2 | September 6, 2016 | theloaferonline.com
battle at bristol
Volume 30 • Issue #40
happenings
Publisher Luci Tate Editor Graphic Arts Director Don Sprinkle
4 Battle At Bristol 6 Battle On The State Line Kick Off
Cover Design Bill May
7 Bootleg Bash
Advertising Dave Carter Patti Barr Sam Jones Shawn Hale Coco Enriquez Judy Mahler
9 CMA Songwriters Series
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 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
8 Battle On The State Line Pep Rally 11 Urban reTREAT for Women 12 Mary B. Martin’s Fall Schedule
columns & reviews 30 Stargazer - World Abuzz About Alien Worlld Proxima B Centauri 31 Skies This Week 32 Batteries Not Included - Blood Cold Mysteries 32 The Casual Word - Analogous 34 Pop Life - Kubo Ant The Two Strings 36 The Trivial Traveler - Mon Aerolisador Es Plen D’Anguilas 38 Mountain Movers - The Leah Ross Interview 40 Appalachian Wanderers - Devil’s Racetrack 44 Lock, Stock & Barrel - A Matter of Perception Pt. 2 35 Kelly’s Place - A Love Supreme: Remembering Rudy Van Gelder
music & fun 28
Spotlight - Great Music & Fun Times 48 Puzzle Page
16 JRT Presents Camelot 18 “The Perfect Murder” At Barter 19 Ras Alan At Down Home 21 “The Adventures Of Madeline” 23 Northeast State Theatre Brings Oleanna To The Stage 25 Logan Fritz & Tori Bartfai At Heartwood 26 “The J & T Duo” At Acoustic Coffeehouse 27 Ethan Samuel Brown & Leah Blevins 35 Kingsport Ballet Launches 33rd Season 37 Indie Film “Art Of The Prank” 41 2016-17 Art Series Opens 42 8th Annual Flea Market & Yard Sale 43 Buddhism & Meditation 45 Jonesborough Welcomes Oba William King 46 Classic Car Show 49 Pets Of The Week 50 Auditions for “Little Women The Musical” 51 Tree Street Yard Sale 52 Things To Do 54 Classifieds THE BLACK LILLIES
Founders Park - Thursday, Sept 8th - 6pm theloaferonline.com | September 6, 2016 | 3
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fter decades of planning and details, college football’s biggest-ever game is about to come together this weekend. On Saturday, Sept. 10, Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS), known around the world as the Last Great Colosseum, will host the Pilot Flying J Battle at Bristol, a throw down between border rivals the University of Tennessee and Virginia Tech. Since news of the matchup first broke three years ago, the duel has captured headlines and intrigued audiences across the globe. Ticketholders hail from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and four foreign countries, and the expected crowd of more than 150,000 — more than double the attendance at this year’s Super Bowl — is destined to smash the existing world record for the largest American football game. All those guests will journey to Northeast Tennessee/Southwest Virginia to watch Butch Jones’ touted roster of Volunteers take on the Hokies, playing under Justin Fuente in his highly anticipated first year as head coach. Adding to the fervor is a list of top sponsors joining in to help make history. Honda Ridgeline is sponsoring Bristol’s Tailgate Party, starring Kenny Chesney, The Band Perry and Old Dominion. Anheuser-Busch is bringing in country music stars Sam Hunt and Jon Pardi, and has chosen the event to debut their brand-new Bud Light Down South Tailgate Tour, an ultimate college football tailgate experience. The attraction will appear along with the Budweiser Country Club, an openair, three-level buildout to welcome fans. The scale of this event is — in a word — spectacular. Before anyone can enter the stadium or set foot on the Battle field, though, other armies must first descend. Bristol Motor Speedway is exactly that — a speedway, NASCAR’s most iconic short track, and one that will host the signature Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race on Aug. 20. Between the race and game weekend, workers have just 19 days to complete a mind-boggling list of projects that includes tidying up the stadium and grounds, building out the playing surface, adding more than 5,000 seats to the infield, installing goal posts, clocks and cameras, and assembling massive concert stages and VIP fan zones. Overseeing this monumental makeover is the job of Jerry Caldwell, executive vice president and general manager at BMS, who says his team is up to the task. “Making the transition in just 19 days will be tight, but we’re used to tackling big challenges,” said Caldwell. “For many years, it’s been our privilege to welcome more than a million guests annually and make them feel at home. In 2016, we built Colossus TV, one of the world’s largest digital displays, in record time. We know what it’s like to stretch and achieve these larger-thanlife events, and I think when people see the field in September, it will look and feel very natural. Our first-time guests will never guess that the last time a football game was played here, JFK was president.” Proven professionals in working with NASCAR and welcoming its fans from around the globe, Caldwell’s crew has spent the last few years studying multiple stadiums and sporting events, learning the needs, wants and flow of football and concert fans. The BMS staff will put their expertise to work, along with hundreds of contractors, engineers, traffic control professionals and fan relations personnel, all in a conversion effort that’s scripted down to the minute.
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BMS is renowned for making enormous crowds feel right at home, and for being able to efficiently transition traffic in and out of the stadium. On game day, more than 1,000 workers will be onsite to park, guide and shuttle the crowd around the grounds. Seventy personnel will help coordinate park-and-ride locations among three different cities, and multiple thirdparty vendors are bringing in more than 240 tour buses to keep the crowd flowing. Unlike the races, the game will have a security perimeter that roughly follows the paths of Beaver Creek and Volunteer Parkway. Any guests seeking entry to the grounds must display their tickets or credentials to get in. It’s part of an increased security effort that requires the collaboration of 19 different law enforcement agencies and contractors in order to help keep the crowds safe. Measures include sweeps with canine units, inspection of all vehicles entering the grounds, and metal detectors to enhance fan safety. Once fans are onsite, they’ll have the option of connecting with 21 different BMS Guest Service locations, including three large Guest Welcome Villages, located throughout the grounds. Those needing details or directions can also chat with six different sets of roaming personnel, known as walking kiosks, who will be circulating along the perimeter. Thirsty fans looking for a cold one will be in luck: AnheuserBusch’s presence at the game includes two sizeable on-site fan attractions. The Bud Light Down South Tailgate Tour will debut the ultimate college football tailgate experience, featuring a climate-controlled bar with ice-cold Bud Light, luxury tour bus with roof deck, food trucks, and traditional tailgate games. The Budweiser Country Club, an open-air, three-level buildout featuring elevated views, two 20-foot bars and Budweiser Signature Draught towers, will also be on grounds. And that’s just outside the stadium. Inside, Levy Restaurants has ordered in 455,000 16-oz. beers to serve the stands and suites. Television coverage of the game, which will be broadcast as part of ABC’s Saturday Night Football, starts at 8 p.m. Once the Battle is done, the victor of college football’s biggestever game will be awarded a one-of-a kind, custom-designed trophy that stands just over two feet tall and is nearly as wide. Manufactured by MTM Recognition, it was constructed using multiple sculpting techniques, including the lost wax method, an art that dates back more than 5,000 years. Overall, the prize took more than 300 hours of production to create, including 20 hours of polishing on the football alone.
General Information for Battle at BristoL Guidelines & General Information for Battle at Bristol Parking The All-American and Red Barn Campgrounds have been designated Tennessee lots. The Earhart Campgrounds have been designated Virginia Tech lots. This was done with traffic patterns and the stadium’s seating configuration in mind. Traditional BMS lots will be a mix of both teams’ fans.
Parking
Parking lots will open at 7:00 a.m. ET on the day of the game (Sept. 10, 2016). Parking spaces will be filled on a first-come, first-park basis within each lot (cars will be guided into the next available space). If you wish to park next to others in your party, you must arrive at the same time. Tailgating is permitted within your designated space. Guests using more than their fair share will be asked to condense their space. Repeated violations will result in expulsion from the lot. There is no overnight parking any lot. ALL lots will be held ONE HOUR after the game concludes to allow pedestrian traffic to clear safely.
PARK AND RIDE SATELLITE PARKING / PARK AND RIDE
Satellite parking allows guests to park away from the track and travel via shuttle bus to avoid congested driving conditions. Guests parking in these lots will be provided shuttle service to BMS at a cost of $20 per round trip, subject to availability. Reservations for the Pilot Flying J Battle at Bristol on Saturday, September 10th can be made by calling the ticket office at 866-415-4158 or by visiting the website at www.bristolmotorspeedway.com/parkandride .
Park and Ride locations include:
• Bristol, VA: Sugar Hollow Park, 3600 Lee Highway, between exits 7 and 10 off I-81. • Bus service starts at 11 AM with the last bus departing at 4 PM. • Johnson City, TN: ETSU, Lot #9, corner of West State of Franklin and University Parkway. • Bus service starts at 11 AM with buses departing each hour until 4 PM. • Kingsport, TN: Sullivan North High School, 2533 N. John B. Dennis Highway. • Bus service will start at Noon with additional pickups at 2 PM and 4 PM.. • Blountville, TN: Sullivan Central High School, Exit 66, I-81 at 113 Shipley Ferry Road. • Bus service starts at 11 AM with buses departing each hour until 4 PM. Additional Park and Ride options are available through Rally Bus – an on demand event travel company. Please refer to http://rallybus.net for additional information regarding locations, availability, and cost or to make a reservation. Shuttles will leave approximately 45 minutes after the end of the game.
Camping
Fans wishing to bring an RV/Camper must purchase a campsite. Check-in begins Wednesday, September 7th at 9:00 a.m. ET. All guests must exit by Sunday, September 11th at noon ET. Campsite prices are the same regardless of the time/ day you check-in. If you are camping for race week in August 2016 and want to leave your camper/RV for the Battle at Bristol, BMS will have that service available. While they cannot guarantee the same exact spot for both events, they will work with you to minimize the potential location change.
ADA/Accessible Parking
Please refer all ADA/Accessible parking requests directly to the BMS ticket office,
specifically Beverly Buster at (423) 989-6902 or bbuster@bristolmotorspeedway.com A copy of your state issued placard or handicap ID must be sent to the BMS ticket office prior to game day. ADA/Accessible parking is $32.78 with tax per pass. All parking/camping will likely be pre-sold, meaning ADA/Accessible dedicated spaces on the property may not be available on game day, unless reserved in advance.
More Information
Have further questions? Contact Bristol Motor Speedway Ticket Office directly at (844) 367-6175 or via email at tickets@bristolmotorspeedway.com PROHIBITED ITEMS • Alcoholic beverages • Backpacks • Bicycles • Cameras with detachable lenses over 5”. Overall camera /lens combinations cannot exceed 8” in overall length. • Cans, bottles, coolers • Coolers of any size • Clear bags larger than 18” x 18” x 6” • Fireworks • Folding Chairs (chairs of any kind) • Glass Containers • Golf carts / ATV- type vehicles • Grills • Helium balloons and beach balls • Hoverboards • Illegal Drugs • Laser Pointers • Noisemakers • Outside food, snacks, beverages • Radios without headsets • Roller Blades • Binocular Cases • Scaffolds or platforms • Segways • Selfie Sticks, tripods or monopods • Signs, Flags or Banners • Skateboards • Strollers • Smoking in the grandstands, including the use of e-cigarettes and vapor cigarettes • Stadium seats wider than 17 inches • Stadium seats with arms • Umbrellas • Unmanned aircraft, drones • Video Cameras •Weapons of any kind. Includes guns, knives, etc., regardless of permit •Other items that may pose a safety hazard or diminish the enjoyment of an event by other patrons
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Battle on the State Line Kickof
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September 8 6:00 pm - 10:30 pm
Bristol’s historic downtown State Street will be decorated in MAROON & ORANGE (Hokies) on the Virginia side of town, and the ORANGE & WHITE (Vols) on the Tennessee side of town. UT & VT flags also will also line State Street in the downtown district, as well as portions of State Street will be closed Thursday evening through Friday afternoon to accommodate the influx of visitors and locals, and to allow the more than 75+ merchants, breweries and restaurants to expand their stores out onto the sidewalk for fuel up before the Pilot Flying J Battle at Bristol at Bristol Motor Speedway on Sept 10. Quaker Steak and Lube has been designated as the home base for the Hokies, while 620 State will serve as the home base for the Vols, as chosen by each university’s alumni association for Sept 8-10. Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/ events/1078222742255762/ THURSDAY, SEPT. 8 6:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m., Live music by award-winning FOLK SOUL REVIVAL, along with BROTHERS OF THE HIGHWAY and JAMES MEADOWS on the Food City State Street main stage. THIS IS A FREE EVENT! 9:15 p.m., SPECIAL EVENT HIGHLIGHTING THE HISTORIC BRISTOL SIGN – you don’t want to miss this! Live music will continue from Folk Soul Revival and will conclude at 10:15 p.m. Visitors and locals can then explore and frequent one of several restaurants and live music venues throughout the night in historic downtown Bristol.
5:30-9:30 p.m., BREWFEST AT BRISTOL (www.brewfestatbristol.com), a craft beer festival with 40+ breweries and live music at the Country Music Mural, will take place at the Downtown Center on State Street. In addition to sampling local and regional craft beer and ciders, Brewfest at Bristol will have music acts playing on two stages. Advance tickets are $45 through August 31, and $50 after. Tickets are on sale at www.brewfestatbristol.eventbrite.com. To assist fans in planning their trip, the Pilot Flying J Battle at Bristol Visitor Playbook will be available for fans online at www.BattleInOurBackyard.com. This site, specially designed for the Pilot Flying J Battle at Bristol, will be a guideline for visitors, directing them to the many special events, including live music and discounts, being offered in Bristol and the surrounding area, Sept. 8-11. The Battle on the State Line Kickoff & Pep Rally is hosted by the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Bristol Motor Speedway, City of Bristol Tennessee, City of Bristol Virginia, Discover Bristol and Food City, as well as partners Believe in Bristol, Birthplace of Country Music and Virginia Tourism Corporation.
Downtown Kingsport
Patio Party
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September 8 7:00 pm
acados in Downtown Kingsport is hosting a patio party on Broad Street on September 8th from 7pmmidnight. The city of Kingsport is shutting down Broad Street and Catfish Frye band will be playing live from 7-10pm, and a Karaoke after party will follow with Absolute Entertainment from 10pmmidnight. Please call 423.390.1408 with any questions.
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festival
Bristol Brewery Battle of September 8 Bristol Festivities September 10
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alling all Vols and Hokies! Bristol Brewery invites you to join our Battle at Bristol festivities! Come out Thursday night for team trivia wth the Knox Trivia Guys at 7:30! Friday we have The Thomas Cassell Project performing on our outdoor stage! A mix of folk, bluegrass, and jazz with some impressive instrumentals! No cover! Saturday we invite any and all non ticket holding fans to join us for a tailgate! Bring small grills, food, and games. Enjoy cornhole, giant jenga, and great beer while watching history in the making! Enjoy 10% off for anyone wearing UT or VT apparel Thursday, Friday, and Saturday! Bristol Brewery Downtown, 41 Piedmont Avenue, Bristol, VA. www.bristolbrew.com
Bootleg Bash
September 8th
Provides Football Visitors Opportunity to Experience Johnson City
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owntown Johnson City will be welcoming University of Tennessee and Virginia Tech fans next Thursday, September 8 for the Bootleg Bash, a combination of great music, food and fan merchandise in Founders Park. Headlining the concert is The Black Lillies, known for dynamic live shows, the band has been on tour supporting their new release Hard to Please. Their grassroots popularity is in part, because of their willingness to take their music to the people. They have been averaging 200 gigs a year since forming in 2009, playing small clubs as well as big festivals like Bonnaroo, Stagecoach and the Americana Music Festival. NPR’s Ann Powers made the group one of her top picks at 2014’s SXSW and no other independent band has played the prestigious Grand Ole Opry as many times as the Black Lillies have. The album’s musical evolution of The Black Lillies is reflected in the group’s concerts as the Black Lillies have grown into a six-piece with lead guitarist Mike Seal (Jeff Sipe Trio, Larkin Poe), bassist Sam Quinn (the everybodyfields) and pedal steel man Jonathan Keeney (Robinella) joining the core trio of Cruz Contreras, Trisha Gene Brady and Bowman Townsend. Other bands preforming are The Comet Conductors and These Are the Angles. Music begins at 6:15 pm. Also on the Great Lawn at Founders, will be the Gridiron Gastro, a selection of food trucks and dessert specialties for people to purchase dinner or snacks. Beverages from Budweiser and Coca-Cola will be available for purchase. Merchandise vendors will be on hand to provide football fans all they need to decorate their tailgate, RV or homes. Other vendors will have clothing on hand, in case you haven’t decided exactly what you will be wearing to the college football’s highest attended game. Bootleg Bash is provided by the Johnson City Development Authority and the Washington County Economic Development Council. As part of a three day project called Talent Connect, the WCEDC along with several corporate partners, will be bringing to Johnson City top college juniors and seniors in the finance and engineering fields to introduce them to region. Participants were recommended from over nine different colleges, including Clemson, University of Tennessee, University of South Carolina, ETSU and Virginia Tech. During the three day event, students will enjoy the Bootleg Bash, meet with representatives from seven regional industries, and explore the beauty of the area by biking and hiking and on Saturday, attending the Battle at Bristol game. Partners for the project include Dentsply, General Shale, TVA, NN Inc., AOSmith, Snap-On Tools, NFS, Mullican Flooring and the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce. Sponsors for the Bootleg Bash are Budweiser, Coca-Cola Consolidated, and Peoples Community Bank. For more information about the Bootleg Bash go to http://downtownjc.com/bootleg-bash.
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Battle on the State Line Pep Rally
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ristol’s historic downtown State Street will be decorated in MAROON & ORANGE (Hokies) on the Virginia side of town, and the ORANGE & WHITE (Vols) on the Tennessee side of town. UT & VT flags also will also line State Street in the
downtown district, as well as portions of State Street will be closed Thursday evening through Friday afternoon to accommodate the influx of visitors and locals, and to allow the more than 75+ merchants, breweries and restaurants to expand their stores out onto the sidewalk for fuel up before the Pilot Flying J Battle at Bristol at Bristol Motor Speedway on Sept 10. Quaker Steak and Lube has been designated as the home base for the Hokies, while 620 State will serve as the home base for the Vols, as chosen by each university’s alumni association for Sept 8-10. FRIDAY, SEPT 9 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Fans will get a chance to meet a number of former players from both Tennessee and Virginia Tech, several of whom have played in the NFL. The players will be on hand to sign autographs and visit the SPORTS DESK, which will be set up on the Food City main stage. Former Tennessee and Virginia Tech players, have been invited to participate in meeting fans for pics and autographs on State Street from 12noon-2pm. Player scheduled to appear will be announced soon. THIS IS A FREE EVENT! Highlights include the Food City Sports Desk hosted on the Main Stage at 2 p.m. hosted by ESPN’s Dr. Jerry Punch (tentative), former Virginia Tech Head Coach Frank Beamer, former Tennessee QB
Heath Shuler, Jon Laaser – The Voice of The Hokies, Bristol Motor Speedway GM Jerry Caldwell, Food City President Steve Smith, and others. At 3 p.m., the Spirit Squads and Mascots of both Tennessee and Virginia Tech will help pump up the crowd along State Street in a true pep rally fashion! Fans will also get to participate in painting the University of Tennessee “Rock” and the Virginia Tech “Hokie,” play cornhole throughout the day and huge tailgating games throughout the day. Also on tap is live music from SPANK and BROTHERS OF THE HIGHWAY, beginning at 11 a.m. To assist fans in planning their trip, the Pilot Flying J Battle at Bristol Visitor Playbook will be available for fans online at www. BattleInOurBackyard.com. This site, specially designed for the Pilot Flying J Battle at Bristol, will be a guideline for visitors, directing them to the many special events, including live music and discounts, being offered in Bristol and the surrounding area, Sept. 8-11. The Battle on the State Line Kickoff & Pep Rally is hosted by the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Bristol Motor Speedway, City of Bristol Tennessee, City of Bristol Virginia, Discover Bristol and Food City, as well as partners Believe in Bristol, Birthplace of Country Music and Virginia Tourism Corporation.
Honda Ridgeline presents Bristol’s Tailgate Party starring
Kenny Chesney
The biggest college football game ever just got a little bigger. Join us Friday, Sept. 9th as Honda Ridgeline Presents Bristol’s Tailgate Party starring Kenny Chesney with special guests The Band Perry and Old Dominion. The event brings two Tennessee locals and a Virginia band back to the region to perform what will be the largest ever concert in eastern Tennessee. Guests can purchase tickets from the remaining price levels (starting at $39) by visiting BristolTix.com or calling (855) 580-5525. For more information on the concert, visit www. BristolTailgateParty.com. Additional information on the Pilot Flying J Battle at Bristol is available at www.PilotFlyingJBattleatBristol.com.
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September 9 1:00 am - 4:00 pm
CMA SONGWRITERS SERIES ANNOUNCES SEPTEMBER SHOWS IN BRISTOL
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ince 2005, the CMA Songwriters Series has spotlighted the amazing talents of the Country Music songwriter community in the United States and abroad. In September, the critically-acclaimed Series expands into two new markets with shows in New Orleans on Sept. 6 and in Bristol, Va., on Sept. 8. The CMA Songwriters Series will travel to The Birthplace of Country Music Museum, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, in Bristol, Va., Thursday, Sept. 8 (9:00 PM/ET). The lineup includes Tracy Lawrence along with hit songwriters Barry Dean and Luke Laird. “The Birthplace of Country Music Museum honors the shared musical heritage of Country Music songwriting and recording and the roots of the legacy that have led us to the 50th anniversary of the CMA Awards,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “It is fitting that the CMA Songwriters Series visit such a revered museum at the beginning of the kick-off season for this year’s historic CMA Awards.” The Songwriters Series show is part of several days of events in Bristol leading up to a highly anticipated college football rivalry game between the Virginia Tech Hokies and the Tennessee Volunteers. Lawrence has sold more than 13 million records, earned 18 No. 1 singles, and has been nominated for three CMA Awards, taking home a trophy in 2007 for Musical Event of the Year with “Find Out Who Your Friends Are.” He returns to the studio next month to begin work on a new collaborations record. Dean was nominated in 2013 for CMA Song of the Year for “Pontoon.” Laird
CMA Award Winner Tracy Lawrence will be Joined by Hit Songwriters Barry Dean and Luke Laird at The Birthplace of Country Music Museum Sept. 8 in Bristol, Va.
has six CMA Award nominations including three consecutive nods for Song of the Year for penning “Pontoon,” “Give Me Back My Hometown,” and “American Kids.” The Birthplace of Country Music Museum explores the history, impact and legacy the 1927 Bristol Sessions which included the first recordings by The Carter
CMA . . . continued on page 51
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But thanks for reading the LoaFer! Tell Our Advertisers you saw it here! First Bank & Trust Company
Colossal Ice Cream Eating Contest
September 9 @ 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
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ome join us for The Battle at The First Bank & Trust — a Colossal Ice Cream eating contest. Stop by for free ice cream from 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. The ice cream eating contest starts at 1 p.m
First Bank & Trust Company 1314 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, TN 37620
check out
battleinourbackyard.com for more events
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Johnson City’s Urban reTREAT for Women
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Tame Your Brain
e all have aspirations, dreams and desires. Did you know they all begin in the brain? Our decisions, actions and happiness is all determined by our thoughts. Come join our journey to learn the tools and techniques from our experts to assure a healthy brain so we can make the best choices for the best life. We will learn about the technique of mind-mapping, delve deeper into creating our life vision, discover how to boost our brain health and vitality and master resiliency with our healthy new habits. Plus, Chef Heather at Wellington’s will be preparing healthy meals and snacks focused on superfoods and brain health! WHEN: WHERE: WHO: COST
September 10, 2016; 8:30 am – 5:00 pm Carnegie Hotel, 1216 W State of Franklin Rd; Johnson City, TN Anyone interested in a fantastic day dedicated to YOU $85 Per Person – includes all items listed below
Our Saturday retreat will include: • Guest speakers sharing their expertise and unique stories • Two yoga sessions; gentle and energizing • Healthy nutritional breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks with demonstrations • Hydrating flavored waters using organic fruits and vegetables • Discounts available off spa services at Austin Spring Spa • Door prizes and special gifts Following the natural flow of the season and time of year, September gives us a chance to restart, recharge and reengage to move forward with even more energy and enthusiasm in achieving our 2016 goals, dreams and desires. Your decisions from today forward will affect the rest of your life! Comments from past reTreat participants: • What an amazing retreat! The speakers, food, fashion show, venue and yoga too! Every detail imaginable - covered. Thank you Pam! • Every detail was perfection. I hope you have another retreat soon! re – do-over, begin again, undo, restoration, rebuild, renew TREAT – anything that affords pleasure, enjoyment; a celebration, a gift, delightful surprise
Graphic Novel Club Jonesborough Library Thursday, September 15, 6:30 p.m.
The Jonesborough Library Graphic Novel Club will meet on Thursday, September 15 at 6:30 p.m. We will be discussing Miles Morales: the Ultimate SpiderMan, Volume 1: Revival, by Brian Michael Bendis and David Marquez. Whether you are a comics fan or are completely new to the graphic novel medium, you are welcome to come join in the discussion! Cookies and drinks will be provided. This program is sponsored by the Washington County Friends of the Library. It is free and open to the public, but is suggested for teens and adults. For more information, please call the Washington County – Jonesborough Library at 753-1800.
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Autumn Journeys
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Fall season audiences to travel the globe, into past and future, to explore issues, hoaxes, humor, surreal, sentimental
ary B. Martin School of the Art’s fall 2016 season at East Tennessee State University promises to take audiences to locales as familiar as small-town life in Kannapolis N.C., and as far-flung and mysterious as the Scottish Isles and rugged landscapes of southern Siberia and Romania. The school’s first half of its eighth season features passages of time back to the Depression era and the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, as well as explorations of tradition, movement, media and the eternal tug-of-war – for artists of any kind – between art and business. Fall films will convey moviegoers through timely issues, hoaxes, humor, the surreal and magical and the mystic. The fall lineup opens with documentary films focusing on two disparate American legends – Godfather of the Media Hoax Joey Skaggs and choreographer Paul Taylor. On Monday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m. in Martha Street Culp Auditorium, the ETSU audience will meet social and political satirist/activist Skaggs on and off the screen in the new documentary Art of the Prank by director Andrea Marini. Skaggs, Marini and producer Judy Drosd will hold a Q&A after the free screening that is followed by a reception, as part of the South Arts Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers series that MBMSOTA has partnered with for seven seasons. The film, that is winning best of festival honors around the country, documents Skaggs’ 50-plus years of duping the media with fictions such as the Portofess mobile confessional booth, Celebrity Sperm Bank and the Cathouse for Dogs, including a new prank just for this film and its festival tour. “With this movie I’ve tried to create something that will inspire people as much as I have been inspired,” director Marini says, “and like Joey always says, ‘make them laugh and then make them think.’ ” Later that week, on Thursday, Sept. 15, also at 7 p.m. in Culp Auditorium, ETSU’s Martin School
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of the Arts will screen – in preparation for October’s dance concert – Paul Taylor Creative Domain – directed by Emmy-winning documentary producer Kate Geis. The 2014 film is a rare documentation of the creative process of one of the seminal artists of the 20th and 21st centuries as he choreographs a new piece. “As prolific as ever, Taylor continues to offer cogent observations on life’s complexities while tackling some of society’s thorniest issues,” says the Paul Taylor Creative Domain website. “He may propel his dancers through space for the sheer beauty
Amy Young / Paul Taylor
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Journeys . . . continued from page 12 of it, or use them to wordlessly illuminate war, spirituality, sexuality, morality and mortality.” This film provides insight into the choreographer, Paul Taylor, whose process is both mysterious and practical, says School of the Arts Director Anita DeAngelis. “We wanted to introduce the public to the man who is the source of the work they will see when the Paul Taylor 2 company comes to perform for us at ETSU in October,” DeAngelis says. East Tennessee’s Mountain Movers dance company will present an informal dance improvisation in the auditorium lobby before the free screening and talkback with filmmaker Geis. On Thursday, Sept. 22, at 7:30 p.m. in Culp Auditorium, the multimedia Kannapolis: A Moving Portrait will transport patrons even further back in time, to Depression-era North Carolina, and in real time, introduce listeners and viewers to original music performed live to a film created from archival footage shot in the 1930s and ’40s by portrait photographer H. Lee Waters. Joan Reinthaler of the Washington Post calls Kannapolis: A Moving Portrait “a beautifully coordinated melding of music and film.” Seventy years after the footage was shot, composer/performer Jenny Scheinman was asked by Duke Performances at Duke University, where Waters’ archives is housed, to write music to be performed live to the “moving portraits” from one town, Kannapolis, just north of Charlotte. Finn Taylor and Rick LaCompte were brought in to direct and edit, respectively, and create an hourlong film from the Waters footage to the accompaniment of Scheinman and her band – which in addition to the singer on violin, includes Robbie Fulks on guitar, banjo and vocals and Robbie Gjersoe on resonator and baritone electric guitars and vocals. “Ms. Scheinman’s compositions,” says All Music Guide, “carry within them
Kannapolis: A Moving Portrait the mystery, history, heartbreak, and humor of the American experience as lived through one at the margins of culture, race, ideology, style and spirituality.” Very much focused on the present and future will be Crista Cloutier’s The Working Artist talk, as part of the Best of Tennessee Craft Exhibit at ETSU’s Reece Museum Aug. 22-Dec. 2. The free presentation will take place in the museum Thursday, Sept. 29, at 5 p.m. Cloutier has sold millions of dollars of artwork to galleries, museums and collectors; run a gallery and nationally recognized studio; been certified as an arts appraiser and worked as an arts licensor; curated dozens of international exhibitions; produced an art documentary; and collaborated with many artists. Then she hit a wall artistically and decided to, as she says, “press the refresh button.” “She really understands the business side of the art world and has been teach-
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ing ever since she walked away from the commercial world,” DeAngelis says. “She has been teaching workshops and developing programs and courses to help artists learn the business side of the art world. “Why are we having this business person come in and talk during this exhibition? Well, as it turns out, helping craft artists market themselves is part of the mission at Tennessee Craft, so we thought it was important to have some discussions on this topic during the show.” Modern dance is the journey’s vehicle on Thursday, Oct. 13, at 7:30 p.m., as ETSU welcomes to the Culp Auditorium stage Taylor 2 of the world-renowned Paul Taylor American Modern Dance Company. In 1993, Taylor established Taylor 2 to ensure his works could be seen by audiences all over the world, unhindered by economic or technical limitations.
“Taylor 2 is wonderfully intimate,” says The Berkshire Eagle. “Watching only six dancers perform Taylor works clearly reveals both structure and movement for an eye-opening appreciation of the master’s approach … It’s like hearing Mozart played on original instruments, or birds in the woods without traffic noise.” This smaller company was Paul Taylor’s way of making his work accessible to smaller venues and providing the opportunity for master classes and workshops. “This is a perfect fit for ETSU,” DeAngelis says, “and I am sure their visit will get the attention of the region’s dance community and fans.” The season’s second Southern Circuit independent film documents a musical pilgrimage by Baltimore beatboxer and vocal percussionist Shodekeh to Tuva, Siberia, to study their music and culture, while sharing his own vocal artistry. SHUDE! (Let’s Go!), presents viewers with a sensory experience of music and landscape through the vastness of Tuva and the human voice, revealing the sounds that unfold with collaboration. The documentary will screen Monday, Oct. 17, at 7 p.m. in Culp Auditorium, with filmmaker Michael Faulkner attending for a Q&A and reception after the event. SHU-DE!, like all the South Arts screenings, is free and open to the public. Scotland – the Outer Hebridean island of North Uist – is home to multi-awardwinning Gaelic singer Julie Fowlis, who will bring Music of the Scottish Isles to the area on Thursday, Oct. 20 at 7:30 p.m. in Culp Auditorium. “There are some voices that carry much more than a melody,” says the Evening Standard of London. “They transport you to another place, give you goose flesh and make magic out of thin air. Julie Fowlis has just such a voice.” Known as a quiet torchbearer for her native tradition, she has brought Scottish Gaelic culture out of the past and into the musical mainstream – as the first solo Gaelic singer to be playlisted on the BBC, recording and performing with folk icons Mary Chapin Carpenter and James Taylor and singing the theme song to Disney Pixar’s animated film Brave. “She is well known in Scottish music circles,” DeAngelis says, “and has been
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influential in Gaelic language restoration, and it is perfect timing that the East Tennessee Celtic Festival & Games at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area in Elizabethton starts the day after her concert.” A visit by the juror for this fall’s FL3TCH3R Exhibit, Dr. Eric Avery, will shift the focus from music and tradition to visual art and the impact of modern-day social concerns and public health on artistic expression.
The celebrated printmaker and recently retired physician and associate professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, specializing in HIV/AIDS, served as juror for ETSU’s fourth annual FL3TCH3R Exhibit of socially and politically engaged art – and will present a free and open artist talk on Thursday, Oct. 27, at 5 p.m. in Rogers-Stout Hall 102. Avery’s sojourns in visual art, he says, change “the ordinary role of a doctor into an artist, inspired by healing, fusing the space between art and medicine.” The FL3TCH3R Exhibit will run at Reece Museum from Oct. 10 to Dec. 19. FACE IT, a photography exhibition, including work by ETSU Art & Design professor Mike Smith, will also open Oct. 10 in ETSU’s Slocumb Galleries in Ball Hall, and run through Oct. 28, with additional exhibition time at Reece Museum until Nov. 22. On Monday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m. in Culp Auditorium, the fall semester’s final voyage begins in communist Romania and continent-hops to America in the experimental film Hotel Dallas, which actually features Dallas TV star Patrick Duffy. Playfully mixing fiction and documentary, Hotel Dallas is a surreal parable of communism, capitalism, and the power of art. In the 1980s, in the twilight of communist Romania, Dallas is the only American show allowed on TV. The independent film follows the fictional Ilie and his daughter Livia as they build the Hotel Dallas in Romania and Livia moves to America to make films. The film’s unorthodox, freewheeling style moves between fact and fantasy, found footage, poetry and musical numbers, while the actors slip into and out of character, from dramatic dialogue scenes to documentary interviews. Reviewers have called it “mesmerizing,” “a piece of history,” “magical” and “beautifully made.” Mary B. Martin School of the Arts’ fall itinerary packs the magic of world-class modern dance, mystical Celtic music and multimedia visits to the past and present, as well as globe-ranging film and visual arts that illustrate the world and its complexities. “Where can we go from here?” DeAngelis asks. “Anywhere!” For more information about ETSU’s Mary B. Martin School of the Arts or to purchase tickets online for Kannapolis, Taylor 2 and/or Julie Fowlis: Music of the Scottish Isles, visit www.etsu.edu/martin or call 423-439-TKTS (8587). theloaferonline.com | September 6, 2016 | 15
The Jonesborough Repertory Theatre Presents
the Epic Story of Camelot By Pam Johnson
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amelot. It brings to mind King Arthur and his knights in shining armor. Castles and horses and sword fights. Friendship. Love. Betrayal. A story so rich with emotion that you can’t help but be caught up in its web of intrigue. From September 9th through October 2nd, come experience the magic of this medieval kingdom at the Jonesborough Repertory Theatre. See the characters of King Arthur, Queen Guenevere, Lancelot, and the evil Mordred come to life, and enjoy well known songs such as “Camelot,” “If Ever I Would Leave You,” and “The Lusty Month of May.” Not only will you be entertained by the consistently strong talent of the JRT, you will leave empowered by the message of Camelot: selflessness, forgiveness, and hope. King Arthur (Mike Musick) wants to create a new order of chivalry: a more civilized country where knights will talk out their differences and use their “might for right” rather than fighting to settle disputes. He sends out a call for men to join his Knights of the Round Table, and this call is answered by the almost god-like Frenchman, Lancelot du Lac (Joe Gumina). Though disliked by many, including Queen Guenevere (Catherine Squibb), Lancelot becomes the king’s best friend. (Lucas Schmidt), leads England into war. However, when all The tide changes dramatically when Lancelot performs a miracle that attracts Guinevere’s respect, seems lost, a bright light of hope rounds out the story. admiration, and attention. In spite of Arthur’s choices to forgive and move forward with his plan, The tale of Camelot is rich with words of wisdom and inspithis affair becomes the undoing of his mighty kingdom, and through the intervention of Mordred ration. Words and ideals we can certainly apply to our world today. “The leadership exhibited by King Arthur where he puts everyone above his own selfish desires is something we can use a
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lot more of today,” said director Jennifer Schmidt. “That’s the hope of the future of civilization. That is the message of Camelot. Despite war and conflict, with great leadership and vision, we can persevere.” Other cast members expressed similar sentiments. Joe Gumina (Lancelot) said, “One of the most noble aspects of the show is Arthur’s subordination of his impulses as a man to his duties as a ruler and a leader.” The story begins with a refreshing first-time meeting of Arthur and his beautiful, independent-minded, bride-to-be, Guenevere. Their camaraderie and obvious love for each other help establish what some consider “a perfect world.” But after years of building this world, Arthur’s best friend and beloved wife betray him. Not because they didn’t love him, but because they couldn’t reject the feelings they had for each other. Also, free-spirited Guenevere may have seen Lancelot as a reprieve from her duties as a queen. Catherine Squibb (Guenevere) doesn’t approve of their actions, but she understands them. “We can’t judge her in our modern ways. She feels trapped as a queen, and Lancelot offers something different. Arthur represents what she’s supposed to do. That’s why she did what she did.” The show will take you through a range of emotions, from delighted to heartbroken, from sympathetic to passionate. But, in spite of the intensity of the story, there are many moments of comic relief, usually through the bumbling, though very wise, character of Sir Pellinore (Derek Smithpeters). “I do think that Pellinore is very smart, but he’s older and he’s losing a touch of his mind. The people of Camelot do laugh at him, but also give him respect.” The cast of 32 includes a wide range of ages and even Pellinore’s dog, Horrid (played by Dudley). Come meet Sir Lionel (Shawn Hale), Sir Sagramore (Austin Bird), Sir Dinadan (Corey Tickles), Mordred (Lucas Schmidt) and the rest of
the cast: Heather Allen, Summer Boothe, Lorianne Carver, Rhett Carver, Jordan Click, Sarah Grace Cook, Suzanne Cook, Stephen Cradic, Ashton D’Avella, Mike D’Avella, Brooklyn DeFreece, Janette Gaines, Molly Gaines, Caroline Garber, Sam Harrod, Alex Hennage, Lindy Ley, Katrina Johnson, Pam Johnson, Dominic Peterson, Don Squibb, Michelle Weintre, Tara White, and Brittany Whitson. Yes, there is conflict and tragedy, but Mike Musick (King Arthur) hopes the audience will walk away with the message of hope. Arthur sees this hope in the lad Tom of Warwick. “My favorite line,” Mike said, “is at the end when Arthur gives Tom his orders. He tells him, ‘If you do as I command, maybe someday men will once again sit around this world and go questing for right and honor and justice once more.’ “In this day and age, especially in our country, that line weighs a lot. Folks, let’s take a step back. Let’s sit down and talk about our differences. Don’t make a decision that’s good for one, but that’s good for all. Let’s go questing for right and honor and justice.” Camelot, a musical by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe, is based on the King Arthur legend as adapted from the novel The Once and Future King by T.H. White. This production is sponsored by Denny Dentistry, Ferguson, and the Johnson City Power Board. The JRT is located at 125½ West Main Street in Jonesborough. Shows will run on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $16, general admission, $14 for students and seniors. To purchase tickets, call the Historic Jonesborough Visitors Center at 423.753.1010 or go online to www.jonesboroughtheatre.com.
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MURDEROUS MAN AND WIFE THRILLER MAKES UNITED STATES DEBUT AT BARTER THEATRE Peter James’ “The Perfect Murder” makes its first-ever theatrical appearance in the U.S. at Barter Theatre’s Barter Stage II beginning September 8. This comedy-thriller brings author Peter James’ novella of the same name to life with horror, intrigue, mystery and comedy. An international best-selling author, Peter James is known for his crime fiction works including “The Perfect Murder.” In this spine-tingling production, Victor Smiley finds himself searching for a way to get rid of his wife Joan…forever. But, things don’t always go as planned. This tale of an unhappy husband and wife explores the strange events that can be triggered with just one decision. Director Katy Brown, is excited to be at the helm of “The Perfect Murder” calling it a “roller coaster ride.” Brown said, “Joan and Victor remind us just how close we all are to choices that could change our world forever. They are only one shockingly strange decision away from their new lives.” The cast of “The Perfect Murder” includes Barter favorites Michael Poisson, Carrie Smith Lewis, Justin Tyler Lewis and Nicholas Piper. The cast will be joined by Jill Anderson, known for her previous tenure at the theatre which included “Sweeney Todd,” “The Full Monty,” and “Keep on the Sunny Side” among others. Carrie Smith Lewis said, “’The Perfect Murder’ is a blend of comedy and mystery and will keep audiences guessing until the very end. It’s such a treat to do a great modern murder mystery.” Peter James’ “The Perfect Murder” is made possible by corporate sponsors Abingdon Roofing and Dr. Frances Anne Johnston, DDS. To purchase tickets, please visit bartertheatre.com or call 276-628-3991. Tickets for all performances of Peter James’ “The Perfect Murder” begin at just $20.
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Ras Alan
25 Years of Appalachian Reggae
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oin Appalachian Reggae innovator, songwriter and performer Ras Alan as he chronicles the 25 year history of his original recorded music, Saturday, September 10, 2016 at the historic Down Home, 300 West Main Street in Johnson City, TN. The show is at 8pm. The 2016-2017 Ras Alan- 25 Years of Appalachian Reggae shows feature singer-songwriter performances of reggabilly hits from his 5 previous full length albums, as well as new songs from the Love the Way You Love recording sessions. Ras Alan will also be debuting his new line of hand built Childres Guitars during these anniversary shows. Ras Alan will perform original songs from his albums Native, Stone Inna Hurricane, Letter From Appalachia, Folklife- Live at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival and Organic. In addition to the title track “Love The Way You Love”, the new material includes love songs “River”, “Ital Skillet” and “Time is Right”, the Appa-
lachian dancehall one-drop-two-step shuffler “Swingaround” and cultural dreadneck mashup “Mountain Top One Drop”. This show will be presented in Tennessee, Virginia, North and South Carolina, Kentucky, Alabama and Georgia by Red Pepper Records and Childres Guitars. As a young man, Ras Alan left his guitar shop and coffee house in the mountains of North Carolina and moved to Nashville, TN, to learn more about the guitars, mandolins and other stringed instruments he had played, repaired and tinkered with for years. He apprenticed with master luthiers that would later run the Fender and Guild guitar custom shops, and spent many hours hanging around the repair shops of George Gruhn and Randy Wood. With decades of designing, engineering and building artisan wooden furniture and interiors, craftsman solar homes and award-winning historic building restorations, combined with years of composing, recording and performing his original songs all over the United States, Central America and the Caribbean, Ras Alan found ample opportunities to learn useful woodworking techniques of the past and apply the best modern musical instrument innovations. His Childres guitars are each hand made in his shop in the forests of southern Appalachia, and each ringing note carries a lifetime full of ex-
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perience, music and love. Check www.childresguitars.com and click the “Guitars” tab at the top of the page to see a slideshow of his building process. The “MoonShine Polish” hand rubbed finish lets the guitar breathe… no plastics or sprayed finishes are used on these instruments. Don’t panic. Organic! Ras Alan’s original songs chart the reggabilly journey of a rural mountain guitar player… from an apple barn country dub party, to a two night run in summertime Las Vegas; from the dance floor at the iconic Carter Fold in Hiltons, Virginia, to the dirt stage under the trees at the Rough House in Jamaica; from crewing on the hand-built Gdansk, Poland based sailboat Bagheera off the Caribbean islands of Antigua, Dominica and St. Lucia, to singing songs about dreadnecks at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington DC. Ras Alan told his stories in the amphitheater of the Blue Ridge Music Center in fabled Galax, Virginia, discussed ital (vital, healthy) food with Jamaican reggae legend Bunny Wailer in the North Carolina foothills and drummed with Nigerian Babatunde Olatunje by the fire. Ras Alan was featured on CMT’s Small Town Secrets along with Wayne Henderson and Jim Lauderdale, showcasing Bristol TN/VA, the “Birthplace of Country Music”, and the various branches of those musical roots. He picked informally with American musical icons Doc Watson and Jethro Burns, and sang on the porch of The Highlander Center, an Appalachian catalyst for grassroots organizing and movement building for Rosa Parks, Pete Seeger and Martin Luther King. He played music and shared a tea ceremony with
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Africa’s “Father of the Blues”, Malian musician Ali Farke Toure, and was a featured keynote speaker at the Appalachian Research Symposium and Arts Showcase at the University of Kentucky. “We invited Ras Alan because his work challenges and invites us to think about Appalachia in a global context” said Ann Kingsolver, director of the UK Appalachian Center. What do people say about his music? “Ras Alan has created a style of his own. His fusion of driving Reggae basslines and Appalachian guitar riffs transcend both genres. Besides the catchy melodies you’ll find yourself humming, his lyrics are straight from the heart, deep and thoughtful. In a nutshell, a masterful artist. If you think the CDs are great, you should see him live.” “True to the Roots reggae with the folk flavor.” “Great to listen to when you’re in a chill mood, or want to get in one.” “A splendid effort in a beautiful fusion of styles.” “Addicting.” “An absolute perfect blend of country and reggae.” “Great music...socially conscious...entertaining. I’ve seen Ras Alan perform many times… this collection is outstanding.” We’ll see you there neighbor. Tickets are available from the Down Home at (423) 929-9822, or www.downhome.com . For more info on Ras Alan, his original music and his guitars, join us at www.rasalan.com , www.facebook. com/rasalan.1 or www.childresguitars.com .
Be a Part of the Tradition: Audition for Bristol Ballet’s The Nutcracker (Non-Dancing Roles)
Bristol Ballet will be conducting auditions for non-dancing roles in the 2016 production of The Nutcracker ballet on Monday, September 12 from 7pm -8pm at the Bristol Ballet Studios. Male roles for ages 8-adult and female roles ages 12-adult will be available. No ballet experience is necessary. Performances of The Nutcracker will be held at the beautifully restored Paramount Center for the Arts Friday, December 9th at 7:30pm, Saturday, December 10th at Noon and 5:30pm. A school performance will be held on December 9 at 10:00am. For more information about the Bristol Ballet, The Nutcracker, or auditions visit www.BristolBallet.org or call Michele Plescia at 276-669-6051.
Theatre Bristol Presents
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“The Adventures of Madeline”
Running through September 11
n an old house in Paris that was covered with vines; Lived twelve little girls in two straight lines” And on the Theatre Bristol ARTspace stage, according to the sign; adults, girls, and boys present “The Adventures of Madeline”! For the first time, Theatre Bristol will bring “The Adventures of Madeline” to the ARTspace stage, featuring all the familiar characters, including Madeline, 11 little girls, Ms. Clavel, Pepito, Genevieve, and many more, including even author Mr. Bemelmans as the narrator. With the blessing of Ludwig Bemelmans’ estate, playwright James Still has adapted the classic stories of the little girl Madeline and woven them into a stage adventure that incorporates the memorable rhyme and endearing charm we expect. Directing “The Adventures of Madeline” will be actor/director/scriptwriter, Theatre Bristol veteran Dottie Havlik, most recently director of Charlotte’s Web, and actor in The Music Man, Les Misérables, Scrooge! The Musical, Steel Magnolias, and many more productions. “The Adventures of Madeline” cast features Steve Baskett as the celebrated series’ author and production narrator Mr. Bemelmans and Charli Carpenter in the title role as Madeline. Talia Kestner as Miss Clavel often notices something is not right and looks after Madeline and her 11 school chums: Natalie Beheler, Whitney Brooks, Isabel Gross, Zora Gross, Emmersyn Hardy,
Emma Hatcher, Mary Hitch, Lea Johns, Carly Street, Faith Vance, and Ava White. Sydney Cunningham plays Bemelmans’ daughter and she
is accompanied by friends Annabelle Myers, Lucy Tester, and Ryleigh Tolbert. With their much-loved dog Genevieve portrayed by Wyatt Rush, the girls all go on adventures that include Dr. Cohn played by Katie Davis, Lord and Lady Cucuface played by James Altman and Cameron Roberts, the Spanish Ambassador played by Katie Davis with “bad hat” son Pepito played by Zaiah Gray, the thief by Wyatt Gross, and animal friends JeanPierre the mouse by Susannah Johns and tiger Isabel by Gracie Brooks. Cats, monkeys, as well as shoppers are played by Wyatt Gross, Raina Moody, and Olivia Opper. “The Adventures of Madeline” will run from August 26 to September 11 for nine shows over three weekends. Tickets are available online at www.TheatreBristol.org, by calling 423-2123625, or at the door. Founded in 1965, Theatre Bristol is the oldest continually running children’s theatre in northeast Tennessee and now celebrating its 50th season. Its Main Stage season consists of up to five productions. Some of its performances take place in the ARTspace, a multi-purpose, black box theatre which seats up to 120. Theatre Bristol is entirely volunteer run and we invite you to get involved. For more information, visit the Theatre Bristol’s website or Facebook page, contact Theatre Bristol at 423-212-3625, or email info@theatrebristol.org.
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Northeast State Theatre brings David Mamet’s Oleanna to the stage
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he Northeast State Community College Department of Theater kicks off the 2016-17 season with American playwright David Mamet’s Oleanna, an explosive play about power and politics on campus. Directed by Northeast State alumna Hannah Duncan, the production runs Sept. 8, 9, and 10 in the Northeast State Auditorium (A202) of the Blountville campus, 2425 Highway 75 next to Tri-Cities Regional Airport. Oleanna is being presented in cooperation with the College’s Cultural Activities Committee and Safe Northeast. “Oleanna is a play about humanity at its core. How far we’re willing to go, the difference between right and wrong, and the gray area in us all,” said Duncan. “This show has been a beautiful and exciting challenge for me, the actors, and the design team.” Oleanna centers on a power struggle between a university professor and a female student. Madison Grace Phillips portrays Carol, a college student who drops by her professor’s office seeking his advice to do better in class. A graduate of Sullivan South High School and a Theatre major, Phillips appeared on stage last spring as Nurse Flinn in the department’s production of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Russel Onks takes on the role of her professor John who is poised and excited to receive tenure from the university. A second-year theatre student, Onks has been involved in theatre for several years. He most recently served as scenic designer on Cuckoo and Hair and Make-up Designer for Steel Magnolias performed by NST in fall of 2015. As the first meeting progresses the two discuss the nature of understanding and judgment in society, as well as their very own natures and places in our society. When next the two meet, John learns a report has been filed to the tenure committee. Carol has joined a “group” and has decided that John sexually harassed her during their first meeting. John’s unsuccessful attempts to convince Carol to retract her accusation escalate to a more dangerous level. The third meeting climaxes violently, leaving John and Carol both physically and emotionally devastated. Tickets are free but donations are welcomed. All proceeds go to fund Northeast State scholarships. Doors open approximately 30 minutes prior to show time. Oleanna is being presented with special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York. For more information, call the Box Office at 423.354.5169 or e-mail at jpkelly@ northeaststate.edu.
Ryan Ward at O’Mainnin’s Pub Ryan Ward will play at O’MAINNIN’S PUB at 712 State Street, Bristol, TN on September 8th starting at 10 p.m. Ryan Ward is a talented, eclectic singer/songwriter with an endless passion for music. He incorporates his guitar heroes and influences into his own compositions. You can expect a mixture of classic rock/ indie/alternative/folk with some originals thrown in. If you like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac, and other music greats, then this is a show not to miss! Support live music!
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Logan Fritz & Tori Bartfai
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Featured at Heartwood
he Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail presents Logan Fritz & Tori Bartfai in concert on Thursday, September 8th from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Heartwood in Abingdon, VA. This concert is part of The Crooked Road Music Series at Heartwood. Logan Fritz is a 17 year-old singer-songwriter from Abingdon, VA influenced by a wide variety of genres including the rich musical heritage of our region. Logan blends eclectic influences such as the Carter Family, Jimmie Rodgers, alternative rock, and 60’s era folk revival anthems to create a unique and personal sound in his music. Victoria “Tori” Bartfai, a 20 year-old from Cedar Bluff, Virginia, has been pursuing her passion of playing the guitar for nine years. She has studied music in New York City, and has studied guitar with Ben Addison. She enjoys playing and learning techniques from various genres including bluegrass, rock, jazz, and classical. The Crooked Road Music Series takes place each Thursday at Heartwood. The series features youth artists each 2nd Thursday and showcases venues of The Crooked Road region each 4th Thursday. These events, along with open jams on the 1st, 3rd, (and 5th) Thursdays showcase Southwest Virginia performers. The Crooked Road Music Series is sponsored by Heartwood, Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. Heartwood: Southwest Virginia’s Artisan Gateway is located off I-81 at Exit 14 in Abingdon, VA, and features food, music, and craft of Southwest Virginia. Admission to the concert is free and donations will be accepted for Crooked Road Traditional Music Education Program (TMEP). More information can be found at The Crooked Road website, www.thecrookedroad.org, and at www.heartwoodvirginia.org. For additional information, please call (276) 492-2409 or email: info@thecrookedroad.org. Photo Credit: Logan Fritz (photo-Chuck Sullins) & Tori Bartfai (photo-Tammy Bartfai)
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“The J & T Duo” From Mobile, Alabama
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& T Duo” is a musical act from the Mobile Bay area made of solo artists Joshua Stephen Ward and Todd Fulmer. They perform what Josh calls “MMA Pop/Rock” ( Mixed Musical Art Pop/Rock) that combines various styles of popular genres in effort to create something musically unique in the world today. Josh and Todd combine their love of 80’s and 90’s childhood nostalgia with refined musicianship and songwriting in which they have a combined 40+ years of artistic evolution. Josh has a bachelor’s degree in classical guitar and studied composition at the University of South Alabama. His long awaited first solo album “Be Me” has been in the works for 4 years and is set to be released in late September. His throaty baritone and sense of melody is reminiscent of Cat Stevens & Peter Gabriel but with a modern twist of indie rock. Todd has written and performed music for over 20 years all over the South. His forthcoming self-titled EP displays his seasoned acoustic-driven songwriting with his love of modern R&B, 90s rock and hip-hop. Todd addresses life themes with a refreshing grace and a spiritual optimism that uplifts the listener to a different perspective of the world.
“The J & T Duo” is a positive synergy of kindred human spirits but also contrasting artistic sensibilities that offers something to everyone by nature of their genuine love of different kinds of music. Their sense of soulful melody, creative harmony and guitar virtuosity have taken them all over the South. “The J & T Duo” will be performing Thursday September 8th at the Acoustic Coffee House on 415 W Walnut Street in Johnson City, Tennessee.
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Ethan Samuel Brown and Leah Blevins
at The Acoustic Coffeehouse on September 11, 2016
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n middle Tennessee there lies a collaborative retreat for musicians and audio engineers driven by the primary instrumentation, structure, and lyrics of singer/songwriter/producer Ethan Samuel Brown. Ethan is a neofolk lyricist combining elements of traditionalist european folk and appalacian newgrass to contrive a melodic concoction of modern, unique Americana. Ethan’s impressionable years were spent in his birthplace of the Appalachian slag heaps in Eastern Kentucky. Ingesting nights of moonshine soaked bluegrass parties through the young eyes of sobriety, he became obsessed with studying the poems and lyrics of folk musicians and authors who experienced a similar, timeless upbringing. After jumping across the commonwealth and eventually landing on the other side of the Ohio River in Cincinnati, he embarked on a rigorous study of stringed instruments. At 18, he made the move to Nashville. Here, He studied music production under many successful industry professionals on historic Music Row. After spending a couple of years mingling through the east side of music city as an audio engineer and a concert promoter, he began pursuing a career as a solo artist, performing consistently at venues across the country. He later returned to Nashville and hand selected a core of music city professionals to back his centralized vision. Ethan is currently writing and recording his debut album in Nashville, TN at Yellow Box Sound Studios and Ladybug Studios at APTKB. Leah Blevins, originally from Sandy Hook, KY, is a singer/songwriter residing in Nashville, TN where she has found her niche in the Country genre. Her bluesy style is expressed and felt through song and she relentlessly captivates music listeners with her haunting voice and touching lyrics with hints of Emmylou Harris, Stevie Nicks and Mary Ford.
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S O LG T P
T I
- FRIDAY - Sept. 9th -
- TUESDAY - Sept. 6th -
CAMERON MOORE
at The Acoustic Coffeehouse
THERA ROYA / SAVAGIST BONES OF MARY at The Hideaway 10pm
DOWNTOWN COUNTRY at Jiggy Ray’s 6:30pm
- WEDNESDAY - Sept. 7th ORGANIZED CHAOS JOSH PRESTON
at The Acoustic Coffeehouse
SINGER SONGWRITER NIGHT w/ SCOTT TUCKER at Our House Restaurant
VIOLET DELANCEY at Bone Fire Smokehouse
OPEN MIC
at The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room 6pm
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STAGECOACH
THE THOMAS CASSELL PROJECT
THE RIVERS BAND
(Country, Classic Rock, Southern Rock) at Sonny’s Marina 7pm at Bristol Brewery 8pm
ADAM MCMILLAN (A little bit of everything) at Hungry I Apex
KENNY CHESNEY OLD DOMINION THE BAND PERRY
at Bristol Motor Speedway
SHOOTER
(Country, Classic Rock, Oldies) at State Line Bar & Grill 7pm
KIDS OUR AGE
(50’s - 90’s, rock n roll, country, a bit of everything) at Kingsport YMCA 7pm
THURSDAY EVENIN’ PORCH CHOIR
at The Harvest Table 6:30pm at The Down Home 8pm
at The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room 8pm
BILLY STRINGS
- THURSDAY - Sept. 8th MARSHALL BALLEW
at Bone Fire Smokehouse RYAN WARD (Indie) at O’Mainnin’s Pub 9pm
THE BLACK LILLIES at Founders Park 6:00pm
CATFISH FRYE BAND (Rockin’ Boogie Blues) at Macado’s - Kingport
CALAMITY JONES BAND at Quaker Steak & Lube
- SATURDAY - Sept. 10th -
SOUTHERN REBELLION
at Jiggy Ray’s 8pm ALLIEZ - (80’s Rock n Roll) at Capone’s
WOLF HILLS JAZZ QUARTET
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.
(Classic & New Country, Southern Rock, Classic Rock, Bluegrass & Gospel) at Hansonville Barn at Damascus Brewery 7pm
BILLY CRAWFORD BAND at Painter Creek Marina 4pm
RAS ALLEN
at The Down Home 8pm
JAMES MEADOWS (Country)
at Holiday Inn - Exit 7
BROKE-N-BUSTED at Kingsport Eagles 8pm
THE COMET CONDUCTORS at Studio Brew 8pm
HELENA ROSE HUNT at Brew Rebellion 7pm IVY ROAD 2pm
BENNY WILSON 3:30pm ASYLUM SUITE 5pm STONE CREEK FOUR 6:30pm at Downtown Gate City
WILLIAM WILD
LIVE MUSIC
LIVE MUSIC
BOXCARS w/ ADAM STEFFEY
at Bone Fire Smokehouse
SPANK
at Battle on the State Line - Downtown Bristol
THE FUGITIVES
at Country Club Bar & Grill 7pm
A PONY NAMED OLGA w/ TRIXIE TRAINWRECK at Sleepy Owl Brewery 8pm
JASON KEISER MUSIC ANNA ROSE at The Acoustic Coffeehouse
ADAM MCMILLAN (A little bit of everything)
- SATURDAY - Sept. 10th -
at Rainbow Asian Cuisine
at Bone Fire Smokehouse at Carter Fold
RYAN WARD 12:30pm THE FARMHOUSE GHOST 10pm
at O’Mainnin’s Pub
STONECUTTERS SWALLOW THE SKY REVLOW at The Hideaway 10pm
THE FUGITIVES
at Country Club Bar & Grill
OPEN MIC
at The Acoustic Coffeehouse
WINDHAND NAVAJO WITCH I 1-1
SHOOTER (Country, Classic Rock, Oldies)
SULPHUR SPRINGS STRING DIPPERS
JONATHAN BYRD
THE DIAMONDS JAZZ BAND
FOLK SOUL REVIVAL JAMES MEADOWS
JERRY PIERCE & THE NIGHTLIFE BAND
SISSY BROWN
at The Hideaway 10pm
at Sleepy Owl Brewery 7pm
at Battle on the State Line - Downtown Bristol
TRACY LAWRENCE, BARRY DEAN & LUKE LAIRD at Birthplace of Country Music Museum
JOSHUA STEPHEN WARD w/ TODD FULMER at The Acoustic Coffeehouse
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at The Show Palace 7pm
at The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room 8pm at The Dispensary 8pm
SUNDOWN BAND (Country)
at Willoughby Ruritan
COOPER
at Jiggy Ray’s 4pm
TAIL GATE CITY
at Town of Gate City 6:30pm
- SUNDAY - Sept. 11th at Studio Brew 5pm
at Bone Fire Smokehouse
ETHAN SAMUEL BROWN w/ LEAH BLEVINS at The Acoustic Coffeehouse
- MONDAY - Sept.12th OPEN MIC at The Acoustic Coffeehouse
Spotlight Directory Bone Fire Smokehouse at the Hardware 260 W Main St Abingdon Va 276/623-0037 Bristol Brewery 41 Piedmont Ave Bristol VA 276/ 608-1220 Bristol’s Pickin’ Porch 620 State St Bristol 423/573-2262 Capitol Theatre 104 S. Main St. Greeneville TN 423/638-1300 Capone’s 227 E Main St Johnson City 423/928-2295 Carter Family Fold 3449 A. P. Carter Hwy Hiltons VA 276/594-0676 Country Club Bar & Grill 3080 W State St Bristol 423/844-0400 The Damascus Brewery 32173 Government Rd. Damascus VA 276/469-1069 The Dispensary 271 Oak Avenue, Spruce Pine NC 828/765-0050 Down Home 300 W. Main St. Johnson City 423/929-9822 The Harvest Table Restaurant 13180 Meadowview Sq Meadowview Va 276/944-5140 The Hideaway 235 E. Main St Johnson City 423/ 926-3896 Holiday Inn (Exit 7) 3005 Linden Dr Bristol Va 276/466-4100
Hungry I at the Apex 604 W. Market St. Johnson City Jiggy Ray’s 610 E. Elk Ave Elizabethton Kingsport Eagles 926 E. Stone Dr. Kingsport Macado’s Restuarnt 210 Broad St. Kingsport 423/ 390-1408 O’Mainnin’s Pub 712 State St Bristol 423/844-0049 Our House Restaurant 4903 N. Roan St. Johnson City 423/ 282-1555 Painter Creek Marina 766 Painter Creek Rd Bristol TN 423/878-5775 Quaker Steak & Lube 629 State St Bristol VA 276/644-9647 Rainbow Asian Cuisine 2412 N. Roan St. Johnson City 423/ 232-6688 Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill 3119 Bristol Hwy. Johnson City 423 / 262-0444 Show Palace 14364 Lee Hwy Bristol VA 276/494-6610 Sleepy Owl Brewery 151 E. Main St. Kingsport 423/390-8476 Sonny’s Marina & Café 109 One St. Gray TN 423/283-4014 State Line Bar & Grill 644 State Street Bristol 423/652-0792 Studio Brew 221 Moore Street Bristol VA 423 / 360-3258
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 ***********************
Wellington’s Restaurant Carnegie Hotel 1216 W State of Franklin Rd Johnson City 423/979-6400 The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room 216 E Main St Johnson City Willoughby Ruritan 5145 Marvin Rd Bulls Gap VA Wolf Hills Brewing Company 350 Park St. SE Abingdon VA 276/451-5470 Woodstone Deli 3500 Fort Henry Dr Kingsport 423/245-5424 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 6, 2016 | 29
WORLD ABUZZ ABOUT ALIEN WORLD PROXIMA B CENTAURI
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n recent weeks Joe and Jane America have been engaged in conversation about aliens waiving back at Earth from the nearest star system to our Sun. The talk is all about an earth-like world circling Proxima Centauri, the closest star to our favorite star, the Sun, at 4.2 Light Years from Earth. The buzz among the public is about a potential earth-like “exoplanet” orbiting in the habitable zone of its home star, a rocky world not too cold or not too hot, but just right for liquid water to be on the surface. Astronomers hunting exoplanets orbiting around nearby stars call this the “Goldilocks Zone” after the famous fable of the precocious girl and the family of three bears. Planets orbiting other stars have burst like a supernova on the astronomy scene thanks to NASA’s Kepler satellite designed to hunt “exoplanets,” as well as new techniques by the largest ground-based telescopes. Since the first discovery in 1992, there now are more than 2,000 known alien worlds and another 5,000 suspected and waiting verification as more data is taken. A whole new branch of astronomy has been created with its own language—like exoplanets—and a host of new organizations to filter the information to scientists and the public. And a new interest in outer space by Joe and Jane America is emerging as ears perk up with talk of another Earth-like alien world orbiting the nearest star in the sky. That’s a good thing, as more interest means more tax dollars for exploring the cosmos, something that is being done on a shoestring compared to other financial endeavors of our great nation. (NASA’s 2016-17 budget is $20 billion or ½ cent of every tax dollar). One thing needs to be understood when talking about exoplanets. We are not “seeing” them optically like in a photo. Their presence is known by the gravitational pull on the parent star. Other factors about an atmosphere and surface are also employed by astronomers. It’s very complicated, but a cutting edge method to explore the Universe. Another thing to remember is that Proxima Centauri can only be seen with a good quality telescope as it is very faint despite being so close. That’s because it is a small star, a “brown dwarf,” that puts out low energy and therefore dim light. (It’s 11th magnitude, and our eyes see as faint as 6th magnitude). Proxima Centauri is a distant companion of two bright stars orbiting each other, Alpha Centauri—so close to each other they look like one star, the third brightest in all the sky. They are in the large constellation Centaurus the half-man, half-horse creature of Roman mythology. Seen in America only from south Florida and Texas, the -0.2 magnitude Alpha Centauri system are two stars similar to our Sun orbiting each other once every 80 years, but it takes a small telescope to separate them. Its collective name is Rigil Kentaurus, foot of the Centaur. Proxima isn’t close to the Alpha Centauri stars. In fact, it is four Moon diameters away and may take a million years to orbit Rigil Kentaurus. Even though exoplanet Proxima b of the Centauri system is in the Goldilocks Zone of life, there are a few issues that any potential life must overcome. First, the exoplanet whips around its parent star, Proxima, every 11 days, so it is extremely close. And it is probably tidally locked, where one side faces the star and the other is turned away. Without an atmosphere and oceans, one side would be hot and the other freezing. Red dwarfs are the most common and longest lived of all types of stars. Each star you see in the night sky is unique in size, temperature and chemistry, just like each human is different. Red dwarf stars are 10 to 100 times larger than our planet Jupiter (which almost
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became a planet), and burn their hydrogen fuel slowly at a low temperature around 5,000 F. degrees. Our Sun’s interior is around 25 million F. degrees, and about half-way through its 10 billion year lifetime. The low burning and faint red dwarf stars can last for thousands of billions of years—as old as two or three trillion years! So it is strange to think that most of the stars in our Milky Way Galaxy are probably billions of small, nearly invisible red dwarfs. Why? Astronomers have theories, but really don’t know—yet. And Proxima is a typical violent red dwarf that is the most common star in our Milky Way. The hot, red dwarf star has short, high energy bursts called flairs that emit blasts of positively charged protons of lethal radiation. The radiation could be combated by a protective magnetic field encompassing the exoplanet, like Earth. Other problems for life involve the right mixture of chemistry. The red dwarf Proxima Centauri might have another planet orbiting it every 200 days. The star is only 12 per cent as massive as our star, the Sun. And it’s only one-tenth as bright. In fact, Proxima Centauri might be a rogue star passing by the Alpha system. It might have once orbited so close to Alpha A and B that some of its larger planets were ejected into space—as rogue planets in the Milky Way are expected to exist. Now we’re dancing on the edge of science fiction, and Alpha and Proxima Centauri have definitely been fertile grounds for writers’ imagination. I’ve always said that science fact is even stranger that science fiction. Now writers and astronomers have a new twist on an old story—so let the speculation begin! Our Sun will start to burn out within 4 billion years, but Proxima will live for at least 2 trillion years—that’s 2,000 billion! So, that gives lots of time for life to evolve and thrive. After all, starlight seems an essential ingredient for life. Is Proxima Centauri b habituated? A stargazing friend of mine thinks it’ll take 5,000 years to find out. After all, this closest of all stars in the night sky is more than 25 trillion miles away, the light we see tonight having left the star more than 4 years ago. Pale Red Dot is an international search for an Earth-like exoplanet around the closest star to us, Proxima Centauri. The outreach campaign consists of blog posts and social media updates on the Pale Red Dot Twitter account and using the hash tag #PaleRedDot. For more information visit the Pale Red Dot website. One thing for sure, when astronomers start talking about alien life, people listen. For finding life anywhere else but Earth will be the ultimate discovery for mankind.
Celestial events in the skies for the week of Sept. 6 - 12th 2016, as compiled for The Loafer by Mark D. Marquette.
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he month of September was the seventh in the old Roman calendar that began with March. Thus the Latin numbers septem, octo, novem and decem obviously denoted the order of the year. Then July came from Julius Caesar and August from Augustus Caesar, and the rest is… well, history! And, it’s a marvelous week for a moon dance as our celestial neighbor dominates the evening skies. Tues. Sept. 6 The crescent Moon starts out in our evening skies in the constellation Libra, moves beside Saturn on Thursday and above Mars on Friday in Scorpius. The waxing Moon spends the weekend in Sagittarius and Monday is in the borders of Capricorn. Wed. Sept. 7 On this 1995 date in space history, STS-69 launched Space Shuttle Endeavour for 11days of science and practice on construction techniques for the International Space Station. Thurs. Sept. 8 On this 2000 date in space history, STS-106 Atlantis was launched from Cape Kennedy, Florida. A crew of seven brought up supplies and readied the first two segments of the International Space Station for its first permanent crew in November 2000. Also “launched” 50 years on this date in 1966 was the sci-fi television show “Star Trek.” Fri. Sept. 9 On this 1994 date in space history, STS-64 Discovery was launched with six astronauts on an 11 day mission of engineering and science experiments. And in 2006, Atlantis was launched with six astronauts on a hard-hat mission to the International Space Station. The six day mission was packed with three space walks that installed a port side truss and two solar panels. Sat. Sept. 10 Yesterday was First Quarter Moon, and the best details are along the line dividing day and night, called the “terminator.” On Earth we experience our terminator moving during morning or evening twilight. Sun. Sept. 11 On this 1997 date in space history, Mars Global Surveyor began orbiting the Red Planet. Its mission ended in November 2006 after nine years in orbit, most importantly scouting landing sites for the NASA rovers Spirit,
Photo Courtesy of NASA
Opportunity and Curiosity. Mon. Sept. 12 On this date in space history 19 persons can say this is the day they rocket into space! Future Moon voyage crewmates Richard Gordon and Pete Conrad on Gemini 11 in 1966; five on Space Shuttle Discovery in 1991; seven aboard Endeavour in 1992; and five aboard Discovery in 1993.
theloaferonline.com | September 6, 2016 | 31
Blood Cold Mysteries
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f there is one bit of esoteric classic movie stuff that simply releases from Warner Archive. It’s not a great fascinates me, it’s the trilogy of films directed by veteran actor movie, but it is a fun one. Goofy, drive in movWilliam Conrad—and all released in 1965. They’re the three of ie fare. Honestly, I’d take a goofy atmospheric only four feature films directed by Conrad, who spent all of chiller most days than I would a genuinely his other directorial adventures on the small screen. The late good one. The DVD looks really sharp too, the William Conrad was a famed actor, playing Matt Dillon on the well shot black and white image is rendered original radio version of “Gunsmoke,” and coming to full pop culture in a lovely 16x9 transfer. The film fits nicely in fame on TV in “Cannon” & “Jake and The Fat Man.” For this writer, the Conrad ’65 trilogy, and one day I’ll get to Conrad will always be immortal for being the narrator on “Rocky & the bottom of how this all came to pass. Pick Bullwinkle.” up a copy and investigate with me. The three films in question all were released by Warner BrothAlso from Warner Archive, I recently ers—where Conrad had a production office it seems—and are: “Brainviewed the Hildegard Withers Mystery Colstorm,” “Two On A Guillotine,” and the film I’m going to talk about lection. This set collects a series of six B protoday, “My Blood Runs Cold.” One of the reasons I’m fascinated by gramers from the 1930s, about a schoolteacher these three films is my built in soft spot for 1960s, black and white horwho finds herself in the middle of a murder ror fare with crazy, bombastic promotion. I adore the films of William now and then. These films feel a bit like a beta Castle, with his bag full of gimmicks and fright house fun, and there’s version of “Murder, She Wrote” and the 1960s on some part an attempt it seems to position Conrad as the next Cas“Miss Marple movies.” They can be a bit dry tle—whose films made serious bank at the box office. Publicity from at times, to be honest, but they are filled with the era refers to Conrad as “The Sultan of Shock.” a veritable who’s who of 1930s Hollywood Another reason why I suspect there was an attempt to hone Conrad character actors. in the Castle vein is that most of his films star people who had disThe two disc DVD sets features a decent tinct teenager appeal—Castle was tremendously popular with teenage looking picture across the films, taken from movie goers. “Two on a Guillotine” stars Connie Stevens and Dean elements that have held up well for their ages, Jones, whilst “My Blood Runs Cold” stars both Joey Heatherton and and for a somewhat obscure film series. I can’t Troy Donahue. “My Blood Runs Cold” is about a bunch of loaded honestly say these got me going too terribly WASPs on the California coast. Heatherton plays the spoiled young much, but if you like a cozy mystery, you heiress who one day accidentally crashes her car into a random dude on a motorcycle (Donahue). should check them out. That’s all to report this week in my movie Donahue looks at spoiled Joey and immediately recognizes her from their great love from the viewings, more to come for sure in these here pages. See you next past. The far past. The 1800s to be exact. Has love been reincarnated? Did he come back from the week. dead bridled full of passion? You’ll have to watch the film to see, which was one of the first DVD
the casual word
By Langley Shazor
Follow Langley on FB & Youtube at TheCasualword
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Analogous Light shines Through holes Where countless have tread Finger and footprints Remnants Selfishness and selflessness
A singularity event Absorbs light Pulling at the core
Nothing escapes Dark matter Made from positive energy
Square shapes Can’t be forced Into triangular spaces No manipulation Can produce The desired effect
theloaferonline.com | September 6, 2016 | 33
kubo and the two strings
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3 1/2 samurai swords (our of 4)
ne of the most creative and majestic animated movies in recent memory, “Kubo and the Two Strings”, is currently playing at theaters. Yes, the film can be seen in 3D, but the technique used is stop-motion, so effectively used in “The Nightmare Before Christmas”, and proves to be just as effective and impressive in this effort. The story is a fantasy/ action/adventure set in ancient Japan, with the lead character Kubo (Art Parkinson) living with his mother Sariatu (Charlize Theron) on the top of a mountain in a cave. The two ended up in said cave after Sariatu dealt badly with the death of Kubo’s father Hanzo (Matthew McConaughey), a samurai warrior. Kubo and Sariatu live above a nearby village where Kubo goes everyday to tell stories by manipulating pieces of paper that form into ori-
34 | September 6, 2016 | theloaferonline.com
gami (sculptures) that move when he plays his shamisen (a Japanese musical instrument). Kubo’s stories involve battles between monsters and his father Hanzo. While Kubo enjoys his daily storytelling in the village, he must return to the cave before dark less he run afoul of his grandfather, the Moon King, and Sariatu’s sisters (voiced by Rooney Mara). Of course, one day Kubo is distracted and finds himself in the village area after dark, and soon his Aunts are after him. The Aunts leave destruction in their wake, and Kubo soon finds himself on his own with Monkey (Theron) who tells him they must move quickly in order to escape from his evil Aunts. The monkey is actually a small wooden monkey that was brought to life with magic by Kubo’s mom. Kubo and Monkey are also on a trek to find three pieces of armor that belonged to his father that will protect him from the Moon King. The origami show Kubo and Monkey the way to the armor where they meet a Beetleman hybrid (McConaughey), who is a samurai claiming to have been an apprentice of Hanzo, but is actually much more. The three continue the quest to find all the pieces of Hanzo’s armor along with his sword, while fighting off the pursuing evil sisters. We eventually discover why the sisters are out to get Kubo, and why they abandoned his mom. The trio eventually have a showdown with not only the sisters, but with the Moon King as well. As with all films of this ilk, all ends well, and thankfully Kubo is a happy boy by the conclusion despite his tragic losses. I will say the beginning of the film is a bit slow, which will prove challenging for those who expect action and quips from the get go. If you go with the flow of the film, the pay off is huge. I would describe the film as mesmerizing and a beautiful work of art. This is a film that will definitely leave an impression on movie fans who have any inclination for creativity. The film may also be a test for smaller kids who are accustomed to the work of Disney and Pixar, both of which dominate the animation market. However, if kids stick with the film they will experience some cinematic magic. Mark my words, if the extremely beautiful film “Kubo and the Two Strings” isn’t nominated for an Oscar for best animated film, I will purposely watch an Adam Sandler film. (Rated PG)
Kingsport Ballet Launches 33rd Season
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New Works and Classic Re-stagings in Store
ingsport Ballet has launched its 33rd season with more fitness programs for the community, more students in its sought-after ballet program, and various other expanded projects, such as kb Boutique – an in-house dance supply store. Kingsport Ballet Company dancers will return to the Tennessee Association of Dance Festival this October, as two of their students who won scholarships there last year will be performing. The Company’s yearly Nutcracker at Wellmont Performing Arts Center, which enjoyed sold-out audiences last December, is scheduled for December 15th-18th, 2016. Tickets are now onsale through the website and Facebook. A new, original work in celebration of the City’s 100th anniversary, inspired by the rich history of our area and the interesting and impactful times of the early 20th century will be on the slate for March and April. “Seeds of Change” will be a two act ballet to be premiered to the public in spring of 2017. The first act of Seeds of Change will explore issues specific to 1917 through new and exciting choreography by Kingsport Ballet faculty as well as guest artists. Vignettes depicting scenes taking place in our region during the early 20th century will come to life on stage, enabling the viewer to see, feel and experience that time through contemporary dance. The second act will be a staging of Chopiniana. This is a short ballet
which became known in the early part of the 20th century as a non-narrative “ballet blanc.” Chopiniana is described as a “romantic reverie” frequently cited as the first ballet to be simply about mood and dance as opposed to being about royal families, princesses and fairies, as many story ballets are. Chopiniana has no plot, but instead consists of an ensemble of beautiful, white-clad sylphs dancing in the moonlight with a young poet. Kingsport Ballet is accepting new students in all levels for the current season. KbFIT, the Company’s fitness program, features adult classes in Pilates, yoga, Bodycombat, adult ballet, Insanity Live!, P90X and more. KbBoutique is open for business, featuring dance and yoga attire and related accessories and gifts. For more information call: 423-378-3967 or email kingsportballet@gmail. com or visit: kingsportballet.org Kingsport Ballet is supported in part for general operations by the Tennessee Arts Commission under an agreement with the General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts. Outreach programs are funded in part by the Tennessee Arts Commission’s Funds for At-Risk Youth, the City of Kingsport, the Massengil De-Friece Foundation, and the Junior League of Kingsport, among other foundations, area businesses and private entities. For a full display of sponsors, please visit www. kingsportballet.org
theloaferonline.com | September 6, 2016 | 35
Mon Aerolisador es Plen d’Anguilas
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et’s play a game. Who here thinks they can guess the language that’s up there in the title? Ok, put your hands down. If you were thinking, ‘French’ - you’re wrong. But you’re close. It’s actually a rather obscure European romance language known as Occitan. It’s not very widely spoken, which should explain why you’ve probably never heard of it, but there are pockets within larger geographic language spheres where Occitan is prevalent - places like southern France, parts of northern Italy, and western North Carolina. It’s true. But first, a little about Occitan. Very similar to French and spoken by roughly 400,000 people, Occitan is a minority language throughout a region extending from Spanish Catalonia, through the south of France, past Monaco, and into Alpine Italy. A markedly older tongue, Occitan is considered among actively spoken languages to be second closest to Latin. (Sardinian is thought to be a smidge closer.) The most common of its six dialect is Provençal - a word you may have seen go by on a restaurant menu or two. Understanding how there came to be an Occitan-speaking community in Western North Carolina requires a passing familiarity with Waldensianism. Although the thought of a cult for transcendentalists springs to mind, Waldensians are actually adherents to an early Protestant religious movement that dates back to the twelfth century - 400 years before Martin Luther would shake things up. Declared heretics, the Waldensians (found in and around the Piedmont region of northwest Italy) quickly began to notice that they weren’t exactly the most popular folks around town, leading several to leave home for more tolerant destinations. Emigration took place in several waves over the centuries and in 1893, twenty-nine Waldensian settlers from Italy’s Cottian Alps arrived in Burke County, North Carolina, just west of Hickory. Naming their new community Valdese, the immigrants built the Waldensian Presbyterian Church and welcomed scores of new settlers from the old country.
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Naturally, they brought their language with them and, just as the century-old church still stands, the language persists to this day. The people of Valdese speak fluent English in business situations and to outsiders. However, as locals talk amongst themselves, it is entirely possible to overhear conversations in Occitan. So if you’re ever in Valdese and wish to sound like a local, you can drop that phrase I’ve spelled out above and fit right in. Just bear in mind that you will be telling people, “My hovercraft is full of eels.”
Fooled You
Indie film ‘Art of the Prank’ features history, humor of ‘Godfather of the Media Hoax’
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s it real or a hoax? With Joey Skaggs, you can never tell – until it’s too late. Known as the godfather of the media hoax, Skaggs is famed for such media fictions as the Celebrity Sperm Bank, the Cathouse for Dogs and the Portofess, a mobile confessional booth – all reported as fact by prestigious journalists. In Art of the Prank, filmmaker Andrea Marini pulls back the curtain to take filmgoers on an emotional and humorous journey, following the evolution of Skaggs as an artist who has dedicated his life to seeking social change by challeng-
ing the status quo. Mary B. Martin School of the Arts presents the documentary film Art of the Prank with director Marini and producer Judy Drosd as part of the South Arts Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers on Monday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m. in ETSU’s Martha Street Culp Auditorium. Filmgoers will not only get to view the professional prankster on screen, but also get to hear from and meet him in person. The ETSU screening is free and open to the public and will be followed by a Q&A and reception with the filmmakers and Skaggs. “The Art of the Prank is an aesthetically striking documentary that chronicles Skaggs’ fascinating career as a professional anti-establishment prankster,” says a Beatroute review. “Having pulled off truly unbelievable stories over a large magnitude of decades, his mission to expose media bias in such a tongue-in-cheek manner is unlike anything that has yet to be offered … “Though obviously humorous on the surface, Skaggs’ life mission is also a very important one. Skaggs warns us that we must all be skeptical of the mediadominated world.” Skaggs, a graduate of New York’s High School of Art & Design and the School of Visual Arts and Media Communications teacher, has crafted his media hoaxes into an art form. “I started out as a painter and sculptor,” he says. “I realized there was no immediacy in doing that. I was very angry as a young man growing up in the
Fooled . . . continued on page 39 theloaferonline.com | September 6, 2016 | 37
The Leah Ross Interview
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olks, this person is the busiest lady in the Tri Cities right now and I cannot begin to tell you how grateful I am to have a few moments of her time. Leah Ross is somebody I have admired as an advocate our region’s musical roots for many years. You may have heard of Leah, she is a true Mountain Mover who is making great things happen and promoting our region. Take a few minutes to learn more about her, you will be glad you did. BRIAN: Hey Leah, we have met a few times over the years as we did interviews for your work with the Birthplace of Country music and I want to say it has always been my pleasure. I can tell you are as country as I am and that means good up-bringing in my book. Tell folks where you grew up and what that was like. LEAH: My father was from Pound, Virginia, and so I also grew up there. When I was in the 8th grade I moved to Lebanon, Virginia, my mother’s hometown. Growing up in both of those towns was an incredible experience. Those were the days when kids could go outside in the morning and show back up at lunch or dinner and you didn’t worry about whether they were safe. However, after I got married I moved to Blountville, Tennessee and have lived on my husband’s family farm for over 40 years. BRIAN: Now, the Tri-Cities is near and dear to my heart, I grew up in Kingsport, and I know you really love the region. What is it about the people here that sets them apart in your eyes from other regions of the country? LEAH: I can get emotional when I talk about this region sometimes. This region is filled with people who are willing to lend a helping hand when needed, are giving and thoughtful and generally just wonderful human beings. BRIAN: Faith is a huge part of life for many of us in the region. How has faith shaped your life and how does it impact what you do every day? LEAH: Church was a big part of our life growing up and it is something that I carried on with my children. I think that is where we learned to be kind to others, be honest, do good and have faith that God is always watching over you. BRIAN: I know you are proud of your kids and family is a huge part of your life. Your pictures online are hilarious and cute all rolled into one. Tell folks a little about your family. LEAH: I was brought up in a strong family environment and have tried to do that with my family. I have a husband who is understanding of my time away from home because of my job. He also gets pulled in to help out when needed. My daughter and son have given us the ultimate gift of four grandchildren with four distinct personalities. They can really put things in perspective when you may be having a bad day. I also always find time to get together with my sisters, brother, uncles, aunts and cousins on a regular basis. I believe that the way my parents raised us laid the foundation for family values and life values. BRIAN: And finally your work with the Birthplace of Country Music has made the heritage of music in our region the premiere spot in all of country music for people to discover where it all started. Tell people how you have brought this whole thing so far from where you began, why it is so important and how they can get involved. And the all-important question, can we still get tickets to Rhythm & Roots? LEAH: I have been very fortunate to work for organizations that let me be involved with community events and projects. I volunteered with Autumn Chase, Racefest, Funfest and others. Then Bristol decided to put on a music festival, Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion. I volunteered and after a few years, I was fortunate to get my dream job by being hired as the Executive Director of Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion.
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The Festival merged with the Birthplace of Country Music Alliance in 2012, and formed the Birthplace of Country Music, Inc. Since the two organizations came together we have opened the Birthplace of Country Music Museum and launched a radio station, Radio Bristol that has three different channels – Americana, Classic Country, and WBCM-FM. The rate at which our organization has expanded can definitely be overwhelming at times; however, the organization is fortunate to have an exceptional staff, support from our local community, and pride in what we bring to our region. Finally thoughts: Our goal is for visitors who come to the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, attend Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, or listens to Radio Bristol understands the jewel that is the Birthplace of Country Music. They then become advocates for all our region has to offer. We invite people to come visit us at the museum, and we still have tickets available for Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, September 16-18, 2016. For more information about BCM, visit BirthplaceofCountryMusic.org.
Fooled . . . continued from page 37 ‘60s … so I decided I would take my art to the streets. “I read the newspapers and watched how they twisted and torqued the content to suit their own agendas, so I decided I would used the media as a medium and create commentary …” Skaggs’ social and political commentaries grew to include elaborate set-ups, costumes, casting, on-air “performances,” advertising, promotions, clipping services to track media hits and climaxed with the exposé. “Really my work is about media literacy, not only what you believe but how’d you come to your beliefs,” he says. “I ask people to question authority. “Did you ever question the source of your beliefs? If not, why not? I am not trying to hurt anyone. Nice people come into my life but I know I am going to set them up and fool them.” After 50 years, however, Skaggs is not ready to hang up the costumes or step down from his post of Godfather of the Media Hoax. Art of the Prank also includes “breaking news” on one of the prankster’s latest hoaxes, involving, not surprisingly, film festivals. “Joey is coming with the film, along with the filmmakers, so that’s going to add a little bit more to our conversation,” says Anita DeAngelis, director of event sponsor Mary B. Martin School of the Arts. “Of course, we will have to decide whether or not it’s really Joey that is coming with the film.” Rich in archival footage from Skaggs’ well-documented past, the new film also includes handheld vérité footage, interviews and an up-close look at Skaggs’ process from The Hook and The Line to The Sinker finale. “With this movie I’ve tried to create something that will inspire people as much as I have been inspired,” director Marini says. “And like Joey always says, ‘make them laugh and then make them think.’ ” Director, editor and producer Marini was born in Tuscany and began studying photography, cinema and design in high school, moving to Rome in 2004 to study film and TV at Cinecitta. He began his career in 2007 working mainly in advertising and music videos and has since completed the award-winning short film The Noise of Snow and his first documentary Art of the Prank in 2015. Reviewers have praised Art of the Prank’s “mischievous glee,” “artfulness” and “fascinating … documentary.” “Skagg’s artistic career is captivating enough on its own,” says the Jon of All Trades blog, “but is enhanced by Andrea’s propulsive and thoughtful direction. I highly recommend this film not only for its entertainment value, but for its underlying message, as well.” For more on the film and Skaggs, visit artoftheprank.com and joeyskaggs.com. Art of the Prank includes strong language. For information about the film, film series or the ETSU Mary B. Martin School of the Arts, call 423-439-TKTS (8587) or visit www.etsu.edu/martin.
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Devil’s Racetrack
Photo and article by
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hroughout the Appalachians, one repeatedly will run across some of the most unique placenames in the states. Many come from Cherokee names, including those like Oconaluftee and Unicoi. Others derive from tales and legends which came to life decades ago; Lover’s Leap, Molly’s Ridge, and Huggins Hell all fit into this category. Another popular way of naming landmarks and their adjacent communities was just to name them after something they closely resembled. Grandfather Mountain and Chimney Rock were easily named, as were the Chimney Tops in the Smokies. Perhaps some of the most common names you will encounter are those with hellish monikers, especially those sharing a name with the devil himself. Devil’s Breakfast Table, Hell’s Half Acre, The Devil’s Courthouse, and Devil’s Backbone all sound like morbid and creepy places pulled out of some horror movie, when in fact they all are fantastic places of natural beauty. Many times, they received their unfortunate title due to the difficulty of passage their terrain posed to explorers, surveyors, and hunters in earlier years. Of all these wonderfully macabre places to visit, Devil’s Racetrack offers perhaps the most fantastic scenery and serves as a great outdoor adventure as well. Located just north of Caryville, Tennessee and immediately adjacent to I-75 north as it approaches Kentucky, Devil’s Racetrack is a commanding presence on the skyline of the Cumberland Mountains. Marching from the top of the peak almost to its base are a series of protruding, stone formations which form more of a jagged spine than they do a racetrack. Whatever the inspiration for the name aside, the treeless vantage point from the top allows spectacular views of the Great Tennessee Valley, the Cumberland Mountains, Norris Lake, and the Smokies far off in the distance. Only one path, the famed Cumberland Trail, reaches the summit; this is via a moderately steep but sometimes rocky grade which begins at the nearby Cove Lake State Park. A word of warning: this hike does not exist in a pristine, wilderness environment. The hum of the interstate will be with you much of the way, but this hike is still worth it. The Cumberland Trail is still a work in progress, especially as the state is able to purchase land for the right of way. Therefore, some sections still run adjacent to highways. The geology and preserved area more then make up for the sound of the nearby highway. Within Cove Lake State Park, you’ll find the Cumberland Trail parking area; be careful to turn to the right, northbound, as the trail does continue left as well to begin climbing the main crest of the Cumberland Mountains. Our path gently climbs and falls as it meanders through some nondescript woods. I-75 is to your left and slightly below you, although soon the trail drops down to follow the fence line next to the shoulder. While this mile of trail is far from pristine, it is over soon enough; just as you climb down a talus field, Bruce Creek can be heard vying for dominance over the whir of traffic. Further on the stream violently jumps off a series of waterfalls within a small box canyon. This area is beautiful while being very dangerous, so please watch your step. You will soon notice the trail turn sharply as it begins switchbacking up the side of Cumberland Mountain. While the climb is not nearly as taxing as many Smokies hikes, it still is a considerable grind and breaks should come often. This portion of the trail passes through the remains of a fire which ravaged the area in 2014. The blackened logs and burned out stumps should remind us of the dangers we can impose on the forest if we are careless. As you reach the top of the ridge and the end of the 2.8 miles of trail, you will come to an intersection. Unless you feel like completing more of the Cumberland Trail, turn right to begin wind-
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Devils Racetrack provides one of the best vantage points along the entirety of the Cumberland Trail. ing your way through and over the boulders which jut skyward all around. While the trail ends several hundred feet later, the views keep coming as the horizon expands and the East Tennessee landscape spreads out beneath your feet. To the right lies I-75, now a small ribbon of asphalt winding through an enormous see of mountains. Cars look like ants far below, and you can trace their route south all the way to the outskirts of Knoxville. To the southeast, the farmland and lakes of the Tennessee Valley stretch to the horizon, where they meet the blue outline of the Smokies and Blue Ridge. House Mountain prominently stands out on its own, calling for us to come and adventure on its slopes as well. The view to the north is limited, but the Cumberlands rise higher as they progress northward into Kentucky and Virginia. You might want to also look around for the wildlife which make their home here: falcons and hawks soar the ridgeline, eastern fence lizards sunbathe on the warm rocks, and even an elk may be heard bugling in the valley far below. Whether you linger for a moment or an entire day, the beauty and magic of the landscape will beckon you to stay ever longer, and gaze on the beauty of the pastoral landscape. This is just one area along the three hundred miles of the Cumberland Trail, and we will introduce many more to you in future adventures!
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first presbyterian church of bristol open its 2016-17 arts series
n Sunday, September 11, at 3:00 p.m., the First Presbyterian Church of Bristol, Tennessee opens its 2016- 17 Arts Series with a concert by soprano Cheryl Parrish, accompanied by Vicki Fey at the piano. The program will include English songs, Schubert, Mozart, and Donaudy. In addition to her program at First Presbyterian Church, she will be teaching a master class for students at King University. This program was originally scheduled for this past April 3rd. Cheryl Parrish is best known for her sensitive and moving portrayals of Mozart and Strauss heroines. She has performed in major operatic, symphony and recital venues around the world. Her career began at the San Francisco Opera where she was chosen to participate in the inaugural group of Adler Fellows and was catapulted to prominence by the televised program “Pavarotti Plus! Live from Lincoln Center.” Appearances include The Mostly Mozart Festival in Alice Tully Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, the Ravinia Festival, Cleveland Orchestra, Carnegie Hall, The Chautauqua Institute, Houston Grand Opera, New York City Opera, San Francisco Opera, The Canadian Opera Company, Zurich Opera, Opera Köln, and Maggio Musicale in Florence, Italy, Santa Fe Opera, Vancouver and Calgary Opera, Austin Lyric Opera, and many more. She was featured as Kitty Hart in the recent Houston Grand Opera production of DEAD MAN WALKING, released on DVD as part of the celebration of the operatic farewell of Fredericka von Staade. Her recent performances include Parthy Ann Hawks in Houston Grand Opera’s SHOWBOAT and as Senior Overseer/Capo in the North American Opera Premiere of Mieczyslaw Weinberg’s THE PASSENGER produced by the Houston Grand Opera and presented at the Lincoln Center Opera Festival. Miss Parrish is in her twelfth year with the voice faculty at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas and holds the rank of Assistant Professor of Voice. She served on the voice faculty for two summers at the Opera Institute in Gallup, New Mexico and has given master classes around the
Art Series . . . continued on page 43
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8TH ANNUAL HISTORIC BLOUNTVILLE
FLEA MARKET AND YARD SALE
I Saturday, September 10, 2016 9 AM to 4 PM, downtown Historic Blountville 3425 Hwy. 126, Blountville, TN
n its 8th year, this year’s Historic Blountville Flea Market and Yard Sale has something for everybody and is sure to please! It’s a “flea marketer’s paradise”, with bargains galore! Indeed, it’s the day of the “Big Game”, and vendors are expecting a larger crowd for this year’s market! Music will be provided by Tennessee Larue and Shin Bone Alley. This legendary band will perform several different genres of music including Rock, Blues, Americana, Oldies and Country. Food vendors include Dixie Delight, Mr. C’s Barbeque, Funnel Cakes and More and others. Some yummy foods include barbeque ribs, barbeque chicken, pulled pork, deep fried oreos and moon pies, hot dogs, hamburgers, pork skins, snow cones, kettle corn, nachos, chili cheese fries and more. In addition, the Blountville Ruritan will be serving soup beans and cornbread! As an added attraction this year, the Old Deery Inn and Museum will be open for tours during the day. Step back in time as you visit this lovely hidden gem in downtown Historic Blountville! Tours include rooms of beautiful antiques inside the 2-story inn, and visitors will also enjoy seeing the dependency buildings including the old brick kitchen, slave quarters, blacksmith shop and more! A must-see for those who enjoy early Tennessee history! For additional information, please contact the Sullivan County Department of Archives and Tourism at (423) 323-4660. Don’t miss this one!
Computer Classes at Gray Library Basic computer classes will be offered to adults at Gray Library during the month of September.
This month’s free classes will include: Tuesday, Sept. 6, 10 a.m. Basic Computer Thursday, Sept. 15, 4:30 p.m. MS Word
Anyone interested in attending should call the library at 477-1550 to register. Bring your own laptop, or if you need to use a library laptop, please let someone know when you register.
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Art Series . . . continued from page 41 country at high schools and universities. Cheryl earned degrees in Vocal Performance from Baylor University and Texas State University and has studied abroad at the Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst Lied and Oratorio Program in Vienna, Austria with renowned accompanist, Dr. Erik Werba. She was also a two-time recipient of a San Francisco Opera Guild Grant for study in Paris, France with the late French soprano, Régine Crespin. From 2002-2004, she was the Director of the Young Artist Program at the Austin Lyric Opera and since then has made Austin, Texas home. Vicki Fey has served since 1999 as Director of Music Ministries with husband Steve at First Presbyterian Church of Bristol, TN. A Florida native, she received a Bachelor of Music degree from Stetson University in DeLand, FL and a Master of Music degree from the University of North Texas. Vicki serves as adjunct organ/harpsichord faculty at King University and accompanist for Voices of the Mountains Chorus. She is also principal keyboardist for Symphony of the Mountains, a member of the Paramount Chamber Players, teaches private piano, does free-lance accompanying in the region, is board chair for the Mountain Empire Children’s Choral Academy, has served on the regional arts board Arts Alliance Mountain Empire, is First Vice-President of the Bristol Music Club, and is a Past-President to the National Executive Board of the Presbyterian Association of Musicians. The Arts Series of the First Presbyterian Church strives to share with the community events that enrich and inspire the life of the people of Bristol, share our unique and marvelous facilities, and encourage the artistically gifted of our region and beyond. Admission is a suggested donation of $10.00 for adults, $5.00 for students. The church is located at 701 Florida Avenue, just west of King University. For more information contact the church at 423-764-7176
Buddhism and Meditation Appalachian Dharma & Meditation Center Saturday, Sept 10 - 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Who should attend? This two hour session is open to those who simply want a brief introduction to the basic teachings of Buddhism, and meditation. It is of interest to those seeking general information about Buddhism and those who are either beginning a meditation practice, or would like to deepen their practice. There is no registration procedure—just attend! What is the content? This session will include a brief history of Buddhism, and an introduction to Buddhist teachings with an emphasis on applying those teachings through meditation. Will I have to sit on a cushion with my legs folded? There is no requirement for a specific position for meditation. Chairs and cushions are available. The only request will be that you are comfortable. How much meditation time will there be? Periods of teaching and information are interspersed with silent meditation ranging from 5 to 20 minutes. Who is the facilitator? The session leader is Peter Ford, a long-time Zen Buddhist practitioner, editor and web master of ADMC and other Buddhist Internet sites. Is there a fee? How do I get there? The session is free of charge. All events at ADMC are open to dāna (selfless giving) or donations. Directions to the Center can be found at the web site www.dharma4et.org.
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A Matter Of Perception Pt. 2
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ast week we visited the topic of perception as it applies to disarmament, this week we look at the perceptions surrounding particular types of firearms as opposed to others. No graphic examples this time I promise. We visited this topic briefly in the Black Rifle Debate article last year, but we’re going to revisit it briefly. So again due to media influence, upbringing and personal convictions many people see military style guns such as the AR-15, AK-47, SKS, SCAR, UZI, and TAVOR as sinister, and menacing. Whereas guns such as the Ruger Mini-14, Mossberg MVP and other bolt-action rifles as well as pump shotguns are okay. Now anyone familiar with these guns knows that the Mini-14 and AR-15 are both semi-automatic, both shoot .223 caliber ammunition, and both have 30 round detachable magazines. However, the Mini-14 comes with a traditional wood stock and is more streamline, whereas the AR-15 comes with a tactical synthetic stock and is often upgraded with optics, etc. The Mossberg MVP is not only the same caliber as the AR-15 but takes AR-15 Magazines. But again it has a traditional wood stock and is bolt-action so it’s safer right? It is important to note that these perceptions are not entirely the fault of those that believe them. The media has done an incredible job of villainizing these guns, showing videos of ISIS fighters with American M4 rifles that they got from capturing bases from the Iraqi Army that in case you didn’t know the U.S. trained and armed that’s why ISIS has been seen rolling around in American Humvees wielding American weapons. Videos are also played of Al-Qaeda wielding AK-47’s and RPG’s. So it begs the question Why do U.S. citizens need AR-15 and AK-47 rifles? The truth is the average citizen doesn’t need an AR-15 or AK-47, the argument I hear the most is that we need them to overthrow the government if it becomes tyrannical as prescribed by the founding fathers in the second amendment to the Constitution. However, the sad truth that most Americans don’t want to accept is that when the Constitution was written, the Continental Army and the average citizen had the same firearms, that’s why the Militia played such a crucial part in winning the War for Independence, because all they had to do was take up the arms they already had and used for hunting and the defense of their colonies etc. Today however the weapons available to the public are much less technologically advanced than those available to the U.S. Army. So should the government become tyrannical we the people no longer possess the ability to overthrow anything. Now a more valid argument for the possession of AR-15 and AK-47 rifles is quite simple. Criminals, Mass shooters, even domestic terrorists for the most part only have access to the same weapons the average citizen does. Therefore, it is imperative that law-abiding citizens be allowed to meet that threat in defense of themselves and others with equal force. So the next time someone asks you why you need a AR-15 or AK-47 don’t tell them so you can overthrow a tyrannical government which we’ve already agreed isn’t possible, but instead tell them so that you can protect yourself and others from those who would use the same weapon for evil. If you still don’t like AR15’s or AK-47’s that’s okay, if it makes you feel better to have a Mini-14 or MVP, that’s okay too! They all serve the same purpose. As always I hope you enjoyed this article if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to email me, I look forward to your feedback.
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Jonesborough Welcomes
Storyteller Oba William King
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hicago-based performance sensation Oba William King will soon serve as Jonesborough’s storyteller in residence, with daily matinee concerts at the International Storytelling Center. Known nationwide as the Poetic Storyteller, King is best known for his inspirational tales, folk stories, and original works rooted in African-American history. Celebrating tradition, diversity, and global community, his joyous performances are punctuated with the sound of his singing voice and the beat of his drum. A longtime fixture on the storytelling scene, King has performed at prestigious venues including the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and the Exchange Place at the National Storytelling Festival (NSF). His style is marked by influences that range broadly from classic theater, to modern poetry, to world music, often within a single performance. A passionate educator, King has headed JUSTUSarts, a storytelling apprenticeship company dedicated to mentoring Chicago youth, since 1991. He often performs in schools around Illinois in addition to his regular adult programs. King is delighted to be returning to Jonesborough after his debut at NSF’s Exchange Place in 2015. His audience was taken with his easy style and his masterful delivery. During his weeklong residency, King’s performances will run September 13 – 17, Tuesday through Saturday, on ISC’s campus in downtown Jonesborough. All performances begin at 2:00 p.m. sharp in Mary B. Martin Storytelling Hall. 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. matinee tickets is strongly recommended, though walk-in seating The residency program, which is also known as the Storytelling Live! series, is renowned for bring- will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. ing live storytelling to Tennessee’s oldest town for six months of every year. Attracting townspeople . . . continued on page 46 and tourists alike, these exclusive seasonal performances frequently sell out. Advance purchase for
Storyteller
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Storyteller . . . continued from page 45 Oba William King will be followed by another storyteller each week through the month of October. Information about all performers, as well as a detailed schedule for 2016, is available at www.storytellingcenter.net. The website also features information about the upcoming National Storytelling Festival, which will be October 7 – 9. Tickets options include one-day passes, weekend passes, and special reservations for nighttime ghost stories, Midnight Cabaret, and other exclusive events. The premier sponsor of Storytelling Live! is the Mountain States’ Heart & Soul program. Additional
funding comes from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Tennessee Arts Commission, the East Tennessee Foundation, Eastman Credit Union, the Mooneyhan Family Foundation, 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.
Classic Car Show Highlights National Assisted Living Week
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ational Assisted Living Week is observed each September throughout the nation. In 2016 we will celebrate the wonderful experiences and independence found in assisted living communities. This year’s theme for the annual observance is “keep connected” and Broadmore Senior Living at Bristol will celebrate with numerous events the week of September 11-17. Events at Broadmore will be diverse and highlighted with the Fifth Annual Classic Car Show and Open House on Thursday, September 15, from 2:00pm to 5:00pm. You will enjoy great antique cars, free food, prizes and special entertainment. Again this year we will enjoy Elvis Tribute Artist, Jimmy Fields and free root beer floats will be served. Events of the day are free to the public and any donations received will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. National Assisted Living Week (NALW) is a very exciting time at Broadmore, according to Tim Buchanan, the Community Relations Director. “We have socials and wonderful music throughout the week to bring people together. Some events include the celebration of Grandparents Day, music by the Johnny Pafford Band on Tuesday, August 13 at 2:00pm and the Sweet Adelines at 6:00pm.” The public is welcome to attend any of these events. A full schedule is available upon request. For this year’s Classic Car Show owners of vintage cars are welcome to bring their cars to the Thursday, September 15 event without an entry fee. A People’s Choice prize will be awarded. There are numerous healthcare organizations participating in this year’s events. Broadmore Senior Living is a Senior Services of America community and is located adjacent to Bristol Regional Medical Center at 826 Meadowview Road, Bristol Tennessee. For further details on this exciting series of events or information on our assisted living or Memory Care community contact Tim Buchanan, Community Relations Director at 423-764-4622 or by e-mail, info@broadmore-bristol.com.
Pet anxiety
by Dr. Brooke Jones from Paws of Hope Animal Wellness Center
Pet fear, anxiety, and phobias are extremely common, plaguing many pets on a daily basis. Signs and common situations where you might encounter pet anxiety/ phobia include but aren’t limited to: shaking/ pacing during a storm, destructive behavior when left alone, becoming aggressive during a nail trim or excessive panting while riding in the car. These behaviors could result from psychological trauma at a young age and even learnt behavior from a sibling or human parent. Unfortunately, just as with human anxiety and phobias, it can be very difficult to pin down the exact origin. This is why every individual’s anxiety/ phobia is unique and must be treated on a case by case basis. Over the past few years incredible advances have been made in behavioral modification techniques and medications to treat anxiety. In the past, many owners would turn to their veterinarians for heavy sedatives as the only option to manage their pet’s anxiety or even have to resort to much more grave tactics. However, now there are many safe and effective methods as mentioned before that may include a combination of: behavior modification (positive reinforcement when correct behavior is achieved), avoidance (avoiding the cause of anxiety all together), holistic medicine (some pheromones or essential oils have been linked to lower stress levels), and a variety of other medicinal options (lighter drugs are now on the market that can help reduce anxiety without sedating your pet). This is not an area where one size fits all, and therefore it is important to consult your veterinarian about the various options for your pet as an individual. If your pet suffers from anxiety, acts out when left alone, or is noticeably terrified by sounds such as fireworks, thunder, or sirens, please know that there might be options that can be tailor-made to suit your individual case. Consult your vet, pass along the symptoms, and give them a chance to treat the underlying problem that could be resulting in your pet’s fears. You might be surprised as to what method works best for you.
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Answers on page 52
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pets of the week
Tucker is a 5 month old Boxer mix male. He is neutered and up to date on all vaccines. He has a broken right front paw which has healed. That doesn’t stop him from being the sweetest puppy!
Winnie is a Jack Russell Terrier 2 year female. She is spayed and up to date on all vaccines. She is a shy but very loving dog! Please give this good girl a home! The Bridge Home has an ongoing aluminum can can collection in front of the shelter at 2061 Hwy 75 in Blountville,TN 37617. The cans are collected by a volunteer and the money from the aluminum goes towards badly needed food and supplies for the animals The Bridge Home No Kill Animal Rescue has started a pet food pantry for people that have had financial hardships because of job loss or medical problems and are struggling to feed their pet. They can come by the shelter and get cat or dog food to get through the tough time. Donations can be sent to The Bridge Home Shelter PO Box 654 Blountville, TN 37617 Every animal in their care is spayed or neutered and fully vaccinated before being adopted. Being a non profit the shelter is funded entirely by membership dues and private donations. They always need volunteers or monetary donations. Other always needed items:pet food, cat litter & cat toys dog treats & dog toys,paper towels, cleaners, office supplies,Purina weight circles. Phone: 423.239.5237 Hours are Mon-Fri 12pm-6pm Sat 12pm3pm and Sun 2pm-4pm. Website is www.bridgehomerescue@gmail. com or like them on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/bridgehome
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Theatre Bristol Announces Auditions for “Little Women The Musical” September 6 & 12
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audition. For a listing of those musical pieces and additional important details, including the rehearsal schedule, please visit www.theatrebristol.org/audition. Anyone interested in being a part of the production crew may contact Theatre Bristol at info@theatrebristol.org. Little Women The Musical will run from November 18 to December 4 at the Theatre Bristol ARTspace for nine shows over three weekends. Tickets will be available online at the Theatre Bristol website. Founded in 1965, Theatre Bristol is the oldest continually running children’s theatre in northeast Tennessee and now celebrating its 50th season. Its Main Stage season consists of up to five productions. Some of its performances take place in the ARTspace, a multi-purpose, black box theatre which seats up to 120. Theatre Bristol is entirely volunteer run and we invite you to get involved. For more information, visit the Theatre Bristol’s website or Facebook page, contact Theatre Bristol at 423-212-3625, or email info@theatrebristol.org.
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heatre Bristol announces September 6th and 12th auditions for its upcoming November 18 - December 4 ARTspace production of Little Women The Musical. Veteran and novice actors are invited to audition those dates at 6:30 pm at Theatre Bristol, 512 State Street, Bristol, TN. Roles are available for young and older men and women, as well as opportunities with the production crew. Directing this classic story will be Theatre Bristol veteran David D. Hyde, Jr., most recently Theatre Bristol production designer of The Music Man, Scrooge The Musical, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The audition will consist of cold readings and musical pieces that can be prepared beforehand but that will also be taught during the
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Roles available for men and women in the musical version of this classic
CMA . . . continued from page 9
Tree Streets Yard Sale
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outh Side Neighborhood Organization (SNO) announces the 2016 Tree Streets Yard Sale to be held on Saturday, September 10, 2016. The Yard Sale encompasses the 35-block neighborhood known as the “Tree Streets”, bounded by University Parkway, West Walnut Street and South Roan Street in the southern section of Johnson City, Tennessee. Over its 27 years, the Yard Sale has grown from a handful of neighbors participating to well over 200, with over 15,000 buyers from all over the region and neighboring states. With its growth, the Yard Sale has become an important annual fundraising opportunity for local churches, charities and student groups. In past years, some of these non-pro t groups include Johnson City Schools Orchestra, The Downtown Clinic, PEO Higher Education for Women, families wanting to adopt children, Little City Roller Derby Team, University School International Trips, CASA-Court Appointed Special Advocates and World Vision-Glasses for children worldwide. In addition to great yard sale nds, many participants offer delicious home-cooked foods, including breakfast, lunch and desserts. Numerous Walnut Street restaurants are also open during the Yard Sale. SNO provides clean portable restrooms at Veterans Park beside South Side School. For more information, please visit the South Side Neighborhood Organization website at: www. tree-streets.com
Family (the First Family of Country Music) and Jimmie Rodgers (the Father of Country Music). Through multiple theater experiences, video and sound, text and artifacts, technology-infused displays—along with a variety of educational programs, music programs, and community events—the exciting story of this music and its far-reaching influence comes alive. CMA Songwriters Series at The Birthplace of Country Music Museum will be held Thursday, Sept. 8 (9:00 PM/ET). The Birthplace of Country Music Museum is located at 520 Birthplace of Country Music Way, Bristol, Va., 24201. Limited tickets will go on sale Thursday, Aug. 25. The box office can be reached at (423) 573-1927 or visit the events page at BirthplaceofCountryMusic.org to purchase tickets. For more information on the CMA Songwriters Series, visitCMAsongwritersseries.com. The CMA Songwriters Series is in its 12th season kicking off the first show of this year at indigo at The O2 in London during the C2C Festival followed by its debut appearance at SXSW at the Paramount Theatre in Austin, Texas, and a stop in Washington, D.C. at the renowned Library of Congress. Since 2005, the CMA Songwriters Series has presented more than 90 shows in 15 cities including Austin, Belfast, Chicago, Dublin, London, Los Angeles, New York, Paris, and Phoenix.
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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: Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Drop Quote: “A daughter is the happy memories of the past, the joyful moments of the present, and the hope and promise of the future.”
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Open To The Public
First Broad Street United Methodist Church, located at 100 East Church Circle in Kingsport, will be offering several small group classes that will be of interest to and open to the community. “Parenting: 21st Century Style” will be led by Dr. Michelle Estes, an experienced pediatrician, and her husband, Rob Estes, who is a career educator with more than two decades of experience in serving two school systems, Knox County and Kingsport City Schools. The class will meet on Wednesdays beginning September 7 from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. The class will be held at the church and will run for six weeks. There is no fee to attend “Parenting: 21st Century Style.” Please call 423224-1502 with your name and contact information to register your intent to attend. “Alpha” will be offered at First Broad Street UMC on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. beginning September 14. “Alpha” will be of particular interest to those who are not familiar with the Christian faith or are new to the faith but seeking to better understand the foundations of Christian belief. The sessions will be facilitated by Rev. Harrison Bell. Alpha is a series of sessions typically run over eleven weeks. Each talk looks at a different question around faith and is designed to create conversation. Alpha is run all around the globe, and everyone is welcome. Please call 423-224-1502 with your name and contact information to register your intent to attend. There is no fee to attend these sessions. For details about these and other small groups at FBSUMC, visit www.fbsumc.org or contact Rev. Misti McCreary at mmccreary@fbsumc.org. For general information about FBSUMC, contact the church office at 423-246-4471.
ST. JUDE WALK/RUN TO END CHILDHOOD CANCER
Take a step to help fight childhood cancer by registering today for the Tri-Cities Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer at the Pinnacle, Bristol, TN. You can join thousands of others in over 65 communities nationwide for the walk/run benefitting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital located in Memphis. The Tri-Cities area is also fortunate to have an affiliate St. Jude clinic at the Niswonger Children’s Hospital in Johnson City. Support the kids of St. Jude during September’s Childhood Cancer Awareness Month by participating in the walk/run on September 24. Register at stjude.org/walkrun and form a team or support participating individuals and teams.
Start Smart Lacrosse registration open
Memorial Park Community Center, 510 Bert St., will offer Start Smart Lacrosse, an introductory lacrosse sports program, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Sept. 1-Oct. 6. The program, instructed by Parks and Recreation staff, will teach children ages 7-9 the basic skills of lacrosse with developmentally appropriate equipment and stations. Parents or guardians are required to be involved one-on-one with their child during the one-hour instruction. Space is limited to 15 participants, and registration is now open online at www.johnsoncitytn.org/parksrec. Program fee is $25 for City residents and $30 for non-City residents. Each child will receive a Start Smart T-shirt. Participants should wear appropriate athletic clothing, tennis shoes, and bring a water bottle. Please call 434-5749 for more information.
A LOVE SUPREME: REMEMBERING RUDY VAN GELDER
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n August 15, when I learned about vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson’s death, I recalled that he got his start in the famed Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, recording studio presided over by the iconic recording engineer, Rudy Van Gelder. By that time, in the early 1960s, Van Gelder had already engineered many of the defining recordings in American jazz, starting out in 1952 from a studio located in the living room of his parents’ home in Hackensack, New Jersey. Little did I know at the time that ten days later I would be mourning the death of Van Gelder, who was working on a mix at age 92. It is perhaps fitting that he died doing what he loved. A statement he made in 1993 can well serve as his epitaph: “We get albums that sound the way they [the recording artists] want them to sound. The rest of it can be very difficult—including me, personally and any other way. But I try to make sure that nothing leaves here that is not flattering to the musician and that is not what the musician wants. When they tell me that they like what they hear, what comes out of here, then that’s my reward.” He has been rewarded many times over during the course of his legendary career. When you think of your favorite recordings, remember that a recording engineer was and still is responsible. The recording engineer has always been a member of the band and the audience. Of course, we have come a long way from the time when recordings were the province of highly-trained professionals to the modern era when practically everyone can be a recording engineer of sorts, albeit not always a good one— have you watched (and listened to) any YouTube videos lately? That’s why we should pay tribute to Rudy Van Gelder this week, the man who made a very comfortable living with his ears and his passion to flatter his clients. I will leave you to do your own research on the amazing career of Van Gelder. There’s plenty of material out there, so go ahead and explore. The best place to start, of course, is with the recordings he engineered. They contain his voice as well as anything, and you shouldn’t miss the joy they bring into your life. You might not like everything he recorded, but you will no doubt stand in awe of his prodigious output. There is no better introduction to jazz for the novice, and if you are a seasoned jazz fan, you will find new gems among the many titles. Just take a look at the Wikipedia entry on “Van Gelder Studio” and peruse his discography. Mind-blowing to say the least. So, bear with me as I present some of my favorite Van Gelder recordings. For starters, I am listening to a good place to being for anyone who is new to Van Gelder’s career, his 2005 selection of his “Perfect Takes,” featuring a variety of jazz artists representing his entire career, including Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, Hank Mobley, Kenny Burrell, Jimmy Smith, Wayne Shorter, and Donald Byrd. You can readily find this album, so I suggest you listen to it. These takes are, as the title says, about as perfect as it gets. From his Hackensack days, I can recommend “Thelonious Monk and Sonny Rollins” (1954), a creative conversation between my favorite pianist and saxophonist; “Bass on Top” (1957), a treat from the bass player who would go on to play with Miles Davis on the legendary (and still best-selling) jazz album, “Kind of Blue” (which was not engineered by Van Gelder); “Blue Trane” (1957), a careerdefining set by John Coltrane; and my favorite set of albums from this period: Miles Davis Quintet’s four 1957 releases, “Cookin’,” “Relaxin’,” “Steamin’,” and “Workin’,” which were all recorded in less than a week to fulfill Davis’ previous contract before he signed on with Columbia.
Needless to say, I had a very difficult time narrowing down my list from Van Gelder’s Englewood Cliffs period. But, here is my feeble attempt. Although John Coltrane did a lot of recordings with Van Gelder, two in particular stand out: “Ballads” (1961), a touching set of standards that depart from Coltrane’s charactistic “sheets of sound” approach, and a set that was the subject of a really nice tribute by vocalist Karrin Allyson, “Ballads: Remembering John Coltrane” in 2002 (which should have been engineered by Van Gelder); and “A Love Supreme” (1964), an album that is regularly cited as the best jazz album of all time (in contention with “Kind of Blue”)—believe it or not, a San Francisco church was founded around the themes of this now-iconic recording. I am a big fan of jazz guitarists, and one of the best and most imitated is Grant Green, an innovator who died in his mid forties after recording a large catalog of incredible albums. My picks include “Born To Be Blue” (1962) and “Idle Moments” (1963). Perhaps the most well-known jazz guitarist (thanks in large part to his cross-over pop chart successes of the 1960s) is Wes Montgomery. His two 1966 duet albums with jazz organist Jimmy Smith (who was an inspiration when I was learning to play the Hammond Organ “back in the day”) are obligatory: “Jimmy and Wes: The Dynamic Duo” and “Further Adventures Of Jimmy and Wes.” While you’re on a Jimmy Smith kick, turn on to his 1964 holiday tribute, “Christmas Cookin’” (a must for the upcoming holidays). Guitarist George Benson, who has enjoyed enormous jazz and pop success, was greatly influenced by both Green and Montgomery, One of my favorite Benson albums is the Creed Taylor produced “The Other Side of Abby Road” (1969), released a few weeks after The Beatles’ “Abby Road”; this album is a very intriguing mix of vocal and instrumental renditions of selections from The Beatles’ album, and in many ways I prefer Benson’s tribute to the original. Another “bucket list” jazz guitar album is Kenny Burrell’s “Midnight Blue,” released in 1963, with the title cut being featured on “Perfect Takes.” In addition to being a fan of the Hammond Organ, I love jazz piano, especially the way it is played by Herbie Hancock, who as of this writing is still with us. Hancock recorded often with Van Gelder, both as a headliner and as a sideman, and I heartily recommend his first solo album “Takin’ Off” (1962) and “Inventions and Dimensions” (1963). Last but not least are a pair of albums by Latin bossanova pioneer Antonio Carlos Jobin (of “Girl From Ipanema” fame), “Wave (1967) and “Tide” (1970) that I find immensely enjoyable, despite many jazz purists who see them as commercial junk. To each his own. This list could go on and on, but I must stop before this becomes a two-part series. I hope you will find your own ways to remember the legacy of Rudy Van Gelder this week, as well as that of Bobby Hutcherson. See you next week. theloaferonline.com | September 6, 2016 | 53
PLACING A CLASSIFED LINE AD:
Go to: www.theloaferonline.com, create an account, and enter your classified. Call 423282-1907 or email: classifieds@theloaferonline.com if you have any questions.
Game of Baloney, The Game of Things, Salem: A Card Game of Tri Cities Ladies Only Board Deception and Exploding KitGame Group - 423-609-575 tens. This is a Meetup group for 70 Real Estate ladies either bi, lesbian or straight who are serious about KINGSPORT LOT for sale by playing board/card games. We owner. 423-247-7959 want ladies who will actually $ 8,500.00 attend game nights. The goal of the group is for ladies to 107 Services meet, get to know each other, NOTHING MAKES A PROPform friendships while play- ERTY LOOK BETTER THAN A ing different types of games: NICE SLATE-BLACK PARKING Cards Against Humanity, Mas- LOT OR DRIVEWAY!! querade, Nanuk, Coup, Cash • Asphalt Sealing N Guns, Dixit, One Night Ulti- • Crack Repai mate Vampire, Smart Ass, The • Line Striping! Book your
63 Community
appointment today for a free quote! 423-383-3553
terior finish painter, we do everything from walls to trim to ceilings to cabinets!! Pictures Pet Grooming Professional Pet groomer for and references available. Free most dog breeds and cats. estimates. Licensed and inOver 20 years experience. I sured. 423-361-0325 can have most pets groomed Affordable Professional Wedand ready to go home in 2 ding & Event Photography hours. This eliminates stress Phone: 423-956-0820 on your pet. Groom inN&N Photography offers Afcludes trim,bath,blow dry,ear cleaning,anal gland expres- fordable Professional Wedding sion and nail trim. Located at and Event Photography in 410 Hazelwood St Bristol TN. Johnson City, Tn and surroundVisit our Family Pet Grooming ing areas. We photograph Facebook page. Prices start at Events, Engagements, Wed25.00 Give is a try, you Will be dings, Prom, Senior, Glamour glad you did. Call or text for an Portraits, Sports, Graduation, appointment 276-591-0877 Family, Sweetheart, Individual Interior Painting (Senior Spe- Portrait Shoots (male or female), & more. See our website cials ! ) 315-725-0562 www.nandnphotoshoot. Interior Painting - A new paint at: com and our Facebook page at: job inside will make your https://www.facebook.com/ home feel like a million bucks ! Beautiful soothing, appealing nandnphotoshoot/ for more COLORS ! Bedrooms, Living information and pricing. Rooms, ALL Rooms, Whole Model Call** House ! High Quality Paint- Phone: 423-956-0820 ing Service. SENIOR SPECIAL **Model Call: I am looking for ! Call / text David TODAY @ 2 models, one male 18+ and 315-725-0562 one female 18+. No modeling For The Best Hair Services In The Tri-Cities Area 423-534-9825. We are a full service salon owned and operated by hair stylist Sandi Smith, that offers professional cuts, styles, colors, perms, waxing, manicures, and pedicures all at affordable prices. The best prices in the Tri-Cities area. Mens haircuts are $10. Womens are $12. Sandi has over 32 years experience in the business and she wants to help you get your style on! We are located at 943 Volunteer Parkway in Bristol, Tennessee, near Auto Zone. Appointments available and Walk-ins welcome.
Interior Painting Don’t purchase new kitchen cabinets!!! Have them painted by CEP Painter. CEP Painter is an in-
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experience needed. One for a male edgy masculine portrait shoot, the female for a glamour portrait shoot. Your shoot will take place on a weekday at a local outdoor public park/ venue in the tri-city area, TN. For modeling you will receive a complimentary photo shoot, professional makeover, 2 finished images on a dvd and the experience to be a model
for a day! If you are interested please email us. Thank you! Yarntiques Yarntiques offers a large variety of hand knitting/crochet yarns from cotton to cashmere. Instruction is offered during business hours: Tuesday - Friday 1:00 - 6:00 and Saturday 10:00 - 5:30, Call for details. Come join the community table, anytime during business hours, for conversation, fellowship and knitting/crochet assistance. Mention this ad and receive a 10% discount on your purchase. Phone: 423-232-2933
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1999 Mazda Miata for sale Price: $ 1,600.00 Needs some work. Black on black. 131,000 miles. $1,600.00. Call 423-833-2095
145 Mind, Body & Spirit
Stop Smoking Naturally with Hypnosis Tired of being chained to the deadly habit of smoking? Are you motivated to stop smoking without using chemicals or chewing gum or wearing patches? I can help motivate you to stop this expensive, negative, unhealthy habit. Call us today at A New Path Hypnosis, 423-341-8898 or visit www.anewpathhypnosis.com to get started living a healthier life today. Free information session for all new clients.
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