Calendar of Events

DANCE. BIKE. PLAY! ...IN THE STREET!
Join us in Downtown North Knoxville on June 4th, 2023 from 2 - 6 pm!

Open Streets Knoxville brings together community groups and local businesses, giving people of all ages and abilities the opportunity to walk, ride bikes, hula hoop, and much more - all in a setting that is fun and safe! More than a street festival, Open Streets Knoxville gives residents an opportunity to explore their neighborhood and local businesses in a safe, fun, and family-friendly way. Participants can enjoy being physically active and visiting local businesses by foot or on bike. It encourages the use of active transportation and healthy living, and has a goal of giving residents an opportunity to rethink our streets as public space.

https://www.bwknox.org/openstreets

Perpetual Groove performs Sunday, June 4th, 7:00PM at Yee-Haw Brewing (Knoxville) 745 North Broadway Knoxville, TN 37917.

Jamband veterans PGroove are making their long-awaited return to Knoxville on Sunday, June 4th in the beautiful patio space at the new Yee Haw Brewing in Knoxville!

Based in Athens, GA, Perpetual Groove is a long time well established touring act with an enthusiastic fan base and international critical acclaim. Dubbed PGroove by their fans, their music has been best described as anthemic trance arena rock. Their large catalog of original music offers something for everyone. The addition of an intense, retina burning, intelligent light show creates an atmosphere unlike any other, assuring fans they'll get a highly polished, yet different show each night.

Tickets -- https://www.eventbrite.com/e/perpetual-groove-at-yee-haw-brewing-tickets
Yee Haw KnoxvilleYee-Haw Brewing (Knoxville) 745 North Broadway Knoxville, TN 37917

Smoky Mountain Blues Society SUNDAY BLUES CRUISES presents
JOHNNY BURGIN BAND on the June 4 BLUES CRUISE.

TENNESSEE RIVERBOAT COMPANY, 300 Neyland Dr., on Volunteer Landing.

The Smoky Mountain Blues Society will once again present live music with its continuation of our monthly River Cruises of 2023. June's cruise performance will feature the Johnny Burgin Band on the Tennessee Riverboat on Sunday, June 4th at 4 pm – 7 pm. Boarding begins at 3 pm.

Tickets are available through the Tennessee Riverboat Company's website, (tnriverboat.com) and by calling (865) 525-7827. Tickets are just $20 for members in advance and $25 for non-members.

SMBS Members should call to claim their discount (865) 525-7827.

Each voyage will also have full bar and limited food menu available onboard to buy.

Smoky Mountain Blues Society: http://smokymountainblues.org

Join us on Sunday June 4, 2023 at Sequoyah Birthplace Museum in celebration of Tennessee Statehood Day from 12-4 p.m. On June 1, 1796, Congress approved the admission of Tennessee as the sixteenth state of the Union.

Our 1809 Blacksmith shop will be open with demonstrations going on throughout the day. We will also be demonstrating on our 1833 Otis Tufts Acorn Gap Printing Press. Come out and share the afternoon with living history in our 1800’s Dog-trot Log cabin. Learn about Cherokee’s in the Civil War.

The museum is named for Sequoyah, a Cherokee, who could not read or write in any language, who perfected a system for reading and writing the Cherokee language so that the nation and its heritage would live forever. This year is the bicentennial of Sequoyah finishing his syllabary. Our acorn printing press will be doing demonstrations throughout the day. All Statehood Day activities are free and also enjoy free admission to the museum.

This event is funded in part by the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians.

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

By Matt Cox
Director: Courtney Woolard

For seven years a certain boy wizard went to a certain Wizard School and conquered evil. This, however, is not his story. This is the story of the Puffs… who just happened to be there too. A tale for anyone who has never been destined to save the world.

The New York Times proclaims Puffs “A fast-paced romp through the ‘Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic.’ For Potterphiliacs who grew up alongside Potter and are eager to revisit that world, Puffs exudes a jovial, winking fondness for all things Harry!”

This clever and inventive play “never goes more than a minute without a laugh” (Nerdist) giving you a new look at a familiar adventure from the perspective of three potential heroes just trying to make it through a magic school that proves to be very dangerous for children. Alongside them are the Puffs, a group of well-meaning, loyal outsiders with a thing for badgers “who are so lovable and relatable, you’ll leave the theater wishing they were in the stories all along” (Hollywood Life). Their “hilariously heartfelt!” (Metro) and epic journey takes the classic story to new places and reimagines what a boy wizard hero can be.

Puffs is not authorized, sanctioned, licensed or endorsed by J.K Rowling, Warner Bros. or any person or company associated with the Harry Potter books, films or play.

Theatre Knoxville Downtown, 800 S. Central Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information & tickets: 865-544-1999, www.theatreknoxville.com

Howdy! It's the 5th annual Dolly Art Show!

Join us Friday, June 2nd from 5:00-8:00 PM for opening night. Our wall will be filled with art by nearly 40 local and regional artists who love Dolly as much as we do. Awards will be announced at 7pm, and Dolly art will remain on display through the end of July.

Rala may limit capacity of in-person attendees for the safety of our audience in regards to maximum occupancy requirements.
We encourage you to attend virtually if you cannot attend in person, and follow us on Facebook/Instagram for updates as we get closer to the event.

You can stream the awards ceremony by joining our Instagram Live @shoprala, or by visiting our YouTube channel to catch the live stream later (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh_tM87RUMyb6DmkJU3MifQ)

Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/628793335793173/

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

Friday, June 2, from 6-8 Awaken Coffee will have live music by Melissa Hale and will host an opening reception for artist Melissa N. Everett.

Melissa’s show is titled “Southern Charm”

“Songwriting [Quilt-making] is my way of channeling my feelings and my thoughts. Not just mine, but the things I see, the people I care about. My head would explode if I didn’t get some of that stuff out.” Dolly Parton [Melissa Everett]

After listening to Dolly Parton’s America, the initial idea of this project, Southern Charm, has grown to be so much deeper and more meaningful. Learning about the way she has evolved as an artist and grown as an independent woman while staying tied to her beautiful, mountain childhood resonated with me. I want these things to be true for myself, as well. As I mature and unfold as a female artist, I’ve recently started looking back at my childhood in Waynesville, NC to rediscover my favorite things again; like Easter, pastels, ruffles, playing in the woods etc. A couple of similarities between Dolly and I stand out: home, comfort, inclusion and nostalgia. This show is about channeling your inner child, listening to your heart and setting aside what doesn’t work for you any longer to continue on through hope, love and joy.

Awaken Coffee, 125 W Jackson Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902. Open daily. Information: 865-951-0427, www.instagram.com/awaken_coffee or www.facebook.com/awakencoffeeoldcity/

Cindy Marrazzo is an engineer and Vietnam Marine Veteran who is an international painter and portrait artist. She uses math and science and sometimes Marine discipline to deliver realistic details to every scene, while her use of darks and lights provide amazing light to her paintings.

Charlotte Brindley does highly detailed oil portrait paintings inspired by the Italian Renaissance and the Pre-Raphaelites, which includes layers of jewel tones, intricate designs, and symbolist overtones.

Pebbie Mott renders impressionistic palette knife paintings in oil and acrylic and is a graduate of the Ringling School of Art and Design.

Gary Taylor paints with colorful acrylics and is inspired by nature and his Tennessee surroundings. He also makes porcelain jewelry.

Julie-Boisseau-Craig is a glass artist who creates both functional and sculptural pieces as well as copper and glass jewelry.

Sherrie Wilson is a Shibori weaver who weaves wearable art and dynamic wall pieces.

First Friday Reception: June 2nd, 5:30 – 9:00 pm

Art Market Gallery, 422 S. Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902. Hours: Tu-Sa 11-6, Su 1-6. Information: 865-525-5265, www.artmarketgallery.net, www.Facebook.com/ArtMarketGallery

Opens Fri Jun 2, 5-9 PM

Colectivo Subterráneos
https://www.instagram.com/subterraneos.oax/
Existimos, porque resistimos. Por los oprimidos, por los invisibilizados, por aquellos que quisieron enterrar, los subterráneos, existimos. We exist, because we resist. For the oppressed, for the invisible, for those who wanted to. www.facebook.com/Subterraneoss

HoLa Hora Latina, 100 S. Gay Street, Suite 112, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information: 865-335-3358, www.holahoralatina.org

June 2 - 18: FUN HOME based on the graphic novel by Alison Bechdel, music by Jeanine Tesori, lyrics and book by Lisa Kron

"Someone just came in the door
Like no one I ever saw before
I feel...
I feel...
I don't know where you came from
I wish I did
I feel so dumb
I feel...
Your swagger and your bearing
And the just-right clothes you're wearing
Your short hair and your dungarees
And your lace-up boots
And your keys
Oh, your ring of keys"

Who knew a UPS delivery woman, in her simple act of...well, delivering a package, could unlock such passion and joy in a preteen girl? Alison Bechdel knew.

Tony Award-winning duo, Jeanine Tesori and Lisa Kron, masterfully capture graphic novelist Alison Bechdel's coming-of-age story in FUN HOME. As a father and his daughter struggle to open up to one another, they each go on their own journey of discovering love, queerness and all of the pain and beauty that comes with such an awakening. Will their common path be something they can one day share?

River & Rail Theatre, 111 State Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information: 865-407-0727, www.riverandrailtheatre.com

The Old City Association announces its 3rd annual Dolly-themed festival taking place the 1st weekend of June, reimagined this year as “Rhinestone Fest, for the Love of Dolly!” We are expanding our celebration to encompass all artists, musicians, and do-gooders that Dolly has inspired throughout her rhinestone-studded career!

Benefiting Dogwood Arts’ Art Kits for Kids program (www.dogwoodarts.com/artkits) and The Historic Old City Association (www.oldcityknoxville.org), Rhinestone Fest will take place on June 2, 3, 4, 2023 at various locations in and around the Old City. Events will commence Friday in conjunction with other First Friday activities, and will continue throughout the weekend, with a Main Stage event on Saturday featuring live music and other activities, and a Rhinestone Market on Sunday, curated by the Old City Market. Rhinestone Fest is a family-friendly event, and free to attend.

Due to the success of the Dolly Art Contest, started at Rala in 2019, Rhinestone Fest was created to celebrate all things Dolly and to invite people to experience our unique and vibrant Old City community. Rhinestone Fest has something for everyone! Guests can expect First Friday activities to include art shows, live music, and Dolly movie screenings at various locations in and around the Old City. Saturday’s Main Stage event, taking place on S Central Street, will feature live music, as well as interactive activities such as a Dolly costume contest, talent show, and other local performers. Sunday’s special-edition Rhinestone Market on W Jackson Avenue will highlight local and regional artists and makers displaying their Dolly themed creations. Restaurants, bars, and retail shops will feature specials throughout the weekend. A calendar and map of events will be available via the Rhinestone Fest website.

Please follow us at: Instagram – @rhinestonefest
Online – www.rhinestonefest.com

We're absolutely thrilled to launch the 2023 Nief-Norf Summer Festival, taking place in the University of Tennessee's Natalie L. Haslam Music Center. There is a remarkable lineup of artist teachers lined up to work with this year's fellows on all things performance, composition, improvisation, scholarship, technology, and entrepreneurship.
• Allison Adams
• Andy Bliss
• Lisa Cella
• Vicky Chow
• Alex Ring Gray
• José Gurría-Cárdenas
• Jordan Munson
• Joo Won Park
• Eric Retterer
• Erin Rogers
• Ashley Walters

Details TBA! https://www.niefnorf.org/festival