Calendar of Events

Sunday, July 18, 2021

Ijams Nature Center: Bluegrass Jam

  • July 18, 2021

Category: Free event, Kids, family, Music and Science, nature

(All ages) Join Ijams and East Tennessee Bluegrass Association for the bluegrass jam, presented by Cherokee Distributing Co. and Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. at Mead's Quarry next Sunday, July 18, from 3-6 p.m. All skill levels are welcome, so make some music or just bring a lawn chair and listen. Food truck and concessions will be onsite.

Learn More and Register: https://www.ijams.org/calendar-of-events
Ijams Nature Center, 2915 Island Home Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920
865-577-4717

Ancient Lore Village: Sundae Funday!

  • July 18, 2021

Category: Culinary arts, food

July 18, 2pm
It's National Ice Cream Day and we want to sprinkle you with yummy eats, frosty treats, and good ‘ol fashioned fun for the whole family! Make the day extra sweet by extending your family’s stay overnight in one of our eight dwellings. Now, that’s a Sundae Funday!

https://ancient-lore-village.freshtix.com/
Ancient Lore Village, 7107 Sevierville Pike, Knoxville, TN 37920. 865-200-2434, info@ancientlorevillage.com, https://ancientlorevillage.com

Tennessee Medieval Faire: Open Street Character Auditions

  • July 17, 2021 — July 24, 2021

Category: Auditions, Comedy and Music

July 17 & 24, 2-5 PM

Darkhorse Entertainment, LLC, invites you to participate in the 6th Tennessee Medieval Faire in Harriman. The festival is seeking professional performers, costumed street characters, and period-related vendors to recreate the High Middle Ages (circa 1000-1300) in a theatrical way. The theme is “Live the Age of Chivalry,” performed by interactive characters from the legend of Robin Hood.

For those interested in participating as street characters, open auditions will be held on Saturdays July 17 and 24, from 2-5pm, at 150 Culton Lane, Kingston, TN. New auditioners are asked to bring a recent printed selfie. All should come prepared to demonstrate their outdoor performance talents, including singing, speaking loudly with a European accent, and participating in theatre games as directed. Agile adults are preferred, but mature and talented minors will also be considered. Having theatrical experience and an outgoing and friendly disposition are helpful. More information can be found at www.tmfaire.com/theroyalplayers.

Professional comedy, dance, and acoustic musical stage acts are encouraged to audition as soon as possible by emailing performance details and video link(s) to DarkhorseLLC@comcast.net.

TN Medieval Faire: Oct 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 2021. 10-6:30p ET at 550 Fiske Rd, Harriman, TN
https://www.tmfaire.com/

Tennessee Theater: Summer Movie Magic - Wizard of Oz

Category: Film and Kids, family

Summer Movie Magic presented by Denark Construction is a long-standing tradition celebrating our legacy as a movie palace. Moviegoers will travel back in time and see these classics, as they should be: in a historic theater originally built as a movie palace surrounded by other movie-lovers, enjoying some popcorn and a cold drink. This year, we are pulling out all the stops with a lineup of blockbuster hits! And true to tradition, hear the Mighty Wurlitzer organ fill the auditorium with magnificent music prior to the movie. Experience some of your favorite classics on the big screen!

July 16, 8 PM and July 18, 3 PM: Wizard of Oz
When a tornado rips through Kansas, Dorothy (Judy Garland) and her dog, Toto, are whisked away in their house to the magical land of Oz. They follow the Yellow Brick Road toward the Emerald City to meet the Wizard, and en route they meet a Scarecrow (Ray Bolger) that needs a brain, a Tin Man (Jack Haley) missing a heart, and a Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr) who wants courage. The wizard asks the group to bring him the broom of the Wicked Witch of the West (Margaret Hamilton) to earn his help. (Rotten Tomatoes) This film is 1 hour 52 mins and is rated PG.

Tennessee Theatre, 604 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. For information/tickets: 865-684-1200, https://www.tennesseetheatre.com/tickets/movies-at-the-tennessee/

Flying Anvil Theatre: Venus in Fur

  • July 15, 2021 — August 1, 2021

Category: Literature, spoken word, writing and Theatre

Wed-Sat @ 7:30, Sun @ 2:00

Venus in Fur opens with a cynical playwright lamenting the lack of talent in the actresses he has auditioned for his new play based on a 19th century erotic novel. When ditzy actress Vanda arrives two hours late, sparks and punch lines fly. But underneath the humor, something wicked and dangerous bubbles to surface, building to a punch-in-the-gut ending you'll never see coming.

“Venus in Fur is a play about the battle of the sexes, with nuclear weapons. .” says director Jayne Morgan. “The action is physical, raw and intense – is is funny and sexy, and audiences love the twists and turns the story takes! This play is also such an incredible showcase for the actors” Local actors Carolyn Corley and Michael Marks are cast as Vanda and playwright Thomas. Randy Thompson is stage managing.

Flying Anvil Theatre, locally known for producing newer, provocative productions, is currently selling season passes and single tickets for their upcoming season which features five mainstage shows and a special performance by comedian/singer Minton Sparks.

Venus will open with a 'pay-what-you-want' preview on July 15. The show runs Thursday-Sunday, July 15-August 1. Evening shows are at 7:30 pm, Sunday matinee at 2:00 pm, $25 for adults and $13 for students. For mature audiences. Tickets are also available at the door.

Flying Anvil Theatre, 1300 Rocky Hill Road, Knoxville. Information: 865-357-1309, www.flyinganviltheatre.com. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram, @flyinganviltheatre

The WordPlayers: The Fantasticks

Category: Music and Theatre

The WordPlayers Presents The Fantasticks
book and lyrics by Tom Jones
music by Harvey Schmidt

Thursday, July 15th, 2021 - Doors at 7:00pm; Curtain at 7:30pm
Friday, July 16th, 2021 - Doors at 7:00pm; Curtain at 7:30pm
Saturday, July 17th, 2021 - Doors at 7:00pm, Curtain at 7:30pm
Sunday, July 18th, 2021 - Doors at 2:00pm, Curtain at 2:30pm

"Try To Remember" a time when this romantic charmer wasn't enchanting audiences around the world. The Fantasticks is the longest-running musical in the world and with good reason: at the heart of its breathtaking poetry and subtle theatrical sophistication is a purity and simplicity that transcends cultural barriers. The result is a timeless fable of love that manages to be nostalgic and universal at the same time.

The Fantasticks is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

For more information, please call 865-539-2490 or visit www.wordplayers.org
Facebook: The WordPlayers
Twitter: @wordplayers
Instagram: wordplayers

At Old City Performing Arts Center, 111 State Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information: 865-407-0727, www.oldcitypac.com

UT College of Architecture + Design: Summer Design Camp

  • July 12, 2021 — July 23, 2021

Category: Classes, workshops and Kids, family

Our ONLINE camp will offer a glimpse into the world of design, covering topics from graphic, industrial and interior design to architecture and the city. Our 2021 Summer Design Camp will be virtual and offered to students from all over the region and nation!

Mon-Fri of online design learning. What you will experience:

Learn how to communicate information and ideas using foundational design principles including color, pattern, space, form and composition
2D and 3D analog and digital representation techniques.
Design topics including theory, history, technology and professional practice.
A glimpse into design education at the University of Tennessee!
In this new format, campers will meet remotely with award-winning faculty and upperclassmen students who will help guide them through design exercises and projects. And just because we’re online, doesn’t mean we won’t get our hands dirty and make a mess! A kit of supplies will be shipped to each camper prior to the start. This kit will include materials and tools to make and create.

Cost: $475. Check out the online brochure for more information on content, schedule and tuition. Curiosity is the sole prerequisite. https://archdesign.utk.edu/study/summer-design-camp

Oak Ridge Art Center: Hugh Bailey Retrospective

Category: Exhibitions, visual art, Fine Crafts and Free event

They say, "into every life, rain must fall," and while that is true, some individuals defy that logic and always deal with a light hand and a joy that defies the trials and tribulations of life. Hugh Bailey was one of those rare individuals. He experienced the sorrows of life as we all do, but chose a brighter side. Hugh saw, painted, sculpted, printed, and related stories of joy. He created objects that were "joy filled" and shared them with those lucky enough to cross his path. This show will be an echo of that joy and his legacy to all who knew him.

Hugh was an ambassador for the clay arts especially. A founding member of Foothills Craft Guild and an active member of Southern Highlands Craft Guild, an instructor in our program and others for many years, and an active demonstrator of clay arts throughout the region, Hugh was gracious with his time and talents sharing both with curious individuals of all ages. All of his work was imbued with his quick wit, amazing sense of humor and delightful sense of whimsy. In fact, Hugh was an advocate of playful experimentation in all media. These aspects to his work are readily apparent and will bring many memories to those who knew him and inspire those who did not have that privilege. The objects displayed in this exhibition will be shared with the Art Center from his many collectors in homage.

Oak Ridge Art Center, 201 Badger Avenue, Oak Ridge, TN 37830. Hours: Tu-F 9-5, Sa-M 1-4. Information: 865-482-1441, www.oakridgeartcenter.org

Bennett: Annual Summer Sale

  • July 9, 2021 — July 31, 2021

Category: Exhibitions, visual art, Festivals, special events and Fine Crafts

Summer Sale! 50–75% Off Select Furniture, Accessories & Gifts
Starts July 9 and runs through the end of the month

Special Sale on Saturday, July 10in with parking lot vendors

Bennett Galleries & Company: 5308 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919. Hours: M-Th 10-6, F-Sa 10-5:30. Information: 865-584-6791, www.bennettgalleries.com

Knoxville Children's Theatre: Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr.

Category: Kids, family and Theatre

The play will be performed Fridays at 7 PM, Saturdays at 1 PM and 5 PM, and Sundays at 3 PM and 7 PM.

Knoxville Children’s Theatre, in partnership with the Clayton Foundation will present a live production of the Disney classic, “The Little Mermaid, Jr.” adapted from Disney's 2008 Broadway production. The production features the famous music by Alan Menken with lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater. The Little Mermaid is based on the book by Doug Wright. The music for this version was adapted and arranged by David Weinstein.

Journey under the sea with Ariel and her aquatic friends. In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home - and her fins - behind and live in the world above. But first she'll have to defy her father King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch Ursula, and convince the handsome Prince Eric that she's the girl whose enchanting voice he's been seeking.

The play is performed by 25 talented young actors, from ages 10 to 18. The show is directed by KCT student intern Elijah Payne with musical direction by Deena Seals and Paul Jones.

Knoxville Children's Theatre, 109 E. Churchwell Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917. Information: 865-208-3677, www.knoxvillechildrenstheatre.com

Tennessee Stage Company: Shakespeare Off the Square

Category: Free event, Kids, family and Theatre

7:30 PM Thursday-Sunday, July 8 - August 8
2 PM Matinees: Sunday, July 18th (Twelfth Night) & Sunday, July 25th (The Tempest)
ADMISSION: Reservations & in-person tickets will be $15, with a four-pack for families offered a 15% discount.

The Tennessee Stage Company presents its 31st Summer Shakespeare Festival, now performing at Ijams Nature Center! The natural hillside boasts the space for the audience to spread out & observe proper social distancing while enjoying the outdoor performances, which will feature two of Shakespeare’s most renowned plays: the comedy Twelfth Night & the romance of The Tempest. This season is being produced in cooperation with Ijams Nature Center. Twelfth Night opens the festival on Thursday, July 8th. It continues through August 7th, alternating performances with The Tempest, which opens on Friday, July 9th, & plays through August 8th. There is an indoor space at Ijams Nature Center where performances will move in case of rain. In order to be prepared for the ever-changing landscape of 2021, we will play this season in the open field in front of the Visitors Center of Ijams Nature Center, located at 2915 Island Home Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920, just a short drive from downtown. The Tennessee Stage Company encourages our audiences to spend an evening at Ijams Nature Center. Walk the splendor of the trails, check out the gift shop, have dinner at a food truck, see the show & enjoy the beverages from the Beer Garden. Come early & sample the many pleasures to be found at Ijams Nature Center.

July 8, 10, 16, 18, 22, 24, 30; August 1, 5, 7 at 7:30 pm; July 18 at 2:00 pm
TWELFTH NIGHT

July 9, 11, 15, 17, 23, 25 29, 31; August 6, 8 at 7:30 PM; July 25 at 2:00 pm
THE TEMPEST

For more information about the Tennessee Stage Company, Shakespeare 'Off' The Square, or its support guild, Buddies of the Bard
(BoB), call 865-546-4280 or e-mail TennesseeStage@Comcast.net. Tickets: www.Ijams.org/shakespeare. Up to three students (K-12) may attend for one penny with paying adult!

Ijams Hallway Gallery Presents: Cheri Jorgenson

  • July 6, 2021 — July 30, 2021

Category: Exhibitions, visual art and Free event

Ijams Nature Center hallway gallery featuring local artist Cheri Jorgenson

Blessed Are the Meek - Monochromatic drawings of local wildlife from 5”x7” to 20”x16”. Also includes a bin of discounted pieces from UT Gardens.

Ijams Nature Center, 2915 Island Home Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920
https://www.ijams.org

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