Calendar of Events

We loved their sold-out Friday night show on the U.S. Cellular stage, we're bringing 'em back! Join us in welcoming WIMZ presents The Black Jacket Symphony performs The Beatles' Abbey Road! The Symphony offers a unique concert experience through recreating classic albums in a live performance setting. A selected album is performed in its entirety by a group of handpicked musicians specifically selected for each album, with no sonic detail being overlooked--the musicians do whatever it takes to musically reproduce the album!

Bijou Theatre, 803 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information/tickets: 865-522-0832, www.knoxbijou.com, www.ticketmaster.com

OUTSpoken is a second-year program from the Sundress Academy for the Arts (SAFTA) that will take place in Summer 2015. Our goal is to create a platform for the LGBTQ+ community of Knoxville, Tennessee, and its surrounding areas to record and perform the experiences of sex- and gender-diverse individuals in the South. Registration for the OUTSpoken workshop series is now open. On-site participants will be a part of three workshops over the course of three months in order to create, edit, and produce a piece of art to be performed during SAFTA’s OUTSpoken events in Summer 2015. Workshop attendees will work with professionals in performance, prose, and poetry to compose and tell their own stories.

Workshops will be held on January 17th, February 21st, and March 28th, 2015 at the Sundress Academy for the Arts. Cost for the workshop is $25 for one, $45 for two, or $60 for all three. (Participants who attend at least two on-site workshops will be eligible to perform their piece at the OUTSpoken events later in the year.) Scholarship applications are also available on our website.

As LGBTQ issues gain greater visibility, it is crucial that we explore the complexities of sex and gender diversity respectfully. That said, we realize that unity cannot and must not be silent, and that in order to create a meaningful dialogue, we must acknowledge and listen to the stories, experiences, grievances, arguments, and counterarguments of all sex- and gender-diverse persons. Register today at: http://www.sundresspublications.com/outspoken/

Sundress Academy for the Arts: 195 Tobby Hollow Ln, Knoxville, TN 37931, (865) 560-6106, safta@sundresspublications.com

February 21, Saturday, 9:30 am-4:00 pm, Townsend Artisan Guild Photography Workshop

Registration is open for the annual Photography Workshop.

We will spend our time translating the craft of "proper" focus and use of light to create photographic art. The focus will be changing snapshots into great shots and capturing the color and details of the macro world around us. Presentations will lay the groundwork and Guild photographers will assist participants as they apply the principles and practice the techniques. Photographers of all skill levels are welcome. Bring you camera and your manual. Donations of $30 are requested to cover the Guild’s expenses. Coffee and muffins will be provided. An opportunity to acquire a box lunch will be provided at noon.

The workshop will be held at the Smoky Mountain (Townsend) Visitor’s Center, 7906 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Townsend, TN.

Townsend Artisan Guild photographers participating are: Susan Cooper, Ken LaValley, Dan Meadows, Tyson Smith, and David Rudd. For more information, visit www.townsendartisanguild.org/events. You may also contact Susan Cooper, townsendartisanguild@gmail.com.

The Townsend Artisan Guild promotes greater awareness of and education for the arts while promoting the common interests of its fine artisan members. Since 2007, the organization has grown to approximately 60 members. Activities include participating in exhibitions, festivals, and conducting classes and demonstrations.

Townsend Artisan Guild: www.townsendartisanguild.org

UT Symphony Orchestra — Vive le France
Includes Paul Dukas' brilliant Fanfare from La Perí, the sublime Requiem by Gabriel Faure, featuring student soloists and UT Choirs, and the spectacular Symphony No. 3, "Organ," by Camille Saint-Saëns, featuring John Brock, organ.
Sunday, February 21, 2015 at 7:30 p.m
James R. Cox Auditorium, Alumni Memorial Bldg.

UT School of Music: Unless otherwise noted, concerts are FREE and open to the public. The Alumni Memorial Building located at 1408 Middle Drive on the UT campus. (The James R. Cox Auditorium is located in the Alumni Memorial Building.) The Natalie Haslam Music Center is located at 1741 Volunteer Blvd on the UT campus.
*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

Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church (ORUUC) is delighted to welcome guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter Peter Mayer for a one night concert at 8pm on Feb. 21. ORUUC is located at 809 Oak Ridge Turnpike in Oak Ridge.

Tickets for the concert are $24 for adults and $22 for seniors and students. They will be available at the door or can be purchased on line at oruuc.org/events or by phone by calling the ORUUC at (865) 483-6761.

R&M Tribute Entertainment presents “Elvis and Country Tributes." Join us for an evening of great entertainment at the historical Grove Theater on Saturday, February 21 at 7:00 PM. The Grove Theater is located at 123 Randolph Street, Oak Ridge, TN. Admission is $15.00 for adults, 12-6 years old $7.50 and 5 and under are FREE.

The show will feature multi award winning entertainers Ronnie Miller and Brandon E, both as Elvis in different genres. Ronnie Miller will also be performing a Johnny Cash tribute as well as other country artists. Erin Ott will also be performing country music. Our special guest appearing is Levi Elvis. Levi Elvis is four years old and has amazing like Elvis moves. A portion of the show proceeds will be donated to High Places Community Church at The Grove. Also, a portion of the proceeds will go to St. Jude’s in Memphis. St. Jude’s was one of Elvis’ favorite charities.

Ronnie Miller is originally from Knoxville, TN. He is a multi-award winning, professional Elvis Tribute Artist, entertainer, singer, and performer with over 15 years of experience in the music business. Ronnie has won several local and national singing awards in Country and Gospel music. Also, he has been inducted into National Elvis Organizations. In addition, Ronnie has a natural gift of singing gospel music. Ronnie and Brandon E. both have helped raise thousands of dollars for veterans and charity organizations.

Brandon E is from Athens, TN. Brandon grew up surrounded by all of the music Elvis loved so much; blues, country, rock and gospel. Brandon developed a love for Elvis and his music at an early age. To add, Brandon is very musically gifted and inclined. Brandon is also a very skilled musician, sound technician and disc jockey. He has performed Elvis tributes in many venues all over the Southeast. Brandon has won many awards and accolades in his many years as an Elvis Tribute Artist.

Erin Ott is an 11 year old country singer. She competed at the North American Country Music International's (NACMAI) Country Music Week 2014 in Pigeon Forge. She received two awards, Female Vocalist of the Year and Female Entertainer of the Year in her age category.

She has won many other awards such as regional competitions with the Smoky Mountain Country Music Association, where she won recording time with Simms Records. She recorded her first single in Nashville, “If the Heart is Right” written by award winning songwriter John Condrone.

For more information or to purchase advance reserved seats contact Missy Miller at (865) 684-6082 or tribute.entertainment@yahoo.com.

Fountain City Art Center cordially invites you to attend the opening reception for the Knoxville Book Arts Guild, along with Watercolors by students of Mary Secrist and Kate McCullough, and the Southern Appalachian Photography Society exhibition. The reception will be held 6:30-8:00 PM, Friday, March 6.

Fountain City Art Center, 213 Hotel Ave, Knoxville, TN 37918. Hours: Tuesday & Thursday, 9AM-5PM; Wednesday & Friday, 10AM-5PM; 2nd and 3rd Saturdays, 9AM-1PM. Information: 865-357-2787, www.fountaincityartctr.com

One of Sondheim’s most popular works, “Into the Woods” brings together the classic Fairytale characters from The Brothers Grimm with the Broadway magic of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine to create a rare modern classic. The story follows a baker and his wife who wish to have a child, Cinderella who wishes to attend the King’s Festival, and Jack who wishes his cow would give milk. When the baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a witch’s curse, they set off on a journey to break it. Everyone’s wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later.

“Into the Woods” won the 1988 Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Musical and the 2002 Tony Award for Best Musical Revival. It has become one of Stephen Sondheim’s most produced musicals with numerous productions all across the world, as well as the upcoming Disney film which will be released at Christmas.

INTO THE WOODS opens Saturday, February 21 and runs three weekends. Evening performances are at 8pm on February 21, 27, 28, March 6 and 7. Matinee performances are on February 22, March 1, 7, and 8 at 2:00 p.m. The cast will have a special talkback session following the March 1 matinee. Performances are in the William H. Inman Humanities Complex Theatre, located on the Morristown campus of Walters State Community College at 500 S. Davy Crockett Parkway. For tickets, please visit www.etcplays.org or call 423-318-8331.

Encore Theatrical Company: 423-218-8331, www.etcplays.org

All of the classic characters and plotlines of the Lewis Carroll novel appear in this comic twist on Alice's Adventures In Wonderland, but the setting has been changed to America in the Roaring Twenties, complete with flappers, daring aviators, the tennis and opera stars of the day, and more. Jeepers creepers! It's a total rumpus!

Performances begin: Friday, February 20 at 7 PM
Performances end: Sunday, March 8 at 3 PM

Knoxville Children's Theatre, 109 E. Churchwell Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917. Information: 865-208-3677, www.knoxvillechildrenstheatre.com. Reservations: www.knoxvillechildrenstheatre.com/tickets

Friday February 20 1-8PM
Saturday February 21 12-8PM
Sunday February 22 1-6PM

Is the Urban Gypsy Trunk Show a traveling thrift store, a stand up comedy act or an impromptu dance party? It all of that and MORE! The Urban Gypsy Trunk Show is THE most fun you will ever have shopping! Happy customers are able to gather items guilt-free, with each and every article of clothing being recycled and usually between $4-$10. Shoppers will be swept away with the excitement and joy that comes with getting beautiful clothing in an inspiring setting. Paulk+Co’s ArtSpace is currently exhibiting Dirty Laundry, photography by Diane Corey and paintings by Caden Montgomery.

Whether you want a costume for that funky festival, the perfect vintage dress, or a classic blazer, shoppers will be thrilled with their new treasures. Urban Gypsy also features one of a kind men’s and children’s clothing. The Urban Gypsy creates a temporary store, popping up in different cities, with her endless collection of handpicked clothing and accessories. The magic is enhanced by including unique and local talents, from handcrafted jewelry to performance artists. Her Knoxville stop will include The Vagabond Truck, henna artists, tarot card readers, chair massages and more! Paulk+Co is located at 510 Williams Street, in the Arts District, Downtown Knoxville. Paulk+Co has free, covered parking available adjacent to the building, in the City Parking Lot. For more information, contact the Urban Gypsy at 704.906.6646.

Alcoa/Maryville, TN: Guitarist Steve Kaufman, the three-time winner of the National Flatpicking Championships, will offer an all-level mandolin workshop in Alcoa/Maryville, February 20-21, 2015. The workshop is to be held at MainStay Suites, 361 Fountain View Circle, Alcoa, TN on February 20-21, 2015.

Special room rates available call Teagan at MainStay Suites 865-379-7799.

The two-day all-level mandolin workshop will be a two-hour session Friday evening (7-9pm) and will cover core picking skills and techniques, repertoire and building blocks for growth. The workshop continues Saturday morning from 9:30am-3:30. This is when Kaufman will cover right and left hand technique, drills and skills, and many other valuable aspects of the mandolin. Small groups and some individual attention make this workshop valuable for at all levels of experience. Bluegrass Unlimited has said, “As a professional mandolin teacher, Kaufman has perfected his teaching skills as much as his picking technique.”

The fee for the all-level mandolin workshop is $90 per person. A non-refundable deposit of $45 is required to hold a space, with the remainder due the day of the workshop. Pre-registration required. Seating is limited.

This year’s workshop slots are going fast, so make your reservations now. Call Steve's office 865-982-3808 or email steve@flatpik.com

Steve Kaufman was born into a musical family in 1957. His father was a jazz piano player and his mother was a classically trained pianist. Music was always around. At four Steve started plinking at the piano and did so for several years. He then moved on to the electric guitar at 10 for a few years and put it away. Next came the cello in 5th grade for a few years. After this Steve picked up the acoustic guitar again and blazed right through a “Folk Guitar” method book. When finished he thought if this is as hard as it gets it’s not for him. Then his younger brother, Will, started playing the banjo and his instructor told him he needed a rhythm guitar player to help with his timing. So Steve then picked up his guitar again and got into the bluegrass rhythm. One day Will brought home a Flatt and Scruggs LP, which featured Doc Watson on guitar, and Steve was hooked on flatpicking.

Steve practiced hard with his newfound love of music, sometimes up to 8 hours a day. At age 18 he entered the National Flatpicking Championships in Winfield, KS and made the top 10. The following year was a wash. In 1977, Steve took 2nd place to Mark O’Connor and in 1978, at 21 years old, he returned to win the championship. Then after being barred for 5 years he returned on the 6th year to win the 1984 championships again. Winfield bars the winner for 5 years and they can come back on the 6th year but in 1986 they decided to open up the contest to everyone and not bar the past years champs. Steve returned to win his goal. He became the winner and the first and, at this writing, the only Three Time Winner of the National Flatpicking Championships. He is also noted to have 3 consecutive wins in the Nationals because he was barred all the years he did not enter.
Steve continues to work hard in the world of music. He began producing books and videos in 1989 after teaching private lessons for close to 20 years. His catalog of instructional materials is close to 100 items. His listening CDs and Videos number over 19. Steve began touring the world conducting seminars, workshops, clinics and concerts in 1990 and after 5 years he and his wife, Donna, began “Steve Kaufman’s Flatpicking Camp”. Every other year they have added more camps into their agenda and now under the title “Steve Kaufman’s Acoustic Kamps” they host a Fingerpicking Kamp, Old Time Banjo, Bluegrass Banjo and Mandolin Kamp as well. They have grown into the largest Kamps of their kind in the world with students traveling from around the world to Maryville, Tennessee. Since 2002, Steve Kaufman received the Gold Award from a reader’s poll in Acoustic Guitar Magazine for running the “Best Workshops, Seminars and Camps”. Since 1990 Steve has developed the reputation of being the “World’s Guitar Instructor”.

Steve Kaufman
Steve Kaufman's Acoustic Kamps
www.flatpik.com

Celebrating its 40th Anniversary Season!
by William Shakespeare; Directed by John Sipes

Hermia loves Lysander and Helena loves Demetrius – but Demetrius is supposed to be marrying Hermia. When the Duke of Athens tries to enforce the marriage, the lovers take refuge in the woods and wander into a dispute between the king and queen of the fairies. In Shakespeare’s family-friendly comedy, anything is possible when young lovers – human and fairy royalty – and an amateur theater troupe reel through romance and spell craft in a moonlit Athenian forest.

To enhance the audience experience, the CBT will continue, and in some cases expand, several popular programs in 2014-2015.

“Deaf Night at the Theatre” has been expanded to include Tuesday, March 3 for “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Produced through a partnership with UT’s Center on Deafness, these special events are designed to be fully accessible for members of the Deaf community with more than a dozen interpreters stationed throughout the theater and two teams interpreting the productions.

Open captioned productions also will continue in the new season, taking place on the first Sunday matinee of each show. Talk backs, which are informative discussions with the director and cast, will continue to take place following the second Sunday matinee of each show.

Clarence Brown Theatre / Carousel 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