Calendar of Events

2009-2010 Chamber Classics series: Resident Conductor James Fellenbaum makes his debut on the Chamber Classics Series conducting one of the most beloved works for string orchestra: Tchaikovsky's Serenade for Strings. Also on the program is the lyrical Serenade by the English composer, Edward Elgar, and the rich string music in the Serenade by Joseph Suk.

At the Bijou Theatre, 803 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. More information: 865-291-3310, www.knoxvillesymphony.com

At Seasons Cafe, 12740 Kingston Pike, Farragut, TN. Please join Vikings of the Smokies Lodge members for a private VOTS dinner hosted by Chef Deron Little, CEC in the elegant surroundings of Season's Cafe. Chef Little will be preparing the traditional Scandinavian broiled torsk accompanied by boiled potatoes, vegetable, lefse and dessert. The buffet style meal will include coffee and iced tea. Tickets are $10 per person. Friends and Family are welcome for this exclusive event however seating is limited and tickets are required. VOTS is pleased to support the USMC Toys for Tots Christmas Campaign and encourage all ticket holders to contribute a new, unwrapped toy for collection at the dinner. Information: www.tnvikings.org, info@tnvikings.org.

Bob Booker, a renowned local historian and former neighbor of Evelyn's, will reminisce about the dynamic and sometimes cantankerous lady who donated this wonderful house and hillside to the Knoxville community. This event will be a celebration of the past and the future. The house will be open, birthday refreshments will be served, and there is no admission cost. Information: 865-522-8661, www.mabryhazen.com

Fine art sale to benefit Peninsula. At Sacred Heart Cathedral School.

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.

A new play by Percy Bell. At Theatre Knoxville Downtown, 319 N. Gay Street, Thursday-Friday-Saturday at 8:00 PM. Information: www.thewaterseries.org

The Water Series is pleased to announce the world premiere of Spring: A Knoxville Sonata by Percy Bell. Performances will be at Theatre Knoxville Downtown, 319 N. Gay Street, November 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, and 14. Tickets will be available for purchase or reservation on the website: www.thewaterseries.org