Calendar of Events

This year's Dollywood BBQ & Bluegrass Festival features over 250 shows in 15 days including The Del McCoury Band, The Earls of Leicester, The Boxcars, J.D. Crow, The Gibson Brothers, Rhonda Vincent, and many more. And all the barbeque you can eat. http://www.dollywood.com/themepark/festivals/Barbeque-and-Bluegrass.aspx

Historic Homes of Knoxville Celebrate Statehood Day on May 23, 24, 30, 31, and June 6

June 1, 2015 marks the 219th 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 23, May 30, and June 6 as well as Sundays, May 24 and May 31. The sites include places of historical significance in the exciting journey from the creation of our country to the founding of our state. The Historic Homes of Knoxville include: Blount Mansion, Crescent Bend, James White’s Fort, Mabry-Hazen House, Marble Springs, Ramsey House, and Historic Westwood. Each site will have individual ways of celebrating the birth of Tennessee. This is a free museum day to the public.

+ Crescent Bend House & Gardens (Saturday, May 30, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Crescent Bend House & Gardens is 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. Hosting free admission.
2728 Kingston Pike Knoxville, TN 37919. Information: 865-637-3163, www.crescentbend.com

+ Ramsey House (Saturdays, May 30 & June 6, 12:00 PM)
Ramsey House was built in 1797 by Knoxville's first builder, Thomas Hope, for Francis Alexander Ramsey, one of Knoxville’s first settlers. In celebration of Statehood Day, Ramsey House will host Vintage Baseball on May 30 and June 6. This year Historic Ramsey House will be hosting two Knoxville teams: the Knoxville Holstons and Emmett Machinists. Come and enjoy a day of history and fun for all ages. There is no admission charge for the games. Food and beverages will be available for purchase and all proceeds will benefit Ramsey House.
2614 Thorngrove Pike, Knoxville, TN 37914. Information: 865-546-0745, www.ramseyhouse.org

+ Marble Springs (Saturday, May 23, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Sunday, May 24, 12:00-5:00 PM)
Marble Springs was the 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. Details are subject to change. This event is free and open to the public. Donations are appreciated.
1220 West Gov. John Sevier Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920. Information: 865-573-5508, www.marblesprings.net

+ Blount Mansion (Saturday, June 6, 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. Hosting free admission.
200 W. Hill Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information: 865-525-2375, www.blountmansion.org

+ James White’s Fort (Saturday, June 6, 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 open hearth cooking and blacksmithing. Free admission, and donations will be gladly accepted.
205 E. Hill Ave, Knoxville, TN 37915. Information: 865-525-6514, www.jameswhitefort.org

+ Mabry-Hazen House (Saturday, June 6, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
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. 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. Hosting free admission.
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 30, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
The Museum, located in Morristown, was built on the site of the boyhood home of Davy Crockett. It is a reconstruction of the 1790's John Crockett Tavern. Open with free admission.
2002 Morningside Drive, Morristown, TN 37814. Information: 423-587-9900, www.crocketttavernmuseum.org

+ Sequoyah Birthplace Museum (Sunday, May 31, 12:00-4:00 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. Demonstrators will be on hand throughout the day.
576 HWY 360, Vonore, TN 37885. Information: 423-884-6246, www.sequoyahmuseum.org

About the Historic Homes of Knoxville
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. More info: (865) 523-7543 or rp@knoxalliance.com

Historic Homes of Knoxville Celebrate Statehood Day on May 23, 24, 30, 31, and June 6

June 1, 2015 marks the 219th 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 23, May 30, and June 6 as well as Sundays, May 24 and May 31. The sites include places of historical significance in the exciting journey from the creation of our country to the founding of our state. The Historic Homes of Knoxville include: Blount Mansion, Crescent Bend, James White’s Fort, Mabry-Hazen House, Marble Springs, Ramsey House, and Historic Westwood. Each site will have individual ways of celebrating the birth of Tennessee. This is a free museum day to the public.

Saturday, May 23 from 10am-5pm 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 24 from 12-5pm with Living History encampments and various interpreters. 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. Details are subject to change.

This event is free and open to the public. Donations are appreciated. 1220 West Gov. John Sevier Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920. Information: 865-573-5508, www.marblesprings.net

Sheryl Crow is a nine-time GRAMMY winner who has sold more than 35 million albums around the world and has performed duets with musical luminaries such as Sting and Mick Jagger, has been nominated for an additional 27 GRAMMYs and has released eight studio albums (seven charting Top 10, four of them platinum-plus), a quadruple-platinum greatest hits collection and a Christmas album. Her most recent album, FEELS LIKE HOME, captures the sound of a great and established artist enjoying a kind of fresh start. It features songs on which Crow collaborated with her longtime guitar player and frequent co-writer Jeff Trott (with whom she co-wrote such past Crow classics as "If It Makes You Happy," "My Favorite Mistake" and "Every Day Is A Winding Road"), as well as such Nashville songwriters as Chris DuBois, Luke Laird, Natalie Hamby and Chris Stapleton, among others. Crow has a combined 40 Top 10s on the Billboard Hot 100, Adult Top 40, Adult Contemporary, Mainstream Top 40, Triple A (with the most No.1 singles among women in the chart's 17-year history) and Hot Country Songs charts, Crow can also count a Top 20 solo country single to her long list of accolades. Her current single, “Callin’ Me When I’m Lonely,” is Top 40 and climbing.

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

Historic Homes of Knoxville Celebrate Statehood Day on May 23, 24, 30, 31, and June 6

June 1, 2015 marks the 219th 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 23, May 30, and June 6 as well as Sundays, May 24 and May 31. The sites include places of historical significance in the exciting journey from the creation of our country to the founding of our state. The Historic Homes of Knoxville include: Blount Mansion, Crescent Bend, James White’s Fort, Mabry-Hazen House, Marble Springs, Ramsey House, and Historic Westwood. Each site will have individual ways of celebrating the birth of Tennessee. This is a free museum day to the public.

+ Crescent Bend House & Gardens (Saturday, May 23, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Crescent Bend House & Gardens is 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. Hosting free admission.

2728 Kingston Pike Knoxville, TN 37919. Information: 865-637-3163, www.crescentbend.com

7:30-10:30 PM

Saturn will be at its closest approach to Earth and fully illuminated by the Sun, the best time to view and photograph Saturn! $1 per person.

Marble Springs State Historic Site (865) 573-5508 marblesprings@gmail.com www.marblesprings.net

A Mini-Con, a locally-organized comic convention, will kick off this year’s Summer Reading Program at the Blount County Public Library. Special activities, appropriate for the entire family, will continue all day for all ages. Activities and events will commence at 10:30 a.m. and will continue until 5 p.m. Wear a costume for the chance to win cool prizes at our costume contest at the end of the day. Many of the activities, food and prizes are made possible by the Blount County Friends of the Library. Some specific programs and times will include:
10:30 a.m. Sign up begins for the Summer Reading Program – at any desk.
11:30 a.m. “Anime & Manga” presentation by Dr. Jon LaCure, UTK’s Asian Studies Department.
11:30 a.m. “A Brief History of Video Games” by Jennifer Spirko, Reference Assistant at Blount County Public Library.
11:30 a.m. “Superhero Story Time” with superhero and comic book stories, songs and crafts.
12:30 p.m. “Comic Self-Publishing” presentation by Rick Norwood, professor at ETSU and owner of Manuscript Press, a publishing company that publishes out-of-print and rare comics.
12:30 p.m. “Trivia: Are You a Super Geek?” With Jeopardy Champ, Jennifer Spirko, test your trivia know-how with questions drawn from nerd-dom: SF/F movies, television, books, video games, comics and manga, real-world science and math, and fandom.
12:30 p.m. “Kid Drawing Workshop” for young children by Jordan Dronebarger, UTK.
1:15 p.m. Children’s Superhero Obstacle Course Challenge
2:00 p.m. “Movie Magic Makeup Demo” by Emily Queen, Maryville College theatre alum, and Liz Crout of Dizzie Lizzie FX, will demonstrate stage and movie makeup effects for teens and adults who will also have the opportunity to try for themselves.
2:00 p.m. “Fan Fiction: What, Where, Why, How?” Presentation by a panel of fic’ers who will wax poetical about this very popular but much-maligned genre. They will provide tips on reading and writing fan fic.
2:00 p.m. “Big Hero 6.” Watch the hit, Oscar-winning animated feature about science kids turned superheroes with an assist from a very special rabbit. Rated PG.
3:00 p.m. “Cosplay 101.” Local cosplayers will talk about their experiences and showcase some of their coolest cosplays so that audience members can learn a little about how to do it and why it’s fun.
4:30 p.m. Costume Contest winners announced.

Throughout the day, enjoy fencing demonstrations from the Knoxville Academy of the Blade. The 501st Legion, charity Star Wars character cosplayers will make appearances. Participate in a tabletop gaming tournament, a craft corner, book displays, and a photo booth with superhero/fandom props to preserve the memories of your day. McKay's Books, comic shops and fandom crafters will be available. Children, be prepared to show off your superhero skills at an outdoor obstacle course, enjoy a super story time, learn to draw your own heroes and more. Plus, you can settle in for a couple of hours with a fun family movie screening! Lunch will be provided to attendees, and stuff will be happening all day so don’t miss out! Events will be throughout the library. Teens and Adults can participate in activities that will include panels and speakers on Anime and Manga, comic book self-publishing, Cosplay 101, and the history of video games. Wear a costume to gain a chance to win the costume contest. There will be gaming, comic illustration lessons, vendors and much more! Brush up on your trivia knowledge and participate in a trivia game hosted by Jeopardy winner, Jennifer Spirko. More activities will be happening all day, so don’t miss out! These fun events will be held throughout the library.

Blount County Public Library, 508 N. Cusick Street, Maryville, TN 37804. Information: (865) 982-0981, www.blountlibrary.org

Opening Reception on Friday, May 22, 2015, 5:30 - 7:30pm in the Geoffrey A. Wolpert Gallery.

The exhibit features expressive woodworking by artist and professor, Kim Winkle. The opening reception and exhibition are free. Community members are encouraged to attend with their family and friends.

Kimberly Winkle uses hardwood to create unique forms based on traditional wooden utilitarian objects, and then activates the surfaces with paint and graphite with varying arrangements of lines and dots. “My interest lies in the pursuit and potential of the medium as an expressive device,” states Winkle about her work. This results in playful objects, characterized by a sense of spontaneity and calculated gesture.

Kimberly Winkle is an Associate Professor of Art at Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, TN. She has a BFA in Ceramics from the University of Oklahoma and an MFA in furniture design from San Diego State University. She has exhibited nationally and internationally, and her work has been included in a number of publications, including Fine Woodworking and Woodworker magazines, and books—500 Tables, and 500 Chairs. She was awarded artist residencies including the Windgate Artist Residency at SUNY Purchase, and the International Turning Exchange at the Center for Art in Wood in Philadelphia. She was also awarded a State of Tennessee Individual Artist Award in 2011, and the Society of Arts and Crafts (Boston) John D. Mineck Furniture Fellowship in 2014. To see more of Winkle’s work, please visit her website: www.kimberlywinkle.com.

Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, 556 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. Gallery hours: M-F 9AM-5PM, Sa-Su 10AM-4PM. Information: 865-436-5860, www.arrowmont.org

“Operation Famous Salute” makes it return to Famous Dave’s East Tennessee restaurants over the Memorial Day Weekend holiday. The event, now in its ninth year, is a letter writing campaign geared to deliver thank you messages and notes of encouragement to our nation’s active and recovering military service members. Beginning Friday, May 22nd, all East Tennessee Famous Dave’s restaurants, including our Knoxville location, will invite their patrons to write to active Service Members and those recovering in our nation’s military hospitals. Famous Dave’s provides all the stationary for letters to be created, and this year, a coloring page for children to get involved. At the end of the holiday weekend, Famous Dave’s staff will gather messages from all five Tennessee locations and pick up the tab for the postage to send them to these well-deserving Service Members.

“This is one of the best things we can do to honor those who have given their lives in service to defend our nation, and each one of us,” said franchise co-owner Mike Lister. “And that is, to take care of those presently serving...to remind those men and women that we are always thinking of them.” Since its inception, “Operation Famous Salute” has collected more than 11,000 letters, and sent them to soldiers and other military personnel serving around the world. Doug Renegar, franchise co-owner at Famous Dave’s notes the restaurants’ vendors have always supported this event and jump on board to help each and every year. “Our printer, Kwik Kopy for example, is providing the stationary, while TG Promotions is donating the pens. The list goes on and on!” Famous Dave’s will also provide patrons a list of suggested “talking points,” with which to communicate their support. Follow up communication with soldiers is encouraged as well.

Middle Tennessee Famous Dave’s locations will collect letters for “Operation Famous Salute” beginning Friday, May 22nd through the close of business on Memorial Day; Monday, May 25th. For questions or more information about how to participate, please email info@homeofthebigslab.com, or contact your local Famous Dave’s restaurant: 208 Advantage Drive, Knoxville, TN 37922; 865-694-9990

Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts invites the public to the Opening Reception of the 2015 Instructor Exhibition, June 5, 2015, 7:00 to 9:00 pm in the Sandra J. Blain Gallery.

The Exhibition showcases the work of over 100 Arrowmont instructors who are teaching during the 2015 workshop season. Both the opening reception and the exhibition are free and open to the public. Community members are encouraged to attend with their family and friends.

“The Instructor Exhibition is an annual Arrowmont tradition and offers the work of nationally and internationally recognized artists who make up Arrowmont’s faculty. They come from across the globe to share skills and ideas, foster new thinking, artistic growth and creative camaraderie. We are pleased to provide the community with the opportunity to view these outstanding works of art,” Bill May, Arrowmont Executive Director said.

The exhibit features a wide range of diverse media including woodworking, glass, ceramics, painting, fiber and textile work, metals, jewelry, book arts, photography and printmaking. The show celebrates Arrowmont’s instructors and functions as an educational tool, demonstrating the skills and techniques that the instructors focus on in their workshops.

Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts is a national arts education center. The School offers weekend, one- and two-week workshops for the beginner to advanced artist, taught by national and international practicing studio artists and university faculty. Students work and learn in professionally equipped studios on a 14-acre residential campus in Gatlinburg, TN. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the workshop immersion by registering for on campus housing and meals offered by Arrowmont.

Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, 556 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. Gallery hours: M-F 9AM-5PM, Sa-Su 10AM-4PM. Information: 865-436-5860, www.arrowmont.org

Darkhorse Entertainment, LLC invites you to go back in time at the Tennessee Medieval Faire. The Grand Opening is the last three weekends in May, including Memorial Day, in Harriman, TN. It’s a new tradition – Joust for You! “The Medieval Faire has something for everyone,” said Barrie Paulson, VP-Manager & Entertainment Director. “The Faire is fun and family-friendly – and includes plenty of theatrical violence,” she said with a grin.

The rock stars of the Faire perform The Royal Joust in the tournament arena. There will also be Warriors’ Chess where the characters fight to take over the square. Warhorse rides will be offered between arena shows. Rotating on the stages will be professional, interactive, comedy shows. These include The ridiculously dangerous Fire * Whip * Sword Show; The Steele Sisters; Fantasies, Fables & Fortunes; and Albi Belly Dancers. There will also be Celtic musicians, interactive folk dancers, puppet shows, games, and The Royal Players whose characters include young King Henry VIII. Period crafts, food and beer will be available.

The Tennessee Medieval Faire will run the last three weekends in May, including Memorial Day: May 16-17, 23-24-25, 30-31. Hours are 10-5 EDT. Ticket prices are $14.95 for ages 13 and up, $7.95 for ages 5 to 12, free for ages 4 and under. Free parking is included. The festival is located at 550 Fiske Road, Harriman, TN. For more information, please visit the website: www.TMFaire.com. Please like us on Facebook. A New Tradition -- Joust for You. Fun for the Entire Family!

New in the Bearden Art District! Please join us for refreshments, live music, drawings to win art prints, and more! Meet Kay List, artist/owner and Larry S. Cole, artist, at the opening on May 15, 5-9 PM.

View 22 of Kay List's original oil paintings as well as numerous framed and unframed archival quality prints and note cards with images of her paintings. Kay works in a wide range of subject matter so the show is a sampling of a few of them. The show features abstracts, historical barns, nautical, whimsical, animals, flowers and landscapes.

Gallery hours: Tues-Thurs 10-5, Fri-Sat 10-6

Envision Art Gallery, 4050 Sutherland Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37919. Information: 865-438-4154, www.kaylistart.com