Calendar of Events

Filled with peculiar logic, fantastic situations, populated with a host of bizarre creatures including a tardy rabbit, a rowdy tea party, and a domineering ruler, Lewis Carroll's timeless tale of young Alice's trip down the rabbit hole unfurls with wit, color, and imagination. Suitable of all ages.

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

A studio tour that one can navigate through to visit local artist’s actual working studios. This event, in its fifth year, provides the public with knowledge and appreciation for the creative process, also helping build direct relationships to the artists as individuals within the community. For more information: 865-637-4561, www.dogwoodarts.com

The Oak Ridge Civic Ballet Association presents their spring production of Igor Stravinsky's "The Firebird" on Saturday, April 2 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, April 3 at 2:00 p.m.
Act I will be the world premiere of "Canterbury Tales". All performances are at the Oak Ridge High School Performing Arts Center. Tickets are Adults $20, Seniors $15, Students $10. Encore performance of "Canterbury Tales" at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 2 - all encore seats are $10. Tickets are available online at orcba.org, ORNL Federal Credit Union on Rutgers Ave, or at the door.

Oak Ridge Civic Ballet Association: 865-898-4636, www.orcba.org

Open for tours! Saturday, 12-6 PM and Sunday, 1-5 PM
Tour guides will be dressed in period attire; features uniformed reenactors as well.
Tickets: $5 adults, $4 seniors, $3 students ages 12-18, $1.50 children 7-11, under 6 free.

Bleak House, 3148 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919. For information:865-522-2371, www.knoxvillecmh.org

A newly organized art market for the Homberg area in Bearden. The first event will take place April 2, 10-3pm and April 3, 12-5pm, in the parking lot of the old Fairbanks/Terrace Tap House building. We are open to all types of art and welcome quality vintage dealers and food vendors as well. On Saturday, the Southern Market is hosting their "Spring Fling" and the businesses on Carr street are having their annual "Spring Stroll", which will include live music, vendors, and martial arts demonstrations. 865-584-1219, www.davisstudioart.com

A tribute to the beauty and fascination of wildflowers, ferns, trees, and herbs. Visit with expert botanists, photographers, and naturalists. Buy locally grown plants, delicious baked goods, and fine hand-made pottery. Take a short walk in the woods or a longer exploration of a special place. See www.smokymountains.org/info/herb_wildflower.html

http://www.smokymountains.org, http://www.smokymountainfestivals.org or call Jeanie Hilten at the Visitors Center at 865-448-6134 or 800-525-6834)

Spring Gala with Auction and Raffle. The annual Spring Gala of the Appalachian Arts Craft Center will be held at the Norris Community Building. The event will include music by the 13-piece swing band, The Little Big Band; hors d’oeuvres, desserts and a variety of beverages; door prizes; and a silent auction featuring Charles Counts pottery, antique woven coverlets, handmade crafts from the center’s many artisans, and more including a raffle to win Craft Center gift certificates. Tickets to the gala are $25 if purchased in advance; $30 at the door. Tickets can be purchased over the phone by called 865-494-9854 or by stopping by the Craft Center at 2716 Andersonville Hwy, Norris, TN. www.appalachianarts.net.

Volunteers Needed! Be a part of this long-standing community event and help clean up local shorelines. Every year we pick up TONS of trash along a 50-mile section of the Tennessee River. To Volunteer call 865-577-4717 ext 24

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

The Mabry-Hazen House Museum, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, will host their annual Cleanup Day in conjunction with the Civil War Preservation Trust’s Park Day. Every year volunteers help the Foundation by preparing the house and grounds for events held throughout the calendar year. Volunteers will assist the Museum Board with brush removal, weeding, painting, and general cleaning. Materials will be provided although volunteers are encouraged to bring their own tools. Located on 6 acres and situated on the highest hill east of downtown, the Mabry-Hazen House offers a panoramic view of Knoxville unlike no other. We hope that you will join us as we continue to preserve and beautify this historic landmark.
865-522-8661, www.mabryhazen.com

Now in its fifth year, this world-class exhibition of 25 large-scale sculptures can be viewd in downtown Knoxville and the McGhee Tyson Airport. The 2011 exhibition juror will be John Henry and will feature up to 35 large-scale, outdoor sculptures. The selected sculptures will be exhibited in downtown Knoxville. For more information: 865-637-4561, www.dogwoodarts.com

History/Sightseeing, relaxing and enjoyable river cruises. Learn about area Civil War history, see beautiful homes and gardens with narration by the spirit of Sam Clemmons. Learn about early river steamboats that visited Knoxville. 90 minute trips Friday through Sunday at 3:00 and 5:15 plus Friday evening at 7:30. $16 Adult and $14 for children 5-11 with advanced paid reservations to 765-3407.

"Cold War Crisis: The U-2 Incident" exhibit details the story of Francis Gary Powers, a U-2 pilot flying photographic reconnaissance missions for the CIA. His plane was downed by a Soviet surface-to air missile on May 1, 1960 and he was convicted of being a spy and held in Russian prison until February 11, 1962, when he was dramatically exchanged for a Soviet spy in New York, in the first Cold War Spy exchange.

American Museum of Science & Energy, 300 S. Tulane Avenue, Oak Ridge, TN 37830. Hours: Monday-Saturday 9AM-5PM; Sunday 1-5PM. For information: 865-576-3200, www.amse.org