Calendar of Events

Explore over 60 miles of trails, open gardens, camera sites and historic homes as you walk, bike ride, drive, or bus tour. Fountain City is the featured trail. Information: 865-637-4561, www.dogwoodarts.com

At the Bijou Theatre. Information: 865-974-5455, http://cpc.utk.edu/Committees/cac/

Tribute to Jimmy Smith starring Matt Coker with Jamel Mitchell, tenor saxophone, Mike Seal, guitar, and Nolan Nevels, drums. Square Room, 4 Market Square, $15 includes lunch. www.knoxjazz.org

At the luncheon, Goodwill Industries-Knoxville, Inc. will honor employees, individuals and community leaders that have contributed to the tremendous success of the 2009 training and rehabilitation services. We invite all to attend this event to support Goodwill’s outstanding consumers and business sponsors. At the Hilton-Downtown Knoxville; Ticket Price: $20. Information: 865-588-8567, www.gwiktn.org

April 6, 8, 13 & 14
Come and enjoy the elegant pleasure of partaking in a formal High Tea and take the tour of the house museum and gardens were 30,000 tulips will be in bloom. Special entertainment will also be provided during tea time. Cost is $22 per person and includes the price of admission to tour the house museum and gardens. Guest may choose to tour the house and gardens before of after the tea. For groups of 30 or more guest’s additional dates and tea times can be arranged at any time of the year.

Crescent Bend House & Gardens, 2728 Kingston Pike Knoxville, TN 37919. Hours: Tues-Fri 10-4; Sat 10-2; Sun 1-4 (closed Easter Sunday). Admission: $7 adults, $5 students, FREE children 12 and under. For information: 865.637.3163, Brett@CrescentBend.net.

Direct from a highly-acclaimed run on Broadway, the Tony-nominated Soul of Shaolin will premier at the Eastern Shanghai Theater in April. A Chinese martial arts spectacular, Soul of Shaolin features over 30 Chinese performers skilled in the art of Shaolin Kung Fu and tells the touching story of Hui Guang (pronounced “whey gwong”), an orphan boy who is discovered by the legendary monks of the Shaolin Temple and is raised among them. The show debuted at New York's Marquis Theatre in January 2009 as part of the China on Broadway series of productions. It received rave reviews from many American critics, with the New York Post describing the show as "a dazzling display of skill", while the Associated Press called it "astonishing and amazing".

In addition to a spectacular show, the Eastern Shanghai Theater will feature state-of-the-art sound and lighting and a spectacular 198-square foot LED backdrop. According to the show's executive producer, Lizhi Zhao: “The story of Shaolin is timeless and appeals to all audiences, young and old.” People coming to the Smoky Mountains this year may not want to miss limited engagement of Soul of Shaolin.
Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. each night with matinee shows Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2 p.m. For ticket prices and bookings call 865-453-8888 or visit www.EasternShanghaiTheater.com.

Unarmed Merchants Art Gallery will be featuring encaustic paintings from local artist Neranza Noel Blount. This show will be up for the month of April starting Friday the 2nd. She is interested in patterns in nature including land and atmospheric weather patterns and how they relate to each other. She also collages with found objects and uses her pen & ink renderings and photography images that have been cut, torn, and then fused onto wooden surfaces and painted over with encaustic wax. She started painting in oils at an early age and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Tennessee. She has received top awards for her works of art nationally and internationally. Her use of the medium of encaustic came out of her father’s profession as a beekeeper. Her husband has also since become a beekeeper. With her art she wants to help build awareness of the importance of honeybees and how the existence of man depends upon them.

Unarmed Merchants, 129 S. Gay Street, Knoxville TN 37902. (865) 549-5769; http://unarmedmerchants.com

The Dogwood Arts Festival Limited Edition Print is synonymous with the annual springtime event and this exhibit showcases the artistry, variety, and beauty that this East Tennessee tradition has recorded. Signing by Dogwood Arts 50th Anniversary Commemorative Print Artist Heather Whiteside on Friday, April 2, 5-8 p.m.
Museum of East Tennessee History, 601 S. Gay Street. Opening Reception: Friday, April 2, 5-9 p.m. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun. 1-5 p.m. Admission: Free. 865.215.8830, www.eastTNhistory.org

Allows progressive, emerging and professional regional artists to exhibit their work in a variety of genres. The exhibit will show in the historic gallery space at 128 S. Gay Street. Opening Reception: Friday, April 2, 5-9 p.m. Hours: Wed.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. the 11th 12-5 p.m. Information: 865-637-4661, www.dogwoodarts.com.

A world-class exhibition of large-scale outdoor sculptures that enliven downtown Knoxville. Information: 865-637-4661, www.dogwoodarts.com.

Knoxville’s next generation of artists is on display, featuring the work of gifted art students from grades K-12 in Knox and surrounding counties. An opening reception will take place on Friday, April 2, from 5:00-9:00 PM. On display in the Balcony at the Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM with additional hours on Saturday, April 3, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Information: 865-637-4661, www.dogwoodarts.com.

Reception on April 2, 5-8 p.m.
We are celebrating the Dogwood Arts Festival by hosting a show of Region Four membership of the Tennessee Watercolor Society. We believe that the Dogwood Arts Festival is a great tradition here in East Tennessee and what is more appropriate than showing off our regional watercolor artists! Join us for a great First Friday and meet the Artists.

Hanson Fine Art & Craft Gallery, 5607 Kingston Pk, Knoxville, TN 37919. Hours: Monday-Friday 10AM-5:30PM; Saturday 10AM-5PM. For information: 865-584-6097, www.hansongallery.com