Calendar of Events

At Jubilee Center, Callahan Road
February 27, 28 and March 1 @ 7 p.m. with a matinee on March 1 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $10 ($5 seniors). Dinner/lunch available (additional charge) with reservations prior to the shows.
865.947.7428, http://www.powellplayhouseinc.com

The Tennessee Children’s Dance Ensemble (TCDE) will open its 33rd annual season with two performances at Knoxville’s Historic Tennessee Theatre. The Evening features a dozen dances by six different choreographers offering something for everyone. “Whether you love modern dance, classical ballet, jazz or you just need to see something that will lift your spirits and make you feel good about your world - this is the place to be,” says Ensemble director, Irena Linn. The Dance Ensemble’s Season Opener includes two dynamic and colorful works by Chicago’s Randy Duncan. The pulsating rhythms of “Inside Your Heart” resonate with all of who have a dream still waiting to manifest, while Duncan’s classic “Time After Time” both elates and inspires. The company will also perform the “Tennessee Tarantella”, choreographed by Joan Kunch, director of Connecticut’s Nutmeg Ballet. The evening will offer the premier of two new dances. “Straight to Memphis,” by TCDE’s associate artistic director, Amy Wilson, offers a fun-loving glimpse into the lives of 9 girls visiting Memphis for the first time. “Lights Out,” by Ensemble Alumna Courtney Massey Kohlhepp is a fast paced jazz done in the traditional jazz style. TCDE, known as The Dance Ensemble, Children Helping Children, has proven itself a game-changer in the world of dance. Using young artists from 10-18 years of age, the company continues to represent the State of Tennessee as dancing ambassadors of goodwill, and has successfully shown the world that young people can perform with artistic excellence equal and sometimes surpassing that of adult companies.

Performances are February 27 and 28 at 7:30 PM
Tennessee Children’s Dance Ensemble: 865-584-9636, www.tcdedance.org

Joy Ingram, an associate history professor at Pellissippi State Community College, delivers a presentation about white Civil War abolitionist John Brown Thursday, Feb. 27. Part of the college’s Faculty Lecture Series, Ingram’s presentation, “John Brown: Maniacal Egoist or Moral Crusader?” begins at 2 p.m. in the Goins Building Auditorium, 10915 Hardin Valley Road. The event is free. The community is invited.

“The South was used to slave rebellions,” said Ingram, “but Brown’s uprising was the first time a person from the North had come to the South and committed acts of violence to try to free the slaves. Some historians say he sparked the Civil War. “He’s been labeled crazy, a martyr, a religious zealot, a hero. I’m not going to try to put a label on him—I’ll leave that to the audience. But I will try to see what sets him apart from other abolitionists, what made him unique and what the end result of his actions was.” Brown believed armed insurrection was the only way to end slavery in America. He and his followers instigated a number of conflicts in the South, culminating in an unsuccessful raid that he led on a federal armory in Harpers Ferry, Virginia. Brown was captured there and charged with treason, then hanged.

“Brown did not accomplish his plan to end slavery before his death,” said Ingram, “but his ideals lived on. The Harpers Ferry raid in 1859 escalated tension that eventually led to Southern secession and the Civil War.” The war began in 1861 and ended in 1865.

The Faculty Lecture 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. To learn more about “John Brown” or The Arts at Pellissippi State, call (865) 694-6400 or visit www.pstcc.edu/arts. To request accommodations for a disability, contact the executive director of Human Resources at (865) 694-6607 or humanresources@pstcc.edu.

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

The United States Navy band from Washington, D.C. will be performing a concert at the University of Tennessee in Cox Auditorium of the Alumni Memorial Building. The concert is free to the public, but tickets are required to attend (you may request up to 6 tickets).

Tickets may be picked up at the UT Band Office located at 227 Natalie Haslam Music Center or at any Rush's or Lunsford's Music Stores. You may also request tickets by sending a S.A.S.E (by February 14th) to the following:

UT Band Office
227 Natalie Haslam
1741 Volunteer Blvd.
Knoxville, TN 37966

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

With native American Musician Randy McGinnis
At the Clayton Center for the Arts in Maryville.
Tickets available at downtown Maryville businesses and online at www.maryvilleartwalk.com. This is our annual major fundraiser for the Maryville Arts Coalition.

An 85th Birthday Celebration in Honor of the Legendary Pianist Byron Janis; five days of master classes, lectures, video presentations, book discussions and music with Byron Janis. Event is free but registration is required. For more information and to register: www.music.utk.edu/janis

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.

Sponsored by Gage Models & Talent Agency, Oberman Law Firm, Virginia College, Metropulse, and Star 102.1

Wednesday, February 26: 5-7pm Models & Jazz
Address: G & G Interiors: 5508 Kingston Pike, Suite 100 Knoxville, TN 37919
VIP passes only, Gage Talent Models, and Chamber members 5-7pm
The Kickoff Event – Hosted by The Gift & Gourmet Interiors, A Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours Event
Sponsored by Gage Models & Talent Agency and The District in Bearden with music by Cindi Alpert & The Corduroy Jazz Trio, Food by local Bearden restaurants in The District

Event tickets are available separately below each date or by multiple day passes:
General Admission 4 day pass for all Runway shows $175
4 Day VIP pass for all access, guaranteed FRONT row seating: $250

The Accessories Showcase & The Emerging Designer Runway at Latitude 35
Thursday, February 27:
5:30 – 7pm Accessories Showcase with Sunnybands, Alicia Marie, Charles Ottolini, New Eve Jewelry & You Got Flair
7 – 9pm Emerging Designer Runway with Southern Grace, Southern Orange, Sophie Tess Designs, and Red Cadence Preview
Address: Latitude 35: 16 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902
Tickets required.

The Made in America Runway 6-8pm Swimwear & The Men’s Show 9- 11pm at The Relix
Friday, February 28:
6 – 8pm Accessories & Made in America by Alicia Marie, Charles Ottolini, Southern Grace, and Red Cadence
9 – 11pm: Swimwear by Jenna Colina Collection and Christa Conley Collection, Fashion by Vic & Kimchi and Sherie Nevett

The Men’s Show: Coachman Clothiers and Tommy Hilfiger retail collections
Address: Relix: 1208 N Central St, Knoxville, TN 37917
Tickets required:

The Grand Finale Runway Event
Saturday, March 1:
2 – 3pm Children’s Runway Event featuring Monsoon UK, Blue Eyes & Bare Feet, Mazie & Ivie and Francoise Lama-Solet
3 – 4pm Teen Runway by Southern Grace, Francesca’s, and Delia’s
4 – 4:30pm Buckle Up!
4:30 – 5pm Gilded Gowns

Grand Finale Couture Runway Show:
Doors Open 7pm
7:30pm Opening Music by Soulfinger and Runway: KRISTI, Royal Peasantry, Shattered Stitch, and KFW14 Finale by Kelly Jones & Diane Corey
Holiday Inn World’s Fair Park: 525 Henley St, Knoxville, TN 37902
Out of town travelers- there is a room discount available at this Holiday Inn location only.
Tickets required.

http://knoxvillefashionweek.com/schedule/

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.

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