Knoxville520.com

We here at Knoxville520 consider ourselves cool and hip, that goes without saying. But that doesn't mean we're above gooey sentiment. Flush with holiday wine and nostalgia, we decided to take a look back at Knoxville 2006 to determine which events in town had the biggest impact on our lives. And, as always, we asked what plays/gigs/concerts/pagan rituals inspired you the most this year. Here's what we all had to say.

The best of 2006 by far has to be the creation of Knoxville's own Roller Derby league, The Hard Knox Roller Girls. Supporting 3 teams, The Lolitas Locas (season champions), The Black Bettys and The Machine Gun Kellys. 40+ bad ass ladies from Knoxville have shed blood, sweat, tears, had tons of bruises, quite a few broken bones, and with a crap load of determination, these hot girls in short skirts have brought back this very violent sport just for your viewing pleasure. What could be better than that??

-Sugaree97

When Awadagin Pratt played Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto #1 with the Knoxville Symphony- I was in the balcony and could hardly stay in my seat.

-Cynthia Markert

It's really impossible to choose from so many good ones, but I guess I have to say Richard Thompson's performance at the Bijou.

-Peter Scheffler

Madama Butterfly, Knoxville Opera, Tennessee Theatre

As a new opera fan, this was my first foreign language opera and I fell in love with Puccini. At the opera's end, when Butterfly commits suicide, the stage curtain dropped immediately and it was over. It was a startling, emotional and blunt ending. Unlike in a Shakespeare tragedy, where many characters die, usually someone comes forth and claims to be in charge and wraps things up. The realism of death being final and leaving the audience hanging the opera's most climatic moment was brilliant. Puccini's secondary characters were also very endearing and the music was beautiful. Within a week after wards, I had opera tickets to Puccini's Turnadot in Nashville and Puccini's Tosca in Atlanta. It was a wonderful tour inspired by the Knoxville Opera's Madama Butterfly.

-Debra Dylan

2006 was another year of great music in Knoxville of which the list would be too long to list. But my favorites are still some that for some reason are little used. WDVX blue plate special comes to mind with stars like Sam Bush, John Cowan, Rodney Crowell, Goose Creek, Jim Lauderdale, Del Mccoury, Marty Stuart to name a few. The Corner Lounge is a cozy place to drink a wide assortment of beer and hear some really great bands too. The Laurel Theater is a well kept secret in Knoxville with well known local and world wide artist with a wide genre of music. But I would have to say my favorite would be Writers Block at the Knoxville Museum of Art. It happens on usually the first Wednesday of the month and who you hear you might not know of but it is always a pleasant surprise. It is a singer songwriter deal and you always go away feeling better for some reason. Of course there are artist you might know there too like R.B. Morris, Jay Clark, Malcolm Holcombe, Maggie Longmire, Karen E. Reynolds to name a few. The last one was Jason Wilber and it was another don't miss show. Go out and buy a Jason Wilber cd and you will get the idea. Who is Jason Wilber you say? He has played guitar for John Prine for the last 11 years. It is here in Knoxville so get out and enjoy. The local band scene is better than ever before check out bands like The Lonetones, The Drunk Uncles, The Band of Humans, The Bearded, Sara Schwabe, Scott Miller, Dark Hollow Band, Lonesome Coyotes, Mountain Heart, Robinella, Wildfire the list goes on and on. You missed 2006. Do not miss 2007. The best way to keep up? You DO know that. You are here!!!!

-Dennis Double

My opinion of the best entertainment event of 2006, huh? Well, as host of Writer's Block, I'd be remiss if didn't say that the concert series has had the biggest impact on MY life. I'm constantly amazed at the talent that, while appreciated by discerning listeners, still aren't household names. I've been blessed this past year with a front row seat to some of the best independent artists around. They've all been spectacular and just when I think another artist can't possibly put on a better performance, the next one surpasses the previous. Amazing. I am always moved and always entertained...and I'm an old fart, jaded musician myself. I've already seen and heard more music than most people hear in a lifetime. I'm, frankly, hard to impress...yet the artists who play this series consistently blow me away with their songs, voices and ability to connect and move the audience.

A bonus of this is that I witness, time and time again, the support that Knoxville concert goers are always willing to provide. People who genuinely appreciate the music and the people behind it, flock in by the droves and buy cds like they're going out of style. God love 'em! . So, clearly, I'd have to say that the series has had the most impact on my year. I may be the host, but it has nothing to do with me...it's about the music. Always.

Taking things a little beyond my orbit of all things "Block", the event that made a most distinctive mark on my entertainment memory, was this year's Hank Days. So many wonderful local folk were heard and they seriously rocked the Old City in the name of charity. Playing for free...honoring one of Knoxville's own heroes, one Mr. Terry Hill, and providing lessons and instruments to youngun's here in East Tennessee, insuring that the music scene in Knoxville remains in good hands. I mean...does it GET any better'n that?

And I gotta toss props to the 520 Team. Your presence has been a boon to all; venues, artists, music lovers and visitors to our fair citeh! You've made an indelible impact on all of us. Much Obliged for all you do!

Kudos to ALL the events, efforts and happenings that continue to make Knoxville THE place to be for great music and fun. I'm a Knoxville girl...Fountain City, specifically...and in my own musical travels, am always proud to boast that we have it going on in these parts.

KnoxVegas...may we always kick musical ass!

Best to Y'all for a happy and prosperous 2007!

-Karen E. Reynolds

Well, as usual, I'm going to be selfish. My favorite event of Knoxville 2006 was the back-to-back performance marathon of Rocky Horror at The Fairbanks on Halloween. The crowd was rabid, the drinks were plenty, and blood, sweat, and feathers littered the stage. 'Twas beautiful.

-Joe Beuerlein

I think the two Knoxville performances that moved me the most both took place at the Bijou: Jamie Cullum and The Dresden Dolls. Both shows featured artists of more than exceptional talent, charisma and showmanship. Both shows made me want to be a better musician and performer, myself. During 2006, I was shown time and time again that the Arts are alive and growing in Knoxville. Just think of how great 2007 will be!

-Sara Schwabe