Calendar of Events

"It’ll Tickle Yore Innards!”: A (Hillbilly) History of Mountain Dew

Special Members Preview: Thursday, June 27, 2019, from 4:00-6:00 p.m.

The exhibition highlights the drink’s history, from the origins of the term “mountain dew” and the development of the marketable hillbilly image that influenced media and culture, to becoming the third most popular soft drink brand.

The exhibition includes more than 200 artifacts highlighting the drinks history, moonshining, and the hillbilly image. The exhibition begins with video footage of early moonshine busts and a visit to a moonshine still in Cocke County in 1938. A variety of liquor jugs, dating from as early as the 1890s are on display with other moonshine paraphernalia. There is an assortment of artifact reflecting the early color writers and their effects on the hillbilly image, as well as artifacts from Knoxville’s 1910 Appalachian Exposition. One case contains a variety of “hillbilly” memorabilia, including Beverly Hillbillies dolls, comic books, Lil’ Abner items, and a pair of Hee Haw overalls.

The exhibition features a 1900 carbonation machine from the Roddy Coca-Cola Bottling Company in Knoxville and a sizeable display of rare and highly collectable bottles, including a few dating to Knoxville in 1927, a progression of Mountain Dew bottles over the years, and a variety of other vintage soft drinks from around the region. Of special interest are the “Barney and Ally” bottles, which were the first Mountain Dew bottles ever produced. In 1951 and 1952, the Hartman Beverage Company produced 7 oz. green and clear bottles. The applied color label’s bare the name of the creators of Mountain Dew. In the early 1950s, green bottles were reserved for “colorless” flavors, while clear bottles were used for drinks where the color would reflect the actual flavor. Mountain Dew was originally bottled as a set of flavored drinks and not as a specific flavor like today. Also displayed are a variety of items relating to the Hartmann family.

East Tennessee Historical Society, 601 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. Museum hours: M-F 9-4, Sa 10-4, Su 1-5. Information: 865-215-8824, www.easttnhistory.org

Gomela: Movement of Our Mother Tongue comes to Clayton Center for the Arts as part of Carpbetbag Theatre’s 50th Anniversary Celebration

Gomela, a Bantu word, means “to go back to/to return.” Directed by Stephanie McKee and developed by dancers Kesha McKey, Kai Knight, Jeremy Guyton, poet Sunni Patterson and drummer Jawara Simon, Gomela takes us on a journey through time and space. Making evident the connection between Africa, Haiti, and New Orleans, Gomela highlights the vibrant and percussive movements and stories that breathe life into ancient African dance and drumming and contemporary artistic expression, such as spoken word, hip-hop and jazz. Gomela is an experience of collective memories passed down from generation to generation, a tapestry woven by a group of multi-disciplinary artists who represent the diversity of African Americans who call New Orleans home.

Gomela is based on hope, survival, courage and the resilience that exists in the face of oppression. It is about the heartbeat of a people that will never die, the culture and traditions that continue to evolve, grow and survive the test of time. It illuminates Place Matters—gentrification and the Right of Return of New Orleanians displaced after Katrina; and Black Lives Matter—the beauty and resilience of black people, past and present.

At Clayton Center for the Arts

Cost: $10. Tickets & Information: 865-544-0447, www.carpetbagtheatre.org

The Knoxville Chapter of the Tennessee Interfaith Power & Light hosts this event. We all know the climate change challenges we face. And we also know the power of music to move people into action. The Sing for the Climate Concert will move our community to climate action, both individually and collectively. Local performers will lend their talent to articulate these messages:

Climate change threatens everyone on Earth.
We, among the wealthiest in the world, have caused the problem.
We have until 2030 to reduce our carbon emissions by half to reduce the harms of climate change.
We have the moral choice between ignoring the suffering we cause, continuing to care only for ourselves, or acting to benefit our children and grandchildren, future generations, all people, and all life.
We care for others. Climate change and social justice are inextricably linked. We cannot tackle one without addressing the other.
We care for the Earth by living within natural limits. We live simply so that others may simply live.
We model with our lives how to live in ways that we want to see in the world.
We cooperate with others to transform how we live as a people on Earth.
We know you embrace many if not all of these messages!

At TN Amphitheater, World's Fair Park. https://www.facebook.com/Sing-for-the-Climate-Concert-390071798205259

A Shakespeare Study Day featuring The Comedy of Errors
At Lawson McGhee Library

Would you like to learn more about Shakespeare’s plays? When they were written? Why they were written? Quirky facts about their stage history and what cool films have been made from the plays? If so Shakesology is for you!

Shakesology is a 2 ½ hour special event to learn the history and context of Shakespeare’s work before viewing the plays. Inspired by a program created at Shakespeare’s Globe and led by Shakespeare On The Square dramaturge, Dr. Jennifer Horn, each study session will showcase Shakespeare’s story and influences, as well as some of the choices that other productions have made and the background behind the selection for this year’s Shakespeare On The Square production. Members of the Stage Company artistic team will also discuss the current productions and their creative process. In 2019, we will be highlighting A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Comedy Of Errors Join us at the Lawson McGhee Library downtown at for this engrossing program.

“One of the key elements of Shakespeare’s genius is that his plays are so open to different interpretations” said Horn. “If you’ve seen one production, you definitely haven’t seen them all.” Come find out about the crazy choices that can and have been made in productions of the plays, and prepare to amaze your friends with the trivia you learn.

ADMISSION IS FREE! Tennessee Stage Company: 865-546-4280, www.tennesseestage.com

Circle Modern Dance is proud to welcome back Intersect Dance Theatre for another Master Class in Modern Dance & Nontraditional Partnering. Similar to the class in 2018, this workshop will focus on building kinesthetic awareness in dancers to improve physical "listening", creating a better partnership and unified ensemble. Intersect Dance Theatre will lead us in a structured warm-up, strength-building exercises, improvisation, and nontraditional partnering techniques. Class is $10 (+ fees) in advance or $15 at the event. No experience required, ages 10 and up welcome.

www.circlemoderndance.com
www.intersectdance.org

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/master-class-modern-dance-nontraditional-partnering-tickets-63388548856

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/

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.

Debut: Recent Acquisitions features important acquisitions from the past four years in the McClung Museum’s eclectic arts and culture collection. Many of the objects have never been on display.

From ancient Peruvian ceramics and new additions to our extensive map collection, to Cherokee carving and modern and contemporary works on paper, they reflect the enormous diversity of the McClung’s holdings, and the generosity of donors who helped to add important objects to our collections.

The objects also illustrate the work of museum staff to fill cultural gaps needed to support the McClung’s educational mission. These treasures underscore the museum’s continued relevancy as a site for inspiration and pondering our world and its wonder.

McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture, 1327 Circle Park Dr on the UT campus, Knoxville, TN 37996. Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9AM-5PM, Sunday, 1-5PM. Information: 865-974-2144, http://mcclungmuseum.utk.edu