Calendar of Events
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Historic Homes of Knoxville Celebrate Statehood Day
Category: Free event, History, heritage and Kids, family
Historic Homes of Knoxville Celebrate Statehood Day with Free Admission on May 24, May 31, and June 1. June 1, 2014 marks the 218th anniversary of Tennessee’s admission as the 16th state in the union. East Tennessee’s most important cultural heritage sites are partnering to celebrate Statehood Day on Saturdays, May 24 and May 31 as well as Sunday, June 1. The sites include places of historical significance in the exciting journey from the creation of our country to the founding of our state.
Crescent Bend House & Gardens (Saturday, May 24, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
One of the Southeast’s finest house museums and gardens. Built in 1834 by Drury Paine Armstrong, Crescent Bend was once a 900-acre working farm and so named for its prominent setting overlooking a majestic crescent bend in the Tennessee River just west of downtown Knoxville.
2728 Kingston Pike Knoxville, TN 37919. Information: 865-637-3163, www.crescentbend.com
Ramsey House (Saturday, May 24, 12:00-2:00 PM)
Historic Ramsey House is the 1797 marble home of one of Knoxville’s founding fathers, Francis Alexander Ramsey. He was a surveyor, involved in the process of statehood for Tennessee, a court clerk, banker, donated land to the first church in Tennessee, co-founder and trustee of Blount College (now UT). His sons also made many contributions to law, medicine, education, transportation, politics and more. 2614 Thorngrove Pike, Knoxville, TN 37914. Information: 865-546-0745, www.ramseyhouse.org
Marble Springs (Saturday, May 24, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Sunday, May 25, 12:00-5:00 PM)
Home of John Sevier (1745-1815), Tennessee’s first governor and Revolutionary War hero. Marble Springs State Historic Site will commemorate this occasion with a weekend of Living History. Walk amongst Living History interpreters in 18th Century clothing portraying life on the frontier, encampments, and more. Children’s activities include falling into a militia drill and playing with period toys. Blacksmithing, weaving, and open hearth cooking will be demonstrated all weekend. Food will be available for purchase. Donations are appreciated.
1220 West Gov. John Sevier Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920. Information: 865-573-5508, www.marblesprings.net
Westwood (Saturday, May 24, 1:00-4:00 PM)
Built as a “wedding promise” in 1890 by John Edwin Lutz and his wife, Ann Adelia Armstrong Lutz, on property owned by her grandfather, Drury P. Armstrong. The highlight and most significant component of Westwood is the studio which was designed by Ann Adelia Armstrong Lutz, an accomplished artist. Today Historic Westwood is home to Knox Heritage and the East Tennessee Preservation Alliance. Parking available at Laurel Church of Christ.
425 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919. Information: 865-523-8008, www.historicwestwood.org
Blount Mansion (Saturday, May 31, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
Construction on Blount Mansion began in 1792. The restored mansion was open for tours in 1930, making it the oldest museum in Knox County. Commemorate the creation of the state of Tennessee and celebrate the pioneers who settled and transformed the southwest territory into the vibrant state of Tennessee.
200 W. Hill Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information: 865-525-2375, www.blountmansion.org
James White’s Fort (Saturday, May 31, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
Built in 1786, James White’s Fort was home to the founder of Knoxville. More than 10,000 visitors tour the Fort each year and experience the frontier lifestyle through hands-on interpretations. Celebrate at James White’s Fort and learn about Knoxville's first settlers. Donations will be gladly accepted.
205 E. Hill Ave, Knoxville, TN 37915. Information: 865-525-6514, www.jameswhitefort.org
Mabry-Hazen House (Saturday, May 31, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
Mabry-Hazen House, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is located atop Mabry's Hill in Knoxville, Tennessee. Built in 1858 and housing three generations of the same family from 1858-1987, the Mabry-Hazen House served as headquarters for both Union and Confederate forces during the Civil War. This stately, elegant home of the Victorian and Civil War periods showcases one of the largest original family collection in America. Containing original artifacts including china, silver, crystal, and antique furnishings, this home is a rare view into the past. The Civil War, a gunfight on Gay Street in 1882, and a Breach of Promise lawsuit in the early 1930's are only a few stories that bring life and color to those who visit the museum.
1711 Dandridge Avenue, Knoxville, TN, 37915. Information: 865-522-8661, www.mabryhazen.com
In addition to the Historic Homes of Knoxville, Sequoyah Birthplace Museum and Crockett Tavern Museum will also host Statehood Day events.
Crockett Tavern Museum (Saturday, May 31, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
The Museum was built on the site of the boyhood home of Davy Crockett. It is a reconstruction of the 1790's John Crockett Tavern.
2002 Morningside Drive, Morristown, TN 37814. Information: 423-587-9900, www.crocketttavernmuseum.org
Sequoyah Birthplace Museum (Sunday, June 1, 12:00-5:00 PM)
The mission of the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum (Vonore), a property of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, is to promote the understanding and appreciation of the history and culture of the Cherokee Indians in Eastern Tennessee, particularly the life and contributions of Sequoyah. The Museum will collect, preserve, interpret, and exhibit objects and data that support this mission. Free admission; blacksmith shop will be open. Genealogy workshops and storytelling in the afternoon.
576 HWY 360, Vonore, TN 37885. Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9AM-5PM, Sunday, 12-5PM. Information: 423-884-6246, www.sequoyahmuseum.org
The Historic House Museums of Knoxville is a partnership that shares resources from each historic site in presenting the history, culture, and heritage of Knoxville and East Tennessee: www.hhknoxville.org
Knox Heritage: Statehood Day Tours
Category: Festivals, special events
June 1, 2014 marks the 218th anniversary of Tennessee’s admission as the 16th state in the union. East Tennessee’s most important cultural heritage sites are partnering to celebrate Statehood Day on Saturdays, May 24 and May 31 as well as Sunday, June 1. For more information, visit www.hhknoxville.org. Historic Westwood, 3425 Kingston Pike.
Knox Heritage: 865-523-8008, www.knoxheritage.org
Spring 2014 East Tennessee Plant Swap
Category: Festivals, special events, Free event and Science, nature
The Spring 2014 East Tennessee Plant Swap will be held at New Harvest Park, located at 4775 New Harvest Lane in Knoxville, on Saturday, May 24, 2014.
Setup will begin at 9:30am, swapping starts at 10:00am, and a pot-luck lunch will be at 11:30am or noon.
All plants and other items are swapped for FREE-no money is allowed.
Everyone is invited to join us for this exciting and fun event that brings together people who love plants and gardening.
The ETPS provides an opportunity to make new friends, talk to old friends, and share plants and all types of gardening-related stuff with fellow gardeners.
You do not have to bring plants in order to swap. Bring items such as gardening supplies, magazines, pots, seeds and one plate of food for the potluck.
More information can be found at www.easttnplantswap.com.
Fountain City Art Center: Free Guitar Recital
Category: Free event and Music
We have a free guitar recital by the students of Chris Lee who will also play beginning at 2 PM Saturday, May 24 here at the Fountain City Art Center.
Fountain City Art Center is located in the old library building at 213 Hotel Avenue next to the Fountain City Park.
Marble Springs: Statehood Day Living History Weekend
Category: Festivals, special events, Free event, History, heritage and Kids, family
June 1, 2014 marks the 218th anniversary of Tennessee’s admission as the 16th state in the year 1796. In conjunction with the Historic Homes of Knoxville, Marble Springs State Historic Site will commemorate this occasion with a weekend of Living History. Walk amongst Living History interpreters in 18th Century clothing portraying life on the frontier. Militia drills along with demonstrations of 18th Century life, including tomahawk throwing demonstrations, will take place.
The celebration will continue into Sunday, May 25 from 12-5pm with Living History encampments and various interpreters. See the actors of the PBS production, The Mysterious Lost State of Franklin, as they conduct militia drills and a skirmish. Children’s activities include falling into a militia drill and playing with period toys. Militia camps will be open between activities. Blacksmithing, weaving, and open hearth cooking will be demonstrated all weekend. A full schedule of events will be available at www.marblesprings.net. Food will be available for purchase. Details are subject to change. This event is free and open to the public. Donations are appreciated.
Marble Springs State Historic Site: 1220 West Gov. John Sevier Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920. Information: 865-573-5508, www.marblesprings.net
Theatre Knoxville Downtown: Sordid Lives
Category: Theatre
“Sordid Lives” by Del Shores opens at Theatre Knoxville Downtown
A black comedy about white trash! The author of Daddy's Dyin' (Who's Got the Will?) brings you a comedy that was nominated for over thirty awards during its long run in Los Angeles.
When Peggy, a good Christian woman, hits her head on the sink and bleeds to death after tripping over her lover's wooden legs in a motel room, chaos erupts in Winters, Texas.
"[This play by] the master of Texas Comedy...is maybe funnier than Daddy's Dyin'. His colorful eccentrics are dead on, teetering on a Bowie knife's edge between the hilarious improbable and the achingly real."
— The Los Angeles Times
For Mature Audiences Only.
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
Smoky Mountain Quilters 34rd Annual Quilt Show
Category: Exhibitions, visual art and Fine Crafts
Smoky Mountain Quilters 34rd Annual Quilt Show
May 23-25, 2014
Cooper Athletic Center, Maryville College
502 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN 37804
Hours of Show: Friday 9 am – 8 pm, Saturday 9 am – 5 pm, Sunday 11 am – 4 pm
Theme: “Red, White, and Blue”
Special Exhibit: Congressional Medal of Honor quilts
Special events:
Bed turnings by Merikay Waldvogel (2009 Quilter’s Hall of Fame inductee) : May 23, 2014: 11 am and 1 pm
Display of Medal of Honor Quilts
Vendor demonstrations
Vendor booth shop hop
Other quilt show features:
Small quilt sale
Ample free parking
Handicapped accessible
Climate controlled exhibit area for all events
Quilters’ Scavenger Hunter
For more information www.smokymtnquilters.com
Side Splitters Comedy Club: Jeff Dye
Category: Comedy
Jeff Dye is the host of MTV's hit prank show "Money From Strangers." He currently stars in MTV’s popular spinoff show "Girl Code" as well.
TICKET PRICES: $8 FOR GENERAL ADMISSION, $10 FOR PREFERRED SEATS ONLINE!
All tickets via phone or at the door are $2 more per ticket!
All tickets go up $2 on the day of the show.
Side Splitters Comedy Club - West Knoxville, 9246 Parkwest Boulevard, Knoxville, TN 37923. 865.934.LAFF (5233) www.SideSplittersComedy.com
Wood-n-Strings Dulcimer Shop Pickin' Porch
Category: Music
Saturdays at 7:00 PM.
MAY
17 - MT. SHADOWS ST. BAND - Hammer & Mtn. Dulci. Guitar, more
24 - MICHAEL SHULL - Mtn. Dulcimer, BanJammer & More (SAT.WORKSHOPS)
31 - BILL TAYLOR - Mountain Dulcimer (SAT.WORKSHOPS)
JUNE
7 - STEVE & RUTH SMITH - Hammer Dulcimer, Banjo & Guitar (SAT.WORKSHOPS)
14 - STEVE EULBERG - Hammer & Mtn.DULC., Clem-Bro (SAT.WORKSHOPS)
21 - LARRY CONGER - Mtn. Dulcimer, Vocal & BanJammer (SAT.WORKSHOPS)
28 - ERIN & AMBER ROGERS - Mountain Dulcimer , Fiddle & more (SAT.WORKSHOPS)
JULY
5 - NATHANIEL SAMSEL - Mountain Dulcimer, BanJammer (contact Nathaniel)
12 - AGENE PARSONS - Hammer Dulcimer (SAT.WORKSHOPS)
19 - MARY COX - Mtn.Dulcimer Banjo (SAT.WORKSHOPS)
26 - JIM & CHERI MILLER - Hammer Dulcimer, Guitar & More (SAT.WORKSHOPS)
AUG.
2 - JOE COLLINS - Mountain Dulcimer (SAT.WORKSHOPS)
9 - DON PEDI - Mountain Dulcimer (SAT.WORKSHOPS)
16 - HUNTER WALKER - Mtn. Dulcimer, BanJammer (SAT.WORKSHOPS)
23 - BING FUTCH - Mountain Dulcimer & Flute (SAT.WORKSHOPS)
30 - AARON O'ROURKE - Mtn. Dulcimer, BanJammer & More (SAT.WORKSHOPS)
SEPT.
6 - STEVE SEIFERT - Mountain Dulcimer & BanJammer (SAT.WORKSHOPS)
13 - GUY & SHARRIE GEORGE - Hammer Dulcimer, Guitar & More (SAT.WORKSHOPS)
20 - KENDRA WARD & BOB BENCE - Hammer Dulcimer & Guitar (SAT.WORKSHOPS)
27 - OLD TIMERS DAY - FESTIVAL WE WILL BE THERE
Please call and register for Workshops - Limited space
7645 East Lamar Alexander Parkway behind “Wood-N-Strings Dulcimer Shop”
Information: 865-448-6647 or www.ClemmerDulcimer.com
Knoxville Museum of Art: Leonardo Silaghi: 3 Paintings
Category: Exhibitions, visual art and Free event
Hall & Rogers Gallery
Docent walk-through at 11:30 AM on May 16
This display features three monumental canvases by Leonardo Silaghi that were recently acquired by the KMA. Silaghi (born 1987) is a Romanian painter whose abstractions powerfully express the chaotic transition of his homeland from a decaying Communist nation to a contemporary urban society still taking shape. Often using black and white photographs of abandoned Cold War machinery as starting points, the artist launches into large, forcefully executed paintings populated by conveyor belts, vehicles, ductwork, and other industrial debris.
Leonardo Silaghi is a graduate of the University of Art and Design in Cluj, Romania. Since 2009, he has been featured with solo exhibitions at the Laika Gallery in Cluj, Marc Straus Gallery in New York, and the Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art in Peekskill, where he was artist in residence in 2010. Recently his works were shown at the exhibition "After the Fall" at the HVCCA in Peeksville and the Knoxville Museum of Art. Through a generous gift of New York collectors Marc and Livia Straus in 2013, and a purchase, the KMA is fortunate to be among the first American museums to have acquired a group of Silaghi’s works.
Knoxville Museum of Art, 1050 World's Fair Park Dr, Knoxville, TN 37916. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10AM-5PM; Sunday, 1-5PM. Information: 865-525-6101, www.knoxart.org
The District Gallery: Dreamscapes, Paintings by Rachel Campbell
Category: Exhibitions, visual art and Free event
The District Gallery is pleased to present Dreamscapes: Poetry Inspired Paintings by Rachael McCampbell. The arts often inspire one another – visual arts can inspire writers, and the written word can send artists to their easels. Native Knoxvillian painter, writer and curator, Rachael McCampbell, has done just that. She has always loved literature and poetry and the rich way words inspire her art.
McCampbell has created a collection of paintings inspired by the poetry of poets such as Mary Oliver, Donald Justice, Wallace Stevens, Robert Creeley, Wendell Berry, W. B. Yeats, Maya Angelou, Raymond Carver and more. Her paintings are highly textured with layers of acrylic, charcoal and oil. She applies paintand then removes it until eventually the story she needs to tell emerges.
Opening Reception: Friday, May 16, 5-8 p.m. and Artist Talk: Thursday, May 29, 7-8 p.m.
The District Gallery | 5113 Kingston Pike | Knoxville, TN 37919 | (865) 200-4452 | www.TheDistrictGallery.com
Fountain City Art Center: Fountain City Art Guild Annual Spring Show and Sale
Category: Exhibitions, visual art and Free event
Opening Reception May 16, 6:30-8:00 PM - everyone welcome!
Student Show: Students from Aurora H. Bull’s oil painting classes
Details TBA.
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