Calendar of Events

The McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture is excited to announce the special exhibition, Coming into View: Oil Paintings from the Permanent Collection. The exhibition will feature several artworks never before displayed to the public alongside pieces that have been the focus of recent research.

Aligned with the museum’s newly implemented strategic plan, this exhibition underscores the significance of the museum’s ongoing collaboration with students, the university, and external partners. Coming into View explores three key themes—student research, collaboration, and coursework—providing an insider’s perspective on the research efforts conducted behind the scenes on the museum’s permanent collection.

Featuring both beloved “fan favorites” and previously unseen works, the exhibition spotlights paintings central to coursework, internships, and student research projects at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Beyond a mere display of art, Coming into View demonstrates the integral role of students, faculty, and the campus community in deepening the museum’s understanding of its collections.

The exhibition also provides a peek behind the metaphorical museum curtain into the importance of conservation of the museum’s permanent collection. Learn more about the exhibition and stay up to date with exhibition-related programming by visiting https://tiny.utk.edu/ComingIntoView.

McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture, 1327 Circle Park Dr on the UT campus, Knoxville, TN 37996. Information: 865-974-2144. Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday 12–4 p.m. https://mcclungmuseum.utk.edu

THE LION IN WINTER
Fri. Jan 12th 2024, 7:30 pm
Sat. Jan 13th 2024, 7:30 pm
Sun. Jan 14th 2024, 3:00 pm
Thu. Jan 18th 2024, 7:30 pm
Fri. Jan 19th 2024, 7:30 pm
Sat. Jan 20th 2024, 7:30 pm
Sun. Jan 21st 2024, 3:00 pm
Thu. Jan 25th 2024, 7:30 pm
Fri. Jan 26th 2024, 7:30 pm
Sat. Jan 27th 2024, 7:30 pm
Sun. Jan 28th 2024, 3:00 pm

Sibling rivalry, adultery, and dungeons – The Lion in Winter, by James Goldman, is a modern-day classic. Comedic in tone, dramatic in action – the play tells the story of the Plantagenet family, who are locked in a free-for-all of competing ambitions to inherit a kingdom. The queen, and wealthiest woman in the world, Eleanor of Aquitaine, has been kept in prison since raising an army against her husband, King Henry II. Let out only for holidays, the play centers around the inner conflicts of the royal family as they fight over both a kingdom and King Henry’s paramour during the Christmas of 1183. As Eleanor says, “Every family has its ups and downs,” and this royal family is no exception.

Theatre Knoxville Downtown, 800 S. Central Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information & tickets: 865-544-1999, www.theatreknoxville.com

Knoxville Children’s Theatre will present “Junie B. Jones is not a Crook,” a hilarious and heartfelt tale based on the best-selling book series by Barbara Park. The play will be performed January 12th – January 28th, Thursdays and Fridays at 7 PM; Saturdays at 1 PM and 5 PM; and Sundays at 3 PM.

Something terrible happened to Junie B. Jones at school today! Someone stole her new furry mittens! So, when Junie B. finds a wonderful pen of many colors, she should be allowed to keep it, right? Because finders’ keepers, losers’ weepers. And guess what? There’s a new boy in kindergarten, and he is the handsomest. The only thing is… both Grace and Lucille want him to be their boyfriend. Maybe he will like Junie B. when he sees her wonderful pen! It’s okay to keep it, right? Junie B. Jones is not a crook . . . or is she?

The play is performed by seven talented young actors, from ages 10 to 15. KCT veteran Rosalie Linnabary plays Junie B. Jones. Other seasoned KCT performers include Maggie Ingle playing the characters of Jim/The Mitten Thief/Grandpa Frank Miller – and Madisyn Beckman playing the characters of Lucille/Grouchy Typing Lady. Joining them are Emily Rowe as Grace/Pink Fluffy Girl and Shepherd Shafer as Ricardo/Principal/Lucille’s Grandpa. Making their KCT debuts will be Barnes Shafer as Handsome Warren/Live Fireman and Olivia Vanover as Mrs./Mother.

The show is directed by KCT guest director Chris Freeman who previously directed KCT’s Magic Treehouse: Pirates Past Noon. Tiger Ladaa will provide the scenic design with assistance from Tabi Maanum and Addy Kate Thomas. The lighting design is provided by Carter Case. The costume design is provided by Amelia Bumpus with assistance from Chloe Beeler. The properties are designed by Lyric Westerfield-Dyer and Caroline Simmons. The play’s stage manager is Hattie Perry and Michelle Phelps is the assistant stage manager. KCT is East Tennessee’s leading producer of plays for children and families.

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

1/12 • Family Owl Prowl
1/13 • Winter Birding
1/13 • Winter Tree ID: Beginner Workshop
1/13 • Tracks & Scat! Animal Signs in Winter
1/14 • Self-Care Sunday Yoga with Hope Irwin

Ijams Nature Center, 2915 Island Home Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920. Visitor Center open daily 10-6; grounds and trails open daily from 8 AM - dusk. Information: 865-577-4717, www.ijams.org

The Knoxville Museum of Art is thrilled to announce the eagerly awaited lineup for the upcoming 2023-2024 season of Soundscapes at the KMA, the museum's signature concert series. Formerly known as “Alive After Five,” the rebranded series promises an unforgettable musical journey, showcasing a diverse array of talented artists and genres. Soundscapes at the KMA continues its tradition of providing an enriching cultural experience for music enthusiasts and art lovers alike. "Soundscapes is more than just a concert series" says coordinator Brian Clay, "it's the fusion between of music performance and fantastic visual art, one-of-a-kind performances with the exhibitions and collections of the KMA as a backdrop. We have a fantastic new season scheduled, and we invite you to join us for these unforgettable musical experiences in the stunning setting of the KMA.” Enjoy curated performances, cocktails, and dancing in beautiful Bailey Hall, or explore the art on view as music weaves through the galleries. Kick off your weekend in an extraordinary atmosphere that allows you to see, hear, and feel art in a whole new way.

2023-2024 SEASON LINEUP:
· January 12, 2024, 6-9pm—Karen Bryant
· February 16, 2024, 6-9pm—Kyle Schroeder
· March 8, 2024, 6-9pm—Kimberlye McKinney
· April 12, 2024, 6-9pm—"A Tribute to Motown Soul II"
· May 10, 2024, 6-9pm—To Be Announced
· June 14, 2024, 6-9pm—To Be Announced
· July 12, 2024, 6-9pm—Adam Hawley
· August 16, 2024, 6-9pm—Season Finale

TICKETS: Members: $20, Non-Members: $25, Member’s Pass: FREE, Kids under 12: FREE
SEASON TICKETS: Members: $160, Non-Members: $200, Secures entry to all nine performances (one show discount)
Season details, including the full lineup, ticket information, and artist bios, are available at knoxart.org.

The museum is located in downtown Knoxville at 1050 World’s Fair Park Drive and is open to the public Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Admission and parking are free. For more information, visit www.knoxart.org

*UPDATE 01/02/24: We regret that this concert has been cancelled by the artist. We hope to reschedule in the future. Ticket holders will receive full refunds.*

Jubilee Community Arts presents at the Laurel Theater, January 12 at 8 pm. Laurie Lewis has played traditional music for almost four decades, since her teenage years and performed in various bands from her early 20s. She can blend into any part of the classic bluegrass singing trio with her powerful voice, having twice been named Female Vocalist of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association, and won Song of the Year for her rendition of the now-standard "Who Will Watch the Home Place?" While steeped in the bluegrass tradition, Laurie's songwriting demonstrates her ability to surpass the limitations of the genre. Her works reflect her wide range of influences, from old-time and country to Tin Pan Alley, jazz standards, and early rock n' roll. For more information on Laurie Lewis & the Right Hands, please check out www.laurielewis.com

Tickets available at TicketLeap, by mail or at the door 30 minutes prior to show
$35 at the door, $30 General Audience Advance, $29 JCA members, students & seniors 65+

Jubilee Community Arts at the Laurel Theater, 1538 Laurel Ave, Knoxville, TN 37916. Tickets: https://jubilee-community-arts.ticketleap.com. Information: 865-522-5851, www.jubileearts.org

Bluegill Productions and Friday Night Live Present: “From Here to Memphis” Featuring Ray Beltran & BlueMax and Kelle Jolly
Friday, January 12, 2024
Tickets: $10 + fees Advance | $15 At The Door (children 12 & under are free)
5:30PM Doors | 6:30PM Show
ALL AGES

Limited seating available

A relative newcomer to Knoxville, singer and harmonica ace, Ray Beltran, is a native of Bakersfield, CA. He performed for nearly 40 years all along the West Coast from San Diego to Seattle, with the occasional tour in the Mid-West and Southern states. Duringthat time, Ray has had the opportunity to share the stage or open for Blues luminaries such as James Harman, Kim Wilson, James Cotton, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Rusty Zinn, Popa Chubby, Kid Ramos, Mark Hummel, and many others.He brought that West Coast Jump Blues style with him when he moved to Knoxville, and he has gathered together some of our area’s finest musicians to form his current band: Geoff Trabalka (guitar & vocals), Danny Michel (guitar), Grady Lowery (bass),and Brent Williams (drums). Their swingin’ style has attracted an ever-growing fan base, and now they’re preparing to represent East Tennessee at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, January 16-20, after winning the regional competition,sponsored by the Smoky Mountain Blues Society, in the band division, last August.Multi-talented Kelle Jolly will be representing our area in the solo/duo division.Come show your support for our area’s best Blues performers and give them a big send-off as they go on to Memphis to challenge an international field of emerging Blues talent.
https://wl.seetickets.us/event/from-here-to-memphis-ray-beltran-and-bluemax/581627

WICKED includes 16 performances from Jan. 10-21, 2024. The Broadway sensation WICKED looks at what happened in the Land of Oz ... but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin, who is smart, fiery, misunderstood and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships ... until the world decides to call one “good” and the other one “wicked.”

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

2024 MLK CELEBRATION EVENTS

The MLK Commission is the largest consortium of MLK events in East Tennessee and we are especially grateful for the support that we receive annually from our friends and partners as well as the entire community. Without question, it is this tremendous support that has allowed our observance to be recognized as one of the nation’s best King commemorations. Please join with us! Events include:

Interfaith Prayer Service
Leadership Educational Symposium
Thomas "Tank" Strickland Leadership Awards Luncheon
Community Forum
Juneteenth Celebration
MLK Youth Symposium
Jack and Jill Oratorical Contest
Night With the Arts Tribute
Memorial Tribute Service
Teacher In-Service Training

https://www.mlkknoxville.com/2024-mlk-events/

The WDVX Blue Plate Special is a live performance radio show held at noon at Visit Knoxville (301 S. Gay Street) every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday with your host Red Hickey… and on Saturday with host Sean McCollough. On Fridays WDVX takes the Blue Plate Special to Barley’s Taproom & Pizzeria (200 E Jackson Ave) for “The Big Plate”. Make yourself at home as part of the WDVX family at this this daily free concert series. From blues to bluegrass, country to Celtic, folk to funk, rockabilly to hillbilly, local to international, it’s all part of the live music experience on The WDVX Blue Plate Special.

All seats are free, and visitors may come and go as they please.

Info: 865-544-1029, http://www.wdvx.com

Details TBA

Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, 556 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. Information: 865-436-5860, https://www.arrowmont.org

A series of stitched portraits of famous women by artist Marcia Goldenstein.

“Women artists throughout history often had to make difficult decisions and sacrifices to disregard conventional, societal expectations in order to forge professional careers as painters, sculptors and photographers. Women activists use their voices, their art, their poetry and more to help make positive changes in the world. Representing them in “stitches” is my metaphor for a laugh at the criticism they often encountered, but also ironically uses a form that is historically considered “women’s work”. For this project I was able to combine the traditional craft of embroidery with my professional experience in painting and drawing. I find, not so surprisingly, that the activities demand the same formal, compositional and observational qualities. Building an image with thread is the same as with any mark-making material. I chose “stitches” to depict and honor a few of these extraordinary women artists and activists through what is generally considered a domestic art form—something they eschewed in their own lives.” -Marcia Goldenstein

EXHIBITION-RELATED PROGRAMS:
A Discussion with the Artist | Thursday, February 8 | 6-8pm

ABOUT MARCIA GOLDENSTEIN— Marcia Goldenstein received her B.F.A. and M.F.A. degrees in Painting and Drawing from the University of Nebraska. She taught at the University of Tennessee School of Art for 36 years. She has been a visiting artist at the National Academy of Fine Arts, Bratislava, Slovakia; Sichuan University, Chengdu; Beihang University, Beijing; University of Texas, San Antonio; Arizona State University; University of Indianapolis; Tudor Hall, UK; College of the Ozarks; Knoxville Museum of Art; Eugeniusz Geppert Academy of Fine Arts, Wroclav, Poland and many other schools and museums. She has an international exhibition record and is represented in numerous public and private collections in the US, Europe, and China.

In 2021, she was awarded a Tennessee Arts Commission Fellowship. In 2016, she was named Outstanding Alumna at the University of Nebraska Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts. She has also received numerous awards for her paintings. She is currently Professor Emerita of Painting and Drawing at the University of Tennessee School of Art. marciagoldenstein.com

Knoxville Museum of Art, 1050 World's Fair Park, Knoxville, TN 37916. Hours: Tu-Sa 10-5, Su 1-5. Information: 865-525-6101, www.knoxart.org. Admission and parking are free.