Calendar of Events

River & Rail Theatre Company proudly announces its upcoming production of "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill," a soul-stirring theatrical experience celebrating the life and music of legendary jazz artist Billie Holiday. This remarkable performance will star the acclaimed actress and singer Shinnerrie Jackson in the title role, bringing Holiday’s iconic voice and heartrending story to life on stage.

Performance Dates and Venue: The production will run at River & Rail Theatre Company in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee at the Old City Performing Arts Center (111 State Street), from April 17-May 4 2025, offering audiences an intimate and unforgettable evening of music and drama.

Written by Lanie Robertson, "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill" takes audiences back to a small Philadelphia nightclub in 1959, where Billie Holiday performed one of her final concerts. Through the hauntingly beautiful melodies of Holiday’s most beloved songs, including "Strange Fruit," "God Bless the Child," and "What a Little Moonlight Can Do," the play weaves a narrative that is both poignant and raw, exploring her struggles, triumphs, and enduring legacy.

Shinnerrie Jackson Shines as Billie Holiday: Shinnerrie Jackson, a celebrated performer known for her captivating stage presence and powerful voice, steps into the role of Billie Holiday with grace and authenticity. Her portrayal promises to capture the essence of Lady Day’s artistry and vulnerability, offering audiences a deeply emotional and immersive experience.

Tickets at https://www.simpletix.com/e/lady-day-at-emersons-bar-and-grille-by-lan-tickets-177072
Information: 865-407-0727, www.riverandrailtheatre.com

We are excited to announce a new initiative in downtown Maryville called Third Thursdays. In partnership with the Downtown Maryville Alliance, these events will be a vibrant showcase highlighting artists, demonstrators, and musicians, all while encouraging the revitalization of downtown Maryville.

These events occur from 5:30-7:30 in the evenings of April 17th, May 15th, August 21st, September 18th, and October 16th. We would love for you to join us!

Information: maryvillethirdthursday@gmail.com

Save the date for Dusk in the Dogwoods: A Garden Parlor Party at Mabry-Hazen House, Thursday, April 17, 2025, 6:00 - 9:00 PM. A rain date is scheduled for the following week, Thursday, April 24.

Join us for our annual spring party and fundraiser! We'll have vintage furniture spread across the lawn, live music, specialty cocktails, heavy hors d'oeuvres, and more at our 1920s-themed party.

Period dress is appreciated but not required. We look forward to seeing you here!

MORE DETAILS AND TICKET SALES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!

Mabry-Hazen House, 1711 Dandridge Avenue, Knoxville, TN, 37915. Information: 865-522-8661, www.mabryhazen.com

Kidd G: The 150 Tour, Thursday, April 17, 7:30 PM at the Bijou Theatre.

Tickets at https://www.ticketmaster.com/kidd-g-the-150-tour-knoxville-tennessee-04-17-2025/event/1B00624ED528AF16

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

Thursday, April 17, 7 p.m.
The Emporium Center - Free Admission

Join pianist Taber Gable and his quintet as they explore the Cool Jazz style of the 1950s.
Taber Gable: piano
Denin Slage-Koch: guitar
Vance Thompson: vibraphone
Jase Conley: bass
Alonzo Lewis: drums

https://www.knoxjazz.org/

Laurel Theater, 1538 Laurel Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37916
(865) 522-5851 or concerts@jubileearts.org
7:00 PM — 9:00 PM

The Old Marshall Jail Ballad Swap, hosted by eighth-generation ballad singer Donna Ray Norton, celebrates Appalachian heritage. This informal gathering offers a glimpse into an age-old practice, bringing together singers from across the region to share stories and songs passed down through generations. Madison County's rich ballad legacy led English folk song collector Cecil Sharp to describe it as a "nest of singing birds" in 1916. This unique custom, spanning more than nine generations, represents one of the oldest unbroken oral traditions in the U.S. Following Hurricane Helene's devastation of their hometown, the Nest of Singing Birds has been traveling their regular ballad swap at the Old Marshall Jail to raise awareness of the practice's fragility and the region it depends on.

Tickets available at TicketLeap (https://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+

6:00-8:00pm via Zoom

Join us to discuss The Black Flamingo and meet your fellow anti-censorship activists.

About the Book: A fierce coming-of-age verse novel about identity and the power of drag from acclaimed poet and performer Dean Atta. Michael is a mixed-race gay teen growing up in London. All his life, he’s navigated what it means to be Greek-Cypriot and Jamaican—but never quite feeling Greek or Black enough. As he gets older, Michael’s coming out is only the start of learning who he is and where he fits in. When he discovers the Drag Society, he finally finds where he belongs—and the Black Flamingo is born. Told with raw honesty, insight, and lyricism, this debut explores the layers of identity that make us who we are—and allow us to shine.
https://www.thebottomknox.com/events-1/virtual-banned-book-club-the-black-flamingo

BY JONATHAN SAYER, HENRY SHIELDS, AND HENRY LEWIS

Welcome to the opening night of 'The Murder at Haversham Manor', where things go from not very good to an utter disaster. 'The Play That Goes Wrong' is an ill-fated play-within-a-play, set on the opening night of the Cornley Drama Society’s newest production. The troupe’s ambitious whodunit has everything you never want in a show: falling props, collapsing scenery, an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything…including their lines. Come see why this show has been called “the funniest play Broadway has ever seen!” (Huffington Post)

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

MAIN GALLERY
Thenjiwe Niki Nkosi — Apr. 4 - Jun. 21, 2025 / reception Apr. 4, 2025

PROJECT SPACE
Meg White — Apr. 4 - Jun. 21, 2025 / reception Apr. 4, 2025

Tri-Star Arts at Candoro Marble Building, 4450 Candora Drive, Knoxville, TN 37920. Hours: Tu-Sa 11-5. Information: https://tristararts.org/visit

Friday, April 4 from 6-8 Awaken Coffee will host an opening reception for Emily McTyre

Emily McTyre is a photographer, filmmaker, and mixed media artist from East Tennessee. Her photography is often inspired by travel, evoking a sense of place for the viewer.

More about this collection: Emily enjoys working with black and white film as it emphasizes light and shadow, texture and pattern. Photos in this collection were taken around the world: England, Germany, Georgia, and Tennessee. Whether it be our own backyard or many miles away, we can capture moments and symbols of familiarity that tie us together.

Please join us for some amazing art and of course great coffee!

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/

First Friday Reception: April 4th, 5:30 - 9 pm
April Featured Artists

Carol Quinn, Mixed Media
Carol has painted and exhibted since the late 1980’s, mostly in the Southeast. She has also been in exhibitions in
NYC through World Fine Art Gallery, Ariel Gallery, and Abney Gallery. Carol is inspired by nature and the local beauty of her local area, as well as the psychological processes that create this inspiration. She has been a member of Art Market Gallery since 2018. In the last few years Carol has participated in many solo and group shows in the Knoxville area. Carol was educated at the University of Tennessee (BS, MS, and PhD.) in Human Ecology. She began painting in the early 80’s as a watercolorist painting mostly nature, and rapidly moved into various mixed media, larger creations, and more abstraction in design. Her work consists of self-exploration and experimentation with different mediums, and the passion of exploring color and textures.

Patrick Deason, Sculpture
Patrick's art in metal grew out of other interests. His skills are self-taught and many of the tools he uses to shape metal were made by him. Patrick spent a large part of his career on the coastal waters of Georgia and Florida, hence the many marine related pieces. His whimsical works are intended to bring smiles and curiosity. Patrick's studio is in a house in the woods he shares with his wife, two dogs, and a very talkative parrot.

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

They will be on view and available for purchase until the end of April.
First Friday reception, April 4, 6-8 PM
Instagram @hollypawlowskiart
https://www.facebook.com/holly.pawlowski.71

Address: 207 W Jackson Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902
Phone: (865) 337-5726