The Loafer 78

Publisher Lisa Durbin Creative DIrector Jon Bill Forrester Managing Editor Peggy Gale DIstribution Elizabeth Armstrong Sales Jessica Carlisle Entertainment Coordinator Andreax Jarre

your week’s line-up

Volume 03 Issue 78

Contributing Staff Andy Ross Kathie Scalf

03 Northeast State Theatre Stages Eurydice April 20-23 04 Spotlight 05 Dancing on FIddle Traditions 06 Renowned Illustrator Paints Mural at ETSU 08 Puzzle Page 09 Pets of the Week 10 Making the Most of Opportunities in Public Art 11 Things To Do 12

Tri-Cities Faces and Places

14

Visit Johnson City to Host Disc Golf After Hours

14

Biker Events

18

Tusculum Hosting Reading by DIstinguished Poet and Essayist

20 Spring Train Excursion Through Smokey Mountains

Ann Hartley

22 WQUT Concert Schedule

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

Founder: Bill Williams

LBD

FAMILY MEDIA Let’s Get Social!

NOTE

FROM THE

PUBLISHER

07 Tri-Cities Nightlife

Ken Silvers Wendy Hayden

columns & reviews

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15 Beanz Biker Corner Backyard Terrors 17

Social Sentiments: Reframe Your Posts

19 Tea Time with Appalachian Barbie:

Trends to End in 2023 21 Pop Life: True Spirit 23 Batteries Not Included: The Easter that Almost Wazn't

Hello Friends!

Easter! I will never hide the fact that I am a Christian and I am so thankful for this week! I struggle daily to be good enough and I know that I never will be but thankfully he paid for our sins. What are your plans for Easter? Church, egg hunts, time with family or just relaxing? Whatever your religion or lack of I do hope that everyone enjoys the holiday and spends time with loved ones.

On another note the economy is not great right now and times are hard for a lot of small businesses. I hope that you are doing what you can to support them. This includes us. The Loafer has been here since 1987 but it has not been easy for everyone that has kept it going. Please support us when you can.

Have a great week!

Love, Lisa Durbin Publisher

Shattered romance and the underworld meet when the Northeast State Department of Theatre proudly presents a production of Eurydice from playwright Sarah Ruhl. This updated version of the ancient Greek drama takes audiences through the pain of lost love and the perils of fate.

Eurydice reimagines the classic myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. Ruhl’s version tells the story not through Orpheus’s infamous pilgrimage to retrieve his bridge, but through the eyes of its heroine. Dying too young on her wedding day, Eurydice must journey to the underworld, where she reunites with her father and struggles to remember her lost love. What does fate hold for Orpheus and Eurydice? Can true love be reunited?

Combining classic Greek tragedy, compelling characters, and Northeast State Theatre’s award-winning sound and visual creations, the play takes a fresh look at a timeless love story. The play is being directed by T.J. Kent, associate

professor of Theatre at Northeast State.

Opening night is April 20. The curtain goes up at 7:30 p.m. Evening performances continue April 21, 22, and 23 at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

One matinee performance is scheduled April 23 at 2:00 p.m. All performances take place at the Ballad Health Performing Arts Center on the Blountville campus next to Tri-Cities Airport. Tickets are $10 general admission and $8 for groups of 10 or more.

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Northeast State Theatre stages Eurydice April 20-23

This play is being presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc., a Concord Theatricals Company. In compliance with the American Disabilities Act, Northeast State honors requests for reasonable accommodations made by individuals with disabilities. Direct requests can be made at least 10 days in advance to (voice and TTY) 423.279.7640.

Get tickets now at: www.northeaststate.edu/boxoffice.

For more information please contact the Box Office at 423.354.5169.

Spotlight

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Bristol TN/Va Bristol, TN/VA WEDNESDAY Apr 5th Alpine Motel 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House THURSDAY Apr 6th Victor Lawson Duo 6:00pm at Delta Blues BBQ RJ Smith 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House From the Edge 8:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar FRIDAY Apr 7th Orbital Planes 6:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar Ole Justin Chambers 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House If Birds Could Fly 8:30pm at Bristol Casino Bar Joey’s Van 11:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar SATURDAY Apr 8th Thrift Store Cowboys 5:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Crosby Tyler 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House Club Rewind 8:00pm at Quaker Steak & Lube Mississippi East 11:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

SATURDAY Apr 8th

MONDAY Apr 10th Anthony Childress 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

SUNDAY Apr 9th

Johnson City City, TN Johnson TUESDAY Apr 4th Brim & Marci Leal 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza WEDNESDAY Apr 5th HB Beverly 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza THURSDAY Apr 6th Irish Fiddle Tunes with Keegan & Rheva 5:30pm at Mulligan’s Gaming Pub Justin Mychals 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza FRIDAY Apr 7th Cruz Contreras 7:00pm at The Down Home Savage Outlaws 8:00pm at Tulips Grub & Pub Ali Randolph Band 9:30 at Wild Wing Cafe Brushfire Stankgrass 10:00pm at Capone’s

Slick Cadillac 9:30 at Wild Wing Cafe Citizen Kane | Prezzence | Necktie Social 10:00pm at Capone’s Irish Fiddle Tunes with Keegan & Rheva 5:30pm at Mulligan’s Gaming Pub Kingsport Kingsport, TN THURSDAY Apr 6th Dan Herrell Acoustic 8:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

SATURDAY Apr 8th JR and the Big Guns 9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar Bluff City Bluff City, TN SATURDAY Apr 8th The Fitzgerelds 7pm at Riverside Taphouse at South Fork

Elizabethton, TN Elizabethton FRIDAY Apr 7th Mick Kyte 7:00pm at Jiggy Ray’s Pizzaria SATURDAY April 8th

FRIDAY Apr 7th

Kelly & Christian 8:00pm at Jiggy Ray’s Pizzaria

The Color 7 9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

Jason Edwards 8:00pm at The 19E Pitstop

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

Dancing on Fiddle Traditions floor, to the community sparked by a good song. “It’s about joining together to celebrate everyday life, through music. We’re all in this together.” And so together they press onward: diving deep into musical tradition, bringing people together, forging connections, and sharing their genuine love for the music they play so well.

Verch and Walters’ partnership is one of kindred musical spirits, each a world-class musician in their own right.

Their music transitions effortlessly from traditional Ottawa Valley step dancing and fiddle tunes, to old-time fiddle-banjo duets with tight-knit vocal harmonies, to innovative sandpaper foot percussion—all contrasted against Verch’s sweet soprano voice. The duo’s ability to preserve the authentic folk After more than two decades leading her traditions of the past and reintroduce own band, with 14 albums in her name, them into the musical landscape of the there is nothing that fulfills Verch or gives present is a testament to their masterful her more joy than playing and sharing her musicianship and widespread appeal. music with the world. “It’s like the reward Pro-Art partners with a variety of venues, for everything else,” she says. Together, she and Walters are exemplary tradition- therefore individuals with mobility issues or general questions are encouraged to bearing performers: never forgetting the roots of the music, that connection to the call (276) 376-4520 or email the Propeople in the audience or on the dance Art office at pro-art@uvawise.edu. For

evolving conditions related to weather cancellations, or similar unforeseen circumstances, patrons are encouraged to check proartva.org for up-to-date information.

Pro-Art is supported in part by the Virginia

Commission for the Arts, which receives support from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as the Slemp Foundation, The University of Virginia’s College at Wise, Mountain Empire Community College, and the Columbus Phipps Foundation.

theloafer.net | April 4, 2023

To listen to April Verch and Cody Walters is to be immersed in tradition; to watch them perform is to be transported. Be it regional Canadian roots, American old-time, 50’s country, Scandinavian folk music, or something original that sounds timeless—the common thread is their love and reverence for the music and traditions that have been passed down to them. Husband and wife duo April Verch & Cody Walters will play Pennington Gap’s Lee Theatre on Friday, April 7th at 7 p.m. and Clintwood’s Jettie Baker Center on Saturday, April 8th at 7 p.m. in conjunction with Pro-Art’s 46th season and the W. Campbell Edmonds Concert Series. Adult tickets are $10 at the door.

All children and students admitted free.

More information and reservations at proartva.org.

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Renowned Illustrator Paints Mural at ETSU University invites community to participate in #ETSUPride365 A partnership with Taylor Swift.

Producing street art for Super Bowl 2020. Crafting murals and launching a viral #WhatLiftsYou social media campaign following the devastating school shooting in Parkland, Florida.

Kelsey Montague, one of the bestknown illustrators in the world, has taken her creative craft across the globe.

Add East Tennessee State University and Johnson City to her portfolio.

Montague finished painting a mural at the university earlier this week.

Located near the Ballad Health Athletic Center (Mini-Dome) and the parking garage, the navy and gold mural features design elements unique to both ETSU and the region: the Ballad Health Athletic Center, Tennessee’s Tri-Star, the ETSU Carillon, 1911 (the year ETSU was founded), the Appalachian Mountains and rhododendrons.

“All my work is positive in some way. I always want my work to be uplifting,” she said.

Despite her work with celebrities and international causes, this marks only the fourth mural she has painted for a college and the first in the South.

“I am a huge fan of universities. The energy and the creativity are always so exciting,” she said. “I hope the university community knows that this is for them.”

added Montague. “It’s for you.”

Montague’s paintings have proven wildly popular.

Visitors to Nashville may have noticed her work in the Gulch. Long lines often greet those hoping to take a selfie in front of the mural.

ETSU, in turn, hopes the community will use the new mural to spread positivity online.

“We encourage visitors to snap a selfie in front of the mural and then share it on social media with #ETSUPride365,” said Barbara Mason, director of Trademark Licensing at ETSU and the one who helped bring Montague to campus. “We invite you to become part of this exciting piece of art, as well as help us promote the community that we all call home.”

“Whoever walks by this, it’s a gift,”

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Those wishing to see the mural for themselves are invited to stop by Parking Services Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., for a parking pass.

Parking is free and open to the public outside those hours. Parking Services is located at 132 Stout Drive.

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 Sing Your Heart Out Karaoke 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 with Absolute Entertainment at Union Street Taproom - Erwin, TN 8pm Jan 28, Feb 18 & Mar 4 Karaoke at Numan’s – Johnson City, TN 10pm Karaoke w/ Eric Huskins VFW Post 2108 – Johnson City, TN 8pm Karaoke at Numan’s – Johnson City, TN 10pm Karaoke with DJ Clyde and Prestige Entertainment at Macado’s -Kingsport, TN 9pm Karaoke with Handsome Hodge Entertainment at O’Mainnin’s Pub and Grille - Bristol, TN 10pm

TRIVIA

TUESDAY Team Trivia at Wild Wing Café Johnson City TN DJ Trivia at Union Street Taproom Erwin, TN 5pm Trivia at The Corner Bar Bristol, VA 8pm WEDNESDAY Trivia at Tipsy Toad Jonesborough, TN 7pm Trivia Night Mellow Mushroom Bristol, VA 7pm THURSDAY Mellow Trivia at Mellow Mushroom Johnson City, TN- 7pm

BINGO

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

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

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

theloafer.net | April 4, 2023

TRI-CITIES

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SODOKU

DROP QUOTE

C RYPTO G RA M

ASABV ZBGLPAE MOI QJ QC CMA IAAUI GR QCI GKJ IGPTCQGJ. QR VGT UGJ'C MOSA OJV ZBGLPAEI, VGT UGJ'C XAC OJV IAAUI. — Norman Vincent Peale

CROSSWORD

Down

1. SALT concern 2. Siamese, today 3. Indiana city 4. Like a station in a power outage?

5. Cul-de-sacs 6. Hell, to Henri 7. Greek cheese 8. "The Kids ___ All Right" (2010 film) 9. Shoulders-to-hips areas 10. Often furrowed facial feature 11. "Whoops" 12. Singer Horne 13. Make it to the end 19. Request in a Chinese restaurant 24. "... but for the grace of God ___" 25. Moth-___: worn out 26. Show's host 27. Miniseries segment ACROSS 41. Gray of song 28. Pulled, as a broken-down car 1. "Gotta hand ___ ya..."

42. James and Jones of jazz 5. Trim, as meat 29. Hesitant non-fluency 44. Wish grantor 10. Torero's foe 30. Gardener's device 14. Restaurant employee 46. Mortgage org.

31. ____ Sketch 15. Month after diciembre 47. Like pigs, camels and giraffes (toy for budding artists) 16. Cousin of the emu 49. Take a ___ (try) 32. "A ___ the Races" 17. Spew 51. Store's stock (abbr.)

35. Desert region of 18. Post-lunch periods 52. ___ alcohol (biofuel) southern Israel 20. "Look!" to Luis 53. Mustachioed Don of 38. Steely ___ 21. Narc's org. classic films 40. Warps 22. I couldn't care less!

57. Prefix with politics or centric 43. Chainsaw brand 23. "The ___ Sanction" (Eastwood film) 58. Geologic periods 45. Ken. neighbor 25. Abbr. in a super-short email 61. One who does library work 48. Baseball situation 26. "Sleepless in Seattle" 63. Gone 50. Shipboard "Understood" director Nora 64. Small hotels 52. Very wide shoe size 28. Like a mortarboard 65. Not happy 53. Etcher's supply 33. Lamb's cry 66.

Strong urges 54. "Death in Venice" 34. "___ recommend it!" author Thomas 67. Geneticist's studies 36. Garbo born Gustafsson 55. Sicilian peak 68. Rainwear brand 37. Caked deposit 56. Sinclair Lewis hero 69. Latin I verb 39. Basted 57. Big breeze Answers to last week’s 59. Nursemaid dog of literature puzzles can be found 60. Pt. of GPS on page 09.

62. Agcy. of the legislative branch

theloafer.net | April 4, 2023

PETS

OF THE WEEK

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Ha rp er Harper came to the rescue as a nonsocialized older kitten. She used to hiss at everything and everyone, from how scared she was. Currently she’s still on the shy end but she’s fine when people move around her, offer treats or play with her. She would need someone calm and

patient around her who is not in hurry to have a lap cat. Harper is two years old, spayed, current on vaccinations and microchipped. Harper is included in the Spring Fling special with a $20.23 adoption fee through the end of April.

There are 5 Easter Eggs hidden in this issue of The Loafer.

Can you find them all?

Last Week's Puzzle Answers Crossword

Cryptogram:

Dropquote:

"In matters of religion and matrimony I never give any advice because I will not have anybody's torments in this world or the next laid to my charge."

"You are responsible, forever, for what you have tamed. You are responsible for your rose."

Le

Sudoku

o Leo is a handsome and friendly 4 yr old Pit Bull Terrier that loves to lay in your lap and nap in the sunshine. And what Pit Bull is going to let you put bunny ears on him. He needs to be an only animal though. Leo would be great in an adult household. He’s ok with children, but due to his strength, he could knock them down. Leo is good on a leash and loves

to go on walks. And just a warning - he does not make a good impression when you see him inside the rescue, but most dogs are this way at animal shelters. Come and meet him outside and just see how much love he would give you. Leo is in the Spring Fling 2023 so, the adoption fee is $20.23

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

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Create Appalachia and Reece Museum Partner to Present “Entrepreneurial Artivism: Making the Most of Opportunities in Public Art” with Lynn Basa April 25, 2023 6 PM In person and online

endeavors,” says Katie Hoffman, Executive Director of Create Appalachia. “We are very pleased In-person gathering at the Reece Museum, 363 Stout Drive, to be working with the Reece Museum to create this chance for Johnson City (ETSU Campus) regional artists to interact with Online Attendance is an option. a national expert. I mean, Lynn Presenter: Lynn Basa, literally wrote the textbook on Public Artist and Author finding and taking advantage Admission is free, but registration of opportunities in public art! I is required : tinyurl.com/2s4jsnsy

Louvre and other notable museums.

She has also been featured in the Smithsonian Institute’s landmark Threadworks exhibit, which traveled throughout eastern Africa. She holds an MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and an MPA in public art policy from the University of Washington, with an undergraduate degree in ceramics

Artists seeking opportunities to create public art will benefit from this program, which is designed to help them find, apply for, and win public art commissions of all types. Create Appalachia and the Reece Museum at ETSU are partnering to offer this event featuring Lynn Basa, a public artist and author with an international profile. Basa is the author of The Artist’s Guide to Public Art: How to Find and Win Commissions, now in its second printing. The book will form the basis for the evening’s program, which is free and open to the public.

In-person attendees should plan to be at the Reece Museum a little before the program begins at 6 PM. In the interest of regional accessibility, there is a Zoom option for those who are not able to join us in person. The virtual waiting room for Zoom attendees will open about 10 or 15minutes before 6.

Basa will join us virtually from Chicago, sharing her advice and wisdom during this interactive presentation. A Q&A session will follow. “This is a wonderful opportunity for regional artists who are considering making public art part of their creative

important opportunity. The Reece Museum is a unit of the Center of Excellence for Appalachian Studies and Services, which is housed in the ETSU Department of Appalachian Studies. The Reece Museum is located on the campus of East Tennessee State University and is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For more information, please visit: www.etsu.edu/reece or phone (423) 439-4392.

Create Appalachia strives to make the Appalachian Highlands a better place to live and work by supporting innovation and entrepreneurship centered around the arts and creativity. We work to sustain an environment that will generate new businesses, provide jobs in artsbased businesses, and highlight the important role that creativity plays in the region’s economic vitality.

hope we’ll have a great turnout for this, both at the Reece Museum and online.”

and art history from Indiana University. (For a more detailed biography or to register for this Lynn Basa is a painter, potter, and event, please visit: tinyurl.com/2s4jsnsy. public artist based in Chicago.

She is an experienced teacher Interest in this program is likely to and is personally familiar with our be high. In the spirit of community, region, having completed a public we request that attendees choose art installation at the Higher either the in-person option or the Education Center in Kingsport Zoom option. but not both. We several years ago. Basa’s work understand that registering both is included in numerous public, places allows people to keep their private, and museum collections options open, but it may also block and exhibits. Her work was others from being able to attend. included in a national exhibit Thank you in advance for helping us by the American Craft Museum allow the largest possible number of before traveling abroad to the registrants to take advantage of this

The Arts@Work Series supports entrepreneurial and selfemployed artists and makers who wish to develop their professional business skills.

Topics include introductions to business strategy, marketing, communication and promotion, pricing, and client relations.

The 2021-2022 Arts@Work series was curated to meet the particular needs of small creative businesses. The Tennessee Arts Commission provided funding for this class through an Arts Build Community grant. Their generosity makes it possible for us to present this class with no admission charge.

JOHNSON CITY

Easter Animal Bash 2:00pm at KINGSPORT SATURDAY APR 8TH Washington County Johnson Historic Jonesborough SATURDAYS THURSDAY APRIL 6TH City Animal Center Town Tour 1:00pm at Chester Inn ACOA (adult children of First Thursday Shop and Hop State Historic Site SUNDAY APR 9TH alcoholics) 1:30-3:00pm.

5:00pm at Downtown Kingsport Call for info Bill 423-444-6107 Johnson City Love & Hiking ABINGDON, VA SATURDAY APR 8TH or Cheryl 423-262-6149 Date For Couples (Self-Guided) WEDNESDAY APR 5TH 7:00am at Willow Springs Park Nature: Wolf Howling TUESDAY APRIL 4TH 10:00am at Bays Mountain Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Taco Trek Ride BRISTOL Park & Planetarium Community Center 6:30 at Trek Bicycle WEDNESDAY APRIL 5TH Blue Ridge Artisan DaysFRIDAY APR 7TH Price is Right Live Easter Festival 10:00am at Movies for Adults 2:00pm Comedy Open Mic 7:30pm 7:30pm at Freedom Hall Kingsport Farmers Market at Washington County at Blue Ridge Comedy Club THURSDAY APRIL 6TH Public Library JONESBOROUGH THURSDAY APRIL 6TH Easter Wreath Door Hanger SUNDAY APR 8TH TUESDAYS IBN Biz Lunch 11:30am at 6:00pm at Into the Fire Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Michael Waltrip Brewing Co. Jonesborough Storytelling FRIDAY MAR 7TH Community Center Guild “Stories n’More” Show “Sister Cats” Canvas Class Johnson City Love & Hiking 7:00pm at The International TUSCULUM Date For Couples (Self-Guided) 6:00pm at Kil'n Time Studio Storytelling Center 7:00am at Willow Springs Park Pick a Side Stupid 8:00pm SATURDAY, APRIL 8TH at Blue RIdge Comedy Club WEDNESDAY APRIL 5TH Weekly YuGiOh Duel Night Historic Jonesborough Dance 6:00pm at CardFox FRIDAY APRIL 7TH IBN Biz Lunch 11:30am Society Contra Dancing 7pm SATURDAY APR 8TH at The Black Olive at Tusculum University Shawn Carter 8:00pm Johnson City Love & Hiking at Blue Ridge Comedy Club Date For Couples (Self-Guided) SATURDAY APR 8TH 7:00am at Willow Springs Park “Sweet Bunny” Kids & Johnson City Farmers Market Guardians Canvas Class Opening Day 8:00am 1:30pm at Kil'n Time Studio at Founders Park Board Game Night 5:00pm Brewstillery Bike Bash 10:00am at Bristol Public Library at Tennessee Hills Brewstillery Shawn Carter 8:00pm, 10:00pm Storytime & Paint 10:00am at Blue Ridge Comedy Club at Into the Fire Munsey/JC Community Easter SUNDAY APRIL 9TH Easter Brunch 7:00am Egg Hunt 10:30am at The Bristol Hotel at King Common's Park To be featured in The Loafer's Things to Do email us at: theloaferonlineprint@gmail.com or call 423-930-7319

theloafer.net | April 4, 2023

THINGS TO DO

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Visit Johnson City to Host Disc Golf ‘After Hours’ Event at the Ballad Health Athletic Center

Biker Events sponsored by biker wear Local Events:

In partnership with Throwmore Disc Golf, Visit Johnson City is proud to lend their support to the PDGAsanctioned Amateur River Valley Masters Disc Golf Event and its evening party at the ETSU Mini Dome.

inside with other various yard games spread throughout the footprint of the stadium.

Disc golf related vendors and food trucks will also be present to cap off the largest disc golf event that the region has witnessed.

River Valley Masters is a true amateur B-tier disc golf event with divisions for all skill levels. The weekend tournament spotlights four disc golf courses in the Northeast TN and Southwest VA areas. On Saturday, following the day’s proceedings, Visit Johnson City has aided in organizing a disc golf party inside the ETSU Mini Dome for players, their friends and families, as well as the general public. Participants will have the opportunity to play a short 9-hole course

What: River Valley Masters Disc Golf ‘After Hours’ Party

1. Beauty & The Beast Boxing & Dinner Weekend April 7th – 8th Pigeon Forge 2. TN Hill Brewstillery Bike Bash 10am – 1pm April 8th 3. WJ’s Spring Bike Show 11am April 8th 4. Truck Race on Dirt – Bristol April 8th 5. Food City Dirt Race April 9th – Bristol 6. Bluegrass in the Blue Ridge April 14th – 16th Meadowview Conference Center 7. Music on the Hill with Car & Bike Show April 29th Happy Valley High School 8. 11th Annual Thirsty Orange Extravaganza April 29th

When: Saturday, April 1st at 5pm-9pm

Bike Night:

Where: Ballad Health Athletic Center Why: Opportunity to provide a unique and engaging disc golf experience that is free to the public Visit Johnson City strives to showcase the uniqueness of the community by promoting its distinctive resources, events, and attractions to both visitors and citizens.

1. Wednesday – 19E Pit Stop 2. Wednesday – Jonesboro VFW – Dog Tags 3. Thursday - Quaker Steak & Lube 4. Friday - Tulips

Rides:

1. Benefit for Mini Miracles April 1st at Indian Dealership KSU 11am 2. WesMann’s Ride For The Ramp April 22nd Black Wolf Harley Davidson 11am KSU 12

Rallies:

1. Cave Creek Bike Rally March 24th – April 2nd 2. Tallahassee Bike Fest April 14th – 16th Tallahassee, FLA 3. Thunder on Tobacco Road April 20th – 23rd Seven Spring NC

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Hello everyone, well Spring is me wanting a life size dinosaur. here. Since everybody is going I couldn't afford one so through to want to get out and about I much trial and error I built myself thought it would be nice to start one in 2007. We received a lot of telling folks about things to go cars stopping to take pictures of do in our local area. (Backyard our first one, the Jurassic ParkTerrors and Dinosaur Park 1065 like Raptor that now stands just Walnut Grove Rd, Bluff City, TN outside the entrance. After that 37618) Phone: (423)391-7017 or one we built another and another, (423)534-4429 finally deciding to make a park of it for all to enjoy. We currently Backyard Terrors started in have over 60 prehistoric creatures 2007 with their first dinosaur with more coming soon as we sculpture in their backyard... grow. We have a picnic area and where else? Since then, they have created and put together the local Pizza Plus delivers here. We also have a small gift a plethora of things for all shop. We're a donation-based themes, pirates, monsters, attraction, which means we don't dinosaurs, aliens, you name it! They do set design and can currently charge any admission to get in. We want children of all make an entire display or just ages to able to afford to come make one unique piece. They also do some rentals. Backyard here and experience life-sized creatures from our wonderful Terrors also operates The Funhouse Haunted Attraction, prehistoric past. All donations and Monsters, Myths, and Legends gift shop purchases will aid us in and the Dinosaur Park, a non- expanding and becoming a better profit free admission attraction attraction for our patrons. We're for all ages. open every day from 9AM to Dark.

Chris Kastner – Owner - These Tours are self-guided; photos and videos are permitted. We ask that are Chris’s Words: no one touch the dinosaurs or The dinosaur park is a dream exhibits except where intended. of mine that started out with There are maps available for free at the entrance with information on the animals in the park and informational signs on each animal. Thank you so much for allowing us to do what we are good at and being able to serve the public while doing it. Our mission as always is to Entertain, Educate, and Impress!

Dino Park in the Dark. Bring your flashlights and your courage! The powers out and the dinosaurs on the loose! It's after hours Beanz Biker Corner are at Backyard Terrors Dinosaur

By Anne Hartley Park. And a volcanic eruption has the dinosaurs all riled up! Sneak 423-297-5675 through the park and discover the mystery of dinosaurs in the dark, hear the sounds of the T-Rex

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

crashing through the trees as the sirens signal a warning. See Park staff trying to recapture escaped dinosaurs! See trees alive with fireflies and escape the fire erupting volcano! We have 3 Payment Options: 1. Pay with credit or debit using PayPal: backyardterrors@gmail.com 2.

CashApp $BackyardTerrors 3.

Cash: Pay cash right at the gate.

NOTES: 10.00 reserves your spot • If we leave 5 spots open to pay when you get here, 10 cars may show up to get them and we don't want folks driving this far for nothing. • We do also need volunteers if anyone would like to help out message here or email.

Useless Facts: 1. A dinosaur called the Pegomastax is one of the weirdest dinosaurs known.

Described as a cross between a parrot and porcupine, it had a beak with teeth that sharpened

themselves against each other.

2. In the 1993 movie, Jurassic Park, there is only 15 minutes of dinosaur footage: 6 minutes of CGI and 9 minutes of animatronics.

3. One of the weirdest dinosaurs is the Suzhousaurus.

Looking like a giant rat, this odd dinosaur also had a furry body, which suggests it is a distant ancestor of the giant ground sloth.

4. People have only been on Earth about 2.5 million years.

Dinosaurs lived on Earth for about 160 million years, which is about 64 times longer than people been around.

5. Meat-eating dinosaurs are known as theropods, which means “beast-footed,” because they had sharp, hooked claws on their toes. In contrast, planteating dinosaurs tended to have blunt hooves or toenails.

theloafer.net | April 4, 2023

Beanz Biker Corner

Sponsored By Biker Wear

theloafer.net | April 4, 2023

16

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17

Every single time something major happens in the political world, social media feeds become clogged with opinions, false information, and incomplete judgments.

Hostility reigns and friendships are weakened.

We need to change the narrative of political speech.

Free speech is important, and is encouraged, but nobody is free of the consequences of that speech, regardless of the intentions. When you share a post, it sends a message to your followers (likely the people you are closest to) that your values align with that post. If your followers do not agree, tension will ensue. There is an

Social Sentiments

By Wendy Hayden socialsentiments @outlook.com

socialsentiments.net

unspoken rule for brands on social media that states that if a topic does not directly affect you, do not address it because backlash may occur.

That advice is encouraged for all social media users. Err on the side of human decency if you feel the need to share a post and even if it is taken the wrong way, your good intentions will be brought to light.

Before you make your next post, ask yourself if it's worth losing friends over.

Most likely the answer is no.

Inform yourself on the issue you're posting about and see opposing viewpoints to get a fresh perspective before you risk losing valuable relationships.

theloafer.net | April 4, 2023

Reframe Your Posts

theloafer.net | April 4, 2023

18

Tusculum Hosting Reading by Distinguished Poet And Essayist A highly regarded poet, essayist and teacher will read some of his writing and celebrate the literary talent of Tusculum University students during one of the higher education’s treasured annual events.

and his mentorship has impacted my career considerably. Our students and the community will benefit from listening to his work, and his comments on the entries will provide valuable advice for our emerging writers on campus.”

before it was fashionable and the internet made that work financially viable. While he published many established authors, Dr. Lammon had the knack to recognize up-and-coming writers and print their work as well.

Dr. Martin Lammon, who is also an anthology editor and journal co-founder, will delight the audience with readings of his work Thursday, March 30, at 7 p.m. in the Brotherton Boardroom on the third floor of the Meen Center. Then, he will announce the winners of the annual Curtis ‘28 and Billie Owens Literary Prize, which honors student writing in the genres of drama, fiction, nonfiction and poetry. Dr. Lammon judged the entries, and winners in each category will receive a monetary award.

Dr. Lammon is professor emeritus at Georgia College, where he held the Fuller E. Callaway endowed Flannery O’Connor Chair for 21 years. At that institution, he developed the university’s Master of Fine Arts program in creative writing.

Previous winners of the Curtis and Billie Owens Awards include Justin Phillip Reed, a 2013 Tusculum graduate and winner of the National Book Award for poetry in 2018.

He is the author of the poetry collections “News from Where I Live” and “The Long Road Home” and editor of the anthology “Written in Water, Written in Stone: Twenty Years of Poets on Poetry.”

He founded two journals – “Kestrel,” a journal of literature and art, for which The event is presented by the English and he served as editor from 1992-1997, and Languages Department and the College “Arts & Letters,” a journal for formal and of Civic and Liberal Arts. It is free and experimental fiction, nonfiction and open to the community. poetry and other work that does not fit a “Tusculum is thrilled to host standouts in specific classification, for which he was editor from 1999-2015. literature on our campus and enrich the lives of our students and the community,” Thomas noted that as editor, Dr. Lammon said Wayne Thomas, dean of the College made room for essays and interviews of Civic and Liberal Arts. “Dr. Lammon on craft, commentary on ethos and epitomizes exceptional writing talent, translations of international authors well

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Curtis Owens, who was a professor and held a variety of administrative assignments at Pace University, and his wife, Billie, established the awards at Tusculum in 1995. He was a 1928 graduate of Tusculum, where he played football, debated, won an award for philosophy and two awards for poetry as well as wrote the class poem for the 1928 annual.

“We are proud of the creative writing program at Tusculum and have enjoyed watching our students develop their skills in this craft,” said Dr. Anne Acker, chair of the English and Languages Department.

“With opportunities to participate in the publication of ‘The Tusculum Review,’ our international literary journal, and take the lead on ‘Sit Lux,’ our student-led publication, they grow into confident, well-

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19

It’s true I’m no longer a girl in her 20s; heck it’s true I’m a woman dangerously close to ending her 30s.

Which means I’m at that phase in my life where the generational gaps start to become increasingly obvious and I let infuriating colloquialisms like “when I was your age,” and “these kids today” slip with a fair degree of regularity. I must be well on my way to old and curmudgeon, because some days I just wake up and seemingly everything annoys me; this happens to be one of those days. For the last few years there have been stupid things pop up that I thought “surely this is a passing phase and will be gone soon,” and nevertheless they’ve persisted and worse become the norm. I’m here today to present a list of trends that need unfollowing, and my arguments for why. As with everything else in life, this list is strictly opinion and satire and if it offends you, please make your own list and put me on it.

particular are now filtering photos to create an entirely CGI generated appearance that is not even close to their real looks-in fact, that’s the number 1 grievance I hear on online dating from men. They say most women edit and filter their photos so heavily that when they show up in person they’re unrecognizable and feel catfished.

will become annoying and this too shall pass in a year or so. And though it’s not as popular as it was a decade ago, I still see far too many men with their over-conditioned face manes for my liking.

I’m a woman who loves a beard and really can’t say I’ve ever dated a man without one. But a neatly trimmed stubble to ½” thickness is plenty. Its masculine but shows you care about your appearance. And no matter what you say, I don’t care how much you moisturize and trim that Duck Dynasty disaster on your face, it is not sanitary. I watch you all eat and drink; I see you sucking the beer foam from your mustache that’s curled into your mouth, and I watch the crumbs fall south and disappear into the forest of wiry uncontrollable hair cascading toward your chest. And for the love of god, shave your neck beard daily.

Nothing looks sloppier than a ZZ Top beard with another miniature beard that runs into your chest hair.

The most beautiful women I know abuse filters more than anyone, which is hardest for me to comprehend.

These are knockout 10s that I could only aspire to look like, and every photo of themselves has been altered to give the same fox eye, plump pout, over-highlighted, anime-adjacent image as every other vacant social media “celebrity.” And it’s like they’re so de-sensitized to it, they are using increasingly over-the-top filters to the point they’re looking completely cartoonish and don’t even realize. It’s psychotic and I don’t understand; it truly feels like mental illness to me, At the top of my list of grievances and worse, it’s just plain lazy! If you and the personal bane of my Finally: TikTok (or as I call it IckTok.) can’t afford the procedures to give existence: filters.

Why, just…why? yourself a cat-eye or plump your lips It started innocently enough. We all in real life, and you don’t want to learn During Covid lockdown, it was kind of downloaded snap chat and took kooky how to do it with makeup, then you understandable. Being locked in your pics of ourselves with puppy tongues, don’t get to fake it by slapping a stupid house bored with kids and spouses or and cat ears and exploding heart eyes. filter on every photo, build a totally alone for weeks on end was the only It was all just lighthearted fun! Then feasible reasoning in my opinion that new human online and then walk Instagram and Facebook got in on the a grown adult would set up a camera around in the real world looking like action, creating new technologies to Rocky Dennis in Mask. Better yet, learn and film themselves dancing and see yourself as an old person or the lip-syncing to other people’s words. to love the real you, then promote opposite sex. It was still caricature and accordingly. We all want to present the But it continued, and then there were no one used them with any degree of best version of ourselves digitally, but TikTok “trends” where multiple people seriousness. But slowly, one at a time were doing the same stupid dance. at what point is it becoming a lie? and with the assistance of “influencers” Again, not just teenagers-grown adults.

Now for my next point of grief: the around the globe, face filters are now Then Instagram created Reels to get created strictly to enhance the features extra-long beard. in on the action, and now the same and go undetected, with the majority ridiculous content is being posted on Men, you’re not getting off the hook of people using them in every single 2 platforms. Now it’s just the norm to on this list. Back in 2012 or so, we photo they capture, and its gotten see people standing in front of their saw a surge in men growing out their out of hand. It appears the reality of phones mouthing quotes and songs beards. The “Lumbersexual” look “real life” is too unappealing and what became popular and the beard oil and and playing pretend like it’s actually can a little tweaking hurt? Women in barbershop industry exploded. Inch by not completely weird. And what a time suck! There is something far inch, their beards continued to grow, more addicting about IckTock than surpassing Brawny man and moving any other social media site that has into Confederate Soldier, and finally people scrolling nonstop. I have never landing in Wizard territory. I thought gotten sucked in, but I have friends and surely these long, disgusting beards

by Kathie Scalf

family who spend hours into the day and night numbing their minds with fluff content and probably killing brain cells. I’m kind of sick of social media in general, but IckTok needs to go. If you want to play make believe like a child, go outside and play in nature or get lost in a book; that seems far more constructive than fake-talking into a phone screen alone.

This list could go on for days, but in the interest of keeping a space of positivity I will end here. Once again, this is strictly a matter of opinion and luckily we live in a world where everyone has the freedom to express theirs. And while these trivial matters are very annoying to me personally, in the grand scheme of things, they mean nothing. I just wish in general we would all get back to a more organic mindset and stop the herd mentality.

Maybe we can make being un-trendy the next trend!

XO - Kathie

theloafer.net | April 4, 2023

Trends to End in 2023

theloafer.net | April 4, 2023

20

Spring Train Excursion Through Smoky Mountains ALL ABOARD! On Saturday, May 20, 2023 the Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society and Museum will sponsor a train excursion on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and enjoy the beauty of the spring season while riding the rails in vintage passenger railroad cars.

The one-day excursion will cover most of the operating trackage of the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. The track follows the route of the former Southern Railway’s Murphy Branch Line, established in 1891, with its five percent grade and many bridges. Our scenic rail excursion takes us from the historic depot in Bryson City, NC, through the beautiful countryside of Western North Carolina, into the breathtaking Nantahala Gorge surrounded by the majestic Smoky Mountains, and back to Bryson City. Much of the route hugs the banks of the Little Tennessee and Nantahala Rivers. It crosses Fontana Lake on a trestle spanning 780 feet 100 feet above the lake.

in the filming of the 1996 comedy, My Fellow Americans, starring Jack Lemmon and James Gardner, when they stumble onto a charter train full of UNC-Chapel Hill fans headed for the NCAA Final Four. Train scenes in the 1998 movie, Forces of Nature, starring Ben Affleck and Sandra Bullock, were also filmed on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.

TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING Bryson City is a laid-back, nontouristy town of 1,300 with more stop signs than stoplights. It is an

Passengers have three options for arrival at the Bryson City Train Depot: they may either ride a chartered tour bus out of Johnson City, TN, or drive directly to Bryson City, NC, if that is more convenient. Please select point of departure location on the order form when purchasing tickets. NOTE: Free parking is provided both in Johnson City and Bryson City.

TICKETS Tourist Coach or Open-Air Coach Class ticket price is $94/adult and $77/child [2-12] Open-Air Coach Class ticket price is $96/adult $76/child [2-12]

All classes of excursion tickets include free admission to the Smoky Mountain Lionel Train Museum before boarding the train. The Schedule for passengers driving directly museum boasts a collection of 7,000 to Bryson City, NC Lionel engines, cars and accessories, and an impressive operating layout Train departs Bryson City 12:01 p.m. and children’s activity center.

MEAL OPTIONS Box Lunch – includes sandwich, chips, cookie, and drink. [Make selection on ticket order form.]

Box lunches must be pre-purchased with ticket order and will be available track-side for pick-up before boarding Concessions Car – sandwiches, drinks, chips, and snacks will be available for purchase on board

[Video clip online at: www.wataugavalleynrhs.org.

Bring Your Own – a small cooler is acceptable if you wish to bring food with you

Passengers ride in comfort in Tourist Coach, or Open-Air cars. All classes offer seating in classic antique restored passenger cars. There are restrooms throughout the train.

Tickets and pre-purchased meals must be ordered online by credit card at : www.wataugavalleynrhs.org/.

Click on the EXCURSIONS link

See pictures of each class on our web site.

Tourist Coach Class cars have ceiling fans and windows that open and close for fresh-air viewing.

Open-Air Coach cars are great for picture-taking and “experiencing” the ride and scenery.

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad has become a favorite of film producers over the years. The train wreck scene in the 1993 movie, The Fugitive, starring Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones, was filmed along the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. The railroad was used

easily stroll-able town with local bookstores, arts and crafts galleries with working artisans, a bike shop, two fly fishing shops, a fly-fishing museum, an historical museum, an aquarium, a scenic train, two breweries, and a surprising variety of restaurants. Bryson City is only 10 miles from the famous Cherokee Indian Reservation. [Information on lodging in the Bryson City area is available on your confirmation form .

Train arrives back in Bryson City 4:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Schedule for passengers riding motor coach from Johnson City, TN Motor coach departs Johnson City, TN 7:30 a.m.

Train departs Bryson City 12:01 p.m.

Train arrives back in Bryson City 4:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Arrive back in Johnson City 7:30 p.m.

The excursion runs rain or shine.

Every effort will be made to maintain an on-time schedule. The Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society & Museum assumes no liability due to passengers not arriving on time at the Bryson City Depot.

The Spring Great Smoky Train Excursions sell out fast, please order your tickets so you will not be left out. If you like riding a train and the scenic mountains, this trip is for you.

Questions about the trip? Go to www.wataugavalleynrhs.org, or email wataugavalley@gmail.com

21

I don't know about you, but I tend to enjoy films based on true life events.

One such film based on a true story is "True Spirit", now streaming on Netflix.

The Australian film tells the story of Jessica Watson, an Australian sailor, who at the age of 16, attempted a solo navigation around the world. The film is set in 2009 when Jessica (Teagan Croft) is doing all she can to fulfill her dream of sailing solo around the world, which would take possibly 200 days.

During the journey she must cross the equator and all meridians of longitude. One day Jessica does a test run, and while on the run her boat is hit by a freighter which has strayed off course. Had she remembered to turn on her alert system before she went to bed, the accident would have been avoided. After this harsh lesson, the media in Australia begins to doubt she is prepared for such a trip. Jessica is not deterred

Pop Life

By Ken Silvers theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com

by the skeptical media, and with the help of her support team consisting of her mom Julie (Anna Paquin), her father Roger (Josh Lawson), her three siblings, and her coach Ben Bryant (Cliff Curtis), she sets sail from Sydney to begin her journey. The journey begins smoothly until she encounters her first big storm, which is extremely violent. Instead of heading away from the storm, she decides to ride it out, but is knocked unconscious and doesn't wake up until the next morning. Jessica convinces her parents she is fine and continues the journey and continues her trip. After enduring the harsh strom, she encounters a period of no wind, which results in her sailboat being stationary for a week. The unexpected stop in her trip brings on a bit of depression and loneliness, but eventually her mom lifts her spirits by singing to her, and the wind once again returns. As Jessica is about one thousand miles from Sydney, she is alerted three storms are about to merge, and Ben tries to convince her to take an alternate route for safety. Jessica considers doing so, but if she does take the alternate route, it will ruin her completion of her circumnavigation. Jessica refuses to give up, and choses to ride the monster storm system out. At this point I will not reveal what she experiences, but I will just say

the film ends on a happy note, where Jessica is named the Young Australian of the Year. I must add Jesica has dyslexia, and despite her challenge, inspired many young people around the world during her journey, and eventually wrote two books. To this day Jessica is an avid sailor. The cast in the film is wonderful, and all are well cast, with Teagan bringing light and energy to her portrayal of Jessica. Of course Paquin is her usual excellent self, and Curtis ("Fear the Walking Dead") is

effective in his portrayal of the disgraced former competitive sailor. Director Sarah Spillane ("Around the Block") keeps the film exciting, and allows star Teagan to do all the emoting she needs in her role. "True Spirit" is a wonderful story of how you should never let anyone keep you from achieving your dreams. Now streaming on: Netflix. (Rated TV-PG) YouTube TV. (Not Rated)

theloafer.net | April 4, 2023

True Spirit

theloafer.net | April 4, 2023

22

CONCERT SCHEDULE Bristol

GREENVILLE

PARAMOUNT Mar 11 Free Fallin’-The Tom Petty Tribute Mar 12 Newsboys Mar 16 Farm and Fun Time Show with Sam Bush, Annabelle’s Curse and Bill and the Belles Mar 31/Apr 1 49 Winchester Apr 15 Best of the EaglesTribute to The Eagles Apr 29 Ashley McBryde (sold out) May 11 Steep Canyon Rangers May 19 A Brothers RevivalTribute to The Allman Brothers May 21 Mac Powell Jun 17 Nightrain-Tribute to Guns n Roses Jul 22 Head Games-Tribute to Foreigner Jul 29 Journeyman: Tribute to Eric Clapton Aug 12 Yellow Brick RoadTribute to Elton John Sep 16 EW&F-Tribute to Earth, Wind and Fire Oct 14 Lady SupremeTribute to Diana Ross

NISWONGER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Mar 11 Jefferson Starship Mar 31 Gentri (The Gentlemen Trio) Apr 4 One Night of Queen-performed

by Gary Mullen And the Works Apr 14 Mark Lowry Apr 22 Masters of Soul May 5 Wild World of Animals Free Community Concert Series May 13 Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives May 20 Get The Led OutLed Zeppelin Tribute

CAMEO THEATER Mar 10 BoDeans Mar 17 John Michael Montgomery Mar 18 Bad Marriage Mar 26 Eric Gales Apr 8 Billy Prine and Prime Time Band Apr 19 Trampled By Turtles Apr 22 The Band of Heathens Apr 29 Billy Idol and Bret Michaels (Street show) May 10 An Evening with Roger McGuinn Jun 17 Vixen

THOMPSON BOWLING ARENA Mar 30 Kane Brown Apr 1 Eagles Apr 21 Lizzo May 16 Stevie Nicks May 23 Breaking Benjamin /Bush and Another Day Dawns Jul 15 Thomas Rhett Sept 12 Guns n Roses Oct 16 Shania Twain

BRISTOL TN/VA

JOHNSON CITY TN

JOHNSON CITY

FREEDOM HALL Apr 4 The Price is Right Live Apr 14 Nate Bargatze Jun 2 Mr. Speed- Kiss Tribute MARTIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS Apr 30 Amy Grant May 20 The Black Jacket Symphony: Tom Petty’s Full Moon Fever

GREENVILLE TN

KNOXVILLE TN

Knoxville

TENNESSEE THEATRE Mar 16 Buddy Guy Mar 18 Cheap Trick Apr 26 Ben Folds and a Piano Apr 27 Wilco Apr 28 Amy Grant May 13 Alice Cooper May 20 Chelsea Handler Aug 18 Kansas

KNOXVILLE CIVIC AUDITORIUM Mar 14 Third Eye Blind Mar 22 Champions of Magic Apr 7 Rodney Carrington Apr 13 Million Dollar Machine Apr 20 Casting Crowns Apr 29 Theresa Caputo KNOXVILLE CIVIC COLISEUM Apr 15 & 16 Leanne Morgan Aug 24 Billy Strings Sep 14 Parker McCollum BIJOU THEATRE Mar 9 BoDeans

Mar 11 Marc Brossard with Seth Walker Mar 17 The Mavericks Mar 23-25 Drew & Ellie Holcomb Apr 7 David Sedaris

NASHVILLE TN

Nashville

RYMAN AUDITORIUM Mar 11 & 12 Bobby Weir and Wolf Bros Mar 18 Buddy Guy Mar 30,31 & Apr 1 GOOSE Apr 6 The Mountain Goats Apr 7 & 13 Morgan Wade Apr 8 Leann Rimes Apr 14 & 15 Lady A Apr 19 Leann Morgan (Opry House) Apr 21 David Spade Apr 27-29 Nickel Creek May 8-10 John Mellencamp May 19 Crowded House May 24 Rick Springfield Jul 6 Sam Bush Jul 13 Rhonda Vincent Jul 27 Ricky Skaggs Aug 19 Kansas ASCEND AMPHITHEATER May 6 Whiskey Myers May 11 Koe Wetzel Jun 23 Walker Hayes Jul 11 Foreigner and Loverboy Jul 18 Louis Tomlinson Jul 19 Yungblud Aug 27 Ghost Sep 12 /13 Artic Monkeys BRIDGESTONE ARENA Mar 31 Kane Brown Apr 7 Chris Tomlin Apr 16 New Edition May 4 Janet Jackson with Ludacris Jun 13 Duran Duran Jun 17 Bryan Adams and Joan Jett NISSAN STADIUM Apr 15 Luke Combs May 5-7 Taylor Swift May 19 Billy Joel and Stevie Nicks Jun 11 CMA Fest Jul 22 Ed Sheeran Jul 28-29 George Strait, Chris Stapleton & Little Big Town Jul 3 Matchbox Twenty and The Wallflowers

Jul 16 Blink 182 Jul 29 Sam Smith Sep 12 Alice Cooper and Rob Zombie Sep 29 Thomas Rhett Oct 19 Depeche Mode BROOKLYN BOWL Mar 7 Theory of a Dead Man Mar 9 moe.

Mar 23 They Might Be Giants Mar 31 Larkin Poe Apr 6 The Winery Dogs Apr 14 Queensryche May 20 The Steel Woods GEODIS PARK Aug 26 Guns n Roses

MANCHESTER TN

Manchester

BONNAROO MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL Jun 15-18 Foo Fighters, Paramore, Nil Nas X, Sheryl Crow, Kendrick Lamar, Korn, Marcus Mumford, The Revivalists, Pixies, Umphrey’s McGee and more!

ASHEVILLE NC

Asheville

THE ORANGE PEEL Mar 10 They Might Be Giants Mar 23 moe.

Apr 4 The Winery Dogs Apr 20 Judah & The Lion May 12 & 13 Drive By Truckers May 21 Trae Crowder Jun 22 Margaret Cho EXPLOREASHEVILLE.COM ARENA Mar 17 Koe Wetzel Mar 25 Tedeschi Trucks Band Apr 20 Mt Joy May 9 Robert Plant and Alison Krauss THOMAS WOLFE AUDITORIUM Mar 12 MercyMe Apr 27 Brett Young July 3 The Smile

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

“You’re not going to have a nervous breakdown over a ham,” I said to myself as I stood in my kitchen alone, sweating on Easter Sunday.

That particular year was interesting.

My mother was in the hospital with a kidney stone and wasn’t going to be able to make Easter Dinner. The decision was made to skip having a meal with family that year, but the little ones in the immediate extension were disappointed by that.

for dinner, so that added a factor to things where I didn’t want to lock plans down too far ahead of time. So I began this process like I would any other, I googled for some recipes as if there is one thing about me I will always go a little overboard when it comes to entertaining.

There were things I didn’t factor into this adventure. The biggest one is time management. I didn’t think about how between all the I’m very comfortable in the kitchen running I was doing to keep up the slack for the family while my and figured that surely I could fix an entire Easter Dinner on my own. mother was down for the count, or “How hard could that be?” I thought the time I was spending going to to myself as I volunteered to do it. I the hospital three towns over to see would tackle a somewhat simplified her, and then back home. None of this occurred to me until it was time menu. Just the basics that said to start cooking and I was already “EASTER FOOD!” Ham, Mashed exhausted, having a panic attack Potatoes, Mac and Cheese, Dinner o’er a ham in a crock pot.

Rolls, and a small salad. “I can do this in my sleep!” I said to myself.

I had about a week to go between announcing I was saving the day by What I couldn’t have understood cooking Easter dinner and getting was at that moment, a bemused into all the prep work. Most of bunny was hiding somewhere in that week is a blur, all I can recall the corner, laughing to itself while is going to the hospital, errands, saying “foolish mortal.” There was repeat. On Good Friday I went to the a possibility that Mom might be grocery to do the shopping. released from the hospital in time This was a mistake as a lot of the best stuff was already picked over by smarter people who didn’t wait till two days before Easter to grocery shop.

Batteries Not Included

By Andy Ross theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com

The ham pickings were either too small or too big. I went with a small ham and thought I’d just have only one slice and leave the rest to the other family. I was only expecting about four other people besides me. My Dad, Aunt, and two younger cousins. The ones who were heartbroken over the possibility of not getting to search for eggs and eat lots of starches. Provisions required, I took my groceries home and sat down to make a timetable for what needed to be started and when.

You may be wondering at this point

why, with this small number of expected guests, did I freak out near a crock pout on that fateful Easter Morning? Because things went a bit askew. That morning I began setting the rolls out to rise and started to get my prep bowls out to make things easy and simple. I was tired, to begin with as I had been at the hospital in the later part of the evening the night before.

The panic attack occurred right as I was feeling confident that everything was under control and should be ready for when the guests arrive at 1:00 that afternoon. Then a phone call came in from my Mother. It was to see how things were going and to tell me that word had gotten out I was cooking Easter dinner and other family adjunct people would be showing up. Sending the guest list

from five, including myself, to a not welcomed eleven.

Thus began the panic. Stores were closed, food had begun, and the rocket had launched. I couldn’t stop and change the game plan.

What was to be a simple “save the day” for the younglings turned into yours truly working himself to the bone to get Easter dinner done and served to more people than I expected. I barely got any food myself, and by the time everyone was left I was just happy to see people go.

The moral of the story is not to overwhelm yourself if you’re cooking this weekend, ask for help.

If your parent is doing all or most of the cooking. Thank the hell out of them for it. They deserve it.

Happy Easter to one and all. See you next week.

theloafer.net | April 4, 2023

The Easter That Almost Wasn’t

23