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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 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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Get ready for the eighth annual 2009 Rossini Festival to be held April 23-26 on Gay Street and Market Square. Voted Knoxville's best festival, Rossini is sponsored by the Knoxville Opera. "The festival combines world class opera performances, art exhibitions, wine tasting, and a wide variety of other community events" in this increasingly popular, family-friendly event. 

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Those in the Know know that East Tennessee has a great music scene, supporting several major music festivals each year - the most recent of which was featured by Ben Ratliff in the New York Times.

Photo by amp_1.

Ratliff introduces Knoxville's Ashley Capps as a "singular visionary," one who is heavily responsible for bringing entertainment to the region via his company, A.C. Entertainment. You may know of Mr. Capps through his very successful Sundown in the City or Bonnaroo, which draws 80,000 to Manchester, TN, each year for four days of big names in music. (This year's lineup includes Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Elvis Costello, TV on the Radio, and many, many more!) Held in June, Bonnaroo turns Manchester into 100 acres of campground with multiple stages and misting tents for cooling off. What you likely haven't heard about is Big Ears, Knoxville's new three-day music festival which was held for the first time in early February 2009.

The concept behind Big Ears is, if I may, music for grown-ups. If Bonnaroo is mecca for twenty-somethings, Big Ears is mecca for thirty-somethings and older. (Not that crossover is discouraged!) Writes Omar Khalid: "There were as many as 10 venues involved, all seeming to be just blocks from each other, with everything starting on or near on time. Go have a huge $2.50 bloody mary at the Bistro for a brunch performance from the Balkan-gypsy inspired Luminescent Orchestrii; walk down the street to catch some of the film Powaqqatsi at the beautiful Tennessee Theatre (Knoxville’s own version of Atlanta’s Fox Theatre); a few blocks over there’s a performance from NYC clarinet/saxophone circular-breathing virtuoso Ned Rothenberg; stroll back down to the Bijou for the Phillip Glass concert. It was a busy weekend, but everything was so well-planned and the acts were so thoughtfully scheduled."

For information on AC Entertainment's many ventures click here or submit your questions here.

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Happy Birthday, Bijou Theater! Celebrating 100 years in January, the historic 803 S. Gay Street theater held a four-day jubilee. "The Jan. 28-31 entertainment include(d) 22 performances, lectures, tours or other events. Events are at the theater or the adjoining restaurant Bistro at the Bijou." 

Want to join the fun? Here's a list of events:

 

5 p.m. Jan. 28 - Celebration kickoff; marquee light-up, free, Gay Street sidewalk fronting theater

7 p.m. Jan. 28 - Tennessee Shines live radio show, $10

 

5 p.m. Jan. 29 - Happy Hour Swing Jazz, Johnson Swingtet, Bistro restaurant, free

 

5 p.m. Jan. 29 - Art Auction, Bijou gallery

 

7 p.m. Jan. 29 - Bach & Barber @ the Bijou, Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, Circle Modern Dance & Tennessee Stage Company, $10

 

8 p.m. Jan. 29 - Musician Angel Zuniga Martinez, Bistro, free

 

9 p.m. Jan. 29 - Latin group Grupo Fantasma, $20

 

Noon Jan. 30 - Jazz Brown Bag Lunch, Knoxville Jazz Orchestra, $10

 

2 p.m. Jan. 30 - Lecture "A Restoration of Agee" by Dr. Michael LoFaro, University of Tennessee professor, $5

 

4 p.m. Jan. 30 - Bijou/Lamar historical tour, throughout building, free

 

5 p.m. Jan. 30 - Happy Hour Opera Showcase, with Knoxville Opera Company, Bistro, free

 

5:30 p.m. Jan. 30 - Einstein Simplified Improv Comedy, $5

 

6 p.m. Jan. 30 - Vitantri Indian Fusion musical concert, Bijou gallery, free

 

8 p.m. Jan. 30 - Dave Barnes opens for comedian Henry Cho, Henry Cho show follows, $25

 

10:30 p.m. Jan. 30 - Alfred Hitchcock film "Psycho," $5

 

Midnight Jan. 30 - Midnight Ghost Tour, East Tennessee Paranormal Society, $5

 

11 a.m. Jan. 31 - Marshal Andy's Round-Up, $5

 

1 p.m. Jan. 31 - East Tennessee Children's Dance Ensemble Showcase, $5

 

3 p.m. jan. 31 - Boozehound Gandy Dance, free

 

5 p.m. Jan. 31 - Dulcimer Showcase, Bijou gallery, free

 

6 p.m. Jan. 31 - Tennessee Schmaltz, Bistro, free

 

8 p.m. Jan. 31 - Songwriters in the Round, admission with Dave Barnes concert

 

9:20 p.m. Jan. 31 - Musician Dave Barnes, $20

11 p.m. Jan. 31 - Late Night Poetry Slam w/Seed, Bistro, free

Tickets can be purchased at www.knoxbijou.com. "A VIP festival pass to all events is $125, with add-on prices of $10 for the Cho show and $15 for the Dave Barnes musical concert." For more information, send us your questions!

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Beating the likes of Lollapalooza, Coachella, and Burning Man, April's Rolling Stone Magazine named Tennessee's Bonnaroo the "ultimate, over-the-top" Best Festival! Bonnaroo is in its seventh year with a full slate of musical, comedic, and other entertainment events to appeal to each of the 80,000+ folks who will attend this year. As a massive caravan in the middle of farm country, they arrive in campers, cars, on bikes, and foot to camp out for this four-day event (there is an RV park for those with campers). Bonnaroo is held each June in Manchester, southwest of Knoxville, on a 700-acre farm, upon which multiple stages are set for "some of the best performers in rock and roll, along with dozens of artists in complementary styles such as jazz, Americana, hip-hop, electronica, and just about any contemporary music you can think of." Promoted by Knoxville based A.C. Entertainment and Superfly Productions, last year's line-up included the Police, Wilco, Widespread Panic, Tool, among many others. The event caught, once again, national attention with write-ups  by the New York Times,  E! Online, Variety, MSNBC, and more. This year's schedule starts with Pearl Jam, Metallica, and Jack Johnson, but the list seems endless - the event organizers have promised over 100 bands!

Besides music, there are several other activities and events, many of which offer air conditioned spaces to hot and sweaty festival-goers. Some of those activities include the cinema, which runs a variety of movies around the clock; the Arcade Discotheque offers Xbox games galore; a new yoga tent will host classes; and the Broo'ers tent offers a wide variety of "hearty bocks, revitalizing pilsners, crisp pale ales, and more, offered up by great microbreweries from around the country."
 

If this sounds like a modern day Woodstock, you're not the first to make the connection. All of the things that happened there are likely to happen in Manchester, despite rather successful attempts to curb the more questionable behaviors. And festival-goers seem to revel in the hippy-esque environment. Although all aren't into the long skirts and flower themes, those who are rather set the tone. If you are thinking of attending, you must also be prepared to suspend access to some of the creature comforts that most of us consider instrumental to a civil society. Soap is scarce, showers aren't for everyone, and it's June - so it's hot. But for those who can make it, there's a marathon of memories to be made at the Best Festival in the country!

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What started as a single concert for local fans over a decade ago has evolved into the revitalization of Knoxville’s downtown.  Every Thursday night for 12 weeks from April to July, Sundown in the City provides free concerts for an average crowd of 10,000 people. 


Produced by A.C. Entertainment, this series features local talent like Artvandalay, Robinella, and Todd Steed and the Suns of Phere as well as national headliners like George Thorogood, Steve Winwood, and Presidents of the United States of America.  John Mayer was also once an opening act.  Sundown in the City attracts a diverse group of followers:  college students, young families, and senior citizens from all over East Tennessee.  Their presence has boosted the economy of downtown Knoxville, especially the venue for the series, Market Square.  Lined with many great shops and restaurants, Market Square is the perfect place for an evening of free music, local cuisine, and a chance to relax and catch up with friends.

Local Openers:
Erick Baker
Artvandalay
Christabel and the Jons
Dirty Guv'nahs
Mic Harrison and the High Score
Todd Steed and the Suns of Phere
Robinella
*John Mayer was an opening act long before anyone knew who he was.  Not a local opening act, but an opening act, nonetheless!

Headliners:
Robert Earl Keen
George Thorogood
Umphrey's McGee
Presidents of the United States of America
They Might Be Giants
Steve Winwood
Marc Broussard
Citizen Cope
Imogen Heap
Edwin McCain
The Wailers
Drive-By Truckers
Brazilian Girls

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European flair took over downtown Knoxville on Saturday, April 19th, during the Rossini Festival.  This East Tennessee tradition celebrates the sounds of classical Opera and the tastes of Italian cuisine. The festival was filled with activities ranging from world-renowned opera performances, wine tasting, and art exhibitions. 

Flickr photo by Jon Gustin

Walking down Gay Street on     Saturday, you might have forgotten you were in Knoxville because it was  transformed into a classic Italian Street fair.  People soaked up the culture from noon to nine.  There were three different stages spotlighting various different entertainment.  People took in one of the performances while strolling through the Artesian Market. It was one tempting walk!  The area was flooded with the smells of authentic Mediterranean food.  It truly was a day for the whole family because kids loved playing in the special children area.
The festival culminated in a grand production of Tosca on Friday night and Sunday at the newly renovated Tennessee Theatre. This vibrate show about the life of famous Opera singer Floria Tosca, mesmerized the audiences with a tale of lust, love greed, corruption and mystery.
The Rossini Festival is just one of many exciting cultural activities happening this spring in East Tennessee.  The third annual Jazz Festival starts on April 25th and is a can’t miss event for jazz lovers. The event will blend classic and modern jazz together for extraordinary weekend filled with unforgettable performances.
   

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A series of jazz concerts celebrating the life of Samarai Celestial have been planned for April 2008. Check out this calendar of events over the next couple of weeks.

• Tribute to Samarai Celestial, 7 p.m., Sunday, April 13, East Tennessee History Center, free
• Knoxville Jazz Youth Orchestra, directed by Don Hough, 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, East Tennessee History Center, free
• Lionel Loueke, Michele Rosewoman/Ralph Peterson Group, and the University of Tennessee Jazz Faculty, 7 p.m., Friday, April 25, Bijou Theatre, $26.50, available at Tickets Unlimited outlets, 865-656-4444
• Bill Scarlett and the Jazz Giants, 2 p.m. Saturday, April 26, East Tennessee History Center, $5
• Warren Wolf Quartet, 7 p.m. Saturday, April 26, 4620 Jazz Club, 4620 Kingston Pike, $10
• Mike Clark Quartet, 9 p.m., Saturday, April 26, 4620 Jazz Club, 4620 Kingston Pike, $10

By the way, the third annual Knoxville Jazz Festival will be kicking off April 24. Stay tuned.

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Every spring, thousands of people pour into Market Square to hear the varied sounds of national artists at Sundown in the City, Knoxville's free concert series.

Sundown in the City began in 1997 with a concert by R.B. Morris and Scott Miller on Market Square. However, in 2000, Sundown in the City was turned into a series.

A.C. Entertainment announced today that Galactic, a New Orleans funk band, takes the stage April 17.


by spcoon

• April 17: Galactic with Garage Deluxe
• April 24: Susan Tedeschi with Todd Steed and the Suns of Phere
• May 1: Umphrey's McGee
• May 8: Josh Ritter and the Hackensaw Boys
• May 15: North Mississippi All Stars
• May 22: The Presidents of the United States of America with Cutthroat Shamrock
• May 29: Robert Earl Keen with Jypsi June
• June 5: (not yet booked)
• June 12: Citizen Cope
• June 19: Marc Broussard with Erick Baker
• June 26: The Everybodyfields and Amy LaVere
• July 3: The Wild Magnolias

Sundown in the City is always a good time.  If for no other reason than just to people watch. We will bring updates throughout the concert season this year.  Let us know your thoughts on the shows by commenting.

by shaneandruth

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Since 1960, Knoxville has hosted the Dogwood Arts Festival each April. Today, people from all over the nation come to celebrate nature and the arts as festivities span seventeen days, over one hundred and fifty activities, and two counties! The city’s fantastic dogwoods remain the central focus with blossoms that can reach nearly four inches in length, rivaling Maryland’s famous dogwoods. While most of Knoxville’s dogwoods are white, our pink dogwoods are especially vibrant; the deep pink, almost red, color is caused by the natural acidity in our soil. Other varieties include a native pale pink dogwood and a “weeping” dogwood, similar to the weeping cherry tree.

While tours have been conducted since the Sequoyah Hills Trail opened 1955, other trails throughout the region have been added over the years; there are nine dogwood trails today spanning seventy miles and two counties. When I was a child, signs indicated the trails’ entrances and large pink or white spots were painted on the roads to lead the way. Today, self-guided motor-tourists follow pink and green lines, taking photographs, pacing themselves, often stopping for closer looks. Guided bus tours are also available and, for walkers, the historic Fourth and Gill Victorian neighborhood tour is a popular activity.

Also part of the celebration is a three-day festival held on Market Square in downtown Knoxville. Over one hundred arts, crafts, and food vendors crowd into the newly renovated, historic space to sample East Tennessee’s cuisine, culture, and creations. Shoppers will find everything from homemade soaps to hand-blown glass, and artisan jewelry to rare books. Many of Knoxville’s restaurants and caterers participate; one can find edibles ranging from funnel cakes and famous local bar-b-que to gourmet coconut shrimp and crispy spanikopita. Adding to the festivities, musical events are scheduled each year featuring a variety of musical styles from classical to country.

Last year, the festival introduced Art in Public Spaces, a sponsored display that continued throughout the month of July. Located in Krutch Park, adjacent to Market Square, the exhibit featured the large-scale work of twelve artists. Other artwork was available for viewing at more than fifteen galleries throughout Knoxville’s downtown area. Gallery Walk, was a one-night event in which artists were available and visitors were encouraged to mingle and browse.

There’s so much more! A parade, a jazz concert, children’s activities, and literary events hosted by the Knox County Public Library – there really is something for everyone. In the tradition of the South, the Dogwood Arts Festival brings people together with food and fun, music, nature, and friendship.

Check out the 2008 Dogwood Arts calendar here.

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The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra (KSO) has been entertaining East Tennessee since it was formally established in 1935. Following its establishment, the KSO brought David Van Vactor on as music director in 1947. Van Vactor commenced the work of establishing the orchestra, bringing in talent, and promoting the KSO to the region. Upon his retirement, 26 years later, his work was continued by Maestros Arpad Joo, Zoltan Rozsnyai, and Kirk Trevor. By the time Trevor left in 2003, the KSO had expanded its original orchestra to over 80 paid musicians! The KSO is recognized as "one of the finest regional orchestras in the United States," performs over 200 shows per year, and has a budget exceeding $3 million.



The KSO's status allowed it to launch an international search for a new maestro upon Trevor's retirement. This search brought the acclaimed Lucas Richman to Knoxville in 2003. Since he arrived, Maestro Richman has built on the KSO's 71 years of success by expanding the orchestra's programs and community involvement, and by focusing on the region's children. Richman believes that programs developed especially for children ensure the successful future of the KSO and classical music, while bringing culture and music appreciation to kids. Some of these efforts include the Young Orchestra Association, the Young People's Concerts, and In-School Programs.

The 2007-2008 concert season continues throughout May offering the masterpieces of the Masterworks Series, the SunTrust Chamber Classics, and the exciting Pops Series. Concert-goers will enjoy Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" in January, while February will bring a KSO salute to George Gershwin and Misha Dichter's Tchaikovsky. March offerings include Schubert's "Trout" Quintet, Natalie MacMaster's Celtic Celebration, and more. April and May follow with Mozart, Berlioz, Paganini, the songs of Stephen Foster, and Herb Reed and the Platters. Performances are held at Knoxville's Bijou Theater, the historic Tennessee Theater, and Knoxville's Civic Auditorium. Tickets prices vary, but all are available for purchase through Tickets Unlimited.

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Market Square has become the heart of downtown Knoxville - again. For 150 years the Square has hummed with the city’s most vibrant activities. In 2003, Kathy Shorr of The Boston Globe wrote: “Over its rich history, it has held, among other things, a farmers' market, cafes and restaurants, stove factories, boutiques, boarding houses, fancy apartments, saloons, nightclubs, movie theaters, a police station, and a steam-engine fire hall.” It was in Market Square that the Union’s General Burnside dumped his army’s ammunition during the Civil War, and it was in an office on the Square that Adolph Ochs, creator of the New York Times, began his journalistic career in the 1870s. Throughout all this and so much more, Market Square never lost position as Knoxville’s touchstone.


Creative Commons photo by Pattie

Today, this pedestrian-only block is still framed with historic buildings that are populated with businesses at the street level and, in many cases, revitalized loft homes on the upper floors. Jack Neely, Knoxville’s beloved city historian, calls today’s Square “a beautiful place, beautiful in the variety of its brick architecture: two, three, and four stories tall, mostly post-Civil War Victorian with some cleaner 20th-century styles in the mix….(I)t's home to four restaurants, several comfortable residences, a good tailor, two architectural firms, two art galleries, a small luxury hotel, and a dress shop.” Along with these establishments are a few gift shops, a modern furniture store, and a couple neighborhood bars. Most believe that the next few years will bring even more businesses to the Square, and for good reason.

In the mid-2000s, city leaders sought to focus attention, once again, on Market Square development; it had, for some time, languished in disrepair. Previous leadership hadn’t taken much interest in revitalization leaving the Square and surrounding streets to those business owners willing to make little profit or live with losses. For those who stayed, it was a labor of love. Then, in 2003, a new mayor and several restless city administrators linked with city planners, developers, the Chamber and other development agencies, businesses, and park designers to engineer a new downtown Knoxville. The plan took hold and in fewer than five years the city has taken on new life. According to Jack Neely, some call it “Renaissance Knoxville” while others call it “Convention-Center-Related Development.” Whatever it’s called, central in focus is Market Square.

In the midst of the flurry of downtown development and redevelopment, the Square sits calmly at the center, like the eye of a storm. That’s not to say that there’s nothing happening; the opposite is true. Market Square offers so much that it has become the place to start the evening, the place to meet first before walking the block to Gay Street to have a drink at Sapphire or to visit the Tennessee Theater, or before walking to Volunteer Landing for a stroll along the Tennessee River. Because of the Square’s many events, its friendly design, its shops, restaurants, and business offices that have become so familiar to Knoxvillians, Market Square has become the go-to place.

A snapshot of events on the Square include: The Market Square Farmers’ Market, open every Wednesday and Saturday from May through November. A Holiday Farmers’ Market, featuring holiday-related items, is open December 8, 15, 22, and 29. Beginning on November 23, an ice skating rink will be set up on the Square for Knoxville’s Holidays on Ice. This popular event drew 16,000 visitors last year. For the past ten years Thursday nights have brought Sundown in the City to the Square. From April to June, headliner concerts are offered on the Square’s permanent outdoor stage; each show draws 8,000-10,000 people. For more information about these events and more, visit the Market Square District Association’s website.

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Since 1985, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital has hosted the Fantasy of Trees at the Knoxville Convention Center, the proceeds from which benefit the Children’s Hospital. Each year’s festival brings a different theme around which decorations and tree designs are fashioned. This year’s theme, “Holiday Cheer Down South,” will feature the “many traditions found throughout the Southern States…. from a traditional country Christmas and Big Orange “Vol-iday”…. To merry magnolias and mountains….jingle bells and jazz, and big city shopping sparkle.” The 2007 Fantasy of Trees runs from November 21 through November 25.



The Fantasy of Trees kicks off with the Gala Preview Party, this year on November 20. This “black tie optional” party is filled with live music and dancing, open gift shops, strolls through the trees, and fantastic food. Following the Gala Preview Party are five days in which visitors can wander through the forest of over 300 decorated and lit Christmas trees, decorated room scenes, fireplace mantels, and Adopt-A-Trees - trees designed and decorated by local children’s groups, such as the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and church youth groups - which are available for purchase. Visitors can also purchase tickets for the chance to win the Target Raffle Tree, a beautiful seven-foot fully decorated tree, visit gift shops, and participate in many family-friendly activities.

Everyone loves the Gingerbread Village featuring gingerbread houses that are “constructed and decorated by area bakers, chefs, and school children.” The Babes in Toyland Parade is also a favorite. This indoor Christmas parade includes a marching band, costumed characters, and, of course, Santa! And the Nightly Christmas Tree Lighting brings back a Knoxville holiday tradition of the 1960s: The lighting of the tree at the old Miller’s Department Store on Henley Street was once a favorite holiday event. As a nod to this tradition, local celebrities and a patient of the Children’s Hospital participate in the lighting of a 9-foot Christmas tree each evening.

The kids love the many activities scheduled just for them: a 30-horse carousel offers free rides; Frosty’s playground offers a variety of free activities for preschool children; and for $2 children can make a sign for their tree or door at Heart Signs or decorate Christmas items at Kiddie Kraft Bags. Little girls can have a Princess Manicure for $2 and conversations with Frosty and Santa are always free. This year, families can work together to create a special holiday keepsake at the Holiday Traditions Workshop, a new activity to the Fantasy of Trees. Also new is the Giving Tree, where visitors can make $5, $10, or $25 cash donations to help purchase gifts for the Children’s Hospital’s patients.

Over the years, the Fantasy of Trees has become a very special holiday event for many East Tennessee families. As all proceeds go to benefit our most fragile, the children seeking care at the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, the Fantasy of Trees is a worthwhile addition to any family holiday tradition. Tickets to the November 21-25 event are $10 daily for adults, $5 for children ages 4-12. Children under age 4 are admitted free.

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Since 1990, the Knoxville Museum of Art (KMA) has greatly enriched the area with its exhibits, tours, lectures, events, and workshops. The beautiful $11,000 million, 53,200-square-foot building was designed by Edward Larrabee Barnes and built on the 1982 World’s Fair site. The KMA replaced the Dulin Gallery of Art when popular demand created a need for a larger space.



The KMA has over 700 two- and three-dimensional pieces of art in its collection, portions of which are displayed as permanent exhibits. In addition to these objects, the KMA schedules exhibitions featuring regional artists as well as those from all over the world. Past exhibitions have included rare Rembrandt etchings, David S. Allee’s photographs, Tomory Dodge’s paintings, and Jean-Pierre Gauthier’s sound designs. Current and future exhibits include Jun Kaneko’s ceramics and a multi-artist exhibit, New Directions in American Drawing, which promotes drawing as an important contemporary art form.

In addition to its permanent collection and schedule of exhibitions, the KMA hosts a variety of educational programs which are geared toward promoting “first-hand involvement with the visual arts.” For students, there are teacher-led programs and field trips. For adults (and sometimes students, too!) there are concerts, such as the popular Alive After Five series; tours, such as the Annual Holiday Home Tour; fine arts and craft auctions, such as the annual Artscapes Art Auction; and workshops such as The Design Lab series which allows the public to interact with artists as they explore “what design is and how it affects life.” For example, a recent lab featured C.A. Debelius’ building designs. The KMA also offers a program for those interested in becoming docents.

As the public’s support for the KMA has grown, the museum has been able to give back to the community. For instance, the KMA recently created a grant program to cover the cost of bus transportation so that children attending qualifying schools are able to visit. Also, the museum participates in the area’s Ticket Subsidy Program which helps underprivileged children gain access to area museums. These are but two of many programs the KMA supports with the intent of bringing world class art and culture to the community. Museum memberships are available but are not required to visit. The cost for non-members is $5. Admission is free on Tuesdays.

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Owned by the Historic Tennessee Theater Foundation, Inc., and managed by AC Entertainment, Knoxville’s Tennessee Theater has the distinction of being one of 249 theaters on the National Register of Historic Places (NR). When listed on the Register in 1982, the Tennessee Theater joined an elite group of properties which, in most circumstances, must be at least 50 years old and, according to the NR’s guidelines, must “have made a significant contribution to our country’s history and heritage.” The Tennessee Theater certainly has done just that.

When George M. Fuller broke ground for the Theater in 1927, he couldn’t have known the growing pains that were in store for the grand building. Opening in 1928, the Theater’s first show was Clara Bow’s, The Fleet’s In. Moviegoers paid 60 cents to take in the evening event. Over the next 80 years the Theater would experience bouts of great success followed by failures as ownership of the Theater changed hands and political and public interest waxed and waned. Nevertheless, the Tennessee Theater has done much more than survive; the Theater has flourished to host more than 200 public events per year, including operas, ballets, dance presentations, concerts, and cinematic screenings.

The Tennessee Theater was decorated in the Spanish Moorish style, so popular in the Roaring Twenties. The lobby is decorated with tile inlaid walls, gold overlays, and five French-style, Czech crystal chandeliers valued (today) at $150,000 each, terrazzo marble from Italy, and lavish handwoven carpeting and draperies. The 1,650 seat auditorium houses the Theater’s original Wurlitzer organ, a 55-person orchestra pit, red velvet seating, and a truly incredible concaved and frescoed ceiling, all of which underwent a $25.5 million restoration with the theater reopening in January 2005. All restorations were done with a dedication to historical accuracy.

The Mighty Wurlitzer also underwent restoration - from August 2000 to September 2001. Master organ rebuilder, Ken Crome of Nevada, and his crew of artisans and technicians worked to refurbish “almost the entire organ - all the pipes and the console with its manuals, stops, and pedals.” The result led acclaimed organist, Lyn Larson, to claim that the organ’s tonal quality and acoustics of the Theater placed it “among the handful of the very finest 'in-theatre' installations in the country.”

What’s in store for the coming season? Go to the Tennessee Theater event calendar or visit Tickets.com for ticket purchases and more information.

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