Calendar of Events

The objects featured in this exhibit, ones seen publicly for the first time, are drawn from a private collection developed over the past 30 years by an adventuresome couple from Ten­nes­see. What started as a simple memento of the Southwest—a pair of small kachina dolls purchased in Santa Fe, New Mexico—eventually led to a remarkably rich and diverse collection of items produced by Indian peoples throughout all culture areas of Native North America. With each new specimen, the couple wanted to learn more about not only the object itself but also the cultural context within which it was made and used. Each new item added momentum to the couple's quest to expand and diversify their holdings. They were increasingly drawn to the scholarly literature on Indian art; they visited museums and Indian reservations across the United States and Canada; and they initiated contact with well-known dealers from coast to coast. They also began tailoring their vacations to match their collecting interests concerning the work of particular Indian artists, artifact types, and culture areas. All of this activity was fueled by the desire to broaden their understanding of the material culture of Native Americans. Their history of collecting can best be characterized as a journey of discovery, one they hope the viewer will share while touring this exhibit. The beautifully crafted pieces represent only a fraction of the holdings contained in this remarkable private collection. Information: 1327 Circle Park Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996. 865-974-2144, http://mcclungmuseum.utk.edu

Ellis Paul is a folk star who has crossed over into the world of mainstream pop. If you saw the Jim Carrey movie "Me, Myself & Irene," you've heard his music: the movie's theme song was Ellis's "The World Ain't Slowin' Down." But he hasn't lost touch with the folk world. He has a Woody Guthrie tattoo on his arm, has recorded Woody's music, and played in an all-star tribute tour for the folk legend. Woody's daughter Nora says, "Wise, tender, brilliant and biting, Ellis is one of our best human compasses, marking in melodies and poems where we've been and where we might go if we so choose to." Ellis's current project, "The Day After Everything Changed," is a CD funded entirely by his fans, donating amounts as small as $15 for a chance to own a part of Ellis's music. Opening for Ellis will be Chris Trapper, who, according to the Boston Phoenix, "spins small-town tales of death, joy, and remembrance in stripped-down, mostly acoustic arrangements that put the focus on his formidable storytelling talents." Price: $13 advance, $15 door at www.cumberlandmusic.org or at the Ferrell Shop or Moondollars Cafe in Oak Ridge's Jackson Square. More info: 865-567-1415 or info@cumberlandmusic.org.

They mix it up pretty good. Roots rock sounds and singer-songwriter sensibilities. After spending time away from the road the The Wallflowers return with a tour that promises to be one of the highlights of the summer. Original members Jakob Dylan, Greg Richling, Fred Eltringham will be joined by long time guitarist Stuart Mathis and keyboardist Bill Appleberry for these shows. Two dates lined up at two of our favorite venues: August 29 at the Bijou Theatre in Knoxvill e and August 31 at the Orange Peel in Asheville, NC. Both shows are on sale this Friday, June 19 at noon: 865-5 22-08 32 or www.knoxbijou.com

We welcome up-and-coming cellist Ben Sollee to the Garden.  Though trained in the traditional classical cello style, Ben's ability to modernize the instrument has enthralled audiences.  Named one of NPR's "Top Ten Unknown Artists of the Year" in 2007, his distinctive cello technique and soulful voice have been marinating for years in his work with avant-garde bluesman Otis Taylor, The Sparrow Quartet (featuring banjo-master Bela Fleck), and on the internationally known Woodsongs Old Time Radio Hour.  An artist on the rise, Sollee gained attention this summer when he biked over 300 miles from Kentucky to the Bonnaroo Music + Arts Festival in Manchester, TN with over 60 pounds of equipment and his cello in tow as a benefit for Oxfam America.  Sollee is a vocal supporter of sustainable living and has been an active participant in numerous anti-mountaintop removal benefits throughout the South.  To learn more about Ben Sollee, visit his website at http://www.bensollee.com. Tickets on sale via www.knoxgarden.org  or 1-800-838-3006. Information: 865-862-8717 or chyna@knoxgarden.org.  2743 Wimpole Avenue

Tickets available at all Tickets Unlimited outlets, the Tennessee Theatre box office, by phone at 865-656-4444, or online at www.tennesseetheatre.com.

James G. Stovall, one of the region's premier experts on web journalism, will teach a Knoxville Writers' Guild seminar called Writing for the Web. The event is aimed at the general public and will be at the Knoxville Women's Clubhouse at 3930 Kingston Pike. The seminar can accommodate 40 people. Cost is $20 for KWG members and $30 for non-members. Stovall, the Edward J. Meeman Distinguished Professor of Journalism at the University of Tennessee, said his discussion-style presentation will cover questions such as: What are the differences between writing for the web and writing for other media? How can you improve your writing and build your audience? To register or make reservations, visit http://www.knoxvillewritersguild.org

Tellico Village Yacht Club will play host as David Northington, pianist, Miroslav Hristov, violinist, Andrew Skoog, tenor and other talented performers take to the stage to raise money for the UT Student Scholarship Fund. Northington recently completed the international CD release of the Chopin Waltzes and is an Artistic Ambassador for the United States and Voice of America. Hristov has been named to the Faculty of the International Music Festival in the Berkshires and is a First Prize winner of the National Violin Competition in Bulgaria. Skoog made his New York debut at Carnegie Hall in Handel's Messiah and recently performed there in Orff's Carmina Burana with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Prior to the performance, a Student Jazz Combo will provide additional entertainment. Heavy hors d'oeuvres will be served; there will be a cash bar. UT School of Music holds three fundraising events each year. All are intended to raise awareness of the high caliber of students who apply, and assist those who could not afford to attend UT without financial help. A $60 donation per person is requested by Tuesday, August 25. Reservations and payment arrangements can be made by calling UT School of Music at (865) 974-8935 or mailing your donation to: Scholarship Musicale, UT School of Music, 1741 Volunteer Blvd., Knoxville, TN 37996-2600. Tellico Village Yacht Club is located at 100 Sequoyah Road in Loudon, Tennessee. http://www.music.utk.edu/

At the World's Fair Park Amphitheatre, featuring The Bearded; The Drunk Uncles; The Leadbetters with Phil Leadbetter; Brendon James Wright & The Wrongs; Van Eaton and Friends; The Early Morning Stringdusters; The Tennessee Shines Band; The Black Cadillacs; Y'uns; Medford's Black Record Collection; and more. $10 advance; $15 at the gate; $5 UT students; FREE for 12 and under. For more information or to order tickets, please call 865-544-1029 or visit www.wdvx.com

When you smell the popcorn, you know it's that time of year again—time for screenings of classic movies at the Historic Tennessee Theatre! This year's Summer Movie Magic series features a great mix of comedy, drama and musicals:

The Pink Panther - Friday, June 19, 8 p.m. and Sunday, June 21, 2 p.m.
On the Waterfront - Friday, June 26, 8 p.m. and Sunday, June 28, 2 p.m.
The Birds - Friday, July 10, 8 p.m. and Sunday, July 12, 2 p.m.
The Sting - Friday, July 24, 8 p.m. and Sunday, July 26, 2 p.m.
Elvis Presley double feature: Viva Las Vegas/Jailhouse Rock - Friday, August 14, 8 p.m. and Saturday, August 16, 2 p.m.
Oklahoma! - Friday, August 28 8 p.m. and Sunday, August 30, 2 p.m.

Enjoy unforgettable films on the big screen. Each screening begins with Bill Snyder performing on the Mighty Wurlitzer. Series passes on sale as well as individual tickets. Info: 865-684-1200, www.tennesseetheatre.com

The Maryville Arts Coalition is proud to present it's 2nd Annual "Tribute to Music", a two night event coordinated with the Last Friday Art Walk to celebrate the art of music. This event will include a focus on music for Last Friday ArtWalk, August 28th, with musicians performing while artists "Paint the Music" on the streets of Downtown Maryville. This gives the public an opportunity to see how music influences and inspires various artists and how they work! Saturday evening will be the artist reception and sale of art, open to the public, with a special "Destination Downtown" VIP Wine Tasting & Patron's Preview" hosted by, and to benefit, the Maryville Downtown Association. Visit www.MaryvilleArtWalk.com.

In the Blain Galleries. Opening reception August 21, 6:00 – 8:00 pm. 556 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN. Information at 865-436-5860 or www.arrowmont.org.

The inspired movie hit of the sixties comes vividly to life on the stage. Benjamin Braddock, recent college graduate and prodigal son, returns home and promptly becomes embroiled in an affair with the wife of his father's business partner, one Mrs. Robinson, only to find himself falling in love with her daughter. A rich and full bittersweet comedy.

227 Broadway in Historic Jackson Square, Oak Ridge, TN 37830. For more information, call (865) 482-9999 or visit www.orplayhouse.com