Calendar of Events

THE LIGHTER SIDE OF BEETHOVEN on February 16, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. features vocal surprises including the composer’s Tyrolean songs, “Auld Lang Syne,” and “God Save the King.” The program also presents rarely heard selections from Beethoven’s cantatas, concert scenes, Knight’s Ballet, and his unfinished opera Vestas Feuer. Soprano Mary-Hollis Hundley (“sophisticated…sparkling”/Tulsa World) and bass-baritone Nathan Stark (“ominous and unearthly power”/Washington Post) will make their ACE and Knoxville debuts. Knoxville artists soprano Jacqueline Brecheen (“lyrically beautiful and strong”/Arts Knoxville) and tenor John Overholt fill out the quartet of soloists. Maestro Brian Salesky returns to the ACE podium to conduct this unique program which includes the participation of the Knoxville Symphony Youth Choir in their second collaboration with ACE.

Free reservations are required: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cathedral-concert-amadeus-concert-ensemble-tickets-1203642710749

Part of the 2024-2025 Season of free concerts / Cathedral Concert Series
At the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (711 S. Northshore Drive, Knoxville)
Info: 865-643-6600 or bnsalesky@gmail.com

The Sundress Academy for the Arts is excited to present Poetry Xfit hosted by Krista Cox. This generative workshop event will take place on Sunday, February 16th, from 2 to 4 pm EST via Zoom. Join us at the link tiny.utk.edu/sundress with the password “safta”.

Poetry Xfit isn't about throwing tires or heavy ropes, but the idea of confusing our muscles is the same. You will receive ideas, guidelines, and more as part of this generative workshop series in order to complete three poems in two hours. A new set of prompts will be provided after the writers have written collaboratively for thirty minutes. The goal is to create material that can be later modified and transformed into artwork rather than producing flawless final versions. The event is open to prose authors as well!

Krista Cox is a poet, grad student, and freelancer. Krista is Managing Editor of Sundress Publications, Doubleback Review, and The Wardrobe, and an Associate Poetry Editor at Stirring: A Literary Collection. She’s the Executive Director of Lit Literary Collective. Her poetry has appeared in Columbia Journal, Crab Fat Magazine, and elsewhere. More at www.kristacox.com.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1340087457372602/

ROSANNE CASH
SUNDAY, FEB 16 | 7:30PM

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

On Sunday, February 16th, the Smoky Mountain Blues Society and Bluetick Tavern proudly present: Piper & the Hard Times.
2024 International Blues Challenge - Winner of Band Division
2025 International Blues Challenge - Best Self Produced CD: REVELATION

Tickets cost $20 for SMBS members and $25 for the general public. Doors open at 4 pm and the performance will run from 5 pm – 8 pm.

Bluetick Tavern has a wonderful selection of food, beer, and liquor available to purchase and is located on 128 W Broadway Ave, Maryville, TN.

More information at https://smokymountainblues.org/

Join the hunt for Bigfoot at Fort Dickerson Park on Sunday, February 16, 2025, from 10 AM to 4 PM. This exciting in-person event is designed to challenge your problem-solving skills and teamwork abilities as you explore the park, solving puzzles, riddles, and clues along the way.

Gather your friends, family, or colleagues and put your creativity to the test. Can you beat the clock and uncover the mystery of Bigfoot?

Fort Dickerson Park, 3000 Fort Dickerson Road, Knoxville, TN

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the park in a whole new way. Book your tickets now for a day of adventure and excitement at: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/bigfoot-adventure-knoxville-tn-tickets-1222260095849

Ijams welcomes Donna Moore's Night Blooming Cereus showcase to the Hallway Gallery this month.

Moore says her work is often an exploration of reality distorted by time and memory. For this series, she used a flatbed scanner and an enlarger as her camera, and made cyanotypes and lumen prints using the sun and the passage of time to create original prints. Don't miss it!

Ijams Nature Center, 2915 Island Home Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920. Visitor Center open daily 10-6. Information: 865-577-4717, www.ijams.org

2/15 • Paint with a Turkey Vulture and American Kestrel
2/16 • Reset, Renew, Rejuvenate: Yoga Workshop and Sauna Session
2/21 • Woodcock Walk - Guided Birding Program
2/22 • Ijams Junior Naturalist
2/22 • Reading the Landscape: Geology
2/22 • Woodcock Walk - Guided Birding Program
2/23 • Take Action! Annual Ijams Seed and Plant Swap
2/28 • Woodcock Walk - Guided Birding Program

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

Step into the Paranormal Cirque!
Prepare to slow down and take it all in—unless you scare easily, in which case, you might want to run—as Paranormal Cirque welcomes you into a dark and mysterious world like no other! From February 14-17, 2025, experience the thrill under the black and red big-top tent at West Town Mall.

Beneath the "Clown Castle," expect an electrifying fusion of circus, theater, and cabaret. Witness Acrobats of the Air, master Illusionists, and eerie freaks and creatures performing breathtaking stunts. This is no ordinary circus—it’s a hauntingly beautiful journey poised between exhilarating fun and uninhibited fear, bringing nightmares and fantasies to life.

Please note: an age restriction is in effect. Guests must be 13 years or older to attend, and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Paranormal Cirque combines scare, surprise, and amusement to create an unforgettable experience. Immerse yourself in a world of chills and suspense, where the extraordinary meets the mysterious.

Dare to take the plunge into a Paranormal journey you’ll never forget!
More information and tickets at: https://red.cirqueitalia.com/events/1239_Paranormal-Cirque-III-Knoxville-TN

The Smithsonian’s National Collection of Fishes X-rays represent more than 70 percent of the world’s fish specimens and is the largest and most diverse collection of its kind in the world. Although the X-rays featured in the national collection were made for research purposes, the strikingly elegant images demonstrate the natural union of science and art and are a visual retelling of the evolution of fish. X-Ray Vision: Fish Inside Out, an exhibition from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES), showcases these dramatic prints exposing the inner workings of the fish.

The exhibition features 32 black-and-white digital prints of different species of fish. Arranged in evolutionary sequence, these X-rays give a tour through the long stream of fish evolution. The X-rays have allowed Smithsonian and other scientists to study the skeleton of a fish without altering the specimen, making it easier for scientists to build a comprehensive picture of fish diversity.

The exhibition also includes specimens from the collections of the McClung Museum, the Etnier Ichthyological Collection, and the Vertebrate Osteology Collection to highlight research happening with fish specimens at the University of Tennessee.

McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture, 1327 Circle Park Dr on the UT campus, Knoxville, TN 37996. Hours: Tu-Sa 9-5, Sun 12-4. Information: 865-974-2144, https://mcclungmuseum.utk.edu/

By Neil Simon

Corie, a free-spirited optimist, and Paul, a reserved attorney, couldn’t be more different. Corie’s spontaneity clashes with Paul’s practicality, leading to a series of hilarious misunderstandings and endearing reconciliations as the newlyweds embark upon married life in their quirky, cozy new apartment. As their relationship evolves, the couple not only faces the challenges of wedlock, but also a grueling flight of stairs and an eccentric upstairs neighbor who adds an extra dash of hilarity. Love sparkles in Neil Simon’s delightful romp, reminding us that true love can endure even the quirkiest of circumstances – and be incredibly fun.

PG-13 AUDIENCES
https://www.orplayhouse.com/

— Under the stunning White & Black Top Tent
• February 14 – Friday: 7:30pm
• February 15 – Saturday: 6:30pm & 9:30pm
• February 16 – Sunday: 5:30pm & 8:30pm
• February 17 – Monday: 7:30pm
West Town Mall, 7600 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919

Welcome to the darkest corner of your mind as Paranormal Cirque III comes to town! This one-of-a-kind production features incredibly talented artists with the sole purpose of taking you in a sensual journey of acrobatics, contortion, aerial acts and more. Prepare to be on the edge of your seat while you witness death-defying stunts, creepy creatures, and haunting performances.

Horrifying yet seductive, this show comes to life under the mysterious white and black Big Top Tent with hypnotic and sultry acts. Provocative illusionists, freaks and mysterious creatures will make you see that this circus is anything but normal. Our wide range of otherworldly characters will send shivers down your spine. From zombies to erotic witches; sexy vampires to gruesome ghosts, and everything in between, there's no shortage of terrifying beings in this show.

Tickets are available now at www.paranormalcirque.com or by calling at 941-704-8572. Get yours and step into a world of delicious scares, sensual horror, alluring acrobatics, and plenty of saucy secrets you’ll get to discover for yourself! Don't miss your chance to experience the most spine-tingling show of the year!

Restricted – under 18 REQUIRES accompanying parent or guardian. This show has adult language and material.

Thursday, February 13 at 8pm
Friday, February 14 at 8pm
Saturday, February 15 at 8pm
Sunday, February 16 at 2pm

The classic tale of star-crossed lovers, unaware parents, fickle loyalties, and tragic sacrifice brought to you for Valentine’s Day. Join the talented students and faculty at Maryville College as they present an intimate, immediate, and unruly production. Staged in the round, with the action amongst the audience, this Romeo and Juliet will change the way you think Shakespeare should be performed. Join us for a familiar tale made new.

https://claytonartscenter.com/event/maryville-college-presents-romeo-and-juliet/

502 East Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN 37804
865.981.8590 or info@claytonartscenter.com