Calendar of Events
Sunday, June 19, 2022
Episcopal Church of the Ascension: Celtic Worship
Category: Free event and Health, wellness
Celtic Worship in Ascension is an opportunity to reconnect with God through a quiet and meditative liturgy. Participants are invited to breathe with the Spirit, to ponder the things of God, and be centered in heart, soul, mind, and spirit.
June 19
July 17
August 21
September 18
October 16
November 20
December 18
Episcopal Church of the Ascension, 800 S Northshore Dr, Knoxville, TN 37919. Information: 865-588-0589, https://www.knoxvilleascension.org/celtic
Ijams Nature Center: Get Your Bluegrass Fix
Category: Free event, Kids, family, Music and Science, nature
(All ages) Join Ijams and East Tennessee Bluegrass Association at Mead's Quarry next Sunday, June 19, from 3-6 p.m. for a FREE jam session presented by Boyd's Jig & Reel. If you'd like to play, please register; otherwise, grab your lawn chair and enjoy the music!
Learn More and Register
https://www.ijams.org/event-details/special-event-east-tennessee-bluegrass-association-monthly-jam-2022-06-19-15-00
2915 Island Home Ave., Knoxville, TN 37920. 865-577-4717 or https://www.ijams.org
Beck Cultural Exchange Center: Juneteenth 2022
Category: Culinary arts, food, Exhibitions, visual art, Festivals, special events, Free event, History, heritage, Kids, family, Lecture, panel, Music and Virtual
MAKE PLANS TO JOIN US! JUNETEENTH 2022 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Racial Justice Town Hall Part XXII
Friday June 17 @ 4P | Virtual & In-Person | Beck Cultural Exchange Center | Free
Join the panel at Beck or feel free to join Live online.
Juneteenth Exhibition Tribute
Saturday June 18 @ 10A | In-Person | Beck Cultural Exchange Center | Free
Special Juneteenth exhibition tribute with the Piano Project of Knoxville.
Juneteenth Father’s Day Freedom Dinner
Sunday June 19 @ 2P | In-Person | Beck Cultural Exchange Center | Tickets $35
Families are invited to a special Juneteenth Father’s Freedom Dinner at Beck with live music by Jazzspirations with Brian Clay and a dinner buffet by Chief Chris Baylock with Heart & Soul Catering and more.
Juneteenth MLK March/Parade & Celebration Program
Monday June 20 @ 10A | In-Person | Martin Luther King Jr., Drive &
Dr. Walter Hardy Park | Free
The entire community, individuals and groups are invited to participate in the march/parade. For parade information contact Parade Chair, Mabrey R. Duff at (865) 803-8981 or by email at Parade@MLKKnoxville.com
The Celebration Program following the parade in Dr. Walter Hardy Park will feature remarks by Rev. Dr. Harold Middlebrook, music by Brian Salesky with Knoxville Opera along with classically trained vocalist Michael Rodgers, and special Juneteenth presentation by Arteece Slay and more.
Tennessee Theatre Summer Movie Magic weekend
Category: Film and Kids, family
On Friday nights, movies about some of the best bands of all time will be featured for the Summer of Sound series. Popular Picks will be a staple for Saturday nights. Matinees on Sunday will be all about Family Fun and feature movies that everyone can enjoy. Friday and Saturday night showings will begin at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m. Doors open one hour prior to each movie’s start time at 7 p.m. and 1 p.m., respectively. The full schedule of the Summer Movie Magic series includes:
Summer of Sound
• Pink Floyd: The Wall – Friday, June 17
• Almost Famous – Friday, July 8
• The Last Waltz – Friday, July 29
• A Hard Day’s Night – Friday, Aug. 5
• The Song Remains the Same – Friday, Aug. 19
Popular Picks
• Stand by Me – Saturday, June 18
• Dirty Dancing – Saturday, July 9
• The Godfather – Saturday, July 30
• The Big Chill – Saturday, Aug. 6
• Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope – Saturday, Aug. 20
Family Fun
• Shrek – Sunday, June 19
• Space Jam – Sunday, July 10
• The Sandlot – Sunday, July 31
• Mary Poppins – Sunday, Aug. 7
• The Princess Bride – Sunday, Aug. 21
Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children under 12 as well as seniors 65 and older. Tennessee Theatre, 604 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. For information/tickets: 865-684-1200, www.tennesseetheatre.com
Flying Anvil Theatre: A Kid Like Jake
Category: Theatre
Flying Anvil Theatre, is preparing to present A Kid Like Jake this pride month. The play tells the story of parents Alex and Greg as they attempt to navigate enrolling their 4-year old into the competitive New York City kindergarten landscape. Jake has an affinity to take on the role of “princess” during playtime, and matters are complicated when he starts showing aggressive behaviors at school interviews.
The adults in Jake’s life are all grappling with the idea that Jake may be transgender. “Jake reminds us that labels can help us put order to the world around us, but at what cost?” says director Doug James, who has approached the play with more questions than answers. “We actually never see the character of Jake in the play- just the adults speaking about and for him. I just want to know, and I think it’s up to the audience to decide, what’s best for the child?”
James, Theatre Teacher at Austin East High School and Adjunct Professor at Maryville College, says that the spectrum of what gender truly means is at the center of national discussion. "No matter what side you fall on this issue, the discussion of gender cannot simply be avoided,” he says. “The beautiful aspect of this play is that it does not preach, but asks questions.” A line that James says perfectly sums up the play is from the preschool principal. “All I'm saying is, we don't always have to know the answers, as long as we keep listening."
A Kid Like Jake, sponsored by Positively Living and Choice Health Networks, runs at Flying Anvil Theatre from June 16-26, and tickets start at $27 for adults and $15 for students.
Flying Anvil Theatre, 1300 Rocky Hill Road, Knoxville. Information: 865-357-1309, www.flyinganviltheatre.com. Facebook and Instagram @flyinganviltheatre
Tennessee Valley Players: Musical “Something Rotten”
Welcome to the Renaissance and the outrageous, crowd-pleasing, Tony-award winning musical farce, “Something Rotten!” Annual summer collaboration with the Tennessee Valley Players and the University of Tennessee School of Music Choral Area returns after a two-year hiatus!
At Ula Love Doughty Carousel Theatre on the University of Tennessee campus - 1714 Andy Holt Ave. Knoxville, TN 37916
Thu-Sat 7:30 PM, Sun 3 PM
Don't miss this hilarious show by Grammy Award-winning songwriter Wayne Kirkpatrick, and successful screenwriters Karey Kirkpatrick and John O'Farrell, Something Rotten was lauded by audience members and critics alike, receiving several Best Musical nominations and hailed by Time Out New York as "the funniest musical comedy in at least 400 years". Set in the 1590s, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star known as "The Bard." When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing, and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world's very first musical. But amidst the scandalous excitement of opening night, the Bottom Brothers realize that reaching the top means being true to thine own self, and all that jazz. Something Rotten features large song and dance numbers, and a wacky cast of over-the-top characters, each given his or her own special moment in the show to shine. Throughout its Broadway run, the musical received a show-stopping standing ovation from audiences... in the beginning of the first act! It's become clear that "nothing's as amazing as a musical!"
TICKETS: Purchase at the box office - as early as 45 minutes prior to the show or online
Prices: Adults and children 12+: $25
Children (under 12): $15
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/something-rotten-tickets-326866114347
Nief-Norf Summer Festival
Category: Festivals, special events and Music
Nief-Norf Summer Festival will take place from June 5-19, 2022 at The University of Tennessee in Knoxville.
Approximately 50 performance, composition, and music technology performance fellows will gather in an immersive think-tank environment during Nief-Norf Summer Festival. They will participate in 20+ events including concerts, lectures, masterclasses, and group hangs; engage in networking and in-depth collaboration; and work with our guest artists and composers.
We are thrilled to welcome guest artists Mark Applebaum (composition/improvisation/piano) in residence for Week 1 and Pamela Z (composition/technology/voice) in residence for Week 2, in addition to our all-star faculty line-up!
Thursday, June 9, 2022, 7:30-9:30PM | Opening Concert
Friday, June 10, 2022, 7:30-9:30PM | Mark Applebaum & Nief-Norf Composition-Fellows: Theme in Search of Variations Concert
Saturday, June 11, 2022, 7:30-9:30PM | Music of Mark Applebaum
Wednesday, June 15, 2022, 7:30-9:30PM | NNSF22 Composition Fellows' Concert #1
Thursday, June 16, 2022, 7:30-9:30PM | NNSF22 Composition Fellows' Concert #2
Friday, June 17, 2022, 7:30-9:30PM | Music of Pamela Z
Saturday, June 18, 2022, 3-5:30PM | Final NNSF22 Concert
Concert tickets are $10 (students) and $15 (general); VIP festival passes are $60 (students) and $90 (general). All tickets and passes are available at the door, and will be available on the Nief-Norf ticket website.
Artistic Director Andrew Bliss and Managing Director Abby Fisher lead a stellar faculty for the 2022 Nief-Norf Summer Festival, including: Erin Rogers (Composition Director); Mark Applebaum (Guest Artist); Pamela Z (Guest Artist); Allison Adams (Saxophone & Woodwinds); Maria Castillo (Flute); Claire Chenette (Oboe & Woodwinds); Andrea Lodge (Piano); Jordan Munson (Music Technology); Kendall Williams (Steel Pan and Percussion); and Ashley Walters (Cello).
Tennessee Artists Association: Exhibition at Ijams Nature Center
Category: Exhibitions, visual art and Free event
Reception will be June 4th, 6 – 8pm in conjunction with a Bluegrass Band performance.
Ijams Nature Center, 2915 Island Home Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920. Hours: Grounds and trails open during daylight hours. Call for Visitor Center hours. Information: 865-577-4717, www.ijams.org
Tennessee Artists Association: 865-675-2285, www.tnartists.org
Rala: Dolly Art Contest exhibition
Category: Exhibitions, visual art, Fine Crafts and Free event
The opening will be Friday, June 3, from 6-9pm. We will announce awards at 7pm, which will also be streamed live on our instagram, @shoprala and on our youtube channel. The art will remain on display through the end of July.
FB event: https://fb.me/e/1u2zUsNzG
Rala: Regional and Local Artisans, 112 W. Jackson Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902. Hours: Tu-Sa 11-6, Su 11-5. Information: 865-525-7888, https://shoprala.com or www.instagram.com/ShopRala
RED Gallery: Fresh Perspectives by Wayne Blankenship
Category: Exhibitions, visual art and Free event
OPENING RECEPTION of recent work JUNE 3, 5-9 PM
RED Gallery proudly announces the showing of Fresh Perspectives, by Wayne Blankenship. Opening on June 3 (First Friday), the show will run through July 29. Blankenship’s work features Appalachian landscapes.
Wayne Blankenship’s pieces are well known in East Tennessee. He has enjoyed recognition for his work in winning the Dogwood Arts Print Competition in 2002 and 2006. Blankenship presented his piece titled Appalachian Flowers to Dolly Parton at the Dogwood Arts Festival in 2006. In addition to the Dogwood Arts Festival, Blankenship’s work has appeared in local galleries, such as The Venue at Lenoir City.
An artist from an early age, Blankenship reveals that his creative career began with repainting his sister’s coloring books. He moved on to paint-by-number projects, and then to painting with acrylics. Blankenship’s mentor Jim Gray taught him to paint with oils, and it was Gray who suggested Blankenship try watercolors. Blankenship now combines materials in mixed-media work, using oil, watercolors and acrylic to achieve his signature, layered landscapes. He continues to branch out with his technique, and is continually inspired by the work of Andrew Wyeth. Blankenship is a member of the Tellico Village Art Guild.
“When I paint, it mostly comes from my memory, thoughts, or emotions,” says Blankenship. “I rarely have a photo reference or use a plein air technique. Whether it’s sunrise or sunset, painting the mountains gives me an endless supply of inspiration.” For the artist, painting is a way to capture the natural world and a stillness in time, as well as the sharpness of a treasured memory. Blankenship hopes visitors will enjoy the show, and be inspired to visit the mountains. Blankenship says his show at RED Gallery is happening at the perfect time, since it coincides with the upcoming Dolly Fest. He’s always been inspired by Dolly Parton, since he grew up in similar circumstances. Blankenship’s mother taught him a love and appreciation for the natural Appalachian beauty that was his childhood environment. http://wayneblankenship.com/
Starting June 3, Fresh Perspectives can be viewed at RED Gallery on Fridays 5-9pm, Saturdays 1-5pm and Sundays 1-5pm, and by appointment through the week, until July 29.
RED Gallery, 130 West Jackson Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37902
UT Downtown Gallery: Eric Sublett: The Creative Life
Category: Exhibitions, visual art, Fine Crafts and Free event
Receptions: Friday, June 3, 5-9 PM and Friday, July 1, 5-9 PM
This exhibition features the paintings, drawings, photography, poetry, flyer/poster art, and film/videos of Eric Sublett, with an emphasis on the artist’s connection to community and local culture. Eric Sublett: The Creative Life is organized by his friends and fellow artists, photographer, Gary Heatherly, and songwriter / poet, RB Morris.
Sublett passed away in 2018 after a long illness. As a lifelong Knoxvillian, Eric was a graduate of West High School and the University of Tennessee, and the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture in Maine. Friends knew him as a talented artist, avid music lover, and knowledgeable historian. Eric was involved with the 1982 World's Fair Art Colony and development of James Agee Park in Fort Sanders. He was a founding member of the 200 East and CHROMA art groups. He is the son of former UT School of Art painting professor and Knoxville 7 artist, Carl Sublett.
All UT Downtown Gallery events are free and open to the public. Masking is strongly encouraged. UT Downtown Gallery, 106 S. Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902. Hours: W-F 11-6, Sa 10-3. Information: 865-673-0802, https://downtown.utk.edu
Maple Hall: First Friday with Marcy Dickert
Category: Exhibitions, visual art and Free event
Opening June 3, 6-8 PM
The Show will remain up thru the month of June with the exception of June 30th and ALL Mondays and Tuesdays. The MAPLE ROOM opens at 4 PM and closes at 11 PM WEDNESDAYS - SUNDAYS.
At Maple Hall, 414 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902
https://maplehallknox.com/