Calendar of Events

The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra will perform for more than 2,500 youth as part of the Very Young People’s Concerts. There are two performances: Tuesday, February 25 at the Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville and Wednesday, February 26 at the Clayton Center for the Arts in Maryville.

The Very Young People’s Concert entitled "Shall We Dance?” is designed for students in pre-school, kindergarten, first and second grades and features the KSO's very own animated character, Picardy Penguin. Students enjoy interacting with Picardy as he guides them to explore dance music and several different forms of dance. The concerts are comprised of music and specially selected for younger ears. Interactive animation, GO! Contemporary Dance Works and guest soprano Katy Wolfe Zahn will lead the audience through Rogers and Hammerstein’s “Shall We Dance,” Variations at the Barre, a “Scene” from Swan Lake, Tango by Piazzolla and Cute by Hefti. The concert concludes with Dvorak’s Slavonic Dance No. 1 and the “Hokey-Pokey.” These concerts are attended by school and home schooled groups from Knox and surrounding counties and are open to the general public. For more information about the KSO’s education programs, please visit www.knoxvillesymphony.com.

Tuesday, February 25 – 9:30 a.m. at the Tennessee Theatre ($6 at the door)
Wednesday, February 26 - 9:30 a.m. at the Clayton Center for the Arts ($8 at the door)
Information: 865-291-3310, www.knoxvillesymphony.com

Pellissippi State Community College’s Winter Choral Concert features performances from two high schools, Hardin Valley Academy and Lenoir City High School. The Winter Choral Concert is at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25, in the Clayton Performing Arts Center on the Hardin Valley Campus, 10915 Hardin Valley Road.

“We invite different high school choirs to this concert each year to give them an opportunity to be on campus, to meet our students and to learn about our Music program offerings,” said Bill Brewer, Music program coordinator and associate professor. The event is free and the community is invited. Donations will be accepted at the door for the Pellissippi State Foundation on behalf of the Music Scholarship Fund. “The high school choirs will perform along with Pellissippi State’s own Concert Chorale and Variations groups,” said Brewer, “for an evening of fine choral music covering a wide range of styles and tastes.” The Concert Chorale and Variations groups comprise a cross-section of students from a variety of majors. The Variations Ensemble is preparing for a study abroad and concert opportunity overseas in May 2014, in collaboration with the Tennessee Consortium for International Studies.

The Winter Choral Concert is the latest in a string of performances during Pellissippi State’s yearlong Music Concert Series. The series is part of The Arts at Pellissippi State, which brings to the community cultural activities ranging from music and theatre to international celebrations, lectures, and the fine arts. All piano performances and accompaniments are performed on Steinways, in keeping with Pellissippi State’s status as an All-Steinway School.

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

feat. Randy Rogers Band, Wade Brown, Stoney LaRue & Josh Abbott
When a band spends the bulk of its year on the road, its members are bound to have their share of trouble and strife. But only the truly talented are able to take those trying experiences and turn them into enduring art. The Randy Rogers Band is one of those few, and they’ve transformed coal into diamonds yet again on their latest album, Trouble. Some of their country music friends: Wade Brown, Stoney LaRue & Josh Abbott will join them for an unforgettable, boot stomping night!

Bijou Theatre, 803 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information: 865-522-0832, www.knoxbijou.com. For tickets: 865-684-1200, 865-656-4444, www.knoxvilletickets.com

The UT Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band will perform the first concert of the spring semester. The concert will feature pieces by Bach, Dello Joio, Texidor, Hindemith, Ticheli, and Shostakovich. This concert will take place at 8:00 PM in Cox Auditorium of the Alumni Memorial Building. Admission is free and open to the public.

Info: 865-974-5678, www.music.utk.edu/events

The Knoxville Writers’ Guild is holding the launch party for "New York Times" bestselling author Amy Greene’s much-anticipated second novel, "Long Man," from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 25 at the home of Warren and Annelle Neel. "Greene’s enormous talent animates the voices and landscape of East Tennessee so vividly, and creates such exquisite tension, that the reader is left as exhausted and devastated as the characters in this unforgettable story,” "Publisher’s Weekly" wrote in a starred review.

"Long Man" is told in three days in the summer of 1936 when a government-built dam is about to flood an Appalachian town and a little girl goes missing. Greene was raised and still lives outside Morristown. Her first novel, "Bloodroot," was released in 2010. “This is an exciting opportunity to join Ms. Greene the first day her new book is made available to the public,” said member Annelle Neel. “It’s an honor to host the author as she continues her rise as one of Tennessee’s literary treasures.”

Cost for the limited tickets is $90 for members and $100 for nonmembers and includes a signed copy of the book. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres inspired by the novel will be served. Ticket sales will be limited. To order, visit www.knoxvillewritersguild.org or send your check to KWG Launch Party, P.O. Box 10326, Knoxville TN 37939-0326. Directions will be provided prior to the event.

The Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, preacher, workshop leader, consultant and writer, will be the guest speaker for Maryville College’s 2014 February Meetings. Nelson, a third-generation Presbyterian pastor, is the director of the Presbyterian Church (USA) Office of Public Witness in Washington, D.C. The Office of Public Witness is a prophetic office of the denomination and implements the social justice agenda of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) through advocacy with the executive and legislative branches of the federal government. Nelson will develop his theme of "Speaking Truth to Power: The work of Justice in a World of Violence"

Nelson holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and urban studies. He is also a third generation graduate of Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary. In 2002, he earned a doctor of ministry degree from Louisville Presbyterian Seminary, and his dissertation title was “A Community Based Model of an African American New Church Development in the Presbyterian Church (USA).”

During February Meetings, the College will also partner with Green Meadow United Methodist Church to present “FaithMarks,” a photographic gallery show exploring the intersection between spirituality and the art of tattoos. The show, which will include 22 large photographs and interpretive material, will be on display in Bartlett Hall on the Maryville College campus.

Held annually at the College since 1877, February Meetings have offered the College and local community an opportunity to come together to consider questions of faith and responsible living in the world. In years past, guest speakers and special music have been highlights of the condensed lecture series, which is open to all members of the College community, people in the area and visitors, including the College’s Board of Church Visitors.

The Monday, February 24 meeting will begin at 7pm. Tuesday, February 25 meeting begins at 1pm.

THIS IS A FREE EVENT!

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

The Athens Community Theatre is holding auditions for its spring play at 7PM on Monday February 24th and 7PM on Tuesday February 25th at The Arts Center at 320 North White Street, Athens, TN. Interested community members are encouraged to audition. The comedy calls for 3 men and 3 women ranging in age from late teens to adult. Everyone who is interested, regardless of age, is invited to attend auditions to learn more about how to be involved in community theatre be it on stage, back stage, creating costumes, or sound and light production. Excerpts from the script will be provided for use during auditions.

Show dates are April 24-27 and May 1-4, 2014 in the Sue E. Trotter Theater at The Arts Center. Regular rehearsals will begin in early March and will be held three nights per week until the show opens. The play centers on a young and successful television actor who relocates to New York, where he rents a marvelous, gothic apartment. With his television career in limbo, the actor is offered the opportunity to play Hamlet onstage, but there's one problem: He hates Hamlet. His dilemma deepens with the entrance of John Barrymore's ghost, who arrives intoxicated and in full costume to the apartment that once was his. The contrast between the two actors, the towering, dissipated Barrymore whose Hamlet was the greatest of his time, and Andrew Rally, hot young television star, leads to a wildly funny duel over women, art, success, duty, television, and yes, the apartment. The play is directed by Rick Parker. For more information, please contact The Arts Center via email at director@athensartscouncil.org, by phone at 423-745-8781.

Through authentic classical Chinese dance, SHEN YUN takes you on an extraordinary journey through 5,000 years of genuine Chinese culture. From ancient dynasties to the modern day, SHEN YUN brings to life timeless myths and legends that have shaped this ancient culture, evoking profound wisdom and abiding virtues. Its stunning beauty, purity and energy have left audience members fondly uplifted and deeply inspired. SHEN YUN will be taking the Tennessee on February 24-25, 2015! Don't Miss SHEN YUN — the Performance of a Lifetime!

Tennessee Theatre, 604 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. For information/tickets: 865-684-1200, www.tennesseetheatre.com, www.ticketmaster.com

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

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.

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