FEBRUARY 28-MARCH 1 MAY 5-7 MAY 26-28 JANUARY 26-28 FEBRUARY 17-18
Publisher
Lisa Durbin
Creative Director
Jon Bill Forrester
Managing Editor
Peggy Gale
Distribution
Herbie Durbin
Jon Bill Forrester
Entertainment Coordinator
Andreax Jarre
Public Relations Correspondent
Lee Lee Williams
Contributing Staff
Andy Ross
Kathie Scalf
Ken Silvers
Wendy Hayden
Ann Hartley
The Loafer
Po Box 39
Telford, Tn 37690
423-930-7319
www.theloafer.net
theloaferonlineprint@gmail.com
All advertisements are accepted and published by the publisher upon the representation that the agency and/or advertiser is authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof. The agency and/or advertiser will indemnify and save the publisher harmless from any lossof expense resulting from claims or suits based upon contents of any advertisement, including claims or suits for defamation, libel, right of privacy, plagiarism, and copyright infringement.
Founder: Bill Williams
Hello Friends!
Happy Fall!!!! I miss Summer already but this is a beautiful time of the year. The crisp in the air is a nice relief to the 90 degree temperatures. I am sure you have noticed you have not seen your Loafer on the stands every week. The sad truth is that printing costs are not always affordable to put out the paper each week. We love bringing you all of the great information but we do need some ads to keep printing. We would love to chat with you about advertising with us. Our costs are very affordable as we are not looking to get rich but only to keep The Loafer on the stands for everyone to enjoy.
and fun Halloween and also remember this is breast cancer awareness month so wear your pink!
Bristol TN/Va
The Down Home
Wednesday, October 9 | 7:30PM
The Arcadian Wild
Saturday, November 8 | 8:00pm
Ketch Secor
Sunday, November9 | 3:00pm
Ketch Secor
Johnson City
Rock Casino
Thursday, October 9 | 8:00PM
Samantha Gray & Jukebox Jam
Friday, October 10 | 6:00PM
Victor Lawson and Boogie Chillen
Friday, October 10 | 7:00PM
Appalachian Trail
Bluegrass Band
Friday, October 10 | 9:30PM
The Warman Trio
Saturday, October 11 | 10:00AM
Courtney Logan
Saturday, October 11 | 7:00PM
Bella Lam
Saturday, October 11 | 8:00PM
Cody Glenn Cox
Saturday, October 11 | 10:00PM
Flannel
Sunday, October 12 | 10:00AM
Sandra Parker
Thursday, October 16 | 8:00PM
Lauren Cole Band
Friday, October 17 | 7:00PM
The Cory Stevenson Band
Spotlight
Friday, October 17 | 7:00PM
Travis Reigh
Friday, October 17 | 9:30PM
Clay Page
Saturday, October 18 | 10:00AM
Clay Page
Saturday, October 18 | 7:00PM
The Jazz Favorites
Saturday, October 18 | 8:00PM
Bill Dotson
Saturday, October 18 | 10:00PM
Travis Reigh Band
Sunday, October 19 | 10:00AM
Alli Epperson
Thursday, October 23 | 7:00PM NGXB
Thursday, October 23 | 8:00PM
From the Edge
Friday, October 24 | 6:00PM
Cody Glenn Cox
Friday, October 24 | 7:00PM NGXB
Friday, October 24 | 9:30PM
Jon Stickley Trio
Saturday, October 25 | 10:00AM
TJ Darnell
Saturday, October 25 | 7:00PM NGXB
Saturday, October 25 | 8:00PM
If Birds Could Fly
Sunday, October 26 | 10:00AM
Corey Snowden
Thursday, October 30 | 8:00PM
Aaron Walker
Hard
SODOKU CROSSWORD
DROP QUOTE
ACROSS
1. Turkish bigshots
5. Suzanne Vega hit
9. Sort of port
14. 2002's "___ and Stitch"
15. Poofy ‘dos
16. "The Three Faces ___" (1957 film)
17. Dramatic percussion intros
19. Bengal cat
20. Aquatic organisms
21. Makes secure
23. ____ Luthor of "Superman"
25. Does again
30. Motto of New Hampshire
33. Printemps month
35. "Das Lied von der ___" (Mahler)
36. Yanks' manager
37. Wile E.'s mail order company
39. Pooch that says "Arf!"
42. Santa soiler
43. Nile city
45. Prefix meaning "bull"
47. UN workers' agcy.
48. Business's building
52. Stanzas of six lines
53. Kwik-E-Mart operator, on TV
54. Shows fatigue
57. Alpha's opposite
61. Collector's violin
65. Billiards game
67. It may be intended
68. X-____ (tool brand)
69. Daredevil Knievel
70. Playground favorite
71. Breathing-related, briefly
72. Glassmaker Lalique
Down
1. Actor Alan
2. St. Pauli ____ (beer brand)
3. Chug-____ (guzzle)
4. Horn of Africa resident
5. "Girl on TV" boy band
6. Dot-com addresses
7. German name of Cologne
8. Promise
9. Trendy nightclub
10. Org. with top 100 movie lists
11. Relax, informally
12. Adam's mate
13. ___ tamid (synagogue lamp)
18. Superman player
22. "Gosh!"
24. Gen-____
26. God of love
27. Deft
28. Milieu for skiers: var.
29. Take responsibility for
30. Boundaries
31. Govt. health watchdog
32. Landlords' income
33. Medieval weapons
34. Make ___ for (justify)
38. Latin I verb
40. "Well, lah-di-___!"
41. Colorado River city
44. Following orders
46. Transplant a plant
49. Like zeppelins (abbr.)
50. "No kidding!"
51. Show song
55. Enjoyable
56. Superiors of cpls.
58. Projecting edge on a roof
59. Singer Campbell
60. Everybody, to Erich
61. Response (abbr.)
62. Do a yard job
63. Bee-related (prefix)
64. Wine container
66. Move like a rabbit
TRI-CITIES NIGHTLIFE
WEDNESDAY
Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at The Pub Out Back (The Italian Pizza Pub) - Johnson City 7pm
Karaoke w/ Eric Huskins VFW Post 2108 – Johnson City, TN 8pm
Karaoke Night at Wonderland Lounge and Bar - Johnson City, TN 9pm
Karaoke with Ron at Kingsport Moose Lodge 6:30pm
Loudmouth Karaoke at Michael Waltrip Brewing Company - Bristol, VA on Wednesday, April 5th at 7pm
THURSDAY
Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Tulips Grub & Pub - Johnson City, TN 8pm
Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at Wild Wings Cafe - Johnson City, TN 9pm
Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City, TN 10pm
Karaoke at Jiggy Rays Pizzeria - Johnson City, TN
Karaoke at Tipsy Toad Tavern - Jonesborough, TN
FRIDAY
Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at Rainbow Asian Cuisine - Johnson City, TN 9pm
Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at The Sports Mill - Kingsport, TN 8pm
Karaoke w/ Eric Huskins VFW Post 2108 – Johnson City, TN 8pm
Karaoke at Numan’s – Johnson City, TN 10pm
Karaoke with Handsome Hodge Entertainment at O’Mainnin’s Pub and Grille - Bristol, TN 10pm
SATURDAY
Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at Tulips Grub & Pub Johnson City, TN 8pm
Karaoke at Numan’s – Johnson City, TN 10pm
Karaoke w/ Eric Huskins VFW Post 2108 – Johnson City, TN 8pm
Karaoke at Numan’s – Johnson City, TN 10pm
Karaoke with DJ Clyde and Prestige Entertainment at Macado’s -Kingsport, TN 9pm
Karaoke with Handsome Hodge Entertainment at O’Mainnin’s Pub and Grille - Bristol, TN 10pm
TRIVIA BINGO DJ NIGHT
TUESDAY
Team Trivia at Wild Wing Café Johnson City TN
DJ Trivia at Union Street Taproom Erwin, TN 5pm
Trivia at The Corner Bar Bristol, VA 8pm
Trivia at Aubrey’s Johnson City 7pm
WEDNESDAY
Trivia at Tipsy Toad Jonesborough, TN 7pm
Trivia Night Mellow Mushroom Bristol, VA 7pm
Trivia at Aubrey’s Bristol 7pm
THURSDAY
Mellow Trivia at Mellow Mushroom
Johnson City, TN- 7pm
Trivia at Riverside Taphouse at South Fork
Bluff City, TN 7pm
TUESDAY
Singo at Riverside Taphouse at South Fork Bluff City, TN 6:30pm
WEDNESDAY
Bingo at Tipton Street Pub
Johnson City, TN 9pm
Singo at Holy Taco & Cantina
Boones Creek, TN 8pm
Blazin’ Bingo at Mellow Mushroom Johnson City, TN 6pm
THURSDAY
Bingo at Mellow Mushroom Bristol VA 6pm
Singo at Aubrey’s Bristol 7:00 PM
THURSDAY
DJ B-Digital at O’Mainnin’s Pub and GrilleBristol, TN 10pm
FRIDAY
Handsome Hodge Entertainment at O’Mainnin’s Pub - Bristol, TN 10pm
SATURDAY
Handsome Hodge Entertainment at O’Mainnin’s Pub - Bristol, TN 10pm
SUNDAY
DJ B-Digital at O’Mainnin’s Pub and GrilleBristol, TN 10pm
Grammy-Nominated Professor Helps Restore Appalachian Recordings
A century after pioneering music producer
Ralph Peer set up recording equipment in Asheville, North Carolina, an East Tennessee State University professor is helping bring those groundbreaking sessions back to life.
Dr. Ted Olson, Grammy-nominated professor in ETSU’s Department of Appalachian Studies, has contributed research, production and writing expertise to “Music from the Land of the Sky: The 1925 Asheville Sessions,” a new album featuring 28 restored and remastered tracks from the historic recording sessions. The original recordings represent some of the earliest commercial recording sessions conducted on location in the American South – and the first-ever commercial recordings of any music genre made in Appalachia or the Carolinas.
“Reissuing the Asheville recordings from 1925 a century after they were made will help expand our collective understanding of the origins of country music,” Olson said.
Rewriting music history
The 1925 sessions captured influential Appalachian musicians including Ernest Stoneman, Kelly Harrell, Henry Whitter, Wade Ward and Bascom Lamar Lunsford. Vaudeville musician Emmett Miller also recorded his first version of “Lovesick Blues,” a song later made famous by Hank Williams Sr.
“This new project highlights the central role of the Asheville recordings in country music’s origin story,” Olson said.
Released on Rivermont Records with Grammy-nominated sound engineer Bryan Wright handling restoration, the album continues Olson’s extensive work documenting 1920s-era location recording sessions. He again teamed with veteran oldtime music scholar Tony Russell to produce detailed liner notes.
The collaboration has proven successful before. The pair received Grammy nominations and other music industry recognition for their work with Bear Family Records documenting the 1927-28 Bristol sessions, the 1928-29 Johnson City sessions and the 1929-30 Knoxville sessions.
Leading Appalachian music research
As professor of Appalachian studies and bluegrass, old-time, and roots music, Olson represents the kind of specialized expertise that makes ETSU’s Department of Appalachian Studies a leading program in traditional Appalachian music study. His work exemplifies the premier scholarship that contributes to ETSU’s reputation as the flagship university of Appalachia.
To mark the centennial, Asheville will host four days of concerts and community celebrations from Nov. 6-9. The program includes talks by Olson and other album contributors. More information is available at exploreasheville.com/ historic-asheville-sessions.
OF THE WEEK PETS
He is a Pit Bull Terrier and is VERY lovable, weighs 58 lbs, loves to lay in your lap and nap in the sunshine. He is good with kids, somewhat dog selective, knows She is an 8 yr old tabby and a beautiful round bundle of love and purrs. Piggy has a calm and kind personality, would prefer to be the only cat or at least
There are 5 Happy Ghosts hidden in this issue of The Loafer. Can you find them all?
another low energy chilled out cat that wouldn’t steal her food !!! She doesn’t get in a rush for anything and does the slow blink of affection!!! basic commands, loves to go on walks and is great on a leash. Let’s get him a home before his bday9/30/18. He has been at the rescue way too long.
This Week's Puzzle Answers
If you are interested in adopting :
The Bridge Home No Kill Animal Shelter 423-239-5237 • 2061 Highway 75
Dropquote:
"Most vegetarians look so much like the food they eat that they can be classified as cannibals."
Pro-Art is organizing an arts-themed group field trip to Italy from May 13th – 27th, 2026. This educational and immersive experience will take participants through the heart of Milan, Venice, and Florence, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and adventure. Travelers will have the opportunity to engage with the art, music, theater, and architectural landscapes of Italy while enjoying the many benefits of group travel, like cost savings, safety and security, organized logistics, and a flexible itinerary allowing for solo/ smaller group travel over the course of the two-week-long cultural adventure.
The estimated cost for the trip is $3975 per person for a double-occupancy hotel room. The price includes roundtrip airfare, hotel accommodations, a fourday rail pass for train transportation between cities, and admission to select museums, exhibits, and performances. There are limited spots available on a first come, first served basis. A nonrefundable deposit of $1325 secures your spot. We will accept applications and deposits beginning Oct. 1st until the trip is full, or by Nov. 1st at the latest.
Pro-Art Announces Field Trip to Italy
After two successful trips—to Montreal and Quebec City in 2023, and to New York City last spring, Pro-Art’s thirdannual field trip is a unique opportunity for participants to delve into the vibrant culture and history of Italy while enjoying the stunning landscapes and experiences the country has to offer. The trip includes admission to the Uffizi Gallery and the Gallery of the Academy of Florence (home to Michelangelo’s “David”), the Basilica of Santa Croce, Saint Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Milan Cathedral, select music and theater productions, two group dinners, and more. Embark on an incredible journey with Pro-Art through Italy this spring!
For more information and to sign up for the field trip, please visit proartva. org/field-trips. Please note that there will be substantial walking each day. Please communicate with Pro-Art staff any accessibility needs that you may have regarding the trip. Contact: (276) 376-4520 or contact@proartva.org. ProArt will hold a general interest meeting for the trip on Tuesday, October 7th at 7 p.m. in classroom 114 of the Gilliam
Center for the Arts at UVA Wise. All are welcome to attend to meet other travelers and ask questions. Meeting attendance is not required to participate in the trip.
Pro-Art is supported in part by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, which
receives support from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as the C. Bascom Slemp Foundation, The University of Virginia’s College at Wise, and Mountain Empire Community College. For more information, please visit proartva.org
THINGS TO DO THINGS TO DO
ROAN MOUNTAIN FALL-O-DENDRON FESTIVAL
October 11
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Roan Mountain State Park 1015 Highway 143
Roan Mountain, TN 423-547-3900
TRIPRIDE PARADE AND FESTIVAL
October 11
11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Founders Park 225 Commerce St Johnson City, TN
STORIES FROM THE PUMPKIN PATCH
October 11
3:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site 2620 S. Roan St Johnson City, TN 423-926-3631
NFL SUNDAY, BRUNCH, & BOTTOMLESS MIMOSAS
October 12 (Weekly Event)
11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Off Leash Social 234 Denny Mill Rd
Johnson City, TN
MAIN STREET DAYS
October 18
11:00 am - 7:00 pm Main Street
300 Main Street
Johnson City, TN
BOO!SEUM
October 23
5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Hands On! Discovery Center at Gray Fossil Site 1212 Suncrest Drive Gray TN (423) 434-4263
MACABRE: TALES OF POE & WOE – PUBLIC READING
October 23
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Fischman Gallery 133 N Commerce St Johnson City, TN 423-430-8441
BLUE RIDGE ARTISAN DAYS: AUTUMN MARKET & CRAFT FAIR
October 24
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
October 25 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
Appalachian Fairgrounds 100 Lakeview St Gray, TN
HAUNTING TALES AT HANDS ON!
October 24
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Hands On! Discovery Center at Gray Fossil Site 1212 Suncrest Drive Gray TN (423) 434-4263
DOWNTOWN TRICK-OR-TREAT
October 31
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Downtown Johnson City 300 E. Main St
Johnson City, TN
MADE AROUND HERE MARKET
November 7
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
November 8 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Jonesborough Visitor Center and Emporium 117 Boone St Jonesborough, TN 423-753-1010
HOLIDAY MARKET 2025
November 15
11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Pavilion at Founder’s Park 105 W Main St Johnson City, TN
Fall Color Arriving in Appalachia’s Highest Elevations
The highest peaks of Appalachia are approaching their moment, with color rapidly developing above 5,000 feet and peak displays expected through the end of September.
That’s according to East Tennessee State University’s latest fall foliage report.
Travis Watson, ETSU’s campus arborist, hiked along the Tennessee/North Carolina border over the weekend, walking from Round Bald to Carvers Gap.
“I am seeing a lot of color development in places basically over 5,000 feet in elevation,” Watson said. “Lots of yellows as the hickories, poplars, birches and walnuts are turning and beginning to drop leaves.”
Where to Find Peak Color Now
For those ready to start leaf peeping this weekend, Watson recommends heading to the upper reaches of the mountains.
The newly reopened sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway on the North Carolina side and the Great Smoky Mountains should provide excellent viewing opportunities and photo-worthy scenery.
“I suspect that these highest peaks will be at or approaching peak color through the end of September, and more consistent color will be visible in our more local mountains by the first week of October,” Watson said.
The Tennessee State Parks system has highlighted excellent viewing locations throughout the state, including Roan Mountain State Park and Rocky Fork State Park, both offering stunning vistas as autumn transforms the landscape.
Weather Impact
Recent rainfall should help reduce early leaf drop, though Watson cautioned that heavy rains and winds can bring down leaves from trees already in transition. Most mountain ranges in Northeast Tennessee have high points in the 3,000- to 4,000-foot range, meaning their peak displays will arrive slightly later than the upper slopes.
Views from Round Bald into North Carolina and Tennessee remain primarily green with emerging patches of color. It’s a sign that the progression is unfolding naturally across different elevations.
Regional Variability Continues
The season’s development reflects the geographic diversity that makes Appalachian fall color so dynamic, and local conditions create significant variability. That means spectacular displays may be just around the corner from areas still showing predominantly green.
“If it isn’t pretty enough where you are standing, just start walking or driving and you will probably find something beautiful around the corner or over the hill,” Watson said.
Overall conditions suggest the region remains on track for a stunning season.
About ETSU Fall Color Reports
ETSU publishes weekly fall color reports each Friday throughout the season, combining scientific expertise with deep regional knowledge to help residents and visitors experience the best of Appalachian autumn. As the flagship university of Appalachia, ETSU is uniquely positioned to share both the science and beauty of the region’s spectacular fall displays.
Acoustic Autumn Series Returns with Full Lineup
Mark your calendars for this year’s Acoustic Autumn series, happening on Thursdays in October from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Founders Park Amphitheater, located at 225 Commerce St.
Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or folding chairs to settle into the amphitheater’s comfortable, tiered lawn seating.
While you are downtown, take the opportunity to enjoy dinner at one of the many local restaurants or browse the unique selection of shops before the music starts.
“Grab a to-go bite from your favorite downtown spot, and then head over to Founders Park for our favorite fall tradition,” said Special Events Manager Sara DelBene.
“Acoustic Autumn concerts are free and open to all ages, making it the
perfect evening outing for families, friends, and neighbors.”
The concert schedule is as follows:
Thursday, Oct. 2 — Thomas Cassell
Thursday, Oct. 9 — Madi Foster
Thursday, Oct. 16 — Dan Trull
Thursday, Oct. 23 — Trevin Sluss
Thursday, Oct. 30 — Seth Thomas
This music series is sponsored by East Tennessee State University, TownView Senior Living, Brightspeed, and Johnson City Eye Clinic.
www.downtownjctn.com/acoustic
Social Sentiments
By Wendy Hayden
Evolve Your Brand
Learning is a constant process. If you feel as if you already know everything there is to know about your field, how can your followers expect to learn from you? Refusal to grow hinders your ability to be seen as a leader because you are showing your followers that you are not open to varying opinions. The world is full of lessons to learn and if you are unwilling to pursue continuous education, your brand will suffer.
Learning about your customer base will help you interact with them in a way that makes them feel important. Feeling heard is an important step in gaining and retaining customers. Learning about what they like about your company and what can be
changed helps them feel heard and brings confidence to your brand.
Digging into your company can provide insight that you never thought of. Knowing what makes your brand successful opens a world of possibilities. Are you successful at creating happy employees? They can champion your brand. Dive deep into your brand, learn the ins and outs, and change the way the world sees your business.
Evolving with your brand can help you connect with your customer base and bring a positive experience to your brand. A willingness to continue learning will bring your brand into a whole new light.
Fall Favorites
Gather your flannels and prepare your harvests, fall is finally upon us! Saturday, September 23 at 2:50a is the official date and time for this year’s autumnal equinox, and following a summer of record-setting heat I am beyond ready for longer nights and cooler temperatures. Beyond the fact that cold weather months are my preferred time to thrive in general, there are certain things about this time of year that bring me immense joy that you may or may not already know about. For that reason and to avoid gatekeeping, I am going to share with you my list of Fall Favorite Things – look out Oprah! This wouldn’t be a Kathie Scalf certified list without starting at food and beverage. While it’s hard to beat the farm-fresh produce of summer, I must admit I’m a fan of the heartier fare that accompanies cozy nights indoors. Root veggies and roasts, red wines and whiskeys, these are
definitely a few of my favorite things! All your fine dining and boutique restaurants will be switching their menus in the surrounding weeks to reflect the season; make your reservations now to be first in line to sample hearty soups, slow roasted meats and spiced desserts. These changes extend far beyond the kitchen and into the lounge as well. Any bar worth their margarita salt will roll out fresh features that incorporate seasonal herbs and flavors into their signature cocktails and update their wine lists to compliment the new cuisine. Summer-centric flavors like melon, lime, basil, and mint will take a backseat to ginger, sage, cinnamon, apples, oranges and nuts, while wines featured by-the-glass will swap light, crisp whites and rose’s for earthy and robust reds. I haven’t confirmed, but I would imagine Juniper, Gourmet, and Timber will be leading the pack in the Tri-Cities when it comes to exceptional seasonal menus.
Long, cold nights are also the perfect time for staying home, which is why another one of my fall favorite things is hosting house parties. Not the kind we all snuck out to in high school of course, but elevated home experiences that are intimate and relaxed and perfect bonding with close family and friends. Start by making custom simmer pots for natural air infusions that will greet your guests from the time they step through the door and create an aroma illusion that sets the tone for a warm, cozy evening. Simply toss orange peels, apple slices, cinnamon sticks and cloves into a pot of boiling water and let it simmer all day, adding fresh water as needed. These pots will not only perfume the air inside your home, it will also add muchneeded humidity that is stripped away from constantly running the heat during winter months. Theme nights are always fun and encourage
guest participation; choose a topic like “charcuterie,” “Italian,” “soups,” or “Friendsgiving” and go potluck style. Create an online group invite where everyone can list 1 food and 1 beverage item they’re bringing to prevent duplicates, then fill in the gaps as needed. No cold-weather get-together would be complete without a fire, so invest in a firepit for after-dinner drinks, discussions and s’mores. Everyone will save money and be able to avoid crowded, noisy bars full of people they don’t like and bad music they don’t want to listen to.
Autumn is also the best time of year for festivals. I hate nothing more than suffering through outdoor events in summer months; during September and October the weather is much more agreeable and predictable. From Oktoberfests to Pumpkinfests to harvest grape stomps, it’s time to get your butts outside this Fall. The Tri-Cities is centrally situated for enjoying all of autumn’s splendor and everywhere you turn, folks are celebrating within a 1 hour radius. A quick Google search of “festivals in Tri-Cities TN/western NC” will return more options than you’ll ever have time to commit to and fill your weekends with outdoor family fun.
Finally, there’s never a bad time to focus on mental health matters, but October being Depression Awareness Month shines an extra bright light on an issue that affects most everyone I know at some time or the other. I’m someone who has lived with bouts of depression for as long as I can remember, so I will probably do a more in-depth feature article in the coming weeks in honor of this dedicated awareness holiday. In the meantime, we can all use the changing of the seasons to really look inward and work toward improving our headspace. For me, I always have better mental clarity when my
by Kathie Scalf
living spaces are less cluttered and organized, so it’s nice to use the longer evenings stuck indoors to do some housekeeping. Remove things that no longer serve a purpose to make room for the new- that advice can go for your home OR your head. Also use the extra time at home to get in the habit of journaling and reading; sometimes just getting intangible thing out of your brain and making them tangible on paper is enough to clear the muck. Align your mind with the seasons and remember that like leaves on trees, there is beauty in letting go of dying things and that new growth will soon be right around the corner.
These are a just a handful of my favorite fall things, but the list could go on. Create your own list and start ticking things off, because before we know it we will be in full holiday chaos!
XO - Kathie
The classic film "Jaws" is considered by film historians to be the first summer blockbuster in the history of cinema. Translation: sold out showings, massive merchandising, uber fans and sequels. The film was based on the 1974 Peter Benchely novel of the same name, and hit theatres in the summer of 1975. I was one of the many curious and excited fans who saw the movie that summer, which is quite amazing since I am only 30 (LOL!). The impact of this film on Hollywood was amazing, and summer became the time when "event" movies became as much a part of summer as did vacations, as "Star Wars" was soon to follow. So it was with much excitement that I learned the film was being re-released to theaters in the 3D format. I was able to attend the film with some friends one of whom had never seen the film on the big screen, and one who had never SEEN it before. Needless to say, one friend loved the big screen experience and the other really enjoyed the film in general. Of course most of us know the movie follows Amity Island police chief Martin Brody (Roy Scheider) as he attempts to prepare the island for the invading tourists coming to celebrate the 4th of July. Of
By Ken Silvers theloaferonlineprint
Jaws Revisited
course something else is invading the island after a girl is attacked while swimming one night while attending a beach party. When Brody discovers the remains of the unfortunate swimmer, he realizes the beach must be closed, but is met with strong resistance by local business owners and the town's unscruplious mayor. In a moment of utter stupidity the mayor attempts to convince Brody and the coroner the girl was killed in a boating accident. Brody is still extremely worried and frightened for the vacationers, and his concerns come to fruition when a boy is attacked and killed in the view of a crowded beach. This leads to a bounty being placed on the shark, and the first appearance of professional shark hunter Quint (Robert Shaw). Also showing up to investigate is marine biologist Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss), who often clashes with Quint. The local fishermen and other reckless men set out to sea in an attempt
to catch the shark for the huge bounty. When one fisherman catches a tiger shark, the locals feel the killer shark is now dead. Not so fast. After Brody and Hooper find another corpse that has been attacked by a shark, their attempts to close the beaches fail again thanks to the stubborn mayor. After another shark attack, this time in a lagoon, the mayor finally agreed to hire Quint to track down the shark, and he is joined by Hooper and Brody. Their adventures aboard a small boat are exciting and feature the classic line "we're going to need a bigger boat" after seeing the great white shark for the first time. This was director Steven Spielberg's second feature film, and he nearly backed out of the project, and movie fans everywhere should be grateful he did not, as we probably wouldn't have the classic film loved by so many. One of the best aspects of the film, is how Speilberg decided to film from the sharks pov, due to
issues with the mechanical shark used in the film. This technique actually made the shark seem even more terrifying, an unseen danger. The film has the ever familiar soundtrack composed by John Williams, who would create so many famous film soundtracks in the coming years, and who early in his career is credited as Johnny Willimas for composing the themes for the 1960's television show "Lost in Space". Many fans may not realize actor Richard Dreyfuss stated the following: "We started the film without a script, without a cast and without a shark". The aforementioned is quite shocking considering how this film became a classic of American cinema. If there is ever another opportunity to see "Jaws" on the big screen and in 3D, run to the theater, and you will feel like you are in the water and in the middle of cinema history. (Rated PG)
CONCERT SCHEDULE CONCERT SCHEDULE
Jan 30 Thunderstruck: America’s AC/DC Tribute
Feb 6 Wizard of Oz on Ice
Feb 9 Dean Z: The Ultimate Elvis
Oct 3 Henry Cho
Oct 4 Mac McAnally
Oct 9 Judy Collins
Oct 17 Best of the Eagles-Tribute
Oct 23 Ozark Mountain Daredevils
Oct 24
Josh Blue
Nov 7 Jamie Lissow
HARD ROCK LIVE
Oct 3 Ron White
Oct 4 Melissa Etheridge
Oct 10 The Temptations & The Four Tops
Oct 24 Jay Leno
Nov 7 The Revivalists
Nov 8 Jo Dee Messina
Nov 21 Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin
Dec 7 Wheel of Fortune live
JOHNSON CITY
JOHNSON CITY TN
MARTIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Nov 5 Mania-The ABBA Experience
Nov 8 Matthew West
Nov 16 Christmas with The Celts
FREEDOM HALL
Nov 7 Gary Allan with Mark MacKay
Nov 8 The Awakening Tour with Skillet, Jeremy Camp and We are Messengers
NISWONGER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Oct 12 The Righteous Brothers
Oct 18 Josh Turner
Oct 25 Floyd Nation: Wish You Were Here Tour
Nov 2 Straight No Chaser
Nov 8 Darci Lynne & Friends
Nov 9 Mark Chesnutt
Nov 15 Ben Fuller
Nov 20 Orleans & Atlanta Rhythm Section
Dec 7 The Oak Ridge Boys
Dec 12 Natalie Grant & Danny Gokey
Celebrate Christmas
Feb 11 38 Special
Mar 20 The Breakers: A Tribute to Tom Petty
Apr 11 Dailey & Vincent
Apr 17 1964 The Tribute
Apr 25 Yacht Rock the Dock with Ambrosia & John Ford Coley
May 3 The Texas Tenors
May 8 BlackHawk
May 19 Brothers of the Heart
MARION VA
MARION VA
THE LINCOLN THEATRE
Oct 4 Lorrie Morgan
Oct 17 Darren Knight (Southern Momma)
Nov 1 Rhonda Vincent & The Rage with Suzy Boggus
Big Stone Gap, VA:
BIG STONE GAP, VA
BLUE HIGHWAY FESTIVAL
Oct 8-12 Blue Highway, American Idol winner Chayce Beckham, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, The Cleverlys, Lonesome River Band, Dan Tyminski Band and many others
Knoxville
BIJOU THEATRE
Oct 3 Yonder Mountain String Band
Oct Mary Chapin Carpenter & Brandy Clark
Oct 8 Melvins
Oct 12 Eric Johnson
Nov 6 The Wood Brothers
Nov 7 & 8 Emily Ann Roberts
Nov 21 & 22 The Steeldrivers
Dec 8 Squirrel Nut Zippers
Mar 13 Margret Cho
TENNESSEE THEATRE
Oct 4 Henry Cho
Nov 23 Watchhouse
Dec 7 NeedToBreathe
Dec 10 The Allman Betts Family Revival
Dec 26 Manheim Steamroller
THOMPSON BOWLING ARENA
Oct 9 Zach Top
Oct 16 Brandon Lake
Oct 24 Lainey Wilson
Nov 4 Jonas Brothers
Dec 13 Pentatonix
Jan 16 Rascal Flatts, Chris Lane and Lauren Alaina
KNOXVILLE CIVIC AUDITORIUM
Sep 26 The Black Jacket SymphonyAn evening of Yacht Music
Oct 10 John Crist
Oct 17 Steve Martin and Martin Short
Oct 24 Jo Koy
Nov 20 Killers of Kill Tony
Mar 17 Joe Bonamassa
KNOXVILLE CIVIC COLISEUM
Oct 17 Crowder and others
Nov 6 Warren Zeiders
Nov 20 Dustin Lynch & Scotty McCreery
MARYVILLE
MARYVILLE, TN
THE SHED
Sep 12 Morgan Wade
Oct 4 Jackyl
Oct 10 JJ Grey & Mofro
Oct 24 Gov’t Mule
Oct 25 Fred Eaglesmith & The Velvet Frogs
ASHEVILLE
ASHEVILLE NC
THE ORANGE PEEL
Oct 7 Melvins
Oct 18 JohnnySwim
Oct 24 Margaret Cho
Oct 30 The Beths
EXPLOREASHEVILLE.COM ARENA
Oct 25 Turnpike Troubadours
Oct 29 Parcels
Nov 15 Dwight Yoakam & The Mavericks
Dec 31 The Avett Brothers
THOMAS WOLFE AUDITORIUM
Oct 9 Aaron Lewis & the Stateliners
Oct 10 Ben Folds
Nov 3 The Rock Orchestra By Candlelight
Nov 7 TobyMac
Nov 16 NeedToBreathe
Feb 9 Sal Vulcano
Cherokee, N.C.
CHEROKEE, NC
HARRAH’S CHEROKEE
Oct 10
Rick Springfield and Richard Marx
Oct 18 Little River Band
Oct 25 Clint Black
Nov 14
Tracy Lawrence
Dec 13 John Morgan
Greenville sc
GREENVILLE, SC
BON SECOURS WELLNESS ARENA
Oct 4 7th Annual Greenville Blues Festival
Oct 16 Keith Urban
Mar 14 Joe Bonamassa
Pikeville, Ky
PIKEVILLE, KY
APPALACHIAN WIRELESS ARENA
Oct 2 Red Clay Strays
Oct 9 Turnpike Troubadours
Oct 17
Gary Allan
Nov 7 Warren Zeiders
Dec 14
Jan 17
Tommy Emmanuel, C.G.P.
Twitty & Lynn: A Salute to Conway and Loretta
Jan 20 STOMP
Oct 7 ZZ Top
Oct 8 An Acoustic Evening with Rick Springfield and Richard Marx
Oct 10 The Head and the Heart
Nov 17- 19 They Might Be Giants
Nov 21 & 22 Watchhouse
Dec 2 All Them Witches
Nov 9 Seether & Daughtry
Nov 14 Crowder, Zach Williams and Matt Maher
I’m a simple man. Well, not really, but in my head I like to think that I am. Sometimes all I want on a Saturday night is to sit quietly and enjoy a movie on TV. Either something that’s airing on Turner Classic Movies, or whatever fun horror movie beloved host Svengoolie might have lined up. Last Saturday night there was a double feature of movies on TCM hosted and picked by Martin Scorsese.
The first part of the double feature that night was “Blood on the Moon,” a 1948 Western starring Robert Mitchum with Noir overtones. I had always heard good things about it and decided to tune in. Being something of a B-movie, it was short, running at a zippy 88 minutes. I was watching it downstairs in my movie room. I was in my cozy, trusty recliner. My precious and adorable cat, Lucy, was happily curled up in the armchair across from me.
I was halfway into the movie when I heard a thud. I wasn’t sure what it was. I didn’t know if something fell, if it was a car passing by, or some other random thing. I didn’t think much of this thud. Then it happened again, and I could tell it was coming from behind me, sounding like it was outside the house on the street. Again, I didn’t think much of this. Then when the sound happened
Not Included
By Andy Ross
The Thud
again, and then again with family quick succession, Lucy perked up and looked in the direction of the sound.
This is when I became concerned. If the sound was enough to disturb my cat, that meant it was time to investigate. I got up and went towards the door to my garage, the sound kept happening repeatedly, it sounded louder too. I began to wonder if there was a crash, or an explosion, or what? I went upstairs to look out the bay window in my kitchen. There was one more thud as I reached the top of the stairs, but as I looked out towards the street the sound had stopped.
I looked out and didn’t see anything. This led to more confusion. It was
still outside and it looked like any other average night on my block. The thud was no more, there was no traffic, no people scurrying about. I walked to the other end of the house where there was a window to look out into the backyard. That was when I noticed something.
The motion light near the trashcans was on, and sure enough, my trashcan was overturned in the backyard. Moved an impressive six feet or so from where it usually is. The trash had been collected recently, so thankfully there was only one bag in it. That bag, however, was strewn out in the yard. “Uh, oh. A bear!” I thought to myself.
I debated going out to get the trash can and bag back to where they were, which might have been stupid. Sure enough, the next day my neighbor posted on Facebook that they had caught a bear going through the garbage on their house camera. So yes, kids, we had a bear. The trash can was placed back in its right spot later on, and I managed to not get mangled. Despite living in a mostly residential area, it is impressive just how much wildlife comes out of the nearby forest area for a visit now and then. As long as I don’t meet them personally, I’m OK with it. See you next week.
