Calendar of Events

Tom Sawyer is a force of nature -- whether he's sneaking out of his Aunt Polly's house at night to visit the graveyard; duping his playmates into white-washing a fence; stealing a kiss from the ravishing Becky Thatcher; or taking a stand against the murderous Injun Joe. Tom's small-town adventures come alive in this charming and humorous adaptation. Saturday, February 20 at 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM and Sunday, February 21 at 2:00 PM

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

Mozart's mysterious final work. Information: 423-351-9013, www.masparts.org

Known for blending contemporary ballet and modern dance with daring athleticism that appeals to dancegoers and other audiences alike, Artistic Director, Lisa Hall McKee aims to link athletics and dance in a venue that elevates enthusiasm for dance in East Tennessee. Now in it’s sixth year, the GO! Show is a magnet for hundreds of area aficionados of the arts, cultural creative’s, and community leaders who gather to celebrate youthful talent and artistry showcased in the heart of Knoxville’s vital downtown scene. GO! Contemporary Dance works will be presenting its newest works at the Bijou Theatre. Lisa Hall McKee’s newest original work will be presented in two very different and unique acts. We will transport our audience to both Africa and France in one powerful evening of dance blending contemporary ballet and modern dance, aerial work, and live music. Our trip to Africa will tell the touching and hopeful story of African legend Tata Ajache of Dahomey, an African queen who fought with the FON warriors for her country so afflicted by violence and poverty. Act two will take us to France in A French Twist: The Magic Kaleidoscope with delightful and slightly comedic visits to carnivals, cafes, kitchens and patisseries…all with live music!

Performances are Saturday, February 20, 7:30PM (with Gala event to be held at the Square Room in Market Square at 5:00 PM) and Sunday, February 21, 3:00PM at the Bijou Theatre. Advance tickets are $21.50 adults, $16.50 Seniors/Students. Tickets are $26.50 and $21.50 at the door. Available at Tennessee Theatre box office 865-684-1200 and www.knoxbijou.com or order online at www.gocontemrporarydance.com.

Knoxville Zoo is looking for friendly and energetic people interested in working for a good cause. Employees must be 16 years old or older. Weekend and holiday hours are required. The fair will be held in the Knoxville Zoo Conference Center. Info: 865-637-5331, www.knoxville-zoo.org

Blues Harmonica: Growing up in East Tennessee, Wallace Coleman was captivated by the sounds he heard late at night from Nashville’s WLAC….the Blues. The sounds haunted him by day where, he says, “I would be sittin’ in class and hear the Howlin’ Wolf singin’ just as clear in my head…” It was on WLAC that Coleman first heard those who would become Blues Legends and his greatest musical influences: Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson, Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters. Coleman left Tennessee in 1956 to find work in Cleveland. A self-taught musician, Coleman began playing professionally with Cleveland’s Guitar Slim at the Cascade Lounge. There Coleman caught the ear of audience member Robert Jr. Lockwood and joined his band in 1987. Still based in Cleveland, Wallace has been leading his own band since 1997.

1538 Laurel Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37916. Information: 865-522-5851, www.KnoxTIX.com

Community radio station, WDVX, will host its 3rd annual Hillbilly Ball gala at the Emporium Center for Arts & Culture. Host for the evening will be Bill Landry, and live entertainment will be provided by local bluegrass/Americana bands including the Grassabilies. A silent auction will carry such items as handwritten song lyrics by some of the best local, national and international artists including R.B. Morris, Christabel, Larry Cordel, and Del McCoury. Also included in the silent auction will be framed artwork; pottery; handmade jewelry; Smoky Mountain vacation packages; downtown Knoxville packages including an overnight stay at Hotel St. Oliver; pet care; and a host of other interesting items. Dinner is being provided by Sweet P’s followed by desserts from MagPie’s.

Tickets are $75 per person and may be purchased in advance by calling WDVX at 544-1029, or online at www.wdvx.com. Cash bar and auction viewing opens at 6:00 p.m. Dinner served at 7:00, and the music begins at 7:30.

Knoxville Zoo is looking for friendly and energetic people interested in working for a good cause. Employees must be 16 years old or older. Weekend and holiday hours are required. The fair will be held in the Knoxville Zoo Conference Center. Info: 865-637-5331, www.knoxville-zoo.org

KMA Hours: Tues-Thurs 10-5; Fri 10-8; Sat 10-5; Sun 1-5. 1050 World’s Fair Park Drive, Knoxville, TN 37916. 865-525-6101, www.knoxart.org, info@knoxart.org

Steve Kaufman was born into a musical family in 1957. His father was a jazz piano player and his mother was a classically trained pianist. Music was always around. At four Steve started plinking at the piano and did so for several years. He then moved on to the electric guitar at 10 for a few years and put it away. Next came the cello in 5th grade for a few years. After this Steve picked up the acoustic guitar again and blazed right through a "Folk Guitar" method book. When finished he thought if this is as hard as it gets it's not for him. Then his younger brother, Will, started playing the banjo and his instructor told him he needed a rhythm guitar player to help with his timing. So Steve then picked up his guitar again and got into the bluegrass rhythm. One day Will brought home a Flatt and Scruggs LP, which featured Doc Watson on guitar, and Steve was hooked on flatpicking.

Rusty Holloway: without question one of the bass world's best kept secrets. Holloway toured with Woody Herman when fellow band mates included Joe Lovano, Tim Hagans, Allen Vizzutti, and others. He has performed with a host of jazz luminaries including Dizzy Gillespie, Monty Alexander, Sarah Vaughn, and Clark Terry. Rusty is a member of the UT jazz faculty and performs regularly in the area at Baker Peter's jazz club.

Tickets $13 in advance and $15 at the Door. Tickets are all Plus Tax.
The Palace Theater is located at 113 West Broadway, Maryville, TN. For advance tickets: 865-983-3330, 429 West Broadway, Maryville, TN.

11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Call it Ijams à la carte. Join us for this month's show and tell and get a sampling of the educational opportunities we offer. We'll have three different learning sessions throughout the day. The menu varies, but generally includes live animal presentations, plus a field activity. Open to everyone and it's free.

Ijams Nature Center, 2915 Island Home Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920. Hours: Grounds and trails open during daylight hours. Visitor Center: Monday: by appointment only for tour groups and school trips; Tuesday-Saturday: 9AM-5PM; Sunday: 1-5PM (March 1 - November 30). For information: 865-577-4717, www.ijams.org

Each year the Sevier County Arts Council organizes the exhibit to showcase the talent of students from all grades, including those who are home schooled. All media is represented in this year’s show, including drawing, painting, sculpture, photography and glass. This year’s entries were juried by Karen Green, the Gallery Coordinator at Arrowmont. Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. For information: 865-436-5860, www.arrowmont.org

Reception Feb 19, 5:30-8:30 PM with refreshments; music by Troy Rodgers; live dance led by Jodie Brown. Gallery sale Feb 19, 22-26.

International House of Prayer - Knoxville, 1802 Airbase Road, Louisville, TN 37777. Information: 865-984-0302, www.knoxhop.org