Calendar of Events

Effortlessly straddling the gap between avant-garde improvisation and accessible groove-based jazz, Medeski, Martin, & Wood have simultaneously earned standings as relentlessly innovative musicians and an enormously popular act. Watching these guys reveals a chemistry they clearly thrive on. At the end of the night, it's all about the music and this one should prove to be sublime. Here's a cut, Amber Gris, from their most recent album, "Radiolarians II". Tickets on sale at 865-522-0832 or www.knoxbijou.com

In Market Square, downtown Knoxville. Join thousands of your neighbors as we read one book together. The Big Read is a month long celebration of a literary classic. YWCA and KCPL have teamed up for the third year to bring this important community reading program to you. Celebrate Mexican Independence Day and Rudolfo Anaya's Bless Me, Ultima by helping us launch The Big Read during the Market Square Farmer's Market. Enjoy presentations from Mayor Bill Haslam, Knox County Public Library Director Larry Frank, and YWCA Executive Director Marigail Mullin, along with dance performances from the Knoxville Argentine Tango Society and Mexican folkloric Grupo Santa Cruz,. Giveaways include 100 copies of Bless Me, Ultima in English, 25 copies in Spanish, Reader's Guides in both English and Spanish, and Audio Guides.

The annual Latino Arts Exhibition at the Knoxville Museum of Art honors Hispanic Heritage Month. Widen your horizons for free! 1050 World's Fair Park Drive, Knoxville, TN 37916. Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 10am-5pm, Friday 10am-8pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, and Sunday 1pm-5pm. Free parking. For more information: (865) 525-6101, www.knoxart.org

Based in Knoxville, A1LabArts is a nonprofit dedicated to multi-disciplinary and experimental exploration of contemporary art issues in all media. Opening reception September 11, 6:00-8:00 PM. 2931 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919. Information: 865-335-2670, www.a1labarts.org

+ Field of Dreams (PG) on September 11
+ The Goonies (PG) on September 18
+ Kung Fu Panda (PG) on September 25
+ Casablanca (PG) on October 2
+ Wallace and Gromit in the Curse of the Were-Rabbit (G) on October 9
+ Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (PG 13) on October 16
Pull out your lawn chair or blanket and join the fun for Knoxville's favorite outdoor movies series every Friday night. For information, call 865-215-8750.

By Ed Graczyk, Directed by Courtney Woolard
Showtimes: Thursday, Friday, Saturday @ 8:00 pm and Sunday @ 3:00 pm
Tickets: Thursday, Sunday $10; Friday, Saturday $15.
319 N. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37917.  865-544-1999, www.theatreknoxville.com

by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett, based on the writings of Anne Frank

Thursdays at 7 PM, Fridays at 7 PM, Saturdays at 1 PM & 5 PM, Sundays at 3 PM

865-599-5284; www.childrenstheatreknoxville.com

Fridays: September 11 - Hazel Tippo with Hazel & Company will host a salad dressing tasting; September 18 - Gloria Felter, local quilter, will demonstrate her hand-stitching; September 25 - Wendy Smith and Kathryn Byrd, local potters, will demonstrate their wares.
301 S. Gay Street (corner of Gay St & Summit Hill). 865-523-7263

Chilhowee Park

Exhibits, tractor pulls, livestock contests, music, food, and rides. Buy tickets beginning July 15 - three-day admission passes are $15. 865-215-1470 or www.tnvalleyfair.org

A visual tour and continuing celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Smoky Mountains National Park. In this exhibition, the Gallery is premiering photography collections of our local mountain treasure by Ronald Burke as well as Robert Batey, both
local artist/photographers. 5607 Kingston Pike. 865-584-6097, www.hansongallery.com

UT Photojournalism professor Robert Heller always has his camera with him when he travels. Heller's photographic exhibit, "City Light," examines the confluence of architecture, people and light, as found in cities such as San Francisco, New York, Chicago, Warsaw and elsewhere. Open to the public M-F 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. 625 Market Street, Suite 1400, downtown Knoxville. 865-524-1223 or www.easttennesseefoundation.org

The Knoxville Museum of Art introduces Contemporary Focus, a new series that recognizes, supports, and documents the development of contemporary art in East Tennessee. Each year the KMA will feature several emerging artists who work in new and experimental ways. Contemporary Focus 2009 presents the work of three remarkable artists: Hunt Clark, Patricia Tinajero, and David Wolff. Hunt Clark studied art at the University of Tennessee with a focus in painting and sculpture. Clark is best known for his intricately curved, organic shapes that he carves out of large blocks of wood or constructs with large inflatable structures. Patricia Tinajero is an assistant professor in the department of sculpture at the University of Tennessee. Born in Quito, Ecuador, Tinajero often uses her work to raise questions about cultural identity and social practice. As part of Contemporary Focus, Tinajero has built a large sculpture in KMA's south garden. David Wolff, a 1991 graduate of the University of Tennessee, paints with a delicate and thoughtful touch. Deeply inspired by Renaissance and Medieval art, Wolff's abstract scenes become intensely realistic. Wolff runs the Fluorescent Gallery in downtown Knoxville which has become a backbone of Knoxville's downtown arts district. The opening reception at the KMA on Thursday, September 3, 2009, from 7-9pm is free and open to the public. 1050 World's Fair Park Drive, Knoxville, TN 37918. Open to the public Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday 10am–5pm, Friday 10am–8pm, and Sunday 1pm–5pm. Admission and parking are free. Information: 865-525-6101, www.knoxart.org