Calendar of Events

The WordPlayers and Erin Stage Co. collaborate to bring this classic story to Knoxville. It is the story of Annie Sullivan and her student, blind and deaf Helen Keller. The Miracle Worker dramatizes the volatile relationship between the lonely teacher and her charge. Helen, trapped in her secret world, is violent, spoiled, almost sub-human, and treated by her family as such. Only Annie realizes that there is a mind and spirit waiting to be rescued from the dark, tortured silence. (recommended for ages 10+) November 6, 12, 13 at 7:30 pm and November 14 at 2:00 pm at The WordPlayers Theatre at MCM, 1540 Robinson Rd. in Knoxville; and November 21 and 27 at 7:30 pm and November 22 & 28 @ 2:00 pm at Erin Presbyterian Church, 200 Lockett Rd. in Knoxville. Tickets are $12 Adults, $10 Seniors/Students, $8 Groups of 10 or more, Thursdays are "Pay What You Can" nights, Signed Performance TBA. Information: 865-539-2490, www.wordplayers.org

A graduate of Maryville College in 2007, Jonathan Howe is a professional artist specializing in portrait and landscape painting. His mural design was selected to grace the grand entryway to the John J. Duncan Federal Building in Knoxville, Tennessee. The mural, which stretches nearly one hundred feet, celebrates the triumph of the United States Constitution and the strength of its people. From corporate and family portraits to beautiful mountain vistas to public mural projects, Jonathan's work displays a keen eye for light and composition with the quality of realism. Most recently Jonathan won best in show at the McGee Tyson Airport Art. Unarmed Merchants, 129 S. Gay Street, Knoxville TN 37902. Information: (865) 549-5769

Reception for the exhibition, Glimpse, on Friday, November 6, from 7:00-10:00 PM. Butler and Van der Laan are recent graduates from the M.F.A. program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The artists think of these works as large scale sketches, visual representations of ideas that are beginning to emerge, explorations of what may be, a glimpse into the future. The Birdhouse is located at 800 N. 4th Ave., on the corner of 4th and Gill. For more information:
http://myspace.com/birdhouselaboratories
www.jessievanderlaan.com
www.robmatbutler.com

Information: 865-215-8830, www.east-tennessee-history.org

By Sam Shepard, Directed by Katie Norwood Alley. Featuring Greg Congleton, Amy Hubbard, Andrew Miller and Jim Richardson. Performances: November 6, 7, 12, 13 and 14 at Ironwood Studio. Cost is $10 cash money. Information: 865-414-1827, www.actorscoop.net

Hours: Friday, November 6, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Saturday, November 7, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; and Sunday, November 8, 12:00 – 5:00 PM. At the Emporium Center for Arts & Culture, 100 S. Gay Street. FREE admission! This biennial juried show highlights the handcrafted works of 25 craftspeople and artists of East Tennessee and the surrounding region and features many types of woodwork, from traditional to whimsical, including fine furniture, cabinetry, turning, sculpture and marquetry. The Emporium gallery provides an ideal environment in which to view the work and meet the artists. Furniture maker Brian Boggs, previous Best of Show recipient of Providence, Rhode Island's Fine Furnishings Show, noted the high quality of Knoxville's Master Woodworkers event. "Over the past few years I have attended several fine shows around the country," said Boggs. "By far the finest show I participated in was the Master Woodworkers Show in Knoxville. From any perspective I would judge the show, such as the quality of other woodwork, my own sales, and attendance and level of sophistication of the patrons, the Master Woodworkers Show is far ahead of the others. Whether you are looking for exquisite furniture for your home, or just looking for an inspiring outing, this is a show to be a part of." Soon to enter its 26th year of existence, the 100+ member East Tennessee Woodworkers Guild encourages and supports high level woodworking of any kind, whether the craftsman is a turner, furniture maker, or sculptor. For more information about the East Tennessee Woodworkers Guild, visit the Guild website at http://www.etwg.org. For more information, contact the Arts & Culture Alliance at (865) 523-7543.

Knoxville's unique live music experience on select Fridays in the museum's Great Hall. Non-smoking, two cash bars, dancing, catering, family-friendly and great for a date. Free parking. Admission is usually $8 for non-members, $4 for members and students.

1050 World's Fair Park Drive, Knoxville, TN 37916. Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 10am-5pm, Friday 10am-8pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, and Sunday 1pm-5pm. For more information: (865) 525-6101, www.knoxart.org

Join the District for late evening art, fashion, design, and cuisine! October 2, November 6, and December 4. www.thedistrictinbearden.com

The Foghorn Trio is Caleb Klauder and Stephen "Sammy" Lind, the foundation of the internationally acclaimed Foghorn Stringband from Portland along with Nadine Landry of the band Hungry Hill. On this southern tour, they will be playing old-time and country fiddle tunes and songs, drawing on material from both Foghorn and The Caleb Klauder Country Band. While Caleb Klauder and Stephen "Sammy" Lind continue to play with the Foghorn Stringband, they are working together on several other projects. They often play as the Foghorn Duo and continue to travel the world playing with various folks, sometimes as Dirk Powell's or Justin Townes Earle's band, sometimes as the rhythm section for Balfa Toujours, or with special projects like Going Across the Sea. Caleb and Sammy recorded Lonesome Song in the spring of 2008. It's an excellent recording of mostly traditional songs, done in one day, just the two of them trading off on instruments. The Laurel Theater is located on the corner of 16th and Laurel Avenue in the historic Fort Sanders neighborhood of Knoxville near the UT campus at 1538 Laurel Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37916. For additional information: 865-522-5851 or visit www.KnoxTIX.com.

WDVX is celebrating 12 years on the air with a special celebration in conjunction with First Friday at the Knoxville Visitor Center on the corner of Summit Hill Drive and Gay Street. The event will feature music from The Naughty Knots and John Sutton. Light refreshments will be served. The event occurs in conjunction with the station's Fall Fund Drive, which will be held on the air from November 4 through 13 and will feature guest hosts, live music performances and more. WDVX is 501 (c) 3 non-profit which is completely independent and entirely community supported. The two annual fund drives during which listeners are asked to donate in support of this unique cultural organization provide over 1/3rd of station funding. Information: 865-544-1029, www.wdvx.com

Opening of a special art exhibit featuring Knox County School Elementary School Art Programs with a reception at the Bijou Gallery on the second floor of the Bijou Theatre. This area has been totally renovated to provide an excellent venue for local artists. For
additional information, contact Mike Combs at mcombs@utk.edu

This month's First Friday event will feature burlesque performances from Siren Santina and Kisa von Teasa as well as photography from Shelby Gordon. Traditional burlesque was formed to make a mockery of upper class life. The performances here will be for all ages and consist of classic vaudeville, slapstick comedy, and singing and fun. It is sure to be an evening of cheeky comedy for the whole family. Performances will begin around 7 p.m. They will be held every 20 minutes until 9 p.m. Come join us for some fun and discover an exotic art form! Who knows, you just might find a new hobby for you or a friend. Information: 865.951.5454, www.urbhana.com