Calendar of Events

Opening Reception February 21, 6:30-8:00 PM - everyone welcome!
Theme: Illumination

FCAC's 3rd Annual Theme Show, "Illumination," was open to all artists in both 2-D and 3-D media. The show has 88 stunning pieces in oils, watercolors, pastels, photography, and mixed media. The public is encouraged to view the show through March 22. On that final evening at 7 PM, the Fountain City Art Center and LeGrand Music Studio will be sponsoring "The Brazilian Quartet" with Richard Miller.
The judge for "Illumination" was well known area artist Ann Birdwell who had the task of choosing the ten works which best illustrated the theme. Awards went to: Lee Edge for a watercolor, Best of Show; Clark Miller for a photo, 1st Place; Kate McCullough for a watercolor, 2nd Place; Yvonne Bartholomew-Thomas for an oil, 3rd place. Six Honorable Mentions were awarded to: Genie Even, Aurora H. Bull, Charles E. Williams, Jr., Denise Retallack, Judy Sells, and Betty Fortenberry.

Fountain City Art Center, 213 Hotel Ave, Knoxville, TN 37918. Hours: Tuesday & Thursday, 9AM-5PM; Wednesday & Friday, 10AM-5PM; Saturday, 9AM-1PM. Information: 865-357-2787, www.fountaincityartctr.com

Based on the beloved novel by E.B. White. Charlotte’s Web is one of the top 100 best-selling books of all time and the best-selling children’s paperback book ever. The New York Times called it “just about perfect, and just about magical in the way it is done.” Tony-winning playwright Joseph Robinette’s touching and faithful stage version will make audiences believe this beloved book is coming to life on the KCT stage. In rural Maine, Wilbur, a young orphan pig, is loved by his owner, Fern Arable. But the pig is destined to be slaughtered for food, and as soon as he is old enough, the Arables send the pig to his fate on the Zuckerman family farm. A lonely, childless spider named Charlotte, who lives in a dark corner of the Zuckerman’s barn, takes pity on the pitiful little pig and decides to do what she can to save his life. Wilbur is grateful for this mysterious mother figure, but the act of true motherhood will come at a costly price for the tiny spider. The play is performed by 21 talented young actors, from ages 9 to 17. Kayla June Nobbe, a KCT veteran performer who was last seen in Disney’s Mulan, plays the part of the motherly spider Charlotte. Madison Austin, one of KCT’s most experienced actors, performs the role of Wilbur. Kena Holmes will play the part of Fern Arable, and Cody Chaffins and Roxanne Abernathy play the Zuckermans. Four actors are making their KCT debuts: Cade Brown, Bonnie Claire Fultz, Emma Lesniewski, and Greyson VanWinkle.The rest of the cast includes many KCT veteran performers: Catherine Blevins, Jaden Lily Branson, Alexandria Carter, Clare Carter, Abigayle DeBusk, Andrew Fetterolf, Jake Green, Caroline Hunse, Bethany Moon, Boone Sommers, Levi Vinsant, and Derrick Washington, Jr. The play is directed by Jennie Cunic, a senior at Farragut High School. Jennie made her KCT debut as an actor in Charlotte’s Web, when KCT produced the play in 2009. Since then, Jennie has completed a year-long KCT internship and become an accomplished director, having helmed last season’s Sleeping Beauty. Liel Kirk is the Production Manager. Kiernan Bensey and Brooke Cunningham provide the scenic design, and Rose Bolton will design and build the costumes. The play’s lighting designer and stage manager is Wheeler Moon.

Performances are Thursdays and Fridays at 7 PM, Saturdays at 1 PM and 5 PM, and Sundays at 3 PM.
Knoxville Children's Theatre, 109 E. Churchwell Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917. Information: 865-599-5284, www.childrenstheatreknoxville.com. Reservations: tickets@childrenstheatreknoxville.com

Plays about troubled families have long been predominant in theatre and movies from Ibsen to Strindberg to Chekov. In “Other Desert Cities,” the upcoming production at Oak Ridge Playhouse, playwright Jon Robin Baitz deftly balances funny and fierce, elevating the subject of familial conflict to another level.

The play surrounds once promising novelist Brooke Wyeth’s return home after a six-year absence. Celebrating Christmas in Palm Springs with her brother, her aunt, and her parents, former members of the Reagan inner circle, Brooke brings with her a memoir that focuses on a devastating chapter in the family’s life. Turmoil ensues as the wounded parents discover her intent, and the Wyeths struggle to come to terms with secrets from their past.

Purchase tickets online 24 hours a day: www.orplayhouse.com.
Purchase by phone or at box office: 865 482 9999, 12:00-5:30PM Mon.-Sat. during performance weeks.

Pellissippi State Community College students will be the stars—and writers and directors—of the upcoming theatre production “Freedom Circus,” Feb. 21-23. “Freedom Circus” premieres at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, in Pellissippi State’s Clayton Performing Arts Center, on the Hardin Valley Campus, 10915 Hardin Valley Road. Additional performances are 7:30 p.m., Feb. 22, and 2 p.m., Feb. 23.

“Expect the funny, weird, shocking and poignant all in one sitting, in this collection of short plays written and directed by, and starring, students from Pellissippi State’s Theatre program,” said Charles R. Miller, Theatre program coordinator and professor. Admission is free, but donations are accepted at the door. All proceeds go to the Pellissippi State Foundation to support the Theatre program and scholarships. Ample free parking is available.

“Freedom Circus” is one of the events that make up Pellissippi State’s arts series, The Arts at Pellissippi State. The series brings to the community cultural activities ranging from music and theatre to international celebrations, lectures, and the fine arts.

Pellissippi State: 10915 Hardin Valley Road, Knoxville, TN 37932. Information: 865-694-6405, www.pstcc.edu/arts

Intensive, joyful exploration of many facets of cello playing, through master classes, technique seminars, lectures, cello ensemble playing, concerts, and cello competitions. Approximately150 cellists from throughout the United States attend this three day event. Free concerts, open to public.

TCW Pre-College Competition Performances
Friday, February 21, 2014 at 5:30 p.m and 8:00 p.m.
Sandra G. Powell Recital Hall, Natalie L. Haslam Music Center
TCW Faculty Recital
Saturday, February 22, 2014 at 5:30 p.m.
Sandra G. Powell Recital Hall, Natalie L. Haslam Music Center
TCW Final Cello Ensemble Recital
Sunday, February 23, 2014 at 4:00 p.m.
Sandra G. Powell Recital Hall, Natalie L. Haslam Music Center, 1741 Volunteer Blvd on the UT campus. Unless otherwise noted, concerts are FREE and open to the public. *For individual or small group performances, please check the web site or call the day of the event for updates or cancellations: 865-974-5678, www.music.utk.edu/events. View additional UT Music concerts and events including all student recitals on the website.

Capping off our month-long recognition of Black History Month is this community celebration - join us! The event features an art display, performance by the Vine Middle School African Dancers and Drummers, poetry reading by Oak Ridge poet Rose Weaver, and “Taste of Soul Food.”

Goins Building College Center, Pellissippi State: 10915 Hardin Valley Road, Knoxville, TN 37932. Information: 865-694-6405, www.pstcc.edu/arts

Bluegrass
Josh and Wayne grew up in Clayton, Georgia playing bluegrass music with their dad Junior Crowe and playing bluegrass gospel in local and regional churches. Their professional break came in 1975 when Raymond Fairchild offered them a job. After seven albums and over forty years of making music together, the Crowe Brothers continue their tradition of providing beautifully blended harmonies. Their latest project, Bridging the Gap, has delighted both bluegrass and traditional country fans as the veteran brothers, Josh and Wayne Crowe, deliver an album filled with soulful lead vocals, blended harmonies, and fine pickin’. Tickets, if available, will be for sale at the door for $14.

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

As many of you already know, romance has always been the theme for our February presentations, with our upcoming program being no exception. Our February 21 bill will be topped by Invitation (1952), a glossy MGM soap opera starring Van Johnson, Dorothy McGuire, Ruth Roman and Louis Calhern. With a screenplay by noted scenarist and playwright Paul Osborne, Invitation is based on a story by the renowned Jerome Weidman. The film concerns a wealthy father who pays a dashing young man to romance his invalid daughter. Many complications arise – including the hired Romeo’s girlfriend. Beautiful dialogue and fine performances combine to make Invitation a superior soap, one that is further enhanced by Bronislau Kaper’s acclaimed music score.

On a far lighter note will be our short subject for next month, “A Slight Misunderstanding,” a truly hilarious 1953 episode of the classic Gale Storm-Charlie Farrell sitcom, My Little Margie. This installment has madcap Margie carrying out a harebrained scheme to patch things up between a quarreling young couple who happens to be her and her dad Vern’s next-door neighbors. Gloria (Dennis the Menace) Henry guest stars.

Our location: The spacious clubhouse of the Windover Apartments. The journey there will take you to Cheshire Drive (off Kingston Pike, near the Olive Garden); going down Cheshire, turn right at the Windover Apartments sign, then go to the third parking lot on your right, next to the pool. There, the building that houses the clubhouse and offices of the Windover will be just a few steps away!

Info: JeffAdamGordon@aol.com

The Arts & Culture Alliance is pleased to present a community panel discussion on Friday, February 21, from 4:00-5:00 PM at the Emporium Center in downtown Knoxville featuring four art teachers from Knox County Schools who will share their approaches to teaching art. The discussion will be moderated by Heather Casteel, Visual Arts Specialist for Knox County Schools, covering topics such as: school-specific art programs; merging teaching practices with personal art practice; guiding a variety of students; and more. Representatives for the panel discussion include Stan Hillard of Bearden High, Allison Pickett of Beaumont Elementary, Jessica Stewart of Christenberry Elementary, and Carol Vinson of South Doyle Middle.

“Lately, there has been much attention pointed toward the strength of artwork by students in Knox County,” said Liza Zenni, Executive Director of the Arts & Culture Alliance. “We want to open up a dialogue for the community to hear from local teachers at all levels about their approaches to teaching art.”

Knox County students annually exhibit work in both the Knoxville Museum of Art’s East Tennessee Regional Student Art Exhibition and Dogwood Art’s Student Art Exhibition, both of which offer awards and scholarships to encourage further development of these art students’ artistic aptitude. Additionally, for several years, the Fountain City Art Center has hosted month-long exhibitions by area school systems, including Central, Farragut, Gibbs, Karns, and Powell. Each February, the Farragut Arts Council hosts an exhibition of work by local art students, including Farragut and private schools; and each March, the Town of Farragut hosts an exhibition by local primary school art students. In December 2013, Paulk & Co. in downtown Knoxville hosted an entirely student-managed art exhibition by Bearden High School art students; in May 2014, the Downtown UT Gallery hosts an exhibition by the Knox County Art Educators, who have coordinated a showing every year for more than 20 years.

The free, informative discussion will take place at the Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street, in downtown Knoxville. Parking is available at metered spots on the Gay Street viaduct or in the parking lot on Jackson Avenue caddy-corner from the Emporium. Guests are invited to bring a “brown bag” lunch. For more information, please contact the Arts & Culture Alliance at (865) 523-7543 or visit www.knoxalliance.com/development.html.

By Horton Foote; Directed by Kate Buckley
The award-winning “The Trip to Bountiful” starring Carol Mayo Jenkins will play on the Clarence Brown Mainstage. The heartwarming play tells the story of Carrie Watts, an elderly woman who yearns to return to her home in Bountiful, Texas one last time, against the wishes of her overprotective son and domineering daughter-in-law. Written by one of America’s greatest writers, Horton Foote, “The Trip to Bountiful” is an unforgettable portrait of a woman with incredible strength and dignity,

Foote’s first play, “Texas Town”, was produced Off-Broadway in 1941. Since then he has had plays produced on Broadway, Off-Broadway, Off-Off-Broadway and at many regional theatres throughout the country. He received Academy Awards for his screenplay adaptation of “To Kill A Mockingbird” and his original screenplay, “Tender Mercies.” He received the Pulitzer Prize for his play, “The Young Man from Atlanta”, the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Achievement Off-Broadway and the Outer Critics Circle Special Achievement Award for the Signature Series of his plays. In 1996 he was elected to the Theatre Hall of Fame. In 1998 he was elected to membership in the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and at the same time received from the Academy the Gold Medal of Drama for the entire body of his work. In 2000 he received the PEN/Laura Pels Foundation Award for Drama, New York State Governor's Arts Award and, in December of that year, was given the National Medal of Arts Award by President Clinton. In 2006 his play, “The Trip to Bountiful”, won the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Revival and he was given the Drama Desk Lifetime Achievement Award for his body of work.

Foote’s success has been attributed to his honest examination of the human condition, and why some people survive tragedies while others are destroyed. His central themes of the “sense of belonging” and “longing for home” have resonated with audiences for more than 60 years.

"The trip to Bountiful is a journey home, which brings our heroine a sense of dignity and proof that her life was well lived. Carol Mayo-Jenkins’ beautiful portrayal of Carrie Watts enriches this profound story,” said director Kate Buckley.

Clarence Brown Theatre, 1714 Andy Holt Ave on the UT campus, Knoxville, TN 37996. For information: 865-974-5161, www.clarencebrowntheatre.com. For tickets: 865-974-5161, 865-656-4444, www.knoxvilletickets.com

2013-2014 Moxley Carmichael Masterworks Season
In February, the University of Tennessee Choral Ensembles return to join the orchestra for a performance of Bloch’s rarely heard Sacred Service. Written in 1933, this work is the lone orchestra and choral setting of the sacred Jewish service and will feature baritone Nmon Ford. Yardumian’s Veni, Sancte Spiritus opens the concert. Also on the program is Hovhaness’ Symphony No. 2, “Mysterious Mountain.” Nmon Ford, a Panamanian-American baritone, was a featured soloist on the 2010 Grammy Award-winning Transmigrations (Telarc) CD with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus and the four-time 2006 Grammy Award-winning recording William Bolcom’s Songs of Innocence and of Experience (Naxos) CD, including "Best Classical Recording," featuring the University of Michigan School of Music Symphony Orchestra.

At the Tennessee Theatre, 604 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. Tickets and information: 865-291-3310, www.knoxvillesymphony.com

Riding a bike is all fun and games until someone gets a flat. Knox County Public Library is pleased to introduce a new series called Life 101 to help teens develop some practical skills, including bike maintenance. Life 101 will be held at Lawson McGhee Library on Saturdays at 2:00 pm. It's aim is to teach teenagers some important life skills for their future. The programs are free and open to all area teens. No reservation required.
February 15: Bike safety
The first leg of this 2-part program will focus on urban bike safety. Local organization, Kickstand, will be on hand to guide participants through the rules of the road and offer other suggestions on how to become a safer, more aware cyclist.

March 1: Bike maintenance and repair
Flats, broken chains, and wobbly seats, oh my! Meet up with volunteers from local organization, Kickstand, to learn essential bike maintenance and repair techniques.

March 8: Stress management: yoga for teens
March 29: Financial literacy

For more information, please contact Bess Connally at bconnally@knoxlib.org, or (865) 215-8767