The Loafer 140

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

your week’s line-up

Volume 03 Issue 139

04 Spotlight

columns & reviews

theloafer.net |April 10th, 2026

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08 Beezwax 09 Pets of the Week 11 Things To Do 12 Tri-Cities Faces and Places 18 Sycamore Shoals Schedule 22 WQUT Concert Schedule

Ken Silvers Ann Hartley

The Loafer Po Box 39 Telford, Tn 37690 423-930-7319

Founder: Bill Williams

LBD

FAMILY MEDIA Let’s Get Social!

PUBLISHER

07 Tri-Cities Nightlife

Wendy Hayden

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.

FROM THE

06 Puzzle Page

Kathie Scalf

www.theloafer.net theloaferonlineprint@gmail.com

NOTE

Social Sentiments:

How Can Your Brand Benefit From Social Media?

19 Tea Time with Appalachian Barbie:

Take a Hike 21 Pop Life Rescued by Rudy 23 Batteries Not Included: The Inevitability

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!

Love,

Lisa Durbin

Publisher

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theloafer.net | April 10th, 2026

Spotlight

theloafer.net |April 10th, 2026

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nextSaturday April 11th The Pastime Band Stockyard | Bristol, TN

BristolFriday TN/Va April 10th Recover

7:00 pm Strangers When We Meet w/ Dallas Danger Machiavelli’s Bristol | Bristol, TN

Machiavelli’s Bristol Bristol, TN

7:00 pm

7:00 pm

Heart n Dagger

Marcus Bunch Gypsy Circus Cider Company Kingsport, TN

Gypsy Circus Cider Company | Kingsport, TN 7:00 pm

7:00 pm

The Travelin’ McCourys

Darian and Cancion live!

Carter Family Fold Music Shows | Hiltons, VA

Hard Rock Live

7:00 pm

Bristol, VA

Theresa Caputo

7:00 pm Railway Express

Hard Rock Live Bristol | Bristol, VA

Kingsport Moose Lodge #972 | Kingsport, TN

Patrick Leslie w/ Ethan Grill

8:00 pm

The Cardinal Music Hall

My New Favorites

Damascus, VA

Capitol Hall (Erwin Theatre) Erwin, TN

7:30 pm

8:00 pm

7:00 pm

Dailey and Vincent

NewFound Road

Niswonger Performing Arts Center Greeneville, TN

Down Home | Johnson City, TN

7:30 pm

8:00 pm

Season of the Witch | Pond Digger | Geonovah

Flash Bang Mafia Capone’s | Johnson City, TN 9:00 pm

Capone’s | Johnson City, TN 9:00 pm

Submit Your Live Shows to: theloaferonlineprint@gmail.com or call 423-930-7319 to be Featured in the Loafer Spotlight

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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.

theloafer.net | April 10th, 2026

Barter Theatre’s Pickleball Is a Sharp-Witted Comedy That Serves Up More Than Just Laughs

theloafer.net |April 10th, 2026

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SODOKU

DROP QUOTE

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CROSSWORD

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 ACROSS 42. Put in alphabetical order conditions 1. Hawkeye State 43. Nigerian currency 31. Gene material 5. Poker player's phrase 32. Wight and Capri 45. Self-help Internet site 9. Grew tendrils 33. Former U.N. chief Kofi ___ 47. Golf star Michelle 14. Come ____ end 34. "Jack & ___" 48. Certain yearly celebrations 15. ___ avail (hopeless) (1982 chart-topper) 52. Period in Earth's history 16. Be crazy about 38. Lindros of the NHL 53. New Deal agcy.

17. Wipe ___ (annihilate) 40. "I knew it!"

54. Camera-ready copy 19. Scottish seaside resort 41. Brewer's malt infusion 57. Fragrant substance 44. Run-of-the-mill 20. Prefix meaning "bone" 61. ___ heart (care) 46. Better halves 21. "Based on ___ Story" 49. Wind dir.

65.

La Salle named it and 23. Hagen of the stage 50. Pinball player's aim claimed it for France 25. Repulsive 51. With no sweat 30. Literally, "out of many, one" 67. Object 55. Thespian's quest 68. Mtn. figures 33. B'nai B'rith rights org.

56. Scoreboard stat 69. Author Hubbard 35. Lusts 58. Container weight 70. Sun protection 36. Augment 59. Adam's grandson 71. Mon., on Tues.

37. Midmorning hour 60. Wife of a rajah 72. "____ can!" (positive mantra) 61. B-ball players' stats.

39. Susan Dey series 62. Spa sound, say Answers to this week’s 63. Road, in Rome puzzles can be found 64. At wit's ___ 66. Guitar closer on page 09.

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

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

BINGO

TUESDAY Singo at Riverside Taphouse at South Fork Bluff City, TN 6:30pm

DJ NIGHT THURSDAY DJ B-Digital at O’Mainnin’s Pub and Grille Bristol, TN 10pm

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

FRIDAY Handsome Hodge Entertainment at O’Mainnin’s Pub - Bristol, TN 10pm

THURSDAY Bingo at Mellow Mushroom Bristol VA 6pm Singo at Aubrey’s Bristol 7:00 PM

SUNDAY DJ B-Digital at O’Mainnin’s Pub and Grille Bristol, TN 10pm

SATURDAY Handsome Hodge Entertainment at O’Mainnin’s Pub - Bristol, TN 10pm

To have your events added to this list email: theloaferonlineprint@gmail.com or call: 423-930-7319

theloafer.net | April 10th, 2026

TRI-CITIES

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theloafer.net |April 10th, 2026

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Northeast State Theatre presents Heathers: The Musical April 16-19 The Northeast State Performing Arts Theater.

Community College At Westerberg High, Department of Theater stages the outrageous dark comedy popularity is a matter of life and death. Veronica Sawyer Heathers: The Musical is a brainy, beautiful teenage April 16 to April 19 at the Ballad Health Center for the 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.

theloafer.net | April 10th, 2026

PETS

OF THE WEEK

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A u ro ra 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

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.

There are 5 Spring Chickens hidden in this issue of The Loafer.

Can you find them all?

This Week's Puzzle Answers

R o

Crossword

Cryptogram:

Dropquote:

x

Sudoku

y

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

worm tested negative, gets along with other dogs, but calmer companions are best... highenergy dogs can make her nervous.

If you are interested in adopting : The Bridge Home No Kill Animal Shelter 423-239-5237 • 2061 Highway 75 Blountville, TN Facebook: bridgehome

bridgehome.org

"Life is the movie you see through your "Cosmic upheaval is not so moving as own eyes. It makes little difference what's a little child pondering the death of a happening out there. It's how you take it sparrow in the corner of a barn." that counts."

theloafer.net |April 10th, 2026

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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.

JOHNSON CITY FARMERS MARKET

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

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 100 East Main Street, through October on Saturdays from Jonesborough, TN 8:00am - 1:00pm.

Saturdays May through October At the Johnson City Farmer's except during Jonesborough Days Market you will be able to enjoy and the Storytelling Festival fresh produce, baked and canned Hours: 8 am to 12 pm goods, arts and crafts, and community fellowship.

Northeast Tennessee’s First Nonprofit Producer-Only Grocery KINGSPORT FARMERS MARKET Store & Farmers Market.

308 Clinchfield St., Kingsport, TN Come for the freshest, all-local Open Saturdays food, meet your farmers, and April 25 – November 28 learn exactly how your food Open Wednesdays is produced.

May – September | 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.

ABINGDON FARMERS MARKET The mission of the Kingsport Farmers Market is to provide a 100 Remsburg Dr, Abingdon, VA vibrant, diverse market place for January - March local and regional farmers and (1st & 3rd Saturday (10-12) artisans to sell their products to the April-September (Tuesday 3-6) Kingsport community.

April-October (Saturday 8-12) STATE STREET FARMERS MARKET November-Christmas (Saturday 10-12) 810 State Street Bristol, TN The Abingdon Farmers Market Saturdays is a vendor run market for local May to October (within a 75 mile radius) farmers, 8 a.m. to Noon artisans and food producers to Wednesdays sell their products directly to July to September the community. Freshly grown 2 to 6 p.m. and made products are more There's no better place to shop for nutritious, taste better and are fresh produce, locally grown by better for you. In many cases, the friends and neighbors, or browse growers and producers are your the selection of fresh baked goods neighbors and friends. Support and homemade crafts than the 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/

To be featured in The Loafer's Things to Do email us at: theloaferonlineprint@gmail.com or call 423-930-7319

theloafer.net | April 10th, 2026

THINGS TO DO

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theloafer.net |April 10th, 2026

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Tri-Cities Faces and Places Celebrating the people and places of our community!

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theloafer.net | April 10th, 2026

theloafer.net |April 10th, 2026

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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.

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

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

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 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.”

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

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.

About TN250

• 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, Master Distiller Jason Franklin oversaw long finish. production from grain to glass. The • Price: $49.99 whiskey was distilled using a unique • Grain Source: 100% Tennessee-grown yeast strain, filtered through sugar

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 available at tn250.com.

City. Tennessee Hills produces a full portfolio of spirits, craft beer, cream Tennessee’s Whiskey Heritage liqueurs, and ready-to drink cocktails.

Tennessee was a major player in the The distillery has earned recognition whiskey industry before the turn of the from the American Distilling Institute 20th century. Scots Irish settlers crossed and TripAdvisor, where it was voted the Appalachian Mountains with copper the #1 ranked tourist destination in stills, finding the limestone springs, Jonesborough for five consecutive abundant grain, and hardwood forests that made the region ideal for distilling. By years. More information is available at the late 1800s, more than 500 distilleries tennesseehills.com.

The beloved musical tribute to one of country music’s brightest stars comes to the State Theatre of Virginia this spring

ABOUT BARTER THEATRE:

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.

theatre, is located in Abingdon,

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.

Barter Theatre, the nation’s longest running professional 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.

theloafer.net | April 10th, 2026

Barter Theatre Brings the Music and Magic of Patsy Cline to Gilliam Stage

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theloafer.net |April 10th, 2026

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Johnson City Public Art Releases Festival Schedule for Art·Struck 2026 The Johnson City Public Art Road Roller Printmaking Committee will hold the 6th annual 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

Art·Struck Festival on Saturday, April 25 at The Pavilion at Founders Giant Puppet March Park, 105 W. Main St., in downtown Johnson City from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March Times: noon and 1:15 p.m.

Festival sponsors are East Tennessee Street Art Throwdown State University, Fischman Gallery, noon–4 p.m. 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.

East Coast Giants Stiltwalker noon-4 p.m.

Twirling Twins 1–3 p.m.

Art Market ALL DAY

“Our committee believes in Art Activity Stations bringing the community together ALL DAY with meaningful arts engagement, supporting artists, and of course Food Trucks having fun,” Art·Struck Subcommittee ALL DAY Chair Spicey Pate.

This year features a wide variety of Crystal Cat Design Co. Screen Printing exciting highlights, including new and ALL DAY old favorites. Come all day to catch everything, show up for scheduled Granite Goddess, Living Statue performances, or stay until the end ALL DAY to see the winners of the chalk art competition. The festival schedule is Community Chalk Art Mandala as follows: ALL DAY 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.

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/.

Exchange Place Spring Garden Fair 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 shrubs with 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/.

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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

Social Sentiments

By Wendy Hayden socialsentiments @outlook.com

socialsentiments.net

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.

theloafer.net | April 10th, 2026

How Can Your Brand Benefit From Social Media?

theloafer.net |April 10th, 2026

18

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 Maximum of 12 participants per tour Registration required www.tnstateparks.com/parks/ events/sycamore-shoals 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

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.

Useful Plants of Appalachia Hike Sunday, April 19 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM

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

English Country Dancing

Friday, April 24 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Sunday, April 12 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM

Cost: $5.00 Maximum of 20 participants

Cost: Free Admission

Registration required www.tnstateparks.com/parks/ events/sycamore-shoals

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.

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

* Outdoor programs are subject to cancellation in the event of severe weather conditions. Contact the park for details.

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.

April 4, 9, 10, 16, 18, 19, 24, & 30 1:30 PM

Knot A Problem

Cost: $10 Adult \ $8 Seniors 65+ \ $8 Veterans & Active Military \ $5 Ages 17 & Under Maximum of 12 participants per tour

Cost: Free

Registration required www.tnstateparks.com/parks/ events/sycamore-shoals

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.

Wednesday, April 15 5:30 PM – 6:15 PM Maximum of 10 participants Registration required www.tnstateparks.com/parks/ events/sycamore-shoals

Visitors Center Hours:

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Monday through Saturday (closed 11:00 -12:00 for lunch & cleaning) 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM Sunday Our Visitors Center is closed on most State holidays. Park grounds are open from dawn until dusk.

In the event of extremely inclement winter weather, contact the park about program cancelations and park office closings.

1651 W. Elk Avenue- Elizabethton, TN 37643 423-543-5808 sycamoreshoalstn.wordpress.com • facebook.com/sycamoreshoals • tnstateparks.com/parks/sycamore-shoals • friendsofsycamoreshoals.org

owned park in the state of Tennessee, to wear appropriate footwear. While clocking in at an impressive 3,750 you’re in Erwin you could also visit acres. The 40+ miles of hiking trails Martin’s Creek Falls, Sill Branch Falls that extend across the majority of the property are as easy as a leisurely or Spivey Flats, which can be seen stroll around their 44 acre lake, or as from the convenience of your vehicle difficult as the rocky road up to the if you have someone who can’t 100ft tall fire tower that offers views of make a hike but still wants some 4 states! beautiful scenery.

What differentiates Bays Mountain from other parks is what it offers Finally, start making your plans to beyond hiking. In addition to its attend the Rhododendron Festival miles of trails for hiking and biking, at Roan Mountain State Park now Bays Mountain boasts a ropes and You can’t get much more centrally zip line adventure course, barge rides even though it isn’t until June. The located than Buffalo Mountain Park. on the lake, a planetarium with an best thing about Roan Mountain is Settled right off South Roan Street in astronomy club and observatory, that, at over 6000 ft high, the weather Johnson City, this 725 acre park sits and my favorite attraction – animal 3300 ft above sea level and offers a habitats. At this park you can get up is always 20 degrees cooler, which bird’s-eye-view of Johnson City so close and personal with myriad fish, means it’s a little slower to bloom in bring your binoculars! If you want to reptiles, birds of prey, foxes, otters, the summer. Roan Mountain State get a great workout you can do the deer, bobcats and most notably, Park hosts year-round activities, “Grand Circuit,” a 4.5 mile loop that wolves! At various times of day you but the blossoming of their native will take you along White Rock Trail, can view these incredible creatures Fork Ridge Trail and Cascade Trail. If while they howl, feed and just go rhododendrons is worth the wait. you’re a little more pressed for time about their daily routine. Bays In addition to strolling the gardens, or just want a direct shot to a lookout, Mountain is certainly a treat for all participants can enjoy traditional take the 2.5 mile route straight to ages and activity levels.

White Rock. Pack your Dr.Enuf (since If you want to add an aquatic aspect music, purchase handmade they’re headquartered at the base of crafts, watch old-timey folkway to your outdoor adventures, take the mountain) and refresh yourself advantage of one of the many demonstrations, and indulge in at the top, while you sun yourself on waterfall hikes in our region. Pack multiple food vendors. Hike along the the rocky bluffs for which the area a picnic lunch and make the easy is named. Just be wary of snakes, half-mile trek to the base of the Blue balds for breathtaking unobstructed particularly this time of year. You’re Hole Falls. This water is bone chilling views, or pack your fishing pole not gonna be the only cold-blooded year-round, but is spectacular for and see what’s biting; the Doe River creature feeling frisky from the lounging on rocks and enjoying some which sits inside the park is stocked warmer weather; I’ve personally seen snacks. If you’re looking for a more both copperheads and rattlesnakes regularly with 3 species of trout! intense hike in the Hampton area, at this location, so just be careful you can check out one of the most I personally think nature is our where you’re stepping and keep Fido popular attractions in the area at leashed and close by.

Laurel Falls. This moderate to difficult greatest asset in Northeast Tennessee. It’s easy to get sucked trek is less than 5 miles in and out, If you’re looking for something with but if you feel like extending your day, into the couch scrolling on our plenty of family friendly appeal and begin your journey first to Coon Den phones or catching up on streaming easy access, look no further than Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium. Falls and follow the Laurel Fork Trail shows in our free time. But what that will lead you directly to Laurel Located in Kingsport, this nature a waste it would be not to take Falls. There are multiple waterfalls preserve is actually the largest cityalong the Erwin side of the AT, my advantage of these beautiful days favorite being Rock Creek Falls. This before the wretched humidity of hike is only 3 miles out and back, but summer sets in by getting out and is pretty challenging and requires getting your feet wet, so make sure exploring our natural beauties!

by Kathie Scalf

XO - Kathie

theloafer.net | April 10th, 2026

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.

Take a Hike!

19

Acclaimed Author to Headline ETSU Literary Festival

theloafer.net |April 10th, 2026

20

When the New York Times calls you “one PEN/Faulkner finalist and bestseller. of the great American authors at work His newest book, “The Caretaker,” today,” people listen. published by Doubleday in 2023, was named one of The New Yorker’s Best East Tennessee State University is bringing one such author - Ron Rash - to Books of the Year.

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

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. A son of Buncombe and Watauga county Ted Olson, nine-time Grammy nominee 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.”

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.

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.

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.

21

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

Pop Life

By Ken Silvers theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com

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

theloafer.net | April 10th, 2026

Rescued by Ruby

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theloafer.net |April 10th, 2026

Friends of the Johnson City Public Library to Hold Book Sale

EVENT SCHEDULE 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 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

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

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.

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 The sale features thousands of supporters dedicated to the welfare gently-used books, DVDs, and and promotion of the library. puzzles donated by people in the Email friends@jcpl.org for more community. There is something information about the Friends or to fit everyone’s interests—from cooking, to sports, to gardening, to the upcoming book sale. music—and literary tastes—from Visit jcpl.org, call 423-434-4450 or biographies and romance, to drop by 100 West Millard Street to fantasy and fiction. use Johnson City Public Library.

All the proceeds from the Friends’ Like Johnson City Public Library on Facebook and Instagram to receive book sales go directly back into funding library events, collections, daily updates on library collections, and projects. Friends of the Library programs and services.

23

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.

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.

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

“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.”

There are still bands and artists that I enjoy and know about who are new. The British groups Now, I know that some people want to, and have, groused at me Wet Leg and The Last Dinner for stating this fact. But the thing Party are very good indeed. But according to the younger people is I have never turned 40 before in my life and from what I’ve see and us Elder Millennials have been through some stuff. Turning on the internets, Summer 2024 this corner resolutely into middle belonged to singer Chappell Roan. Her songs and her seemed age has raised a series of mixed to be all over the place. “Good for emotions inside me. The one her!” I thought to myself having most notable changes I’ve seen only heard snippets of her songs. so far is how I’m, mostly, pretty much, out of touch with what is Then, one of my best friends said going on in the music scene. that her appearance on NPR’s

Batteries Not Included

By Andy Ross theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com

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.

theloafer.net | April 10th, 2026

The Inevitability

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ON SALE NOW!

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Layaway Now for Christmas!