&
Lives are changed at The Haven of Mercy Homeless Shelter Please Consider Donating
Volume 03 Issue 13 Publisher Lisa Durbin Creative DIrector Jon Bill Forrester Managing Editor Peggy Gale DIstribution Elizabeth Armstrong Entertainment Coordinator Andreax Jarre
your week’s line-up
03 Spring Art and Design Classes
Contributing Staff
at WKMA 04
Tri-Cities Faces and Places
06 2022 New Years Celebrations 08 Spotlight 11 Karaoke 11 Trivia 12 Puzzle Page 13 Pets of the Week 15 Christmas Shopping Guide 27 Things To Do 29 WQUT Concert Schedule
Andy Ross Kathie Scalf
30 ETSU Reece Museum featuring
Ken Silvers
‘Appalachian Dream Mechanics:
Wendy Hayden Tim SImpson
Twenty Years of Art’
The Loafer Po Box 39 Telford, Tn 37690 423-930-7319
31 Ponderings to Ponder
www.theloaferonline.com 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!
Yuletide Greetings from The Appalachian Highland Celts
columns & reviews
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33 Social Sentiments: Are you Connecting with a Brick Wall? 35 Tea Time with Appalachian Barbie: Just Another BIrthday 37 Pop Life: A Boy Called Christmas 39 Batteries Not Included: Inducing Festivity
NOTE
FROM THE
PUBLISHER Hello Loafer Readers! This will be our last issue for 2021 as we will be celebrating with our families for the holidays. This year has been challenging to say the least! I will never understand why we have to deal with such a nasty virus. So many people have lost their lives this year and it breaks my heart. Just this morning I read about another local young husband and father that lost his battle with covid. Vaccination is an area where I will not voice a public opinion and I will not judge anyone for their decision. I just pray this gets better in 2022. This year with the Loafer has been different. I worked for Kimberly for about 2 years and I took ownership this fall and it is very challenging for me to learn what needs to be done. I could never put this paper out to you weekly without JB Forrester. He does an amazing job making everything look so wonderful. Our advertisers are top notch and I love working with all of them. We are going to spend the next few weeks working on our website and some new ideas for 2022. We appreciate the support from everyone and look forward to new and exciting things next year. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family!
Love, Lisa Durbin Publisher
Do more of what you love! Art Lab at William King Museum of Art in Abingdon, VA announces more than 70 art and design classes for the Spring 2022 semester. Registration is now open at www.williamkingmuseum.org/ learn-at-wkma or by calling 276-628-5005 x109.
Several one-day workshops such as laser-cutting, Adobe intros, and drawing are scheduled during the Spring. Classes are geared toward beginners, no experience is necssary.
Register early to take advantage of temporary special rates on Adobe Bootcamp training Art Lab is William King Museum sessions. Adobe Photoshop, of Art’s learning center, where Illustrator, InDesign and Premiere students, makers, educators and Pro are industry standard the public can connect, learn, tools for creative profession and grow. als worldwide. Art Lab’s Adobe training sessions provide a Art Lab offers both fine art and technical foundation for future technical training in a variety of graphics experts, art students, media for ages middle school and professionals increasing through adult. Classes for their skill set. They are ideal for Spring 2022 include drawing, printmaking, ceramics and digital adults considering career change or expansion as well as students media. A new ceramics studio offers the space and tools needed interested in the to instruct students in both hand- communication arts. building and wheel-throwing. Opportunities just for teens are
provided through Art Lab’s Teen Lab program. Weekly workshops in digital painting, 3D printing, video and more are offered at a “pay-what-you-want” price point. Participants can work through a variety of digital and physical media projects and film analysis to build technical skills and support the development of creative voice.
Do more of what you love, with Art Lab! View classes at www.williamkingmuseum.org/ learn-at-wkma. For additional information, contact Laken Bridges, Director of Higher Education at lbridges@wkmuseum.org or Alice Salyer, Digital Lab Manager, at asalyer@wkmuseum.org or call 276-628-5005.
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theloaferonline.com | December 21, 2021
Spring Art and Design Classes at WKMA
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Tri-Cities Faces and Places Celebrating the people and places of our community! Believe in the magic of Christmas
Celebrating the people and places of our community! Believe in the magic of Christmas
theloaferonline.com | December 21, 2021
Tri-Cities Faces and Places
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2022 New Year’s Eve Celebrations New Years Eve Party
5 PM Union Street Taproom, 111 Union St Erwin, TN
When Harry Met Sally New Years Eve Movie
9:30 Capitol Theatre of Greeneville 104 S Main St Greeneville, TN
New Years Bash JC .Moose Lodge
8 PM Loyal Order of Moose 1801 W Lakeview Dr Johnson City, TN
New Year’s Eve Party
8 PM Gypsy Circus Cider Company 2645 Fort Henry Dr Kingsport, TN
New Year’s Eve Extravaganza
1 PM Roan Valley Auction Co, 5235 Hwy 421 S Mountain City, TN
New Years Eve Party 6 PM Cascade Draft House 828 State St Bristol, TN
Jet Black Audio
CJ’s Sports Bar 516 Morelock St Kingsport, TN
Cash Revisited and Friends 8:30 PM VFW Post 9754 Church Hill, TN
New Years Eve Party with The Midnight Gypsys
6:55 PM Johnson City Elks Lodge 208 N Boone St Johnson City, TN
2021 NYE Barrel Bash
8:00 PM Jonesborough Barrel House 119 East Main St Jonesborough, TN
NYE Party
7:00pm Sidetracks 380 West State Street Bristol, TN
New Year’s Eve at the Sunsphere 9 PM Sunsphere 810 Clinch Ave Knoxville, TN
New Year’s Eve Party Little River Pub and Deli 7503 W Old Hwy 73 Townsend, TN
New Year’s Eve Celebration and Fireworks Show 9 PM Gatlinburg Space Needle 115 Historic Nature Trail Gatlinburg, TN
New Year’s Eve at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa 5 PM Dollywood, 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd Pigeon Forge, TN
G Jones New Years Eve Blackbox Theater 421 E Sugar Creek Rd Charlotte, NC
Arrested Development New Year’s Eve Party Salvage Station, 468 Riverside Dr Asheville, NC
Disco Goddess on NYE 10 PM Vintage Kava 141 Reems Creek Rd Weaverville, NC
New Years Eve Bar Crawl
Gringos Cantina 11 Falls Park Dr Greenville, SC
Charlotte’s New Year’s Eve 2022 Affair (NYE) Sat, 2 – 7 AM Stage Door Theater Charlotte, NC
Ole Red New Year’s Eve Bash
Empire Strikes Brass
New Year’s Eve Celebration
New Year’s Eve Extravaganza
11 PM Ole Red, 511 Parkway Gatlinburg, TN
11:45 Sugar Mountain Resort 1009 Sugar Mountain Drive Banner Elk, NC
Asheville Music Hall 31 Patton Ave Asheville, NC
Appalachian Ski Mtn. 940 Ski Mountain Rd Blowing Rock, NC
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theloaferonline.com | December 21, 2021
Year End Inventory Reduction: Up to 75% Off
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Spotlight Johnson City, Tn Johnson City, TN
THURSDAY DEC 16th
TUESDAY DEC 21st
Levi Trent 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House
Brim & Marci Leal 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza WEDNESDAY DEC 22nd HB Beverly 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza
Second Hand Smoke 9:00pm at Sidetracks Kingsport Kingsport, TN FRIDAY DEC 25th
Old School Dj Night with DJ Cat Boy Sound 7:00pm at Breese and Friends 8:00pm Gypsy Circus Cider at Capone’s Elizabethton, TN Elizabethton THURSDAY DEC 23rd Justin Mychals 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza BristolBristol, TN/Va TN/VA
TUESDAY Dec 21st Downtown Country 6:30pm at Jiggy Ray’s Rogersville, TN Rogersville, TN
TUESDAY DEC 21st
SATURDAY DEC 25th The Guido Awesome Show Dayne Morris 4:00pm 10:00pm at O’Mainnin’s Pub at Mel’s Riverside WEDNESDAY DEC 15th
SUNDAY DEC 26th
Natalie Grace 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House
Dayne Morris 6:00pm at Mel’s Riverside
Submit Your Live Shows to: theloaferonlineprint@gmail.com or call 423-930-7319 to be Featured in the Loafer Spotlight
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theloaferonline.com | December 21, 2021
Last Week's Puzzle Answers Sudoku
Crossword
Cryptogram:
Dropquote:
"I want people to walk around delusional about how great they can be - and then to fight so hard for it every day that the lie becomes the truth."
"If stock market experts were so expert, they would be buying stock, not selling advice."
There are Five Elves on a Shelf hidden in this issue of The Loafer. Can you find them all?
3636 Fort Henry Dr. Kingsport, TN 37660 423-246-6801 www.bandbpackage.com
theloaferonline.com December 21, 2021
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Merry Christmas from Sidetracks!!!
3080 West State Street Bristol, TN
Come out on Thursday night for some Line Dancing Lessons and stay for a great concert!!! NO COVER!!!
Second Hand Smoke Thursday December 23rd
Bristol’s Hottest New Club Doors Open Thursday-Friday-Saturday at 7pm Happy Hour and 1/2 price Appetizers 7-8pm Follow us on Facebook and Instagram We will be closed Dec 24-25 for Christmas
TUESDAY TUESDAY
Karaoke at Numan’s - JohnsonEntertainment City Karaoke with Absolute at The Pub Out Back Karaoke with Bert & L.A. at Kingsport Moose Lodge 7pm (The Italian Pizza Pub) - Johnson City 7:00
WEDNESDAY
WEDNESDAY
Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 – Johnson City Karaoke Night at Wonderland Lounge Bar Turn the Page Karaoke at VFWand Post 2108 – Johnson City, TN Karaoke NightSteak at Wonderland Lounge and Bar Karaoke at Quaker and Lube (Bristol, VA) 7pm Johnson Moose City, TN 9pm6pm Karaoke at- Kingsport Lodge Karaoke with RonValley at Kingsport Moose Lodge 6:30pm Karaoke at Thunder Tavern 8pm
THURSDAY THURSDAY
Karaoke at Zachary’s Steakhouse Karaoke with Karaoke with Open Mic Entertainment Michael’s Krazy Karaoke at Stateline Bar & Grill at Wild Wing Café Johnson City, TN 8pm Karaoke w/ DJ Marquez Top Shelf Entertainment Wild Wings Café JC Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City, TN at 10pm Karaoke at Numan’s Johnson City Karaoke at Jiggy Rays Pizzeria - Johnson City, TN Karaoke at Hell JiggyYeah Rays Pizzeria Abby’s Karaoke at CJ’s Sports Bar - Kingsport, TN 8pm 8pm Karaoke w/Tony & RodToad at CJ’sTavern Sports Bar Karaoke at Tipsy - JonesboroughTN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Tulips Grub & Pub 7pm Karaoke at Tipsy Toad (Jonesborough) Open Mic & Karaoke at Wonderland Lounge/Bar N Grill Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Tulips Grub & Pub 7-10 Karaoke at Midnight Oasis - Brtistol, TN Post 2108 – Johnson City, TN Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Karaoke at Sonny's Marina/The French Restaurant Karaoke at Numan’s – Johnson Quarter City, TN 10pm
FRIDAY
Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment FRIDAY at Rainbow Asian Cuisine 9pm
Karaoke w/ Shane Rouse at Bear’s Bar Karaoke at Kingsport Moose Lodge Karaoke w/ Reverb at The 8:30pm Turn the PageKaraoke Karaoke atCottage VFWPost 2108 – Johnson City, TN Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 – Johnson Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at City Tulips Grub & Pub 8-11 Karaoke at Elizabethton VFW – Johnson City, TN 10pm Karaoke at Numan’s Karaoke w/ Michael Hawkins at Holiday Inn (Exit 7) –Macado’s Bristol, VA Kingsport Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment Karaoke at Numan’s – Johnson City Karaoke at 27 Lions (Marion, VA) 9:00pm Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at Rainbow Asian Cuisine 9pm Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at Laurel Marina on South Holsten 9pm
SATURDAY
Trivia TUESDAY
Wild Wing Café JC- Team Trivia Tuesdays 8:30pm Johnson City Brewing Company- Trivia Tuesdays 7pm Aubrey’s Johnson City- Trivia Night 7pm 27 Lions - Trivia Night 7pm Union Street Taproom - DJ Trivia 6pm
WEDNESDAY
Tipton Street Pub- Trivia Wednesdays 9pm Aubrey’s Bristol- Trivia Night 7pm Johnson City Moose Lodge 1831 - DJ Trivia 7pm Tipsy Toad (Jonesborough) - Trivia 7pm
THURSDAY
Holy Taco & Cantina Trivia Night 9pm JRH Brewing - Trivia Night 7pm Mellow Mushroom Johnson City - Mellow Trivia 7pm Gypsy Circus Cider Company - Trivia 6:30pm
MONDAY
Barley Waters- Trivia Night 7pm Yee-Haw Brewing- Trivia Mondays 7pm Woodstone Deli - DJ Trivia 7pm Model City Tap House - Live Team Trivia Night 7pm
SATURDAY
Karaoke at Kingsport Moose Lodge Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 – Johnson City Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Tulips Grub & Pub 8-11 Karaoke at Numan’s – Johnson City Karaoke w/ Tony & Rod at CJ’s Sports Bar
SUNDAY 7pm Open Mic with Karaoke at Go Burrito Johnson City Karaoke at Kingsport Moose Lodge 6pm
MONDAY
Karaoke at Thunder Valley Tavern 8pm
**The schedule is subject to change due to the request for social distancing at this time.**
theloaferonline.com | December 21, 2021
KARAOKE Kara ke
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PUZZLE
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SUDOKU
CROSSWORD
Down
1. Diaper, in Devon 2. Poplars 3. Put on display 4. "The better ____ you with, my dear!" 5. In the heart of 6. "The ____-Weed Factor" (John Barth book) 7. Foes 8. Hindu loincloth 9. Biblical verb 10. More ostentatious 11. Bad luck sign 12. It's west of Davenport 13. Historical seamstress 15. Griffin's grippers 20. "Ugh!"
DROPQUOTE QUOTE DROP
C RY PTOG RAM
ACROSS
22. Canal site
1. Ilie ___ of tennis 8. Abu ___, UAE 13. Kurosawa film 14. Women of ill repute 16. Facing 17. Senators' home 18. Like lava 19. Lacking historical validity 21. From that moment on 22. Letters before O in a refrain 23. Kitchen gadget brand 24. That, in Spanish 25. Hic, ____, hoc 26. Curve toward the center 27. "Sara" singers 30. Email address symbols, for short 31. Louis of the FBI
ZSB FTP PYAYK HYI TUU IQY OTFIN OKSC XBNI SPY CRYPTOGRAM
PYRNDTDYK, TPG BPUYNN ZSB QTAY TUU IQY OTFIN, ZSB FTPPSI CTEY DKSDYK XBGHCYPIN TLSBI RQTI WN HSWPH SP. — Harry S. Truman
33. Quick to get angry 35. "___ la guerra!" (Spanish antiwar chant) 36. "Mission: Impossible" assignment, maybe 40. "If I Were ___ Man" 42. Site with step-by-step instructions 43. River leading to the Rhine 46. Cambodia's Phnom ____ 47. 2008 bank failure, for short 48. Terminated 50. Renounce power 52. With maturity 53. Apply pressure 54. Zimbabwe, for a time 56. Ripen 57. Glued 58. Packs of paper 59. Had a hankering
25. Chuckle 26. Knock down ____ (humble) 28. Keyboardist John 29. "____ a Putty Tat" (Tweety cartoon short) 31. Ancestor 32. Bad-weather contingency plan 34. "The Thin Red Line" actor 35. Incendiary stuff 37. Defeated 38. 1989 Bob Dylan album 39. With "louse," a French city 41. ____ Achebe (Nigerian novelist) 44. Hymn start 45. Depended (on) 47. Fades away 48. Down from a duck
Answers to last week’s puzzles can be found on page 9.
49. Group of two 51. Bulblike underground stem 52. "Arrivederci" city 55. Half a bray
C
theloaferonline.com | December 21, 2021
PETS
OF THE WEEK
13
he et ah
“Hi, human! Are you looking for a cat? Here I am! My name is Cheetah and I am one and a half year old. When you come to see me, I’ll climb on you, hug you, give you a million kisses and won’t stop purring. My eyes are the same color as my beautiful stripes !!! The people here say
that I’m FIV positive but I feel strong and healthy. And I was told that as long as I don’t fight with other cats and have a person to give me healthy food and keep me updated with vet checks, I should be fine.” Cheetah has been neutered and is up to date on shots.
G uc ci Who out there loves senior dogs? Gucci is a very loving senior Pointer mix that is sweet and just wants affection. According to his previous owner, he is very smart and very protective. Gucci doesn’t care for
i
small children, cats or most dogs. He wants you all to himself !! He is leash trained, housebroken and loves to be brushed. Gucci turned 8 yrs old on 4/16/13. He has been neutered and is up to date on shots.
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
theloaferonline.com December 21, 2021
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GILLIAM STAGE
NOV 18 TO DEC 29 Based on the motion picture A Christmas Story, ©1983 Turner Entertainment Co., distributed by Warner Bros., written by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown and Bob Clark; and on the book In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash by Jean Shepherd.
CALL VISIT 276.628.3991 BarterTheatre.com A Christmas Story Production Sponors R
R
Barter Theatre is partially funded by
FOLLOW US
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JOHNSON CITY
BRISTOL
SATURDAYS
WEDNESDAY DEC 22ND
ACOA (adult children of alcoholics) 1:30-3:00pm. Call for info Bill 423-444-6107 or Cheryl 423-262-6149
Comedy Open Mic 7:30pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club
TUESDAY DEC 21ST WCQR's Jingle and Mingle 4:00pm at Founders Park Stockings Canvas Class 6:00pm at Into the Fire Next Step Photography Club 6:30pm at Memorial Park Community Center
THURSDAY DEC 23RD Free Covid-19 Vaccination Clinic 7:00am at Bristol Public Library Radio Bristol Book Club 12:00pm at Birthplace of Country Music Museum Pick a Side Stupid 7:30pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club
WEDNESDAY DEC 22ND
ABINGDON, VA
Christmas Break Kids Canvas 10:0am at Into the Fire
WEDNESDAY DEC 23RD
KINGSPORT
Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center
THURSDAY DEC 23RD
SATURDAY DEC 25TH Nature: What Does the Fox Say? 3:00pm at Bays Mountain Park Celebrate the Holidays with Bernini and the Roman Baroque 10:00am at SUNDAY DEC 26TH William King Museum of Art Is that Santa’s Reindeer? 1:00pm at Bays Mtn Park SUNDAY DEC 26TH Nature: Shhh…. I’m Sleeping – Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Animal Hibernation 3:00pm Community Center at Bays Mountain Park To be featured in The Loafer's Things to Do email us at: theloaferonlineprint@gmail.com or call 423-930-7319
theloaferonline.com | December 21, 2021
THINGS TO DO
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LIVE MUSIC AT ROCKS
149 N. Lincoln Avenue Jonesborough, TN
TUESDAY December 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th
BRIM & MARCI LEAL WEDNESDAY December 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd &29th
H.B. BEVERLY
THURSDAY December 2nd, 9th, 16th. 23rd & 30th
JUSTIN MYCHALS
Come to us in
We will meet you Anywhere for:
Jonesborough for:
Oil Changes:
Major or Minor
Synthetic or Conventional
Replacements: Headlight Windshield Wipers
Repairs: Tires Tune-Ups
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Bristol
BRISTOL TN/VA
PARAMOUNT Dec 12 Ronnie Milsap Dec 18 Trace Adkins Jan 7 Dailey & Vincent Jan 8 Black Jacket Symphony will perform The Beatles White Album Jan 21 Leo Kottke Jan 30 Bill Engvall Feb 6 Rodney Atkins Mar 18 Randy Houser Apr 16 Bela Fleck & The Flecktones CAMEO THEATER Dec 10 Lilly Hiatt Jan 13 Christone “Kingfish” Ingram Jan 26 Robert Earl Keen Jan 28 Night Ranger Feb 22 Gin Blossoms
GREENVILLE TN
GREENVILLE
NISWONGER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Jan 7 Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out Jan 22 Little River Band Feb 4 Brass Transit-The Musical Legacy of Chicago Feb 19 Home Free Mar 5 Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Mar 13 The Kentucky Headhunters Mar 20 Herman’s Hermits with Peter Noone Mar 26 Richard Marx Apr 9 The Commodores May 1 Dailey and Vincent May 14 The Oak Ridge Boys
KNOXVILLE TN
Knoxville
TENNESSEE THEATRE Dec 28 Old Crow Medicine Show Jan 8/9 Jason Isbell Jan 29 Ron White Feb 11 Ashley McBryde
Feb 19 Feb 20 Mar 19 Mar 31 Apr 15 Apr 29
Drew & Ellie Holcomb Punch Brothers Little Feat JohnnySwim Postmodern Jukebox Amos Lee
THOMPSON BOWLING ARENA Jan 29 Reba McEntire Apr 8 Elton John KNOXVILLE CIVIC AUDITORIUM Dec 21 Josh Turner Jan 13 Jo Koy Feb 23 Dancing With The Stars KNOXVILLE CIVIC COLISEUM Jan 13 Riley Green Jan 28 Cody Johnson Feb 12 Josh Dunham Apr 15 For King & Country BIJOU THEATRE Dec 12 Dave Barnes Dec 15 Anderson East Dec 18 Marty Stuart Jan 14 Citizen Cope Jan 21 Tab Benoit Jan 22 Steep Canyon Rangers Mar 11 Marc Broussard Apr 6/7 The Wood Brothers Apr 11 Henry Rollins May 12 Robin Trower
NASHVILLE TN
Nashville
Jan 6 Styx Jan 19/20 Dwight Yoakam Feb 3 Joss Stone & Corinne Bailey Rae Feb 20 The Temptations and The Four Tops Feb 16 Beth Hart Feb 22/26 Tedeschi Trucks Band Mar 13 Dream Theater (Opry) Mar 16/17 Little Feat Mar 16 Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators (Opry House) Mar 26 Buddy Guy Apr 3 Lorde (Opry House) Apr 8 Trace Adkins Apr 13 JohnnySwim (Opry) Apr 17 Jerry Cantrell Jun 24 Kraftwerk BRIDGESTONE ARENA Feb 11 Kacy Musgraves Feb 14 Dua Lipa Feb 16 The Weeknd Feb 25 Dierks Bentley Mar 9 Billie Eilish Apr 8 2Cellos Apr 27 Journey and Toto Apr 13 John Mayer Apr 15 Chris Tomlin May 13 New Kids On The Block May 17 Justin Bieber Jun 26 Matchbox Twenty and The Wallflowers Jul 5 Rod Stewart and Cheap Trick Aug 27 Roger Waters
NASHVILLE MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM Mar 23 Judas Priest with Asheville Queensryche May 7 Deftones THE ORANGE PEEL Dec 14 Anderson East RYMAN AUDITORIUM Feb 3 Gaelic Storm Dec 11 Sarah Brightman Mar 16 Graham Nash Dec 13/14 Amy Grant and Vince Gill Mar 23 Shovels & Rope Dec 15 Chicago (Opry House) Apr 1/2 The Wood Brothers Dec 19 For King & Country (at the Opry House) THOMAS WOLFE AUDITORIUM Dec 31 Old Crow Medicine Show Jan 11/12 Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit
ASHEVILLE NC
Jan 19 Little Feat Feb 5 Joss Stone & Corinne Bailey Rae Feb 8 Pat Metheny Mar 28 Glass Animals Apr 15 Bela Fleck and the Flecktones Apr 30 Amos Lee May 20 Kenny G
CHEROKEE NC
Cherokee, N.C.:
HARRAH’S CASINO Dec 11 Dionne Warwick Jan 15 Dwight Yoakam Jan 21/22 Jamey Johnson Feb 4 Alice Cooper Feb 12 Aaron Lewis Feb 25 Bret Michaels +Last in Line
CHARLOTTE NC
Charlotte
SPECTRUM CENTER Dec 11 Trans-Siberian Orchestra Feb 6 Billie Eilish Feb 11 Andrea Bocelli Feb 16 Dua Lipa Feb 21 Eagles Feb 26 Eric Church Apr 28 Journey and Toto THE FILLMORE Feb 6 Mammoth WVH and Dirty Honey Feb 19 Steve Vai Mar 21 Slash with Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators Apr 10 Jerry Cantrell Apr 28 Indigo Girls
GREENVILLE SC
Greenville, SC
BON SECOURS WELLNESS ARENA Dec 17 Eric Church Jan 27 Reba Jul 6 New Kids On The Block
CALL WQUT @ 477-1015 FOR MORE CONCERT INFORMATION OR VISIT W W W.W Q U T.CO M
theloaferonline.com | December 21, 2021
CONCERT SCHEDULE
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Scorches Made the Outing More Exciting by JJ Cromer
ETSU Reece Museum Featuring ‘Appalachian Dream Mechanics: Twenty Years of Art’ East Tennessee State University’s Reece Museum in cooperation with Grey Carter-Objects of Art, will present “Appalachian Dream Mechanics: Twenty Years of Art by JJ Cromer.” Carter will curate this exhibition, which will be on display from Jan. 10-March 11 in 2022. A reception is planned for Thursday, March 3, from 5-7 p.m. “Appalachian Dream Mechanics” features drawings and paintings that explore the artistic journey of JJ Cromer, a self-taught artist and Appalachian native from southwest Virginia. For over 20 years, Cromer has been creating artwork and Carter has been collecting it. First introduced to Cromer’s work in 1999, Carter was impressed. “I saw raw talent, and have seen JJ grow significantly as an artist,” Carter said.
Grey Carter-Objects of Art began exhibiting and selling Cromer’s work in 2000, and Cromer’s work has been recognized and collected by art galleries, museums and individuals throughout the United States. The Reece Museum, housed in the Department of Appalachian Studies at ETSU, is a unit of the Center of Excellence for Appalachian Studies and Services, which resides in the same department. The museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To learn more, please call 423-439-4392. For information about upcoming exhibitions, please visit etsu.edu/cas/ cass/reece/exhibitions/upcoming.php.
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Located at:
129A East Main Street in Historical Abingdon, VA
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We wish you a merry Christmas and to prove it here is a Christmas present for you!!! A FREE AUDIOBOOK OF YOUR CHOICE. Yes you read that correctly a free book! What’s the catch you ask, well I am glad you did because all you have to do is look up any of my books on audible, send me an email telling me which book you would like to own and I will promptly send you a free code for said book. Why would I do this? Again I am glad you asked. This is just away for Lorie and me to say thank you and merry Christmas. Here is the email timsimpson2008@gmail.com or message me on Facebook messenger either way the book is yours. Now on with the show! Yuletide greetings from the Appalachian Highland Celts If you have not discovered the highland Celts of the trinities and surrounding areas then my friends you are missing out on some fantastic fun and fellowship. Recently they had their annual yuletide event to which Lorie and I attended it involved music by a very talented lady playing the harp. All kinds of delicious foods and at one point the long time president Mike Jones decided to retire and step down. The purpose of Appalachian Highlands Celts is to provide education about the culture, heritage, and contributions of the Celts and Celtic nations. Our organization promotes the perpetuation of Celtic culture, traditions, customs, history, art, literature, and music. Various venues are
Ponderings to Ponder
By Tim Simpson timsimpson2008 @gmail.com
generation to generation, or the fact of being passed on in this way. All that gives me a sentimental feeling. Growing up, we had some Christmas traditions in my family. In my last column, I wrote about my daddy’s fruitcake. It became our Christmas tradition because he During the year, AHC hosts and made one every year and then taught me participates in events throughout our his secret. My parents would also make area to help promote our Celtic heritage. sure a special present was inside each From festivals to Highland games events of our Christmas stockings. That one is to educational presentations and more, my favorite tradition that I continue with there is something to interest every my family. My sister and her family open member of your family. We look forward their presents on Christmas Eve, which to seeing you throughout the year! is a new tradition because growing up, The new calendar will be available soon we would always open our presents on Christmas morning. on their website and Facebook page. You have to check it out! I do know that No matter what tradition you keep alive in January there is a formal dinner that in your family, they all have a history. A sounds amazing so once the holidays are story of how they came into existence. done Gentlemen get your finest kilt and Have you ever wondered about the ladies grab your most beautiful evening stories, the history behind some of the dress and join in the celebration in the Christmas traditions we celebrate today? Celtic tradition. Speaking of tradition. For example, the Christmas tree. One of provided for recognizing and celebrating the Celts rich legacy through education and activities that promote enjoyment, entertainment, physical, mental, and social benefits of our members and the general public.
Christmas Traditions
By: Lorie Ann McReynolds The definition of a “tradition” is the transmission of customs or beliefs from
the beliefs concerning Christmas trees was that a man named Martin Luther was walking home one night and was looking at God’s amazing creation of the stars shining through the trees. He then
wanted to recreate the scene for his family, so he brought a tree into their house and wired lighted candles to the branches. The tradition of stockings hanging by a fireplace started when Saint Nicholas threw bags of gold coins down the chimney of a poor family. They had hung their stockings by the fireplace to dry and a bag of gold coins landed in one of the hanging stockings. Since I have a new love this year, the next Christmas tradition is my favorite: kissing under the mistletoe. The mistletoe has been known to be the symbol of love and has allowed many young suiters to be able to kiss their beloved beneath it. However, in the Roman era, the mistletoe was a symbol of peace. When enemies were at war, they would reconcile their differences beneath the mistletoe. Whatever Christmas traditions you celebrate, I am sure they are as special as those mentioned above. I am sure they have a history and a story worth telling to keep those traditions alive.
theloaferonline.com | December 21, 2021
Yuletide Greetings from the Appalachian Highland Celts
theloaferonline.com December 21, 2021 32
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“Conversations are happening whether you are there or not.” - Kim Garst Are you in tune with your audience? Likely not. You’re using social media to sell a product, service, or idea without considering the impact on your audience. Conversations are being created around your brand every day. Those conversations are shaping the perception of your brand. Without your input, incorrect assumptions could be made about your brand that would lead to a lack of loyalty. Dedication to finding conversations that mention your brand is crucial to your success. Negative conversations without your clarification can harm your reputation. If a customer had an issue with
Social Sentiments By Wendy Hayden socialsentiments @outlook.com
socialsentiments.net
a product and mentioned it on social media, the backlash can grow to an unmanageable level. If you are managing your brand mentions, you can solve the issue in a timely manner and garner respect. Your input is crucial to positive conversations as well. Commenting on positive conversations creates a bond with your audience and shows them you are grateful for their input. Your connections show that if they do happen to have a bad experience, you are there to make it right. Conversations create the social part of social media. Without them, you are talking to a brick wall. That would look silly in real life, so why do it on social media? The conversations will happen with or without you. Take control of your brand by being a part of them.
theloaferonline.com | December 21, 2021
Are You Connecting With A Brick Wall?
theloaferonline.com December 21, 2021
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by Kathie Scalf
Ah, another year in orbit. As of December 21st, I’ll have passed yet another milestone and survived all my subconscious efforts to destroy my own life. I hate to talk about my age, but in a display of transparency in discussion of lessons learned, I must confess I am officially on the wrong side of 35 and turning the big 3-6. For some reason this truly does feel like a milestone and not “just another birthday” like I expected. And for all the pitfalls of growing older, there are some really great perks that also come with the territory.
again. If I could tell that 18-year-old girl anything- well, she probably wouldn’t listen- but I would let her know a lot of people are going to let her down and she can’t depend on anyone but herself to get by in this world. It will all end up being blessings, but be prepared.
daily with the weight of events I left behind years ago because I understand why things happened the way they did, and while they weren’t fair to me and have caused me irreparable damage, I can’t bring myself to be angry which is a stage I need to heal. I truly hope one day I can get there but unfortunately The most wonderful aspect of that day isn’t today. Otherwise, aging, besides cheaper insurance what a wonderful tool to utilize and better housing conditions, in discussion when you can see a is just internal growth in general. point from all sides. While I may While I’m still outwardly a crass smart-mouth with the sophomoric disagree with another’s opinions, sense of humor of a 15-year-old boy, I never argue with them about emotionally I have matured in ways why they feel that way. I can While trying to digest my emotions I didn’t expect. First and foremost, acknowledge our realities are totally becoming less reactionary is a skill different and it’s not my place to say regarding my birthday, I was kind their experience is less valid than I’m very happy to have mastered. of shocked to realize I have now my own. I truly hope the rest of It takes so much more energy to been an adult as long as I was a the world catches up to this line of fight every battle, when instead child. Having moved out of the thinking because it’s a pretty toxic you can just walk away from things house when I was 18, I’ve now been place out there these days. that no longer serve you. Most exclusively taking care of myself of the time, if you have to cause I have to say that 35 wasn’t my best for half my life. It’s crazy because a scene, it’s not worth it. It is no year. I would venture to say that the first 18 years seemed to pass longer in my interest to clear my 2020/2021 hasn’t been the best for so slowly, while this second half name in someone else’s mouth or a lot of people, but selfishly I’m has flashed by seemingly in an instant. One minute I was a naïve, prove my worth to those who don’t just not pleased with the overall theme of the last 365 days. I’ve wide-eyed freshman at ETSU, then value me. I try to make informed, concise decisions so I can sleep struggled with a few setbacks and I blinked and now I’m a divorced, peacefully at night alongside the I’m just not where I wanted to be disgruntled and disenchanted consequences of those actions in a couple of areas, which is ok middle-aged woman living in without feeling regret. I know my because if I’ve learned nothing else Nashville. Boy life really comes heart and it is not important to me if over the course of my life it’s that at ya quick. While it gets to be someone else doesn’t. There are a things always happen in their own uncomfortable and sometimes lot of people out there who want to time and you can’t force it. The exhausting being the sole captain see you fall apart and I don’t wish to universe has a real sense of humor of this ship, I take a great deal of give them that. It’s so much easier and will take you on some wild pride in knowing that I don’t rely to be kind to those who wish ill will; detours getting you to your ultimate on anyone for anything. I can take if nothing else it’s a great way to destination. It’s not been all bad 100% ownership of all my successes confuse them. though; I passed my WSET 2 exam as well as my failures and no one Along that same thought, over the with distinction and far surpassed can ever take that away from my goal score of 85, finishing with a last few years I’ve really cultivated me. I’ve built a lot of strength in 92%. I’ve re-evaluated some career a strong sense of empathy, and knowing no matter what happens goals, and while I’m still figuring while ultimately it’s a positive I am capable of surviving on my a lot of stuff out, it’s becoming thing there is one drawback. It’s own, and I’ve proven it time and clearer of what I DON’T and that is very hard to hate someone when equally as important. I’ve become you can identify the root of why they hurt you, and unfortunately more honest with myself and the anger is one of best ways to move people around me and I’ve enforced on from something. I still struggle boundaries both in my own life and
for relationships. Also my hair has never been healthier and I went on some pretty great trips, so obviously that’s all that really matters. December 21st, 2021 is all about new beginnings. It’s a day for letting go of all the perceived failures from the last year and a celebration of all the wonderful opportunities to come. It’s a time for surrounding myself with people who have my best interest at heart and want to succeed with me. This is the kickoff to the third quarter of my life and buddy, the days are long but the years are getting shorter and shorter. The time to rise and thrive is here and I’m not giving myself an option to have anything less than the best year ahead. I hope all of you join me in making merry this week, considering it is also Christmas, and I wish you nothing but warmth, joy, success and comfort in your own lives. Happiest of holidays no matter what you’re celebrating!
XO - Kathie
theloaferonline.com | December 21, 2021
Just Another Birthday
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theloaferonline.com December 21, 2021
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This week I continue celebrating the holiday season with a look at the current film "A Boy Called Christmas", a British production set in England and Finland. The film opens on Christmas Eve in the home of a British family of a father (Joel Fry) and his three kids who are all dealing with the recent death of his wife and their mother. The father, Matt, is needing to leave for an urgent matter at this job, and the kids have been put in the care of Aunt Ruth (Maggie Smith), an older lady who plans on entertaining the heartbroken kids with a Christmas tale. Aunt Ruth begins to tell the children about a boy named Nikolas Christmas (Henry Lawful) and his woodcutter father Joel (Michiel Huisman), who live in the wilds of Finland. This story also involves the death of Nikolas' mother, and how he takes comfort every night remembering the story his mom told him of a legendary place called Eflhelm, where a human girl survived after she was lost in the woods one winter. One cold winter night, Nikolas and his father see a mouse trying to steal some food, and Nikolas persuades his father to keep
Pop Life
By Ken Silvers ksilvers@ theloaferonline.com
the mouse alive, which he keeps as a pet and names Miika. The next day, the King summons the people of the land to his castle and tells them if anyone can find an object that would bring hope to the kingdom they will be rewarded. Joel decides to take part in the search, and leaves Nikolas behind in the care of his sister Carlotta (Kristen Wiig), who is very selfish and makes Nikolas miserable during her stay. While dealing with his difficult Aunt, he discovers a map that confirms the existence of Elfhelm and decides to journey with Miikato the Extreme North in an attempt to find his father who he hopes is in the land of elves. While on the treacherous journey, Nikolas runs across a reindeer he names Blitzen (foreshadow!), providing him with a new companion and transportation on his journey. Eventually the trio reach the area where Elfhelm is supposed to be but find nothing and Nikolas is left crushed until two elves happen upon the trio and rescue Nikolas from near death. Nikolas and his pals actually, with the help of a bit of belief, discover they have been in the land of Elfhelm all along. However, the area is not fond of humans due to a recent occurrence, and Nikolas is thrown into a locked tower where he meets a locked up pixie named Noosh (Indica Watson). Noosh has been locked up because she can do nothing but tell the truth and cause mischief in the elf village. The two eventually become pals and Noosh helps Nikolas escape so he can find his father. As the story continues, many surprises are revealed, and eventually Nikolas devises a way to make children happy by delivering them toys on Christmas Eve made by the elves. When the happy ending for
Nikolas is revealed by Aunt Ruth to the children, she conveys how the future Santa Claus, or Father Christmas in this case, has come to accept the tragedy in his life, which has helped him move on. Even though the family has done no decorating for Christmas, when Matt comes home from work, the family discovers a fully decorated living room via a Christmas miracle. Did Aunt Ruth have any hand in this miracle? Hmmm...only a pixie knows for sure! I really enjoyed this tale,
based on a 2015 novel of the same name, and the cast are all effective in their respective roles. Plus, how can you go wrong with having the legendary Maggie Smith in your film? I encourage you to sit back and enjoy the magical adventure of "A Boy Called Christmas." Merry Christmas! Now playing on Netflix. (Rated PG)
theloaferonline.com | December 21, 2021
A Boy Called Christmas
theloaferonline.com December 21, 2021 38
Christmas is this weekend and I have been struggling. Struggling with feeling festive, struggling with if there are things to feel good about. I know I’m not alone in this. Many others my age branded with the bizarre descriptor “elder millennial” are feeling it too. To be blunt, a year ago I wouldn’t have believed we’d still be dealing with this pandemic. Yet here we are. To say my faith in humanity has diminished over this last year is fair. I feel very frayed around the edges. I haven’t become a scrooge, but I have to admit I find myself not roaring towards the holidays this year with the full gusto that I usually do. The gusto of sliding down the banister while singing “We Need a Little Christmas” from the musical “Mame.” But I don’t want to do that now. There’s a weight a lot of us are carrying that is tamping down the joy. I lost my father to cancer in May 2019 after having spent almost two years helping to take care of him. I had hoped for a better year when 2020 rolled around.
Batteries Not Included
By Andy Ross aross@ theloaferonline.com
Needless to say, as I face my third Christmas without my dad, I’m still carrying some of that with me. Two other friends have lost their respective dads in the last couple of months and I’ve been doing my best to be there for them. To talk with them and let them know that I know what it feels like. There’s something so strange about losing a parent to cancer. You know you’re not the first person to have gone through it, and yet it feels like such a singular and lonely experience. I find myself thinking of them a lot these days. Recalling the feelings they’re now feeling as they experience their first holiday season without their dad. So with all this floating around you can see why it’s a bit difficult to feel joyful this particular holiday. It’s a sort of “grief fatigue.” The pandemic has worn a lot of us down, and some people seem to act like it’s no big deal. That none of it matters. People of allegedly good heart, but I sure as heck don’t see it. So what does one do when
Christmas is only a few days away and you’ve been a bit up and down in your jolly? You find it where you can and you do what you can to induce that feeling. For me, a muchneeded blast of holly jolly came last weekend when I watched the greatest TV special of all time—not a joke—“The Pee-Wee’s Playhouse Christmas Special.” The show is just pure joy from start to finish, I find it impossible to not smile while watching it.
to look forward to.” I think I have identified with this sentiment the most of anything. As 2022 comes in, we still have no clue when this pandemic will be over. It’s hard to feel good about the new year, it’s hard to find “something to look forward to.” This past summer we had a window of hope, then it shattered rather quickly.
So what does one do now that’s it’s coming on Christmas? Strike a It was exactly what I needed. I sat happy medium I guess. I don’t think there laughing, smiling, and having a I’ll get to my standard operational blast. Yes, I’m a fully grown adult but holly jolly self this year. That’s OK. you bet your boots I still screamed It’s OK to not feel OK. But I sure as whenever someone said the secret heck enter this holiday season with word. I’m in touch with my inner kid 24/7-365 a year. But this time of the hope that next year we’ll have the year especially invites you to let a pandemic in our rearview mirrors that inner kid out. It’s good. It keeps and all will be merry and bright. you from getting old and miserable. That’s my hope for you, and all of I’ve had enough months of misery, I us. It’s been a long walk through a wanted to be joyful. cold tunnel, it’s time for some light to shine. I wish you and yours a very There lies another thing I’m Merry Christmas or whatever it is struggling with. One of the friends that you celebrate this time of year. I mentioned earlier said to me this last week “I just want something See you next week.
theloaferonline.com | December 21, 2021
Inducing Festivity
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