Calendar of Events

The McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture is proud to announce the special exhibition, The Sculpture of William Edmondson: Tombstones, Garden Ornaments and Stonework, in partnership with Cheekwood Estate & Gardens. The exhibition is sponsored by the University of Tennessee Division of Diversity and Engagement and will run from January 13 to May 14, 2023.

The exhibition reexamines and recontextualizes the life and work of African American artist William Edmondson (1874–1951). Edmondson is the most significant sculptor to emerge from Tennessee during the 1930s and 40s and remains one of the leading American artists of the twentieth century.

This is the first large-scale museum exhibition of the artist’s career in over twenty years. During Edmondson’s life, he was well known for his yard art, including whimsical birdbaths, fanciful "critters," sculptures of everyday people, and grave markers he carved for African American families.
https://mcclungmuseum.utk.edu/2022/12/13/mcclung-museum-to-feature-one-of-the-most-significant-collections-of-tennessee-artist-william-edmondson-in-new-exhibition/

McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture, 1327 Circle Park Dr on the UT campus, Knoxville, TN 37996. Information: 865-974-2144. Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday 12–4 p.m.

Knoxville Children’s Theatre, in partnership with the Clayton Foundation will present a live production of “Sherlock Holmes and the First Baker Street Irregular.” The play will be performed January 13th through the 29th, Thursdays and Fridays at 7 PM, Saturdays at 1 PM and 5 PM, and Sundays at 3 PM.

On a dare from her fellow street urchins, 14-year-old Wiggins tries to pickpocket a strange old man. Not only is Wiggins unsuccessful, but the old man, who is actually Sherlock Holmes in disguise, manages to take the gold ring that was in Wiggins’ pocket and leave behind a note directing her where to go to get it back. When Wiggins goes to 221B Baker Street to retrieve the ring, she is shocked to find out how much Holmes knows about her. After Wiggins sees Holmes use the ring to solve a case, Wiggins proposes to work as his assistant. Intrigued by her potential, Holmes agrees to begin training Wiggins on a trial basis. Wiggins and Holmes must learn to trust each other as Wiggins and her group of street urchins help him solve two dangerous mysteries: The Red Headed League and The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle. A fun mystery for the entire family.

The play is performed by 18 talented young actors, from ages 9 to 16. KCT veteran Elijah Clemes will portray Sherlock with Xavier Truman playing Dr. Watson and Caroline Alley portraying Wiggins.

The show is directed by KCT Guest Director Sara Venable with assistance by KCT intern Evie Braude.

Knoxville Children's Theatre, 109 E. Churchwell Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917. Information: 865-208-3677, www.knoxvillechildrenstheatre.com

The Primary Players Children’s Theatre Group, Jan. 13 – 15 at the Clayton Center for the Arts.

CATS is set amongst a larger-than-life junkyard playground and is alive with purr-fect felines, including Rum Tum Tugger, Mr. Mistoffelees, Macavity, Jennyanydots, Old Deuteronomy, Skimbleshanks and Grizabella. The Jellicle Cats come out to play on one special night of the year—the night of the Jellicle Ball. One by one, they tell their stories for the amusement of Old Deuteronomy, their wise and benevolent leader, who must choose one of the Cats to ascend to The Heaviside Layer and be reborn into a whole new Jellicle life.

CATS has been presented in over 30 countries, translated into 16 languages, and seen by more than 73 million people worldwide. The original Broadway cast recording won the Grammy Award for Best Cast Album. Lloyd Webber’s magnificent musical score includes the poignant hit song “Memory,” which has been recorded by over 150 artists from Barbra Streisand to Liberace to Barry Manilow.

Directed by John Cherry, Music Direction by Dr. Ken Hawkins and Choreography by Hilary Barrett, CATS features 35 young actors between the ages of 8 to 17.

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

Jan. 13 - Tennessee Sheiks and Y'uns Jugband 6:00-8:30PM (Doors open at 5:00)
Food will be available!

The Concourse, 4328 N. Broadway Ave., Knoxville, TN 37917
(865) 851-7818 or www.concourseknox.com

Friday, January 13, 2023 at 8 pm

Born in Wheeling, West Virginia in 1954, Grammy winning singer songwriter and multi- instrumentalist Tim O’Brien grew up singing in church and in school. After seeing Doc Watson on TV, became a lifelong devotee of old time and bluegrass music. Tim started touring nationally in 1978 with Colorado bluegrass band Hot Rize. His songs “Walk the Way the Wind Blows” and “Untold Stories” were bluegrass hits for Hot Rize, and country hits for Kathy Mattea. Soon more artists like Nickel Creek, Garth Brooks, and The Dixie Chicks covered his songs. Over the years, Tim has collaborated with his sister Mollie O’Brien, songwriter Darrell Scott, and noted old time musician Dirk Powell, as well as with Steve Earle, Mark Knopfler, Dan Auerbach and Sturgill Simpson.
Living in Nashville since 1996, O’Brien’s skills on guitar, mandolin, fiddle, and banjo make him an in demand session player. He tours throughout the US and abroad, most often with his partner Jan Fabricius on mandolin and vocals. His regular band includes Fabricius along with Mike Bub (bass) and Shad Cobb (fiddle). The International Bluegrass Music Association awarded him song of the year in 2006 and named him best male vocalist in 1993 and 2006. He was inducted into the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame in 2013. A voracious reader who loves to cook, he has two sons, Jackson (born 1982) and Joel (born 1990).

Notable O’Brien recordings include the bluegrass Dylan covers of “Red On Blonde”, the Celtic-Appalachian fusion of “The Crossing”, and the Grammy winning folk of “Fiddler’s Green”. His duet recording “Real Time” with Darrell Scott is a cult favorite, and he won a bluegrass Grammy as part of “The Earls Of Leicester”. His 2017 release “Where the River Meets the Road” paid tribute to the music of his native West Virginia. O’Brien formed his own record label, Howdy Skies Records, in 1999, and launched the digital download label Short Order Sessions (SOS) with his partner Jan Fabricius in 2015.

His new release “He Walked On” features eight new originals and five covers from R.B. Morris, Bill Caswell, Dale Keys, Yip Harburg, and mentor J.D. Hutchison. A rhythm section including drummer Pete Abbott and long-time bassist Mike Bub underpins contributions from fiddlers Shad Cobb and Justin Moses, bassist Edgar Mayer, gospel singer Odessa Settles, guitarist Bo Ramsey, keyboard player Mike Rojas, as well as vocals and mandolin from Jan Fabricius. Historical and socially conscious themes weave their way through songs about ordinary and not so ordinary people just trying to “keep it between the ditches.”

Tickets/reservations available at Eventbrite or at the door 30 minutes prior to show
$35 at the door, $30 General Audience Advance, $29 JCA members, students & seniors 65+

Jubilee Community Arts at the Laurel Theater, 1538 Laurel Ave, Knoxville, TN 37916. Tickets and information: 865-522-5851, www.jubileearts.org

Union Ave Books is proud to present An Author Event with Mimi Herman. This will take place on January 13, 2023 at 6 pm in our store.
While this is a free event, we ask that you reserve your spot at this link. https://www.unionavebooks.com/event/0113-author-event-mimi-herman

Union Ave Books, 517 Union Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information: 865-951-2180, www.unionavebooks.com

8:00 PM
Bistro at the Bijou
Inspired by Jimmy Giuffre, the Variego3 has a chamber music vibe with a woody sound. “It's a true joy to hear this amazing ensemble of world-class musicians interact with one another, feeding off of each other's chemistry and ability to create massively infectious, yet classy and understated melodies. Whether you are a fan of modern jazz, or you prefer the old guard, you'll certainly be impressed. This group has got so much to offer, and they bring an unprecedented level of charisma to this genre today.” Jazz Corner

At the Bistro, the trio will present its album “Recompensa” that features a series of original compositions and versions of standards that transit the fine line between jazz, free improvisation and the music from el Rio de la Plata.

https://www.dominoensemble.com/copy-of-projects-1
https://www.thebistroatthebijou.com/speakeasy.html
807 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902

Back in 2020, when we last performed Webs, we took a pause from touring to reimagine and rework it. The show you saw in 2019 and 2020 will not be the same show we're performing, potentially for the final time, this Winter right here in Knoxville, TN at the Old City Performing Arts Center, January 12 - 14. This run of the show features a new round of cast members as well as a weaving of new stories, performances, and acts.

Not only are we excited to present the show in Knoxville with our friends at the OPAC, but we're excited to be taking the show on the road again. From January 6 - 22, we'll be traveling to Raleigh, Durham, Louisville, Athens, and Atlanta to share this work and hopefully spark awareness, healing, and justice-oriented conversations about the fight to end rape culture and sexualized violence.

Old City Performing Arts Center, 111 State Street, Knoxville, TN 37902

Early Bird Admission: $18
General Admission: $20
Same Day Admission: $25

https://www.webscircus.com/tickets
www.dfaas.com

If you’re looking for “natural” inspiration, visit the Ijams Hallway Gallery in January to enjoy the work of two local nature photographers, Brooks Clark and Matthew Harris! Brooks’ photos reflect his desire to share his experience and exploration of open spaces. His hope is that these works will inspire others to appreciate the countless remedies of time spent in nature. Matthew’s photos allow you to start a journey in the heart of eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina through the eyes of a local traveling photographer.

Ijams Nature Center, 2915 Island Home Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920. Visitor Center open daily 10-6; grounds and trails open daily from 8 AM - dusk. Information: 865-577-4717, www.ijams.org

RIDAY, JANUARY 6 - JUNE 19, 2023
The MLK Commission is the largest consortium of MLK events in East Tennessee and we are especially grateful for the support that we receive annually from our friends and partners as well as the entire community. Without question, it is this tremendous support that has allowed our observance to be recognized as one of the nation’s best King commemorations. Please join with us!

Gallery of Arts Tribute -OPENING RECEPTION FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 2023 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Interfaith Prayer Service - WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 12:00 NOON
LOCATION: CHILDREN OF GOD MINISTRIES, 309 Deadrick Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37921

Leadership Awards Luncheon - Thursday, January 12, 2023, 12:00pm
University of Tennessee - Knoxville
Student Union - Pilot Corporation Ballroom
1502 Cumberland Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37916

Community Forum - FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 2023
Beck Cultural Exchange Center
6:30PM - 8:30PM

MLK Youth Symposium - SATURDAY, JANUARY 14, 2023
8:30AM - 2:00PM
AUSTIN-EAST HIGHSCHOOL, 2800 MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. AVE

Sunday, January 15 - 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Night With the Arts Tribute - COX AUDITORIUM - UNIVERSITY OF TN, 1408 Middle Drive, Knoxville TN 37996
The MLK Night with the Arts Original Stage performance along with performances by the MLK Holiday Tribute to create a night filled with multi-faceted artistic expression. It will be a magnificent Celebration of the Arts fit for a “King”! The presentation will include some of our areas most talented singers and performers. The MLK Holiday Choir will be featured and of course the inspiring and uplifting sound.

Memorial Tribute Service - Monday, January 16, 2023, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Overcoming Believers Church, 211 Harriet Tubman Street, Knoxville TN 37915

Teacher In-Service Training - SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 12:00PM - 2:00PM
SIMPSON PROFESSIONAL TRAINING CENTER, 801 Tipton Avenue, Knoxville TN 37920

MONDAY, JUNE 19, 2023
The Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Commission Parade will step off at 10:00am at Chilhowee Park and conclude at Dr. Walter E. Hardy Park for a special Beck Juneteenth Memorial Tribute service.

https://www.mlkknoxville.com/2023-mlk-events/

Featuring Steve Olson's first solo photography show!
Reception on Sun Jan 22, 2-4 PM

The Center is the second building on the right when you turn into Rarity Bay. The Center is open Monday thru Friday 9 to 4. It is best to call ahead because the Center often has meetings or events going on: 423-884-3800

150 Rarity Bay Pkwy, Vonore, TN 37885

KAY DARTT + RONDA WRIGHT: CREATING ARTIFACTS OF HOME

Receptions: Friday, January 6, 5-9pm
Friday, February 3, 5-9pm

The UT Downtown Gallery is pleased to present a two-person exhibition of work by Kay Dartt and Ronda Wright.

Dartt’s work fluctuates between functional sculpture, speculative design, and embodied hyperobject. The goal of these objects is to challenge our western philosophies of living that have created an imbalance between the natural, artificial and virtual environments we occupy. By synthesizing biomorphic forms, consumer language and parametric design processes, an aesthetic emerges that invites a critical perspective of our environment. At times these objects can humorous, whimsical or enigmatic.

Kay Dartt is an artist whose practice combines sculpture, engineering, education and community outreach. As a Clinical Assistant Professor of Art at Shepherd University, she teaches sculpture courses, engineering courses and manages an interdisciplinary fabrication space called the FASTEnER Lab.

As an artist and activist, Ronda Wright has created the on-going sculptural installation, "Creating Artifacts of Home." Through a series of workshops, participants sculpt small artifacts of home. These workshops started in response to the overwhelming rate of LGBTQ+ homelessness and bullying, the premise of these workshops is that we all have a relation to home; and that iron is an element necessary to sustain life. While sharing experiences, participants sculpt a symbolic artifact that reminds them of home. After being cast in iron, the artifact becomes part of the larger collection of memories that reflect relations of Home. Participants’ artifacts link themselves not as “others” but to others. Wright is the Academic & Professional Development Advisor and Adjunct Assistant Professor for UT's College of Architecture + Design and an alum of UT's School of Art.

The UT Downtown Gallery is a Tennessee Triennial Community Venue. All events are free and open to the public.

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