The Loafer 117

Winter’s done, and April’s in the skies. Earth, look up with laughter in your eyes!

– Charles G.D. Roberts.

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.

Jonesborough Storytellers Guild Celebrates

30 Years of Sharing the Magic of Storytelling

The Jonesborough Storytellers Guild is thrilled to announce its 30th anniversary of weaving tales and fostering a love for storytelling in Tennessee’s Oldest Town, Hisatoric Jonesborough.

Since 1994, the Guild has provided a platform for storytellers of all ages to share their voices and connect with audiences through the timeless art of the oral tradition called storytelling. The Guild will celebrate this remarkable milestone with a series of special events and captivating stories

throughout the year.

“For three decades, the Jonesborough Storytellers Guild has been a cornerstone of our community, bringing people together through the power of storytelling,” said Linda Poland, Founding Member, and Sherri Peters, President of the Jonesborough Storytellers Guild. “We are excited to commemorate this anniversary with a year-long celebration that promises unforgettable experiences for all ages.”

A Year of Storytelling Events in Historic Jonesborough

The Jonesborough Storytellers Guild invites the community to join them for a year filled with captivating events, including:

Special guest storytellers: Renowned storytellers from across the country will grace the stage, sharing their unique blend of narratives and captivating audiences.

Themed storytelling nights: Immerse yourself in specific themes through

the power of a well-told story.

Stay Tuned for Event Details

Specific details about the yearlong celebration, including event dates, times, and locations, will be announced in the coming months. Please refer to storytellersguild.org and Facebook for more information.

Join the Storytelling Journey

dedicated storytelling nights, exploring everything from historical tales to humorous anecdotes.

Workshops and educational programs:

Hone your own storytelling skills or learn more about the art of oral tradition through workshops and educational programs offered by the Guild.

A Warm Welcome to All Ages

The Jonesborough Storytellers Guild celebrates the magic of storytelling for everyone. Their events are open to audiences of all ages, providing a welcoming space for families and individuals to connect and enjoy

The Jonesborough Storytellers Guild extends a warm invitation to the community to join them in celebrating this momentous occasion.

For more information about the Guild or upcoming events, please visit Storytellersguild.org, email Jsgwebmaster21@gmail.com, or leave a voicemail at 423-720-0977. A member of the Guild will respond to you.

Together, we will continue to celebrate the art of storytelling and share the magic of words for generations to come.

Bristol TN/Va

Bristol, TN/VA

WEDNESDAY Apr 3rd

Peter Dee 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

THURSDAY Apr 4th

Jason Passmore & Carolina Kin

7:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

FRIDAY Apr 5th

The Company Band

6:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Hannah Rae 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

JP Parsons

8:00pm at The Corner

Craig Street Ramblers 9:30pm at Bristol Casino Bar

SATURDAY Apr 6th

Nathan Morgan 6:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Son of an Outlaw 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Corey Snowden

8:00pm at The Corner

Victor Lawson and Boogie Chillen

9:30pm at Bristol Casino Bar

MONDAY Apr 8th

Anthony Childress 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Johnson City

Johnson City, TN

TUESDAY Apr 2nd

Old Time Jam 5:00pm at Yee-Haw Brewing Company

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

WEDNESDAY Apr 3rd

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

HB Beverly 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

THURSDAY Apr 4th

Justin Mychaels 6:30pm at Rocks Wood FIred Pizza

FRIDAY Apr 5th

Sam Collie 7:00pm atTennessee Hills Brewstillery

Rusty Steel Band 8:00pm at Tulip’s Pub and Grub

Elderbug | Rough Dreams | Jacob Danielsen-Moore and the Boys 10:00pm at Capone’s

SATURDAY Apr 6th

Donnie and the Dry Heavers

6:00pm at Offleash

Social Dog Park

The Bosses 10:00pm at Capone’s

SUNDAY Apr 7th

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

Kingsport

Kingsport, TN

FRIDAY Apr 5th

E.C. FraZier 7:00pm at Model City Tap House

Donnie and the Dry Heavers

8:00pm at Gypsy Circus

Cider Company

Double Barrel Band

9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

SATURDAY Apr 6th

Southern Cities w/Dallas Danger

8:00pm at Model City Tap House

Copper Ridge

9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

Rock Steady 9:00pm at Krazy Chicken International

Elizabethton

Elizabethton, TN

WEDNESDAY Apr 3rd

Tyler and Brian 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

FRIDAY Apr 5th

Tumbling River Band

6:00pm at Jiggy Rays

SATURDAY Apr 6th

Mick Kyte

6:00pm at Jiggy Ray’s

The Legacy of Campbell’s Morrell Music

Johnson City Public Art announces call for entries for Gallery on the Square exhibition in downtown Johnson City

The Johnson City Public Art Committee (JCPAC) is sending out a call for a new series of artworks for its downtown outdoor display, Gallery on the Square. This round of original artworks will be printed onto canvas and installed in frames in the breezeway area around the Downtown Square Parking Lot between State of Franklin Road and Main Street. Installation will take place by November 2024, and the exhibition will remain on display for a two-year period from 2024 to 2026.

This exhibition opportunity is open to all artists 18 years of age or older with previous professional art and design experience. Applicants must reside within a 100-mile radius of Johnson City. Preference will be given to artists who have not exhibited in the gallery in the past four years. Entries will be accepted through Tuesday, April 30 at 4 p.m. and may be submitted online at: jcpublicart. com/gallery-on-the-square-entry-form/ Up to three artworks may be submitted for consideration. All artworks must be two-dimensional and submitted in a digital format.

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

Initiated in 2018 by the Connect Downtown Johnson City Design Committee, the Gallery on the Square exhibition rotates visual art every two years to enliven and activate the public walkways and allow citizens to experience art in their everyday environment.

“That public art adds enormous value to the cultural, aesthetic, and economic vitality of a community is a well-known fact. I am so excited to be part of creating these public art projects to enhance the quality of life for Johnson City’s residents and visitors,” JCPAC member Lyn Govette comments.

“We’re thrilled to be able to feature regional artists in our historic downtown,” says Jocelyn Mathewes, another committee member working on the project.

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

The Gallery on the Square project is just one of many public art projects that the JCPAC supports on an ongoing basis. For information about Johnson City Public Art and to get involved, visit: jcpublicart.com/.

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!

Birthplace of Country Music Museum: Celene Aubry on Hatch Show Print

Join us at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum on Tuesday, April 9, 7:00 p.m. for our monthly Speaker Sessions with Celene Aubry exploring the history and work of Hatch Show Print (HSP), a letterpress poster and design shop located in Nashville, Tennessee.

Founded in 1879, HSP is still designing and printing over 600 jobs a year, using the original wood type found on countless posters advertising carnivals, circuses, and vaudeville and minstrel shows of years gone by, combined with handcarved imagery that spans the history of the shop. Though the 144-year-old business is known for its 20thcentury country music posters, the work the shop has put out over five generations in operation reflects changes in technology, communication arts, and commerce, as well as the evolution of popular entertainment. Celene will also be revealing a “surprise poster” during this program!

In-person attendees can enjoy a curator-led tour of the museum’s current special exhibit A Cardboard History of Blue Ridge Music at 6:15pm, which features several historic Hatch Show Print posters.

Please note: For those attending virtually via YouTube, the live stream will originate on the Radio Bristol YouTube channel after 6:50pm EST. If you load the channel page before 6:50pm, and the live stream does not automatically appear, please refresh the page after 6:50pm.

About Celene Aubry

Celene Aubry is the Director and Print Shop Manager at Hatch Show Print, one of America’s oldest surviving letterpress show poster and design shops. While the business thrives as a letterpress, expanded programming includes a visiting artist program, a gallery showcasing print-centric art, and hands-on tours and workshops from the education space. In between poster runs and whatnot, Celene also enjoys analog photography, making cyanotypes, and van Dyke photoprints specifically.

About Hatch Show Print

Opened in 1879, Hatch Show Print is recognized around the world for its 19th- and 20th-century posters and billboards advertising the stars of country music, rock n’ roll, jazz, carnivals, circuses, and variety shows. This tradition continues today with its limited-edition prints and posters for shows and artists appearing live in the 21st century, as well as prints, cards, gifts and more designed by the shop’s staff who draw inspiration from the vast collection of wood and metal type and handcarved print blocks created in the shop.

You can follow Hatch Show Print (@hatchshowprint) via their Instagram, X (Twitter), and Facebook.

TRI-CITIES NIGHTLIFE

WEDNESDAY

Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at The Pub Out Back (The Italian Pizza Pub) - Johnson City 7pm

Karaoke w/ Eric Huskins VFW Post 2108 – Johnson City, TN 8pm

Karaoke Night at Wonderland Lounge and Bar - Johnson City, TN 9pm

Karaoke with Ron at Kingsport Moose Lodge 6:30pm

Loudmouth Karaoke at Michael Waltrip Brewing Company - Bristol, VA on Wednesday, April 5th at 7pm

THURSDAY

Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Tulips Grub & Pub - Johnson City, TN 8pm

Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at Wild Wings Cafe - Johnson City, TN 9pm

Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City, TN 10pm

Karaoke at Jiggy Rays Pizzeria - Johnson City, TN

Karaoke at Tipsy Toad Tavern - Jonesborough, TN

FRIDAY

Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at Rainbow Asian Cuisine - Johnson City, TN 9pm

Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at The Sports Mill - Kingsport, TN 8pm

Karaoke w/ Eric Huskins VFW Post 2108 – Johnson City, TN 8pm

Karaoke at Numan’s – Johnson City, TN 10pm

Karaoke with Handsome Hodge Entertainment at O’Mainnin’s Pub and Grille - Bristol, TN 10pm

SATURDAY

Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at Tulips Grub & Pub Johnson City, TN 8pm

Karaoke at Numan’s – Johnson City, TN 10pm

Karaoke w/ Eric Huskins VFW Post 2108 – Johnson City, TN 8pm

Karaoke at Numan’s – Johnson City, TN 10pm

Karaoke with DJ Clyde and Prestige Entertainment at Macado’s -Kingsport, TN 9pm

Karaoke with Handsome Hodge Entertainment at O’Mainnin’s Pub and Grille - Bristol, TN 10pm

TRIVIA BINGO DJ NIGHT

TUESDAY

Team Trivia at Wild Wing Café

Johnson City TN

DJ Trivia at Union Street Taproom

Erwin, TN 5pm

Trivia at The Corner Bar Bristol, VA 8pm

Trivia at Aubrey’s Johnson City 7pm

WEDNESDAY

Trivia at Tipsy Toad

Jonesborough, TN 7pm

Trivia Night Mellow Mushroom

Bristol, VA 7pm

Trivia at Aubrey’s Bristol 7pm

THURSDAY

Mellow Trivia at Mellow Mushroom

Johnson City, TN- 7pm

Trivia at Riverside Taphouse at South Fork Bluff City, TN 7pm

TUESDAY

Singo at Riverside Taphouse at South Fork

Bluff City, TN 6:30pm

WEDNESDAY

Bingo at Tipton Street Pub

Johnson City, TN 9pm

Singo at Holy Taco & Cantina

Boones Creek, TN 8pm

Blazin’ Bingo at Mellow Mushroom

Johnson City, TN 6pm

THURSDAY

Bingo at Mellow Mushroom

Bristol VA 6pm

Singo at Aubrey’s Bristol 7:00 PM

THURSDAY

DJ B-Digital at O’Mainnin’s Pub and GrilleBristol, TN 10pm

FRIDAY

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

SATURDAY

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

SUNDAY

DJ B-Digital at O’Mainnin’s Pub and GrilleBristol, TN 10pm

OF THE WEEK PETS

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.

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

There are 5 Spring Umbrellas hidden in this issue of The Loafer. Can you find them all?

Last Week's Puzzle Answers

Cryptogram:

"It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another, but above all try something."

Dropquote:

"If this is philosophy it is at any rate a philosophy that is not in its right mind."

Pro-Art Welcomes Appalachian Spring

Dave Eggar And Fiddler Meg Okura To Perform

Seven-time Grammy-nominee Dave Eggar celebrates spring in our beautiful mountains with special guest Meg Okura. Pro-Art and The University of Virginia’s College at Wise present “An Appalachian Spring: Dave Eggar featuring jazz/ bluegrass fiddler Meg Okura” on Sunday, April 7th at 2 p.m. in Cantrell Hall on the UVA Wise campus. In what promises to be a diverse musical adventure, Eggar will take the audience through the centuries and around the world with music by Bach, Debussy, The Beatles, Miles Davis, Hillsong, Aaron Copland, Ralph Stanley, and more. Dave Eggar and Meg Okura will be accompanied by pianist Peter Ryan and classical guitarist Phil Faconti. In conjunction with Pro-Art’s 47th season and the W. Campbell Edmonds Concert Series, this event is free and open to the public. For more information and to make reservations visit proartva.org.

Dave Eggar has appeared as a featured solo performer at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Barbican Center London, the Sydney Opera House, Aspen Music Festival, Lincoln Center and more. His mission to “not just cross over, but to

cross through” multiple genres of music is apparent in all his releases. Whether it’s classical, reggae, bluegrass, jazz, pop, or world music, he finds a common voice within his musical vocabulary and introduces it with his own unique and imaginative vision.

A Tokyo native, Meg Okura is a Grammynominated violinist and award-winning composer based in the Bronx, New York. At 19, she made her U.S. solo debut at Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. She earned B.M. and M.M. degrees from the Juilliard School as a violin performance major, only to make a difficult switch to jazz upon graduation. She has toured internationally as a violinist, appearing at Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Barbican Hall in the U.K., Madison Square Garden, Village Vanguard, Blue Note Tokyo, Hollywood Bowl, and many others. Peter Ryan is an Associate Professor of Music at UVA Wise, where he teaches and coordinates the Piano and Music Theory programs and serves as the Division of Music Coordinator. Phil Faconti has performed throughout the United States and in Europe as a solo guitarist. His unique blend of classical, flamenco and contemporary styles creates a captivating

musical journey for the listener, elegant and expressive.

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.

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.

JOHNSON CITY

SATURDAYS

ACOA (adult children of alcoholics) 1:30-3:00pm. Call for info Bill 423-444-6107 or Cheryl 423-262-6149

WEDNESDAY APR 3RD

Johnson City Drum Circle 7:30pm at Samadhi Healing Arts Center

THURSDAY APR 4TH

Tri-Cities Turtles Run Club 12:45pm at Yee-Haw Brewing Co.

April Showers Duck

Canvas Class 6:00pm at Into the FIre

FRIDAY APR 5TH

Johnson City Love & Hiking

Date For Couples (Self-Guided) 7:00am at Willow Springs Park

SATURDAY APR 6TH

Johnson City Love & Hiking

Date For Couples (Self-Guided)

7:00am at Willow Springs Park

JohnsonCityCon - ComiCon 10:00am at Holiday Inn

Bikers and Bunnies Egg Hunt

12:00pm at Wrecking Crew

Harley-Davidson

Comedy to the Rescue

4:30pm at Holiday Inn

Improv Jam 8:00pm at Wallace Theatre

THINGS TO DO THINGS TO DO

SUNDAY APR 7TH

East Tennessee Music Collectors Show 10:00pm at DoubleTree by Hilton

Cars & Coffee 10:00am at YeeHaw Brewing Johnson City

BRISTOL

WEDNESDAY APR 3RD

Open Mic 8:00pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

THURSDAY APR 4TH

“Dreamy Fox” Canvas Class 6:00 PM at Kil'n Time

Contemporary Ceramics

FRIDAY APR 5TH

“Fancy Feline” Canvas Class 6:00 PM at Kil'n Time

Contemporary Ceramics

Hunter Roberts 7:00pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

SATURDAY APR 6TH

Board Game Night 5:00pm at Bristol Public Library

Venus Envy 7:00pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

KINGSPORT

THURSDAY APR 4TH

April Shop & Hop 5:00pm at Downtown Kingsport

SATURDAY APR 6TH

Nature: Wolf Howling 10:00am at Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium

Monster Truckz Tour 7:00pm at Kinsport Speedway

SUNDAY APR 7TH

Brunch 11:30am at Gypsy Circus Cider Company

JONESBOROUGH

TUESDAYS

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

SATURDAY APR 6TH

Historic Jonesborough Town Tour 1:00pm at Chester Inn State Historic Site

ABINGDON, VA

WEDNESDAY APR 3RD

Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

FRIDAY APR 5TH

Movies for Adults 2:00pm at Washington County Public Library

SUNDAY APR 7TH

Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

GRAY

FRI APR 6TH AND SAT APR 7TH

FamilyCon: Family Expo 10:00am at Appalachian Fairgrounds

SATURDAY APR 6TH

Tri Cities Tool & Equipment Show 9:00am at Appalachian Fairgrounds

Tree Giveaway: Arbor Day Observance Scheduled for April 6

Citizens are invited to a tree giveaway on Saturday, April 6 at Metro-Kiwanis Park, 817 Guaranda Drive, from 9 a.m. until the supply of seedlings runs out. Approximately 4,000 tree seedlings will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis. Varieties offered will include Redbud, White Dogwood, Kousa Dogwood, Bald Cypress, Trident Maple, Paw Paw, Yellow Poplar, and Swamp White Oak. A limited number of seedlings will be available per person. Since 2010, the City has celebrated Arbor Day by distributing a total of 36,450 trees to the public.

This Arbor Day marks the 24th consecutive year that Johnson City has been named a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation. To maintain the Tree City USA designation, the City must have an Arbor Day observance, a tree ordinance, a tree board or department responsible for trees, and meet the minimum funding requirements for tree maintenance and planting.

“Johnson City’s recognition as a Tree City USA signifies our commitment to trees and the urban forest for the enjoyment and benefit of our community,” said City Forester Patrick Walding.

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

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.

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

Beanz Biker Corner Beanz Biker Corner

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.

(A man named Rothie) The founder father of the True Sons retired Army Special Forces, 1974 Combat Vet, with a wife and two sons. When Rothie came home from the army he missed the feeling of the camaraderie he had when he was in the army. The mutual trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together. Rothie and his wife both loved riding a motorcycle. After a couple of years Rothie had found a group of folks who like to ride and likeminded. So, he started the True Sons Motorcycle Club. When he first started the club there were 12 members and of course have grown since then. Rules were and still are very simple. Family first then club, must be past your 21st birthday, must have a job, and either have a

Beanz Biker Corner

By Anne Hartley

423-297-5675

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 Ladies. I love that. I asked Rothie why he named the club True Sons. He told me it was because of a book he read called True Son, a true story about an Indian tribe who had killed a white man & his wife but could not kill their infant child, so the chief took the infant boy back to his tribe where he raised the boy as his own and called him his True Son. The chief sent the boy back to the white man where he learned to speak English and went to school in England. The story in this book touched his heart. Their center piece is an Indian Chief and the feathers on the member’s vest stands for the years in the club. The True Sons MC not only helps its members, but they love helping the kids in the community, veterans, and those in need. They help raise money for a variety of charities and the support 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.

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

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.

Six Camps Scheduled for This Summer at Tusculum University to Provide Active and Experiential Learning In Beautiful Setting

Families seeking a high-quality experience at summer camps will find exactly what they need at Tusculum University.

Tusculum has developed six camps, capturing an array of interests, that will take place in June and July on campus. The university’s faculty and staff are ready to spend a week at each camp providing active and experiential learning that will grow children’s skills in a fun and inviting manner.

“Our gorgeous and historic

campus is a perfect setting for children to enjoy a portion of their summer away from school while still expanding their knowledge,” said Greg Fay, Tusculum’s director of camps and continuing education.

“The university’s faculty and staff members have prepared exciting camps that will create memories children will take with them for a lifetime.”

Here are the camp lineup and the prices:

· Creative Writing Workshop

for high school students: June 10-14, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Thomas J. Garland Library, $105

· Pioneer Skills Camp for ages 10-12: June 17-21, 9 a.m.-noon, Doak House Museum, $75

· Esports and the Business of Video Games for 6th grade-12th grade students: June 24-28, 9 a.m.12:30 p.m., esports and gaming

· Historic Woodworking Camp for ages 10-12: July 22-26, 9 a.m.noon, Doak House Museum, $75 “We encourage people to sign up for as many of the camps as they can,” Fay said. “Participants will learn from experts in these fields, who will provide compelling and well-designed material for these camps. The experience of these

lab in the Scott M. Niswonger Commons, $150

· Tusculum Theatre Camp for ages 8-12 and 13 and older: July 8-12, 2-5 p.m. (ages 8-12) and 6-9 p.m. (13 and older), Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Center, $115

· Tusculum Theatre Camp for ages 5-8 and 9-12: July 15-19, 8-11 a.m. (ages 5-8) and noon-3 p.m. (9-12), Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Center, $115

leaders will result in an exciting time for younger children and teenagers that will stimulate further learning for them.”

Further details about this year’s camps and registration are available at: tusculumuniversitycamps. totalcamps.com/shop/EVENT. More information about the university is available at: www.tusculum.edu.

Dr. Peter Noll, left, assists one of the participates in the Woodworking Camp in 2023.

Participants in Theatre Camp perform a scene in 2023.

Two boys have fun at the Pioneer Skills Camp in 2023.

Rebound From Your Karen Moment

In a world where every single thing is documented, it’s easy to be caught in a bad situation. The way you handle the situation speaks volumes about your character and can help turn a bad perception into a teachable moment.

Overcoming a Karen moment starts with understanding what it entails. The behavior is often associated with entitled, demanding, and confrontational actions. The term does not refer to instances where a change in tone or mood is warranted. A Karen moment refers to a person who exhibits a sense of entitlement, a sense of superiority, and a tendency to complain or make unreasonable demands. The consequences of these moments can be

detrimental to that person and everyone around them.

These moments can be problematic if the person refuses to learn from the experience, but if handled correctly, a rebound can save their reputation. Everyone has bad days and problematic moments can ensue, but understanding the false entitlement and lack of empathy felt in those moments can lead to overcoming a bad situation. The moment may not be typical for the person and may be the result of an underlying issue that has not been addressed.

Shaming a person who is having a Karen moment only ignites the issue. Videos do nothing but give the internet five minutes of entertainment. If you can help diffuse the situation, put your

phone down and help. If you aren't able to help, try to find someone who can or simply walk away. Changing the perspective of a Karen moment is essential to diffusing the situation.

Think about a time when you had a bad day and accidentally lashed out at someone who didn't deserve it. Were you labeled as a Karen in that moment? How many people changed their perception of you based on just that one moment? How many people only have that moment to use to describe you? One interaction is never enough to truly define someone. The next time you encounter a Karen moment, take a step back to understand where they are coming from to gain perspective on how you can recover when you have a moment of your own. Social Sentiments

By Wendy Hayden

Committed to Aiding Veterans, ETSU Wins Major Award

East Tennessee State University senior Kenton Rowe chose to serve his country, enlisting in the Tennessee Army National Guard in 2020.

Now a platoon leader shadowing officers in his unit, Rowe is deeply grateful for the support he has received at ETSU.

“The Military and Veteran Services at ETSU has helped me tremendously by navigating my different benefits. They also provided me a work-study position when I first arrived at ETSU to help me earn a little extra money,” said Rowe. “The staff has always been friendly and have given me advice for my military career.”

For fellow senior Alexis Calain, staff have been equally helpful. Calain is the child of a 20-year Navy veteran.

“The Veterans Affairs staff has been very helpful in ensuring all of the questions I have about the benefits I am receiving are answered in a timely manner,” said Calain. “They see us

military- affiliated students as more than a number, and they really do want to know us as individuals. This makes asking for advice or assistance with anything incredibly easy.”

Such experiences have helped ETSU secure the prestigious Military Friendly® School designation for the 14th consecutive year. It is a major honor that institutions earn through public data analysis and responses from surveys.

ETSU earned a silver status, the second-highest designation available. The university takes considerable steps to aid those who served in uniform, providing priority registration for classes each semester, exclusive access to social and study space at ETSU’s Military-Affiliated Student Resource Center, membership in the ETSU chapter of the Student Veterans of America and consistent personalized support from Military and Veteran Services.

Out-of-state tuition waivers,

scholarships and work-study positions for those using the GI Bill® benefits are all financial-related options.

“ETSU has a long and established history of assisting those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces,” said Dan Bishop, director of Military and Veteran Services. “But we aren’t complacent.

There is an incredible tradition at this university of generating servant leaders, and we want that to continue.”

For assistance, visit Military and Veteran Services or contact va@etsu. edu or (423) 439-6819.

Knowing Your Worth

I was recently talking with a friend who is going through some relationship issues; matters of which I tend to tread lightly. As they divulged some of the details of their discord, I found myself repeatedly stating, “you know you’re WORTH more than this.” The more I reiterated this short statement, the more they kept excusing and defending the other person’s behavior, and I suddenly realized that my friend did not in fact know they were worth more than what they were getting. And worst of all, I saw in them the same behavior I myself have routinely exhibited. One of the most underrated skillsets as a human being is being able to find - and subsequently KNOW - your worth. Whether it’s in regards to relationships, job salaries, or simply personal standards, how does one “set their going rate?”

The worth of an item is only determined by the value assigned to it. I’ve never really thought about why items cost what they cost, but as I’m writing this article I began considering why it is that 2 purses can have the exact same functionality, style, size, and features, but will cost $9.99 at Walmart and $3,799 at Gucci; more importantly, why is one so much more highly coveted? That is because someone, whether it’s the designer, the media, or the consumer, have decided that the word ‘Gucci’ carries more value than ‘Walmart.’ Knowing that it truly is that simple, that you only must believe with your mind that something is valuable to make it so, why don’t we do the same thing to ourselves?

People will put themselves through incredible agonies because they don’t see the value they add to the

world. I’m speaking from experience on this matter as someone who struggles a great deal with imposter syndrome every single day. I never really knew what that phrase meant; I assumed it meant you were someone who constantly tried to “fake it til you make it” and were a con or something. It’s not that at all, and in the simplest definition, ‘imposter syndrome’ means you never feel like you deserve good things when you get them, that you’re a fraud for receiving them, or you’re not worthy. A lot of my issues stem from growing up in the way I did and how that impacted the core person I am today; for that reason I don’t think I’ll ever fully conquer those demons. While I grew up thankfully with two amazing, loving parents who did the best they could and worked hard to ensure I never wanted for a thing, financially I had less assets than my friends. I lived in a trailer; the first 6 years of my life in a trailer park, the rest on 3 acres of land in the country until I moved out to my own apartment. My parents held down multiple blue collar jobs to keep us going, but there were times I definitely remember payday hitting on Friday and having $20 left on Monday that would last the rest of the week. I feel like I’ve lived my life in survival mode, from paycheck-topaycheck, navigating catastrophes as they arise and never fully feeling like I’m able to get ahead. I struggle with seeing the progress I’ve made, whether it’s in my career or health or whatever because I don’t know how to feel comfortable with or worthy of the wins; it’s a mindset of scarcity, that the promotion, the weight loss, the move was a fluke and shouldn’t have happened to me so I don’t need to get too comfortable enjoying it because it won’t last.

There are times I look around the room when I’m eating in nice

restaurants or walking around my neighborhood and think, “this isn’t my life. I’m that girl in the trailer and I’m going to wake up and none of this is real.” Or when I’m doing a private presentation to a group of high end clients in one of their multi-million dollar homes and they’re all listening to what I have to say, I feel like a fraud, like they’re all staring at me and they know I don’t belong there. This same inner voice is what has led me to accept less in relationships, to pursue people who were less attractive, less successful, had smaller goals and ambitions than I wanted, simply because I felt someone of a higher caliber would see right through me and not want me, so why try? It’s the same voice that silenced me into accepting first offers on salaries without negotiation, because I never believed I was smart enough or added enough value to the company to deserve more.

Navigating the last few years on my own has helped me begin to see my own worth and enforce it. On a personal level most recently by valuing my health as my most precious asset and treating it as such. I’m worthy of nourishing foods and clean ingredients versus boxed cheap crap full of toxins and chemicals. I’m worthy of fresh air and exercising my body and enjoying every inch of freedom and mobility it affords me. After back-to-back life altering heartbreaks, I’ve stayed single since 2018, refusing to allow another human being that much control over my life again and knowing I’m worth more than being lied to, lied about, and deserve someone who will treat me at LEAST as good as I treat myself because it’s not asking too much. I’ve put the work into building my career, learning as much as I can and becoming as much of an asset to the workforce as possible so when I climb those rungs on the ladder I have

by Kathie Scalf

ammo for salary negotiations. I know now that my work ethic is stronger than most, that I always rise to meet a challenge and that I deserve every penny I earn because I worked hard for it.

People can subconsciously see the value you’ve assigned to yourself. It’s the way you speak, the way you carry yourself, the things you accept; all those things are how you “set your going rate.” People will treat you with the same respect you treat yourself, so you must believe you’re a very rare, high-dollar item. Think of yourself as that one-of-a-kind Gucci bag and not the Walmart purse that’s been produced for mass consumption at the lowest dollar. Make a physical list of all your wins, the things you’ve done that were no small feat and review them regularly. It truly is as simple as believing you deserve these things to make other people start to see it too.

XO - Kathie

2nd Annual Citywide Beautification Day Exceeds Expectations

Visit Johnson City, alongside ETSU Leadership, Civics & Engagement, Volunteer ETSU, Young Professionals of Johnson City, Appalachian Maid Services, LLC, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Tennessee Department of Transportation, Food City, Chick-fil-A, and the City of Johnson City, sprung into spring cleaning for the 2nd Annual Johnson City Beautification Day on Saturday, March 23rd from 8am to 1pm.

156 volunteers were in attendance to pick up a total of 1500 lbs. of waste all around Johnson City. The Salvation Army and Tipton-Haynes Historic Site were also chosen as sites to help beautify. Volunteers returned to the Farmers Market Pavilion in Downtown Johnson City for a community picnic and short presentation on stormwater systems, presented by Public Works’ Environmental Specialist, Theresa White, to conclude the Beautification Day.

“I’m so grateful to the City of Johnson City and Visit Johnson City for holding this event. It’s such a fun way to help the community and you get to see the difference immediately,” said Jenna Tamayo, owner of Appalachian Maid Services, LLC.

“This event was a great success story last year, so I expected a small bump in turnout for this year. What I didn’t expect was doubling the amount of volunteers and picking up so much litter! We really had a great group of people–from students to families–helping to clean up our city,” said Tosha Yoder, Event Coordinator for Visit Johnson City and Festival Director for the Meet the Mountains Festival.

The Visitor Center has had guests comment on the cleanliness of Founders Park, showing the impact of such an event for locals and visitors alike. Project leaders are looking forward to coordinating an effort in November as well as this event returning in 2025.

The mission of the Meet the Mountains Festival is to promote Johnson City and the region’s world-class outdoor assets to all.

Visit Johnson City strives to showcase the uniqueness of the community by promoting its distinctive resources, events, and attractions to both visitors and citizens.

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

ARGYLLE

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)

Bristol

CONCERT SCHEDULE CONCERT SCHEDULE

GREENVILLE

BRISTOL TN/VA GREENEVILLE TN

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

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.

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

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

GSTLINBURG

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

MARION VA

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

BIJOU THEATRE

Apr 2 Dave Mason’s Traffic Jam

Apr 5 Mark Norman

Apr 24 The Wailers

Apr 26 Ruston Kelly

May 31 Steep Canyon Rangers

Jun 14 Kevin Smith

Oct 26 Henry Cho

TENNESSEE THEATRE

Mar 26 Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox

Mar 30 Pete Davidson

Apr 20 Ashley McBryde

Apr 25 Nickel Creek

May 1 Bonnie Raitt

May 19 Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

Jun 8 Brad Williams

THOMPSON BOWLING ARENA

Mar 28 Avenged Sevenfold with Poppy & Sullivan King

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

RYMAN AUDITORIUM

Apr 2 Dustin Lynch

Apr 4 The Wood Brothers

Apr 5 & 6 Black Pumas

Apr 9 Casting Crowns

Apr 26 Leftover Salmon & the Infamous Stringdusters

Apr 27 Jo Dee Messina

Apr 29 JohnnySwim

May 4 Tracy Lawrence

May 8 Marshall Tucker Band

May 10 & 11 Amy Grant

May 12 Devo

KNOXVILLE TN JOHNSON CITY TN NASHVILLE TN GATLINBURG TN

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. & Bone Thugs and Harmony

Apr 4 Sam Hunt

Apr 6 Bert Kreischer

Apr 16 Tyler Childers with 49 Winchester

Apr 21 MercyMe

Apr 26

Tim McGraw and Carly Pearce

Apr 27 Spin the Block with Nelly, Ashanti

Apr 2 The Black Crowes (Opry House)

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

May 14 Sum 41 with The Interrupters

May 16 The Steeldrivers

May 20 Todd Rundgren

May 31-Jun 1 Jim Gaffigan

Jun 6-9 Matt Rife

Jun 13 The Del McCoury Band

Jun 21 & 22 Blackberry Smoke

Jun 30 The Alan Parsons Live Project

Jul 10 Dave Barnes

Jul 24 Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks with special guests The Return o Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Jul 25 Ricky Scaggs & Kentucky Thunder

Jul 29 Donnie Osmond

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

It’s interesting when you watch a movie that you have clear memories of seeing at the video store, but you were too young to rent so you never gave much thought about seeing it.

I can remember seeing the box art for Gus Van Sant’s 1995 movie “To Die For” and wondering to myself “What is that movie about?” I can recall seeing the ads for it on TV which made it seem like it promised something sexy and about murder. Yet, there was always something in the material that made it seem like maybe it was sorta funny. Confusing to me at the age of 10.

Last week, I finally watched “To Die For” as it comes out in a new 4K UHD release from The Criterion Collection. Knowing very little about the movie, and with those wonders about the film still floating around in my mind, I was happily surprised, after the disc showed up at my doorstep, looking over the credits on the back and found it was written by one of my favorites, the great Buck Henry.

Based on a novel by Joyce Maynard, “To Die For” is a darkly funny movie that satirizes, and feels weirdly predictive, of our true-crime, 24/7

By Andy Ross

To Die For

non-ending news cycle times. Nicole Kidman gives an incredible performance as Suzanne Stone. A TV weather reporter on a small, local channel. Suzanne has a perky personality, and dreams of being a famous reporter. She’s driven and determined to find this fame, through any means necessary.

Suzanne meets and marries Larry Maretto (played by Matt Dillon), whose family owns and runs a popular local eatery. During their marriage, Suzanne, in her attempt to further her career, convinces her boss at the TV station to let her make a documentary series about the lives of local teenagers in the area. The three teens who agree to take part, who are all somewhat infatuated with Suzanne, start to spend more time with her, and that’s when things turn a little deadly.

“To Die For” really surprised me, I liked this one a great deal, it wasn’t what I was expecting at all, which is the best kind of movie surprise. It’s funny and has a great cast that in addition to Kidman and Dillon includes: Joaquin Phoenix, Ileana Douglas, Dan Hedaya, Wayne Knight, and Buck Henry himself in a great turn as a very vexed school teacher. The film is presented in a quasi-documentary style that also threw me. It makes for a very good experience.

The Criterion Collection brings “To Die For” to 4K blu-ray in a director’s approved combo pack with a 4K UHD disc, with the movie presented in Dolby Vision, and a regular blu-ray that contains some of the extra features. This new 4K digital restoration was taken from a scan of the 35mm original camera negative. The final work was approved by both director Gus Van Sant, and the film’s director of photography, Eric Alan Edwards.

Though I can’t compare this new edition to any previous release of the film, the 4K transfer is phenomenal!

Colors are bright and solid, but not

overbearing. The film is clear, sharp, and has a fantastic grain structure. It looks very much like watching a 35mm print on my 4K OLED TV. Fans of this film should be pleased. Audio on both discs presents the original 5.1 surround audio track, remastered and in lossless, highresolution DTS-HD Master Audio. The mix isn’t the most dynamic, as this film doesn’t require that, but it sounds clear and sharp. It’s a great release.

The extras on this release are light but very good. First, we have a brand new commentary track for the film recorded last year. This commentary features Van Sant, Edwards, and the film’s editor Curtiss Clayton. It’s a good track

with all sharing stories of the making the film, it’s well worth your time. On the regular blu-ray, the film’s trailer is offered, as well as half an hour of deleted scenes. There’s also an essay by film critic Jessica Klang that comes with the included insert.

“To Die For” is a darkly funny film anchored by an amazing performance by Nicole Kidman, for fans of the film this new 4K edition from Criterion is worth having, and I was delighted to finally see the film and be surprised by it. I enjoyed it immensely and this is one you should pick up. See you next week.