Calendar of Events

Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, February 21, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
Tennessee Theatre

The Knoxville Symphony and several East Tennessee collaborators bring Mendelssohn’s charming “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” to life. Crawford-Seeger’s bouncing “Rissolty, Rossolty,” Rautavaara’s atmospheric “Cantus arcticus: Concerto for Birds and Orchestra” and Smetana’s evocative “The Moldau” open the program.

Aram Demirjian, conductor
Laura Beth Wells, narrator
Appalachian Ballet Company
Women of the Webb School & Pellissippi State Community College choirs

RUTH CRAWFORD-SEEGER: Rissolty, Rossolty
EINOJUHANI RAUTAVAARA: Cantus arcticus: Concerto for Birds & Orchestra
BEDRICH SMETANA: “The Moldau” from My Fatherland
FELIX MENDELSSOHN: A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Knoxville Symphony Orchestra: 865-291-3310, www.knoxvillesymphony.com

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/

BY JEROME LAWRENCE AND ROBERT E. LEE

Feel the heat of the courtroom in the sizzling American classic 'Inherit the Wind', an explosive drama inspired by the most important trial of the 20th Century, the Scopes Monkey Trial, on its 100th anniversary. As a media circus descends on a small Tennessee town, two of the nation’s most powerful lawyers go head-to-head in the ultimate battle of wits, wills, and the political and religious divide that could be ripped directly from today’s headlines. In a fresh production boldly reimagined for today, the fast-paced drama explores religion, intellectual freedom and the relationship between social norms and law.

Clarence Brown Theatre, 1714 Andy Holt Ave on the UT campus, Knoxville, TN 37996. For information/tickets: 865-974-5161, www.clarencebrowntheatre.com

States of Becoming examines the dynamic forces of relocation, resettling, and assimilation that shape the artistic practices of a group of contemporary artists of African descent working in the United States. The exhibition is inspired by curator Fitsum Shebeshe’s 2016 move from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to Baltimore, and subsequent firsthand experience with cultural assimilation. Organized by Independent Curators International.

For additional information and updates, follow the Knoxville Museum of Art on social media:
Facebook: Knoxville Museum of Art, Instagram: @knoxvillemuseumofart, X: @knoxart

Knoxville Museum of Art, 1050 World's Fair Park, Knoxville, TN 37916. Hours: Tu-Sa 10-5, Su 1-5. Information: 865-525-6101, www.knoxart.org. Admission and parking are free.

Members of the press and public are invited to attend “The Art of War,” an art exhibit curated by nonprofit RESTORE UKRAINE in one of Knoxville’s leading museums. “The Art of War: Expressing the true cost of war in Ukraine” opens on December 20th in the Knoxville Museum of Art’s (KMA) Kramer Gallery and will be open to the public until February 20th of next year.

“This exhibit is meant to illuminate the consequences of Russia’s war in Ukraine,” Executive Director Yaro Hnatusko said. “Each piece was created by those who have faced conflict: Ukrainian children, parents, refugees, volunteers, and soldiers.”

“The Art of War” offers an authentic and unfiltered look at the harsh realities of today’s conflict through the lens of those who have experienced it. This exhibition aims not only to foster empathy but to deepen the world’s connection with those who continue to endure the unseen and unthinkable. Visitors will also witness the artwork of local East Tennesseans who saw their own stories within the footprint of violence in Ukraine. Both American and Ukrainian artists joined the benefit exhibition to share a common goal: defeat indifference and raise the quality of life of Ukrainians. Throughout the exhibition, multiple pieces will be offered for sale with the exception of priceless pieces like children’s finger paintings and a Ukrainian flag signed by those living in frontline communities. “This event is a unique opportunity to gather as a community and be an asset to each other,” Yaro highlighted. www.restore-ukraine.org

The museum is located in downtown Knoxville at 1050 World’s Fair Park Drive and is open to the public Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Admission and parking are free. For more information, visit www.knoxart.org