triangle asterism of three stars will begin dipping to the western horizon as the Great Square of Pegasus rises in the east—a sure sign of cooler temperatures.

Tues. Sept. 27 At 9 pm the Milky Way spans directly overhead from north to south, a beautiful sight away from city light pollution. Ride the arm of our Galaxy with a pair of binoculars and you’ll be amazed at all the stars, the dark areas of stellar clouds, and even an occasional nebula directly south in Sagittarius, and Scorpius.

Wed. Sept. 28 Straddling the Milky Way is a small harp and two flying fowls. Lyra is the harp with the bright star Vega, which forms a triangle with Deneb in the north (of Cygnus the Swan) and Altair to the south (of the flying eagle, Aquila).

Thurs. Sept. 29 On this 1988 date in space history, Space Shuttle Discovery roared off the launch pad at Cape Kennedy, Florida, with two redesigned strap-on rockets, returning America to space after the 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.

Fri. Sept. 30 On this 1994 date in space history, Space Shuttle Endeavour was launched on this STS-94 mission.

During a 10-day mission, six astronauts used the Space Radar Laboratory in the cargo bay to study Earth’s geology, hydrology, oceanography, and agriculture.

Sat. Oct. 1 On this 1958 date in space history, the U.S. Congress officially formed the National Aeronau-

tics and Space Administration—known round the world as simply NASA. On this 58th anniversary, our unmanned space program is doing wonders making discoveries on Mars, the Moon, Saturn and the Universe.

Sun. Oct. 2 Take a lawn chair outside and sit under the stars this Sunday evening for at least a halfhour. Enjoy the neighborhood sounds as the stars come out to great you while your eyes ad-

photo by MarQ

just to the night. If you went to a place of worship today, look up and contemplate the spiritual world as you bathe in starlight. You won’t regret the time spent—promise.

Mon. Oct. 3 Happy birthday to Apollo 16 moonwalker, Charlie Duke, 81.

He and John Young enjoyed three days in the lunar mountains in April 1972, putting almost 20 miles on the Lunar Rover. Duke came back from the Moon in December 1972 and became a born again Christian. He has been an advocate of space exploration and is very involved in prison ministry. Of the 12 Apollo moonwalkers, seven survive in October 2016: Duke, Young, Buzz Aldrin (Apollo 11), Al Bean (Apollo 12), David Scott (Apollo 15), Harrison Schmitt and Gene Cernan (Apollo 17).

theloaferonline.com | September 27, 2016 | 23

Pumpkin Spice Underbelly

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ith the sign of pumpkins and cinnamon brooms appearing in the shops, Fall is finally upon us. Naturally, as the first wisp of autumnal air brushed across my cheek, I walked in to my local coffee pub and enquired of the barista if a Pumpkin Spice Latte was obtainable. A Cheshire grin grew on the barista’s face as they said to me “He who controls the pumpkin spice, controls the universe.” I placed a dollar in the tip jar, smiled nervously, and waited for my latte.

You can always feel the collective pumpgasm that happens across the internet when Pumpkin Spice products return. Each year, the number of Pumpkin Spice products increase. It began with just coffee, and now you can get Pumpkin Spice pop tarts, bread, body wash, deodorant, dog treats, air fresheners, and hybrid cars. Even with my dating endeavors, I’ve tried to make myself more appealing by rubbing my body down with cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. After the third visit to the ER, I stopped doing this.

I don’t know when the pumpnomena began. Was it in the aughts, that fancy term we now use for the last decade? It creeped up on us, we weren’t ready for it. I’ve had a pumpkin spice latte in my time—one must try to see what the current rages are. They’re tasty, but I don’t quite get the obsession. I wonder just how far this Pumpkin Spice love will take us? Will we ever reach Peak Pumpkin? Maybe a sign that we have is that there’s a person running for president whose skin tone is the same as a pumpkin.

Will we soon learn of police raids of abandoned buildings, where people are sitting around huffing spoonfuls of the spice raw? Stories of seedy dives where late night drags of coffee, jazz, poetry, cinnamon and clove rage on in to the wee small hours?

Will ABC have to bring back their famed after school specials to present a shocking story “Diary of a teenage spice head?” Maybe

these are extreme examples, but it does cause one to think.

I have no qualms with people enjoying the pumpkin spice, mind you. I’ll indulge myself in a fancy flavored coffee now and then. Most days though, I’m just your average Joe. I order my latte with one shot of vanilla in it, sometimes I go with soy milk when I wanna be a little more trim. I then take my latte out to the tailgate of my truck, sit on it, look at the countryside, and pop the ole Molly Hatchet tape in the dash.

But till the Christmas Spice whatever rolls around in late November, we will be trenched deeply with the PSL all around us. Maybe I should take advantage of this and write a Hallmark movie called “Pumpkin Spice Proposal?” Hmm. I gotta go, there’s work to be done. See you next week.

the casual word

By Langley Shazor

Follow Langley on FB & Youtube at TheCasualword

24 | September 27, 2016 | theloaferonline.com

rush hour Great migrations Mass exodus As we clamor to move Scaling one another Swerving and dodging Dancing and dashing Make a hole Move or get moved Hurry up and wait So short sighted A thousand miles an hour And standing still Perpetual stage gate

Eager to run with no direction Read your map No, have it read to you There is no time Mr. Rabbit An important date To bound down the trail Over the river And through the woods Scurrying across the forest floor Unseen for the trees The ants go marching in.

Enjoy an evening of Live Bands, Bikes, Beer & BBQ

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Brought to You by The Pinnacle

ome would argue there’s no better way to spend an autumn evening than to attend a free outdoor concert, with some some delicious BBQ and a craft brew in hand. If that sounds like your kind of fun, head over to The Pinnacle, the region’s premier lifestyle shopping destination, on October 1st for Bikes, Beer

& BBQ. The free event will be held under a large tent on the grounds of The Pinnacle from 6-10:30 p.m. This year’s line-up of entertainment is top-notch and features a wide range of musical styles.

Bands scheduled to play include: • The Packway Handle Band 6 p.m.- 7 p.m. An American bluegrass quintet known for tight three- and four-part vocal harmonies, extensive and progressive original material.

• c2 & Brothers Reed 7:30 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. A Progressive Rock band Hailing from the bluegrass state with a sound as unique and smooth as the regions’ beloved bourbon.

• Dangermuffin 9 p.m.- 10:30 p.m. Easy, breezy melodies and soul-shaking grooves radiate from this genre-bending roots trio.

Last year’s inaugural Beer & BBQ event was a great success at showcasing the region’s emerging craft breweries and beloved BBQ restaurants. This year, The Pinnacle is teaming up with a large motorcycle rally to add to the excitement.

The “Ride the Line Bike Rally” has events going on all day including a ride along State Street starting at 5 p.m. Then, the rally participants will head over to The Pinnacle to help kick off the Bikes, Beer & BBQ event at 6 p.m.

Admission to the Bikes, Beer & BBQ event is free, but be sure to bring cash so you can sample the food and beverages. Participating vendors will have door prizes available.

Regional craft breweries taking part include: • Holston River Brewing Co. • Bristol Brewery • Fizz Soda Bar (non-alcoholic root beer) • Studio Brew • Brew Rebellion Bristol • Johnson City Brewing Co.

Regional BBQ eateries taking part include: • EATS on Moore Street • BoneFire Smokehouse • Backdraft BBQ • JAE’s Smoked Meat Shack Come early and shop many of the new stores open now at The Pinnacle, featuring the latest fall fashions. The region’s only CARMAX is now open, as well as Party City, offering one of the area’s largest Halloween costume and party-decoration selections in the area. For more information on all of The Pinnacle’s tenants, or Bikes, Beer & BBQ, visit www.thepinnacle.com.

theloaferonline.com | September 27, 2016 | 25

GOTHAM

Mad City 4 bat caves (out of 4) Rated TV-14 for violence

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f you have read my column for any amount of time, you know I am a huge Batman fan. So you can imagine my excitement when the Fox Network announced the series “Gotham” (home of Batman) was coming to television in 2014. However, I sadly discovered the series would not feature Batman. What! A series set in Gotham City without the Caped Crusader? The show would need to work hard to win me over. Season 1 was to feature a young James Gordon (Ben McKenzie) and a young Bruce Wayne (David Mazouz), before Gordon was Commissioner and Bruce was Batman. Also introduced in the first season were the following key characters in the Batman canon: Alfred (Sean Pertwee), Selina Kyle/Cat (Carmen Bicondova), Oswald Cobblepot/Penguin (Robin Lord Taylor) and Harvey Bullock (Donal Logue), among others.The first season introduces viewers to new character Fish Mooney (Jada Pinkett Smith), a Gotham City crime boss created for the show.

The first season intertwined the characters and developed the story line for future seasons, and the city of Gotham was a character all its own. Season 2 way entitled “Rise of the Villains”, and boy did they ever rise.

The second season was more serialized, and included new villains, which included Victor Zsasz and Azrael. The characters of Penguin and Edward Nygma/ Riddler (Cory Michael Smith) continued to develop their already strong charac-

26 | September 27, 2016 | theloaferonline.com

ters and eventually crossed paths and even teamed up. During the second season Gordon had to deal with various issues involving his fellow police officers and his problematic ex-girlfriend Barbara (Erin Richards). Meanwhile, Bruce was continuing to hone talents that would eventually lead him to be the world’s greatest detective. Season 2 ended with an exciting cliffhanger that nearly killed Bruce. Season 3 of “Gotham” kicked off on September 19th, 2016, and is entitled “Mad City”, and the title is very apt. Here are just some of the highlights from the action packed first episode: Bruce is making his presence know at Wayne Enterprises and continues to develop his rocky relationship with the future Catwoman, Selina, while he becomes more “Batman like” with each new episode. Let’s call him Jr. Bats for now. Gordon is now a bounty hunter after his season 2 problems with the GCPD. Penguin calls out the now returned Fish Mooney (presumed dead at the end of season 1) via the media. Cat (Selina) and Pepper Ivy (the soon-to-be Poison Ivy) are still hanging out, and Cat is still playing both sides of the law. Riddler is still in Arkham Asylum and is visited by the Penguin, who I bet will eventually help him escape. The Court of Owls (a secret Gotham organization) is introduced in the episode, and Bruce rattles Wayne Enterprises with a startling announcement.

A mysterious Bruce Wayne doppelganger (seen in the season 2 finale) is roaming around the city looking for Bruce, while Gordon is still pining for his lost love from season 2. Oh, and he is also searching for the escaped “monsters” from the season 2 finale, which just may include the character Man-Bat. You may have noticed I never mentioned Batman’s most famous nemesis The Joker. The show has featured a character everyone just knew would develop into The Joker, but alas the character met with a bad ending. Or did he? Time will tell.

Of course I just touched on a minuscule amount of the happenings and characters from the first two seasons, and season 3 began with a bang and if the beginning is any indication, fans are in for quite a ride. It’s never too late to join the fun, as “Gotham” is available on various outlets including Hulu and FOX NOW, can be purchased on blu-ray or DVD, and the latest season is showing Monday nights at 8pm on the Fox Network

ABINGDON CVB LAUNCHES ARTIST TAKEOVER OF THE VISITOR CENTER

PAINTER JAMES E. TURNER IN RESIDENCE THIS FALL

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he arts are woven in to the community in Abingdon, and now the Abingdon Convention & Visitors Bureau will highlight a new local artist each quarter with its Artist Takeover program. Every few months, a new artist will take over the ground floor of the Abingdon Visitor Center at 335 Cummings Street, with a wall-sized art installation, and an exhibit of their artwork, which will be for sale to the public. The program launches with painter James E. Turner, and the public is invited to a gallery opening as part of Abingdon’s First Thursday gallery crawl, Thursday October 6, 2016 at 5:00pm.

The Artist Takeover is the brainchild of tourism director Kevin Costello, who wanted to highlight Abingdon’s art scene, and give artists without a studio space of their own a place to display.

Each artist will be asked to design and install a full wall-sized mural in the Visitor Center, which will then be painted over for the next artist taking over the space.

James E. Turner, also known as Corry the Psychic, is currently in residence at the Visitor Center, painting a painting a 6-foot-high canvas “mural” for the gallery. Turner, who is also a practicing psychic, creates “spirit paintings,” applying multiple layers of iridescent colors to create abstract, organic shapes.

“As an artist with a brain condition, I capture the beautiful visions I experience,” Turner says. “They are wheels within wheels and circles within circles. Colors are cheerful, vibrant,

For more information on James E. Turner, visit http:// www.jameseturnerfineart. com/ and to learn more about his alter ego, Corry the Psychic, visit http://www.corrythepsychic.com/

flat, glossy, matt, metallic, and iridescent. The work changes as the light changes and they are seen from different angles. They glow in dim light reflections and burst into radiance with daylight. A photo doesn’t capture the real appearance any more than iridescent butterfly wing can be captured in a photo.”

There will be an opening reception Thursday October 6, 2016, from 5:00 to 7:00pm at the Abingdon Visitor Center at 335 Cummings Street, in conjunction with Abingdon’s First Thursday.

For more information on the First Thursday gallery crawl, visit the facebook page at /abingdonfirstthursday.

theloaferonline.com | September 27, 2016 | 27

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The Lost County of James

ne of the more colorful stories from early federal history is that of the ‘Lost State of Franklin’, an area of present-day East Tennessee that was once its very own state. Much lesser known to folks here in the Volunteer State, however, is the story of Tennessee’s lost county. Given my own obsession with county-level geography (and my ongoing quest to visit every county in the United States), it’s kind of a wonder that it has taken me so long to mention James County, TN – an oversight that will now be corrected.

The story of short-lived James County, TN, begins in 1871, with the passage of a bill introduced by State Representative Elbert Abdiel James of Hamilton County (think Chattanooga). Citing the stark difference in demographics of the eastern portion of Hamilton County from the greater Chattanooga area, James asked that a brand new county be created so that residents there might have their own representation in deciding state affairs.

Evidently, Governor DeWitt Senter, along with a quorum of state legislators, cited the precedent of Whatever and quickly signed off on the idea.

Even in the nineteenth century, it would have been considered poor form to suggest naming the new county after himself, so Rep. James, in a thinly veiled move, proposed naming it for his father, Sullivan County resident Jesse James (seriously). Certainly, the fact that the elder James had the same last name as his son was a mere coincidence, right? A few folks from neighboring Bradley County wanted in as well, so boundaries were set to include a small portion of Bradley along with the eastern 1/3 of

Hamilton County. The community of Ooltewah was designated the James County seat.

But all was not well in the land of James. The new government, plagued by corruption and (shockingly) nepotism, found that there was simply too small a tax base to support any infrastructure. Roads deteriorated, schools went unbuilt, and the anticipated overflow from nearby Chattanooga’s booming economy never materialized. The only people prospering were the county administrators.

By the early twentieth century, James County was beginning to collapse under its own weight.

In 1919, the inevitable happened – the entirety of the county went bankrupt and was absorbed back into Hamilton.

Few remnants of James County remain today. Courthouse fires in 1890 and 1913 destroyed most of the records and the futile experiment was quickly forgotten. However, anyone interested can still visit the old James County courthouse, which still stands in Ooltewah.

And while it’s no longer a seat of government, one function of the old building remains. You can still get married there – because it’s now a wedding chapel.

28 | September 27, 2016 | theloaferonline.com

38th annual wise county

famous fall fling

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ith a backdrop of the historic Wise County Courthouse and The Inn at Wise, and the updated streetscape, the Town of Wise promises more than ever to be “the place to be”, during the 38th Annual Wise County Famous Fall Fling, scheduled for October 8 & 9, 2016.

The official opening for The Fling is Saturday, October 8, 10 AM on the Stage at Big Glades. More than 135 vendors will be set up and ready to go and the coffee will be hot. The free two day event will have something for most anyone –crafts, food, Anything Apples Contest, and a great Kids Korner with free fire truck rides and two magic shows as well as a Duck Race and gold panning.

There’ll be a 5 K Race, Corn Hole Tournament, art, photography, and, as always, lots of friendly people! Several demonstrators will be on hand showing off their skill - Mark Ramsey with hand forged iron work, hand carved bowls and spoons, and bark berry baskets; Robert Smith with wood carving, and new this year - Shane Tolley, with chain saw carving, and Soon Fuller demonstrating how to hand toss clay.

While The Fling’s primary focus has always been crafts, music has never taken a back seat. We added a second stage on the balcony of The Inn at Wise last year and will again have two stages this year. Returning favorites will be White Top Mountain String Band, Appalachian Highlanders Pipes and Drums, Chris Rose and Angel Mefford, and The Kings Messengers. New will be Sycamore Hollow, Thomas Cassell Project, Fiddlin’ Leona, and Corbin Hayslett. Closing out the day Saturday at 5 PM till closing will be the regional favorite Folk Soul Revival at Big Glades.

Several events are planned during the week leading up to the weekend, a Fall Fling Fashion Show, with Turning 360 Boutique; a free Senior Citizen picnic, Town Wide Yard Sale, Small Business Scavenger Hunt, and the Annual Customer Appreciation Lunch, with First Bank & Trust.

The arts are alive and well in Wise and are encouraged with the annual photography, art, and essay contests. The art and photography will be on display Saturday/Sunday at The Masonic Hall, Main Street, Wise, Va. The Fall Fling is sponsored by the Wise Business Association, with the help of the Town of Wise, Wise County Board of Supervisors, and the business and civic community. For more information and a complete schedule for music and contests, please go to wisefallflling.com. theloaferonline.com | September 27, 2016 | 29

Artist . . . continued from page 10 Cloutier can’t address all the issues in a public talk that she covers in a multisession online course, but she will illustrate her message of the importance of practice, authenticity and the coupling of tenacity with audacity, she says.

The arts mentor also does not recommend that business or marketing drive the artist or artwork. “I strongly advise that artists create the work that speaks to them – and only after, worry about finding their market,” she tells blogger Matt Lehrman. “If there is no market, then artists have to create one.”

While at ETSU, Cloutier will also conduct a workshop on project planning with ETSU students, alumni, and regional artists. For information on that RSVPrequired session Friday, Sept. 30, at 2 p.m., call 423-439-8587.

“When I was an arts dealer, I worked with a lot of ‘blue chip’ artists,” she tells artsjournal.com. “Now that I teach aspiring and emerging artists and photographers, I meet a whole spectrum of creatives, from those whose work hangs in museums to those who paint kittens. I don’t have any value judgments as to what is Art and what is art. What I care about is that each artist finds their audience and achieves their goals.”

For more information on Crista Cloutier and The Working Artist, visit theworkingartist.com.

The Best of Tennessee Craft Exhibition showcases the finest contemporary and traditional craft Tennessee has to offer, providing public visibility and recognition for the quality and diversity of craft found throughout the state. In addition to its regular hours Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Reece Museum is offering special Saturday hours from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sept. 24, Oct. 8 and 22 and Nov. 12. Admission is free. For information on Best of Tennessee Craft exhibitions, visit http:// tennesseecraft.org/events/best-of-tennessee-craft-2016.

For information about the talk or ETSU Mary B. Martin School of the Arts, call 423-439-TKTS (8587) or visit www.etsu.edu/martin.

30 | September 27, 2016 | theloaferonline.com

Benefit Concert for the Odum family

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B5NDime and friends will be having “Shake, Battle, for O,” a benefit concert for the Odum family on October 1, 2016 at the Mural Stage on State Street in Downtown Bristol. Jon Odum, Coach of the John S. Battle Boys Basketball & Golf teams was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer. Due to the severity of his diagnosis, Coach and his wife Ashley Jo (also a teacher at JSB) will be temporarily moving to Duke University in Raleigh, NC to start treatments. This event is free, but we will be taking donations to help this great family. The concert will begin at 4:30 and last until 8:30 that evening. Come join us for a fun night of music and supporting Coach Odum! For those who can’t attend, but would like to support this family, you may donate to a GoFundMe page. https:// www.gofundme.com/jonodum For more info contact: Jason Shaffer at jb5ndime@gmail.com or (423) 943-1417 Kevin Elton at zeke1219@aol.com or (276) 494-1618 Whitney Elton at wtelton@gmail.com

Terror in the Carolinas

Photo and article by

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s of this week, autumn is officially here! With this being the start of many of our favorite season, what are some of the activities you have planned this year? Perhaps your family has a tradition you replicate every year, such as visiting the local pumpkin patch to find that perfect one for the Halloween jack-o-lantern. Corn mazes and apple picking are a favorite of the kids, and what can be more romantic than a hay ride together on a crisp evening before gathering around the campfire to make s’mores together?

No doubt you have that one neighbor, however, who finds quite a different fascination with autumn. While you’re having fun placing cornstalks and hay bales on your lawn, they’re hanging body bags from their trees.

Gravestones take the place of mums in their garden, and they might drop by to give you a batch of their delicious homemade cupcakes, each adorned with a dismembered digit. Bloody handprints show up in each of their windows, and every night shrieks and evil laughter emanate from their annual display of carnage and death. They’re even thinking of transforming their backyard into a haunted house for the neighborhood this year.

Yes, we are guilty, to some extent, of being that neighbor. A night sitting at home in the dark with Freddy or Michael is just as fun as those wandering through the cornstalks. If we do make it to the corn maze, be sure that it would be after dark, when the ghouls are let loose to have their bit of fun with the guests who have still not made it out.

Now, more than ever, it seems we are not alone. Haunted attractions have begun seeing record attendance each year, especially with theme parks joining the fun with yearly scare zones and mazes taking over most of the parks. Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights was one of the first and most successful haunted attractions, and other parks have been quick to follow suit. Now every regional theme park in our area, with the exception of Dollywood, is taken over each October by every kind of monster imaginable. One of our favorites is just a short drive away in Charlotte, North Carolina, and features some of the best demented attractions outside of Universal.

By day, Carowinds theme park is a thrill seeker’s paradise. Featuring thirteen fantastic coasters and numerous other thrill rides, the park packs quite a punch within its 398 acres that straddle the North and South Carolina border. It is currently home to the world’s tallest giga-coaster, Fury 325, which just this year was voted the best steel coaster on the planet. Planet Snoopy has fun attractions the entire family can enjoy together, and next year a new revamp plans to add some classic carnival rides to the mix.

Throughout September and October, however, the sounds of laughter and music turn to screams of terror.

Fog boils from cauldrons and fills the air with an eerie mist as the dark reign of fear itself wraps itself around the park. The park is even renamed, its new moniker of Scarowinds proclaiming the frights awaiting guests who dare to pass through the gates.

In the past, we have braved a house full of demented clowns, escaped an insane asylum, and tried to elude capture by a hoard of cannibalistic farmers. This year, the park promises even more screams as it features six terrifying mazes and six equally fearful fright zones. Favorites such as 7th Ward and the murderous toys of DefeX return, with the new Dark Harvest maze vying for the top position as the ultimate nighttime thrill.

In 7th Ward, guests are trapped in an insane asylum with patients that have taken over and murdered the hospital staff. Not only is it very confusing with strobe lights, loud music, and low levels of light, but it is also very disturbing. While the patients won’t touch you, they are free to get in your face, scream at you, and throw unknown liquids through their cages at you.

Dark Harvest replaces our favorite maze, the former Corn Stalkers. It improves on the original farm theme while also featuring new thrills which surpass those of the former attraction. Zombie High lets you live your own version of The Walking Dead, as you try to outwit dozens of hungry zombies. The gore effects are pretty outstanding in this one, so don’t enter if you have a weak stomach. Slaughterhouse: The Final Cut presents the idea of a meat factory which has begun processing humans to cut their costs, while The Silver Scream rounds out the mazes with a little Hollywood bling mixed in with the monsters.

Scare Zones are placed strategically throughout the park to give guests even more thrills. Watch where you’re going, otherwise you may wander into one of these areas by mistake! The park always provides a detour around the area for those who would rather skip them, but why would you want to? That’s what the fun of Scarowinds is all about!

Scary Tales twists our beloved stories we grew up with into devilish creations that will never let us see Little Red Riding Hood the same way again! Those who don’t like clowns should avoid Pyscho Circus, and you should definitely watch your back as you venture through The Bloodyard, where dangerous vampires are on the loose! London Terror recreates those streets along the Thames, where murderous townsfolk might seem a little too welcoming and werewolves can be seen slinking in the shadows. Mass Acres and The Play-

One of the many scary ghouls you are sure to encounter if you dare to enter, Scarowinds! ground aren’t the most thrilling attractions, but are still worth a visit if you have had a chance to do everything else.

It’s not all blood and scares at the park, however. If you need a break, stop to watch the acrobatic feats of the Skeleton Crew. This show has performances several times throughout the night, as does Blood Drums, a heavy metal rock concert not for the faint of heart! All the iconic rides Carowinds is known for also operate until closing time; night rides on Fury 325 are unbelievably fast!

Carowinds is currently operating only on Saturday and Sundays.

Regular park admission does not get you in Scarowinds, as it is a separately-ticketed event, so plan your day accordingly. When we went, the park closed for an hour at 6:00 P.M. and reopened an hour later at 7:00 P.M. for Scarowinds. Tickets and season passes for Carowinds and Scarowinds are available at www.carowinds.com.

Directions: From Johnson City, follow I-26 East to its junction with I-85 in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Follow I-85 East 66 miles and exit right onto I-485 Outer. Take exit 67 to I-77 South. Take exit 90 and merge right onto U.S. 21/Carowinds Blvd. The main park entrance will be on the right-hand side.

theloaferonline.com | September 27, 2016 | 31

Contra Dance in Jonesborough!

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he Historic Jonesborough Dance Society will hold a contra dance on Saturday, October 1, 2016 at 7:30pm at the Historic Jonesborough Visitors Center, 117 Boone Street. Performing for the dance will be Sugar High from Asheville.

The caller is Jesse Edgerton from Asheville. A class for beginners will be held at 7:00pm.

Every dancer is encouraged to attend the class to become familiar with dance steps, formations, and flow. Klondike Bars, the official frozen treat of the Historic Jonesborough Dance Society, will be served at the 9:00pm waltz break. This event is open to all.

Admission to the dance is $7 for (yet-to-be members), $5 for HJDS members. Full time Students and children get in for $5. A Family Package has been instituted for members that allows parents and as many children in their core family to get in for only $15.

Come to dance or come to listen. No partner is necessary. It is customary at contra dances to change partners after each dance. As always, our dances are smoke, alcohol and fragrance free. Families, students and singles are welcome. All dances are taught by the caller. No previous dance experience is necessary.

Band leader, Laura Light is a traditional fiddle player as well as a modern tune composer. She also plays swing, country, gospel and blues as well as traditional folk. Some of her original songs and tunes are featured on albums with the Avant Gardeners band and her own previous solo recordings, such as No Gravity. Having recently moved to Asheville, her songwriting

Contra . . . continued on page 35

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Live Storytelling with Donald Davis

onald Davis, one of the world’s best-known storytellers, will soon offer a series of performances in Jonesborough during a weeklong residency at the International Storytelling Center.

With more than 25 storytelling albums under his belt, the North Carolina native is a perennial favorite amongst audiences. Davis is known for his poignant family stories, which describe old-time settings with a warm, modern sense of humor.

His live storytelling shows will run daily from October 3 – October 6, Monday through Thursday, on ISC’s campus in downtown Jonesborough. Performances begin on Monday at 2:00 pm, Tuesday and Wednesday at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm, and Thursday at 11:00 am, 2:00 pm, and 4:00 pm.

National Storytelling Festival. (The second, a concert featuring Kathy Mattea with guitarist Bill Cooley, is scheduled for Thursday night.) Both events will take place on the Festival grounds in the Library Tent. Tickets for Davis’s evening concert are just $15 for all ages and are available at the concert.

Davis . . . continued on page 35

Photo by Jay Huron

Tickets are just $12 for adults and $11 for seniors, students, and children under 18. Ticketholders for all performances can present their ticket stubs for a 10 percent discount on same-day dining at JJ’s Eatery and Ice Cream or Main Street Café, two popular eateries in Jonesborough.

In addition to his afternoon performances, for one night only, Davis will host “Don’t Kill Santa,” an exclusive evening concert that will take place on the grounds of the National Storytelling Festival. The performance provides a generous sampling of some of Davis’s favorite holiday stories.

Scheduled for Wednesday, October 5, at 7:30 p.m., the concert is the first of two special events leading up to the 44th annual

theloaferonline.com | September 27, 2016 | 33

Answers on page 36

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Contra . . . continued from page 32

has sprouted new wings and has led her to the studio to record them with her favorite musical partners, the hyper talented guitarist, Bert Carlson, world class percussionist Loren Oppenheimer, and everyone’s favorite bass player, Ralph Gordon, with guest appearances by Dave Bartley on mandolin and guitar and George Paul on keyboard. The Sugar High configuration unites four very experienced and talented musicians from the Asheville area. Paul Moore plays keyboard, accordion and djembe. Julia Weatherford plays cello and Terrell Jones plays bass and percussion.

Jesse Edgerton grew up in Asheville and has been on the contra dance calling scene for several years. He brings his charm and humor to the dance hall. This relaxed approach makes everyone feel at home. In addition, Jesse calls for the new rage, techno contras, where he calls contra dances to recorded techno music.

Contra dancing is a traditional form of American folk dance that evolved from the long ways country dances popular in English society centuries ago. Contra dance communities now thrive all over the country. There are websites that can direct you to contra dances in most states. The modern contra dances provide dancers of all ages and experience levels with the opportunity to smile, move, connect, flirt and create an evening of dance nirvana with each other. No previous dance experience is necessary. No fancy footwork is required. If you can walk and count to eight, you can contra dance!

Contra dances are community events. At almost any contra you will find people of all ages and all dance skill levels, from young to old, beginner to expert. Contra dancers form a very open and welcoming group of people. You can come alone or with others since it is a tradition to dance with a variety of partners throughout the night. It is perfectly acceptable for either a man or a woman to ask someone to dance. It’s a great way to make friends with someone they haven’t met before.

You will find contra dancing a great way to make new friends.

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

Davis . . . continued from page 33 Following his residency, Davis will be a featured teller at the Festival, which runs October 7 – 9. Regular festival programming is scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, with several separate ticketed events throughout the weekend, including a Midnight Cabaret concert on Friday and ghost stories on Friday and Saturday nights. Other ticket options include one-day passes and weekend passes.

The International Storytelling Center’s Storytelling Live! series is renowned for bringing live storytelling to Tennessee’s oldest town for six months of every year.

Performances often sell out, so advance purchase for matinee tickets is strongly recommended. Walk-in seating is also available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Davis will be followed by another storyteller each week through the end of October. Information about all performers, as well as a detailed schedule for 2016, is available at www.storytellingcenter.net.

The premier sponsor of Storytelling Live! is the Mountain States’ Heart & Soul program. Media sponsors include News 5-WCYB, FOX Tri-Cities, Tri-Cities CW, Johnson City Press, Kingsport Times-News, Herald & Tribune, Cumulus Media, The Laurel of Asheville, Plough to Pantry and Foster Signs. Additional funding comes from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Tennessee Arts Commission, the East Tennessee Foundation, Eastman Credit Union, the Mooneyhan Family Foundation, the Niswonger Foundation, and Massengill-DeFriece Foundation, Inc. The International Storytelling Center is open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. For more information about Storytelling Live! or to make a group reservation, call (800) 952-8392 ext. 222 or (423) 913-1276. theloaferonline.com | September 27, 2016 | 35

things to do

use one of the shared instruments, and bring a portable chair if you can. Held rain or shine April through October.

Do Something BIG Bringing Hope Through Join the Facebook group for Mentoring: Big Brothers Big Sisters more information and event Have you ever wondered potential volunteers. Stringent notifications: www.facebook. how you can do something safeguards are in place to as- com/groups/drumming.in.tri.

BIG to make a difference in the sure that all parties are safe. cities.tn/ life of a child in need? Some- Volunteer and parent engagetimes just having someone to ment and training also play a Johnson City Improv talk with can turn a path of big role.

Games Meetup hopelessness into one of surAnyone wanting to find out Varying Times and Locations vival. That’s one of the compel- more about Big Brothers Big Have fun and laugh your way ling premises behind the work Sisters of Greater Tri-Cities to better relationships, more of Big Brothers Big Sisters of should contact the office by self-confidence, and an easier Greater Tri-Cities. Spending 2 calling 423-247-3240, or visit- life. It’s kind of like a playdate to 4 hours a month with an at- ing TennesseeBig.org.3, 2016. for adults, with very practirisk youth can help them im- Free. Info: www.folkheritage. cal applications. Newcomprove in school, their behavior org or (828)258-6101 x345. ers are always welcome. This and their self-esteem. group plays improvisational Our local Big Brothers Big Johnson City Commu- games in a safe environment Sisters office is part of one of nity Drum Circle to: lighten up, become better the oldest and largest youth Wednesdays, 7:00 - 8:30pm listeners, move our bodies (a mentoring organizations in the Farmer’s Market Pavilion @ little, at least), be present in the United States. It’s a system that Founders Park moment, build collaboration has been proven to work and A free, fun, and family-friend- skills, be spontaneous, enhance transforms the lives of children ly rhythmic experience for ev- creativity, meet new people, who might not otherwise ever erybody (not just musicians). and more. No experience necget the support they need to Come and drum, dance, hoop, essary… these are all beginnergrow and successfully meet blow bubbles, make a joyful level games designed to allow life’s challenges. noise, or just hang out and soak maximum participation. Get Child-volunteer matches in the grooves. No experience more information and sign are made based on in-depth or talent necessary. All ages up for events on Meetup.com: and comprehensive interview- and skill levels are welcome. www.meetup.com/Johnsoning with parents, children and Bring a rhythm instrument or City-Improv-Games-Meetup/ Cryptogram: If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.

Drop Quote: “Everyone has a talent. What is rare is the courage to nurture it in solitude and to follow the talent to the dark places where it leads.”

36 | September 27, 2016 | theloaferonline.com

Wildlife Weekend Celebration

Mark your calendar for the 19th annual Bristol Tennessee Parks & Recreation Wildlife Weekend celebration at Steele Creek Park on October 7-8, 2016. Friends of Steele Creek Nature Center and Park will again be sponsoring an amateur photography contest and show. Come get your Passport to Nature at the Park Lodge Friday, October 7th beginning at 6:30pm. The evening program includes a photography lecture featuring Marq Marquette along with a reception and photography contest awards ceremony. Also featured will be information on the exciting expansion of the Nature Center. Saturday events begin at 8:30am and include bird banding, a children’s nature walk, lots of kids’ activities, fossils, mushroom and wildflower walk, geology hike and much more. For more information, please visit www.friendsofsteelecreek.org. or call the Nature Center at 423.989.5616.

Home Craft Days Festival Seeking Vendors

Mountain Empire Community College’s is seeking vendors to participate in the college’s 45th annual Home Craft Days Festival, October 14-16. Vendors may include craft, antique, or demonstrators with emphasis on Appalachian crafts, artistry, and music. Acceptable products include Quilts, Needlework, Woodcraft, Basketry, Straw Brooms, Corn Husk craft items, Woodburning, Leather Work, Lye Soap, Grapevine Wreaths, Chair Caning, Storytelling, Art-Traditional, Candlewicking, Pottery, Candlemaking, Wagon Rides, Country Carving, Crochet, Bees and Honey, Wooden Toys, Stained Glass, Portraits, Dulcimers, Porcelain Painting, Berry Buckets, Fiddles, Caramel Apples, Apple Cider, Rag Dolls, Banjo, Tatting, Weaving, Net Darning, Homemade Ice Cream, Goat Cheese, Apple Butter, Funnel Cakes, and Molasses. Applications are open online at www. homecraftdays.org/for-vendors.

A registration fee of $100 for craft booths will be due at the time of registration. For more information, please call MECC’s Workforce Development at (276) 5237489 or (276)523-2400 Ext. 372.

Buddy the Elf is coming to the area!

The Jonesborough Repertory Theatre will be holding auditions for Elf Jr. on Sunday, October 9th, and Monday, October 10th, at 7:00pm at the theatre located at 125½ Main St in Jonesborough. The large cast— including Buddy the Elf, Buddy’s father, Santa Claus, and Jovie—is limited to students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

The audition will consist of a cold reading, group singing, and dancing. If you’re interested in a lead role, please come prepared with a solo.

The show will open Thursday, December 8th, and run through Sunday, December 18th.

For more information, please visit jonesboroughtheatre.com or email jrtpublicity@gmail. com.

Applications being accepted for Civil Service Commission The Johnson City Board of Commissioners will consider three appointments to the Civil Service Commission. The Civil Service Commission addresses Police and Fire employees’ civil service grievances and meets quarterly. Each term is two years.

Applications may be picked up at the Municipal and Safety Building, 601 E. Main St., or may be mailed or faxed by calling (423)434-6009. To complete an application online, visit www.johnsoncitytn.org/ boards. Deadline for submitting an application is Monday, Oct. 31. Applications are kept on file for current year only.

For more information regarding Civil Service Commission functions, please contact Richard Lockner at (423)4346018.

pets of the week

Jasper and Flash. Two deeply bonded 6 year old Dachshund males.

They are neutered and up to date on all vaccines. These two sweet Doxies have been at the shelter for several months and are ready to come home with you!

Cali is a 2 year old Shepard mix. A little shy but what a sweet dog! She is spayed and up to date on all vaccines. Loves to play!

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

Donations can be sent to The Bridge Home Shelter PO Box 654 Blountville, TN 37617 Every animal in their care is spayed or neutered and fully vaccinated before being adopted. Being a non profit the shelter is funded entirely by membership dues and private donations. They always need volunteers or monetary donations.

Other always needed items:pet food, cat litter & cat toys dog treats & dog toys,paper towels, cleaners, office supplies,Purina weight circles. Phone: 423.239.5237 Hours are Mon-Fri 12pm-6pm Sat 12pm3pm and Sun 2pm-4pm. Website is www.bridgehomerescue@gmail. com or like them on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/bridgehome theloaferonline.com | September 27, 2016 | 37

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38 | September 27, 2016 | theloaferonline.com

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137 Transportation

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145 Mind, Body & Spirit

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THE RETURN OF BEATLEMANIA

L

ast week I watched Ron Howard’s much-touted new movie “Eight Days A Week: The Touring Years” on Hulu. In what I hope becomes a commonplace event with other Hulu films, this one was being streamed for free in my living room while the not-free theatrical release was being shown in theatres. This wonderous one hundred and thirtyseven minute documentary covers the Beatles phenomenon from the early 1960s through their breakup in 1969; and, as the title implies, the focus is on the pre-1966 period, when the Beatles were a live-performance group delighting audiences all over the world with their creative musicianship and wicked sense of humor. Lots of familiar and newly-discovered footage tells that familiar tale in perhaps some unfamiliar ways. As a person who lived through and participated in Beatlemania, I watched Howard’s tale in rapt attention.

Howard’s take on the Beatles’ decision to stop touring so they could concentrate on making their records in the studio is not a new one, but his pointing out very dramatically how the unsettling dangers of touring and confronting increasingly frantic fans influenced their decision is a fact not often emphasized in other narratives. Another perspective that is often neglected in Beatles accounts is the group’s refusal to play for racially segregated audiences while on tour in the Deep South; a highlight of the film is an African-American woman’s recent recollection of the way she felt in 1964 after finding herself in a racially-mixed audience for the first time during the Beatles’ concert she attended. She, like thousands of others, was experiencing the full emergence of a youth culture that changed the world in countless ways. While I don’t long for a return to that era, I do miss the sense of newness that I experienced in 1964.

1964, for me at least, was a year of dramatic change. While others of my generation might list November 22, 1963 as the formative event in their lives, I look upon February 9, 1964, when the Beatles first appeared on “The Ed Sullivan Show” as that date. Not long after that show aired, my parents rented a Hammond Organ in hopes that I would learn to play it. With the Beatles as my inspiration, I indeed did learn to play it, and that experience changed my life.

With the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the “official” entrance of the United States into the Vietnam War, I entered my teenage years with a sense that the previous world I had know was being replaced by a brave and frightening new world, full of ominous possibilities. And the Beatles were my tour guides, although I must admit that the moment I heard “Time Is On My Side” I became more of a Stones fan. At this point, I urge you to read John McMillian’s essential little book, BEATLES VS STONES, the primer for a culturally significant, and perhaps unresolvable, debate. Read in conjunction with Rich Cohen’s new account of the cultural significance of the Stones: THE SUN & THE MOON & THE ROLLING STONES.

After enjoying “Eight Days A Week,” I went to my bookshelf and revisited some of my favorite Beatles books in search of revealing observations about Beatlemania. A good place to start is with Steven D. Stark’s MEET THE BEATLES: A

CULTURAL HISTORY OF THE BAND THAT SHOOK YOUTH, GENDER, AND THE WORLD (2005). Chapter One opens with a very telling and Genesis-like paragraph: “In the beginning there was the scream. It was a high-pitched, wailing, the sound of pigs being slaughtered, only louder. Some in England compared it to the air raid sires that had been so prevalent during the war only two decades before. Oddly, it was both joyous and hysterical; it could be heard sometimes over a mile away. It was continuous, yet punctuated by crescendos. Its decibel level was so high that it broke the equipment measuring it, and the next day, some found their ears still continued to ring.” This passage captures both the hysteria occasioned by a Beatles concert and the prime reason why the group decided to stop touring.

My favorite Beatles book is Apple recording enginaeer Geoff Emerick’s HERE, THERE AND EVERYWHERE: MY LIFE RECORDING THE MUSIC OF THE BEATLES (2006), a revealing account of what it was like to be in the studio with the group when they recorded their most significant albums, beginning with “Revolver” and continuing through landmark recordings like “Rubber Soul,” “Sgt. Pepper,” and “Abby Road.” Emerick’s book is a real treat for anyone who relishes behind-the-scenes accounts of how landmark albums were recorded, replete with all sorts of technical and personal details. If you want to learn more about the live-concert era that is covered by Howard’s film, you should read Larry Kane’s personal memoir TICKET TO RIDE: INSIDE THE BEATLES’ 1964 TOUR THAT CHANGED THE WORLD; as a journalist, Kane accompanied the Beatles’ first American tour and he is a focal point in “Eight Days A Week.”

In my opinion, the best book written about pop music is Geoffrey O’Brien’s SONATA FOR JUKEBOX: POP MUSIC, MEMORY, AND THE IMAGINED LIFE (2005), and a chapter from that book, “Seven Fat Years,” is the best brief account of Beatlemania’s significance. This chapter concludes with an observation that mirrors Howard’s “Eight Days A Week” conclusion: “[The Beatles] went from being performers to being songwriters but didn’t make the final leap until they became makers of records. Beyond all echoes of yesterday’s mythologized excitement, the records—whether “The Night Before” or “Drive My Car” or “I’m Only Sleeping” or any of the dozens of others—lose nothing of a beauty so singular it might almost be called underrated.” A similar conclusion is reached

by Anthone Lane, writing a review of “Eight Days A Week” in last week’s issue of “The New Yorker”: “The Beatles now belong to an honored past, stuck there like an obelisk, and yet here they are, alive—busting out all over, time and time again.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.”

Should I conclude by admitting I’m watching “A Hard Day’s Night” while writing this column? I’ve already written a column about that wonderful movie, so I will continue to watch it as I urge you to watch “Eight Days A Week” if you haven’t already done so.

See you next week. theloaferonline.com | September 27, 2016 | 39

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