Calendar of Events

The eighth annual Tennessee Pirate Fest invites you to go back in time to the Age of Piracy. This outdoor daytime family entertainment-oriented festival will be held the last two weekends in May including Memorial Day at the Tennessee Medieval Faire site in Harriman--just 30 miles west of Turkey Creek.

“Get Yer Pirate On! with famous British privateer, Sir Captain Henry Morgan, in Port Royal, Jamaica, circa 1679. Now as Governor of Jamaica, Captain Morgan is throwing a festival in his honor, and all are invited – especially YOU. Drama awaits as Lord Carbery, of British high society, has come to Port Royal, waving his papers of nobility, demanding HE should be governor not a PIRATE! Will sparks and swords fly? Come and See!” said Barrie Paulson, President/GM.

Rotating on several stages will be professional touring and local talent. New this year will be comedy duo, The Washer Well Wenches; Disney Cruise headliner, Magic of E.C. Hannah; interactive circus trick artist, Tony the Tosser; and award-winning author, Robert Jacob (May 18-19). Back by popular demand will be slapstick Punch and Judy puppet shows by Professor Brent DeWitt, Middle Eastern dance by Tanasi Fusion (May 18-19), and comedy improv by Einstein Simplified (May 25-26-27). Pirate and Celtic acoustic music will be brought to you by The CrossJacks, Kris Colt the Black Rose, Bravura Music Academy (May 18-19), and Timothy Russell (May 25-26-27). The interactive costumed street character ensemble—the Royal Players--will seek to entertain in Kombat Kroquet (sword-fighting), Tales of Port Royal (show premise), Royal Follies (talent show), and Throw Me A Line (comedy improv). For those who like slightly spooky entertainment, Captain Davy Jones and Calypso will guide those willing on the Trail of Doom (G-PG light). The tour is a pirate version of A Christmas Carol, based on Captain Morgan’s heroic adventures.

Patrons are encouraged to dress in pirate costume and enter the Costume Contest to win a prize. All can learn to be a pirate in Pirate School or join a pirate crew by performing a talent on stage in the Gong Show. Other free games and activities will include Pirate Olympics, the mid-day parade, folk dancing, speed courting, corn hole, giant chess, and steel drum. There will also be pay-to-play activities, including axe-throwing, goat cuddles, and taking photos with a Captain Redbeard and his pyRAT. More information about the entertainment can be found at https://tmfaire.com/pirate-fest-entertainment/ and is subject to change as needed. Schedules will be available online and at the entrance.

The merchants of Port Royal will be selling their custom wares such as period costumes, leather goods, chainmaille, drinking horns, bath and body items, gaming accessories, wooden wares, face-painting, and unique jewelry. A variety of food will be available, including Turkey legs, BBQ, loaded baked potatoes, grilled wraps and salads, sandwiches, shaved ice, snacks, and desserts. Beverages will also be available, including water, soda, sweet tea, fresh lemonade, and beer.

The Tennessee Pirate Fest will be open rain or shine on May 18-19, 25-26-27, 2024 from 11am-6pm ET. The festival is located at 550 Fiske Road, Harriman, TN. Free parking is provided in rough-cut fields, and handicap parking is available. Entrance tickets can be purchased online now at https://darkhorsellc.ticketspice.com/tennessee-pirate-fest-2024 Tickets will also be available for purchase on festival days at the ticket house for cash or credit. Entrance ticket prices include all taxes and fees and are $20 for ages 13+, $10 for ages 5 to 12; and admission is free for ages 4 and under. Festival beverage tickets (in $1 increments) are available online, will be available at the gate, or patrons can use exact change. There will be no ATM onsite, so patrons are encouraged to bring cash for purchases, tips, and convenience.

May 18 | 10:00 - 3:00 | World's Fair Park | Free!
You won't want to miss this epic day celebrating books, authors, and the literary arts. Snap a selfie with a storybook character, sing along in the music tent, be amazed in the Science and Discovery tent, sit on the edge of your seat for a great yarn in the Storytelling Tent, splash and play in Toddler Town, and so much more.

Meet featured authors Alan Gratz, Cozbi Cabrera, Gale Galligan, Deb Pilutti, Antwan Eady and Ashlyn Anstee, along with costumed storybook characters from Paddington Bear, Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, and Where the Wild Things Are. Plus, you can meet Daniel Tiger In the East Tennessee PBS tent!

All this fun kicks off our Summer Library Adventure and Quest for Knowledge!
https://www.knoxcountylibrary.org/childrens-festival-of-reading

Saturday, May 18, 8:00 PM at the Bijou Theatre.

Prepare for an extraordinary live show hosted by paranormal expert Dustin Pari of Ghost Hunters, where the boundaries of reality and the supernatural blur. Join us as we dive deep into the world's most riveting paranormal evidence and share perplexing ghost stories that defy explanation. Brace yourself for an interactive journey through haunted encounters, mind boggling phenomena, and first-hand accounts that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew. This spine-tingling adventure is not to be missed. Join us as we Unlock the mysteries that haunt us all.

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

A concert with 4 premieres by young composers. This concert will be at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Northshore.

May 18, 2024 7PM

Braden Jones - Fractionate (world premiere)
Devan Jaquez - flute
Jorge Variego - clarinet
Hillary Herndon - viola
Matthew Wilkinson - cello
Bernadette Lo- piano

Peter Swanson - Taught Artificially to Burn in the Side of Angels (world) premiere)
Hillary Herndon - viola
Bernadette Lo- piano

Droki Ouro - Marcescence (world premiere)
Devan Jaquez - flute
Jorge Variego - clarinet
Hillary Herndon - viola
Matthew Wilkinson - cello
Bernadette Lo- piano

Claude Debussy - Piano Trio in G major
I. Andantino con moto allegro
II. Moderato con allegro
III. Andente espressivo
IV. Appassionato

Gabriel Fauré - Piano Trio in D minor, Op. 120
I. Allegro ma non troppo
II. Andantino
III. Allegro vivo

Trillium Trio
Soyeon Rachel Seo - violin
Alicia Randisi Hooker - cello
Robert Bonham - piano

* this concert is in collaboration with the Domino Ensemble and has the support of the TN Arts Commission
https://www.dominoensemble.com/
https://www.knoxvillechambermusicsociety.com/

May 18 at 8 pm

The New Beckham County Ramblers were founded in the heart of the Daniel Boone National Forest in Morehead, Kentucky. They are named to honor the only county ever abolished by the state of Kentucky. Drawing influence from old-time music, bluegrass, and delta blues, the New Beckham County Ramblers are rooted in the musical traditions of eastern Kentucky and central Appalachia.

The band includes Nathan Kiser (fiddle), Steven Middleton (banjo, harmonica & vocals), Scott Rucker (mandolin & guitar) and Melissa Caskey (upright bass). Nathan Kiser holds an affiliation with the Kentucky Center for Traditional Music at Morehead State University and have been involved in workshops and performances across the region, including the PBS series Song of the Mountains and Red Barn Radio. Steven Middleton is also affiliated with Morehead State and is a documentary film maker whose work focuses on Appalachia. Scott Rucker is an accomplished old time mandolin player who most recently led courses at the Allegheny Echoes summer camp. Melissa Caskey is a veteran of the successful indie folk band The Woodsheep.

Tickets available at TicketLeap (jubilee-community-arts.ticketleap.com), by mail or at the door 30 minutes prior to show

$20 at the door, $15 General Audience Advance, $14 JCA members, students & seniors 65+

Jubilee Community Arts at the Laurel Theater, 1538 Laurel Ave, Knoxville, TN 37916. Tickets: https://jubilee-community-arts.ticketleap.com. Information: 865-522-5851, www.jubileearts.org

Live Music at the Old City Performing Arts Center! On May 18th at 7:30 pm, Chameleous performs (with Dark Mountain Orchid as an opener) in the Old City Performing Arts Center.

An evening of many musical moods and atmospheres...
Chameleous is an original 6-piece alt rock band whose music is a kaleidoscope of sound -- electric, hard-edged, contemplative, and multi-dimensional.

Dark Mountain Orchid's music is "Molasses served in a drug haze of bloodlust and fervor; a bottomless lake of sensation from which the impossible escape is embraced with grateful surrender."
--Steve Wildsmith

Old City Performing Arts Center, 111 State Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information: 865-407-0727, www.oldcitypac.com

This event will take place on May 18th at 3pm at our bookstore.
This is a free event.

https://www.unionavebooks.com/event/author-event-featuring-diego-b%C3%A1ez-conversation-erin-elizabeth-smith

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

Join us for our inaugural vintage clothing market held the third Saturday in May. We’ll have a variety of vintage and upcycled clothing along with vintage jewelry, shoes, and other fine accessories.

Here is our vendor list for our Inaugural Mid Mod Clothing Market
@pioneerhouse
@surpassingfancy
@konanewildcraft
@meerkatproductions
@frenchfriedvintage
Crazy Daze Vintage
Rise & Bloom
@stefieknoxdesigns
Two of a Kind Vintage
Retrolocal
The Vintage Rose Market
A Brit of Vintage
Golden Fox Vintage
@rainbowspicevintage
Main Character Clothing
@bobsbasementshop
Strawberry Moon Vintage
Carnivale Lounge

12-5 PM at 1617 N. Central Street, Knoxville
https://www.facebook.com/events/937725017971705/

Featuring Richard Jolley, Andrew Saftel, Maggie Taylor, Margaret Scanlan, Denise Stewart-Sanabria, Michael Poness, Eric Pardue, Jennifer Theom, Denise Riddle and Sally Brogden

Closed Sat May 25 - Mon May 27 for the holiday weekend

Bennett, 5308 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919. Hours: M-Sa 10-5:30. Information: 865-584-6791, https://bennetthome.com/

5/17 • Evening Paddle
5/18 • Forest Bathing Workshop
5/19 • Cheese Making Workshop
5/19 • Cyanotype Book Making Workshop with The Big Camera
5/19 • The Big Camera: Cyanotype Bookmark Pop-Up Workshop
5/19 • Self Care Sunday Yoga
5/19 • Monthly Bluegrass Jam with ETNBA

And more!

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

An Evening of Dance performances date/time:
Thursday, May 16 at 6:45pm
Friday, May 17 at 8:45pm
Saturday, May 18 at 6:45pm and 8:45pm

Ignite! Spring Concert performance date/time: Sunday, May 19 at 6:30pm

All performances at The Clarence Brown Theatre 1714 Andy Holt Ave. Knoxville
Adult Tickets $20, Student Tickets $10
Tickets: https://www.dancersstudioknox.com/

Dancers Studio, 4216 Sutherland Ave, Knoxville, TN 37919, United States

A new solo exhibition of mixed-media, image-text artworks
www.underwoodartworks.com

Opening with a public reception, Saturday, May 11, 2024, 1pm to 5pm

Also showing work by Jennifer Simon in an adjacent gallery

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