Calendar of Events

Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, May 16, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
Tennessee Theatre

The MoxCar Marketing + Communications Masterworks Series concludes with a monumental concert featuring the world premiere of a KSO-commissioned African drum concerto written by Derrick Skye, whose compositions have been described as “deliciously head-spinning.” African music resounds on the remaining program in Price’s lively “Colonial Dance” and Dvorak’s remarkable “New World Symphony.”

Aram Demirjian, conductor
Indigenous Vibes, drums

FLORENCE PRICE: Colonial Dance
DERRICK SKYE: New African Drum Concerto – KSO commission & world premiere
ANTONIN DVORAK: Symphony No. 9 (“From the New World”)

Knoxville Symphony Orchestra: 865-291-3310, www.knoxvillesymphony.com

Alyssa Edwards - Crowned - North American Tour 2025, Thursday, May 15, 7:30 PM at the Bijou Theatre.

Renowned as one of the most famous drag performers in herstory, Alyssa Edwards is an American entertainer, choreographer, and globally recognized television personality.

Before her television debut, Alyssa was a talented dance instructor and one of the most decorated performers in the drag pageantry circuit. Her rise to international fame began in 2012 when she was cast in the fifth season of RuPaul's Drag Race, where her candid testimonials, iconic tongue-pops, and quirky personality made her an instant fan favorite. She returned in 2016 for RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars Season 2, finishing as fourth runner-up and once again capturing hearts worldwide. This show is for ages 18+

Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com/alyssa-edwards-crowned-north-american-tour-knoxville-tennessee-05-15-2025

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

Thursday, May 15, 2025 9:30am to 10:30am

End your week with gentle yoga at the McClung Museum. Enjoy breathing, relaxing movements, and stretching, with some calm, meditative moments to ease you into your Friday. We encourage you to wear comfortable clothes that you can move in and bring a yoga mat. Forgot your mat or don't have one? No problem! The museum has a limited supply of mats to loan. No experience is necessary.

About the Instructor: Megan Fields just celebrated her 20th anniversary at UT and currently serves as the Director of Public Speaking. She also lives on campus as a sorority house director and enjoys supporting students. In her free time, she teaches yoga and meditation and enjoys reading and hiking. Her life goal is to share mindfulness practices to stay grounded in this fast-paced, distracted culture.

https://calendar.utk.edu/event/copy-of-yoga-at-the-museum

McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture, 1327 Circle Park Dr on the UT campus, Knoxville, TN 37996. Hours: Tu-Sa 9-5, Sun 12-4. Information: 865-974-2144, https://mcclungmuseum.utk.edu/

By Byron Au Yong and Aaron Jafferis’, a contemporary "comic-rap-scrap-metal-opera"
Directed by Keturah Stickann and conducted by the exceptional Judith Yan

Stuck Elevator is based on the dramatic true story of an immigrant delivery man trapped in an elevator for 81 hours. Through a blend of music, spoken word, and multimedia, the opera vividly portrays the psychological and emotional toll of confinement, while also touching on themes of immigration, cultural identity, and the pursuit of the American Dream. A co-production with Knoxville Opera, this opera promises to deliver a unique and impactful theatrical experience.

River & Rail Theatre, 111 State Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information: 865-407-0727, www.riverandrailtheatre.com

The Appalachian Equality Chorus (AEC) invites the public to experience its most powerful and heartfelt concert yet: We’re Still Here, a spring concert series taking place in Johnson City on May 10 and Knoxville on May 16 & 17. With over 100 singers performing onstage—the largest in the chorus’s history—this genre-spanning program fuses protest anthems, pop hits, and original choral works into a bold celebration of resilience, identity, and joy.

Concert Dates:
Friday, May 10 at 7:30 PM – St. John’s Episcopal Church, Johnson City, TN
Friday, May 16 at 7:30 PM & Saturday, May 17 at 3:00 PM – Clayton Center for the Arts at Pellissippi State Community College, Knoxville, TN

“We’re Still Here” is more than just a concert title—it’s a declaration. At a time when efforts to silence LGBTQ+ voices persist across the country, the Appalachian Equality Chorus offers a vibrant, unapologetic response through music. With selections by artists like Bob Dylan, Lady Gaga, P!nk, Joni Mitchell, Chappell Roan, and the Wailin’ Jennys, the concert explores the enduring legacy of protest music and the communal power of lifting our voices together.

Audience members can expect familiar favorites like Born This Way, Big Yellow Taxi, You Don’t Own Me, If I Had a Hammer, What About Us, One Voice, and We Shall Be Free, along with newer hits like Hot to Go! and Pink Pony Club—all reimagined in choral arrangements that stir the soul.

Doors open 45 minutes before showtime. Pre- and post-concert events with the Chorus will be announced on social media.
Learn more or get tickets: www.appequalitychorus.org
Follow AEC on social: @AppEqualityChorus

Observations and Imaginings - Watercolors and Drawings by Susan B Miller and Michael Pardee
The Schilling Gallery, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 6500 South Northshore Drive
865-584-3957 or www.wpcknox.org

First Friday Reception: May 2nd, 5:30 - 9 pm
May Featured Artist

Kimberly Collins, Photography
Kimberly is a storyteller. Whether she’s weaving a tale of fiction or exploring the world through the camera lens, story is the ultimate goal. Kimberly’s photography covers many areas across the country, but her favorite subjects make their home in Appalachia
—wild horses in West Virginia, a stream in the Great Smoky Mountains, an ancient magnolia tree, or the delicate blooms on a dogwood. She hopes to share the magic and wonder of Appalachia through her photography. Kimberly is board member of the Art Market Gallery in Knoxville, Tennessee (2025). Kimberly is also a published author and her latest historical fiction series, Mingo Chronicles (Blood Creek and The Massacre), depicts the coal mine wars in West Virginia. Set in the early 1900s, this pivotal labor struggle includes one of the largest armed insurrections in the history of the United States. Kimberly is a writer, a photographer, a dreamer—creating worlds with the magic of words and images.

Art Market Gallery, 422 S. Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902. Hours: Tu-Sa 11-6, Su 1-6. Information: 865-525-5265, www.artmarketgallery.net, www.Facebook.com/ArtMarketGallery

Join us for The REQUIEM Project, an ongoing COVID memorial by Bay Area artist Tina Rath, opening on First Friday, May 2nd, from 5:00 to 9:00 PM at the Arrowmont Gallery, with Rath present.

This installation represents the staggering global loss of the COVID-19 pandemic, with each of the more than 7 million lives lost symbolized by an individual golden circle. REQUIEM seeks to make this unimaginable number tangible. Every drawing includes handwritten names, honoring individuals and acknowledging their unique lives. Though the pandemic years may feel distant, the collective grief and trauma remain with us. The REQUIEM Project invites us to engage in a quiet, meditative process of healing through art. Throughout the exhibition, including opening night, visitors are invited to take part in “Compassion Drawing” sessions. Using gold watercolor, one can contribute their own circles to the project. Each circle—like a fingerprint—is distinct, reflecting personal touch. Multiple people work on the 50 x 72″ drawings, creating a rich tapestry of varied circles expressing the collective nature of The REQUIEM Project. Whether or not you personally lost someone to COVID-19, “Compassion Drawing” sessions are open to everyone, no art experience is needed. Children age 10+ are also welcome, and all materials with simple instructions will be provided. You may also write the name of a loved one who died from COVID-19 on a circle. Their name will be added to a growing global database of those lost, compiled by the artist.

If you’re unable to attend in person but would still like to honor someone, you can email their name(s) to tina@tinarath.com. Tina will personally include them in the artwork and send you an image and the drawing number they appear on.

For more information on this exhibition and others, please visit our site at https://arrowmont.org/galleries/
110 S Gay St. Knoxville, Tennessee 37902 | (865) 436-7511

Join us for May First Friday as we debut FOLK — a new show by Kendra Barth of Blanket Fort Studio. Her whimsical ceramics blend storytelling, texture, and color in truly charming ways.

https://www.instagram.com/blanketfortstudio/

Rala: Regional and Local Artisans, 112 W. Jackson Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902. Hours: Mon-Thu & Sat 11-6, Fri 11-8, Sun 11-5. Information: 865-525-7888, https://shoprala.com or www.instagram.com/ShopRala

Hi Suzanne! This Month, we're featuring Gabriela Toledo's "Dreams and Nightmares." The exhibit debuts on May 2nd from 5 PM - 9 PM, and we remain available until May 31st.

https://holahoralatina.org/current-exhibit/

HoLa Hora Latina, 100 S. Gay Street, Suite 112, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information: 865-335-3358, www.holahoralatina.org

Friday, May 2 from 6-8 Awaken Coffee will host an opening reception for the art trio “The Three Dames" consisting of Marcia Shelly, Cheryl Massey, and Linda Blair

Marcia has exhibited extensively across the lower 48. She typically paints with acrylics and often likes LARGE.

Cheryl describes her creative process as starting with a lingering spark of inspiration—an image that evolves until it is fully expressed through color on canvas.

Linda begin with mere colorful spots then evolve naturally, and while the blends are often a surprise, the surprise is a special aspect of the total pleasure.

Please join us for some amazing art and of course great coffee!

Awaken Coffee, 125 W Jackson Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902. Open daily. Information: 865-951-0427, www.instagram.com/awaken_coffee or www.facebook.com/awakencoffeeoldcity/

The 2025 Epiphone Student Guitar Design Exhibition & Auction includes 20 guitars designed and painted by youth artists from across East Tennessee.

Dogwood Arts Gallery, 123 W Jackson Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902

The 2025 Epiphone Student Guitar Design Exhibition & Auction includes 20 guitars designed and painted by youth artists from across East Tennessee. The exhibition will be on display in the Dogwood Gallery during the month of May and at Southern Skies Music Festival on May 10th. The guitars will be auctioned online to benefit youth art programs at Dogwood Arts.

Participating schools: Bearden High School, Concord Christian School, Farragut High School, Gibbs High School, Home School, Jefferson Middle School, Karns High School, L&N STEM Academy, Maryville High School, and West Valley Middle School.

First Friday Opening Reception: Friday, May 2nd from 5-8PM
Gallery Hours: M-F 10AM-5PM
123 W. Jackson Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37902
https://www.dogwoodarts.com/event-details/epiphone-student-guitar-design-exhibition