Calendar of Events

We end the first half of the season with a traditional holiday concert, including classic and modern selections performed by the Roane State Jazz Band, Celebration Singers and guests. The program includes ensemble pieces as well as solos and a carol singalong. Join us as we deck the halls with tidings of joy and good cheer! Your donations will benefit the 2010 choir tour to Carnegie Hall in New York City. Suggested donation of $10 per person. Friday, December 11 at 7 pm, and Sunday, December 13 at 3 pm, Roane State Theatre, Harriman. All performances subject to change. Check website periodically for updated information. Information: 865-882-4567, www.roanestate.edu keyword: theatre.

Friday, December 11, 8 p.m. and Saturday, December 12, 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.

There truly is no place like home as the greatest family musical of all time, the wonderful WIZARD OF OZ, t wists its way into Knoxville! The entire family will be captivated as they travel down the Yellow Brick Road and beyond with Dorothy, Toto and their friends the Cowardly Lion, Tin Man and Scarecrow in this lavish production, featuring breathtaking special effects, dazzling choreography and classic songs. A spectacular celebration of the iconic 1939 MGM film, THE WIZARD OF OZ will blow you away from the moment the tornado touches down and transports you to a dazzling art deco Oz, complete with munchkins and flying monkeys.

At the Historic Tennessee Theatre, 604 S. Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902. Tickets and information: 865-684-1200, www.TennesseeTheatre.com.

Performing arts patrons have a rare opportunity to enjoy a variety of national touring acts on one stage when the National Performance Network (NPN) holds its annual arts conference in Knoxville from December 10-13. NPN chose Knoxville to recognize local performing organization Carpetbag Theatre, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Carpetbag Theatre is the only Tennessee-based member organization among NPN's more than 62 partner arts organizations located in 27 states. Nationally recognized performers to perform include contemporary dance with Edgeworks from Washington, D.C.; Cloud Eye Control from Los Angeles; Farid Mercury by Robert Karimi from Minneapolis; and Universes from Bronx, New York. Regional performers will take the stage in front of national arts leaders and conference attendees. Sparky and Rhonda Rucker, Horace Smith, Liza Garza, Ajeet, and Obayana Ajanaku & Company will represent a range of talents including storytelling, poetry, music, dance, and African drumming. NPN supports artists in a broad range of disciplines including dance, music,
theater, performance art, puppetry and spoken word. Over 300 attendees are anticipated for the conference, which was held in Seattle in 2008. At the Bijou Theatre; tickets are $15 each evening, or $25 for both nights. Student discounts are available. Tickets available at the Tennessee Theatre box office, by phone at 865-684-1200, or online at www.knoxbijou.com.

String quartets from The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra give FREE performances at Borders Books, Music and Movies throughout the season. These performances will take place in the cafe and will feature light classical music. For more information call 865-291-3310 or visit www.knoxvillesymphony.com

Group Sculpture Show
627 N Central St, Knoxville TN. Information: 865.386.8848

You are invited to help kick off the National Performance Network's 25th anniversary year at the 2009 Annual Meeting in Knoxville, TN. The anniversary milestone will be shared with host Carpetbag Theatre, celebrating an amazing 40 years and counting. And to take advantage of your visit to beautiful East Tennessee, we are providing opportunities for pre-conference guided field trips to NPN Partner Appalshop, also recognizing 40 years of creative accomplishments, and the historic Highlander Research and Education Center. Information will be available at npnweb.org/site/annualmeeting2009. When else can you engage in critical dialogue with a national group of performing and visual artists, colleagues, curators and presenters who are committed to bringing the arts to communities around the country? Highlights include performances and exhibitions of new work by national NPN-subsidized and area artists, Idea Forums and panels addressing cutting edge cultural topics, keynote, and of course the time and space to get to know some of the brightest and most creative people working in the field.

First Friday Opening reception December 4, 5-9pm; Closing Reception, January 8, 5-9pm. Curator Timothy Massey will give a gallery talk on December 4th & January 8th at 7 & 8 pm.
Gallery Hours: Wed –Fri 11-6pm & Sat 10-3pm
The Gallery will be closed Dec 24-26 & Jan 1
Much of the development for an artwork happens well before the brush meets canvas, the hand meets clay, or the finger meets camera, etc. These preliminary inspirations and concepts go mostly unnoticed and unappreciated. This exhibit brings to light the methods artists employ to inform themselves of the possibilities for their as yet unrealized works. Artists providing access to their journals include Fred Burton, Memphis, TN; Joseph Delaney, New York City; Gage Opdenbrouw, San Francisco, CA; Susan Kemenyffy, McKean, PA; and John Copeland, Brooklyn, NY. This exhibit was curated by Timothy Massey, Director of the Tower Fine Arts Gallery at SUNY Brockport. He is also a native of Knoxville and a graduate of the University of Tennessee.

December 4-6 & 11-13 at 409 S. Gay St. (between Yee-Haw & Downtown Wine & Spirits) Hours: Friday: 12-9, Saturday: 10-9, Sunday: 1 - 5.

Featuring locally crafted housewares, apparel, & accessories, recycled stationery, cork trivets, belt buckles, hubcap art, & tire planters; pottery, apparel, jewelry, candles, soap, art, & more. Open House Friday, Dec. 4th, 5 - 9pm. Evening entertainment by Nathan Moses begins at 6:30pm. Amazing treats from Magpies, Luxe Catering & the Flower Pot. www.DuchessCraft.etsy.com for more info

The sights, sounds and smells of an old-fashioned Christmas. 205 East Hill Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37915. Information: 865-525-6514 or www.jameswhitesfort.org

Wood-fired clay vessels at the O'Brien Art Gallery. For specific dates and updates to exhibits: 865-882-4649, wilkersonbs@roanestate.edu, or www.roanestate.edu/art/gallery

The Art Market Gallery of Knoxville will feature the work of two member artists, Lynnda Tenpenny, mixed media and Pat Fitch, painted toys & furniture. The Gallery will host a First Friday Reception for the Featured Artists on Friday, December 4 with music by Brian Sward, guitarist. The Gallery is now selling ‘artist-made’ Christmas Ornaments to benefit the Community School of the Arts in Knoxville.
Holiday Gallery Hours are: Monday – Saturday, 11am – 6 PM & Sunday 1 – 5pm.
422 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902
865-525-5265, www.artmarketgallery.net

The simple joys of an old-fashioned Christmas await Museum of Appalachia visitors during the month of December. The Museum will celebrate "Twelve Days of Christmas in Old Appalachia" with special music and activities each day. Throughout the holiday season cabins will be decorated in pioneer style, recalling times past when Christmas was a quiet family holiday. During chilly December days, visitors may tour the Hall of Fame exhibit building in leisurely comfort. Logs burn brightly in the brick fireplace downstairs, and there's time to read the Museum's trademark stories about colorful and resourceful Appalachian folk. Regular admission. 2819 Andersonville Hwy, Clinton, TN 37716. Information:
865-494-7680, www.museumofappalachia.org