Calendar of Events

By Neil Simon
Directed by Keri McClain

45 Seconds from Broadway is Neil Simon’s “Valentine to New York.”

Set in the Polish Tea Room (a coffee shop / restaurant based on the real life Edison Cafe in New York City), characters wander in and out, sitting down, chatting with each other, building friendships, and giving glimpses into their lives in the “Big Apple.”

Bernie and Zelda run the place and make it what it is – a home away from home for everyone who enters. They also help young, starving artists by giving them food, advice, and employment. Established actors and native New Yorkers also frequent the coffee shop, bringing character, humor, and wisdom with them.

45 Seconds from Broadway is play about normal, everyday people, their tragedies and triumphs, and the small coffee shop / restaurant in which they sit, relax, and spend time among friends.

Theatre Knoxville Downtown, 800 S. Central Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information & tickets: 865-544-1999, www.theatreknoxville.com

CIRCLE MIRROR TRANSFORMATION by Annie Baker

When four lost New Englanders who enroll in Marty’s six-week-long community-center drama class begin to experiment with harmless games, hearts are quietly torn apart, and tiny wars of epic proportions are waged and won. A beautifully crafted diorama, a petri dish in which we see, with hilarious detail and clarity, the antic sadness of a motley quintet.

“CIRCLE MIRROR TRANSFORMATION is the kind of unheralded gem that sends people into the streets babbling and bright-eyed with the desire to spread the word. “—NY Times.

Flying Anvil Theatre, 1300 Rocky Hill Road, Knoxville. Information: 865-357-1309, www.flyinganviltheatre.com

Historic Blount Mansion Offers Three Opportunities to Enjoy the National Cycling Championships in Knoxville This Weekend

The circa-1792 Blount Mansion Visitors Center occupies a prominent spot at the corner of South Gay Street and Hill Avenue in downtown Knoxville. It’s the perfect place to watch the world’s best cyclists as they compete in the USA National Championship this weekend! We offer folks three opportunities to enjoy the excitement:

1. CHEERING CORNER, FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 5:00-9:00 p.m.: Join us on the lawn in front of our Visitors Center at the corner of Hill Avenue and Gay Street to watch the Criterium Race. We’ll offer craft beer from Balter Beerworks, hot dogs, and snacks. Come early to stake out the best spot and be sure to bring your ID. Admission is free, but proceeds from food & beer sales benefit Blount Mansion. Sponsored by Great American Deli, Uncle Ray’s, Elm Hill Meats, and West Bicycles.

2. “BANDIT RIDE,” SATURDAY, JUNE 29, starting at 9:00 a.m.: Hop on your own bike and join us for a ride on this “off day” when no races are scheduled. Select a 53- or 32-mile road bike ride or take the family on a 6-mile family friendly ride along the Tennessee River to Island Home Airport. Rides depart from Blount Mansion (200 W. Hill Ave.) at 10:00 a.m. Includes a box lunch and post ride meet and greet. All pro teams competing in the USA Pro Cycling Championships have been invited to take part. Registration is $25 per person through midnight on Tuesday, June 25th, then $35 per person through the day of the ride. Thanks to West Bicycles and Visit Knoxville’s Sports Commission for helping make this event possible. Proceeds benefit Blount Mansion. REGISTER AT: https://www.westbikes.com/events/blount-mansion-bandit-ride-pg1172.htm

3. CHEERING CORNER SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.: Today two races will zoom past our Visitors Center multiple times—the women’s road race starting at 9:00 a.m., and the men’s starting at 1:15 p.m. We will be hosting a party here on the property with craft beer from Balter Beerworks, hot dogs, and snacks. Admission is free, but proceeds from food & beer sales benefit Blount Mansion. Sponsored by Great American Deli, Uncle Ray’s, Elm Hill Meats, and West Bicycles.

Free parking is available at the Dwight Kessel Garage (900 State St Knoxville TN 37902). FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: The Blount Mansion (865) 525-2375, info@blountmansion.org

The Kuumba Festival is presented by African American Appalachian Arts, Inc. (AAAA), an arts organization that focuses on positive social and community development by utilizing creative methods of education through cultural artistic programming and development. We are excited to announce this year's 30th Annual Kuumba Festival "Lifting the Legacy of our Ancestors".

At Downtown Market Square & Stage and Haley Heritage Square/Morningside Park.

KUUMBA (Ki-Swahili for "creative") Festival is a multi-event celebration with more than 200 entertainers performing on the Market Square Artist Stage, demonstrations, and service by more than 100 crafts' people and food vendors. (AAAA) Chair says, "This is going to be the best KUUMBA ever and a marvelous time that people will remember for years to come." The KUUMBA Festival is the largest African American Cultural Arts Festival in East Tennessee. "This is more than an event, it is a cultural celebration," said the late Avon Rollins, Former Director of the Beck Cultural Center.

On Friday, June 28, Market Square, from 12 Noon – 10 PM. A Drum Circle Drum Jam will take place at 12 Noon and will follow with African Dance Class. Festival goers can feel free to enjoy the African Market Place on Market Square with traditional crafts, clothing, and foods. On the schedule of events there will be a showcase Local performers and the Kuumba Watoto Dance and Drum Company will be highlighted throughout the day. The Junkanu Parade processional will kick-off at 6PM. Starting at 8:30PM on Market Square, Ogya - World Band – Performing Live until 10PM!

On Saturday, June 29th - Haley Heritage Square/Morningside Park, from 12 Noon – 10 PM. Festival goers can come and enjoy the African Market Place throughout the park with traditional crafts, clothing, and foods. The schedule of events will consist of performances and showcases by local artists; the Kuumba Watoto Dance and Drum Company, a Kuumba Pageant for youth to showcase their talents and pageantry. An Ujimia Rally to promote local political candidates and voting registration. At 8:30pm - Sista Zock Solid from New York will perform on the Main Stage.

On Sunday, June 30th - Haley Heritage Square/Morningside Park, from 12 Noon – 10 PM festival goes can enjoy more programming of performances and showcases of local artists and groups, like Kuumba Watoto Dance and Drum Company; and the African Market Place throughout the park with traditional crafts, clothing, and foods.

For more information please call: (865) 221-1576, visit our website at www.kuumbafestival.com. Email for general info kuumbafest@gmail.com or kuumbakamp@yahoo.com.

KNOXVILLE WALKING TOURS – SHADOW SIDE
JUNE 28, 2019 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Knoxville Ghosts
Hanged killers, tragic fires, reanimated corpses, cold-blooded murder, and sweet revenge. It all happened in Knoxville and restless spirits still haunt the city streets.
If you enjoy a chill in the evening, walk with us to Knoxville’s shadow side. The city’s history echoes with the sound of gunfire and restless spirits are rumored to walk the streets. Visit their haunts and shiver as you listen to local legends of scary spooks and supernatural phenomena.
Details:
Meet in front of The Phoenix Pharmacy and Fountain, 418 S. Gay St. Tours last approximately 90 minutes.
Adults: $20. Children 6-12: $14 (Group rate available). For more information or to book your tour, please visit the Knoxville Walking Tours Website
*Proceeds from this tour help to support the Knoxville History Project

KNOXVILLE WALKING TOURS – SHADOW SIDE 2
JUNE 29, 2019 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Old City Ghosts
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.
Details:
Meet in front of The Phoenix Pharmacy and Fountain, 418 S. Gay Street. Tours last approximately 90 minutes.
Adults: $20. Children 6-12: $14 (Group rate available). For more information or to book your tour, please visit the Knoxville Walking Tours Website
*Proceeds from this tour help to support the Knoxville History Project

http://knoxvillewalkingtours.com/

Dark Star Orchestra comes to Knoxville's Mill and Mine on Friday, June 28 at 8:00 PM (Doors 7:00 PM).

$27.50
Ages 18+

The Mill & Mine, 227 W. Depot Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917. Tickets/information: http://themillandmine.com

Alive After Five is a unique live music series that takes place in the smoke-free, casually elegant setting of the Ann and Steve Bailey Hall in the Knoxville Museum of Art. There is a live band on stage, seating at tables, two cash bars, food from area restaurants, free freshly popped popcorn, and free parking. Audience members can enjoy listening to music, dancing, and browsing the museum’s art galleries. Admission is $15 for general and $10 for museum members and college students with ID. Ages 17 and under are admitted free.

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

Hosted by Captured Eye Photography
Friday, June 28, 2019 at 7 PM – 11 PM
At The Central Collective, 923 N Central St, Knoxville, Tennessee 37917

Christopher J. Calderhead started Captured Eye Photography in 1998. He is an old soul and enjoys turning ideas from concept, to composition, and then capturing them at just the right moment on film. Please join Christopher for a night of Music, Art, Hors d'oeuvres & Wine as he displays his work. His last show was in 2009 so come check out his earlier and latest pieces.

Featuring Original Photography by:
Christopher Calderhead
Avery Adzima
Carl González
Cindy Greer
Daryl Johnson
Ian Constaninos
Landon Adzima

https://www.facebook.com/events/608566016327421/

Visit The Central Collective Friday June 28th, 7:00-11:00PM for a show of Original Photography by:
Christopher Calderhead, Avery Adzima, Carl González, Cindy Greer, Daryl Johnson,
Ian Constaninos, and Landon Adzima.

Christopher J. Calderhead started Captured Eye Photography in 1998. He is an old soul and enjoys turning ideas from concept, to composition, and then capturing them at just the right moment on film.

Please join Christopher for a night of Music, Art, Hors d'oeuvres & Wine as he displays his work. His last show was in 2009 so come check out his earlier and latest pieces.

The Central Collective, 923 N. Central Street, Knoxville, TN 37917. Information: 865-236-1590, info@thecentralcollective.com, www.thecentralcollective.com

Angela Easterling & Brandon Turner - Jun 28 @ 7:00 pm
Jared Hard - Jul 12 @ 7:00 pm
Chris Muncey and the Narrow Way - Jul 19 @ 7:00 pm
Pistol Creek Catch of the Day - Jul 26 @ 7:00 pm
Jerry Butler Band - Aug 2 @ 7:00 pm

All concerts begin at 7 pm – Rain or shine in the covered amphitheater. Bring your own folding lawn chairs. Coolers and alcohol of any kind are prohibited. Pets are not allowed (Except Service Animals w/ Proper Identification). Concerts are FREE for GSMHC Members and for Children 5 and Under – $10 per person for non-members. Or, Reserved Seating! Only $5 Leave your chair at home and use ours!

http://www.gsmheritagecenter.org/events/concerts/

Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, 3/4 mile east of traffic light at the Highway 321 and 73 intersection towards the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Townsend, TN. Hours: M-Sa 10-5. Information: 865-448-0044, www.gsmheritagecenter.org

Friday at 9 PM – 11 PM
1726 Highland Ave SW, Knoxville, TN 37916-1318, United States

Summer Fling is here! Enjoy a heavy night of passionate Stand-up. We've got the funniest comedians that will be sure to make you chuckle at least once. Along with some jokes, there will be a house band to fill in the awkward silence with mediocre jazz. It's a hoot! $5 at door

Comedians include:
Lee Kimbrell
Dan Alten
Andrew McAffrey
Nancy-Wren Bradshaw
Clinton Ricks
Monika Miller

Drums and Sax:
Levi Johnson
Andy Thornton

Hosted by:
Lukas McCrary

Good seats will be taken up quickly so get here early.

Doors at 8:30
Show at 9

Show is for all ages, but is rated "R". BYOB w/ I.D. https://www.facebook.com/events/420076238722249/

Knoxville will host the 2019 Pro & Para-Cycling Road National Championships June 27 - 30.

This marks the second time all U.S. national champions in professional road cycling will be crowned the same week in one city. This is the third year for Knoxville to host the U.S. Pro Road and Individual Time Trial Championships, its second year to host the U.S. Pro Criterium Championships and its FIRST year to host Para-Cycling National Championships.

Free & Open to the Public

INDIVIDUAL TIME TRIAL will be held on a 6.9 mile section of roadways along Melton Lake in Oak Ridge, which is just 30 minutes west of downtown Knoxville.

CRITERIUM is a 1.1 mile circuit is fast, short, and technical and will be held under the lights of downtown Knoxville with the start and finish on Gay Street.

PRO ROAD is a 7.9 mile route will cross the iconic Gay Street Bridge and through Historic Old City with a new challenging climb at the end of each circuit.

NEW THIS YEAR is the Para-cycling competition is open to male and female athletes from two impairment groups: physical and visual. Paralympic cyclists may compete on one of four different kinds of bike - bicycle, tricycle, handcycle or tandem.

New this year! VIP Caravan Rides for both the Women's and Men's Pro Road race are available for $50 per person per ride. Don't miss out on this fun experience!

For more information, contact us at 800-727-8045 or visitorcenter@knoxville.org
Visit our website at visitknoxville.com.