Calendar of Events

The play will be performed Thursdays and Fridays at 7 PM, Saturdays at 1 PM and 5 PM, and Sundays at 3 PM.

Knoxville Children’s Theatre, in partnership with the Clayton Foundation will present a live production of Jackie & Me by Steven Dietz and adapted from the book by Dan Gutman.

Ten-year-old Joey Stoshack is a headstrong young boy with a special talent for time travel. When Joey is assigned to write a report on an African American who has made an important contribution to society, he uses his special ability to go back to Brooklyn, New York, in 1947. He meets one of baseball’s greatest players, Jackie Robinson. Joey plans on writing a prize-winning report, but he doesn’t plan on a trip that will forever change his view of history and his definition of courage.

"[Kids] learn about Jackie Robinson, racial discrimination and restraining one's temper to achieve a larger goal. … The show is truthful, fun and filled with worthy life lessons for kids." -Chicagocritic.com

The play is performed by 14 talented young actors, from ages 9 to 18. Joey will be played by Oak Holden, who is making his KCT debut. He will be joined by Elijah Clemes and DeShayla Foley, who will portray Jackie and Rachel Robinson.

The show is directed by guest director Derrick Washington, Jr. who is a former KCT participant.

KCT is East Tennessee’s leading producer of plays for children and families.
Knoxville Children's Theatre, 109 E. Churchwell Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917. Information: 865-208-3677, www.knoxvillechildrenstheatre.com

Mar 25-27 at 7:30 PM
$4.99 · Paid Online Event

To celebrate the 27th season of Tennessee Stage Company's New Play Festival, we bring you two new table readings and two world premiere full productions-- all of which are available online! "In Loving Memory" was filmed in front of a live audience. Tickets are Pay-What-You-Can of $2.70 and up to commemorate our 27th season.

Join TSC for our New Play Festival's final premiere of the 2022 season with Taylor James Foster's "In Loving Memory". Jimmy is awake--but there is a problem. He doesn't know where he is, who this strange doctor is,... or who that beautiful woman is over there. A blend of sci-fi, rom-com, and horror weave together as James and Eleanor rediscover their memories during scientific research.

There are TWO ways to watch the show!
1) Click on the link here and join us via Facebook Live. The cost of $5 goes directly to the Stage Company.
https://www.facebook.com/events/491595362432322/

2) Visit http://tennesseestage.com/home/upcoming-productions-3/ticketsandevents/ to register for the Zoom directly. There, you can make a donation of any amount (starting at $2.70 + ) via PayPal and receive a link to watch the show any time that weekend.

Clayton Center for the Arts - Ronald & Lynda Nutt Theatre
Friday, March 25, 10:00am School Matinée
Saturday, March 26, 7:00pm Public Performance

The Appalachian Ballet Company will present The Little Mermaid as part of their 50th Anniversary season. Artistic Director Amy Morton Vaughn choreographed her version of the story in 2017 and will reprise the ballet with some additional choreography. The Little Mermaid is a Danish fairy tale written by Hans Christian Anderson.

During scene one, the story follows the journey of a young mermaid who is willing to give up her life in the sea as a mermaid to gain a human soul. The main character role of the Little Mermaid will be danced by principal dancer, Kylie Morton Berry. She lives in an underwater kingdom with her father, the Sea King, and her sisters. When a mermaid turns fifteen, she is permitted to swim to the surface for the first time to catch a glimpse of the world above.

Thus, when the Little Mermaid’s turn comes, she rises up to the surface, and a violent storm hits, sinking the ship, and the Little Mermaid saves the Prince from drowning. Guest artist, James La Russa, will dance the role of the Prince. La Russa was last seen in ABC’s The Nutcracker as Herr Drosselmeyer and the Arabian Prince.

Consequently, longing for the Prince and an eternal soul, the Little Mermaid visits the Sea Witch, danced by Calista Jones, a Maryville College student and a choreographer for Appalachian Ballet Company.  The Sea Witch willingly helps her by selling her a potion that gives her legs in exchange for her beautiful voice and she warns the Little Mermaid that once she becomes a human, she will never be able to return to the sea.

Scene two is set in the village square and the townspeople are in festive mood in preparation for the upcoming wedding of the Prince and his fiancé. A few rambunctious and funny sailors are there to cheer the Prince as he is in love with the woman who saved his life, not the fiancé he is betrothed to marry.

Scene Three is the wedding scene where the Prince finally declares his love for the Little Mermaid and the royal wedding commences. With beautiful scenery and colorful costumes, the ballet will be lit by Lighting Designer, John Horner.

Tickets: Adults $40, Students $20
Tickets will be on sale through the Clayton Center Box Office at 865-981-8590. For more information: 865-982-8463, www.appalachianballet.com

March 25-26
Spring Craft * Tastings * Hidden Deals * New Merchandise

Featuring natural honey Savannah Bee...free tastings all day!
A variety of bird houses and feeders for all you nature lovers!
Pick up a sweet watercolor card for a friend!
Fun gifts in all the spring colors!
Pick up a Spring bouquet from our friends at Flourish on Saturday (26th) from 11-2!

Backroads Market, *514 Walker Street, Knoxville, TN 37919*
https://backroadsmarketknox.com/

Gallery 1010 is pleased to present Whatchamacallits: A UTK Sculpture Club Group Exhibition. This exhibition includes artwork from both undergraduate and graduate students that are members of the Sculpture Club at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

The opening reception will be held 5–7 pm on Friday, March 25. The show can also be viewed 10 am–1 pm on Saturday, March 26. To schedule a viewing outside of these hours, please email Hanna Seggerman at hseggerm@vols.utk.edu.

Gallery 1010, 100 S. Gay Street, Suite 114, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information: https://gallery1010.utk.edu/

Lorelei Ensemble is a nine-member vocal ensemble that has become known for its inventive programs and its collaborations with noted music organizations and a host of today’s leading composers. Founded in Boston in 2007 and led by artistic director Beth Willer, the ensemble has been hailed for its “rich and diverse vocal palette” and for its embrace of repertoire, both new and existing, that stretch the performers and their audiences.

Lorelei Ensemble is bringing its latest tour project, This Tyrant, Love, to Knoxville on Friday, March 25, at the Church of Ascension at 7:30 PM. This performance is part of Ascension’s FOMA Series (Friends of Music and the Arts).

Described as “a journey through ancient and modern tales of love and longing,” This Tyrant, Love is designed around Lorelei Ensemble’s treble and women’s voices with accompaniment by lutenist, Kevin Payne. The program moves through 17th century madrigals, then contrasts with striking modern works.

Luzzasco Luzzaschi (1545-1607) – Troppo Ben Può
Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643) – Ardo E Scoprir, Ahi Lasso, Io Non Ardisco
Luigi Rossi (1597-1653) – Disperate Speranze
Alessandro Piccinini (1566-1638) – “Passacaglia” From Intavolatura Di Liuto
Barbara Strozzi (1619-1677) – Le Tre Grazie A Venere
Björk (B. 1965) – Solstice
Caroline Shaw (B. 1982) – Dolce Cantavi
Laura Mvula (B. 1986) (Arr. Voss/Rudoi) – She
David Lang (B. 1957) – Selections From Love Fail

The concluding Lang selections are from Love Fail, a work that touches on the timelessness of love that weaves together details from retellings of Tristan and Isolde. Lorelei Ensemble released a recording of Lang’s work in 2020 on Cantaloupe Records. David Lang was the recipient of the 2008 Pulitzer Prize in Music for The Little Match Girl Passion and is one of the co-founders of Bang on a Can.

Episcopal Church of the Ascension, 800 S Northshore Dr, Knoxville, TN 37919. Information: 865-588-0589, www.knoxvilleascension.org/foma

The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

Bruce Tonn, professor emeritus of political science and president of Three3, Inc., will present “Ensuring Humanity’s Journey into the Future Through Science,” Friday, March 25 at 12 p.m. via Zoom.

During his presentation, Professor Emeritus Tonn will show the many ways that science underpins and synthesizes with philosophy and other disciplines to build an approach to proactively ensure humanity's progress. Climate science is a key example. His presentation will draw from his 2021 book Anticipation, Sustainability, Futures and Human Extinction: Ensuring Humanity’s Journey into the Distant Future (Routledge Publishing, London).

https://calendar.utk.edu/event/ensuring_humanitys_journey_into_the_future_through_science

Art à la Carte, the Art Center’s brown bag luncheon and learning series, meets the fourth Friday in each month at 12 noon. While programs in the series may include artist or gallery talks, primarily we use films. Films typically focus on art history, museum collections, interviews with and/or demonstrations by various artists, and the creative muse or spirit. Programs are free and open to the public. Bring your lunch and a friend to lunch while you learn! The Art Center will provide coffee and/or tea.

On March 25 we will feature the first installment of the film Munch: Munch 150 from the “Exhibition on Screen” series. The film features Munch’s work from the Munch Museum and the National Museum Oslo. Most individuals know Munch from his most famous work, The Scream, and have not seen many of his other works; however, many are just as remarkable. He is considered to be a very influential figure in Modern Art. The film was taken from the Munch 150 exhibition that was curated and co -hosted by the two museums. To quote the film case notes, “Tim Marlow hosts this special event film, presenting in detail Munch’s key works and inviting expert analysis by special guests.” In addition to the expert analysis, the beauty of these “Exhibition on Screen” films is that you get up close views of the pieces without having to dodge crowds to see them! The film will run approximately one hour on March 25th and the second half will be our program for the Art a la Carte program for the month of April on April 22. At that time we will begin the film at 11:30 so individuals may catch up before enjoying new footage.

Oak Ridge Art Center, 201 Badger Avenue, Oak Ridge, TN 37830. Hours: Tu-F 9-5, Sa-M 1-4. Information: 865-482-1441, www.oakridgeartcenter.org

Friday, March 25, 2022

IN HONOR OF WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH
Lillian Allsup, Musician and Educator

Beck Cultural Exchange Center: 1927 Dandridge Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37915. Hours: Tu-Sa 10-6. Information: 865-524-8461, www.beckcenter.net

Big Ears Festival has officially announced its return for March 24 – 27, 2022!

The lineup is mind-blowing: more than 100 performances that cross all boundaries, as well as discussions, workshops, installations, and surprise collaborations, unfolding over more than a dozen venues across walkable and historic downtown Knoxville.

We're pleased to highlight some exciting new special program and projects to explore at Big Ears 2022:
• Trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire plays duets with drummer Andrew Cyrille;
• Nathalie Joachim makes a solo performance for flute, voice, and electronics;
• Saul Williams performs a rare solo spoken word set;
• James McVinnie plays a solo organ recital featuring work by J.S. Bach and Philip Glass;
• Singer / songwriter Leyla McCalla performs her Vari-Colored Songs: A Tribute to Langston Hughes, accompanied by a string quintet from Nashville new music ensemble, chatterbird;
• Guitarist Gyan Riley joins Bang on a Can All-Stars to perform Terry Riley’s Autodreamographical Tales;
• Attacca Quartet play a concert featuring work by Flying Lotus, Squarepusher, and others from their release Real Life; on an additional program, Caroline Shaw joins Attacca to perform music composed exclusively by Shaw;
• Sō Percussion play Julia Wolfe’s Forbidden Love, Nathalie Joachim’s Note to Self (a piece for Sō and Joachim), and the world premiere of Angélica Negrón’s When the Sun Hits Just Right (an octet for Sō and Kronos Quartet);
• Composer and saxophonist Miguel Zenón and Spektral Quartet play Yo Soy La Tradición, as well as the world premiere of a new quartet Zenon has written for Spektral;
• Ensemble Dal Niente play a full two-day sequence of brief sets at the Knoxville Museum of Art.

There’s much to explore and discover, from a dive into the heart and soul of New Orleans music and the Afro-Caribbean cultures that influence it, to a performance by Hadestown-creator Anaïs Mitchell’s great new band, Bonny Light Horseman. A special performance by the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra; alt-rock legends Animal Collective, Kim Gordon, and Low; and a stunning world-class jazz lineup are just a taste of what’s on tap for the festival weekend.

https://bigearsfestival.org/

Art, music and makers are a mainstay in Downtown Knoxville, causing it to become an art destination year-round. The Downtown Knoxville Alliance and local businesses are embracing the community’s creativity by curating complementary music and art experiences alongside the Big Ears Festival, an internationally renowned music festival to be held in Knoxville on March 24-27.

Starting Thursday, March 24, and throughout the weekend, more than 25 downtown businesses will host free artist exhibits; live music and art classes; and local makers doing live demonstrations to complement the ticketed and free Big Ears events and performances. Big Ears, The Maker City and the Downtown Knoxville Alliance are collaborating to inform the public of these activities. The free events include live music performances; art exhibitions and demonstrations; and hands-on classes. In addition, artist Megan Lingerfelt will add a spring theme to the Downtown Knoxville mural in Strong Alley, which is located between Market Square and Gay Street, on Thursday and Friday. Participating galleries and merchants will be marked by colorful sidewalk graphics, and the weekend’s activities are available at www.downtownknoxville.org/local-art

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LIVE DEMONSTRATIONS

+ Merchants of Beer, Friday, March 25 at 4pm: Barron Hall of Mighty Mud Studio – Pottery @barronart of @mightymudstudio. Wheel-throwing (pottery) demo with mugs for purchase

+ Street Fair at Southern Railway Station, Saturday, March 26 at 2pm: Kelly Sullivan of Knoxville Arts & Fine Crafts Center @kafcc - Gelli prints; Kendra Barth of Blanket Fort Studio – Clay hand building @blanketfortstudio; Greer Miceli of Greer Miceli Art – Live painting @greermiceli.art.design; Debbie Meritsky & Marc Rotman of Master Repurposers - Stained Glass @masterrepurposers

+ Hyatt Five Thirty Lounge, Saturday, March 26 at 4pm
@williamwrightmusic – Music: World premier of "Make Me New Again" www.williamwrightmusic.com
William Wright is an award-winning Composer of concert music and film scores as well as a 20-year veteran of the East Tennessee music community. On March 26, a selection of Wright's contemporary works, including multiple premieres, will be performed at the Hyatt, downtown Knoxville, at the rooftop 5:30 Lounge. The ensemble for this show will be a trio of extremely gifted East Tennessee musicians that Wright has worked with previously, including pianist Slade Trammell, cellist Cecilia Wright and bass+violist Preston Davis. Trammell helped premiere Wright's work for choir and chamber trio, Concordia, in 2021. William has been collaborating with Wright and Davis for many years. Among the pieces that the ensemble will be performing is a new work, written specifically for this showcase, titled Make Me New Again. The piece is a tone poem, written for piano + viola + cello and found sound, driven by an array of East Tennessee and Knoxville-specific inspirations and features audio from the 1982 World's Fair, which celebrates it's 40th anniversary in May. The ensemble will also be performing Wright's internationally acclaimed work Salt Mass, as well as The Swim Lesson, a piece for Cello that Wright showcased at the 2021 Screen Music Program in Milan, Italy where he was named Best Composer for the Screen, the program's top award. The entire showcase will consist of pieces that have never been performed in the United States.

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All weekend:
+ Beth Meadows, Embassy Suites @bethmeadowsart and www.bethmeadows.com
Beth Meadows creates mixed media works on wood that mix her life in East Tennessee with aspirational and luxurious living. She draws inspiration from contemporary high-end design, but paints in a flat, primitive style. Her work often explores themes such as female confidence, mental health, and interpersonal relationships using dark and humorous undertones. For purchasing information, please contact beth@bethmeadows.com

+ Ryan Blair, Embassy Suites @ryanblairart
Muddy Waters Rise'n: This series of paintings is inspired by the people of Appalachia and their relationship to southern identity and culture. As a child raised in the Midwest, we often would travel to a small East Tennessee town to spend time with family. These early visits along with experiences of now living in the south influence the subject matter in this work, mixing real and fictional stories, characters, attitudes and beliefs.

+ Jalynn Baker, Radius Rooftop Lounge @jalexisphoto and www.jalynnbaker.com
The portrait photography series, “How Did We Get Here?”, explores the various journeys of people who have come to live in the United States. Each story is told autobiographically, revealing a singular perspective while illuminating some of the common hopes, dreams, fears, and vulnerabilities that we share as a human race. As you encounter these stories, I hope you will allow yourself to be challenged to listen more intently and move toward others with love and empathy. To hear stories, visit here: www.jalynnbaker.com/how-did-we-get-here.

+ Tintype Popup w/ Kelsey Dillow
Rala: Regional and Local Artisans presents Knoxville's favorite Tintype photographer! Join us to have your very own tintype portrait made. Hours: March 24-26 11:30am-5:30pm, March 27th 11:30am-5:00pm
Tintype portraits will be 4x5”, 20 minute sessions. Email or DM Kelsey (see information below) to book a time slot. Walk ups are also welcome. Read Kelsey's FAQ on her website for more information or reach out to her with any questions. www.kelseytdillow.com or @kelseytiaraphoto (Instagram) or kelseytdillow@gmail.com

After seeing the tremendous success of our branch sales this year, we are excited to try something a little bit different: a spring book sale in a new location. That new location is Central United Methodist Church at 201 3rd Avenue in the Fourth and Gill neighborhood. Spring sale coordinator J.J. White describes this new sales model as “smaller than our previous annual sale and bigger than a branch sale, so it's the best of both!”

Jen Cooper, co-chair of the Sales and Distribution Committee, points out that having a sale in the spring and adding another sale in the fall will result in twice as many members-only early shopping events and twice as many opportunities “to shop the wide selection available at larger sales– whether your interests are in special collections, a niche area of nonfiction, or you are trying to find the last book to complete your Agatha Christie collection!”

Without a doubt the most popular day of our annual sale has always been the Members Only Day. The members-only component of the Spring Used Book Sale will be from 4-8 pm on Thursday, March 24th. The sale will then be open to the public from 10-5 Friday, March 25th and Saturday March 26th, with Saturday designated as half price day. Please note that face masks will be required for all volunteers and shoppers.

www.knoxfriends.org