Calendar of Events

Sunday, May 4, 2025

Friends of Music and the Arts: Music for Francis Poulenc featuring Edie Johnson

  • May 4, 2025

Category: Music

5 PM
For Choir, Organ and Orchestra
"Gloria" with Edie Johnson, organ

The Episcopal Church of the Ascension
(865) 588-0589 or info@knoxvilleascension.org
800 S. Northshore Dr., Knoxville, TN 37919

Friends of Music and the Arts, a support society for music at Ascension, augments the calendar of liturgical feast-days with concerts and organ recitals throughout the year. https://www.knoxvilleascension.org/foma

Bijou Theatre: The Wailers

Category: Music

The Wailers: 2025 Natural Mystic 30th Anniversary Tour, Sunday, May 4, 7:30 PM at the Bijou Theatre.

Embark on an extraordinary musical journey with The Wailers in 2025 as they commemorate the 30th anniversary of their acclaimed compilation album, Natural Mystic: The Legend Lives On. Following the success of their 2024 tour, which honored Bob Marley's legendary album Legend, The Wailers are set to bring the entirety of Natural Mystic to life on stage, offering fans a unique and immersive experience.

Tickets at https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1B00624DB5CC5A20

Bijou Theatre, 803 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information/tickets: 865-522-0832, https://knoxbijou.org/

Smoky Mountain Blues Society: Blues Cruise with Lil' Red & The Rooster

  • May 4, 2025
  • 4-7 PM

Category: Music and Science, nature

Tennessee Riverboat Company, 300 Neyland Dr, Knoxville, TN 37902
(865) 525-7827

Tickets are available at https://www.tnriverboat.com/product/blues-cruise/ and by calling (865) 525-7827. Tickets are just $25 for members in advance and $30 for non-members. Boarding begins at 3:15 pm.

MUSICIANS:
JEN “LIL’ RED” MILLIGAN – VOCALS, GUITAR, WASHBOARD
PASCAL FOUQUET- GUITAR
DWIGHT CARTIER – BASS
JASON EDWARDS – DRUMS

Each voyage will also have full bar and limited food menu available onboard to buy.

Jubilee Community Arts: Laurel Folk School Fiddle workshop

Category: Classes, workshops and Music

At the Laurel Theater (865) 522-5851
1538 Laurel Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37916

JCA is continuing its Laurel Folk School community educational programing this summer at the Laurel Theater. The Folk School offers group instruction in traditional music and dance at affordable rates through a series of workshops and short courses. We plan to kick off the season with a free beginner/intermediate fiddle workshop focused on fiddle waltzes on Sunday, May 4.
Sign up using this form: https://jubilee-community-arts.ticketleap.com/beginner-fiddle-waltzes/

Oak Ridge Playhouse: Company

Category: Comedy, Music and Theatre

Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by George Furth

Surrounded by his circle of married friends, habitually single Bobby is forced to question his adamant retention of bachelorhood by examining the joys and pitfalls of companionship. Through an array of amusing and stirring interactions, the couples lead him on a compelling roller coaster of laughter, tears, and introspection. A tour de force of wit, intellect, and emotion, Sondheim’s brilliantly brisk and energetic musical score and witty lyrics delve deep into the human psyche, resulting in a delightful cocktail of hilarity, heartache, and self-reflection as Bobby explores and grapples with the idea of settling down himself.

PG-13 AUDIENCES
https://www.orplayhouse.com/

Dragonfly Aerial Arts Studio: Circus Extravaganza

Category: Dance, movement, Festivals, special events, Kids, family and Music

14th Annual Circus Extravaganza, Library Lollapalooza
May 2, 7:30 PM, May 3, 2 PM & 7:30 PM, May 4, 2 PM

Excitement is in the air! Get ready to be part of something extraordinary at Dragonfly Aerial And Circus Arts Studio's Annual Circus Extravaganza! It's an event like no other, and we want you to be there! This Year's theme is Library Lollapalooza: A Circus of Tumbling Tales! Every act will be a celebration of a different story or genre that you can find at your local library. Come with us as we explore our Dragonfly library and discover all the shenanigans it holds! In an effort to ensure everyone who attends is able to enjoy the show, we will have Spanish language interpretation at our Friday, 7:30 PM show and ASL interpretation at our Saturday, 2:00 PM show.

Our annual Circus Extravaganza funds our scholarship program for kids. We're always grateful for donations from those wanting to give more than the price of a ticket to help sponsor a child, or from those who can't make the show but want a way to give.

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/14th-annual-circus-extravaganza-library-lallapalooza
https://www.dragonflyaerialartsstudio.com

Broadway at the Tennessee Theatre: Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Category: Dance, movement, Music and Theatre

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

River & Rail Theatre Company: Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grille

Category: Music and Theatre

River & Rail Theatre Company proudly announces its upcoming production of "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill," a soul-stirring theatrical experience celebrating the life and music of legendary jazz artist Billie Holiday. This remarkable performance will star the acclaimed actress and singer Shinnerrie Jackson in the title role, bringing Holiday’s iconic voice and heartrending story to life on stage.

Performance Dates and Venue: The production will run at River & Rail Theatre Company in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee at the Old City Performing Arts Center (111 State Street), from April 17-May 4 2025, offering audiences an intimate and unforgettable evening of music and drama.

Written by Lanie Robertson, "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill" takes audiences back to a small Philadelphia nightclub in 1959, where Billie Holiday performed one of her final concerts. Through the hauntingly beautiful melodies of Holiday’s most beloved songs, including "Strange Fruit," "God Bless the Child," and "What a Little Moonlight Can Do," the play weaves a narrative that is both poignant and raw, exploring her struggles, triumphs, and enduring legacy.

Shinnerrie Jackson Shines as Billie Holiday: Shinnerrie Jackson, a celebrated performer known for her captivating stage presence and powerful voice, steps into the role of Billie Holiday with grace and authenticity. Her portrayal promises to capture the essence of Lady Day’s artistry and vulnerability, offering audiences a deeply emotional and immersive experience.

Tickets at https://www.simpletix.com/e/lady-day-at-emersons-bar-and-grille-by-lan-tickets-177072
Information: 865-407-0727, www.riverandrailtheatre.com

UT College of Music: Upcoming Concerts

  • April 4, 2025 — May 7, 2025

Category: Free event and Music

UT Big Band Concert
Tuesday, April 8 at 7:30 p.m.
Natalie L. Haslam Music Center, Powell Recital Hall

Woodwind Chamber Music Spring Showcase
Monday, April 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Natalie L. Haslam Music Center, Powell Recital Hall

Chamber Orchestra Concert
Tuesday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m.
Natalie L. Haslam Music Center, Powell Recital Hall

String Chamber Ensembles
Wednesday, April 16 at 5:30 p.m.
Natalie L. Haslam Music Center, Powell Recital Hall

UT Bands Concert
Thursday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m.
Alumni Memorial Building, Cox Auditorium

UT Opera: Dialogues of Carmelites
Friday, April 25 - Sunday, April 27
Bijou Theatre

UT Small Jazz Ensembles Concert
Monday, April 28 at 6:00 p.m.
Natalie L. Haslam Music Center, Powell Recital Hall

UT Appalachian Strings
Friday, May 2 at 8:00 p.m.
Laurel Theatre

Rhythm & Blues Ensemble Concert
Wednesday, May 7 at 5:30 p.m.
Natalie L. Haslam Music Center, Powell Recital Hall

UT College of Music: Unless otherwise noted, concerts are FREE and open to the public. In-person events that take place in the Sandra G. Powell Recital Hall or the James R. Cox Auditorium also have livestream options: https://music.utk.edu/news-events/#calendar. Venues: Sandra G. Powell Recital Hall in the Natalie L. Haslam Music Center located at 1741 Volunteer Boulevard; James R. Cox Auditorium and Performance Hall 32, both in the Alumni Memorial Building located at 1408 Middle Drive. Information: 865-974-8935, https://music.utk.edu/events/