Calendar of Events

Sunday, September 24, 2023

Union Ave Books: 23 Tales: Appalachian Ghost Stories, Legends, and Other Mysteries: An Anthology Event

  • September 24, 2023

Category: Festivals, special events, Free event and Literature, spoken word, writing

At 517 Union Avenue Knoxville, TN 37902
This reading will take place on September 24, 2023 at 3 pm in our store in downtown Knoxville. While this is a free event, we ask that you register for your spot. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-appalachian-anthology-event-tickets-703600246277

"Throughout Appalachia, a long history of mysteries, experiences, and strange beings defy rational explanation—things that force us to rub our eyes because surely they’re playing tricks on us. Unknown voices and footsteps on empty stairs. Quilts and bathrobes that move on their own, in the middle of the night. We’ve told these stories at the kitchen table and around campfires and in the living room as night falls. They often start with words to this effect: What I’m about to tell you is true. These stories of the uncanny are worth preserving, which led us to publish: 23 Tales: Appalachian Ghost Stories, Legends, and Other Mysteries. The words by twenty-three writers are captured here in a mix of ghost stories and paranormal experiences, mysteries from history that persist to this day, and weird beings that haunt the backwoods and pierce the night with mournful wails. These stories will raise the hair on your neck, prompt you to visit nearby haunts, touch you and make you laugh a little, too. The writers of 23 Tales had just one main charge from Howling Hills: The stories could not be fiction. So, pull up a chair. What these writers are about to tell you is true…"
- Howling Hills Publishing

Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts & Aatmos: Nona Faustine’s "A Moment in the Mountains"

Category: Festivals, special events, Health, wellness, Literature, spoken word, writing and Science, nature

Exploring Appalachia and deepening one's relationship with nature while starting important conversations about identity, process, femininity, craft and race

As part of their Juneteenth observances, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts welcomed acclaimed poet Pamela Sneed (via Instagram) to perform a live reading of one of her original works, followed by a moment of silence. Sneed’s performance launched the official announcement for ‘A Moment in the Mountains,’ an immersive creative experience, that will be guided by visual artist and photographer Nona Faustine from September 22 – 24, 2023, in the beloved Appalachian town of Gatlinburg, Tenn. During the three-day retreat, attendees will celebrate local artists and build relationships within this creative community. Sponsored by Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, which has been educating and preserving culture since 1912, along with local hospitality leader
Aatmos, ‘A Moment in the Mountains’ will focus on enhancing and reclaiming the BIPOC community’s relationship with the great outdoors.

Nona Faustine will be joined by acclaimed photographers Rene Cox and Justine Kurland, and poet Pamela Sneed, in sharing their stories, experiences and work that spark conversations and connections. Together, guests and artists will share moments as they build an empowered experience exploring and reconnecting with the diverse smoky mountain landscape and deep woods of Appalachia.

The weekend includes: eight in-person classes hosted by Arrowmont, presentations of work, panel discussions, intimate roundtable conversations, trips within Great Smoky Mountains National Park for poetry readings, shared meals, and opportunities to visit local artists' studios.

A welcome event will take place at Heirloom Room – Rocky Waters’ upscale dining destination – Friday, September 22. During the cocktail reception, guests will retrieve their weekend passes and mingle with fellow participants and artists. For more information, a full schedule of weekend events and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nona-faustines-a-moment-in-the-mountains-tickets-643039046097.

Clarence Brown Theatre: Murder on the Orient Express

Category: Literature, spoken word, writing and Theatre

By Agatha Christie
Clarence Brown Theatre
September 6 – 24, 2023

The story you are about to witness is one of romance and tragedy, primal murder, and the urge for revenge! Wax your mustache and hop on board the Orient Express for a ride you won’t soon forget! A snowdrift has halted the train in its tracks…with a killer onboard. Over the next 48 hours, Hercule Poirot must find the villain before he or she strikes again. Back by popular demand!

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