Knoxville520.com

Coming from the small college town of Athens, Ohio, I arrived in the "big city" of Knoxville this June excited to delve into new, cutting edge genre of online entertainment journalism at Knoxville520.com. I offered when I could the journalistic skills I had learned at Scripps' School of Journalism at Ohio University. And when I was in over my head, I was rescued by wonderful experiences and people who allowed me to learn valuable technical and professional lessons both in and out of the office.

Because Knoxville520's specialty is entertainment, I will revisit a few of my most memorable nightlife experiences that have strengthened me not only as a journalist, but a person who loves entertainment. Perhaps you've experienced similar happenings yourself, and at the very least, maybe you'll recall such summer memories the next time you're wading naked in the kiddie pool.

When The Moon Hits Your Eye

The very first weekend I spent in Knoxville was during a visit with some classmates and colleages this past April. As we strolled the barren Gay Street on a Saturday afternoon, qualities of a ghost town seemed to trickle into our impressions of the city. To our amazement, we seemed to be the only people walking downtown. The only sound to be heard was the birds chirping and our quiet footsteps on the cement pavement. However, after swimming in the cultural whirlpool of the K-town music and bar scene, I came to find that Gay Street can be as alive as a Rainbow parade in San Francisco given the right night. And despite rumors of haunted blues bars, Knoxville is no ghost town; it is as alive as a shower of fireworks- hence events such as Boomsday, not to mention the term Knoxvegas.

As the night progressed, we ventured over to Market Square. The gallery at the World Grotto immediatly caught the attention of the starving artist in me, and as a lover of all things shiny, admired whimsically the glowing orange lanterns and the glitter speckled in the marble of the cave.

After discovering a unique line up of concerts, international dancing and other events to be scheduled that summer, I knew in an instant that I'd be signing in for my frequent flyer miles to the World Grotto. And as many Knoxvillians would warn me, many other K-town attractions almost sucked me in like the summer tide pulls the moon ashore.

Like a Big Pizza Pie

The summer soon arrived and so did Sundown in the City. Sundown in the City reminded me more of the festivals that I experienced in Rome, Italy than the ones of the Midwest where I grew up. Market Square is reminiscent a European plaza with outdoor patios and tables equipped with shade and a cold one from the Pub.

The ghost town of the past suddenly was packed with hundreds dancing and singing to the sounds of summer. Wine was flowing, laughter was ensuing, kids were splashing like fairies in the fountain. In August, Scott Miller & Robinella celebrated a concert on the square and the same abundance of fans and listeners crowded the plaza eating Tomato Head pizza and Guss's barbeque.

Life was good, And when no one was looking, we could join the kids in the fountain, dance like swing kids in Oodles, and maybe even take a dip in the great Tennesse river.

And That's Amore!

This is Part 1 of a 2 Part blog.
Keep your eye out for Part 2 out next week!