Welcome Back - Arts and Culture 08 16 13

section B

Welcome Back

Friday, August 16, 2013

• Valisia LeKae

Melodi Erdogan Arts & Culture Editor

Alumna earns Tony nomination for lead role on Broadway

When The Daily Beacon called Valisia LeKae at the scheduled time of interview, her phone rang numerously before going to voicemail. After another failed attempt a few minutes later, LeKae called back.

She had just finished performing the lead role of Diana Ross in the Broadway hit show Motown: The Musical.

“I worked out my life for this moment,” LeKae said.

“Whether it was performing in theme parks in high school or singing in churches or anything else I did.

“I definitely knew this moment was going to come.”

The Memphis native graduated from UT in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Although she had been singing since she was six years old, LeKae knew she had to pursue something to fall back on during her undergraduate education.

See ALUMNA on Page 2B

WHAT’S INSIDE:

Union Avenue Books, page 2B

Art student feature, page 3B

The Daily Beacon Weekender, page 5B

2B • THE DAILY BEACON

Friday, August 16, 2013

ARTS & CULTURE ALUMNA continued from Page 1B “I lived with my grandmother when I was in high school and she’s an educator and she wanted me to do something real and she wanted me to have a real job so then I remembered that I had a love for psychology,” LeKae said. “I found my way into psychology but throughout college I was still performing, whether it was mascoting or performing at Dollywood.

“But I just need to have something concrete, something to fall back on if things didn’t go right for me.”

When attending UT, LeKae never lost touch with her passion to perform. During her freshman and sophomore years, she was one of Smokey’s Mascots and spent two years working as a performer at Dollywood.

“Even though I didn’t major in music or theatre or anything like that, I was very persistent about continuing on my love for performing,” LeKae said. “I knew I was going to New York, regardless of whether I had a place to stay or whatever, so that’s why by the time I was having my graduation ceremony, I bedazzled NYC on my hat because I knew I was going to be going to New York city and I knew I was going to be either a recording artist or something like that because I had it in me to do something like that.”

After graduation, with barely any money, LeKae headed for New York and picked up a job as a United Service Organizations girl.

When one of her fellow USO girls couldn’t make an audition, LeKae got stuck with it, and then met Charles Randolph-Wright, an awardwinning Broadway director.

“Every one has dreams that they want to achieve but at the same time, sometimes your luck just doesn’t match up with it,” said Jordan Achs, junior in journalism and electronic media. “She was lucky enough to get that audition but she had the drive to go to New York with barely any money.

“Even though that’s the scariest thing that I’ve ever heard, I think it’s really cool.”

LeKae did not get the role she auditioned for that day, but she did impress RandolphWright and now works with him on Motown: The Musical.

“It was just a matter of continually doing that and continually believing in myself and just doing anything and everything for experience,” LeKae said regarding how she got to this point in her career. “You never know what one thing you’re going to do that could prepare you for such a great moment in your life.

“Everything in my life has prepared me for this moment, including college.”

LeKae received numerous nominations and awards for her role as renown female vocalist Diana Ross, including a Theatre World Award and Outer Critics Circle Award. But one stood

out. last April, LeKae received a Tony nomination for best performance by an actress in a leading role in a musical.

Although she did not win the award, LeKae said the nomination was a “blessing.”

“It’s like the pinnacle of your Broadway career, being nominated or winning a Tony award,” LeKae said. “I worked very hard over these years and treating Broadway like my schooling so to be recognized by the Broadway community is a huge honor.”

The show is based off of founder of Motown and the father of Ross’s daughter Berry Gordy’s autobiography “To Be Loved: The Music, the Magic, the Memories of Motown,”. In 1959, Gordy created the record company entitled Motown in Detroit and soon after had young artists such as Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and The Supremes under his label. Diana Ross, who originally fronted The Supremes and then became her own act, was one among many of the label’s success stories.

“She reminds me so much of Diana,” Gordy said in a promotional video for the musical. “I was so in love with Diana and it’s so hard not to fall in love with [Valisia].”

Before Motown, LeKae also had roles in other Broadway productions including “The Book of Mormon” and “The Threepenny Opera.”

Motown: The Musical now calls the LuntFontanne Theatre in New York City its home.

LeKae performs the show multiple times on a weekly basis, even twice a day. The show will be on Broadway until March 30, 2014.

“It’s what I love to do,” she said. “It’s a part of my life, it’s what I feel like I was born to do which is to perform and entertain and share my gift to other people.”

When she hears success stories behind UT alumni, Achs said “it makes me proud to go to UT.” “It reminds me that college is helping you get ready for your future and that people do have successful futures and that UT is actually a good school, it’s not just a random state school,” Achs said.

LeKae said she encourages aspiring performers to believe in themselves.

“Don’t stop believing in yourself, you’re on the right track, you’re so on the right track,” LeKae said. “People may want you to do other things, but always trust your gut, and have faith.”

When asked if there was anything else to wanted to add to the interview, LeKae revisited her Volunteer roots.

“Go Vols,” she said, laughing. “I love that I can still say that because I know it means so much to many of the Volunteers there, so go Vols.”

Arts & Culture Editor Melodi Erdogan merdogan@utk.edu

Local book store places emphasis on community McCord Pagan

Staff Writer Union Avenue Books, a relatively new staple of downtown life, has been around since June 2011 and continues to engage customers on a regular basis. The owner, Flossie McNabb, runs the store with the help of her daughter, Bunnie Presswood.

Union Avenue Books is locally owned and independent. According to Presswood, the attribute makes the store unique, as the book selection is hand selected and allows the duo to be more helpful to customers.

McNabb’s previous store, Carpe Librum, closed in December of 2010 as it was too large to manage, but it was not long before she returned to her passion.

Union Avenue Books, nestled in the middle of Union Avenue in downtown Knoxville, contains all genres of books and hosts book signings and events by local authors. Most recently, local John Rose, the current artist of the Snuffy Smith comic strip, came for a signing of his most recent book, “The Bodacious Best of Snuffy Smith.”

Union Avenue Books, at first glance may feel like a typical bookstore, but the focus on the reader quickly becomes apparent. Although the store is small, the layout is open and friendly and causes customer’s eyes to be led from one cover to another, from the large selection of books ranging from every genre imaginable.

The selection at Union Avenue Books, while entertaining fans of all genres, is different in that all novels are hand-selected by the staff, giving the experience a much more personal feel, according to Presswood.

“It’s a smaller, handpicked selection of books, whereas they (McKay) have everything, like everything,” Preswood said. “Here we handpick the books that go on the shelf.”

McNabb said she is also proud of the employees, saying the “knowl-

Hannah Cather • The Daily Beacon

edgeable booksellers” are more experienced than those at larger chains.

“They really read and help out and can help people pick out books.”

As far as events go, Presswood said the smaller atmosphere provides for a better experience overall.

“Ours are smaller,” she said.

“People are able to talk and get questions.”

The independence of the store positively contributes to the ‘book culture’ of Knoxville, according to Robin Lovett, rising junior in Spanish. Lovett said she prefers shopping at Union Avenue Books, and finds in the store a better experience than most other bookstores and said it has “its own personality.”

“Any time you go into a Barnes & Noble it looks exactly the same as the other Barnes & Noble that you’ve been in,” Lovett said.

“Whenever I have a class where we’re reading a novel instead of a textbook, I always try to buy my books there.”

As for Presswood and her mother, both said they proud of the impact they are having on the bookworm culture in Knoxville.

“We have a book group that meets

here, the last Wednesday of every month, and it’s pretty big,” she said.

“We’re involved with Friends of Literacy, Friends of the Library; it’s definitely a book community.”

The store is currently hosting a “Where’s Waldo” event through Aug. 3 with the help of other local businesses. The event allows customers to pick up a passport from the bookstore and go to other downtown businesses looking for the famous striped character, all in exchange for a chance to win a prize.

Author Kevin West of Maryville is scheduled to visit the cozy store on Aug. 1 to promote his book, “Saving the Season: A cook’s guide to home canning, pickling, and preserving.”

“We’re a local independent bookstore, we are here for the community,” Presswood said.

Union Avenue Books is located at 517 Union Ave. The store is open Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and until 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. They are open on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information about Union Avenue Books and their upcoming events, visit www.unionavebooks.com.

Friday, August 16, 2013

THE DAILY BEACON • 3B

ARTS & CULTURE

Arts & Culture Editor Melodi Erdogan merdogan@utk.edu

Actor brings talents to UT Cortney Roark

Staff Writer To say that David Brian Alley is a seasoned performer might be an understatement to the adjective.

Alley has been a physicist, worked under Ebenezer Scrooge and has been multiple other people at once.

But first and foremost, he is a professional actor and Artist-in-Residence at UT. Alley has been in 37 productions in 13 seasons at Clarence Brown, including holiday classics, “A Christmas Carol,” “It’s a Wonderful Life” and the physics-based play “Copenhagen.”

This fall, Alley will play a lead role in “Noises Off.” Alley’s character is an actor in a play called “Nothing On.” The play follows the actors on “Nothing On” from production to closing night of their disastrous theatrical journey. “Noises Off” contains the playwithin-a-play structure, which, according to Alley, is a complex production.

“From a preparation standpoint and a research standpoint, I have to have an understanding of my character, Frederick Fellows,” Alley said. “I have to have an understanding of his understanding of his character, Phillip Brent.”

As an artist-inresidence at UT, Alley is a part of the professional company at the Clarence Brown Theater and teaches acting and, sometimes, play analysis classes.

“As a long-time artist-in-residence at the Clarence Brown Theatre, David Brian Alley has gained a very loyal fan following,” said Robin Conklin, marketing director of the Clarence Brown Theatre. “Our patrons love him and many select specific productions just because he is in them.”

Alley, who admires the work of fellow actor Kevin Bacon, said his favorite production is “Stones in His Pockets.” In this play, two actors play the main roles of Jake and Charlie, as well as the 15 other characters. Alley played in this production at the CBT in 2006, as well as Playmakers Repertory in North Carolina.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been in any production where I felt quite so raw and exposed in any given moment,” Alley said. “It was just the two of us. If something went wrong, all we had to rely on was each other.”

During one particular performance of “Stones in his Pockets,” Alley said he realized the benefits gained from his education.

“Stones in his Pockets” was set to run for one more week at Clarence Brown when his fellow

actor, Matt Detmer, was called to New York. Charlie Flynn-McIver, who had just finished the same show in North Carolina, was brought in to play out the last week of the production.

Flynn-McIver had two days to rehearse with Alley before they performed in front of an audience.

“It was kind of terrifying for me to learn the Clarence Brown version in just two days,” FlynnMcIver said, seven years after the performance. “Of the people I’ve been on stage with and had to trust, David is on top.

“He knew his stuff so well that he could help me out. He is a very generous actor.”

Alley said this show was the most defining moment of his career.

“There were probably not any other two actors on the American theater on stage that night who were listening to each other more carefully and more intently than the two of us,” Alley said.

Throughout his career, Alley has continued his education to gain more knowledge of the acting world. He has an MFA in theatre performance and a BA in theatre from UT. He also attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles, from which he has an AA. Los Angeles, Chapel Hill and • David Brian Alley Chicago have all welcomed Alley to their stage as a professional actor. His time in Chicago gave him the opportunity to occasionally work with actresses and comedians Tina Fey and Amy Poehler.

Alley has appeared in film and on TV in “It’s a Miracle,” “Unsolved Mysteries,” “Something/ Anything” and “The Heart is Deceitful.” He played in the short film, “Gina: An Actress Age 29,” that earned the 2001 short film jury award at the Sundance Film Festival.

As an actor, there is a lot of preparation to be done before a show, which Alley said is another favorite thing about his career. During the production of “Copenhagen” Alley learned the basics of nuclear physics to play his role, and must learn the background information for every character he plays.

“In the preparation process and when I’m doing research there is always something new to learn,” he said. “While there are some things that are more challenging, it’s always fun because I’m always learning.”

Admission to opening night of “Noises Off” is free of charge and every other night is $5 for students and ranges from $12 to $40 for non-students. The play will run from Sept. 5 to Sept. 22.

• Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Mauldin

Seasoned art student pursues teaching Cortney Roark

Staff Writer Elizabeth Mauldin, senior in fine arts and painting, has shown at the downtown Gallery 1010 twice, but her artwork has never been duplicated.

Mauldin said her art reflects her interests in the symbolism used by renaissance painters. These painters used abstract monsters in their paintings to represent flaws in people or society, and Mauldin takes a similar approach. This creates a unique look that makes her artwork stand out among the common modern approach many of her classmates take.

“I like to use the monsters as placeholders for people in awkward situations,” Mauldin said.

“They’re sort of disgusting looking creatures and they’re talking to each other. And it’s really awkward. I just enjoy that.

“I feel disgusting sometimes, so I make them look how I feel I look. They’re sort of self-images on a worst day.”

Gallery 1010 is an exhibition space for current UT art students, faculty, staff, alumni and guest artists and is the only non-profit exhibition space in Tennessee that is fully run by students, according to the gallery’s website.

Mauldin’s work was first featured in Gallery 1010 in October 2011 in an exhibition titled “Unstable Equilibrium,” which was also made up of work by William Warden, a senior in studio art.

Mauldin had her first solo show at the same gallery last March.

“There’s a lot of competition for the spots,” Mauldin said. “Especially the year I got a solo show, there were even fewer spots.”

Mauldin grew up painting and realized she wanted to pursue art in middle school and noted UT’s art program for the aide it provides students to keep their interest in art after beginning college.

“The UT program is very much focused on

making sure you’re doing what you want to do,” Mauldin said. “They mold their teaching around that.

“It makes it easier to make sure you stay passionate about it.”

The UT School of Art initiated an Artists in Residence program in 1982. This program brings in practicing artists to teach for a semester, according to Marcia Goldenstein, professor in the School of Art. This gives students a chance to learn from visiting artists who can provide fresh material on class objectives, while getting a different perspective on the art world, outside of UT. Artists in Residence participants are brought in to teach a junior level painting and drawing class, as well as a senior level seminar. Mauldin took part in these three classes during her time in the School of Art. She worked with artists such as Michael Berryhill, Ezra Johnson and Keltie Ferris during this time.

Mauldin impressed these artists and made a multitude of contacts, according to Professor Goldenstein, who has worked with Mauldin during her time in the School of Art. Goldenstein says Mauldin is a bright, interesting student with great potential for a future in art.

“She just seem[s] like a natural, and students like that don’t come along every day,” Goldenstein said. “She’s enthusiastic and willing to try new things. She tried new things and made them work for her, not to please me or anybody else, but to please her and make them her ideas.”

Mauldin plans to spend time at Yale, where her boyfriend will attend a master’s art program. After building her portfolio, she would like to attend graduate school. Mauldin also is interested in teaching art abroad in the future.

“I like to make things just out of nowhere, but I also like the way the paint feels,” Mauldin said.

“It’s a very physical process and a very mental process. At the very least [my art] reflects my need to draw.”

4B • THE DAILY BEACON

Friday, August 16, 2013

ARTS & CULTURE

Arts & Culture Editor Melodi Erdogan merdogan@utk.edu

Opera Theatre maintains quality despite lack in university funding Cortney Roark Staff Writer “It’s not over until the fat lady sings.”

This famous saying sums up the average person’s knowledge of the opera. Although this is a humorous comment, it is no coincidence that singing is the only action mentioned, as acting falls second to vocals in most opera productions.

However, this is not the case for UT Opera Theatre. According to Scott Beasley, graduate student in the school of music, UT Opera Theatre has earned audience compliments on singing, props and, more uncommon, acting.

Beasley said that these compliments have been earned due to encouragement from UT opera director, James Marvel, as well as a determination to make up for their small budget. Beasley said the situation has pushed the students to develop their full spectrum of being a performer. “[James] can really inspire us and be creative,” Beasley said, who will begin his third year with UT Opera Theatre in August. “It’s a good life lesson working with something that is not provided. It has forced us to be better actors and singers being in the Carousel. It’s very small.

“It’s basically us on stage acting. There is nothing to hide behind. We are very exposed.”

Theater space, costumes, props, scenery and payment are components that are considered when producing an opera. According to Marvel, who became director two years ago, UT Opera Theatre does this on a “shoestring budget,” while comparable university opera programs could quadruple their spending.

Andrew Wentzel, professor of voice, said that the

university, as well as the Cultural Affairs Board, is very supportive of the Opera Theatre, but “the funds are the funds.”

“UT is doing the best that they can,” Wentzel said. “I know they think we’re important. We have achieved their goal of being a top 25 program. It’s just what the university has to offer.”

Although funds from the university may be limited, students and faculty work hard to earn money from private donors.

“You don’t want to give money to something that’s failing and the fact that we clearly do work has encouraged private donors,” Marvel said. “We are so grateful for every dollar we get because it goes into the students.”

The focus on students makes UT’s opera program unique, according to Marvel, who has worked in opera programs at numerous universities. He said the faculty is “among the best in the company.”

“We instill in our students the importance of being good human beings and colleagues to each other,” Marvel said. “We treat them with respect and, in turn, we expect their respect. We try to give them a Hannah Cather • The Daily Beacon realistic view of the real world.”

Students of the UT opera program also perform Scott Beasley says the small space of The Carousel Theatre helped him become a as a part of the Knoxville Opera, and many students better actor and singer. from UT have been accepted into some of the most competitive opera programs in the U.S., Marvel said. ter environment.”

Although the budget is limited, Beasley said he Beasley said that everyone in the opera program is UT Opera Theatre will be performing Gioachino is confident in what the Opera Theatre can achieve. supportive of each others dreams.

“People are not going to walk away and say it could Rossini’s “The Barber of Seville” beginning Nov. 15.

“We’re encouraged to take risks and that can be The Opera Theatre will also be performing “Cosi Fan have been a better production with more money,” hard to do when you don’t feel safe and secure,” Tutte,” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, beginning Beasley said. “They’re going to walk away and say, Beasley said. “Everyone has taken risks and when you April 11, 2014. Tickets for performances are $5 for ‘That was an amazing production overall.’” fall flat on your face it kind of gets laughed off because students and $15 for non-students, and can be purFor more information about UT Opera Theatre, you’re encouraged to take that risk. It makes for a bet- chased at the Clarence Brown box office. visit www.music.utk.edu/opera.

Students discuss validity of stereotypical Greek Life fashion Melodi Erdogan Arts & Culture Editor

Cortney Roark Staff Writer Mikey Mitchell, junior in microbiology, wears polo shirts, khaki shorts and boat shoes on a daily basis.

He is also a brother of Lambda Chi Alpha.

Many male college students involved in Greek Life are stereotyped as having a uniform style which consists of basic, name-brand clothing.

“I would say [fraternity guys] dress really well,” Mitchell said, “somewhat like a country club, like a 40-year-old man.”

Although Greek Life stereotypes are many, the way someone dresses is the first indication of what they are involved in said Zach Franco, store manager at Urban Outfitters Knoxville in Market Square.

“Whether you have someone who is in a frat, a rapper, a skateboarder, they’re all going to dress the part,” Franco said. “If someone is in a fraternity, chances are the people that are in the fraternity with

them have similar interests, so they’re going to tend to have similar styles.”

Common pieces among Fraternity guys are Ralph Lauren polo shirts, Sperry boat shoes and Croakies eyewear retainers. Rachel Schwallie, senior in psychology, employee at Gap in West Town Mall and sister of Kappa Delta, said that name brands are popular among Greek Life because they are “known for being expensive.”

“It’s a status symbol,” Schwallie said, “that’s the whole ‘I’m going to wear that polo because that polo was expensive, I’m going to wear that Brooks Brothers because it’s expensive.’ If you see someone with a Southern Tide shirt on, you know that’s a Southern Tide shirt.

“That’s just the whole fratty thing, looking like you have money.”

As a first year graduate student in finance, Varick Tucker just recently invested in a formal suit. Although he said he doesn’t think he dresses like a fraternity guy, he can’t say anything negative about their name-brand style.

“I feel like sometimes you do have to dress the part,” Tucker said, who described his style as conservative. “You wouldn’t want to join a group that dresses really raggedy and look pretty beat up. You want to a group that is portrayed as being well off, not even money wise, but just well off in general, they carry themselves well and they dress nice, and they potentially have money.

“It’s not a necessity, but it’s a good thing that they do that because it brings in more members and brings in better members.”

Although Schwallie said many guys involved in Greek Life don’t often shop at the Gap, she noted that observers will continually make snap-judgements on outward appearance.

“My boyfriend’s not in a fraternity, and he doesn’t want to look like he’s in a fraternity,” she said. “[He wears] regular jeans that aren’t too tight, he doesn’t wear Sperrys. Unfortunately, those are nice clothes that I think look really nice, but people make judgments on you whenever they see you wear that stuff. That’s why he doesn’t want people to think that he thinks that’s he’s better than them.”

As for making judgments, Mitchell said it “depends on the person.”

“If they like the way frat guys dress then they’ll look at it positive, if they don’t’ like it they’ll look at it in a negative way,” he said. “It’s the same for athletic people, and hipsters (and) baseballs players.”

Franco said people “are going to dress in the stuff that they like whether they’re in a frat or something else.”

“Really you could change up style with something as small as accessories,” Franco said. “If someone like a frat guy at the school doesn’t want to look like a frat guy it’s going to be a matter of him taking it into his own hands and changing it up.”

Friday, August 16, 2013

THE DAILY BEACON • 5B

ARTS & CULTURE

Arts & Culture Editor Melodi Erdogan merdogan@utk.edu

Local radio station features live sets Cortney Roark

Staff Writer

Saturday, August 17 What: ‘The Nerd’ Where: Theatre Knoxville Downtown When: 8 p.m.

Price: $10-$15 Melodi’s Take: Classes haven’t started yet, and you’re finally all moved in. Why not enjoy the Saturday night with a nice Broadway show that’s come to Knoxville? The Theatre Knoxville Downtown gathered a talented cast for “The Nerd,” a play all about an architect who ends up in Vietnam, on the verge of death, and suddenly saved by a stupid “nerd” who over stays his welcome in the architect’s life. If that plot line hasn’t already drawn you in, it sure will when you go to see the play. Sure to guarantee some giggles, “The Nerd” is a cheap, Saturday night that won’t disappoint.

Sunday, August 18 What: J. Luke Cochran Where: Wild Wing Cafe When: 6:30 p.m.

Price: Free (ages 21 and up) Melodi’s Take: This local singer/ songwriter is Knoxville’s own version of Ed Sheeran. With a velvety voice paired with smooth acoustic guitar riffs and soft drums, J. Luke Cochran is an artist that has an a bright music career in front of him. Not only is this Oak Ridge native extremely talented, but he’s giving a free concert at the Wild Wing Cafe and it’s sure to be a blast. Why not get accustomed to Knoxville tradition and attend?

You’ll be impressed by this young musician.

• J. Luke Cochran

Tuesday, August 20 What: Jazz on the Square Where: Market Square When: 8 p.m.

Price: Free Melodi’s Take: New to Knoxville? Let me introduce you to Market Square, the hippest place downtown. This rectangularshaped block of stores and restaurants not only provide the best shopping and food in the area, but the stage at North side provides a place for awesome entertainment. All summer long the Marvel City 5 has been performing the Jazz on the Square series, but this will be their second to last performance so make sure you come out. Plus, a free concert is a nobrainer. Enjoy the night before classes and Melodi Erdogan • The Daily Beacon make it a date.

Wednesday, August 21 What: The Nick Swafford Trio Where: Bistro at the Bijou When: 7 p.m.

Price: Free Melodi’s Take: Looking for a way to de-stress after a long day of classes? The Nick Swofford

Trio will not disappoint. Since they’ve played Bistro at the Bijou quite a few times, these jazz musicians know exactly how to impress the restaurant crowd. While enjoying some soothing jazz music, why not indulge in some amazing food as well?

Radio stations today pride themselves on playing music from the top of the lists, which is why it’s typical to hear the same song on three different radio stations, multiple times a day.

This has never been the case with East Tennessee’s WDVX. WDVX focuses its music on local artists, and mny of the songs are performed live. This music falls into the category of Americana, which encompasses blues, bluegrass, celtic, folk, cajun and various other genres, according to Tony Lawson, WDVX program director.

This unique radio station was created by a group of people, including Lawson, with the desire to give the people of East Tennessee a station that represents their home, according to the WDVX website (www.wdvx.com).

This desire created a radio station unlike any other that broadcasts a feeling of home.

“It is almost like stepping into a piece of the past,” Andrew Sayne, long time fan of WDVX, said. “Genuine love for good music made by good people. No corporate agenda.”

After broadcasting from a camper for five years, WDVX made the Knoxville Visitor’s Center it’s permanent home in 2005, Lawson, who is also a DJ for the station, said.

The radio station proves its unique style through its music, and, as an independent, listener-supported community station, through its sense of family.

“That is one great thing about working here,” Lawson said. “The people, the relationships and the community building. That is the most important, because doing that gives the station life to go forward.”

WDVX holds various live shows throughout the week to cater to its diverse audience. One of these shows is The Blue Plate Special. This show started in the camper as the occasional live set of music among recorded music. Now, it is held Monday through Saturday at noon and is always live, featuring two acts.

This show is free to the public and also streams online for the web cast fans.

“It’s nice for the music to come here,” Lawson said. “We have shows every day. It’s sort of like a

music lover’s dream.”

There is also a weekly show called Tennessee Shines that begins in August. This show is held Monday nights at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 and free for students.

One of the most unique shows that WDVX presents is Kidstuff, a show dedicated to the children of Knoxville. The last Saturday of each month the stage area is transformed into a kid friendly place. The chairs are moved so kids can sit with their shakers and interact with the show, which is sometimes put on by kids with musical talents.

WDVX has held the title of Bluegrass Station of the Year eight times, the most recent in 2012, by the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music Association.

The focus on local talent is something that is greatly appreciated in East Tennessee, and will continue to be part of the spirit behind WDVX. “You may not hear your new favorite death metal song on the station, but you will hear some great old time music no matter what time it is,” Sayne, who enjoys playing music himself, said.

“No other station even comes close to that much local momentum.”

Hannah Cather • The Daily Beacon

Dave Hadley plays the pedal steel at Tuesday’s Blue Plate Special.

6B • THE DAILY BEACON

Friday, August 16, 2013