My addiction to Christmas music has become legendary - at least among my friends and family.

I don't know exactly what it is about the holiday that makes me long for its music at the first sign of winter. Pretty much as soon as the clouds begin to hang lower in the sky and there's a even the slightest chill in the air, I'm ready to get Christmas going. Over the years, various roommates, friends and boyfriends have had to keep tight reins on the CD player up through Thanksgiving to keep me from wearing out the holiday before it's even begun.

This year, though, writing this article gave me a legit reason to break out the Bing and Burl a bit early, and share my all-time favorite holiday sounds. It's an eclectic mix, so there's bound to be something on the list for everyone.

Oh, and I checked with Disc Exchange and they've got a whole bunch of these on-hand, so hurry on over there now and you can fa-la-la all the way home!

Alright...here's the list (in no particular order):

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy: Everything You Want For Christmas.

I love this album mainly because their version of "Mr. Heat Miser" kills me. It's a great album for a swingin' Christmas party as it brings out the dancer in pretty much everyone in the room - like it, or not!

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Benjamin Britten: The Ceremony of Carols

Based on Medieval poetry, but written in 1942 by daring composer, Benjamin Britten, the Ceremony of Carols is a somewhat dissonant but gorgeous choral work. It's meant to be listened to from start to finish, so throw this on when you take a much-needed break during the crazy holiday season.

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Vince Guaraldi:A Charlie Brown Christmas

What would the holidays be without this annual nostalgic journey back to Christmases of our childhood? This is pretty much a staple in everyone's Christmas music collection, I'm sure. For that reason alone, it's worth mentioning. Good grief!
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Ella Fitzgerald: Ella Wishes You A Swinging Christmas

Ella's voice is as warm as a yuletide fire and as rich as eggnog - no wonder her holiday songs are right on time! Be warned...this album contains a fair bit of cheese, but somehow that's ok at Christmas. Her version of "Sleigh Ride" kicks jazz ass, though.

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Harry Connick, Jr.: When My Heart Finds Christmas

I think that Harry Connick, Jr. is the only person who can take shlocky songs like, "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" or "Rudolph" and make them sexy. This is a great album with lots of styles represented. Connick's band is awesome, too. The only weak spot on this one is his pop-infused version of "Ave Maria". Not a good choice.

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Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass: Christmas Album

I've been listening to this since I was a kid, so it's hard to say if it's really good or if I'm just a sentimental fool. (I suspect the latter!) The best moment of this 35 year-old recording might be the James Bond theme played over the top of "My Favorite Things". On this album, Alpert plays the only rendition of "Jingle Bell Rock" I can stand.

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Various Artists: Hipster's Holiday

This could quite possibly be my all-time favorite Christmas album. The line-up on this compilation is fantastic and includes Louis Armstrong, Lambert, Hendricks & Ross and Eartha Kitt. Two of the many shining moments on this CD come from Miles Davis singing (yes, singing) "Blue Xmas (To Whom It May Concern)" and also from The Tim Fuller Experience's "Silent Night". These are a couple of the strangest, most entertaining songs ever.

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Holly Cole: Baby, It's Cold Outside

Canadian singer, Holly Cole, has an admirable knack for taking songs you know and making them her own. She does this on her non-holiday records, but especially on this one. Her take on "'Zat You, Santa Claus" is a sultry departure from Louis Armstrong's original. She also does a beautiful version of Merle Haggard's "If We Make It Through December". Her scaled-down "Sleigh Ride" finds her in a musical race with her bass player that actually sounds like horses running.

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Mahalia Jackson: Mahalia Sings Songs of Christmas

No singer can compete with the vocal power of gospel-great, Mahalia Jackson. Her interpretations of Christmas hymns and carols will make even the most jaded of us feel reverence for the holiday. She clearly was confident in the strength and beauty of her voice on this recording, because she screws up the words to these well-known songs from time to time. Whatever. She's Mahalia - she can do what she wants.

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Spike Jones: Let's Sing A Song of Christmas

This recommendation comes with all the glorious 1950's corniness you'd expect from the Jim Carey of band leaders, Spike Jones. Everyone in my family has grown up on this holiday record - which might explain a few things! There's really no way to describe what you'll find on this album, but think of it as kind of "Frank Zappa meets Howdy Doody". Yes, it's as bizarre as it sounds, but worth every over-the-top moment.

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Jo Stafford: I Love The Winter Weather

This selection makes me feel as though I've travelled back in time to 1940's New England. Stafford's lush voice along with her shmaltzy back-up singers take the sentimental holiday favorites on this album and give them an extra helping of nostalgia. Especially when she has her then-toddler son join her on a couple of numbers.

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John Prine: A John Prine Christmas. This is mostly a holiday album, but there are a few year-round faves on here, too, like "All the Best". The highlight is "Christmas in Prison" - hands down.

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Sufjan Stevens: Songs For Christmas Box Set

This is my favorite new holiday album. Sufjan Steven's sparse, unique and ethereal renditions of classic and not-so-classic Christmas songs are a refreshing, poppy break when they come up on my iPod's Holiday Mix. It's not your typical Christmas stuff, but a very enjoyable departure!

Posted by the 520 gang at 02:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Local band on the rise comes back to Blue Cats this Wednesday

Who: Bellfield w/ Brandy Robinson and Summit Hill
Where: Blue Cat's
When: Wednesday Nov. 29, Doors at 8:00 p.m.

As I stepped out of my car I had a moment of hesitation. “What was that address again?” I reached into my pocket for a recycled handbill, but the question was answered for me. The sound of a full band exploded out of one the houses on a residential north Knoxville road. I proceeded up the steps with intentions of listening by the door when it suddenly swung open. I passed through and started setting up my laptop. There was a slight acknowledgement of my presence, but nothing could shake the vibe coming out of this living room turned practice space. The song continued on taking some intricate turns with precise guitar lines and melodic vocal interjections. All five of the musicians seemed blissfully high on their collective sound. The song ended, the guys grinned. They all came over to introduce themselves and so concluded my introduction with one of our cities most up and coming bands, Bellfield.

I had seen them once before earlier this year at our downtown cancer benefit for Latih Keilany. There was a lot of great music that night from various bands but Bellfield left an impression. They had the one thing necessary to grab new listeners: Energy. Their music, which they describe as “acoustic rock with electric guitars”, is a well balanced mix of dramatic dynamic shifting instrumental sections and thoughtful lyrics. Rob Morrow (guitar/vocals) and Van Gallik (guitar/vocals) take principle song writing duties while Alex Bayless (bass/vocals), Chad Fifer (drums), and Jed Eaton (percussion) provide for a rock solid rhythm section.

Bellfield achieves their broad sound by open-mindedly taking to heart their varied individual musical influences. The result is a cocktail mixing the likes of O.A.R., Rusted Root, Sublime, and Will Hoge to name a few. But while influences play their part Bellfield’s goal is to be original and take their music on the road. That is the key to the groups mission statement: Quit work and make music.

While going on the road is definitely in the near future, Bellfield is making the most of their time here in Knoxville. Having only been together for a year, they’ve already played around fifteen shows, recorded a demo, and have plans to record a full length album in February at West Knoxville’s The Sound Lair. Check out their myspace page for a free listen to their demo. There you’ll find tunes like the pop-appealing "Pain of Seperation" and "As a Fool Often Does" - a tune that finds the band taking a Dave Mathews meets James Brown approach.

As I sat and talked with them a few things became apparent. First of all, they work hard. They draw a big crowd because they work to get their name out there and promote their shows, and those crowds keep coming back because of the time and energy spent on the music. But the other main thing I noticed was how light they manage to keep their dispositions. They crack jokes at each other and generally come off as an easy going group of guys who love to play music together.

This Wednesday you can find Bellfield at Blue Cats in the Old City. They’ll be supported by two other local acts who have seen a recent rise popularity; Brandy Robinson, and Summit Hill. The night is sure to be an impressive display of some of Knoxville’s freshest talent so come out this Wednesday and take a break from responsibility. Doors at 8:00 p.m.

Posted by the 520 gang at 11:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In honor of the Thanksgiving holiday, 520 put a challenge to its writers in the form of a task: choose the song, artist, band or musical venue for which your most thankful.

It seemed so simple, at first. But as it turns out, this basically amounts to cruel and unusual punishment for a bunch of music fanatics. They rose to the challenge, though. Below you'll find the well considered results of their soul-searching.

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Greg Wood:

Although my initial reaction was to say I’m thankful for Nirvana or Radiohead (both of which I am incredibly thankful for), I realize I’m most thankful for Neil Young. After all, he greatly influenced both Nirvana and Radiohead.

Neil’s music is down to earth, so much so that he often doesn’t bother to tune his guitar before recording. Sometimes, he gets so into the song he doesn’t even care if his voice is slightly (or sometimes majorly) off key. Also, there is some Neil for everyone and for every mood—he’s done country, he’s done rock, he’s often seen as one of the creators of grunge, he’s done rockabilly (albeit awfully, but still) and he’s done techno. We love Neil for his diversity in his sound, but the overwhelming passion and sincerity shines through so frequently. There’s never a bad or wrong time to listen to Neil Young.
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Debra Dylan:

WDVX: for their dedication to great music and for the Blue Plate Special, in particular: Greg Garing's Music City Circus, Mad Tea Party, David Onley, All Star Refugees of Sierra Leone, & Asylum Street Spankers. These shows had a huge impact on me.

Jobe Blues Band: Diane Jobe and Robert Higgenbothom were the first local musicians I met during my happy transition from Seperated to Divorced. I admire Diane's energy, passion and talent. When I'm feeling down, Jobe's shows are a necessary tonic. Just "Push on Through."

Phil Pollard & his Band of Humans: I was startled the first time I saw the Humans. I swore I never wanted to see that freak and his xylophone again. Now I can't get enough of them! I'm thankful for their talent, ingenuity, humor and love of literature. You guys are rocking fantastic.

The Bearded: For keeping it real and for being so delightful.

Vanilla Junket: Thanks for the Zappa, the Rolling Stones' "Monkey Man", and most importantly, for the Ziggy Stardust. And thanks for not freaking out when I stand in front of the band and sing along while sometimes engaging in tai chi.

Christabel & the Jons: Thank you for your glorious vintage sound and style. I've had a blast with you at Preservation Pub, Oodles, and especially the Barley's shows.

Natti Love Joys: I'm thankful for your beautiful happy music and your message of peace. Your shows always make me happy.

Cutthroat Shamrock: Thanks for the euphoric vibes and the catharsis!

The LoneTones: Your sweet peaceful music feeds my soul.

Sara Schwabe & her Yankee Jass Band: Thank you for your sense of fun, your excellent song selections, the band's chemistry and talent, for spelling jazz in its original form, and for your friendship.
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Dustin Milotte:

This Year I am thankful for Umphrey’s Mcgee. Last Friday I witnessed my 30th (give or take) performance from the Chicago six-piece. For the past four years their sound has been organic Adderall to my musical psyche. So many fond yet hazy moments to ponder, my favorite has to be either New Year’s in Chicago 2003 or late night at Bonnaroo 2004. Be on the lookout for them at the Bijou this spring.
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Joe Beuerlein:

A tricky 520 request, this thank-themed blog just in time for Turkey Day. Which song/record/band that I am thankful for would I like to publicly praise? I feel like I'm around the dining room table, being forced to drum up a lie like "well, I'm thankful for my older brother and sister because they are really nice and sometimes let me play their video games" in order to satisfy Dad enough to start carving the bird. I don't know what the bird represents in this metaphor, but I'm at a table with a lot of bloggers much more musically-inclined than I am, so I will cheat at this request in order to save my dignity.

I am thankful, therefore, for the "band" of comedic film actors responsible for my favorite comedy of all-time, Waiting for Guffman. This Christoper Guest-led troupe of improv genuises has expertly lampooned community theatre ( Guffman), folk music (A Mighty Wind), and even dog shows (Best of Show), and is back in the movie theatres right now in For Your Consideration, a send-up of Hollywood's obsession with itself. (No kidding, go to Downtown West, it's there.) Each new release by these all-star comedians ~Catherine O'Hara, Eugene Levy, Harry Shearer, Parker Posey, to name a few~ reminds me that I am not alone in my quirky sense of humor, and that it's possible to make a living being absolutely ridiculous. For that, I am thankful.
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Bluegill:

I’m very thankful that the Knoxville music scene is a veritable cornucopia of marvelous musicians, bands and concerts. Trying to pick just one from this bounty of almost every conceivable genre is an intimidating task, but I’ll got with my first mind and lift my glass to R. B. Morris, who could be in Nashville or Austin or Paris (that other one that’s not in Texas or Tennessee), but he chooses to live right here in Knoxville. I’ve got all his CDs and even his first cassette, “Local Man”, and I love them all. Seeing him in concert, whether solo, as a duo with guitarist Hector Qirko, or with his whole band, is always a journey through a gamut of emotions, which culminate as a soul-satisfying, uplifting experience. Thanks, R. B., for all your songs and poems and music and more. And thanks for being who you are, a Knoxville native son to be proud of.
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Sara Schwabe:

This is like the Sophie's Choice of the music world, right? If I am forced to select just one of my favorite musical entities for which to be the most thankful, will the others be dead to me? (ok...so that's a tad dramatic.)

I've given this much thought over the past few days. I've spanned centuries and run the gamut between my favorites like Anton Bruckner and Tom Waits. I finally (and happily) settled on jazz legends Lambert, Hendricks & Ross. My grandfather had me listen to Everybody's Boppin' when I was about 12 years old and I've loved them ever since. Annie Ross' vocal range and sass made me want to sing - still does. Jon Hendricks' nimble solos made me want to scat - still do. I don't know of another jazz group in the history of history that had more fun making music. They're still an inspiration to me and for that I'll always be thankful for Lambert, Hendricks & Ross.
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brent thompson:

Dear World Thankers-

On this day of intoxication with family, minimized communication between friends via text message, and overabundant indulgence I would like to express my thanks for my roots. So many great musicians have penned moving songs that have given me chills in my life that it is hard to pick just one, so I'll pick a collection. Today I am most thankful that my Dad introduced me to Paul and Art. The music they made was introspective, political, whimsical, and beautiful. While there are several releases that I could choose from I am thanking the boys for cranking out the, "Bridge Over Troubled Water" album. This album filled me with moxie when I was five and still does today. Of course the title track I still regard as one of the greatest songs ever written. It is about friendship and it's most poignant purpose; "being there for someone". You've said it...I've said it...and we mean it. My sister and I grew up harmonizing every note in these songs like, "The Boxer", "Cecilia", "Keep the Customer Satisfied", one of my faves is "Frank Lloyd Wright", and "Song For the Asking". If you don't have this in your collection I implore you good music lovers to acquire very soon. You could download it, but at least look for the vinyl. Check out the library and give it a listen. Two voices in the name of peace and love. If you do have it pull it out and listen today. Give thanks for harmony. I do.
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520 is grateful for its dedicated and brilliant staff of writers and contributors. We're thankful for Knoxville's vibrant entertainment scene. We're also thankful for good folks, like yourself, who read our site on a regular basis! Happy Thanksgiving!

Posted by the 520 gang at 11:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I am surprised that Joanna Newsom came to Knoxville.

I’ve been obsessed with her music for well over a year now and was shocked when I picked up the paper and saw that she would be playing at Blue Cats. Shocked for two reasons: one, why would she come to a small city like Knoxville? And two, because quiet, beautiful harp music is not something that Blue Cats tends to offer most.

Regardless, I wasn’t going to miss it for the world, and it turned out to be even better than I could’ve even imagined.

Joanna Newsom is known for playing intricate harp parts and singing in a high-pitched, pixie-like voice over them. Her songs don’t usually follow a verse-chorus or verse-chorus-bridge progression. Some songs off of her first full-length album, The Milk-Eyed Mender, have one or two lines or “riffs” (if you will) that serve as the “chorus” that are repeated at seemingly random intervals throughout a five-minute piece. It’s something that takes getting used to, but eventually these small portions of the song make the piece worth listening to in its entirety.

Recently, she released a new album, entitled Ys (pronounced “ees,” apparently), which is drastically different from Milk-Eyed Mender. Her voice is more powerful—she can belt harder than before and she can cause higher-pitched squeaks. She has backup instruments, which sound like a full orchestra on the studio recording (but are far from it during live performances). The songs are longer (the shortest being around 7 minutes, and the longest being 16) and there are only five tracks on the album. Maybe Joanna has been listening to a lot of Pink Floyd recently, as the layout of this album resembles golden-era Pink Floyd.

The Floyd-influence theory is mostly a joke, but after seeing her live, it doesn’t seem a joke at all.

Joanna started the show with two songs from Milk-Eyed Mender (“Bridges and Balloons” first and “The Book of Right-On” second). I’m incredibly familiar with these songs, and was blown away to finally get to see her play the harp and sing along to them in person. She plucks away gracefully, and at times even elaborates upon the harp parts. I’ve never seen anyone jam on a harp before. She almost turns it into a rock instrument.

After a third song (an “old Scottish tune”) a full band consisting of five people came out on stage and went to their instruments which were placed in a circle around Joanna. She told the crowd “now we’re going to play the new album.” Somehow, I really didn’t think she meant they were going to play the entire thing.

I was wrong. It took me through the first song and part of the second to realize that they were going to play the new album in its entirety, from start to finish, a la Pink Floyd.

I’ve always felt that albums should be a cohesive unit and shouldn’t just be a collection of songs. I’ve only seen one band ever play an album in its entirety (Primus playing Sailing the Seas of Cheese) but it’s something more bands should do, and I couldn’t have been happier that Joanna chose to.

Joanna was backed by a guitar, a banjo, a glockenspiel, a drum set (consisting of only a bass drum and two ride symbols), and an accordion. Other instruments, such as a musical saw and some instrument that I didn’t even recognize (which seemed to be like a lower-pitched mandolin) occasionally came into the mix as well.

Joanna led us through the new album for about the next hour. The album feels like a musical or opera. There isn’t much obvious rock influence on it. Instead, it feels incredibly theatrical, with descript stories (such as the track “Monkey and Bear”) laced throughout. It seems even more scattered, with more musical changes per song than Milk-Eyed Mender. It’s hard to call it catchy with so many changes. Instead, it’s like a collage of a bunch of little catchy riffs or themes, like fragments of old classical pieces sewn together.

The band let Joanna lead them and the crowd through a one-hour experience. They had their sheet music laid-out in front of them, chiming in on backup vocals at times. The entire performance was mesmerizing. I hardly turned away from the stage, fixated on Joanna’s intense plucking and powerful singing. Nothing really went through my head the entire time—I just stared and took the whole performance in.

The drummer had a large bass drum that he hit with a pedal on one side and a large, padded drumstick on the front, like from the song “Heroin” by Velvet Underground. On the last track of Ys, the man playing accordion pulled out a saw and started playing it with a cello bow, making a high-pitched, ambient sound that sounded like a small orchestra playing far away. I’ve never seen anything like it, nor did I even know it was possible to use a saw musically.

Afterward, it seemed like the show had lasted only 10 minutes, but she had played for at least an hour and a half.

I’ve never paid attention for an hour and a half straight on anything in my life. I can barely make it through movies. At concerts I usually leave my spot to go get a beer or two. At Joanna’s show, beer seemed completely unnecessary and I felt far more comfortable standing and watching.

She’s still in the southeast for the next few days, so make the road trip and see her. You may never get a chance to see Ys performed in its entirety again.

Posted by the 520 gang at 10:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This just in...

Bill Cosby performs at second annual Tennessee Theatre fundraiser
Tickets on sale Friday, December 1, at 10 a.m.

What: Stars on Stage 2007 with Bill Cosby
When: Sunday, January 14, 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Where: Tennessee Theatre

Regal Entertainment Group presents Stars on Stage 2007, a fundraiser for the historic Tennessee Theatre presenting American icon and legendary comedian Bill Cosby performing Sunday, January 14 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Tennessee Theatre.

Comedian, television star and bestselling author Bill Cosby ranks among the most influential entertainers in America today. His popularity began in 1963 with his debut comedy record, Bill Cosby Is a Very Funny Fellow…Right!, which contained endearing stories of childhood inspired by his youth. Cosby went on to create and star in The Cosby Show, serve as the spokesman for Jell-O pudding, write several children's books, and receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. His performances are enjoyable for the whole family.

Building on the success of last year’s unforgettable evening featuring Tony Bennett, Stars on Stage is the largest annual fundraising event for the Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation and is second only to ticket sales in the revenue it generates for theater operations.

Premium ticket packages are available during a password-protected pre-sale through November 30 via the Tennessee Theatre box office. These deluxe packages are: $250, includes a tax-deductible donation, priority advanced seating and a VIP cocktail reception at the East Tennessee History Museum; and $125, which includes a tax-deductible donation and advanced seating.

These premium packages will be available to the general public beginning Friday, December 1, at 10 a.m., as well as additional tickets for $35, $45, and $62.50, plus applicable service fees, via the Tennessee Theatre box office, at all Tickets Unlimited outlets, by phone at (865) 656-4444 or online at www.tennesseetheatre.com.

For additional information, contact Paige Travis at A.C. Entertainment, 865-523-2665.

Posted by the 520 gang at 09:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Christabel & the Jons will be performing a live show and hosting their CD release party this Tuesday at noon, at WDVX’s Blue Plate Special. Love & Circumstances, their much anticipated studio release, recorded at Ottofish Studios in Johnson City, is pure joy from start to finish.

I’ve been intrigued with Christabel & the Jons since I first saw them at Downtown Grill & Brewery in January of this year. They were a trio back then with Christa DeCicco (“Christabel”) on vocals and guitar, Jon Whitlock on drums, percussion and back up vocals, and Jon Steele on upright bass (hence “the Jons”).

At the sound of her unique voice singing, Tennessee Ernie Ford’s “Sixteen Tons,” I quit my jawing and looked up from by beer. This is how my love affair with the band began. Not sure if this was a fluke, or the effect of the beer, soon thereafter, I caught Christa DeCicco’s solo performance on a WDVX Blue Plate Special, and my first impressions were correct: her voice and original songs are amazing.

Now, Christabel & the Jons are a swinging quartet with Christa DeCicco and Jon Whitlock joined by Mischa Goldman on upright bass and Seth Hopper on violin, mandolin, trumpet and bandoneon. (Special guests Tom Pryor on pedal steel guitar, Valerie Sanders on flute and clarinet and local big band The Streamliners also appear on Love & Circumstances.)

One of the reasons I keep returning to their shows is because of Ms. DeCicco’s captivating voice. The modulation of her pristine vocals and her phrasing fascinate. Even her humming is enchanting. A natural born performer, her gracious stage presence is also a draw. The band’s vintage wardrobe also contributes to the atmosphere of their “speak-easy,” jazzy folk-infused music.

The band’s swinging renditions of not often heard cover songs, plus DeCicco’s original material, also merits repeat visits. At any show, you may be treated to the band’s unique take on songs by Bob Dylan, George Gershwin, or Marvin Gaye. Of special note is the band’s somber and plaintive cover of The Police’s “Roxanne.” As their audience has grown, so have the requests for Christa’s original work. Love & Circumstances contains eleven original songs and a barn burning cover of Louis Armstrong’s “St. James Infirmary.”

The CD kicks off with the lively “It’s Love” where memories of a teenage romance (and comfort food) are fondly recalled. “Best Kind of Friend” is another upbeat and fun reminiscence of a past love whose friendship is cherished. Here, Mischa Goldman playfully punctuates on bass while Jon Whitlock chimes in on sleigh bells. The beautiful “Sweetheart” contains interesting musical changes as it slinks along during the verses and then suddenly changes into a hip and catchy refrain. Mischa and Seth swing sweetly on this love song about a former beau’s return to town.

The only dark moment on the CD is the brooding and dramatic “You Go to My Head.” Harper’s violin is mournful and Goldman’s bass is ominous. This mysterious story builds in tension as DeCicco’s vocals and Whitlock’s drumming become more forceful.

For such a young woman, DeCicco possesses an incredible ear for writing and singing songs of various genres. “Postcard” and “Lay Your Head Down” have such an old-timey, bluesy feel; one would swear they were written in another era. “Postcard” is a beautifully written and sung daydream about longing to contact a former lover. This song is packed with lyrical gems (“like you never knew a soul in the world worth talking to”).

Tom Pryor’s pedal steel wonderfully accentuates the mood of this nostalgic tune. The sweet and romantic “Lay Your Head Down” shines with Christa’s guitar work and vocal phrasing. Here the lyrics are charming and affecting as a woman wonders “how good do a have to be/before you’ll tell me you love me/please.”

“Thankful” and “Eye for an Eye” are the most intimate and meditative songs on the album. On “Thankful,” Goldman’s bow work sets a steady, rich and deep background, while Whitlock’s drumming is a softly hypnotic accompaniment to Christa’s dreamy, drifting vocals. Hopper’s bandoneon and Sanders’ clarinet and flute in an “Eye for an Eye” provide gentle contrasts to Christa’s simple and beautiful narrative. Both of these songs are frequently requested at live performances, as is, “Florida.” Hopper’s swanky trumpet nicely accentuates this tale of Floridian family remembrances. Much interest and emotion occurs here when DeCicco very effectively deviates from the verse/chorus pattern for an impassioned flamingo-inspired nostalgic lament.

Another crowd favorite, “Little Jane” is a lighthearted song about the embarrassment of briefly moving back to the familial home “after 7 years of living alone.” Valerie Sanders' clarinet adds a refreshing jazzy spunk. “Remember” is an amusing and energetic ode to South Knoxville (“no that ain’t right/I’m lyin’ to you!)

Finally, with the scratchy sound of a needle on a record, The Streamliners join Christabel & the Jons for a rousing big band rendition of the morbid “St. James Infirmary.” This positively exuberant finale, including a “call and response” shout out, is the perfect conclusion for this wonderful CD that cleverly captures and blends vintage and modern styles.

If you don’t know what to do with your company on the day after Thanksgiving, please take your guests to Barley’s to experience the magic of Christabel & the Jons. Even without the effects of beer, you will fall in love with their music, and Grandma might even find herself singing along to “Old Fashioned Morphine.” Thankfully, as of this Tuesday, we will finally be able to own a piece of this magic.

Upcoming shows:
November 21 12:00 p.m. WDVX Blue Plate Special
November 24 9:00 p.m. Barley’s
December 1 10:00 p.m. Oodles
December 22 9:00 p.m. Preservation Pub
(a special Christmas show with Tommy Bateman &
Thunderthieves)

photo credits: Tovah Greenwood

Posted by the 520 gang at 01:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Story

Cultures clash in exotic Bangkok when an English school teacher is hired to instruct the many children of the King of Siam. A classic Broadway musical featuring one of Rodgers and Hammerstein's most beautiful musical scores.

East meets West at Oak Ridge Playhouse in The King and I, the classic tale of a fiery but compassionate British schoolteacher who meets her match in the stubborn King of Siam (present day Thailand).

Based on Margaret Landon’s, "Anna and the King of Siam", both the original story and the musical were inspired by the real-life diaries of Anna Leonowens, who transcribed her experiences as a teacher to the Royal Children of Siam in the 1860’s.

Traveling to Bangkok with her young son, Anna is at first turned off by the King’s tyrannical ways, but eventually she comes to understand him, even though his customs and traditions are far from those of her own.

The original production opened on Broadway in 1951 as a vehicle for Gertrude Lawrence, who had asked composer Richard Rodgers and lyricist Oscar Hammerstein to write a musical version of the story with her in mind. Although Yul Brynner is most identified with the show, he was a relative unknown at the time, but both performers went on to take the Tony awards for Best Actress and Best Featured Actor. Lawrence passed away from cancer about a year into the New York run.

During this period Rodgers and Hammerstein had three simultaneous hits running on Broadway. Oklahoma! which opened in 1943, and South Pacific, which opened in 1949, were both still going strong.

The King and I was transferred to Hollywood for a lavish film version in 1956, and although Brynner’s performance was now iconic, the role of the King in the film was originally to go to Marlon Brando. But when the star became unavailable, Brynner was offered the part. By this time the King had been elevated to a leading role with Brynner winning the Oscar that year.

His name became synonymous with the show and he went on to do tours and hit revivals in 1977 and 1985, eventually playing over 4000 performances during his career.

Sponsored by Oak Ridge firm Energy Solutions, the Oak Ridge Playhouse production of The King and I stars Laurie Bowles as Anna and Robert Tenyson as the King, leading a cast of fifty area performers. A wonderful entertainment for the entire family. The show features a sumptuous musical score with tunes like “Getting to Know You,” “Hello, Young Lovers,” and “ I Whistle a Happy Tune.”

The Details

The play runs Thursday (Thanksgiving), Friday, and Saturday, November 23, 24, and 25 at 8:00 P.M., and Sunday, November 26 at 2:00 P.M. Final performances are Friday and Saturday, December 1 and 2, at 8:00 P.M. and Sunday, December 3, at 2:00 P.M.

Tickets range in price from $14 - $20, depending on performance date. To purchase tickets or for more information, log on to the Oak Ridge Playhouse website or call 865.482.9999.

How To Get There

From KNOXVILLE

Take I-40 West to Oak Ridge Exit (Pellissippi Parkway)
Follow highway into and past Solway (Hwy 62)
Hwy 62 will take you into Oak Ridge
Fork to R onto LaFayette at Y-12 Credit Union
Follow LaFayette until you reach Turnpike
Fork to R onto Turnpike, follow to Signal #2
At #2, turn L onto Georgia Avenue
Go 2 blocks, turn L onto Broadway (at Big Ed's Pizza)
Playhouse will be on L in 1 1/2 blocks in Jackson Square
Parking is free in front of theater

Photo credits: Reggie Law

Posted by the 520 gang at 12:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We just received this press release about the new holiday specials at Sapphire. It sounded too good to keep to ourselves:

Wine Tasting
The holidays are upon us and Sapphire is full of activity and
excitement. So much so that, we’ll be suspending the November and December wine
tasting dinners, resuming Tuesday, January 16, where we’ll taste
several varietals. Mark your calendars now. For more information or to
RSVP, please email winetasting@sapphire-knoxville.com

Private Parties
Sunday, December 3rd and 10th are available for your private holiday
party at Sapphire. For more details booking your personal, business, or
organization’s holiday party, please email Mark at
mark@sapphire-knoxville.com

New Year's Eve
Ring in the New Year with Sapphire where there is never a cover and you
can count on a memorable evening. A prix fix dinner will be served for
$50 per person or $75 including wine pairings. Seating will be at 6
and 9 pm. Space is limited - please call 637-8181 or email
manager@sapphire-knoxville.com for reservations. Sapphire's DJ will
keep us in the spirit from 11 pm until 3 am. Try one of 10 sparkling wines
and champagne available by the glass to toast the New Year.

Holiday Drink List
Sapphire’s holiday specialty drink list is not to be missed. Pumpkin
Spice, Apple Pie and Candy Cane Martinis; Spiked Eggnog and Cider;
Traditional Hot Buttered Rum, Merry Mojito, Ginger Fizz, and Caramel
Original. If this doesn’t get you in the holiday spirit, nothing will.

New Menu
What better time to join us at Sapphire for dinner? With offerings such
as Basil Scallops, DiSarrano Tortellini and Vanilla Bean Truffles on
the new menu, you wont leave disappointed. Please call for reservations
at 637-8181.

For more drink specials, follow this link.

Posted by the 520 gang at 10:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Phil Pollard, Steph Gunnoe, Sean McCollough & Maria Williams

I am grateful for whatever divine force brought Steph Gunnoe and Sean McCollough together. In addition to their marriage and family, their union has also spawned incredibly beautiful original Americana music. Sean’s friendship with drummer/percussionist Phil Pollard eventually lured Pollard to the band, and Pollard’s friendship with his neighbor Maria Williams added her angelic backup vocals and an upright bass to round out this gifted quartet.

On Friday, November 17, The Lonetones will be celebrating their much anticipated, long awaited release of their new CD, “Nature Hatin’ Blues". Their CD release party will be held at Carpe Librum Booksellers from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.

This follow up to their wonderful debut CD, “Useful,” which included the popular single “Little Thing,” finds the band in a more contemplative mood on “Nature Hatin’ Blues.” “Useful” was dominated by plucky love songs and the living was easy (except when being bathed by mama). Their new CD is “dedicated to hometowns and misfits everywhere. To mountains and people who fight to save them. To the soil we grew up in….” Sean says he and Steph did not plan to write a themed album about internal struggles, “it just turned out that way.” While “Nature Hatin’ Blues” explores several thorny topics, the songwriting is striking and their delivery is, as always, very moving and very engaging.

The CD kicks off with slices of perfection. “The Soil We Grew Up In” is deceiving. The melody is very cheerful. Pollard chiming in on glockenspiel adds charm to the solid guitar work and soft lush harmonies, but here begins our introduction to the struggle and conflict. Steph, with her stirring vocals, sings this tale about never being satisfied, “in love with any place around the bend/never to love the place we’re in. Low self-esteem is another recurring theme and presents itself here with comparisons to celebrity culture and “love for anyone but not yourself.” Serious topics, gently, lovingly and happily performed.

“Nervous System’s” opening groove and continued rhythm is addictive. This lighthearted look at children provoking parents, hippies and young people “abandoning places that needed them most” is fun and its chorus contains one of the best lines of the CD: “We survive the complicated/ situations we’ve created.”

“Heart Shaped Box” is a gentle and sweet love song from Sean that is more reminiscent of the halcyon days found in “Useful.” This aging realist promises that “where you lead/I just might follow/But you better not count on a good straight row.” This tender tempered song is in great contrast to Steph’s “Shallow,” where it has “been a long time since I was wrong.” This upbeat pop-style song is riddled with angst and “things that cannot be saved” but concludes with some hope. During the last verse and fade out, Maria treats us to beautiful backup vocals and solid bass accompaniment.

The title track, “Nature Hatin’ Blues,” has a smooth and sweet lighthearted accompaniment to lyrics about a person who struggles with human nature and longs to be be part of the natural world again. This natural world is threatened in Sean’s “State of the Art,” a very driven and banjo dominated political piece about strip mining, pollution and destruction of our mountains “These changes I see comin’ are tearing at my heart.”

“Metamorphosize” turns on the charm with its old time guitar work, banjo strumming and lovely harmonies. It’s an interesting tale that dwells in the possibility of choice and change to “lose your mama’s ways and your faith in martyrdom.” Musically, this song ends unresolved, which is nice touch.

“Drunken Bee” is endearing with its lively simple beauty. The harmonies on the chorus are touching and the lyricism sweet: “Like a flower I opened up/a little bit of nectar in a purly cup.” The acappella ending is a terrific and satisfying conclusion.

“Shine On” is Sean’s lovely country music waltz and ode to Knoxville. Here, there is no more longing for what’s around the bend. As a man grows older his perceptions change. In the beginning he is reaching for a bottle, then for tomorrow and finally, for his daughter. “Oh Knoxville, I never knew you so well.” The heartfelt and sincere touching duet between Sean and Steph on the chorus is lovely, and the unexpected gentle electric guitar work adds a nice variety.

Gretchen Geisinger of the Laurel Theatre has accurately and wonderfully described Steph’s voice as “a tender ripe yearning.” That yearning is maximized in “Lonely Skin” where a late-blooming female learns to “love her only place” and to “love your only skin.” Of course, the backup vocal harmonies are terrific and the summer-of-love, feelin’ groovy kind of melody adds a nice lightheartedness to these lyrics about the awkward journey to self-discovery.

“Broken Path” is a sad struggle in coping with broken hearts and broken dreams. This song features nice piano accompaniment from Geol Greenlee. “Burnt Tires” continues with despondency and heartache that “doesn’t really matter.” Phil Pollard sets an intriguing and moody tone throughout this song with a combination of drums and percussive elements. The tension builds with the late introduction of Steph and Marie’s backup vocals. Sean McCollough’s vocals really shine on this number, especially during the chorus when he hits a higher register. His vocal’s simple and quiet beauty nearly breaks your heart.

Finally, Steph drives it home with the beautiful and compassionate “Hang the Moon.” Here, the loss of innocence and realization that a mother isn’t perfect is very affecting. “Did you cry every time she was human?” “Does she know that you hide in the saddest place?” Sean’s tender echo on the chorus is touching. Please give this one a close and careful listen. The songwriting handles its delicate topic with an incredibly deft and gentle touch.

The Lonetones’ sophomore effort will not disappoint. There is plenty of what we’ve come to know, love and expect from the band, but their contemplative mood on “Nature Hatin’ Blues” demonstrates thoughtful growth in their new work. Diehard fans and new comers will not be disappointed.

CD Release Party Carpe Librum 5113A Kingston Pike (865) 588-8080

Other upcoming Knoxville shows:

November 20 WDVX Blue Plate Special at 12:00 p.m.

December 3 Disc Exchange (South) at 4:00 p.m.

Posted by the 520 gang at 01:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Fringe Festival at the Black Box Theatre

Fringe festivals have been a theatre tradition since the late 1940s. Fringe festivals typically offer a variety of alternative entertainment, with shows involving smaller casts, sparse sets, single-act performances and lower ticket prices. Knoxville’s Actors Co-op will be hosting its third Fringe Festival at the Black Box Theatre on November 16 thru November 18. The festival will include theatre, dance and music. Admission to each show is $5.00. The schedule includes:

Thursday, November 16

7:00 p.m. Chanticleer and the Fox will be presented by Interact Theatre for the Deaf. This one hour play, adapted by Joseph Robinette from Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, revolves around Chanticleer, an arrogant rooster, who is easily fooled by a cunning fox. The play promises to be pure entertainment for children young and old and will be performed in spoken English and American Sign Language.

Friday, November 17

7:00 p.m. The Ledge by Tom Long and Strange Angels by Scott Douglas will be performed by the WordPlayers, a faith based theatre troupe dedicated to the mission of using theatre to explore Judeo-Christian values for education, enlightenment and entertainment. The Ledge will lead to laughter while confronting the audience with the tough questions of how Christians should respond to people in crisis. Strange Angels is a play about the search for truth, bold faith, and how we respond to those who are different.

9:00 p.m. Current Flow by AH Squared Dance + Music will feature several multi-media dance/performance pieces with live music, spoken word and video projection. Anglea Hill and Andre Hayter have incorporated motion-sensing technology into their performances, allowing dancers to trigger music and song.

10:30 p.m. Clever Queries, Elusive Truths by Circle Modern Dance. This popular local dance troupe promises their program will be an innovative evening of text and movement exploring great questions of our time, such as, “What is the meaning of life?” “What is really going on in the world?” “Do I look fat?”

Saturday, November 18

5:00 p.m. Tales of the Shimmering Sky by the Actors Co-op offers another magical hour for children and families. The play answers questions of earth and sky through imaginative folk legends from around the world. This production promises to amaze and wow all the children in your family and in turn will educate everyone on the wonders of folk tales.

7:00 p.m. Exposed by writer/actress Kali Meister. This non-fiction one-woman show chronicles Ms. Meister’s survival through childhood incest and violence, consequent struggles with food and body image, and her ultimate coming to terms with the realities of being an adult survivor of incest. Ms. Meister is an award winning writer and a very powerful and riveting performer. Due to its intensity, this show is not appropriate for young children.

9:30 p.m. Join Sara Schwabe & her Yankee Jass Band as they host a LIVE recording party. Sara Schwabe & her Yankee Jass Band have become one of Knoxville’s most sought-after entertainment groups for clubs, private events, weddings and festivals. They host a popular cabaret on Wednesday nights at Sapphire and regularly perform on Saturday evenings at Oodles’ wine bar on Market Square. This ensemble makes any event memorable with their blend of jazz standards and more eclectic numbers, as witnessed by an adoring crowd at last Friday’s Alive After Five at the Knoxville Museum of Art.

Seating at all shows is general admission and concessions are provided and allowed in the theatre. For more information please call contact:

Lesley Irminger or Amy Hubbard
Black Box Theatre
5213 Homberg Drive
Knoxville, TN 37919
(865) 909-9300

Posted by the 520 gang at 12:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The classic tale of Aida marches triumphantly into Knoxville Nov. 17 for five performances.

This is not Giuseppe Verdi's 1871 Italian opera masterpiece, but the 2000 Tony Award-winner by Elton John and Tim Rice. The plot is still the same, though:

Aida, an Ethiopian princess, is captured and brought into slavery in Egypt. A military commander, Radames, struggles to choose between his love for her and his loyalty to the Pharaoh. To complicate the story further, Radames is loved by the Pharaoh's daughter Amneris, although he does not return the feeling.

Not your typical lighthearted musical theatre fare, for sure!

The large audiences that flocked to see Aida during its 4-year Broadway run, as well as its touring productions, prove that folks seem to prefer their dark, heavy, historic plots be served with a spoonful of Disney sugar.

Part of what makes the Disney adaptation so accessible is the use of a variety of music styles to tell the legendary tale. Elton John and Tim Rice drew on traditional African music, Motown, reggae, gospel and pop influences to create the libretto for Aida. Because of the creative way he combined these varying elements, Elton John won the Tony Award in 2000 for Best Original Musical Score. He also received the Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album.

Here's a little sound sample of what you'll hear at this weekend's production:

Elaborate Lives

Every Story

Fortune Favors

Do yourself a favor this weekend: grab the family, head down to the Civic Auditorium and enjoy the beautiful sights and gorgeous sounds of one of Broadway's best - right here at home. Tickets for Aida are still available by visiting the Broadway in Knoxville website.

Posted by the 520 gang at 12:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

For Immediate Release:

Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival Wins Best Festival Award!

At the Billboard Touring Awards held Thursday night, the Bonnaroo Music &
Arts Festival won the award for top festival.

Produced by Knoxville's A.C. Entertainment and New York-based Super Fly
Presents, Bonnaroo won the award for the third time in its five-year
history. The prize is based on box-office figures reported to Billboard
Boxscore. Bonnaroo beat out the Austin City Limits and Lollapalooza
festivals for the award.

Approximately 80,000 attended the sold-out Bonnaroo 2006, held in June on a
700-acre farm in Manchester, Tenn., to witness headliners Tom Petty and the
Heartbreakers, Radiohead and Phil Lesh & Friends, as well as performances by
Elvis Costello, Beck, Damian Marley, Bright Eyes, Matisyahu, Sonic Youth and
many other acts.

The dates and line-up for Bonnaroo 2007 will be announced early next year.

For additional information, contact Paige Travis, A.C. Entertainment
publicist, at (865) 523-2665.

Posted by the 520 gang at 10:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

As any disciple of the grunge era would, I was ecstatic to hear that legendary metal-grungers The Melvins were playing in Knoxville at Blue Cats.

Of course, I originally heard the show was $6 and it turned out to cost $15, but I really needed to see the band.

You could say part of me wanted to see them for the novelty of it. A friend of mine always said that seeing older, classic bands is like going to a history museum. “There’s the Rolling Stones exhibit!” he would say, jokingly acting as if he were pointing to a stage that has the Stones rocking-out on it. These legendary acts we don’t see for their talent or their ability to maintain their youthful attitude. We don’t expect to be blown away. We see it to say we have. Like Ruby Falls.

Early in the evening, The Melvins had already taken the stage, even though there were three acts on the bill. It was hard to tell which band was playing when a lot of the time, because they’re mostly permutations of each other. They’d come out during each other’s sets and pick up random instruments. They follow Queens of the Stone Age in this regard—another metal band known for their collaborations.

Buzz Osbourne (or King Buzzo, as fans call him) took this opportunity to inform the crowd of the show they were going to witness, talk a little bit about his past and the band’s past (“I was quarterback of the football team. It was a small school”) and play the same three chords over and over in between his comedic ramblings. They played a brief jam, and Buzzo told the crowd to expect surprises and collaborations for the rest of the evening.

A band called Porn took the stage about 20 minutes later. The San Fransisco trio came on stage with their drummer (who looked suspiciously like Buzzo) in an Elvis costume featuring a two-foot fro wig and their bassist dressed as a bumblebee. They played a solid 30 minutes of disassociative metal. One of their jams was based simply around playing two power chords sporadically, and making unsettling noises with their instruments in between these riffs. At one point, they pulled out kazoos and started playing in harmony. The only structured song they played was led by a powerful, fast riff, and the singer hunched over his microphone singing in a typical metal half-scream. “We’re from San Fransisco” they said at the end of their set, “and we need a place to crash. We’ve got pot.” Suddenly, the entire set made a lot more sense.

There was another band, Big Business, that was supposed to play, but it’s hard to tell when they started or stopped, seeing as how they contained members of both bands. A jam broke out between the bassist and drummer (who was Dale Crover, an ex-Nirvana drummer and the majority of the reason I wanted to see the show) and before too long Buzzo returned and a second drummer (who looked to be about 17) joined. They went into “The Bloated Pope,” from their album “Pigs of the Roman Empire” released in 2004. As far as I can tell, this is when the Melvins started.

The band played a genre-defying set. Sometimes they played dark, spacey, distorted jams that sounded like Pink Floyd from hell. Sometimes they sounded like Black Sabbath if Ozzy’s voice had been less nasal. Frequently it was obvious that they were a huge influence on Nirvana, especially Nirvana’s first album “Bleach.”

The crowd packed up close to the stage with beers in plastic cups in hand (the venue would not give out bottles on this evening, even though they usually do). People jumped, pushed, swayed, and head-banged. There were people moshing, but it was quite voluntary. Most of the metal shows I’ve seen have what I call the “Don’t Hurt Me” section of scrawny, weak guys like myself standing a safe distance from the action. There’s nothing quite like the pervasive atmosphere of a metal show.

The energy stayed high the whole time. Buzzo pounded his black Gibson guitar and through his gigantic, black-and-gray fro forward on the downbeat of most songs. The bassist played through at least one distortion pedal, sounding like Lemmy (of Motorhead)’s infamous bass sound. Dale Crover beat his drums mercilessly, highlighting intense moments of the songs with his gigantic, explosive crash cymbols.

I only recognized a few songs (they have quite a discography) but it didn’t matter. I was legitimately impressed by everything about their performance, which I honestly was not expecting. I feel bad that I ever doubted them.

The dark intensity that metal brings (and that the Melvins brought), assures that everyone will have a heightened or cathartic experience. It’s not a genre I listen to regularly at home or in my car, but going to the shows (ranging from larger theatres like New Daisy in Memphis or the Tabernacle in Atlanta down to smaller house parties with 15 people there) will always have a special place in my cold, dark, heavy-metal heart.

ps...the photo on front page is by Sadie Shaw.

Posted by the 520 gang at 02:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

DIVE BARS: 101

The Knoxville520.com webmisstress had a great idea for a story about dive bars. I quickly and enthusiastically volunteered to research dive bars in East and North Knoxville. I even consulted with construction dude about town and Preservation Pub Beer God, Paul Voght (a/k/a Big Paul, Paul Bunyan). He suggested particular bars and advised me on how to behave. The last time I saw Paul, he said, “Debra, you’ll need to dress down when you do this, or they’ll think you’re a narc.” Of course, I disregarded everything he told me.

Due to illness and injury, my research was delayed by several weeks, so one night after a business meeting adjourned early I made a spur-of-the-moment decision to stop at Hugh’s Tavern, which is approximately one block from the Corner Lounge, on N. Central. There is parking available behind Hugh’s and entering through the back door will give you an incredible view of what a dive the place is. Lots of abandoned kitchen appliances, cans of food, bags of chips, old stuffed animals, a Red Skelton photo, NASCAR stuff, and many unidentifiable objects and odors. When I reached the bar, one patron shouted, “It’s a lawyer and she’s shutting the place down.” (Note to self: don’t wear a suit to a dive bar. See quote above.) Once I was finally able to settle on a beer selection (They don’t have PBR. I’ve since been told that only kitschy bars pretending to be dives serve PBR.), I was asked to join a table of folks sitting in a booth in front of Hugh’s window.

There I met Bill, Linda Morgan, Leslie and Brenda, a/k/a “Blondie,” a former tavern owner and bartender. The women in the booth and at the bar were suspicious of me. The owner’s daughter was present, but she wouldn’t tell me her name. Bill thought I was cute and told me next time I’m at Hugh’s I should come as myself. He clutched his jacket and with a fake Irish accent said, “Don’t come back in here all ‘top ‘o the mornin’ to ya.” He told me when the new person (how could he tell?!?) comes into a place like Hugh’s, she’ll be standing at the bar hoping people are going to like her. He likened this awkward moment to being in a Vincent Price movie, but told me, in reality, it’s really like a good story. Like Nancy Drew. He reassured me that “we are what we are” and “if you are lonely and can’t handle it, don’t go home with it [loneliness], come here instead.” He also informed me that while he was distracting me, someone was out back stealing my car. Har-har.

When I ventured out that evening, I didn’t know I was going to begin my research that night, and not only was I wearing a tweed suit, I didn’t have my ace reporter’s notebook with me; instead, all I had was an issue of “Bird Talk” magazine. A woman at the bar asked me what I was writing on. (Note to self: they don’t like seeing you write anything.) I showed her the cover and the centerfold and pointed out the kind of birds I have. She had parakeets at one time in her life. She stopped glaring at me so much.

When I finally had a chance to saunter over to the jukebox, I discovered a treasure trove of vintage country compact discs. I’m talking lots of George Jones and the Louvin Brothers. There was also a nice collection of vintage rock and rhythm and blues, and a few modern pop selections, like Stevie Nicks and Sheryl Crowe.

Linda Morgan, who was sitting in the booth next to Bill, said her CD was #02 on the jukebox. She told me she has been singing for 12 years and that she recorded the CD three years ago at Karaoke Café and it has been in the Hugh’s jukebox since. I went back and took a look. Sure enough, nestled between Con Hunley and Alan Jackson, was Linda Morgan’s compact disc. She covers Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline, Kitty Wells and a few other classic country female singers. Linda played her version of “Coal Miner’s Daughter” for me. She and the other ladies in the booth began singing along. Seriously, this was a very charming moment and I appreciated Ms. Morgan’s sincere love of music and singing.

The place was starting to get a little more crowded by now. A mangy dog named Scruffy was resting in the next booth, and a Rotweiller-mix, Trish, was walking around. After I finished my second beer (Bud Lite has more depth than Miller Lite), I felt lonesome for the Downtown Grill & Brewery. When I returned to my car, several of Hugh’s patrons were standing around it. (Note to self: coming here alone wasn’t smart.) I don’t know what they wanted, if anything, and I was able to drive away without incident. My tweed suit reeked of cigarette smoke and something rancid. When I reached Gay Street, I walked in the cold in hopes of airing out my clothing.

The next time I see my astute dive bar advisor, he scolds me while puffing on a clove cigarette, and he offers to take me on a tour, via KAT bus, to dive bar hop between Tennessee Tavern, Dixon’s, Marie’s and any other dive in between. Hmmm. This sounds like a good story with lots of dimensions. Kind of like Nancy Drew. Stay tuned….

Hugh’s Tavern
904 N. Central Avenue
Phone: (865) 633-8200
9:00 a.m. – 10 p.m.

For more commentary on dive bars, visit Modern Drunkard.

See how much of a poser you are by taking the PBR quiz!

Posted by the 520 gang at 01:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I was up until the wee hours of the morning worrying about it.

Watching television didn’t help put my mind at ease. Neither did refreshing my browser like someone obsessive-compulsive. I just couldn’t stop thinking about it. What would be the consequences of my actions? I felt dirty. I felt used.

It had happened so fast. I was in and out in a moment, and when I was done I wasn’t even confident I had done it right. Sure, that little flag waved at me enthusiastically, but it was little reassurance. I had at least wanted a thank you and a receipt. I got neither.

Choosing the greater of two unattractive candidates wasn't easy. Corker was old, wrinkly, and dull; Harold was a slimy smooth-talker, a rogue, and a scoundrel. But Harold did call me, or at least his campaign people did, asking for support. And I’m not even blonde.

Both of them repulsed me, but in the end I chose youth over age. It’s easier to bed down with the enemy if the enemy is cute. And besides, I wasn’t doing it for just me. I was doing it for the country. So when I showed up at Dogwood Elementary for our intimate rendezvous behind the drapes, I put my finger on Harold’s button, closed my eyes and thought of America. And I pushed it. Hard.

That night I really needed to be around people. Other young, voting people who felt like they too had been putting their fingers in places they wish they hadn't. A vote for Harold wasn’t a clean-conscience vote for tolerance and equality, after all, it was just a vote against the likes of Corker and Bush. I chose the Urban Bar.

Halfway through Jodie Manross’ first set, the television declared that the Democrats had taken back the house. My friend and I whooped loudly, and we weren’t alone in our exultation. It was the end of six long years of political frustration in this country. I was confident Jodie would forgive me for clapping during the middle of her song.

And then suddenly there was Harold, looking like he’d just slept with a million Tennesseans in less than a day with only dry mouth and a blossoming hangover to show for it, conceding defeat. So my vote was for naught, again. I suddenly remembered a certain 2004 Victory for Kerry party downtown, and myself staggering home drunk, crying, and cursing Ohio. The cheeseburger and fries I was munching on at the Urban Bar began to taste about as good as Harold looked.

But as the night wore on, with the cast of Rent taking over Jodie's mic, singing whatever popped into their heads and completely oblivious to the drama on the television screen, it became apparent that --holy shit-- the Democrats might take over the Senate, too. So what if my vote didn’t help Ford win. I was part of a larger picture. Americans, like me, went with the lesser of two evils in states from sea to shining sea. We were collectively kinda grossed out by our actions, but hell, we all took one for the home team.

So in this, the morning after, I do not regret my actions, or worry about the consequences of the afternoon before. Maybe it’s even better this way, because it’ll be Senator Corker, and not Senator Ford, that inevitably screws up, or gets embroiled in controversy, or botches a joke, or eats your babies. And when it happens, I can point and laugh at you for the mess you made by pulling Corker's lever back in November of '06.

Yeah, it sucks I had to give my precious vote up to Harold. But I'm okay with him being out of the picture now. He wasn't very good, anyway.

Posted by Sara Schwabe at 11:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Louisville rockers My Morning Jacket bring their dreamy, soulful jams to the Tennessee Theatre this Friday, Nov. 10th at 8pm.

This group of talented musicians is on its way across the country promoting their epic, live concert album, Okonokos. While they experienced much success and radio-play with their last studio album, Z, this latest live endeavor allows the individual's talents to shine in ways that studio recordings can't. There are certain band that are meant to be heard live - that suffer from the restrictions of trying to make a perfect recording. My Morning Jacket is definitely one of those bands! Their music is filled with intricate melodies. It's clear that each of the members is truly listening to the others at every moment of the performance. Jim James, with his Neil Young-type vocals, is adeptly supported by lyrical - though driving - percussion & guitar riffs. Each element of My Morning Jacket's music, if heard separately, could stand beautifully on its own. All together, the result is a vast blanket of interwoven sounds that soothe and energize at the same time. Okonokos captured the band's confident musicianship as well as its spontaneity. (For a taste of what you'll get live, check out their Bonnaroo set here!)

The group has not always been so sure of itself, however.

The release of Z in 2005 found the band recovering from a period of uncertainty and growth following the departure of two of its core members. The remaining musicians, Jim James, Two-Tone Tommy (bass) and Patrick Hallahan (drums) had debated about whether to continue as a group or venture off on their solo journeys. They described the band as having "it's own force, wanting itself to go on." They felt as though they couldn't walk away from their music and eachother, so they worked tirelessly to find suitable replacements for their ex-members.

Merely "suitable" in no way gives justice to the work of keyboardist, Bo Koster, and guitarist, Carl Broemel. Both have added depth and dimension to My Morning Jacket that can be heard in the versatility of the group. They can switch genres from song to song, and still maintain the integrity of what makes up "their sound". When they play reggae-, country-, folk-, or jazz-influenced songs, they still manage to sound like My Morning Jacket. That's not an easy thing to do when shifting styles like they do!

After their Knoxville show, My Morning Jacket will continue on down the road through the winter. Here is a list of their upcoming tour dates, in case you don't get of them here:

NOVEMBER
10 Knoxville, TN - Tennessee Theatre
12 Atlanta, GA - The Tabernacle
13 Nashville, TN - Ryman Auditorium
15 New Orleans, LA - House of Blues
16 Dallas, TX - Gypsy Tea Room
17 Dallas, TX - Gypsy Tea Room
18 Austin, TX - Stubb's Bar-B-Q
20 St. Louis, MO - The Pageant
21 Milwaukee, WI - Riverside Theatre
22 Louisville, KY - Louisville Gardens
24 Chicago, IL - Riviera Theatre
25 Indianapolis, IN - Clowes Memorial Hall
27 Washington, DC - 9:30 Club
28 Washington, DC - 9:30 Club
30 New York, NY - Roseland Ballroom

DECEMBER
01 Philadelphia, PA - Electric Factory
02 Boston, MA - Avalon Ballroom
04 Cleveland, OH - House of Blues
05 Champaign, IL - Foellinger Auditorium
29 San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore
30 San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore
31 San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore

Tickets to the Knoxville show are still available by visiting the Tennessee Theatre website.

To hear more about My Morning Jacket, you can listen to the interview on NPR's All Songs Considered.

Posted by the 520 gang at 12:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

THE KNOXVILLE MUSEUM OF ART’S ALIVE AFTER FIVE SERIES

On the First Friday of every month, Market Square clothier Vagabondia, in the charming yellow building next door to Subway sandwich shop, has joined with other Market Square District Association members and merchants in hosting a variety of trunk shows and art-related events. Vagabondia specializes in beautiful natural fiber clothing, enchanting hats, jewelry and other accessories. Vagabondia proprietress, Andie Ray, reports she typically invites local jewelry and/or accessories designers to her store during downtown’s popular and festive First Friday affairs, but on Friday, November 3rd, she is “particularly tickled to have my good friend, local artist, Cynthia Markert, bring her “girls” (as she lovingly refers to her paintings) for an art opening and a special silent auction of three beautiful and exquisite boxes that have heretofore been unavailable for purchase.”

This very special First Friday reception will be held from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Ms. Markert will be donating a portion of the auction proceeds to the “free health clinic of America,” which Markert reports “provides free healthcare for the working poor.”

The boxes will be on display on Thursday, November 2nd, and that is when the silent action officially begins. “I may never sell boxes again – at least not anytime soon – they require lots and lots of tedious work!”

In addition to Markert’s very distinct and popular “flapper girl” paintings, Vagabondia also carries Markert’s note cards, posters, prints and t-shirts.

Please step back in time by visiting this cozy little vintage-style shop and meet the artist who paints some of the most recognizable and beloved “girls” in town, view her new art work, and help a worthy cause by participating in this one-of-a-kind silent auction.

Posted by the 520 gang at 12:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Friday the 13th was the 10 yr anniversary of when I broke my back, seemed an excellent time to go for a soak in Hot Springs, NC. Especially since two of the friends that were instrumental in my healing wanted to drive in and soak as well. Jill and her husband Tim came in from Indianapolis, Lisa from Cleveland. We all met at Paddler’s Pub on Bridge Street at 3 PM. Now, that may seem like an insignificant detail but it isn’t. See, there is one thing you won’t see in Hot Springs, NC - people talking on cell phones. There is a pervasive quietness that permeates the place. Not in a lonely, oppressive, big, old library kind of way, but rather a blue jeans and hat, mountain town one. The lack of cell phone coverage slows things down, things happen more as they naturally flow and less as they are ‘forced’ to. It’s a refreshing break from ‘city’ life, actually a break from the 21st century. But it does mean that you have to go back to early 90’s mentality and plan ahead. According to the locals there was already supposed to be coverage. Now they say maybe by next spring? I say enjoy the cell free zone while you can.

First we hiked the Pump Gap Trail. (Which is just over the French Broad River, make that first left, make the next first left, and follow it all the way back till you see a few parking places. There may be a map here, http://www.bluffmountain.com/-Unguided.) There are TONS of places to hike, bike, ride, raft, you can get your Google on or do like I do and just talk to people and ask for places they like. That’s how I found Pump Gap. See, the ‘strip’ A.K.A. Bridge Street, A.K.A. the AT, A.K.A. the Appalachian Trail, is a great place to get hiking recommendations. (Did you get all those A.K.A.’s? Hot Springs has one main street which is the Appalachian Trail.) You are just as likely to meet a family from Florida as a thru hiker doing the AT. One thing you can count on though is that people are friendly in Hot Springs.

Hiking the Pump Gap takes anywhere from an hour and a half to 3 and a half depending on how fast you go, and how well you pay attention to the trail markers, there are some turns. According to Tim’s do-hickey thing we covered an elevation of almost 1500 feet throughout the hike. It’s an up and down meandering kind of thing, absolutely gorgeous, and full on rhodo-tunnels, and some creek crossings. We saw one snake, not of the garter snake variety, so be careful, this is the North Carolina Mountains after all. And four groups of people. I’ve been hiking the Pump Gap for a few years now and I’ve never seen anyone else on the trail any time I’ve gone, so I guess its’ fame is growing? It is a great hike, about 5 miles round trip and it changes dramatically with each season.

After our hike, we were ready to get our grub on. So we cruised over to my favorite spot, and lucked out big time by actually getting a table for 4 at Bridge Street Café with out reservations, on a Friday around 6:30. Probably only happened so I could describe it to you. You often need reservations there anytime of year but especially fall. Fall is the busy season for Hot Springs, NC. The combination of the breath taking beauty surrounding you and the crisp chill evenings that are perfect for hot tubing, is an unbeatable combo and people come from miles to experience it. I have friends that come in from all over the country and even Mexico for a weekend and it always includes Hot Springs. Bridge Street Café has an impressive wine list, with several of my favorites, spanning price ranges from $20 a bottle to $50 or so? They have several beers and everyone found a beverage and meal to meet their cravings at the moment. Tim and I both had the special, which was salmon stuffed with crab in a garlic sauce, polenta with a marinara sauce on it and fresh veggies. Can I just say – mm, mm good. We also got calamari which was awesome. Lisa and Jill both got Angel Hair Puttanesca which they loved. And Lisa is straight out of Italy, so she’s knows her pasta. Beyond the awesome atmosphere; local art on the walls, decorative evergreens, the huge brick oven, and the cute guy that worked further back in the kitchen, Bridge Street also often has live music on Saturday nights out on the cozy, heated deck. And, as if that weren’t enough, the food is organic, and often so local it came from the garden that morning. Everything is homemade and delicious, plus it will appease the hippie in you because they also go to great length to be environmental conscious as well. I try and go there every time I hit Hot Springs. There are some other great places to eat as well. The only other one I’ve been to is Paddler’s Pub, because I can hang out with my dog, Irie on the patio there. They also have great food, but it’s more ‘American’, you know, fried things, and fewer veggies.

After a couple bottles of wine and a relaxed meal we had just enough time to tend to the dogs and get our suits on. I had suggested everyone bring a robe, so I’ll suggest it to you as well. Bring a robe. I, of course don’t own one, but I was glad to see that everyone else brought theirs! See here’s how it works. You get your tub ‘ticket’ and then you go into the heated and quite clean trailers to change into your suit. This is the first place the robes come in handy, oh and you’ll want to bring flip flops too. While you wait for everyone to change you get to circle around a roaring bonfire with who ever else happens to be at Hot Springs and chat while you wait for your tub. All while staying quite warm and toasty in your robe. Oh, and make sure you give your ticket to the crew under the white canopy. The crew consists of locals, usually teenagers, that lead people to the tubs, tell them when to get out, and clean the tubs between each soak. What a gig! As we were being led to our tub one of the guys said, ‘ya’ll enjoy’ or something like that and Tim commented on how ‘together or friendly’ these teenagers were. I guess he’s not as used to southern hospitality as I now am? Regardless they are delightful every time I go, just smiling. So you get led out into the darkness, between some clump of trees or another and suddenly there will be a beautiful gazebo before you with a hot tub bubbling. They have little hooks and for your robe, you can slip it off and be in the water with 15 seconds. See how nicely that works? Remember its cold outside, what with that crisp mountain air and all. The gazebos are built along the French Broad River and if you go during the day you can see that you are surrounded by trees, several species of birds fluttering around, squirrels, and all the other woodland critters. Some of the tubs even have a great view of the river flowing by. The spa did a magnificent job of utilizing the natural resources without exploiting them you don’t see or hear any of the other tubs around you. It is also great fun to go when it’s snowing. The tubs even come in sizes for parties of 2 to 8.

So, we soak under the stars and share stories of 10 plus years of adventure and friendship; Jill and I went to high school together and Lisa and I met in college. Suffice it say, there was plenty of laughter being lifted up that night, remembering the adventures of old, and some not so old. And Tim got to sit in the tub with 3 ladies, which he will hopefully talk up to the guys back home. After an hour, (you can reserve it for longer), one of the teenagers will come up and say you’re time’s up and will you please pull the plug. And then you have to get out in the mountain fresh air again. Here is the second place where the robes come in handy. See everyone else got out and wrapped a big fluffy robe around them. I got out and wrapped a bath towel around myself, which beyond not covering you half as much as a robe (so you get to feel more of that fresh mountain air), leaves you walking back past the teenagers and whoever is at the bonfire wrapped in just a towel. Now, depending on your modesty level, that could be uncomfortable for some, although plenty of people do it, you are in a suit after all.

Hot Springs is my favorite spa – not that I’ve been to any others – but their 800 number is in my cell phone and I usually go about once a month, except in the summer when it’s too hot. It’s only $40 after 6 PM for an hour for 4 people to soak in a tub full of natural hot mineral water, along the French Broad River, under the stars, in the mountains. That’s a no brainer to me. You can see the minerals broken down by percentage and there are massages and all sorts of things you can also book, if you go to their webpage. It is heaven for my back and does wonders for my skin, making it soft and glowing. I also encourage you to bring some empty bottles or buy some there and fill them up with the water; it’s just as good inside of your body as outside. Plus after all that soaking and vino you need to get your drink on. There are several places to stay at the Hot Spring Spa. They have rooms and a cabin all pimped out with a hot tub. Bridge Street Café is also an Inn, and there are other B&B’s, cabins, camping, oh and that great hotel down the street as well. There are even several places that you can have your dog stay with you. Just get your Google on or ask me to find the best place for you. OR, you can always cruise back to Knoxville or go visit with friends in Johnson City or Asheville. It’s about 90 min to get to Hot Springs from Knoxville.

I’ll be back again in a month or less, maybe tomorrow? The town of Hot Springs was built up around these springs. Every time I go I am refreshed and leave relaxed and glowing. The views, the fresh mountain air, the food, the hot tubs, the hikes, the drive itself, and most of all the spirit of the place which quickly settles into those there, whether local or not, all keep me coming back. Hot Springs reminds me that we all need rest, and is one of my favorite places to do it.

Images courtesy of Hot Springs Spa website

Posted by the 520 gang at 11:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)

This urgent message just in from A.C. Entertainment:

We regret to announce that the Taj Mahal Trio show scheduled for Thursday,
November 2 at the Bijou Theatre has been cancelled due to unforeseen
circumstances. Ticket holders may obtain refunds via the following methods:

Full refunds will be provided through the location where ticketholders made
their purchases. Customers should follow the steps below to receive a
refund:

1 ­ If purchased through the Tennessee Theatre box office, tickets should be
mailed to:

Tennessee Theatre
P.O. Box 272
Knoxville, TN 37901

2 ­ If purchased through Cats Music, Disc Exchange, Thompson Boling Arena,
Tickets Unlimited, tennesseetheatre.com, tickets.com, or
knoxvilletickets.com, tickets should be mailed to:

University of Tennessee
Thompson Boling Arena
1600 Phillip Fulmer Way, Suite 202
Knoxville, TN 37996

3 - The following information should be included with all mailed tickets:
Name
Phone number
Address
Method of Payment ­ Cash, Check, Credit Card number

Refunds for tickets purchased via credit card, will be credited to the card
used. If cash or a check was used, the refund will be issued by check to the
address provided with returned tickets. The deadline for refunds is December
31, 2006.

Posted by the 520 gang at 10:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)