Calendar of Events

Over the course of one weekend last March, there were Jedi warriors and all sorts of other characters roaming the campus of Pellissippi State Community College. The scene will be repeated this year, during the second annual Pellicon convention. Pellicon is a nonprofit, multi-fandom convention for fans of anime, gaming, role playing and sci-fi. The event features presentations by faculty from Pellissippi State’s Media Technologies program. Pellicon is hosted by S.U.R.G.E. (Sci-fi, Ultima-anime, Role playing, Games and Everything else), a Pellissippi State club focused on multi-fandom—a collective of fans of sci-fi, games and the like—and hobbies. A wide range of guests, panels, contests and events will be featured at Pellicon. Special guests include the MidSouth Garrison of the 501st Legion, a group that celebrates the “Star Wars” films through costuming, and My Parents Favorite Music, a band centered on gaming and other “nerd culture.”

Panel topics include Cosplay, Lolita fashion, anime, ’90s cartoons, Doctor Who, Xadune live-action role playing, the Legend of Zelda, Xbox Achievement Hunting and more. Contests include a Cosplay competition, nerd Jeopardy and Nintendo trivia. A game room will be open all weekend for free play, and there will be tournaments for games such as Marvel VS Capcom 3, Street Fighter IV and Super Smash Brothers Brawl. There also will be a dealer room where artists sell their wares.

All Pellicon activities take place at the Pellissippi Campus, 10915 Hardin Valley Road. Panels and other activities take place in the Goins Building, with faculty presentations being offered in the Bagwell Center for Media and Art. Admission fees range from $10 to $20, with discounts for students who present a valid student photo ID card. For additional information, call (865) 694-6400 or visit www.pellicon.org. Updates can also be found at www.facebook.com/Pellicon4ever.

Country and Soul singer Ronnie Milsap will perform in the Ronald and Lynda Nutt theatre to bring the Clayton Center for the Arts 2011-2012 Main stage performances to a close. Milsap provided country music one of its most important voices as the genre moved beyond its rural roots into the mainstream of musical entertainment. Steeped in the mountain music of Appalachia and schooled in classical piano, he has the voice to sing blues, R&B, Pop and Rock and his over 40 chart topping hits cover a wide range of musical styles. Growing up in North Carolina, with a blue grass loving father, he learned about music early in life. Although he has called himself a crossover artist, Milsap admits Country music is what he loves to sing. Country Again, Millsap’s latest CD is his first country oriented CD in over 6 years. Known for singing R&B and Blues in Memphis, when he arrived in Nashville in the 1970’s. After recording, Jerry Bradley of RCA Records declared a Country Star was born. After 40 Years and hits such as Stranger in my House, He Got You, Any Day Now and Lost in the Fifties Tonight and a Gospel album released in 2009, Milsap is still going strong and touring doing what he loves.

Ticket prices are $25-$35 with group prices available. In the Ronald and Lynda Nutt Theatre at Clayton Center for the Arts: 502 East Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN 37804. Tickets are available at the Clayton Center Box Office M-F 10AM-6PM or by phone or online: 865-981-8590, www.ClaytonArtsCenter.com

The Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge and the Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians are teaming up to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Girl Scouting!

The March 24 event will feature a day of celebrating Girl Scouting throughout history. There will be stage presentations including a special guest, lots of fun activities in rooms throughout the museum, lunch and viewing of the new Girl Scout exhibit.

Pre-registration of Girl Scout troops is requested to help with planning and for free admission to the museum on the event day. The cost to attend the event is free, but there is a small fee for an event patch and/or lunch. Patches and/or lunches should be ordered when registration is open on November 1, 2011. Cost of these items is TBD and brownbag lunches are also welcome. Special 100th Anniversary souvenirs will also be for sale during the event.

The Council is working with a volunteer committee made up of Girl Scout and Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge volunteers on this event.

Children's Museum of Oak Ridge, 461 West Outer Drive, Oak Ridge, TN 37830. Information: 865-482-1074, www.childrensmuseumofoakridge.org

The Tennessee Slicker
Leroy Troy delivers a strong solo old-time banjo performance in the tradition of Uncle Dave Macon, Grandpa Jones and Stringbean. At 16 he began studying with Middle Tennessee banjoist Cordell Kemp who had in turn learned much from Macon himself; at 17 he dazzled a nationwide audience on the hit TV show Hee Haw with his banjo expertise and natural gift of comedy. He is the youngest recipient of the Uncle Dave Macon Days Heritage Award.

Jubilee Community Arts, 1538 Laurel Ave, Knoxville, TN 37916. For information: 865-522-5851, www.jubileearts.org. For tickets: 865-523-7521, www.KnoxTIX.com

“Hats…Hats…AND more Hats with ATTITUDE!!!”
Come and enjoy a day of “Hat-itude” at Crescent Bend House & Gardens. The Riverroom at Crescent Bend will be transformed into a “Hat Boutique” where guests may shop for the latest fashions of hats for men, women & children. With a wide variety of hats of every shape, size and color you will be sure to find that perfect Hat to complete any outfit suitable for Easter, Luncheons, Church, Teas, Family Reunions, Charity Events, Derby Day or for any other hat wearing opportunity. Light refreshments will be served and guests can tour the house and gardens at no charge. In addition to a day of “Hat-itude,” Crescent Bend’s annual Derby Day Fundraiser tickets will be available at a reduced cost to all those who attend. So, show a little “Hat-itude” and help support and preserve historic Crescent Bend House & Gardens.

Crescent Bend House & Gardens, 2728 Kingston Pike Knoxville, TN 37919. Information: 865-637-3163, www.crescentbend.com

Edward O. Wilson, recently called “one of the most important biological theorists since Darwin” by The New York Times, returns to East Tennessee for a special appearance at Discover Life in America’s ATBI Conference 2012. Born in Birmingham, Alabama Wilson felt a fascination with nature from a young age and grew up to become one of the world’s leading environmentalists. In addition to winning two Pulitzer Prizes and numerous other awards, he was also called one of the “Top 25 most influential Americans” by Time Magazine. Registration required.

At the Knoxville Museum of Art, 1050 World's Fair Park Drive. Information: 865-430-4757; www.dlia.org

Come join in the fun of WORLD STORYTELLING DAY at the Clayton Center for the Arts on Saturday, March 24th. This world-wide celebration promotes exchanges of cultures, traditions, and understanding through story.

Three distinct programs are planned at 2:00, 5:00, and 8:00 PM. The programming, prepared by 16 members of the Smoky Mountain Storytellers Association (SMSA), is designed for adults and for children who can listen like adults. Stories from around the world and here at home will charm, enlighten, tickle, and delight. The tellers presenting at each concert are listed on the accompanying flyer.

The concerts will be held in in the Harry Harter Choir Room, near the Box Office. The Clayton Center is located on the campus of Maryville College, 502 East Lamar Alexander Parkway (Hwy. 73), Maryville, TN.

There is no charge for the 2:00 PM informal concert, but donations are greatly appreciated. Admission for each of the later performances is $5 for seniors and students, and $8 for others.

Starting March 1st, tickets can be purchased at the Clayton Center box office: M-F, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM, or on March 24 an hour before the concert (865 981-8590). Last year’s concert was a sellout, so get your tickets early! If you have any questions, please contact Rick Elliott at (865) 456-8557. For further information about SMSA, please see our website at: www.smokymountaintellers.org.

Light meals and snacks will be available at the Silver Spoon Restaurant, located just across the courtyard from the performances.

Arrive early for the 8:00 concert to allow ample time for campus parking.

Join us for our new Mommy and Me Dance Class. Cost is $7 for one child and one adult, siblings are 50% off. Class is for walking toddlers up to age 3. Learn how to dance, jive, and enjoy moving and learning with your little one. Please call Ijams at 577-4717 ext. 110 to register

Ijams Nature Center, 2915 Island Home Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920. Hours: Grounds and trails open during daylight hours. Call for Visitor Center hours. Information: 865-577-4717, www.ijams.org

Come learn more about the secrets of life underwater. We'll talk about the important of water in nature, and even have a chance to investigate the critters that live in the ponds at Ijams. Free to members, $5 for non-members. Please call (865) 577-4717, ext. 110 to register. Leader: Sabrina DeVault

Ijams Nature Center, 2915 Island Home Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920. Hours: Grounds and trails open during daylight hours. Call for Visitor Center hours. Information: 865-577-4717, www.ijams.org

In the Spring Gardening Series, participants will learn tips and tricks to getting their garden ready for the growing season. Be prepared to get a little dirty during this program as you learn how to plant and propagate seeds for your garden. Free. Please call (865) 577-4717, ext. 110 to register. Leader: Peg Beute.

Ijams Nature Center, 2915 Island Home Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920. Hours: Grounds and trails open during daylight hours. Call for Visitor Center hours. Information: 865-577-4717, www.ijams.org

Join us every Saturday for a live animal encounter with one of our non-releasable education animals. Free to members, $2 for non-members. No registration required.

Ijams Nature Center, 2915 Island Home Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920. Hours: Grounds and trails open during daylight hours. Call for Visitor Center hours. Information: 865-577-4717, www.ijams.org

Join us in Jo's Grove for a fun nature craft. Suggested $1 donation per craft. No registration required. Leader: Sabrina DeVault.

Ijams Nature Center, 2915 Island Home Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920. Hours: Grounds and trails open during daylight hours. Call for Visitor Center hours. Information: 865-577-4717, www.ijams.org