Calendar of Events

In 1937, tens of thousands of Haitians and Dominicans of Haitian descent were exterminated by the Dominican army, based on anti-black hatred fomented by the Dominican government. Fast-forward to 2013, the Dominican Republic’s Supreme Court stripped the citizenship of anyone with Haitian parents, retroactive to 1929. The ruling rendered more than 200,000 people stateless, without nationality, identity, or a homeland. In this dangerous climate, a young attorney named Rosa Iris mounts a grassroots campaign, challenging electoral corruption and advocating for social justice. Director Michèle Stephenson’s new documentary Stateless traces the complex tributaries of history and present-day politics, as state-sanctioned racism seeps into mundane offices, living room meetings, and street protests.

Filmed with a chiaroscuro effect and richly imbued with elements of magical realism, Stateless combines gritty hidden-camera footage with the legend of a young woman fleeing brutal violence to flip the narrative axis, revealing the depths of institutionalized oppression.

September 12-15, 2021: Online screening followed by a conversation with the filmmaker(s).
Screening Partner: Clayton Center for the Arts - Maryville
https://watch.eventive.org/southerncircuit/play/611c0c3178b7a80063366f32

DAVID SEDARIS
SUNDAY, SEPT. 12 | 7:00PM
David Sedaris is one of America’s pre-eminent humor writers. He is a master of satire and one of today’s most observant writers. His new book, The Best of Me (Little Brown/Hachette, Fall 2020), is a collection of 42 previously published stories and essays, about which novelist Andrew Sean Greer wrote in the New York Times: “You must read “The Best of Me.” It will be a new experience, knowing that enough time has passed to find humor in the hardest parts of life. More than ever — we’re allowed to laugh.”

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

Ijams Nature Center’s most important annual fundraiser is getting an update, and with it comes a new name: Twilight at Ijams.

The 2021 Twilight at Ijams, presented by Clayton and Colonial Pipeline Company, will take place Sunday, Sept.12, from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Formerly Ijams Nature Center’s Symphony in the Park, the new name reflects the continuing focus of this beloved event: To raise awareness and funds for the nature center so that Ijams can continue to educate and inspire people of all ages to appreciate and care for the natural world.

The event has grown and changed over the years, including moving from picnic blankets to tables, adding guest musical artists and introducing a featured visual artist.

The pandemic forced another change in 2020: Ijams planned a virtual experience, and, due to another rainy forecast, held the event – Ijams Nature Center’s Symphony from the Park – inside the Emporium Building.

That evening featured three new performers after the KSO was unable to play. The overwhelmingly positive reaction to the music in 2020 – a blend of bluegrass, classical and Appalachian – brought the realization that Ijams could create space for new artists and rotate performers from musical genres to expand the reach and diversity of the event. While still including the KSO in the rotation, it would be a way to increase relevancy with new audiences while also honoring the past.

“This year’s musical performance will be created by classically trained pianist and WUOT ‘Afternoon Concert’ host Melony Dodson, who has music-directed a host of local theatre productions and has numerous connections in the region. The program will feature nature-themed music, including Broadway, classical, Appalachian and other genres. It will illustrate a day at Ijams from dawn’s first light to twilight. I’m excited about the program and the opportunities it will provide.”

Ijams Nature Center, 2915 Island Home Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920. https://www.ijams.org/

Second Sunday of the month, 11 AM - 4 PM

For artists and makers

Transforming Jackson Avenue into a curated, outdoor market showcasing artists and creative makers. www.oldcitymarket.org

Art Fest returns in 2021 with fresh, new fun! Enjoy indoor and outdoor interactive art activities from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 12, at the Farragut Community Center, 239 Jamestowne Blvd.

Activities are geared toward kids, but anyone can participate! Crafts include monster straw painting, Q-tip art, squirt gun painting, spin art, a group art mural and more.

This free event is sponsored by the Farragut Arts & Beautification Committee. For more information, contact Special Event and Program Coordinator Brittany Spencer at 865-218-3378 or bspencer@townoffarragut.org.

SEPTEMBER 12, 2021
7:00PM

The musical career of John Driskell Hopkins spans more than 20 years. As a member of several rock bands, Hopkins first rooted himself in the Atlanta music scene in 1995 — but he is most well-known as a founding member, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter of the GRAMMY Award-winning Zac Brown Band.

Hopkins became a founding member of the Zac Brown Band (ZBB) in 2005 as a bass player and has enjoyed engineering and songwriting credits on hit songs including “Toes,” “It’s Not OK,” and “Sic Em On A Chicken,” from the triple-platinum selling record The Foundation, as well as “Nothing,” “I Play The Road,” and “Settle Me Down,” from the platinum selling record, You Get What You Give.

When he’s not touring, Hopkins works out of his Brighter Shade Studios songwriting and producing a growing crop of talent. Hop continues to perform at music festivals and venues across the country with his original six-piece band, The John Driskell Hopkins Band, which includes: Mike Rizzi on drums/vocals; Sean McIntyre on bass/vocals; Leah Calvert on fiddle/vocals; Greg Earnest on banjo; and Brian Bisky on keyboard/vocals.

Clayton Center for the Arts: 502 East Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN 37804. Information/tickets: 865-981-8590, www.ClaytonArtsCenter.com

Sunday, September 12, 7:00 p.m. Tickets $10

Tellico Village Community Church
130 Chota Center
Loudon, TN 37774
www.tellicochurch.org

END OF SUMMER DRAG LUAU
TICKETS ON SALE NOW - TWO SHOWS
Sunday, Sept 12 • 10:45AM & 1:45PM

It's the end of summer, hot girl bummer. So come to our Drag Luau! Wear your best luau attire and get ready to enjoy the best drag entertainers around! This show will feature performances by a talented cast including, Cara Cavalli Andrews, Hannah VonStevens, Danielle DeLong, Tony With A Tee, Diana Hart, Lillith, and Aurora Starz! Food is included in your ticket price. Drinks will be available for purchase at the bar and via our low-contact QR code system. So come join us at The Mill & Mine for a farewell to summer Luau!

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

On Thursday, September 12, 2019, opening night of Carpetbag’s production of “Red Summer”, Mayor Madeline Rogero named that day Carpetbag Theatre Day - a day to celebrate the 50 years of original work from this Legacy Black Theatre Organization. With the pandemic making it difficult to celebrate in 2020, Carpetbag has prepared a celebration at Walter Hardy Park, using the outdoor stage built specifically for the theatre years ago.

The Carpetbag Theatre will be celebrating their special day with a screening of their most recent original production, “COVID Stories: When the Hugs Went Away”, made possible by the New England Foundation for the Arts, over a bonfire with fall snacks for purchase such as hot chocolate and hot cider in custom Carpetbag Theatre mason jars and hot dogs and s’mores. There will also be plenty of merchandise available for purchase for those who wish to support the theatre as they work toward another 50+ years of original stories

“COVID Stories: When the Hugs Went Away” was written by Executive/Artistic Director Jonathan Clark, and Carpetbag Ensemble Members; Will Dorsey, Brandon Gibson, Chelsea Haynes, and Kisha Rockett.

After the performances, there will be talkback sessions in which audiences will have the opportunity to hear the thoughts of the Carpetbag Ensemble on the production.

• Where: Walter Hardy Park, 2020 Martin Luther King Ave. Knoxville, TN 37915
• When: Sunday, September 12, 2021 @ 7:00pm
• Cost: FREE - with a highly suggested donation of any amount

www.facebook.com/carpetbagtheatre

The Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, Tennessee’s only tribally owned museum, will host its 30th annual Cherokee Fall Festival on September 11th & 12th, from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. each day.

Visitors will have the opportunity to step back in time to experience Native American food, Cherokee arts and crafts demonstrations, music, and dance. In the museum we will be demonstrating our 1800’s Acorn Printing Press, printing our special bicentennial Cherokee Syllabary. A blacksmith will be doing on-site demonstrations in the shop both days. Other demonstrations and displays will include Cherokee life in 1700’s and a Civil War encampment. There will be a Civil War battle re-enactment at 2:00 p.m.

This year’s theme will be Celebrating 200 years of Cherokee Literacy. Visitors will be able to meet and talk with Cherokees from the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina. Special entertainment will be provided by the Warrior Dancers of Ani-Kituhwa who are the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians official ambassadors. Check out our reconstructed 1800’s dog-trot log cabin. Also there will be Cherokee cooking demonstrations by Johnnie Sue Myers and Civil War gun display.

There will be free Cherokee name cards and bead kits available for children. Traditional Indian Fry bread and Indian tacos, and other food and drinks will be sold.

This event is funded in part by Tennessee Arts Commission Rural Arts Program Grant, and the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians.
Tickets Adults are $10.00, children 13-18 years old are $5.00 and children 12 and under are free. Family rate for $25.00 also available.

Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, 576 Hwy 360, Vonore, TN 37885. Hours: M-Sa 9-5, Su 12-5. Information: 423-884-6246, www.sequoyahmuseum.org

Your Hometown Fair is BACK!

That’s right, the 101st Tennessee Valley Fair is making a return September 10-19th. Get ready for 10 fun-filled, action-packed days full of your fair favorites: concerts, rides, food, competitions, and more!

Entertainers include:
Don't Miss Out On:
Jon Langston - Friday, Sept. 10
John Anderson - Sunday, Sept. 12
Riley Green - Tuesday, Sept. 14
The Commodores - Wednesday, Sept. 15
Rick Springfield - Thursday, Sept. 16
En Vogue - Friday, Sept. 17
Marshall Charloff & Purple Xperience - Saturday, Sept. 18
Joe Nichols - Sunday, Sept. 19

https://www.tnvalleyfair.org/

September 10 – 12 in Knoxville
Our annual Open the Vault Event is our largest buying opportunity of the year. Come see what’s in the vault and shop watches and jewelry with discounts from 20-70% off retail prices. Plus, we are donating a portion of proceeds to Boys and Girls Clubs of The Tennessee Valley. This event is also a wonderful opportunity to see the latest new arrivals from our top designers. Plus, enjoy sweet treats while you shop.
https://www.markmansdiamonds.com/blog/open-the-vault-knoxville-2021/

KNOXVILLE LOCATION
6932 Kingston Pike
Knoxville, TN 37919
865-584-0247