The Loafer 116

Hello Spring First Day of Spring: Tuesday, March 19th

Volume 03 Issue 116 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

03

Kathie Scalf Ken Silvers

Johnson City Jazz Festival Announces Line-Up

04 Spotlight 05 Loafer Star of Excellence: Campbell's Morrell Music 06 Theatre Bristol Presents The Rainbow Fish 06 Beezwax 07 Tri-Cities Nightlife 08 Puzzle Page 09 Pets of the Week 10

Loafer Star of Excellence:

Bristol Health Food Store 11 Things To Do 12 Tri-Cities Faces and Places 14

The Carter Family Fold Set for The McClain Family Band

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Biker Events 16 Jesus Christ Superstar Will Play Three Nights at ETSU Martin Center

Wendy Hayden

20 Musical Storytellers Take the Jettie Baker Center Stage

Ann Hartley

22 WQUT Concert Schedule

The Loafer Po Box 39 Telford, Tn 37690 423-930-7319 www.theloafer.net theloaferonlineprint@gmail.com All advertisements are accepted and published by the publisher upon the representation that the agency and/or advertiser is authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof. The agency and/or advertiser will indemnify and save the publisher harmless from any lossof expense resulting from claims or suits based upon contents of any advertisement, including claims or suits for defamation, libel, right of privacy, plagiarism, and copyright infringement.

Founder: Bill Williams

LBD

FAMILY MEDIA Let’s Get Social!

columns & reviews

theloafer.net | March 19, 2024

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NOTE

FROM THE

PUBLISHER 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.

Please look inside for something new we have been working on the last few weeks. Each issue we are planning to recognize some of the area business that we consider to be some of the very best.

Look for the Loafer Star of Excellence for the featured businesses. We ask that you take the time to read and visit to get to know more about these local places.

Remember shopping local is good for everyone.

15 Beanz Biker Corner True Sons 17

Social Sentiments:

Constant Connections 19 Tea Time with Appalachian Barbie:

Healthy Boundaries for the Self and Beyond 21 Pop Life Argylle 23 Batteries Not Included: 70 Years of the Creature from the Black Lagoon

Have a great week!

Love, Lisa Durbin Publisher

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As in previous years, local Johnson City Jazz Festival Announces Line-Up for 6th jazz talent will perform at no Annual Festival March 21-23 charge (tips are encouraged) on Thursday night.

Organizers of the Johnson Performers include The ETSU City Jazz Festival today Jazz Ensemble, The Peterson announced the line-up for Perkins Quartet, The Trithe 6th annual popular Cities Jazz Orchestra and the Festival that will take place Johnson City Jazz Collective.

March 21, 22 and 23, 8 to Because Thursday night 10pm each night, at the is free, Festival goers are Carnegie Hotel in encouraged to show up early Johnson City, TN. as the venues will fill up.

Bill Perkins, local jazz Friday and Saturday tickets guitarist and the person are $25 for one night, $40 responsible for booking the musicians, noted this will be for both. There will be 2 bands each night. Friday another great year of both night performers will be the local and regional Denin Slage-Koch Trio and Jazz talent.

The Gregory Tardy Quartet.

Saturday night performers will be The Dan Keller Trio and The Iliana Rose Quartet.

For more details about the festival and to buy tickets, visit http://www. johnsoncityjazzfestival.

Organizers appreciate all the com. Or follow the festival support they have received on Facebook (Johnson City from the community Jazz Festival) and Instagram. including sponsors First (johnsoncityjazzfestival).

Horizon Bank, Carnegie Anyone looking for more Hotel, Livewire Radio, Bank of Tennessee, Alberts Pawn, information on how to Time & Pay, Christian Schmid support the festival or other details can contact Design, Interstate Graphics Steve Scheu at: as well as other Friends of the Festival as they work to 423-677-9042 or email to info@johnsoncity bring great live Jazz to our area. jazzfestival.com.

theloafer.net | March 19, 2024

Johnson City Jazz Festival Announces Line-Up for 6th Annual Festival March 21-23

Spotlight

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Johnson City

Johnson City, TN

TUESDAY Mar 19th Old Time Jam 5:00pm at Yee-Haw Brewing Company

Bristol, TN/VA Bristol TN/Va WEDNESDAY Mar 20th Its Spring! Beach Party with Mark Larkins 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House FRIDAY Mar 22nd Scotty Melton 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House From the Edge 6:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar Noah Spencer 8:00pm at The Corner Kayla McKinney 9:30pm at Bristol Casino Bar SATURDAY Mar 23rd Anthony Childress 6:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar Crosby Tyler 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House Ryan Lowe 8:00pm at The Corner If Birds Could Fly 9:30pm at Bristol Casino Bar MONDAY Mar 11th Anthony Childress 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Kingsport

Kingsport, TN

THURSDAY Mar 21st Sam Collie 7:00pm at Model City Tap House

Brim & Marci Leal 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

FRIDAY Mar 22nd

WEDNESDAY Mar 20th

Alpine Motel 7:00pm

Rheva & Keegan’s Irish Fiddle Tunes 5:30pm at Mulligan’s Gaming Pub

at Model City Tap House

HB Beverly 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

Alpine Motel 8:00pm at Gypsy Circus Cider Company Seth McKay & The Moonshine

THURSDAY Mar 21st

Rivals 9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

Justin Mychaels 6:30pm at Rocks Wood FIred Pizza

SATURDAY Mar 23rd

FRIDAY Mar 22nd Modus 8:00pm at Tulip’s Pub and Grub Dan Harrell and the Troubadours 10:00pm at Capone’s SATURDAY Mar 23rd Failure 2 Conform | Systematic Devastation | Wiseblood 10:00pm at Capone’s SUNDAY Mar 24th Mick Kyte 3:00pm at the Johnson City VFW Post 2108!

Rheva & Keegan’s Irish Fiddle Tunes 5:30pm at Mulligan’s Gaming Pub Curses | Ham Radio | Strange Gods 8:00pm at Capones

Donnie and the Dry Heavers 7:00pm at Gypsy Circus Cider Company Eric Pavone 8:00pm at Model City Tap House Dan Herrell & The Troubadours 9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar Trevor Meade 9:00pm at Krazy Chicken

Elizabethton, TN Elizabethton FRIDAY Mar 22nd Jonathan King 6:00pm at Jiggy Rays SATURDAY Feb 23rd Natosha Tolley 6:00pm at Jiggy Ray’s

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

Don Campbell opened Campbell’s Morrell Music in 1985 with the help of Joe Morrell who owned the music store in Bristol. In 1987 his son David lost his job due to a merger and that just happened to be the time that his Dad Don really needed help in his growing store.

It seemed like the most natural time for David to join his dad in the business. 1992 sickness forced

Don into retirement and sadly he passed in 1994 leaving David to handle the family business. 39 years in this iconic music store has not always been easy. The first time David and his staff had to deal with a very unexpected flood in downtown Johnson City brought some real challenges but It was also a learning tool to manage the next 3 floods before the city built some much appreciated retention areas. I did learn that Covid was actually good for the music business since most people were staying at home.

Apparently a large number of folks enjoyed buying and learning to play musical instruments while stranded indoors.

I feel sure that Don Campbell would be very proud of the store today. As soon as you walk in to this world of music David and his staff treat you like family and do all they can to satisfy

your musical needs! David isn’t sure if his son Jonny will follow in his footstep in the store. As of now he is a professional soccer player in Indonesia. I feel sure that he will make sure the legacy of this Campbell family lives on in Downtown Johnson City. The Loafer is pleased to recognize Campbell’s Morrell Music as a Loafer Star of Excellence!

Sales • Service • Pro Audio and Lighting • Music Instruction

118 West Market Street Johnson City, TN Phone 423.929.1083 Fax. 423.929.1038 campbellsmusic.net facebook.com/campbellsmorrellmusic instagram.com/campbellsmusic

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The Legacy of Campbell’s Morrell Music

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Theatre Bristol Presents “The Rainbow Fish” April 20-28 Live on the ARTspace stage, a full-scale, glitteryscaled version of beloved children’s book announcing cast and tickets on sale!

Bristol, Tennessee/Virginia, March 2024–Theatre Bristol presents beloved children’s book The Rainbow Fish, live on its ARTspace stage, 506 State Street, Bristol, TN, with Saturday morning and afternoon shows and Sunday matinees, April 20 through 28.

This full-scale, glittery-scaled stage version of the award-winning children’s book, “The Rainbow Fish,” will transform the ARTspace into a sea world, with Rainbow Fish, Little Fish, Starfish, Ms. Minnow, Octopus, Pufferfish, Hermit Crab, Sardine, Clownfish, and many other creatures and show how kindness really shimmers, shines, and sparkles.

Elisabeth Mullins is cast as the Rainbow Fish, and her scales are Harper Mensch and Amalia Hubbard.

Carrie Cornett is the Starfish and Ms. Minnow, and Mandy Deere is the Barnacle and the wise Octopus.

Narrators and Tentacles play multiple roles with Reese Davis as Humuhumunukunukuapua’a, Jayonna Green as the Hermit Crab, Nora Day Graham as the Prawn, Katie Collea as the Snail, Kayleigh Stroupe as the Haddock, and Abby Cheek as the Hake.

Bentley Forinash is the Little Fish, Autumn Love is the Sardine, Kiera Leonard is the Guppy, Lily Frazier is the Shrimp, and Summer Fritz is the Snail. The fancy fish are Lucy Helvey, the Pufferfish, Sydney Gray, the Clownfish, and Emma Cornett, the Angelfish.

The Lobsters are Farris Lamie and Kaidence DeHart, Nautilus is Lola Dew, Herring is Kally Nelson, and the little Hermit Crab is Drew Headen.

Adapted by Austin Zumbro from the book written and illustrated by Marcus Pfister and translated into English by J. Alison James, The Rainbow Fish will be directed by Melanie Yodkins. Melanie is a long-time director, Theatre Bristol stage veteran, and Fine Art & Theatre graduate of Milligan University. Among her directing credits are 13: the Broadway Musical, A Christmas Carol, The Secret Garden, and Lend Me a Tenor. Melanie is supported by stage manager Ann Vance, and production team Zaiah Gray, Cooper Knapp, Mason White, Rebecca Ryan, Ken Cornett, Tony DeVault, and Samantha Gray.

The Rainbow Fish opens Saturday, April 20, and runs for two weekends at the Theatre Bristol ARTspace, Saturdays at 10:30 am and 5:30 pm, and Sundays at 2:30 pm, closing on April 28. Tickets are $15 for adults plus processing fees and $10 for seniors and students plus processing fees, and are available at www.TheatreBristol.org.

The production is made possible by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service, Inc., Denver, Colorado.

Theatre Bristol is pleased to present The Rainbow Fish as part of its family-friendly 59th season of ARTspace and The Paramount Center for the Arts shows, including Mark Twain’s The Diaries of Adam & Eve, Aesop’s Foibles with River’s Way, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, The Mockingbird Sings, Scrooge!

The Musical, PLAYtime in the ARTspace weekly, and The StART of Adventure Summer Camp.

Founded in 1965 by Cathy DeCaterina, Theatre Bristol is a community theatre serving all ages that also has the distinction as the oldest continually running children’s theatre in northeast Tennessee.

Located on historic State Street in Bristol, it also serves southwest Virginia. Its Main Stage season consists of drama, comedy, and musical

productions that take place in the 100-seat blackbox ARTspace and at the Paramount Center for the Arts. Theatre Bristol is a volunteer-operated community organization and we invite you to get involved.

For more information, visit the Theatre Bristol’s website or Facebook page, contact Theatre Bristol at 423-212-3625, or email info@theatrebristol.org.

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 | March 19, 2024

TRI-CITIES

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SODOKU

CROSSWORD

ACROSS 42. River near York 1. Seattle neighborhood 43. Variety of guitar 5. Verb for Tweety 45. Bird symbolizing happiness 9. Sitcom import, briefly 14. Part of Can. 47. Scottish boy 15. Above, to Albrecht 48. "Awakenings" actor 16. Russian mountains 52. Le Champs ___ 17. Like nicotine 53. Bay area airport (abbr.)

19. Owner of Donner and Blitzen 54. Cornishmen 20. Alpine warble 57. Skill 21. Actor's first role 61. ___ Triomphe 23. "I knew that!"

DROP QUOTE

C RYPTO G RAM

ZAOWQYXQP CK VSA YAQTYYALV KTKICQCWL VSXV OWYA VSXL SXUN WN VSA IAWIUA XYA YCMSV OWYA VSXL SXUN VSA VCOA. — E.B. White

25. iPod accessories 30. 1959 movie with Tony Curtis and Marilyn Monroe 33. Soda container 35. College teacher, for short 36. Far from oblivious 37. In ____ (muddled) 39. Overshadow, big-time

65. Joseph's home, in the Bible 67. Fever or cruiser preceder 68. Hitler follower 69. Scope starter 70. Club gig 71. Zeppelin's "____ Mak'er" 72. Relaxing retreats

Answers to last week’s puzzles can be found on page 09.

Down

1. Fix, in a way 2. Catholic mass calendar 3. "The Days and Nights of Molly ___" 4. City in northern Spain 5. Palindromic king 6. Put in ____ (raise a paddle) 7. Bob Seger's "____ Got Tonight" 8. His questions are answers 9. Waldheim was its president 10. Neighbor of Arg. and Col. 11. Word with mail or club 12. Flight concern (abbr.)

13. Youth org. since 1910 18. Mass 22. Dubai is part of it (abbr.)

24. Some dogs do it 26. Riboflavin, familiarly 27. Movers' rentals 28. Anatomical backs 29. Spirited horse 30. Condescendingly exclusive 31. In a funk 32. Patsy Cline tune "____ to Pieces" 33. Personnel group 34. "Don't play me for ___!"

38. Spanish cubist Juan 40. "Too Ra Loo Ra Loo ___" (Irish lullaby) 41. Days mentioned in TGIF 44. Smallest stamp value, currently 46. "The Metamorphosis" author Franz 49. Miniature 50. Alcatraz, for one 51. Lunar periods, roughly 55. Buffet meal carrier 56. Label info 58. Skip and jump start?

59. Michael of "Arrested Development" and "Superbad" 60. Villainous group in "Get Smart" 61. Creator of Holmes and Watson (inits.)

62. Koothrappali of "The Big Bang Theory" 63. "NCIS" network 64. Fall flat 66. Russian space station

theloafer.net | March 19, 2024

PETS

OF THE WEEK

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s a s s y Meet Sassy, a 1 yr old Manx that’s a little shy at first, but give her some time and you’ll find a bundle of love in this petite Tabby package.

She has been spayed, up to date on vaccinations, and microchipped and

ready to bring joy to your home.

If you’re patient and ready for a lifelong feline friend, I’m here, waiting to grace your world with gentle purrs and a whole lot of tabby charm.

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

Can you find them all?

Last Week's Puzzle Answers

M

Crossword

Cryptogram:

Dropquote:

IL

Sudoku

O

Milo is a 4 yr old Treeing Walker Coonhound that’s a super sweet friendly guy with high energy! 91 lbs, good with other dogs, loves to go on walks, housetrained, neutered, current on vaccinations, microchipped and heartworm tested negative. He needs a family that can keep up with his active

lifestyle. If he gets the attention he needs, he is the most lovable boy. Might have some separation anxiety. He will need at least a 6 foot fence and could possibly dig if left unattended. Was destructive and an escape risk at his last home, but was not given enough attention.

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

"It is common sense to take a method "If this is philosophy it is at any and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try rate a philosophy that is not in its another, but above all try something." right mind."

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Bristol Health Food Store: For Your Mind and Body Behind Tennessee High School, you will find a small corner store known as Bristol Health Food Store. The little corner store has been selling supplements and ol’ timey remedies since the early 70’s. They offer a wide range of nutritional supplements and herbs. They carry major brands like Terry Naturally, NOW, and Garden of Life, but they also take pride in supporting local, hard-working families and their farms, such as Ellis Farms local honey, Bate’s Goat’s Milk lotion and

soap from Jonesville, Virginia, as well as award winning Energy Vitamins through Life Fortune located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Bristol Health Food Store offers a variety of support products for digestion, blood sugar support, sleep, pain relief, immune balance, and much more. They also offer one of the largest selections of high quality CBD brands.

The business was started by Becky Bowman Hopson, who is a longtime resident of East Tennessee. She earned

a degree from ETSU in English and Sociology and has extensive experience in finance, which provided her with a solid foundation to take on the store when it was offered to her. Becky and her husband purchased the store in 2015 from the previous owners, after Becky prayed for direction in her career. The opportunity fell in her lap, and she knew she had to take the leap of faith. She set out to learn a new language of natural wellness, listening, researching, and asking questions.

She has a passion to help people and a willingness to learn, and so she began her own personal journey to a better lifestyle.

Bristol Health Food Store strives to provide support and assistance to guide others and lead everyone to become a better version of themselves. They are small enough to appreciate your business and big enough to fit your needs. Shopping at Bristol Health supports local business and provides you with quality products right in the Bristol neighborhood. They take a holistic approach to health and wellness, offering the means to make your mind and body equally healthy.

Stop in today at Bristol Health Food Store

located at 1600 Edgemont Avenue in Bristol, TN. You can reach them at 423-968-1241, visit their Facebook page, or their website at www.bristolhealthstore.com.

They service all of your health needs!

The Loafer is pleased to recognize The Bristol Health Food Store as a Loafer Star of Excellence!

Fill Your Spring with Healthy Choices!

Local Honey- Allergies Zinc Oxide- Sunscreen

Elderberry - Immune Ashwaghanda - Stress

Are you looking for mushroom coffee?

Buried Treasure offers so many liquid treasures!

B complex, Herbal iron, and our newest product Vollagen a vegan collagen alternative!

All the products shown are vegan friendly and use quality ingredients. No high fructose corn syrup non-GMO dairy free and the list goes on. Stop in and see the difference!

Try Four Sigmatic! They are certified organic, gluten free and offer targeted support for things like focus, digestion, and energy!

(423) 968-1241

1600 Edgemont Ave, Bristol, TN

WWW.BRISTOLHEALTHSTORE .COM

We Truly Care About Your Health!

We take a holistic approach to health and wellness. We offer a variety of alternative health products that treat you, not your condition. We believe that you are not living your best life possible unless your mind and body are completely healthy.

JOHNSON CITY SATURDAYS ACOA (adult children of alcoholics) 1:30-3:00pm.

Call for info Bill 423-444-6107 or Cheryl 423-262-6149 THURSDAY MAR 21ST IBN Biz Lunch 11:30am at Golden Corral Buffett Tri-Cities Turtles Run Club 12:45pm at Yee-Haw Brewing Co. FRIDAY MAR 22ND Johnson City Love & Hiking Date For Couples (Self-Guided) 7:00am at Willow Springs Park SATURDAY MAR 23RD Johnson City Love & Hiking Date For Couples (Self-Guided) 7:00am at Willow Springs Park 2nd Annual Johnson City Beautification Day 9:00am at King Commons Park Folk Art Bunny Kids Canvas 10:00am at Into the Fire Improv Open Mic 8:00pm at Wallace Theatre SUNDAY MAR 24TH Egg-travaganza 2:00pm at Johnson City Brewing Boones Creek

BRISTOL WEDNESDAY MAR 20TH Open Mic 8:00pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

THURSDAY MAR 21ST “Easter Kitty” Canvas Class 6:00 PM at Kil'n Time Contemporary Ceramics FRIDAY MAR 22ND “Easter Bunny” Canvas Class 6:00 PM at Kil'n Time Contemporary Ceramics Jeremy Alder 7:00pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club SATURDAY MAR 23RD Board Game Night 5:00pm at Bristol Public Library Jeremy Alder 7:00pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

JONESBOROUGH TUESDAYS Jonesborough Storytelling Guild “Stories n’More” Show 7:00pm at The Intl. Storytelling Center

FRIDAY DEC MAR 22ND Movies for Adults 2:00pm at Washington County Public Library SUNDAY MAR 24TH

Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon SATURDAY MAR 23RD Community Center Historic Jonesborough Town Tour 1:00pm GRAY at Chester Inn State Historic Site THU MAR 21ST - SUN MAR 23RD

ABINGDON, VA

WEDNESDAY MAR 20TH Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

SUNDAY MAR 24TH Parenting Prime Time – Make Parenting Sweet 8:00am at Parenting Sweet

KINGSPORT SATURDAY MAR 23RD Nature: Wolf Howling 10:00am at Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium Blue Ridge Artisan Days- A Crafter’s Spring Fling 9:00am at Kingsport Civic Auditorium Beautiful Miss Tennessee 12:00pm at Kingsport Renaissance Center To be featured in The Loafer's Things to Do email us at: theloaferonlineprint@gmail.com or call 423-930-7319

Duck Duck Goose Spring/ Summer Children's Consignment Sale 2024 10:00am at Appalachian Fairgrounds

theloafer.net | March 19, 2024

THINGS TO DO

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The Carter Family Fold Set for

Useless Facts sponsored by biker wear

The McLain Family Band During this 50th anniversary year, the halls of the legendary Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, Virginia will ring with extraordinary music and excitement as harmonica virtuoso Mike Stevens joins The McLain Family Band, Saturday, April 13th, 2024 at 7:30 pm!

The McLain Family Band, set to be inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame in October, has had immeasurable influence on the bluegrass music world.

They have literally spread this musical style around the globe and performed on stages from Carnegie Hall in New York to Finlandia Hall in Helsinki, for hundreds of thousands of people, many of whom might never have heard bluegrass music otherwise.

On the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, Roy Acuff told Mike Stevens, “I’ve never heard anyone play the harmonica like you play the harmonica.” In Mike’s hands the

harmonica can become a genre bending no rules allowed musical paintbrush, or a powerful straightforward country instrument worthy to be played with the likes of Jim & Jesse, The Lewis Family, and The McLain Family Band. Mike Stevens is a distinguished Canadian musician, songwriter, composer, author, and humanitarian.

Founded in 1974, by Janette Carter, The Carter Family Fold is part of the Carter Family Memorial Music Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of old-time, traditional country and mountain music. A Saturday at the Carter Family Fold in rural southwest Virginia is an evening of musical entertainment and country hospitality you won’t soon forget.

Local Events: 1. 2nd Annual St, Patty’s Day Party 1pm March 16th at True Sons Club House 2. Spaghetti Dinner & Silent Auction March 24th 4pm-6pm Guardian Riders Club House Blountville, TN 3. Rod Runs April 18th – 20th Pigeon Forge 4. 1st Annual Stoners Ball April 19th – 20th Maggie Valley NC 5. WJ’s Spring Bike Show April 20th 11am

BIKE NIGHTS START IN APRIL Bike Nights: Wednesday: 19E Pit Stop Wednesday: Jonesborough VFW Thursday: Darrell Waltrip Friday: Tulips

Rides: WOOD FIRED PIZZA. BURGERS. DRINKS. & FUN. TUES. Mar. 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th

BRIM & MARCI LEAL

WED. Mar. 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th

HB BEVERLY

THUR. Feb. 7th 14th, 21st & 28th

JUSTIN MYCHALS

HAPPY HOUR Visit Our Website for Daily Specials and Events

3119 BRISTOL HWY, JOHNSON CITY, TN (423) 262-0444

PIG OUT MENU Available for a Limited Time

HONEY SMOKIN’ PORK TACOS ULTIMATE FRIED PORK TENDERLOIN SANDWICH PIG OUT SANDWICH PIG OUT NACHOS PIG OUT SALAD

1. Lids for Kids March 30th Registration 10am KSU 2pm Wrecking Crew 2. Isaiah 117 House Benefit April 13th 11am Wrecking Crew 3. Triple T Poker Run meet Peacemakers 10:30am at Jonesborough VFW KSU Noon 4. Spring Kickoff Ride for the Senior Citizen Center Registration 9:30am KSU 10:30am start at Wrecking Crew Harley Davidson Hosted by Appalachian Warriors

Bike Rallies: 1. Daytona Bike Week March 1st – 10th Daytona Beach 2. Route 66 Spring Fever Bike Rally March 28th – 31st.

Depew, OK 3. Arizona Bike Week Scottsdale, AZ April 3rd – 7th 4. Tallahassee Bike Fest April 11th – 14th Tallahassee, FLA

Useless Facts

sponsored by biker wear

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Hello everyone, well its March 2024 still some cold weather ahead but spring is just around the corner.

Daylight Saving Time Begins March 10th, St Patrick’s Day is March 17th and the first day of Spring is March 19th. We are getting close to those warm sunny days so hang in there.

This week I thought it be nice to write about one of our local Motorcycle Clubs (The True Sons MC). Let me first say when I arrived at the True Son Clubhouse, I was welcome with open arms. I instantly felt like family. They had salad, lasagna, brownies, peach cobbler ready to eat. What a wonderful way to welcome someone.

Harley Davidson or Indian Motorcycle.

They want quality over quantity when it comes to the members of the club. They do not go looking for new members, they prefer folks come to them and hang around for at least a year to see if it’s a fit for the club and the individual wanting to join. After 15 years of being an active member in the club they can apply for retirement and become a lifetime member at the approval of the leadership of the club. Rothie is now 77 years young.

While talking with him I could see in his eyes that he is a man of honor. I knew I was right about how much honor I saw in eyes and heard in his words when he told the wifies or girlfriends of the club members wear patches saying True Son (A man named Rothie) The founder Ladies. I love that. I asked Rothie why he father of the True Sons retired Army named the club True Sons. He told me Special Forces, 1974 Combat Vet, with it was because of a book he read called a wife and two sons. When Rothie True Son, a true story about an Indian came home from the army he missed tribe who had killed a white man & his the feeling of the camaraderie he had wife but could not kill their infant child, when he was in the army. The mutual so the chief took the infant boy back to trust and friendship among people his tribe where he raised the boy as his who spend a lot of time together. own and called him his True Son. The Rothie and his wife both loved riding chief sent the boy back to the white man a motorcycle. After a couple of years where he learned to speak English and Rothie had found a group of folks went to school in England. The story in who like to ride and likeminded. So, this book touched his heart. Their center he started the True Sons Motorcycle piece is an Indian Chief and the feathers Club. When he first started the club on the member’s vest stands for the years there were 12 members and of course in the club. The True Sons MC not only have grown since then. Rules were and helps its members, but they love helping the kids in the community, veterans, and still are very simple. Family first then club, must be past your 21st birthday, those in need. They help raise money for a variety of charities and the support must have a job, and either have a their community and other clubs. They want the world to know that motorcycles clubs are not about drugs and alcohol. It’s about a group of individuals who become family, people who are like minded, who like the camaraderie, like to help others, and please have a love of riding motorcycles.

Beanz Biker Corner

By Anne Hartley 423-297-5675

It was a great honor for me to meet and hang out with the members of the True Sons and their ladies, to eat dinner with them. To be invited into a meeting with their members and meet face to face with their founder father and president of the club. So, folks when you are traveling and see motorcycles thundering down the road know they too have families and are not some gang looking for trouble. It’s a pack of family members out for a ride or maybe out paying to ride to help raise money for someone in need. MUCH LOVE AND RESPECT TO MY BIKER FAMILY

116 Buffalo Street Johnson City, TN • www.bikerweartn.com • (423) 631-0542

Useless Facts About Animals: 1. Turtles, water snakes, crocodiles, alligators, dolphins, whales, and other water-going creatures will drown if kept underwater too long.

2. Almost half the pigs in the world are kept by farmers in China.

3. On average, dogs have better eyesight than humans, although not as colorful.

4. Deer have no gall bladders.

5. The ostrich can run up to 40 mph. Ostriches can run faster than horses, and the males can roar like lions.

6. The hummingbird can flap its wings up to 80 times per second.

7. The cheetah can reach speeds of up to 70 mph.

8. Gorillas can catch human colds and other illnesses.

9. A lion in the wild usually makes no more than twenty kills a year. The female lion does ninety percent of the hunting.

10. The only mammals to undergo menopause are elephants, humpback whales and human females.

theloafer.net | March 19, 2024

Beanz Biker Corner

Sponsored By Biker Wear

theloafer.net | March 19, 2024

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WITH MIKE “THE DRIFTER” FLANIGIN

MONDAY, APRIL 1 7:30PM ETSU MARTIN CENTER

ETSUMARTINCENTER.ORG

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In a world where you are constantly able to connect with anyone all over the world at any time of the day, how are you using your internet time?

pages how much you enjoy them.

Thoroughly research topics that interest you. In a world where we have information from reliable sources in the Engage with the pages that palm of our hands anytime of bring you joy. Engaging those day, trustworthy information pages will tell the algorithm is vital to understanding the that you want to see more world around you and the posts from them. The things that make you happy. social media algorithms are How you spend your time on designed to show you more of what you interact with, so the internet determines how by engaging them, you bring you will see the world. Spend it on pages that bring you joy more joy to your feed and show the people behind the and inform your decisions.

Social Sentiments

By Wendy Hayden socialsentiments @outlook.com

socialsentiments.net

theloafer.net | March 19, 2024

Constant Connections

theloafer.net | March 19, 2024 18

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by Kathie Scalf Love can be such a complicated matter. Much like adding ingredients to bake a perfect souffle, there is a very fine line between too much and not enough, and swaying too far in either direction can be detrimental. As it turns out, the key to both self-love success and external relationships is the same factor: setting firm boundaries.

a disease, why don’t we treat it as such and actually encourage TREATING it, instead of just accepting it as fate?

Drawing a firm, uncrossable line in the sand for both yourself and others creates accountability and structure. If you have no boundaries you have no control, While I by no means advocate either over yourself or others’ hating yourself for being in an treatment toward you. Creating unhealthy position, I think its standards for our lives is the necessary to be realistic about greatest gift of self-preservation your situation and hold yourself and is so necessary, most accountable. There is no important of which is learning circumstance that is permanent, the power of NO. Saying no when We’ve never lived in a more body and you have the power to change someone asks you to over-extend positive culture, and while that’s anything at any time, for the yourself for their benefit, saying a seemingly good idea in theory, better or the worse. Waking up no to participating in harmful one look around the US reflects every day and making healthy behaviors, saying no to unhealthy that we are in fact loving ourselves diet and exercise choices is true cravings; every time you say no to death. According to a recent self-care, not ordering a pizza and you’re actually giving yourself a study from Harvard University, zoning out to 12 hours of Netflix yes. “roughly 2 out of 3 US adults are like the media would lead you to overweight or obese (69%) with 1 believe, but it’s completely up to Conversely, you do have to allow grace and patience. No out of 3 considered obese (36%).” you to decide how you want to matter your current life situation, In a disturbingly similar trend, the spend another day. you didn’t get there overnight same report states “the country I think we should treat the and the process of reversing has some of the highest childhood relationship with ourselves the those behaviors isn’t going to obesity rates in the world: 1 out same way we (hopefully) treat of 6 children is obese and 1 out of our relationships with others; by be immediate. Don’t overlook or undervalue your personal 3 is overweight.” It’s no surprise setting firm boundaries built out wins, especially the small ones; that the leading cause of death in of love and encouragement for the those are the ones that add the US is heart disease, which is higher good. If you genuinely love up and amount to everything. directly correlated to unhealthy someone, you want to see them Every time you choose water lifestyles. healthy and happy; and if a loved over soda, get active instead of Obesity is a completely selfone has a disease, you encourage staying on the couch, or skip imposed disease and one that is them to treat it, not accept it as a dessert, congratulate yourself. easily reversed through simple death sentence. If your partner or More importantly, know that no lifestyle change. Why then are child was an addict, you certainly one is perfect and mistakes will we being encouraged to “accept couldn’t imagine give them be made; success comes from ourselves at any size,” knowing positive affirmations regarding picking yourself back up quickly that its killing us and our their abuse, or enable them by when you falter. Give grace to children? Why does someone purchasing the thing that is killing others, knowing they too will who acknowledges unhealthy them. However, some people make mistakes. As long as their bodies get labeled a “fat shamer” sadly have fallen into this cycle of intentions are pure, they deserve by the media? If obesity truly is “loving them to death,” and will be just as many second chances as manipulated into assisting their you give yourself. self-destruction out of fear.

I’m a person who tends to Boundaries are a wonderful thing; they protect us from harm.

swing in the adverse direction on this matter; my self-talk and

acceptance of where I am in the present moment has historically always been negative. My struggle with perfectionism is admittedly my biggest flaw when it comes to myself and my relationships with others. It’s something I’m continuing to work on, and I feel as though it’s getting better.

Holding myself accountable to lifestyle choices I’m proud of is helping my self-perception and trying to accept others where they’re at - knowing we’re all fluid and meeting at different points on this journey – is increasing my tolerance for perceived ‘weakness’ in others. It’s a struggle, but daily I remind myself that I’m receiving back what I’m putting out, so positivity is always the better option.

XO - Kathie

theloafer.net | March 19, 2024

Healthy Boundaries for the Self and Beyond

theloafer.net | March 19, 2024

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Musical Storytellers Take the Jettie Baker Center Stage Through vivid storytelling, blazing instrumentals, heartfelt songs, and a whirlwind of instrument switching, masterful musicians Bryan McDowell and Josh Goforth bring the spirit and energy of the music of western North Carolina to the Jettie Baker Center stage in Clintwood on Sunday, March 24th at 2 p.m. in conjunction with Pro-Art’s 47th season. McDowell and Goforth grew up in the greater Asheville area immersed in the rich musical traditions of the region. Their show will have you tapping your toes and singing along on a musical journey through the southern Appalachian Mountains. Tickets are $10 at the door. Children and students get in free! Find more information and make reservations at proartva.org.

Bryan McDowell is a person predictable only in his consistent excellence. Fiddler, vocalist, and seducer of stringed instruments, his reputation is solidifying as a musician of great interest on the Nashville scene. With his move to the area in 2013, Bryan grounded his career in a 4-year tenure with Claire Lynch. He has logged considerable time on the road with bluegrass notables Sierra Hull, Alison Brown, Ron Block, & Molly Tuttle, and shared the stage and studio with an ever-expanding list of legendary names from the realm of roots and acoustic music. He has contributed his inventive style to recordings garnering IBMA awards and Grammy nominations. Prior accolades include his triple

win—a sweep of the fiddle, mandolin, and guitar categories—at the 2009 National Flatpicking Championship and 21 other instrument contest titles from 2009 and 2010.

Josh Goforth must have been born musical—he was already playing piano in church at the age of four—but it was an experience he had in the sixth grade that lit the fuse of his precocious musical career. A performance at Goforth’s middle school by Sheila Kay Adams caused him to start thinking about the musical heritage and stories of his native Madison County, North Carolina.

Goforth is a highly accomplished storyteller and oldtime, bluegrass, and swing musician playing close to 20 instruments. His fiddling was featured in the movie “Songcatcher,”

both onscreen and on the soundtrack. He has performed in all 50 states, throughout Europe, Asia, and Australia and graced such stages as the Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and The Grand Ole Opry. He was nominated for a Grammy for his 2009 release with David Holt, “Cutting Loose.”

Pro-Art’s spring season is underway! Explore the complete schedule of events, purchase season tickets, and make reservations at proartva.org.

Season tickets are valid for all performances of the 47th season and can be purchased online, in person at any show, or by calling (276) 376-4520. Dickenson County residents are eligible for free season tickets thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Columbus Phipps Foundation.

Please request tickets in advance of the performance by emailing pro-art@uvawise.edu or calling (276) 376-4520.

Pro-Art partners with a variety of venues, therefore individuals with accessibility needs or general questions are encouraged to call (276) 376-4520 or email pro-art@uvawise.edu. For evolving conditions related to weather cancellations, or similar unforeseen circumstances, patrons are encouraged to check proartva.org for up-to-date information.

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, Mountain Empire Community College, the Columbus Phipps Foundation, and the Lee County Community Foundation.

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The current film "Argylle" is an all-star action-comedyspy film featuring Bryce Dallas Howard as Elly Conway, a successful spy novelist who finds herself in danger and intrigue.

At the beginning of the film Conway is writing her fifth novel about the spy adventures of the fictional James Bond style character Aubrey Argylle( Henry Cavill), until she experiences a writer's block, leading her to travel to her parents home by train. While she is on the train to her parents home, accompanied by her pet cat Alfie, she is saved by a real spy named Aidan Wylde (Sam Rockwell) who tells her an evil organization called the Division is out to get her because her novels seem to predict the organization's future. After the attack and a thrilling escape, the duo travel to England in the hopes that the next chapter of her unfinished novel will reveal how to stop the Division.

Pop Life

By Ken Silvers theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com

While in London searching for a "Masterkey" that would help expose the Division Elly referenced in her novels, she Wh suspicious Aidan is out to kill her as well. In a panic, Elly calls her parents for help, and after they arrive matters take an unexpected turn. I will not reveal what happens when the parents arrive, other than to say the duo are once again on the run, eventually arriving in France. While in France, Elly has more shocking surprises awaiting her, and once again the two are attacked and make another harrowing escape. While she is fleeing danger, her invented character Argylle keeps appearing to her via her imagination, giving her tips and advising her along the way. Elly also discovers her real name is Rachel, and her real occupation is revealed to her by former CIA deputy director Alfie Solomon (Samuel L.Jackson). After she shockingly discovers her real name and occupation, the duo are once again on the road, this time to Arabia, where they retrieve the Masterkey, but have a direct showdown with the Division on their oil tanker headquarters. At the end of the film, Elly/Rachel is speaking at a book signing for her latest Argylle novel, and has a surprise in the audience, leaving her a bit stunned. The film does have a mid-credits scene tying the film to "The Kingsman"

film series. The all-star cast does a wonderful job, and other actors featured in the film include Bryan Cranston, Catherine O'Hara, John Cena and Dua Lipa. Howard is right on target as the confused novelist, displaying great comedic touches in her performance. Cavill appears to be auditioning for the role of James Bond in the film, and his interesting haircut nearly steals the film, along with the cat portraying Alfie.

This fast-paced film requires your full attention, so if you

plan on seeing the film in a theater, plan accordingly.

The screenplay's clever plot twists provide for an enjoyable film, and the aforementioned Rockwell appears to be having a blast in his role. "Argylle" is a great choice for those looking for a action-comedy-spy film to take a break from the real world. (Rated PG-13)

theloafer.net | March 19, 2024

ARGYLLE

theloafer.net | March 19, 2024

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P

CONCERT SCHEDULE Bristol

GREENVILLE

PARAMOUNT Mar 29 Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood Apr 10 John Oats Apr 25 Glenn Miller Orchestra Jun 1 Mac McAnally (sold out) Jun 20 Steve Earle Aug 17 Ozark Mountain Daredevils

NISWONGER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Apr 5 Evil Woman-The American ELO Apr 13 Firehouse Apr 27 The Barricade Boys May 4 Anthem Lights May 10 John Anderson Acoustic May 14 Brothers of the Heart

COUNTRY THUNDER MUSIC FESTIVAL Jun 28-29 Cody Johnson, Hardy, Bailey Zimmerman, Lonestar, Trace Adkins, Priscilla Block, Shenandoah, Travis Denning, Jake Worthington, Josh Ross, Emily Ann Roberts.

MARION VA

BRISTOL TN/VA

IN THE PINES Jun 1 Dwight Yoakam, Elle King, Paul Cauthen and Wyatt Flores BRISTOL RHYTHM & ROOTS REUNION Sep 13-15 Ashley McBryde, The Wallflowers, The Red Clay Strays, Sam Bush, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, The Steeldrivers, 49 Winchester and more.

JOHNSON CITY TN

JOHNSON CITY

MARTIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS Apr 1 ZZ Top Apr 13 The Chain-Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band Apr 25 Rain: A tribute to the Beatles May 17 Black Jacket Symphony will perform Purple Rain From Prince Aug 17 The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA FREEDOM HALL Apr 21 ETSU SGA Spring Concert with Riley Green, Maddie & Tae and Jordy Apr 27 We The Kingdom May 16 Breaking Benjamin & Daughtry

GATLINBURG TN

GSTLINBURG

THE MOUNTAIN MUSIC FESTIVAL Aug 23-25 Joan Jett, Tesla, Night Ranger, Foghat, Aldo Nova, Slaughter, Quiet Riot, Lynch Mob, Great White, Dangerous Toys, Vixen and many more.

GREENEVILLE TN

MARION, VA

THE LINCOLN THEATRE Apr 20 Aaron Tippin Apr 21 Chapel Hart Apr 27 William Lee Martin Jun 15 Mark Lowry & Friends with Endless Highway and The Sound Aug 24 Landslide: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac Oct 19 & 20 Gene Watson Nov 8 Killer Beaz Nov 16 Rhonda Vincent & The Rage

KNOXVILLE TN

Knoxville

& Bone Thugs and Harmony May 9 & 10 Zach Bryan May 23 Lionel Richie with Earth Wind & Fire July 14 The Doobie Brothers with Robert Cray Aug 24 Heart and Cheap Trick Sept 12 Hootie and the Blowfish with Collective Soul and Edwin McCain Oct 25 Jelly Roll Nov 19 Justin Timberlake KNOXVILLE CIVIC AUDITORIUM: Mar 26 Bob Dylan Jun 13 Matt Rife KNOXVILLE CIVIC COLISEUM: Mar 27 Reo Speedwagon and Rick Springfield May 11 Kevin Gates July 25 Jordan Davis

NASHVILLE TN

Nashville

RYMAN AUDITORIUM Apr 2 Dustin Lynch Apr 2 The Black Crowes (Opry House) BIJOU THEATRE Apr 4 The Wood Brothers Apr 2 Dave Mason’s Traffic Jam Apr 5 & 6 Black Pumas Apr 5 Mark Norman Apr 9 Casting Crowns Apr 24 The Wailers Apr 26 Leftover Salmon & the Apr 26 Ruston Kelly Infamous Stringdusters May 31 Steep Canyon Rangers Apr 27 Jo Dee Messina Jun 14 Kevin Smith Apr 29 JohnnySwim Oct 26 Henry Cho May 4 Tracy Lawrence TENNESSEE THEATRE May 8 Marshall Tucker Band Mar 26 Scott Bradlee’s May 10 & 11 Amy Grant Postmodern Jukebox May 12 Devo Mar 30 Pete Davidson May 14 Sum 41 with The Interrupters Apr 20 Ashley McBryde May 16 The Steeldrivers Apr 25 Nickel Creek May 20 Todd Rundgren May 1 Bonnie Raitt May 31-Jun 1 Jim Gaffigan May 19 Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Jun 6-9 Matt Rife Jun 8 Brad Williams Jun 13 The Del McCoury Band Jun 21 & 22 Blackberry Smoke THOMPSON BOWLING ARENA Mar 28 Avenged Sevenfold with Poppy & Jun 30 The Alan Parsons Live Project Jul 10 Dave Barnes Sullivan King Jul 24 Jon Anderson & The Band Apr 4 Sam Hunt Geeks with special guests Apr 6 Bert Kreischer The Return o Emerson, Apr 16 Tyler Childers with 49 Winchester Lake & Palmer Apr 21 MercyMe Jul 25 Ricky Scaggs Apr 26 Tim McGraw and Carly Pearce & Kentucky Thunder Apr 27 Spin the Block with Nelly, Ashanti Jul 29 Donnie Osmond

BRIDGESTONE ARENA Apr 14 Jeff Dunham Apr 18 & 19 Tyler Childers Apr 25 Tim McGraw Apr 29 The Postal Service with Death Cab For Cutie and Pulp May 11 Bad Bunny May 14 Stevie Nicks May 24 & 25 Noah Kahan Jun 3 Niall Horan Jun 2 James Taylor Jun 14 Luis Miguel Jun 23 Alanis Morissette, Joan Jett & Morgan Wade Jul 27 Hootie and the Blowfish with Collective Soul and Edwin McCain Aug 9 & 10 Chris Stapleton Aug 14 Five Finger Death Punch with Marilyn Manson and Slaughter To Prevail Aug 20 Earth Wind & Fire with Chicago Aug 22 Jennifer Lopez (cancelled) Aug 28 Sammy Hagar and Loverboy BROOKLYN BOWL Mar 26 & 27 Bob Dylan (sold out) Apr 24 Ty Segall May 16 Mammoth WVH Aug 6 10CC NASHVILLE MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM Aug 9 Bush with Jerry Cantrell and Candlebox ASCEND AMPHITHEATRE Apr 27 Cody Jinks May 18 Billy Currington & Kip Moore May 31 & Jun 1 Lainey Wilson Jun 2 Pixies & Modest Mouse Jun 22 Cypress Hill Jun 29 Sarah McLachlan Jul 12 Styx, Foreigner and John Waite Jul 13 Lake Street Dive Aug 3 Thirty Seconds to Mars Aug 6 Tate McRae Aug 13 Creed with Tonic and Finger Eleven Aug 31 King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard NISSAN STADIUM Jun 6-9 CMA Fest Jun 29 Zach Bryan

CALL WQUT @ 477-1015 FOR MORE CONCERT INFORMATION OR VISIT WWW.WQUT.COM

On February 12, 1954, UniversalInternational Pictures premiered their newest movie, a contemporary entry in from the sci-fi/horror vein in the then-popular 3-D format. The movie was “Creature from the Black Lagoon,” which would become a big hit for the studio and give the world a monster that came to be affectionally known as “The Gill Man,” the last monster to be added to the famed line up of monsters from the studio.

The monsters have long been the bread and butter of Universal, it’s a lineup so closely identified with the studio that even when they haven’t made movies featuring the characters for years, they’ve been pop culture staples. It’d be hard to throw a candy bag around on Halloween without finding someone, somewhere, dressed up as one of the seven from the lineup. Dracula, Frankenstein, The Bride of Frankenstein, The Mummy, The Wolf Man, The Invisible Man, and The Gill Man. In the 1990s the characters had something of a resurgence appearing on everything from TV commercials, toys, T-shirts, hats, and even Pizza Hut boxes.

When I read that this month marked the 70th birthday of The Creature, I knew I had to sit down and watch his first movie again. I’m a big fan of the Universal Monsters, and out of all of them, The Creature from the Black Lagoon is my favorite.

Batteries Not Included

By Andy Ross theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com

Directed by Jack Arnold, who helmed several notable sci-fi films for the studio such as “It Came From Outer Space” and “The Incredible Shrinking Man,” and with an iconic monster design by Millicent Patrick, “Creature from the Black Lagoon” is about an expedition up the Amazon river who come across the halfman, half-fish creature. The movie holds up today and is just a delight to watch.

I’ve had the pleasure of not only seeing it on the big screen, which was great but also I got to see it in 3-D once. A moviewatching experience I won’t forget.

Universal asked to keep the ending of the movie a little open in case the film would warrant a sequel, and soon after the original film opened they began work on the follow-up. “Revenge of the Creature” would be released the following year and again in 3-D. This time the Gill Man has been caught and brought to a sea world-type amusement park, where he eventually breaks out

and havoc ensues.

“Revenge” isn’t too bad, and does have an uncredited appearance by an early in his career Clint Eastwood, but it doesn’t quite live up to the first film.

It too was a hit and in 1956 Universal released the third and final film in the series “The Creature Walks Among Us.” This one is a, well, a bit of a headscratcher. The creature is burned badly and scientists find that under his scales there is a layer of human skin. So they dress him up in a little suit jacket and the gill man spends most of his time wandering around looking like Herman Munster in a mask.

Despite Gill Man’s last time on the big screen being something of a low point, the character has endured. I also bring up Herman Munster above as according to an episode of “The Munsters” he is canonically related to the family, they call him “Uncle Gilbert.” There have

been countless toys, action figures, model kits, and merch over the years with the character. Most notably a truly fantastic pinball machine from 1993, and he appearing with the other Universal Monsters in the 1998 pinball game “Monster Bash.”

There’s been talks of remakes over the years, but nothing has ever come together. As Universal prepares to open their monster land in Orlando next year, one of the rumors is the park will feature a boat ride with the Gill Man, something I hope is true as I would love that. “Creature From The Black Lagoon” is more than just an iconic movie monster, he has become something of an iconic piece of Americana. I’m so glad to see The Gill Man make it to 70 and I hope we celebrate him, and the other Universal Monsters, for 70 more.

See you next week.

theloafer.net | March 19, 2024

70 Years of The Creature from the Black Lagoon

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