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!
SPRING IS HERE!!!!!! I am so excited for these sunshine filled days. What are your Springs plans so far? For my family it is time to start mowing our 8 acres on a weekly basis. I would love to plant flowers or have a garden but I am not sure if this will be the year for either.
Earth Day is April 22nd. What is Earth Day? A day to celebrate this wonderful rock we live on and to think about how to protect her. I read there are 10 things we can do to help protect our Earth:
Conserve Water
Be car conscious (exhaust fumes)
Walk or Ride a bike occasionally for transportation
Recycle and/or re use
Try to compost
Switch to LED lights
Be energy efficient
Grow a garden
Give up plastic (this is a hard one)
Plant a tree or 2!
I challenge everyone to try at least one thing on the list. Let’s all love our beautiful Earth!
Bristol TN/Va
Friday April 10th
Recover
Machiavelli’s Bristol Bristol, TN
7:00 pm
Marcus Bunch
Gypsy Circus Cider Company Kingsport, TN
7:00 pm
Darian and Cancion live!
Hard Rock Live Bristol, VA
7:00 pm
Railway Express
Kingsport Moose Lodge #972 | Kingsport, TN
8:00 pm
My New Favorites
Capitol Hall (Erwin Theatre) Erwin, TN
8:00 pm
NewFound Road
Down Home | Johnson City, TN
8:00 pm
Flash Bang Mafia
Capone’s | Johnson City, TN
9:00 pm
Spotlight
next
Saturday April 11th
The Pastime Band
Stockyard | Bristol, TN
7:00 pm
Strangers When We Meet w/ Dallas Danger
Machiavelli’s Bristol | Bristol, TN
7:00 pm
Heart n Dagger
Gypsy Circus Cider Company | Kingsport, TN
7:00 pm
The Travelin’ McCourys
Carter Family Fold Music Shows | Hiltons, VA
7:00 pm
Theresa Caputo
Hard Rock Live Bristol | Bristol, VA
7:00 pm
Patrick Leslie w/ Ethan Grill
The Cardinal Music Hall Damascus, VA
7:30 pm
Dailey and Vincent Niswonger Performing Arts Center Greeneville, TN
7:30 pm
Season of the Witch | Pond
Digger | Geonovah
Capone’s | Johnson City, TN 9:00 pm
Barter Theatre’s Pickleball Is a Sharp-Witted Comedy That Serves Up More Than Just Laughs
By D’Arcy Morell
There is something inherently amusing about watching a room full of actors approach a sport with the same seriousness they would bring to Shakespeare, especially when that sport has its own vocabulary, etiquette, and, as it turns out, a dedicated following. That duality sits at the heart of Pickleball, now playing at Barter’s Smith Theatre, where a deceptively simple premise unfolds into something much more familiar.
Set within the familiar rhythms of a shared recreational space, the play introduces a group of players whose relationships to the game are as varied as their reasons for showing up. What starts as a casual meet-up develops into something more intense, shaped by routine, competition, and the unspoken social rules that form in any closeknit group.
For the cast, stepping into this world took more than just learning their lines. Early rehearsals showed
how much the script depended on understanding pickleball itself—not just how to play, but how players talk and interact. Director Brandon Roberts remembers opening the script and finding “a ton of language [with] pickleball references” that left everyone wondering, “what are all these things?” That confusion became part of the process, as the cast worked to understand a world that was new to them.
To help, Barter Theatre brought in David Poole, a local pickleball coach from The Virginian Golf Club. He trained the actors in the basics of the game, but his role went beyond that. His guidance helped the cast focus on the small details that make the world feel real—because, as Roberts notes, many audience members already have “some sort of relationship with pickleball” and will immediately notice if something isn’t quite right.
That attention to detail shows in everything from how the actors hold
their paddles to the rhythm of their games and conversations. It creates a sense that this isn’t just a play about pickleball, it’s a real community brought to life on stage. Poole’s enthusiasm for the process was so genuine that it earned him a place in the show itself, where he contributed a voiceover that perfectly captures the collaboration between Barter and its community. “He was downright giddy,” Roberts recalls, and it’s easy to see why. In a theatre built on connection, it’s only fitting that a local coach would find himself part of the story.
At the same time, Pickleball is welcoming to audiences who know nothing about the sport. Actor Nick Piper points out that “you don’t have to play pickleball or know anything about pickleball to enjoy it.” The play introduces its language and culture naturally, so no one feels left out.
As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the play is about more than just a game. Piper describes it as “really
just…about finding community,” while fellow cast member Paris Bradstreet emphasizes the importance of “finding your tribe.” In Pickleball, the sport becomes a shared language for the characters as they navigate friendship, identity, and belonging.
Director Brandon Roberts balances this carefully, allowing the humor to land without losing sight of what lies beneath. The play, he notes, is “not just about the obsession with pickleball. It’s the connections that you make along the way.” That mix of humor and sincerity gives the production its shape, letting moments of comedy coexist with something quieter and more enduring.
Audiences are already responding. “Mostly they’re gonna laugh,” Piper says—but there’s more to it than that. Beneath the humor is a sense of recognition, of seeing your own experiences reflected in an unexpected way. It’s a feeling that Barter Theatre has long been known for: meeting audiences where they are and taking them somewhere just a little deeper than they expected.
Special Thanks to Empire Ford, Virginia Sports & Chiropractic, and Wilderness Diagnostics & Therapeutics for making this production possible. Pickleball is currently playing at Barter’s Smith Theatre until April 26th. For more details or to book tickets, visit www.bartertheatre.com, or call (276) 628-3991.
SODOKU CROSSWORD
ACROSS
1. Hawkeye State
5. Poker player's phrase
9. Grew tendrils
14. Come ____ end
15. ___ avail (hopeless)
16. Be crazy about
17. Wipe ___ (annihilate)
19. Scottish seaside resort
20. Prefix meaning "bone"
21. "Based on ___ Story"
23. Hagen of the stage
25. Repulsive
30. Literally, "out of many, one"
33. B'nai B'rith rights org.
35. Lusts
36. Augment
37. Midmorning hour
39. Susan Dey series
42. Put in alphabetical order
43. Nigerian currency
45. Self-help Internet site
47. Golf star Michelle
48. Certain yearly celebrations
52. Period in Earth's history
53. New Deal agcy.
54. Camera-ready copy
57. Fragrant substance
61. ___ heart (care)
65. La Salle named it and claimed it for France
67. Object
68. Mtn. figures
69. Author Hubbard
70. Sun protection
71. Mon., on Tues.
72. "____ can!" (positive mantra)
Down
1. "Was ____ hard on him?"
2. Punch in the gut responses
3. Blow gently
4. Start the pot
5. Mineral suffix
6. The Met alternative
7. ____ the buzzer
8. "Piece of cake"
9. Ms. Redgrave
10. Ore. neighbor
11. "___ will not!"
12. Screw things up
13. Cub's home
18. With fervor
22. "Sit, ___, sit" (TV phrase)
24. "Clan of the Cave Bear"
author Jean
26. Cows chew them
27. Funds, as a school
28. ___-Grain cereal bars
29. Get melodramatic
30. Cause of some weather conditions
31. Gene material
32. Wight and Capri
33. Former U.N. chief Kofi ___
34. "Jack & ___" (1982 chart-topper)
38. Lindros of the NHL
40. "I knew it!"
41. Brewer's malt infusion
44. Run-of-the-mill
46. Better halves
49. Wind dir.
50. Pinball player's aim
51. With no sweat
55. Thespian's quest
56. Scoreboard stat
58. Container weight
59. Adam's grandson
60. Wife of a rajah
61. B-ball players' stats.
62. Spa sound, say
63. Road, in Rome
64. At wit's ___
66. Guitar closer
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
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
DJ NIGHT
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
Northeast State Theatre presents Heathers: The Musical April 16-19
The Northeast State Community College Department of Theater stages the outrageous dark comedy
Heathers: The Musical April 16 to April 19 at the Ballad Health Center for the
Performing Arts Theater.
At Westerberg High, popularity is a matter of life and death. Veronica Sawyer is a brainy, beautiful teenage misfit struggling to find
her way. When the school’s powerful and cruel trio of Heathers takes Veronica under their dark wings, her dreams of popularity start to come true. The clique clicks until the enigmatic teen rebel, J.D., arrives on the scene. J.D. teaches Veronica that while it may be dangerous to be nobody, it can be fatal to be somebody.
Based on the film written by Daniel Waters, Heathers: The Musical delivers as a hilarious, heartfelt and homicidal musical based on one of the greatest teen comedies of all time. It is a moving love story, riotous comedy, and unflinching look at the joys and anguish of high school.
Evening performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on April 16, April 17, and April 18. A matinee performance takes place at 2:00 p.m. on April 19. All performances are being staged in the Ballad Health Regional Center for the
Performing Arts Theatre at the College’s Blountville campus, 2425 Highway 75.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets are general admission and only available online at: www.thenortheaststate.com/ heathers.
Heathers: The Musical contains strong language and mature themes, including murder, suicide, sexual violence and references to eating disorders. Audience discretion is advised.
The production’s book, music and lyrics are by Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’Keefe. The play is being produced by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Northeast State honors requests for reasonable accommodations made by individuals with disabilities. Direct requests can be made at least 10 days in advance to (voice and TTY) 423-279-7640.
OF THE WEEK PETS
Roxy is a 1 yr old Mastiff mix, friendly, playful, and loves spending time with people. Her sweet personality shines through in everything she does, weighs 56 lbs, a good traveler, heart
Aurora is 2 yrs old, very shy and will need time and your patience as she builds trust with her people. As Aurora becomes more comfortable, her personality begins to shine. She becomes If you are interested in
talkative, playful, and incredibly sweet. Aurora is also very foodmotivated, which helps a lot when it comes to earning her trust. FIV/L tested negative. worm tested negative, gets along with other dogs, but calmer companions are best... highenergy dogs can make her nervous.
Dave Eggar, Peter Ryan, & Sean Claire to Perform at Uva Wise
Cellist and five-time Grammy nominated composer Dave Eggar joins UVA Wise’s own pianist Peter Ryan and Symphony of the Mountains Concertmaster Sean Claire for Traditional Fusion: Appalachian/Classical Fusion Works for Piano Trio featuring classical guitarist Phil Faconti on Monday, April 13th at 7 p.m. in Cantrell Hall at UVA Wise. The performance is free and open to all. For more information and to make
reservations, please visit proartva.org.
The program features new works from Appalachianarea composers Martha Redbone, Donald Sorah, and Benjamin Dawson that fuse traditional elements of Appalachian music with those of classical compositions. The performance is brought to you in conjunction with Pro-Art’s W. Campbell Edmonds Concert Series
and in partnership with The University of Virginia’s College at Wise.
The spring half of Pro-Art’s 49th season is underway! Explore upcoming performances, purchase season tickets, and make reservations to attend at proartva.org. Season tickets can also be purchased in person at any show, or by calling (276) 376-4520. Children and students are admitted free to every performance. Pro-Art is committed to making the arts accessible to everyone, if price is a barrier of entry to you, please contact us for available resources.
Pro-Art partners with a variety of venues, for accessibility inquiries or general questions, call (276) 376-4520 or email contact@proartva.org. For
weather related updates, patrons are encouraged to check proartva.org for realtime information.
This performance is made possible in part by The University of Virginia’s College at Wise’s Grand Challenges Pilot Grants Program. The performance is additionally supported in part by the Town of Wise. 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.
THINGS TO DO THINGS TO DO
JOHNSON CITY FARMERS MARKET
105 West Main Street
Johnson City, TN 37604
The Johnson City Farmers Market is now located at The Pavilion at Founders Park. It is open early May through October on Saturdays from 8:00am - 1:00pm.
At the Johnson City Farmer's Market you will be able to enjoy fresh produce, baked and canned goods, arts and crafts, and community fellowship.
KINGSPORT FARMERS MARKET
308 Clinchfield St., Kingsport, TN
Open Saturdays
April 25 – November 28
Open Wednesdays
May – September | 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The mission of the Kingsport Farmers Market is to provide a vibrant, diverse market place for local and regional farmers and artisans to sell their products to the Kingsport community.
STATE STREET FARMERS MARKET
810 State Street Bristol, TN
Saturdays
May to October
8 a.m. to Noon
Wednesdays
July to September 2 to 6 p.m.
There's no better place to shop for fresh produce, locally grown by friends and neighbors, or browse the selection of fresh baked goods and homemade crafts than the
State Street Farmer's Market.
Join us Saturday, May 2, 2026 as we kick off another year of the State Street Farmer's Market.
JONESBOROUGH FARMERS MARKET
100 East Main Street, Jonesborough, TN
Saturdays May through October except during Jonesborough Days and the Storytelling Festival
Hours: 8 am to 12 pm
Northeast Tennessee’s First Nonprofit Producer-Only Grocery Store & Farmers Market.
Come for the freshest, all-local food, meet your farmers, and learn exactly how your food is produced.
ABINGDON FARMERS MARKET
100 Remsburg Dr, Abingdon, VA
January - March (1st & 3rd Saturday (10-12)
April-September (Tuesday 3-6)
April-October (Saturday 8-12)
November-Christmas (Saturday 10-12)
The Abingdon Farmers Market is a vendor run market for local (within a 75 mile radius) farmers, artisans and food producers to sell their products directly to the community. Freshly grown and made products are more nutritious, taste better and are better for you. In many cases, the growers and producers are your neighbors and friends. Support local farmers.
Farmers Markets…
• Preserve America’s rural livelihoods and farmland. Farmers markets provide one of the only low-barrier entry points for beginning farmers, allowing them to start small, test the market, and grow their businesses.
• Stimulate local economies. Growers selling locally create 13 full time farm operator jobs per $1 million in revenue earned. Those that do not sell locally create 3.
• Increase access to fresh, nutritious food. Several studies have found lower prices for conventional and organic produce at farmers markets than at supermarkets. Due to this and other factors, 52% more SNAP households shop at farmers markets and from direct marketing farmers today than in 2011.
• Support healthy communities. Farmers market vendors educate their shoppers. Four out of five farmers selling at markets discuss farming practices with their customers, and three in five discuss nutrition and how to prepare food.
• Promote sustainability. Three out of every four farmers selling at farmers markets say they use practices consistent with organic standards.
more info: farmersmarketcoalition.org/education/the-benefitsof-farmers-markets/
Tri-Cities Faces and Places
Celebrating the people and places of our community!
Tennessee Hills Distillery Releases First Tennessee Whiskey
Selected as the Official TN250 Whiskey for Tennessee’s Celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary, the Wheated Expression Marks 11 Generations of Callahan Distilling Heritage
Tennessee Hills Distillery, the largest privately-owned brewing and distillation company in the Tennessee, today announced the release of its first Tennessee Whiskey: a straight wheated expression crafted with Tennessee-grown grain, charcoalmellowed through sugar maple, and aged in white oak barrels in East Tennessee.
The whiskey has been designated as the official spirits product for TN250, the state of Tennessee’s initiative to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. Tennessee Hills is the only distillery in the state selected to represent the program with a commemorative bottle.
“Two hundred and fifty years ago, my ancestors Joel and John Callahan marched over these mountains with the Overmountain Men to fight at the Battle of Kings Mountain,” said Stephen Earl Callahan, Founder of Tennessee Hills Distillery. “They brought the craft of distilling with them from Cork County, Ireland. Eleven generations later, we’re still making whiskey in these hills. This bottle closes a circle that started before this country did.”
About the Whiskey
The TN250 Wheated Tennessee Whiskey is believed to be the first straight wheated Tennessee whiskey marketed commercially in the state. The expression uses a mash bill of 65% corn, 25% wheat, and 10% barley, replacing the rye grain typically found in Tennessee whiskey recipes. The wheat produces a softer, rounder flavor profile with a mellow finish, distinguishing it from the spicier character of rye-forward whiskeys. This whiskey was proofed down to 96 (48% ABV) to represent the year Tennessee was established as a state–1796.
Master Distiller Jason Franklin oversaw production from grain to glass. The whiskey was distilled using a unique yeast strain, filtered through sugar
maple charcoal using the traditional Lincoln County Process, and aged in white oak barrels.
Product Specifications:
• Category: Straight Wheated Tennessee Whiskey
• Proof: 96 (48% ABV)
• Mash Bill: 65% Corn, 25% Wheat, 10% Barley
About TN250
TN250 is a statewide initiative led by the state of Tennessee to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary. The program highlights Tennessee’s role in the founding of the United States, from the Revolutionary War through the Suffrage and Civil Rights movements, and invites Tennesseans to engage with the state’s historic sites, community events, and cultural heritage. More information is
• Process: Charcoal mellowed (Lincoln County Process)
• Tasting Notes: Dried prunes, baking spices, smoked candy caramel, and vanilla on the nose. Rich roasted chestnut on the palate with a deep, long finish.
• Price: $49.99
• Grain Source: 100% Tennessee-grown
operated in the state. Tennessee enacted statewide prohibition in 1909, a full decade before the national amendment, and kept most of the state dry until 2009. For a century, only three counties in western Tennessee could legally distill. Tennessee Hills Distillery honors the tradition of the families, including the Callahans, who kept the craft alive through those generations.
Availability
The TN250 Wheated Tennessee Whiskey will debut at Whiskey and Wags in Nashville on Saturday, March 28, 2026. It will also be available at the Tennessee Hills Distillery in Bristol, Tennessee beginning that same weekend, with availability at the Salt House in Jonesborough, Tennessee coming soon. Statewide retail distribution through Empire Distribution is planned for 2026.
The TN250 whiskey is also the inaugural release for The Helix Society, Tennessee Hills’ membership program offering limited releases, member-only events, and behind-the-scenes access to the distillery.
About Tennessee Hills Distillery
available at tn250.com.
Tennessee’s Whiskey Heritage Tennessee was a major player in the whiskey industry before the turn of the 20th century. Scots Irish settlers crossed the Appalachian Mountains with copper stills, finding the limestone springs, abundant grain, and hardwood forests that made the region ideal for distilling. By the late 1800s, more than 500 distilleries
Tennessee Hills Distillery is the largest privately-owned brewing and distillation company in the Tennessee, founded in 2014 by Stephen and Jessica Callahan. Built on 11 generations of Callahan family distilling heritage rooted in Scots-Irish Appalachian tradition, the company operates three locations across East Tennessee: the flagship Distillery and Smokestillery in Bristol, the original Salt House in Jonesborough, and the Brewstillery taproom in Johnson City. Tennessee Hills produces a full portfolio of spirits, craft beer, cream liqueurs, and ready-to drink cocktails. The distillery has earned recognition from the American Distilling Institute and TripAdvisor, where it was voted the #1 ranked tourist destination in Jonesborough for five consecutive years. More information is available at tennesseehills.com
Barter Theatre Brings the Music and Magic of Patsy Cline to Gilliam Stage
The beloved musical tribute to one of country music’s brightest stars comes to the State Theatre of Virginia this spring
Historic Barter Theatre invites audiences to step back into the golden age of country music with Always…Patsy Cline, Ted Swindley’s beloved musical running April 17th through May 10th on Barter’s Gilliam Stage. Based on a remarkable true story, the show celebrates the life and career of country music legend Patsy Cline, told through the eyes of her biggest fan and unlikely friend, Louise Seger.
Equal parts concert and storytelling, Always…Patsy Cline weaves more than two dozen of Cline’s signature songs–from Crazy to Walkin’ After Midnight–into the kind of joyful, live tribute that feels less like a night at the theatre and more like time spent with one of the most captivating performers who ever lived.
ABOUT BARTER THEATRE:
Barter Theatre, the nation’s longest running professional theatre, is located in Abingdon, Virginia. The theatre opened in 1933 during the Great Depression. Founder Robert Porterfield offered patrons admission to the theatre by bartering food and livestock. Barter Theatre was designated as the State Theatre of Virginia in 1946. It exists today as one of the last year-round professional resident repertory theaters remaining in the United States. Barter Theatre is funded in part by The Virginia Commission for the Arts and The National Endowment for the Arts.
Johnson City Public Art Releases
Festival Schedule for Art·Struck 2026
The Johnson City Public Art Committee will hold the 6th annual Art·Struck Festival on Saturday, April 25 at The Pavilion at Founders Park, 105 W. Main St., in downtown Johnson City from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Festival sponsors are East Tennessee State University, Fischman Gallery, and HollerHouse.
The festival will include a market with over 50 local artists, art demonstrations and activities, a variety of live performances, and food trucks. Attendees of all ages will be able to enjoy mask decorating, graffiti stenciling, bucket drumming, a weaving fence, and wand making, among others.
“Our committee believes in bringing the community together with meaningful arts engagement, supporting artists, and of course having fun,” Art·Struck Subcommittee Chair Spicey Pate.
This year features a wide variety of exciting highlights, including new and old favorites. Come all day to catch everything, show up for scheduled performances, or stay until the end to see the winners of the chalk art competition. The festival schedule is as follows:
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
Chalk Art Competition
10 a.m.–4 p.m.
(Winners announced at 4 p.m.)
Cultural Movement Show
Performances: 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Road Roller Printmaking
11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Giant Puppet March
March Times: noon and 1:15 p.m.
Street Art Throwdown
noon–4 p.m.
East Coast Giants Stiltwalker
noon-4 p.m.
Twirling Twins
1–3 p.m.
Art Market
ALL DAY
Art Activity Stations ALL DAY
Food Trucks ALL DAY
Exchange Place Spring Garden Fair
Crystal Cat Design Co. Screen Printing ALL DAY
Granite Goddess, Living Statue ALL DAY
Community Chalk Art Mandala ALL DAY
This event is free and open to the public and is one of many community arts projects organized by the Johnson City Public Art Committee. To learn more about the Art·Struck Festival, visit: artstruck.org/.
The 40th annual Spring Garden Fair will be held on Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, April 26, from noon to 5 p.m. at Exchange Place Living History Farm, 4812 Orebank Road in Kingsport, Tennessee. The oldest garden fair in the region, the festival will feature thousands of plants for sale - perennials, annuals, trees and shrubswith the emphasis on natives, herbs and heirlooms along with garden-related arts and crafts. Visitors will see heritage breeds of animals and springtime activities on a mid-nineteenth century
farmstead, as volunteers shear the sheep, spin and weave the wool, churn butter, work in the garden, and shape iron over the forge. Children’s activities abound with opportunities to make nature crafts, weave a basket and learn gardening skills. Enjoy baked goods and other food on site or to take home and listen to live music from local artists. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children under 12. For more information, call 423-288-6071 or see: exchangeplacetn.org/.
How Can Your Brand Benefit From Social Media?
Social Sentiments
By Wendy Hayden socialsentiments
Cost effective exposure:
There's nothing like free marketing! Social media allows your brand to reach people all over the world without paying for traditional advertising. Paying for social media advertising is advantageous and will yield better results, but getting budget approval can often be a hard task. Creating content that resonates with your audience can yield results without paying to boost your brand.
Networking:
Network with people from all over the world who share your interests! There is no limit to the amount of information you can share, the amount of people you can
connect with, or the amount of fresh perspectives you can receive. Networking can change your whole world!
Networking online allows you to be your truest self by removing the fear of initiating small talk with strangers and helps you focus on connecting with people who share your goals and ideas.
Community Connections:
Connecting with those around us can seem like a daunting task these days, but connecting online can bring fresh perspectives that can add value to your brand.
Your local community can grow through the connections you initiate through your brand. Follow and comment on locally relevant pages to share your
knowledge with your neighbors and help your community grow.
Social media marketing can build and benefit your brand. Take the time to create connections that will boomerang back as a benefit to you.
Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park
APRIL 2026 EVENTS
Come Share in the Glorious Cause of Liberty!
Carter Mansion Guided Tours
April 2, 11, 12, 17, 23, 25, & 26
1:30 PM
Cost: $10 Adult \ $8 Seniors 65+ \ $8 Veterans & Active Military \ $5 Ages 17 & Under
As our nation celebrates 250 years, step inside a tangible link to America’s founding. Take a guided tour of Tennessee’s oldest frame house and enjoy the beauty of this elegant frontier home built by Colonel John Carter between 1775 and 1780. Learn about the historically significant role played by the Carter family in the early settlement of East Tennessee while you appreciate this gem of historic preservation. Accessibility to the home includes steps and an interior staircase. Tour lasts approximately 45 minutes. Maximum of 12 participants per tour
Meet at the Historic John and Landon Carter Mansion 1031 Broad Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643.
Sabine Hill Guided Tours
April 4, 9, 10, 16, 18, 19, 24, & 30
1:30 PM
Cost: $10 Adult \ $8 Seniors 65+ \ $8 Veterans & Active Military \ $5 Ages 17 & Under
Enjoy a guided tour of this stately home built by Mary Patton Taylor, widow of Brigadier General Nathaniel Taylor. The site has been described as one of the finest examples of Federal architecture in the State of Tennessee. Take in the colorful and architecturally detailed interior while learning about the influential Taylor family who called Sabine Hill home in the early 19th century. Please note, only portable toilet facilities are available at this time. Accessibility to the home includes steps and an interior staircase. Tour lasts approximately 45 minutes.
Meet at Sabine Hill State Historic Site 2328 West G Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643.
English Country Dancing
Sunday, April 12 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Cost: Free Admission
Dancing was a very popular social pastime in early America. Beginners and seasoned dancers alike are all welcome to learn early 19th century dances. No cost to attend. Open to anyone, with or without experience or a partner. Meet in the visitor center Gathering Room. Sponsored by the Sabine Hill Social Society.
Join Park Ranger Taylor Moorefield for a crash course in useful knots helpful for camping, hiking, and general utility in a thousand different applications. Learn what makes a knot functional, the most versatile knots Ranger Taylor uses the most, and much more. Knots taught will depend largely on the experience level of those attending. Open to ages 10 and up. Meet behind the visitor center in the pines near the walking ramp. Subject to cancelation in the event of inclement weather.
Join Park Ranger Taylor Moorefield for a walk through the park grounds and trails to see and learn about useful native plants and trees. From
the so-called weeds in your yard to towering Tulip Poplars and deep forest species, learn how Native Americans and frontier folk made natural medicines and nutritious meals from the wild flora of our landscape. This program is suitable for all ages and will last approximately 1 hour. Meet behind the visitor center at the bottom of the ramp. Subject to cancelation in the event of inclement weather.
Old Time Music Jam
Sunday, April 26
1:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Cost: Free Admission
Enjoy a mix of old time and traditional folk, Celtic and gospel music. Acoustic instruments such as fiddle, banjo, guitar, bass, mandolin, dulcimer (both kinds), autoharp, feet (no taps) are welcome. All who are interested in playing, learning about, or listening to old time and traditional folk music are invited. Feel free to bring a recording device for learning purposes.
* Outdoor programs are subject to cancellation in the event of severe weather conditions. Contact the park for details.
It’s officially that rare couple of weeks when the weather is enjoyable versus insufferable and everyone is ready to stretch their legs following their winter hibernation. Lucky for us in Northeast Tennessee, we live in the perfect place for outdoor excursions and you don’t have to be a seasoned outdoorsman to participate. Whether you’re seeking a lazy afternoon picnic amongst the flora and fauna, or a full blown calorie-torching hike to breathtaking views, the Tri-Cities has you covered.
You can’t get much more centrally located than Buffalo Mountain Park. Settled right off South Roan Street in Johnson City, this 725 acre park sits 3300 ft above sea level and offers a bird’s-eye-view of Johnson City so bring your binoculars! If you want to get a great workout you can do the “Grand Circuit,” a 4.5 mile loop that will take you along White Rock Trail, Fork Ridge Trail and Cascade Trail. If you’re a little more pressed for time or just want a direct shot to a lookout, take the 2.5 mile route straight to White Rock. Pack your Dr.Enuf (since they’re headquartered at the base of the mountain) and refresh yourself at the top, while you sun yourself on the rocky bluffs for which the area is named. Just be wary of snakes, particularly this time of year. You’re not gonna be the only cold-blooded creature feeling frisky from the warmer weather; I’ve personally seen both copperheads and rattlesnakes at this location, so just be careful where you’re stepping and keep Fido leashed and close by.
If you’re looking for something with plenty of family friendly appeal and easy access, look no further than Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium. Located in Kingsport, this nature preserve is actually the largest city-
Take a Hike!
owned park in the state of Tennessee, clocking in at an impressive 3,750 acres. The 40+ miles of hiking trails that extend across the majority of the property are as easy as a leisurely stroll around their 44 acre lake, or as difficult as the rocky road up to the 100ft tall fire tower that offers views of 4 states!
What differentiates Bays Mountain from other parks is what it offers beyond hiking. In addition to its miles of trails for hiking and biking, Bays Mountain boasts a ropes and zip line adventure course, barge rides on the lake, a planetarium with an astronomy club and observatory, and my favorite attraction – animal habitats. At this park you can get up close and personal with myriad fish, reptiles, birds of prey, foxes, otters, deer, bobcats and most notably, wolves! At various times of day you can view these incredible creatures while they howl, feed and just go about their daily routine. Bays Mountain is certainly a treat for all ages and activity levels.
If you want to add an aquatic aspect to your outdoor adventures, take advantage of one of the many waterfall hikes in our region. Pack a picnic lunch and make the easy half-mile trek to the base of the Blue Hole Falls. This water is bone chilling year-round, but is spectacular for lounging on rocks and enjoying some snacks. If you’re looking for a more intense hike in the Hampton area, you can check out one of the most popular attractions in the area at Laurel Falls. This moderate to difficult trek is less than 5 miles in and out, but if you feel like extending your day, begin your journey first to Coon Den Falls and follow the Laurel Fork Trail that will lead you directly to Laurel Falls. There are multiple waterfalls along the Erwin side of the AT, my favorite being Rock Creek Falls. This hike is only 3 miles out and back, but is pretty challenging and requires getting your feet wet, so make sure
to wear appropriate footwear. While you’re in Erwin you could also visit Martin’s Creek Falls, Sill Branch Falls or Spivey Flats, which can be seen from the convenience of your vehicle if you have someone who can’t make a hike but still wants some beautiful scenery.
Finally, start making your plans to attend the Rhododendron Festival at Roan Mountain State Park now even though it isn’t until June. The best thing about Roan Mountain is that, at over 6000 ft high, the weather is always 20 degrees cooler, which means it’s a little slower to bloom in the summer. Roan Mountain State Park hosts year-round activities, but the blossoming of their native rhododendrons is worth the wait. In addition to strolling the gardens, participants can enjoy traditional music, purchase handmade crafts, watch old-timey folkway demonstrations, and indulge in multiple food vendors. Hike along the balds for breathtaking unobstructed views, or pack your fishing pole and see what’s biting; the Doe River which sits inside the park is stocked regularly with 3 species of trout!
I personally think nature is our greatest asset in Northeast Tennessee. It’s easy to get sucked into the couch scrolling on our phones or catching up on streaming shows in our free time. But what a waste it would be not to take advantage of these beautiful days before the wretched humidity of summer sets in by getting out and exploring our natural beauties!
by Kathie Scalf
Acclaimed Author to Headline ETSU Literary Festival
When the New York Times calls you “one of the great American authors at work today,” people listen.
East Tennessee State University is bringing one such author - Ron Rash - to Johnson City.
The New York Times bestselling author and the three-time O. Henry Prize winner will headline the Bert C. Bach Written Word Initiative’s Spring Literary Festival. It’s part of East Tennessee State University’s ongoing commitment to making world-class literary programming accessible to the region.
“Ron Rash has done what almost every great writer does. He’s written stories and poems so rooted in a specific place that they become universal,” said Dr. Jesse Graves, ETSU poet-inresidence. “Having him here is an extraordinary opportunity for our students and community to engage with someone who has shaped how America understands Appalachian literature.”
Rash’s body of work spans 21 books, with his books published in 21 countries and translated into 17 languages. His 2009 novel “Serena” became a
PEN/Faulkner finalist and bestseller. His newest book, “The Caretaker,” published by Doubleday in 2023, was named one of The New Yorker’s Best Books of the Year.
A son of Buncombe and Watauga county natives raised in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, Rash comes from a family that has lived in the southern Appalachian Mountains since the mid-1700s. That connection to place runs through everything he writes, including novels like “One Foot in Eden” and “Above the Waterfall.”
Rash will give a keynote address, reading from his work, in ETSU’s Bud Frank Theatre at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22.
A festival of regional and national voices
Rash headlines a festival that brings together nationally recognized writers and ETSU faculty. Award-winning poets Nickole Brown and Rose McLarney join novelist Juan Martinez, whose debut “Extended Stay” earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly and was shortlisted for the Chicago Review of Books prize.
ETSU faculty members Drs. Scott Honeycutt and Kevin O’Donnell will present from their forthcoming book “Woodlands of the Mind,” published by the University of Georgia Press. Dr. Ted Olson, nine-time Grammy nominee
as a music historian and professor of Appalachian Studies, will share from his latest poetry collection, “Blue Moon.” The festival is free and open to the public, running April 21-22. A complete schedule is available online.
Sanctuaries in Stained Glass at William King Museum of Art
William King Museum of Art is pleased to present “Sanctuaries in Stained Glass,” opening April 30, 2026 and on view through November 29, 2026.
The history of stained glass in Southwestern Virginia is inseparable from the movement of people through the Appalachian region. Beginning in the early 18th century, settlers traveled southward along the Great Wagon Road, a vital migration corridor stretching from Pennsylvania through the Shenandoah Valley and into the backcountry of Virginia and the Carolinas. By the late 19th century, churches began adopting Gothic Revival styles, characterized by pointed arches, tall windows, and decorative stained glass. Today, stained glass in Southwestern Virginia remains a scattered but powerful legacy. From the wagon ruts of early migration to the glowing windows of late 19th-century sanctuaries, stained glass in Southwestern Virginia stand as quiet witnesses to the people who traveled the Great Wagon Road and to the communities they built when the road finally ended, signalling home.
This exhibition was conceptualized, designed, and curated by Joshua Blane Huffman, Curator of SWVA and NETN
Decorative Art & Material Culture at William King Museum of Art. When asked about his inspiration Huffman said, “As I explored the region, immediately the presence of countless historical churches became obvious to me. While our institution has exhibited multitudes of unique representations of artistry- a dedicated and specified stained glass showcase had not yet been explored. My goal became clear: to create a never before seen exhibit that highlights the artisan-made glass within some of our many historic churches, and hopefully encourage local communities to make plans to visit and tour local churches with a newfound appreciation of the art that lives inside of these hallowed halls that might not be seen unless you are a member of the congregation.”
This exhibition is a William King Museum of Art original exhibition and is part of the museum’s McGlothlin Exhibition Series. A special thank you to our Annual Sponsors: Ballad Health Johnston Memorial Hospital, BurWil Construction Company, and The Martha Washington Inn & Spa.
To plan your trip visit williamkingmuseum.org for a listing of events, related programming, and campus construction updates.
If you are looking for a film the entire family can enjoy I suggest "Rescued by Ruby". Yes, the film features a dog named Ruby and I will state right away the dog does not die. Now you can exhale. The film is a biographical drama that follows the story of Rhode Island State Trooper Daniel O'Neil (Grant Gustin of "The Flash" tv show) and his efforts to become part of the K-9 search and rescue team. His previous attempts have failed, but his luck is about to change thanks to a shelter dog he will soon come in contact with. The dog in question is Ruby, a half border collie that remains at the local shelter despite many attempts to find a permanent home for her. Ruby is extremely hyperactive and hard to control, thus her being returned to the shelter time and again. Not only has Ruby faced much rejection, but so has Daneil who has failed 7 times in his efforts to become part of the K-9 unit. During his latest attempt to be a K-9 officer, Daniel learns there are no more funds to
By Ken Silvers theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com
Rescued by Ruby
import any more German Shepherds, the breed most often used on search and rescue teams. When Daniel learns his wife Melissa (Kaylah Zander) is pregnant with their second child, he becomes even more determined to try out again for the program, which will mean an increase in his salary. When Daniel visits the shelter to find a dog he can train for the program, he meets Ruby, who takes an immediate liking to him, something she has not always felt with others. At this point in the film Daniel begins the challenging process of training Ruby, and let's just say the effort is lessthan-successful. Even though Ruby doesn't adapt to the training, she is now in her forever home with the O'Neals. Just as Daniel has given up on his dream, Melissa devises a way for Daniel to effectively train Ruby, who must have the right temperament, focus, compassion and calmness to be part of the K-9 unit. Along with the challenges Ruby faces, Daniel has dealt with his own issues of dyslexia and hyperactivity, but was able to overcome them to become a Rhode Island State Trooper. I will not reveal how Daniel ends up training Ruby, as to not give too much away, but Daniel's training of Ruby eventually helps him see he still has obstacles to overcome. Of course, without seeing the film, you know Ruby will succeed, and plays a huge role in two police investigations. The dog that stars in the title role, is a rescue dog, and according
to post credits information was about to be put down before being rescued by the filmmakers. The post credit information also shows photos of the real O'Neal family and the real Ruby, making the film even more special. I really enjoyed the scenes between Daniel and Ruby, who must learn to completely trust each other and learn how to work as a unit. The dog playing Ruby is amazing, and when she looks at Daniel with those big eyes, you wish you could hug and pet her. Gustin is great in the role of O'Neal, and he has several moments in the film
that just may break your heart. I am used to seeing Gustin in the role of TV's Flash, so it was refreshing to see him in the role of a different type of hero. The supporting cast is also great, and features Scott Wolf of "Party of Five" fame as Daniel's boss Matt Zarrella. "Rescued by Ruby" is a heartwarming film showing the lives of real life heroes, and will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy thanks to the amazing Ruby. Now playing on Netflix.
(Rated TV-G
EVENT SCHEDULE
Johnson City Jazz Festival
April 17 & 18, 2026
The Black Jacket Symphony Presents Bon Jovi’s ‘Slippery When Wet’
Thursday, April 30, 2026 • 7:30 pm
SHUCKED
Sponsored by Bravissima!
May 5-7, 2026 • 7:00 pm
SYMPHONY OF THE MOUNTAINS: SHOW ME
THE PATHS
Sunday, May 17, 2026
3:00pm
SIX
Sponsored by:
Tri-Cities Airport
May 26 - 28, 2026
7:00 pm
Appalachian Equality
Chorus
Presents “Broadway, Baby!”
Sunday, June 7, 2026 4:00 pm
TEDXJOHNSON CITY
Friday, June 26, 2026
6:00 pm
VINCENT - An Original Contemporary Ballet Presented by Kingsport Ballet Sponsored by Bravissima! June 27-28, 2026
NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet
Monday, November 23, 2026
7:00 pm
Friends of the Johnson City Public Library to Hold Book Sale
The Friends of the Johnson City Public Library are holding a book sale on Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sunday, April 26 from 12-3 p.m. in the library’s Jones Meeting Center and Polly Peterson Room.
At the Sunday sale, people can fill any size bag for only $5. Bags are provided at the sale for those who need them, but people are encouraged to bring their own.
The sale features thousands of gently-used books, DVDs, and puzzles donated by people in the community. There is something to fit everyone’s interests—from cooking, to sports, to gardening, to music—and literary tastes—from biographies and romance, to fantasy and fiction.
All the proceeds from the Friends’ book sales go directly back into funding library events, collections, and projects. Friends of the Library
President Julia Swanson explained that these sales are the group’s main fundraiser.
She said, “We have a very supportive community who come to our sales and go home not only with interesting books to read, but also with a smile knowing they have helped support their wonderful library.”
The Friends of the Johnson City Public Library is a group of supporters dedicated to the welfare and promotion of the library. Email friends@jcpl.org for more information about the Friends or the upcoming book sale.
Visit jcpl.org, call 423-434-4450 or drop by 100 West Millard Street to use Johnson City Public Library. Like Johnson City Public Library on Facebook and Instagram to receive daily updates on library collections, programs and services.
I’m a depressed, elder millennial. I sometimes get confused on what being an “elder millennial” really means, but by in large it appears to indicate those of us who were born in the first part of the 80s and have some Gen X tendencies mixed in with us somehow also being those “pesky millennials who ruin everything.” I, myself, somehow, turn 40 in January.
Now, I know that some people want to, and have, groused at me for stating this fact. But the thing is I have never turned 40 before and us Elder Millennials have been through some stuff. Turning this corner resolutely into middle age has raised a series of mixed emotions inside me. The one most notable changes I’ve seen so far is how I’m, mostly, pretty much, out of touch with what is going on in the music scene.
I used to be on top of things. I used to know about all the indierock bands and underground artists. I used to be the one who told my friends about bands
Batteries Not Included
By Andy Ross
The Inevitability
and artists they hadn’t heard of. But now? With few exceptions, I don’t know much about what’s going on anymore. Even when I listen to the indie music channel on satellite radio, SiriusXMU, I often find that a lot of the music sounds the same to me. It’s weird, but I suppose a natural part of things.
There are still bands and artists that I enjoy and know about who are new. The British groups Wet Leg and The Last Dinner Party are very good indeed. But according to the younger people in my life and from what I’ve see on the internets, Summer 2024 belonged to singer Chappell Roan. Her songs and her seemed to be all over the place. “Good for her!” I thought to myself having only heard snippets of her songs. Then, one of my best friends said that her appearance on NPR’s “Tiny Desk Concerts” was really good. So I looked it up, and that’s how it finally happened. That’s how I finally went around with a Chappell Roan song stuck in my head. I guess it was just a matter of time, but she was halfway into her second song of the Tiny Desk set, the tune “Red Wine Supernova,” when I realized “Oh, wow this is catchy!” Then that realization changed to “Oh, no, this is a weaponized ear worm of epic proportions.”
Sure enough, that song has been stuck in my head for about two weeks now. Almost as soon as I watched the Tiny Desk performance, I went and dialed the song up on the streaming service I use and played it four times in a row. It is, as they say, a banger. Even the other night when I was out of town for an evening, I didn’t sleep
well partially as I couldn’t stop hearing “Red Wine Supernova” in my head.
The opening chords, the chorus, it’s all so catchy. On the one hand if I was going to have a sleepless night, at least I had pleasantness going on my head, not anxiety related things. So, yes, Virginia. It was a matter of time I suppose before even I, a man who is becoming increasingly out of touch on new music, got a Chappell Roan
song stuck in his head. Any song that can manage to wedge itself in my brain for two weeks is a sign of quality as far as I’m concerned.
I may get to where I won’t even bother to have any curiosity about the new music world, but I hope that doesn’t come. I hope there will always be bands that make me go “Woah!” Even if I’m sitting in a chair at the nursing home looking out the window. See you next week.
