Twelve Fast Facts about the University of Tennessee

Posted on June 17, 2009 by Lori Riverstone-Newell

 East Tennessee is home to several great colleges and universities which contribute to the region's economic stability while offering cultural opportunities and population diversity that enriches the lives of students and non-students alike.

Photo by dcanfie1.

The University of Tennessee, located in Knoxville, is the state's land grant university and serves as an anchor for the region. Here's twelve fast facts about the university:

1.    Enrollment: 26,802 — 21,132 undergrad; 5,670 graduate

2.    Faculty & staff: 8,300, with 1,550 full-time instructional faculty (81% of whom hold a Ph.D. or other terminal degree in their field)

3.    Campus size: 550 acres, 220 buildings

4.    Research (dollars awarded'08): $175.5 million

5.    Degree programs: More than 300

6.    Founded: 1794

7.    Football Stadium: Neyland Stadium (Capacity: 102,037)

8.    Basketball Arena: Thompson Boling Arena (Capacity: 21,000)

9.    Nationally Ranked Program: UT’s business school ranks 24th among business colleges at public universities.

10.    Best Value: Kiplinger has named UT a top 50 “best value” among American universities.

11.    High Tech: Kaplan named UT as one of the nation’s top 25 “cutting edge schools.”

12.    Great Grades: The middle 50 percent of the fall 2008 admitted class had score ranges of 1110-1290 (SAT-CR+M) or 25-29 (ACT) and a core high school GPA range of 3.38-3.99.

For more information about the University of Tennessee or other regional colleges or universities, please submit your questions here.

 

 

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Knoxville is a Great Place for Children!

Posted on June 1, 2009 by Lori Riverstone-Newell

 Summers in Knoxville are great for kids! With a number of family friendly festivals, the Knoxville Zoo, several museums, and so many parks from which to choose, Knoxville's children are happy campers. 

 

Baby George at the Knoxville Zoo.
 
Speaking of camping, summer camps are a big deal in Knoxville. There are over 450 overnight and day camp opportunities, from chef's camp and director's camp to fly fishing or kayaking. Here's a few of the many fun-filled events and things to do with your child this summer:

Attend the 7th Annual Secret City Festival Friday and Saturday, June 19 & 20, 2009, in Oak Ridge. Some of the events are main stage entertainment featuring a USO Variety Show on Friday and Survivor on Saturday, new teen events and video gaming tent, tours of Oak Ridge historical facilities and sites - ORNL, Y-12 and K-25, the largest World War II Reenactment in the South, and (for moms and dads) antique and craft booths and juried art show.
 
Visit the Knoxville Zoo's butterfly gardens, see the Zoo's newest member - a baby chimpanzee  named George, attend ZooCamp 2009, or take your child behind the scenes to meet a rhino, penguin, elephant, giraffe, or tortoise. 
 
Sign your young reader up with Knoxville Public Library's Summer Reading Program  or bring her to one of the many Library events held throughout the summer.

Visit the Children's Museum of Oak Ridge, "A dynamic cultural center that features innovative exhibitions, programs and workshops for all ages. Science, art and history are emphasized in hands-on learning opportunities that encourage young people to understand their cultural heritage, environment and the world around them." 

Visit the East Tennessee Discovery Center where kids can interactively learn about life, physical, and earth sciences.  "Space shuttle , whisper dishes, levers and pulleys, optical illusions, fresh and salt water fish tanks are a few of the exhibits in the gallery area. Our area called "Kidspace", designed for children 3 to 7 years old, contains age appropriate activities."

For more information about kid-friendly events and activities, go to KnoxMoms or submit your question here. 

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See the Southeast Tourism Society's Top 20 Summer Events

Posted on June 1, 2009 by Lori Riverstone-Newell

The Southeast Tourism Society offers its monthly Top 20 Events for the Summer 2009. In order to qualify, the event must have at least 1,000 attendees, be in its third year (or longer) of existence, and be selected from the nominees by the society's judges.

From the many, many events slated for the summer, here's a few East Tennessee favorites:

 

Jun. 4-6, 18th Annual Smoky Mountains Storytelling Festival. Join 5,000 folks who love to listen at Belle Island Village for tall tales, ghost stories, poems, soliloquies, and country comedy shared by professional storytellers. Pigeon Forge, Tenn., 865-429- 7350; events@cityofpigeonforge.com. (mypigeonforge.com)
 
Jun. 5-13, Riverbend Festival. More than 650,000 fans jam, juke, or just kick back and enjoy the music of every genre echoing down the Tennessee River. Expanded Children’s Village, great food - fireworks, too!  Chattanooga, Tenn., 423-756-2211; info@riverbendfestival.com. (riverbendfestival.com)
 
Jun. 12-Aug. 8, Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales. Summer-long celebration of the mountain hamlet’s heritage includes costumed street musicians, dancers, artisans and storytellers taking everyone as far back in time as the 1800s. Gatlinburg, Tenn., 865-436-0509; jimd@ci.gatlinburg.tn.us. (eventsgatlinburg.com)
 
July 4, Gatlinburg’s 4th of July Fireworks Show. The nation’s first Independence Day parade at 12:01 a.m. kicks off a day-long celebration in the Smokey Mountains town, capped by the “rocket’s red glare” of thrilling fireworks! Gatlinburg, Tenn., 865-436-0509; jimd@ci.gatlinburg.tn.us. (eventsgatlinburg.com)
 
Aug. 6-9, Highway 127 Corridor Sale. Extending a mind-boggling 654 miles, it’s the world’s longest yard sale! Bargain your way along the scenic highway, from Gadsden, Alabama, to West Unity, Ohio. Jamestown, Tenn., 800-327-3945; 127saleinforequest@jamestowntn.org. (127sale.com)
 
Aug. 26-Sept. 5, 71st Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration. This world-championship equine event dates back to 1939, and includes a Trade Fair, BBQ cook-out, dog show, equine clinics, stable decorating, parties and parades. Shelbyville, Tenn., 931-684-5915; twhnc@twhnc.com. (twhnc.com)
 
Sept. 5-14, Tennessee Valley Fair. Remember the sights, sounds and smells of your first big fair? Relive those midway thrills in the Volunteer State! Rides, games, music, agricultural exhibits, yummy fair foods, shows and competitions! Knoxville, Tenn., 865-215-1477; scotts@tnvalleyfair.org. (tnvalleyfair.org)
 
Sept. 6, 2009 Chrysler Jeep Boomsday Festival. Free admission to this explosion of family fun attracts more than 400,000 with games, inflatables, concerts, thrilling shows, petting zoo, inflatables and the nation’s largest Labor Day weekend fireworks display! Knoxville, Tenn., 865-523-7263; smalak@knoxville.org. (boomsday.org)


For more information, visit the Southeast Tourism Society's website  or submit your questions here.

 

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Plan to Attend the 18th Annual Smoky Mountains Storytelling Festival

Posted on May 28, 2009 by Lori Riverstone-Newell

It's time for the 18th Annual Smoky Mountains Storytelling Festival! Mark your calendars for June 4-6 and plan to bring the family to this award-winning event. "The festival... includes workshops, concerts and a storytelling showcase for young people."


Image by mypigeonforge.

"You’ll hear from a genuine possumologist, a keeper of Cherokee creation stories, a middle school principal who uses storytelling in the classroom and a cowboy poet whose Oklahoma retelling of “Ben Hur” inspires him to wear a watermelon and a bra on stage. (It’s something you just have to see to understand.)"

"Professional storytellers, many with ties to the Appalachian mountain area, will be featured in concert and conducting workshops. This year’s lineup includes Donald Davis, Andy Irwin, Sheila Kay Adams, Jim Taylor, Kent Rollins, Elizabeth Rose and Doug & Todd Elliott. Other Storytelling activities include the popular Haunts ‘n’ Haints Tales, evening performances of family-friendly ghost stories."

 

"Many of this year’s storytellers will focus on stories that relate to Appalachia and the nearby Great Smoky Mountains. That’s one reason the festival is on the official calendar of the 75th anniversary of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The festival also is on the Southeast Tourism Society’s “Top 20 Events in the Southeast” list for the fifth year in a row."

 

"The Smoky Mountain Storytelling Festival is (held from) 9 a.m.-11 p.m. ...at Belz Mall, 2655 Teaster Lane, Pigeon Forge." "Passes for Storytelling activities (excluding Haunts ‘n’ Haints) are $10 for ages 18 and older, free to ages 17 and younger. Weekend passes are $25. Haunts ‘n’ Haints tickets are $5 per person. For ticket information call 865-429-7350. For more information about this event or additional East Tennessee activities, ask us!

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The University of Tennessee's Clarence Brown Theatre

Posted on May 24, 2009 by Lori Riverstone-Newell

 Tucked into the center of the University of Tennessee's campus are the Clarence Brown Theatre, named after the UT alumnus and acclaimed film director, the Ula Love Doughty Carousel Theatre, and the Clarence Brown Lab Theatre. Known throughout the region for offering "a wide  variety of theatrical and dance performances by faculty, students, and professional guest artists," the UT theatre performances are a must-see. 

 
Photo from A Flea in Her Ear (2007) taken by Roger Choover. 
 
The largest of the three is the Clarence Brown Theatre. The 576-seat theatre was built in 1970 and has, since then, produced "a variety of plays each season, many of which feature nationally and internationally known guest artists. Clarence Brown Theatre has hosted numerous productions over the years, including “A Christmas Carol,” “Tommy,” “The Crucible,” “Guys and Dolls” and “Catfish Moon.” Shakespeare productions are also common. The theater is located near the center of the University of Tennessee campus at 1714 Andy Holt Boulevard, about three blocks south of Cumberland Avenue."
 
Situated within the same building is the Clarence Brown Lab Theatre, which seats around 100 for performances known to be a bit more avant-garde. "The Lab Theatre is home to the undergraduate group, All Campus Theatre, and to a variety of undergraduate and graduate projects and productions." The Carousel Theatre seats around 400 about its unique, round stage. This theatre is a more intimate environment where performers often interact with visitors. 
 
The 2008-09 season wrapped up on May 3 with the performance of The Who's "Tommy." "The "Tommy" cast is comprised of 35 graduate students, undergrads and guest artists and a rock band of eight professional musicians." The 2009-10 season has been announced with performances including A Streetcar Named Desire, The Flu Season, Little Shop of Horrors, A Christmas Carol, Oedipus Rex, Charley's Aunt, Speech and Debate, and the Man of La Mancha. 
 
For ticket and season information click here. For additional information, submit your questions here. 

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The Knoxville Museum of Art's Alive After Five Series in its Sixteenth Year

Posted on May 21, 2009 by Lori Riverstone-Newell

The Knoxville Museum of Art's Alive After Five series has entertained the city for sixteen years! On 35 select Fridays, guests arrive after work for the 5:30 p.m. live performances which are held in the Great Hall of the museum.

Photo by Knoxville Musuem of Art.

"Alive After Five presents quality musical entertainment from local, regional, national and international performers. This year's Spring Series will feature performers from Toulouse, France, New York City, St. Louis, Dallas, Nashville, Lexington, KY and Asheville, NC, as well as the Knoxville area." Local restaurants cater and a cash bar is available. 

 

What's on the agenda for the Spring Series?

 

March 27 - Sharon Mosby & The Wendel Werner Quintet Jazz, R & B, and ballads

April 3 - Alvin Jett & The PhatnoiZ Blues Band Blues and boogie from St. Louis, MO

April 10 - Philippe LeJeune Boogie-woogie, blues & jazz pianist from Toulouse, France

April 17 - Chuck Beattie Chicago-style Blues from Asheville, NC

April 24 - Justin Thompson Jazz, swing and pop

May 1 - Christabel & The Jons Sultry southern swing

May 8 - Sheila Gordon & Evelyn Jack with The Downtowners Jazz, blues  and R & B

May 15 - Zac Harmon, Miranda Louise, and The Stella Vees "Bluegill's Blues Bash"

 

 

The shows wrap up around 8:00 p.m., just in time to enjoy dinner at one of Knoxville's great restaurants. The atmosphere at Alive After Five is casual, warm, and friendly and the crowd is diverse and fun. "These non-smoking events are family friendly and great for dates. Admission is $8 for nonmembers, $4 for members and students, except where noted otherwise." Contact the Knoxville Museum of Art for more information or submit your questions here. 

 

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UT Gardens Bloom

Posted on May 19, 2009 by Lori Riverstone-Newell

Located on the campus of the University of Tennessee is the UT Gardens. The Gardens were established in 1983 with a mission to "foster appreciation, education, and stewardship of plants through horticulutural gardens, displays, collections, educational programs, and research." To that end, the Gardens offer a variety of public activities and events throughout the year. 

 
Photo taken at the UT Gardens by Cliff Michaels.
 
For instance, Bloomsdays Garden Festival and Marketplace is now "a summer tradition, featuring local artisans and vendors, more than 30 free workshops for adults and children, and tours of the garden at its peak!" This year's Bloomsdays is scheduled for June 27 and 28. Also, the East Tennessee Festival of Roses will hold its main event at the Plant Bio-Tech Building on the University of Tennessee Campus on Saturday, May 23rd. Visitors can enjoy the variety of roses that are on exhibit while award winners are judged. A stroll outside and one can view "a new rose garden complete with a cascading waterfall and hundreds of rose varieties" under construction. When finished, the rose garden will "be the largest public rose garden in East Tennessee."
 
While these and other public events make the UT Gardens a wonderful community resource, much is going on behind the scenes. The Gardens is an outdoor laboratory complete with thousands of plant varieties which are maintained and studied by UT students and researchers: "the test gardens are important proving grounds for the leading commercial seed and plant companies located around the world, who ultimately determine what plants reach the commercial market." UT students benefit from hands-on experience while visitors benefit from the students' research as they are able to see which plants work best in a variety of conditions. 
 

Directions to the Gardens can be found here. Also, a weekly radio show, The Garden Girls, can be accessed here. For more information submit your questions here. 

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East Tennessee Music Festival makes CNN's list of Best in World

Posted on April 30, 2009 by Lori Riverstone-Newell

Bonnaroo makes CNN's list of Best Music Festivals in the world! Among the hundreds of festivals worldwide, Bonnaroo made the short list, no small achievement. What began as a smallish music fest in rural East Tennessee has grown to national acclaim.

 
Photo by Eric Litmer.
 
CNN writes: "Bonnaroo, Tennessee, U.S. - June 11-14 ($235) - The word "bonnaroo" is New Orleans slang for "the best on the streets," and the Bonnaroo festival has grown into that name over the past eight years, winning Rolling Stone magazine's "Best Festival" award in 2008. In addition to promoting mainstream and independent rock, hip-hop, and electronic groups, Bonnaroo also features a stand-up comedians' tent and a "silent disco" tent -- where everyone gets a pair of headphones that sync up with the music for late night dancing without the noise complaints. Over 80,000 people will head to the festival outside of Nashville to see headliners including Bruce Springsteen, Phish, and Snoop Dogg."

 

Other festivals that made the list? Cochella - April 17-19, Glastonbury, Somerset, England - June 24-28, Rock Al Parque, Bogota, Colombia - June 27-29, Rosksilde, Denmark - July 2-5; Exit, Novi Sad, Serbia - July 9-12; Thisday, Abuja/Lagos, Nigeria - Dates tbd; Fuji Rock, Naeba, Japan - July 24-26; Lollapalooza, Chicago, U.S. - August 7-9; Bestival, Isle of Wight, England - September 11-13; Parklife, Australia - Late September-Early October; Woodstock, Cape Town, South Africa - Late Fall 2009; and Sunburn, Goa, India - December 2009.

Want more information about East Tennessee? Submit your requests for information here. 

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Sundown in the City Returns to Market Square

Posted on April 27, 2009 by Lori Riverstone-Newell

Sundown in the City 2009 kicked off April 9! The free concert series is celebrating its twelfth year and "has been cited as one of the major catalysts in helping to spark Knoxville's growing downtown revitalization." Offered at Market Square for twelve weeks each summer, Sundown draws between 8,000 and 10,000 people to its Thursday night shows.

Photo by timekin.

Market Square is located in the heart of downtown. Recently renovated, Market Square offers a number of restaurants with outdoor seating and unique boutiques that surround a public square complete with performance stage and interactive water fountain. All public events in Knoxville are family-friendly and Sundown is no exception. While alcoholic beverages are available at the restaurants on the Square, there is a strict standard of sobriety and plenty of security to enforce it. Families are encouraged to attend!

 
The concerts are held from 7-10 p.m. and free parking and is provided by the city. This year's line-up?
 
April 9 Arrested Development with Dishwater Blonde
April 16 Cowboy Mouth with Phil Pollard & Band of Humans
April 23 Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe with Brent Thompson & His Wandering
April 30 Big Head Todd & the Monsters with Joan Jones
May 7 Local night featuring Royal Bangs, Same As It Ever Was, and Tenderhooks
May 14 Gavin Rossdale with Vertigo
May 21 Grupo Fantasma and The Belleville Outfit
May 28 Dave Barnes with Jonathan Sexton & The Big Love Choir
June 4 Shooter Jennings with 1220
June 11 Grace Potter & the Nocturnals (opening act yet to be confirmed)
June 18 The Wailers performing the classic reggae album Exodus in its entirety with special guest Toubab Krewe
June 25 Jamey Johnson with Brendon James Wright & The Wrongs
 
Pack up the kids, grab some lawn chairs and join Knoxville downtown this Thursday! For more information, check with the Sundown in the City website or submit your questions here.
 

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Eight Tennessee Businesses make the Fortune 500

Posted on April 19, 2009 by Lori Riverstone-Newell

 With the national economy still delivering blows across the country, some good news for Tennessee: "Tennessee has eight companies on the Fortune magazine’s 2009 list of the 500 largest companies and FedEx Corp. is again tops in the state."

Photo by timekin.

With FedEx moving up the list to 59th, Nashville's HCA, a health service provider, follows at 88th and Memphis's International Paper at 97th. Franklin's Community Health Systems jumped more than 100 places to 243rd for 2009. Following those are Dollar General at 259 and East Tennessee's Unum Group and Eastman Chemical at 270 and 364, respectively. Finally, AutoZone placed 380th on the Fortune 500 list. Knoxville's "Regal Entertainment Group, the largest operator of movie theaters in the country. Regal made the Fortune 1000, moving up 14 spots to No. 724 as revenues rose 4.2 percent to $2.77 billion." Together, these companies generated nearly $140 billion in 2008, employed over a half million people, and helped the state weather the economic storms of the past year. 

Thanks to these companies, and the state's many others, Tennessee's economy, according to the 2008 Economic Report to the Governor, is holding its own. While economic activity weakened in 2007, "growth continues to take place." What about 2009? According to Property Scope blogger, Josh Flory: "A new report says Tennessee's economic outlook ranking has fallen from 3rd to 9th among the 50 states. The American Legislative Exchange Council issued the finding as part of its Economic Competitiveness Index. In a news release, ALEC said Tennessee's economic outlook has suffered because of "recently enacted tax increases, above average workers' compensation costs, and the 4th highest sales tax burden in America." The release also said that 'the study praises Tennessee for avoiding a state income tax, having sound labor policies, and keeping property taxes low.'" For more information submit your questions here.

 

 

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