Calendar of Events

Sequins and feathers fly in outrageous new Flying Anvil Theatre show! What happens when a failing Elvis impersonator reluctantly agrees to become a drag performer and finds out he’s really good at it? Hilarity ensues, with a powerful message about being true to yourself.

“The Legend of Georgia McBride,” by Matthew Lopez, is a bold, brassy comedy with a heart as big as its wigs. The show’s lip-syncing divas provide plenty of laughs while sharing the difficulties, discrimination and danger of their profession. It’s a gift to the audience, all wrapped up in sequins and feathers. The play was a New York Times critic’s pick in 2015. Reviewer Charles Isherwood called it “full of sass and good spirits — along with a spritz or two of sentimentality.”

The show stars David Dwyer, My’Chyl Purr, Ethan Roeder, Aleah Vassell and Collin Andrews. Donald Thorne will be filling in for David Dwyer for some shows.

The Flying Anvil Theatre has been presenting adventurous, provocative theatre since 2012 under the direction of Artistic Director, Jayne Morgan. For The Legend of Georgia McBride, the theatre is partnering with Positively Living, a nonprofit organization which serves vulnerable groups struggling to survive the challenges created by HIV/AIDS, homelessness, mental illness, addiction and disabilities.

There are two pre-opening previews, Wednesday, May 30, which is a Pay What You Can Night and Thursday, May 31. The show officially opens on Friday June 1 and runs four weeks through June 24. Show times are 7:30 pm Wednesday through Saturday nights and 2:00 pm on Sundays. The theatre is announcing new lower ticket prices of $22 and $24 for adults and $16 for students with ID. *The show has some mature language and may not be suitable for children under 12.

Tickets can be reserved via telephone or purchased online at https://www.ticketpeak.com/res/FlyingAnvil. Flying Anvil Theatre, 1300 Rocky Hill Road, Knoxville. Information: 865-357-1309, www.flyinganviltheatre.com

Part of the 2017-18 "Best of Theatre Knoxville Downtown" Season. A black comedy about white trash! A colorful family from a small Texas town must come to grips with the accidental death of the elderly family matriarch during a clandestine meeting in a seedy motel with her much younger married neighbor. The woman's family must deal with their own demons while preparing for what could be an embarrassing funeral.

"[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

"Run, don't walk to Del Shores new play!"
— DramaLogue

"Pick of the Week."
— L.A. Weekly

Theatre Knoxville Downtown, 319 North Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37917. Information & tickets: 865-544-1999, www.theatreknoxville.com

FIRST ANNUAL FLATWATER STORYTELLING FESTIVAL IN OAK RIDGE, TENNESSEE June 1-3.

We have three nationally renowned storytellers who will make you laugh, reminisce and cry – all at the same time: Minton Sparks, Bil Lepp and Tim Lowry. This storytelling event is a first for our area, according to our local historian. We are making history and it is truly exciting!

June 1 is a storytelling writing workshop by Minton Sparks, located at the lovely University of Tennessee Arboretum. June 2 is an outdoor festival on Melton Lake with music, food, cardboard boat races and so much more. June 3 is the stortytelling festival, held indoors at the historic Oak Ridge Playhouse from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Organized by the three Oak Ridge Rotary Clubs, the Flatwater Festival will make a contribution to the Blossom Center for Childhood Excellence, providing childcare for working parents seven days a week on a sliding scale.

Our festival has the honor of having Kiran Singh Sirah, president of the nation's largest and one of the oldest storytelling festivals in the U.S kick-off the event. The International Storytelling Festival is located in Jonesborough, Tennessee.

Never been to a storytelling festival? We are betting most people in our region have not had this incredible experience.... so now is your chance!!!! This is a regional event!

Our website: http://flatwatertales.com/

Have you been to the jewelry show at the Bearden Goodwill yet? Mark your calendars for great deals on jewelry in every style!

Goodwill Industries-Knoxville: 865-588-8567, www.gwiktn.org

THE CIVIL WAR IN KNOXVILLE - JUNE 1, 2018 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
It’s been over 150 years since the battle of Knoxville, one of the most sharply divided cities during the civil war. Occupied by both sides with recruiting offices set up on Gay Street on the same day, Knoxville was home to spies, street fights, and family feuds that outlasted the war. Visit the downtown sites and then get an overview of the battles and fortifications from the observation deck of the Sunsphere. Meet on the porch of the East Tennessee History Center, 601 S. Gay Street.

SHADOW SIDE 2 - JUNE 1, 2018 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM
The lively entertainment section now known as the Old City wasn’t always so friendly. The neighborhood has a history of dark times and dark deeds, and the remnants aren’t just in the architecture. Formerly known as the Bowery, the district was home to saloons, dance halls, pool rooms, and bars, where famous gunmen, thieves, ladies of the evening, and troublemakers of all kinds bumped elbows with naïve travelers and honest working folk. Life here was violent—and often short. Meet in front of The Phoenix Pharmacy and Fountain, 418 S. Gay Street.

THE EARLY YEARS - JUNE 2, 2018 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Step back over two centuries and visit Knoxville’s founders as you listen to the stories of the settlement of White’s Fort and establishment of the capital of the Southwest Territory at the headwaters of the Tennessee.
Meet on the porch of the East Tennessee History Center, 601 S. Gay Street.

KNOXVILLE’S MUSICAL HISTORY - JUNE 2, 2018 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Knoxville’s story has always been set to music, from the time when the poetic rhythms of the native Cherokee tribes still echoed in the hills and the ballads of the Scots-Irish settlers were sung around campfires on the riverbanks. Immigrants from all over the world brought new instruments and tunes to enliven the song and East Tennessee became known as a home to musicians of every genre, whether classical, jazz, R&B, rock-n-roll, Americana, or the avant-garde sounds of ska, techno, and whatever’s unveiled at this year’s Big Ears Festival. Meet in the Knoxville Visitor Center, 301 S. Gay Street.

For the above tours: Adults: $15. Children 6-12: $10 (Group rate available). For more information or to book your tour, please visit http://knoxvillewalkingtours.com/. *Proceeds from these tours help to support the Knoxville History Project.

BIKE BOAT BREW & BARK – VOLUNTEER LANDING RIVERWALK TOUR - JUNE 2, 2018 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Completed over 20 years ago, Volunteer Landing interprets, with permanent marble markers, the city’s complex relationship with its famous river–with quotes from famous authors and short narratives about early settlers, the Civil War, and Tennessee football, as well as a statue commemorating a complicated treaty with the Cherokee signed on that site. Author Jack Neely, of the Knoxville History Project, did the research for those stone markers, and will offer this annual guided tour. Spots are limited, register for this free tour here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bike-boat-brew-bark-june-2-2018-tickets-44116940958

June 1, 2018 marks the 222nd 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 26 and June 2, and Sunday, May 27. 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 celebrating Statehood Day include: Blount Mansion, Crescent Bend, James White’s Fort, Mabry-Hazen House, Marble Springs, and Ramsey House. Each site will have individual ways of celebrating the birth of Tennessee. These are free museum days to the public.

+ Blount Mansion (Saturday, May 26, 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. Address: 200 W. Hill Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information: 865-525-2375, www.blountmansion.org

+ James White’s Fort (Saturday, May 26, 10:00 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. Tennesseans for Living History volunteers will be demonstrating the lifestyle of 1796: weaving, spinning, and other pioneer-era tasks. Free admission; donations gratefully accepted. Address: 205 E. Hill Ave, Knoxville, TN 37915. Information: 865-525-6514, www.jameswhitefort.org

+ Marble Springs (Saturday, May 26, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Sunday, May 27, 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 Statehood Day with a living history weekend. Visitors are invited to experience free tours with living historians. Free admission; donations gratefully accepted. Address: 1220 West Gov. John Sevier Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920. Information: 865-573-5508, www.marblesprings.net

+ Crescent Bend House & Gardens (Saturday, June 2, 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. Address: 2728 Kingston Pike Knoxville, TN 37919. Information: 865-637-3163, www.crescentbend.com

+ Ramsey House (Saturday, June 2, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Ramsey House was built in 1797 by Knoxville's first builder, Thomas Hope for Francis Alexander Ramsey, one of Knoxville’s first settlers. Celebrate Statehood Days with one of the founding Families of Knoxville. Ramsey House will host free tours and celebrate with cake and iced tea. Address: 2614 Thorngrove Pike, Knoxville, TN 37914. Information: 865-546-0745, www.ramseyhouse.org

+ Mabry-Hazen House (Saturday, June 2, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
Built in 1858, three generations of the same family resided in the Italianate-style home which showcases one of the largest original family collections in America with over 2,000 original artifacts on display. Furnished and decorated in the style of several decades, Mabry-Hazen gives a rare view into 130 years of Knoxville history. Learn about the origins of Knoxville's iconic Market Square, the bitter divisions of the Civil War, the infamous 1882 Gunfight on Gay Street, a mountain city in the New South, a scandalous 1934 breach of promise and seduction trial, and much more through the rich, colorful lives of the Mabry and Hazen families. Free admission to tour the house, and living historians will be on site. Donations are appreciated. Address: 1711 Dandridge Avenue, Knoxville, TN, 37915. Information: 865-522-8661, www.mabryhazen.com

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

The project, inspired by a similar exhibit at Rotary Botanical Garden in Janesville, Wisconsin, is designed to promote community participation and artist collaboration at the UT Gardens, Knoxville, as well as to raise awareness and support for the Gardens. 27 local professional and amateur artists have created unique interpretations of a wooden hummingbird silhouette. The pieces will be displayed throughout the summer of 2018 for Gardens visitors to enjoy. The Hummingbirds will then be sold at a live auction on September 8, 2018 with all proceeds benefiting the UT Gardens, Knoxville.

UT Gardens, Chapman Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996. Information: 865-974-7151, https://ag.tennessee.edu/utg/Pages/default.aspx

Darkhorse Entertainment, LLC, invites you to time-travel back to the Middle Ages at the fourth annual Tennessee Medieval Faire. The festival is located in Harriman near I-40 just 30 miles west of Turkey Creek. This rugged outdoor festival will spring to life on May 19 and run for three weekends, including Memorial Day. “Our theme this year is Robin Hood, and patrons are invited to Live the Age of Chivalry in the High Middle Ages (circa 1194). Patrons can interact with well-loved characters of Sherwood Forrest, meet Maid Marian, and even get knighted,” said Barrie Paulson, VP-Manager and Entertainment Director.

The festival will include continuous professional family-friendly entertainment. In the tournament arena will be Real Jousting and Warriors’ Chess, where the evil Sheriff of Nottingham and his henchmen square off against good Robin and his Merry Men. There will also be interactive comedy shows, puppet shows, Irish and Celtic music, English folk dances, patron costume contests, and costumed street characters. In addition, vendors will be selling medieval crafts, food and beverages, including beer.

The Tennessee Medieval Faire is a family-friendly outdoor festival. Dates are May 19-20, 26-27-28, June 2-3. Hours are 10am-5pm ET. Ticket prices are $17 for ages 13+, $9 for ages 5 to 12, and free for ages 4 and under. Field parking is free. The festival is located at 550 Fiske Road, Harriman, TN. For more information, please visit www.TMFaire.com, find the Tennessee Medieval Faire on Facebook, or call 865-376-0319.

Reception date TBA

In the Sandra J. Blain Gallery
Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, 556 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. Information: 865-436-5860, www.arrowmont.org

Jim Joyce takes a lot of pictures. He captures images of landscapes, flowers, big cats, all sorts of images from the great outdoors, but one subject that doesn’t catch his eye is people. At least not anymore.

Our featured artist in our Market Square location, Joyce spent a lot of his adult life trying to capture perfect moments of people interacting for PR shots and the like. But the challenges of blinking eyes, crooked smiles, funny faces, and even hair mussing gusts, finally got to him: “I got over the people pictures and so the only ones I take now are of my 7-year-old granddaughter.”

Although he didn’t include his family shots, Joyce did manage to bring a wide variety that includes dogwoods, tigers, flowers and more. For this exhibit Joyce selected some of his favorites from a large collection that now takes up considerable space in his home. He’s learned how to maximize every square inch of space from closest shelves to the space beneath beds in order to house his growing collection.

Joyce takes his camera along wherever he goes because, he says, “one morning I was walking my dog and there was a bald eagle right in the tree right above me. I didn’t have my camera on me so I took a picture with my cell phone. Of course, it was a minute detail on my camera screen, and it was a minute detail on my camera screen when I got back home to edit. I blew it up so I could show people. It was bigger than a speck, but you still couldn’t tell what it was. And I don’t think anybody believed me. Since then I take my camera with me everywhere.”

Joyce’s eye for the unexpected often gives his photography a fresh kind of realism, but the exhibit has more than a few shots that will make you stop for a second glance to check just what you saw. The striking color of a bird’s nest or the tendrils of a fern have an extra, alluring dimension, and the photo of a dance studio seems somehow slightly surreal. The dance studio shot is actually a photo of mural that he caught in some particularly serendipitous light, but even so, it captures the spirit of Joyce’s work – an eye for on the spot composition and a little bit of luck.

Jim Joyce’s photography will be on view at the downtown Knoxville Tomato Head on Market Square from May 7th thru June 3rd, 2018. Mr. Joyce will then display his work at the West Knoxville Gallery Tomato Head from June 4th thru July 2nd, 2018.

Tomato Head, 12 Market Square (865-637-4067) and 7240 Kingston Pike, Suite 172 (865-584-1075), in Knoxville. http://thetomatohead.com

Calling all teens! Join us 1st & 3rd Saturdays this summer at 2 P.M. for Super Saturday Cinemas! Enjoy popcorn, drinks, and a recently released action-packed blockbuster film. May and June will feature Marvel vs. DC superheroes, and July and August will be megahits of the sci-fi genre.

May 5: Spider-Man: Homecoming (PG-13, 2017, 133 min.)
May 19: Thor: Ragnarok (PG-13, 2017, 130 min.)
June 2: Wonder Woman (PG-13, 2017, 141 min.)
June 16: Justice League (PG-13, 2017, 120 min.)
July 7: Star Wars VIII: The Last Jedi (PG-13, 2017, 152 min.)
July 21: Black Panther (PG-13, 2018, 134 min.)
August 4: Maze Runner: The Death Cure (PG-13, 2018, 141 min.)
August 18: Ready Player One (PG-13, 2018, 140 min.)

4614 Asheville Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37914
www.knoxlib.org or (865) 525-5431

The opening reception on Thursday, May 3 from 5:30-7:30pm is free and open to the public.

The Knoxville Museum of Art presents Scenic Impressions: Southern Interpretations from the Johnson Collection, featuring more than 40 paintings from the extensive holdings of the Johnson Collection, Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Scenic Impressions examines the influence of the Impressionist movement on art created in and about the American South. Artists represented in the exhibition include Kate Freeman Clark, Elliott Daingerfield, Gilbert Gaul, Alfred Hutty, Rudolph Ingerle, Willie Betty Newman, Alice Huger Smith, William Posey Silva, and Catherine Wiley, many of whom exhibited their work in Knoxville in the early twentieth century. The exhibition enables KMA viewers to appreciate the accomplishments of East Tennessee Impressionists such as Catherine Wiley within the larger context of her peers from around the Southeast.

Scenic Impressions is organized by the Johnson Collection, Spartanburg, South Carolina. The Johnson Collection is one of the premier collections of Southern painting in the country. Scenic Impressions underscores the Johnsons’ commitment to illuminating the rich cultural history of the American South and advancing scholarship in the field.

“The artists in Scenic Impressions were inspired by the beauty and variety of Southeastern landforms, especially along the extensive coastline and in the mountains of eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina,” said KMA Executive Director David Butler. “The vision of these painters stimulated a new appreciation of the Appalachian landscape that eventually led to the establishment of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They showed us how to value what’s in our own backyard. The Johnson Collection has done us all a tremendous service by gathering so many first-rate examples of this rich and creative period.”

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