Calendar of Events

In 1980, Evelyn Miller, pianist, devoted teacher, and visionary, realized her dream to establish a concert series for young (under 35) international artists – the YOUNG PIANIST SERIES. Since its beginning, more than 80 concert pianists from all over the world have performed in this unique series.

Featuring Yekwon Sunwoo
Winner of the 2013 Sendai International Music Competition in Japan and one of 30 competitors in the 2013 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, Yekwon Sunwoo has performed with numerous orchestras, including the Orchestre National de Belgique under the baton of Marin Alsop. He made his New York City debut at Weill Recital Hall, Carnegie Hall, in 2009 as winner of the Florida International Piano Competition.

Ticket Prices
Adult series subscriptions: $40 each / individual performance tickets: $15 each
Student series subscriptions: $12 each / individual performance tickets: $5 each

Clayton Center for the Arts: 502 East Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN 37804. Info: 865-981-8590, www.ClaytonArtsCenter.com

The McClung Museum’s 4th annual Civil War Lecture series will be held on the last Sunday of each month, January – April 2014 at 2 pm in the McClung Museum Auditorium. This month’s lecture on famous Civil War photographer George Barnard will be given by Joan Markel, PhD, Civil War Curator, McClung Museum. The lecture is free and open to the public. As a special feature, the seven frames of panorama taken from the top of the ‘Hill’ will be available for viewing ‘in the round’ for the first time since 1864. Join us for a real trip to the past as captured by the lens of a pioneer military documentarian.

McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture, 1327 Circle Park Dr on the UT campus, Knoxville, TN 37996. Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9AM-5PM; Sunday, 1-5PM. Information: 865-974-2144, http://mcclungmuseum.utk.edu

Known for blending contemporary ballet and modern dance with daring athleticism that appeals to audience far beyond the devoted dancegoer, GO! will premiere The Search for Persephone, February 22, 8PM and February 23, 3PM at the Bijou Theatre. The Search for Persephone travels to mythological times of goddesses and nymphs in an original ballet where Artemis, Pandora and Aphrotite search for the goddess Persephone, kidnapped by Hades and taken into the underworld. Audiences will be intrigued with a forest filled with flowers, caterpillars and swinging vines as well as dancing pearls, flipping dolphins and an aerial dance with spinning starfish as the goddesses search for and rescue Persephone from her captor.

Ticket prices are $22 for adults, $17 for children, students and seniors. $27 and $22 at the door. All seats reserved.
Bijou Theatre, 803 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902.
Go! Contemporary Dance Works: 865-539-2475, www.gocontemporarydance.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.

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

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

by Jones, Hope & Wooten. This poignant comedy follows five Southern women whose friendships began many years ago on their college swim team. The play is set in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, where the women meet at the same beach cottage, the same weekend every August. Captured at ages 44, 48, 54 and 77, their lives unfold and they increasingly rely on one another, through advice and quick-witted repartee, to get through all the challenges life throws their way. The second act takes a poignant and surprising direction that makes this one of the Jones, Hope and Wooten franchise’s best. The cast includes Freddi Birdwell, Cheri Compton, Bonny Pendleton, Tracy Wolfgram Walker and Judie Douglas. Directed by James Fisher.

Performances are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8:00 PM and Sunday at 3:00 PM. Tickets are $10 plus fees for Thursday & Sunday performances and $15 plus fees for Friday & Saturday performances. If available, tickets will be sold at the door.

Theatre Knoxville Downtown has open seating. Doors open 30 minutes prior to show time. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to pick up your tickets and claim your seats. TKD reserves the right to seat walk-in patrons during the final 15 minutes prior to show time.

Tickets: 865-523-7521; www.KnoxTIX.com. Information: 865-544-1999, www.theatreknoxville.com

Athens Community Theatre announces their upcoming musical production of Into the Woods, book by James Lapine, music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.
Show dates for Into the Woods are February 13-23, 2014.

In this fairytale mash-up of epic proportion, familiar faces embark on the unknown: Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Jack (of beanstalk fame), dwell in a sylvan community where a meddling witch and a baker are next-door neighbors and the handsome princes from classic fables are competitive and comically vain paramours. Propelled by Sondheim’s majestic score, these characters venture “Into the Woods” and down a different path than that of the stories you’ve heard. The baker and his wife travel in search of a cow, a red cape, yellow hair, and gold slippers to lift a spell placed on them by the haggard witch. Cinderella, Jack, and Little red, too, have set out on inspired quests of their own. As the plot unfolds, these characters’ individual stories intersect through unexpected plot twists, and cameos by other characters of fairytale lore add to the thrill of the journey. In turn farcical and contemplative, James Lapine’s book examines themes of childhood and parenthood, ambition and desire, and takes on allegorical gravity when the tale does not end with “happily ever after.”

Performances are February 13, 14, 15, 18, 20, 21 and 22 at 7:00 PM and February 23 at 2:00 PM. Tickets for all performances are $15 for adults, $8 for students, except for February 14, which is BE MY VALENTINE NIGHT, when you can bring your prince or princess to the theatre for a “buy one get one $3 off” ticket deal; and February 20, which is FAIRYTALE FUN NIGHT, when you can come at 6:00 PM dressed in a fairytale costume for a complimentary magic potion (hot beverage) and $1 off ticket price.
Tickets go on sale Thursday, January 16th and will be available online at www.athensartscouncil.org, by phone at 423-745-8781, or in person at The Arts Center, 320 N. White St., Athens, Tennessee. For more information, contact The Arts Center at 423-745-8781.

Painter Diana Dee Sarkar and wood-turner Gordon Fowler, both of Knoxville, are the Art Market Gallery’s February featured artists. Their recent works will be on exhibit with an opening reception to be held from 5:30 to 9 p.m., Friday, Feb. 7, during the monthly First Friday Art Walk in downtown Knoxville. At the opening reception visitors may enjoy complimentary refreshments and live music performed by Living Room Roots.

Gordon Fowler, whose background includes carpentry and a degree in microbiology from University of Tennessee, studied at Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts and the Kentucky School of Craft. He has been turning wood since 2002, concentrating on creating pleasing shapes with an eye to proportion. "I love the symmetry and symbolism of circles, and am inspired by the patterns and contrasts found in nature," he says. With his three children now grown, this fulltime stay-at-home dad spends time in the kitchen, tending to the chickens, volunteering, and at the lathe, where he enjoys creating works from recycled logs that would otherwise have gone into someone's fireplace or the landfill.

Diana Dee Sarkar grew up in Wichita, KS, with a formal education focused on chemistry and medicine. Painting portraits, still life and landscapes on her own, she became serious about art in 2005, studying various media with Hongnian Zhang at the Woodstock (NY) School of Art, Lois Woolley, Anthony Ryder, Susan Ogilvie, Nelson Shanks and others. She holds a certificate from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art, and is completing work on an MFA at Academy of Art University. Her paintings have been juried into a show at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art Museum, and the International Miniature Painting competition. She paints representationally, currently in oil and pastel.

Owned and operated by more than 60 professional regional artists, the Art Market Gallery, at 422 S. Gay St., is a few doors away from Mast General Store and next to Downtown Grill & Brewery. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday; 1 to 5 p.m., Sunday. The gallery is wheelchair accessible, and parking in the abutting garage and on the street is free on weekends and after 6 p.m. weekdays. For more information, call 865-525-5265, or visit artmarketgallery.net, or facebook.com/Art.Market.Gallery.