Calendar of Events

Children will delight in Behold the Bold Umbrellaphant, a musical setting by Maestro Lucas Richman of 17 different characters created by Children’s Poet Laureate Jack Prelutsky. This program explores the use of music to enhance poetry and features favorites of Vivaldi and Mendelssohn, and Picardy Penguin leads the audience in singing the oldest musical round. Families are encouraged to arrive early to this concert to participate in Picardy’s Playground, a musical discovery zone in the lobby of the Tennessee Theatre. The playground features a variety of children’s activities that include a kid-sized orchestra and an instrument petting zoo. The playground opens at 12:45 PM and is free for all ticket holders. KSO Family concerts are geared toward children ages 3-8, but are fun for the entire family.

Performed at the Historic Tennessee Theatre, 604 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. For information and tickets: 865-291-3310, www.knoxvillesymphony.com

Advance Tickets ($10) can be purchased at Abode and Bliss Home on Market Square, at the Market Square Farmers Market on 9/25 and 10/2, or online at www.citypeople.org. Please contact Danielle Benson at DBenson@ywcaknox.com or Debbie Roberts at debbieroberts6@gmail.com for more information.

The Town of Farragut invites the community to this special celebration for the Town’s 30th anniversary scheduled on the lawn of the historic house at 11863 Kingston Pike (home of the farragutpress) and the west parking lot of Ingles. The community is encouraged to bring chairs and blankets and enjoy the following activities: music by the Atomic Horns, Slim Pickins and local entertainers; food and craft vendors; inflatables for the kids; and games and food provided by local non-profit organizations. Entertainment and inflatables will be provided at no charge; food, crafts and games will be available for purchase. In addition, Town of Farragut businesses will provide free giveaways, including a piece of 30th anniversary cake courtesy of Ingles.

Following is the entertainment schedule:
1 to 1:30 p.m. – Knoxville Swing Dance Association
1:30 to 3 p.m. – Slim Pickens, named Chattanooga’s “Bluegrass Band of the Year”
3 to 3:30 p.m. – Farragut High School Chorus
3:30 to 5 p.m. – The Atomic Horns, a show band originating from Oak Ridge

Visit www.townoffarragut.org; anne.lagrow@townoffarragut.org or 865-966-7057.

The fall Porch Sale runs for about two weeks and features outdated stock, seconds, student crafts and unjuried work by members of the Craft Center. It’s a great way to get great deals on handmade crafts. AACC is a nonprofit center that has promoted traditional artists and crafts in the East Tennessee area for 40 years. 865-494-9854; www.appalachianarts.net

Two crooked tailors promise a narcissistic Emperor the finest suit of clothes from a fabric invisible to anyone who is "hopelessly stupid". But what will The Emperor do when he discovers he cannot see the cloth himself? Suitable for all ages.

October 9 at 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM
October 10 at 2:00 PM

Oak Ridge Playhouse, 227 Broadway in Historic Jackson Square, Oak Ridge, TN 37830. For information and tickets: 865-482-9999, www.orplayhouse.com

Chongqing Culture Week from August 6-12
Shanghai Culture Week from October 8-12
During these two cultural weeks, we invite artists coming all the way from China to perform in the Cirque de Chine show; we also hold a photo exhibition introducing the Chongqing/Shanghi city in the theater; we have some successors of Intangible Cutural Heritage in China do a live show in the theater.

179 Collier Dr, Sevierville, TN 37862. For information: 865-429-1601, www.smokymountainpalace.com

Our festival showcases some 400 musicians featuring authentic Southern Appalachian bluegrass, Gospel, folk and old-time country music continuously playing on 5 stages. Wherever you are on the grounds there will be music nearby. Old-time crafters will entertain and offer their treasures for sale. Demonstrator will show and explain how people lived and worked during pioneer times. As always there will be plenty of tasty Southern vittles to enjoy. Southern hospitality will be in abundance too.

Bring a chair and join the thousands of folks who make their annual pilgrimage to the Museum of Appalachia's Tennessee Fall Homecoming, one of the nation's largest and most authentic old-time mountain, craft, and music festivals.

Museum of Appalachia, 2819 Andersonville Hwy., Clinton, TN 37716 (16 miles north of Knoxville at I-75, exit 122, then one mile east). Open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Information: 865-494-7680, www.museumofappalachia.org

By Georg Büchner; Translated by John Mackendrick
How much can one take before one is driven over the edge? Based on a true story, this seminal 19th century satire about murder, madness and social deterioration set the stage for contemporary drama of social change. Performances will take place in the Carousel Theatre. Contains adult themes. Recommended for ages 14 and up.

From Fragment to the World-Stage / International Georg Büchner Symposium Friday, October 15th • 2-5 pm

Post Play Discussion • Sunday, October 17

1714 Andy Holt Avenue on the UT Campus, Knoxville, TN 37996. For information: 865-974-5161, www.clarencebrowntheatre.org

Over 180 of the finest craftspeople from all over the United States demonstrate their skill, answer questions, and offer their unique art for sale. From broom-making to stained glass, the Fair has something for everyone!

July 16-24 and October 7-23. Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Admission: $6 adults, children 12 and under free. Music shows at 12, 2, and 4 pm - Sundays at 12 and 2 pm.

At the Gatlinburg Convention Center, Traffic Light #8. Information: 865-436-7479, www.craftsmenfair.com

Get a chance to meet nationally-renowned children's poet Jack Prelutsky, author of beloved books including Behold the Bold Umbrellaphant, A Pizza the Size of the Sun, and The Dragons are Singing Tonight, among many others. Knoxville Symphony Orchestra is teaming up with Knox County Public Library, and UT's Center for Children’s and Young Adult Literature to present the esteemed author to East Tennessee for a series of events for all ages. Prelutsky will make several public appearances around town the starting October 6. For over 30 years, Jack Prelutsky’s inventive poems have inspired legions of children to fall in love with poetry. His outrageously silly poems have tickled even the most stubborn funny bones, while his darker verses have spooked countless late-night readers. Prelutsky has written more than 40 children’s books, often working with well-known illustrators such as Garth Williams, Arnold Lobel, and Marilyn Hafner. Prelutsky has also edited collections of poetry for children, including The 20th Century Children’s Poetry Treasury. Prelutsky served as the Poetry Foundation’s Children’s Poet Laureate from 2006 to 2008.

Maestro Lucas Richman of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra collaborated with Prelutsky on his latest collection of poems, Behold The Bold Umbrellaphant, The collaboration provides a musical setting for 17 different characters in the anthology, and will be featured in the KSO's Family Concert on Oct. 10 in celebration of their 75th anniversary.

Prelutsky studied classical music when he was younger and also worked as a busboy, furniture mover, folk singer, and cab driver before he became a writer. He claims that he hated poetry in grade school because of the way it was taught, and has spent his career making poetry children will love.

Schedule:
An Evening with Jack Prelutsky (free) - October 6, 7:00 p.m.
Cox Auditorium of the Alumni Memorial Building (parking available in Lot 9)
Presented by the Center for Children's and Young Adult Literature at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Continuing education certificates are available for this presentation.

Family Performance (free) - October 9, 2 p.m. at Lawson McGhee Library

Knoxville Symphony Orchestra Family Concert - October 10, 2 p.m. at the Tennessee Theatre. Tickets available online at www.knoxvillesymphony.com or by calling (865) 291-3310

Other Book Signings:
October 7, 11-11:30 a.m. at Story Time Smart Toys and Books
October 7, 5-6 p.m. at Carpe Librum Booksellers
October 8, 7 p.m. at Barnes and Noble

For more information on the Library event, please contact Mary Pom Claiborne, (865) 215-8767/640-4146. For more information on the KSO Family Concert, please contact the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra at (865) 291-3310.

East Tennessee Historical Society, 601 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. Museum hours: Monday-Friday: 9AM-4PM; Saturday: 10AM-4PM; Sunday: 1-5PM. For information: 865-215-8824, www.easttnhistory.org

Elementary Art Exhibition

Knoxville Museum of Art, 1050 World's Fair Park Dr, Knoxville, TN 37916. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10AM-5PM; Friday, 10AM-8PM; Sunday, 1-5PM. For information: 865-934-2036, www.knoxart.org