The Loafer 80

Earth Day Saturday April 22

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 80

Contributing Staff

04 Spotlight 05 A Simple Idea for Earth Day 06 Menopause The Musical to Play Johnson CIty 07 Tri-Cities Nightlife

09 Pets of the Week 11 Things To Do 12

Tri-Cities Faces and Places

14

Biker Events

16

Junior League to Host 33rd Annual Food Drive

18 Contra Dance Returns

Kathie Scalf

to Jonesborough

Ken Silvers

20

Wendy Hayden

Old Oak Festival Returns to Tusculum University

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

08 Puzzle Page

Andy Ross

columns & reviews

theloafer.net | April 18, 2023

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15 Beanz Biker Corner Bristol Caverns 17

Social Sentiments: When Online Worlds Collide

19 Tea Time with Appalachian Barbie:

A ‘Frankly Spectacular Meal 21 Pop Life: Shazam: The Fury of the Gods 23 Batteries Not Included: Fisher King

Hello Friends!

Hello friends!

Earth Day is April 22nd. What is Earth Day? A day to celebrate this wonderful rock we live on and to think about how to protect her. I read there are 10 things we can do to help protect our Earth: • Conserve Water • Be car conscious (exhaust fumes) • Walk or Ride a bike occasionally for transportation • Recycle and/or re use • Try to compost • Switch to LED lights • Be energy efficient • Grow a garden • Give up plastic (this is a hard one) • Plant a tree or 2!

I challenge everyone to try at least one thing on the list. Let’s all love our beautiful Earth!

Have a great week!

Love, Lisa Durbin Publisher

Hardscapes • Mowing • Mulching • Trimming • Leaf Removal Landscaping Snow Removal Aerating and Overseeding • Irrigation • Bed Edging

ACALAWNCARETN.COM • 423.963.5058 • ACALAWNCARE@YAHOO.COM

theloafer.net | April 18, 2023

“Let us help you create the best outdoor space for Licensed, Insured and Dependable your family and guests!”

3

Spotlight

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Boombox All 80’s Band 8:30pm SATURDAY Apr 22nd at Bristol Casino Bar Anthony Wayne Vibe 7:00pm Florencia & the Feeling 10:00pm at Mulligan’s Gaming Pub at Bristol Casino Bar Mike Snodgrass Band MONDAY Apr 24th 9:30 at Wild Wing Cafe Anthony Childress 7:00pm Failure 2 Conform | 1134 | at Cascade Draft House Bacalou 10:00pm at Capone’s Bristol TN/Va Bristol, TN/VA

Johnson City City, TN Johnson

Kingsport Kingsport, TN

WEDNESDAY Apr 19th Jonathan King 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House THURSDAY Apr 20th Second Annual Feel Good Fest 1:00pm at Cascade Draft House Corey Snowden 6:00pm at Delta Blues BBQ Joslyn & The Sweet Compression 6:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar FRIDAY Apr 21st TKudzu Killers 6:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar Rare Fiction followed by Jace Smith 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House No Filter 8:30pm at Bristol Casino Bar SATURDAY Apr 22nd Travis Reigh 5:30pm at Bristol Casino Bar The 11E Band 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

TUESDAY Apr 18th Brim & Marci Leal 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza WEDNESDAY Apr 19th HB Beverly 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

THURSDAY Apr 20th

THURSDAY Apr 20th Irish Fiddle Tunes with Keegan & Rheva 5:30pm at Mulligan’s Gaming Pub Justin Mychals 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza Downtown J Brown 7:00pm at Mulligan’s Gaming Pub FRIDAY Apr 21st Julie Williams & The Hired Guns 8:00pm at Mulligan’s Gaming Pub Holly Ann & Dirt Road Rising 8:00pm at Tulips Grub & Pub The Troubadours 9:30 at Wild Wing Cafe Curses | Ham Radio | Elderbug 10:00pm at Capone’s

FRIDAY Apr 21st

Greeneville, TN Greeneville, TN SATURDAY Apr 22nd Jason Edwards 7:00pm at The Moose Lodge

Zak Saltz Band 7:00pm at Market 2 Grille at Lakeview Marina Dan Herrell Acoustic 8:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar Railway Express 7:00pm at Market 2 Grille at Lakeview Marina Andy Ferrell 7:00pm at Gypsy Circus Cider Company SATURDAY Apr 22nd Dan Herrell & The Troubadours 7:00pm at Market 2 Grille at Lakeview Marina Jason Ellis 7:00pm at Gypsy Circus Cider Company Randy & Gail Johnson’s Benefit w/ Quentin Horton, Benny Wilson, & Borderline Band 9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

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

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By [https://EzineArticles. com/expert/Pamela_ Barnes/127661] Pamela Barnes What is the best way we can celebrate Earth Day? Celebrations, planting trees and cleaning up rubbish are all a big part of this day. The environment seems to be on our minds more often but we are still needing to do more on a daily basis. It’s important to have one day where we all take notice.

Perhaps one of the best ways to appreciate the importance of caring for our environment is by taking some time during this day and paying attention to our own corner of the world.

Head Outside So many of us go from our house to our car to the office to turn around and make the same trip home and may not have the time to really notice our surroundings or even spend any time outside. Can we really appreciate this planet we call home if we have so little connection with nature?

How about this? On Earth Day walk your neighborhood and enjoy spring in it’s full glory.

As you are walking pay attention. Is it garbage day?

Just a weekly occurrence but just how much trash is on the curb for the houses

or apartment buildings around you? Keep in mind that’s one weeks worth in one small section of the city multiplied by 52 weeks for however many years.

what do you see? Do you see garbage lying around? Has someone used it to dump junk or toxic stuff? Have Styrofoam cups and other kinds of plastic garbage floated in to shore?

Perhaps it’s such a nice day that it has motivated everyone to do a little spring cleaning or yard work. So

A walk on a even a well maintained trail almost always turns up plastic water bottles or a plastic shopping bag stuck

the same things everyday and sometimes we just don’t see them anymore.

But with a fresh awareness you may look around and begin thinking how am I contributing to this?

What can I do to start to improve things and then do something.

Right now finding the resources to help us make changes are plentiful.

This Earth Day, by just bringing our awareness to problems within our own neighborhood we can begin to do our part in making sure our kids will be able to enjoy the wonder and beauty of this small planet.

It starts with us.

Natural Living for Women [http://www.natural-livingfor-women.com]

many of our outdoor tasks in a tree somewhere. We can’t use water. It never seems like escape it. City, suburb, country, we use very much but as you no matter where we live we look around do you see ways can see the effects of man and it could be used more wisely woman both good and bad on or maybe even a way a job the world around us. could be done without it.

You get the idea. When we live Do you live near water? For all the beauty that is usually found around bodies of water if we look more closely

in an area it becomes easy to overlook the problems. We become accustomed to doing things the same or seeing

Natural living made easy.

Info to help you choose safe, natural, skincare, clothing, accessories and more that have been made with care for animals, people and the environment.

Article Source: [http:// EzineArticles.com/?ASimple-Idea-for-EarthDay&id=1095588] A Simple Idea for Earth Day

theloafer.net | April 18, 2023

A Simple Idea for Earth Day

theloafer.net | April 18, 2023

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National Tour of Menopause The Musical® Plays Johnson City June 2023 for 2 performances!

Tickets On Sale Now! GFour Productions, winners of 68 Drama Desk and 54 Tony Awards®, are proudly bringing the international hit show Menopause The Musical® to Johnson City and will play the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts for two performances, June 16 and 17, 2023. Menopause The Musical® is a groundbreaking celebration of women who are on the brink of, in the middle of, or have survived “The Change.” Tickets go on sale Friday, April 14, at 10 a.m., and can be purchased at ETSUMartinCenter.org or by calling the Martin Center box office at (423) 439-2787. Group discounts for 10+ are also available.

Menopause The Musical® is a groundbreaking celebration of women who are on the brink of, in the middle of, or have survived “The Change.” Now celebrating over 20 years of female empowerment through hilarious musical comedy, Menopause The Musical® has evolved as a “grassroots” movement of women who deal with life adjustments after 40 by embracing each other and the road ahead.

Set in a department store, four women

meet while shopping for a black lace bra at a lingerie sale. After noticing similarities among one another, the cast jokes about their woeful hot flashes, mood swings, wrinkles, weight gain and much more. These women form a sisterhood and unique bond with the entire audience as they rejoice in celebrating that menopause is no longer “The Silent Passage.”

com. For more about the Martin Center or to purchase tickets, visit ETSUMartinCenter.org or call the Martin Center box office at (423) 439-2787.

Inspired by a hot flash and a bottle of wine, Menopause The Musical® was created as a celebration of women who find themselves at any stage of “The Change.” The laughterfilled 90-minute production gets audience members out of their seats and singing along to parodies from classic pop songs of the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s.

Menopause The Musical® is now in its 22nd year and 17th as the longest-running musical in Las Vegas history, performing nightly at Harrah’s Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. Seen by more than 17 million, it has played every state in the continental U.S. and more than 500 cities worldwide, and has been translated into nine languages. For more information, visit www.

MenopauseTheMusical.com.

For more information on Menopause The Musical®, visit www.MenopauseTheMusical.

Get Your Home Ready for Spring!

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423-900-3632

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Leaf Removal Yard Scape Mowing

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Brush Cutting

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Deck Building

Pressure Washing

Gutter Cleaning

All Types of Fences

(Commercial & Residential)

Tree Removal

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 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 Trivia at Riverside Taphouse at South Fork Bluff City, TN 7:00pm

BINGO

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

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

WEDNESDAY Bingo at Tipton Street Pub Johnson City, TN 9pm Singo at Holy Taco & Cantina Boones Creek, TN 8pm Blazin’ Bingo at Mellow Mushroom Johnson City, TN 6pm

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

THURSDAY Bingo at Mellow Mushroom Bristol VA 6pm

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

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

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

theloafer.net | April 18, 2023

TRI-CITIES

7

theloafer.net | April 18, 2023

8

SODOKU

CROSSWORD

DROP QUOTE

ACROSS 43. Provide with additional 1. Shelter org.

5. Computer programs, for short ammo, e.g.

45. "____ Flux" 9. Brown tone (animated sci-fi series) 14. Babies born at summer's

C RYPTO G RA M

AF AX C QGTB UGOANCFG IYP FY MYTEAQG C HCD, SAFVYLF OYSGTADE VAH AD VAX YSD GXFAHCFAYD, CDU BYLTX FYY. — Josh Billings

midpoint 15. Green dip, for short 16. In a weak way 17. Boston Pops, e.g.

19. Frère de la père 20. Sphere 21. Largest of the Lesser Sundas 23. Pen fluid 25. Some rainwear 30. Minor 33. Chinese dynasty 35. Sisterhood in a 2002 film 36. Ancient kingdom 37. St. ___'s fire 39. Smug smile 42. Ancient Brit

47. 20th in a series 48. High-arcing baseballs 52. Pop rocker Gwen 53. Recreational veh.

54. One full of odium 57. Apply more pitch to 61. One-celled creature 65. "Every good boy does fine," and the like 67. Slight manifestation 68. AK-47 relatives 69. Ron Howard media satire 70. Lying port-to-starboard 71. Adds turf to 72. Hard to comprehend

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

Down 1. Muddy trek 2. Physicist Martin L. ____ 3. Chanel, familiarly 4. Rubbish receptacle 5. DOJ heads 6. Play on the green 7. Mutuel start 8. Fish dish 9. Ready to testify 10. Ending for Caesar or Euclid 11. ___ Park (Pittsburgh stadium) 12. Ailing 13. Supportive shout 18. Minuscule 22. Comic punch response 24. Sedona and Spectra 26. Bra specification 27. Smoking, e.g.

28. Getting chilled 29. Verbalize 30. Pen dweller 31. Court site 32. Young dragonfly 33. Give a ____ welcome 34. Alaskan Indian 38. Composer Carl 40. NBA official 41. Nut used in soda 44. Soccer notable 46. Explosive stuff, briefly 49. Bambi's aunt 50. Type of test 51. Made uniform 55. First name in sports cars 56. Tim or Tara 58. Neap ____ 59. Part of a French play 60. "Please reply" 61. ___ Khan (Ismaili Imam) 62. Tigers and Cubs org.

63. Wide size 64. Barnyard noise 66. Mag. submissions

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PETS

OF THE WEEK

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Jo y Joy is very sweet but shy cat. She’s playful (loves chasing laser dot) and she’s doing just fine around other cats. We are pretty sure that in a calmer environment, given space and time, Joy would have the chance to show more of her personality

and bloom. She will let you pet her if she knows you a bit and of you go slow. Joy was born in 2019. She is spayed, updated on her shots and will be microchipped before being adopted. Her adoption fee is $20.23 during our Spring Fling special.

s is ly M ol M Meet Miss Molly. She is a 4 yr old Staffordshire Terrier that loves to play and always has a toy in her mouth !!! Her tug of war rope is her favorite.

Miss Molly will sit for treats and enjoys playing in the pool during the summer months. She loves belly rubs. Miss Molly would prefer to be an only animal.

She is housetrained, has been spayed, microchipped and is current on her vaccinations. Bday 5/14/18. She’s inviting you to come and challenge her to a game of tug of war. Oh, I will tell you, she will win the game - every time !!! Her adoption fee is $20.23 during Spring Fling special.

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

bridgehome.org

There are 5 Earth Day Trees hidden in this issue of The Loafer.

Can you find them all?

Last Week's Puzzle Answers Sudoku

Crossword

Cryptogram:

Dropquote:

"It is not because angels are holier than men or devils that makes them angels, but because they do not expect holiness from one another, but from God only."

"Christianity is not being destroyed by the confusions and concussions of the time; it is being discovered."

theloafer.net | April 18, 2023

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presents

3107 W. Market Street Suite 1 Johnson City, TN (423) 328-7991

Directed Directed by by Cindi Cindi Brooks Brooks

ERIN MCARDLE LAW CAN HELP YOU WITH YOUR LEGAL NEEDS. • Criminal Defense

April 22 - 30 Saturdays 10:30 am & 5:30 pm Sundays 2:30 pm Tickets on sale at TheatreBristol.org

• Juvenile/Family Law

Let the experience work for you.

ERIN MCARDLE LAW erinmcardlelaw@gmail.com

www.erinmcardlelaw.com

Get unparelled legal representation from a former prosecutor who has handled thousands of criminal matters and has tried difficult jury trials.

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

Call for info Bill 423-444-6107 or Cheryl 423-262-6149 WEDNESDAY APRIL 19TH Lunch & Learn - Cathy Ball, City Manager 12:00pm at JC Chamber of Commerce THURSDAY APRIL 20TH IBN Biz Lunch 11:30am at Golden Corral Buffet FRIDAY APR 21ST Johnson City Love & Hiking Date For Couples (Self-Guided) 7:00am at Willow Springs Park 2nd Annual Classic Car Auction 5:00pm at Dealers Auto Auction of East TN Weekly YuGiOh Duel Night 6:00pm at CardFox SATURDAY APR 22ND Johnson City Love & Hiking Date For Couples (Self-Guided) 7:00am at Willow Springs Park Johnson City Farmers Market 8:00am at Founders Park The Junior Highland Games Festival 10:00am at Tipton-Haynes Historic Site 2nd Annual Classic Car Auction 10:00am at Dealers Auto Auction of East TN

Robert Beatty Book Signing 1:00 at Barnes and Noble Author Talk: Christy Smith 2:00pm at JC Public Library

KINGSPORT

THURSDAY APRIL 20TH IBN Biz Lunch 11:30am at Pratt's BBQ SUNDAY APR 23RD FRIDAY APRIL 21ST Johnson City Love & Hiking G.O.A.T. Arts Festival 8:00am Date For Couples (Self-Guided) at Kingsport Farmer's Market 7:00am at Willow Springs Park BrewHaHa - A Night of Pizza, BRISTOL Beer & Laughs! 6:00pm at MeadowView Conference WEDNESDAY APRIL19TH Resort & Convention Center Comedy Open Mic 7:30pm SATURDAY APR 22ND at Blue Ridge Comedy Club G.O.A.T. Arts Festival 8:00am THURSDAY APRIL 20TH at Kingsport Farmer's Market “Spring Blooms” Canvas Class Nature: Wolf Howling 6:00pm at Kil'n Time Studio 10:00am at Bays Mountain FRIDAY APRIL 21ST Park & Planetarium Street Car Takeover Earth Day Yoga Hike 12:30 at Bristol Motor Speedway at Bays Mountain Park Triple Feature: Danya, Mary, SUNDAY APR 23RD Shelley 8:00pm G.O.A.T. Arts Festival 8:00am at Blue Ridge Comedy Club at Kingsport Farmer's Market SATURDAY APR 22ND JONESBOROUGH Trash Bash 2023 9:00am at Steele Creek Park TUESDAYS Danger Ranger on Dirt Jonesborough Storytelling With Cleetus Mcfarland 1:00pm Guild “Stories n’More” Show at Bristol Motor Speedway 7:00pm at The International Storytelling Center Board Game Night 5:00pm at Bristol Public Library SATURDAY APR 22ND Triple Feature: Danya, Mary, Shelley 8:00pm, 10:00pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

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

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

ABINGDON, VA WEDNESDAY APR 19TH IBN Biz Lunch 11:30am at Moon Dog Brick Oven Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center FRIDAY APR 21ST Movies for Adults 2:00pm at Washington County Public Library SUNDAY APR 23RD Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

ELIZABETHTON SATURDAY, APRIL 22ND Earth Day Celebration 2:00pm at Sycamore Shoals State Park

TUSCULUM SATURDAY, APRIL 22TH Historic Jonesborough Dance Society Contra Dancing 7pm at Tusculum University, Niswonger Commons

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THINGS TO DO

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Contact us for a FREE ESTIMATE or more information (423) 268-1944 • JUMPPLAYBOUNCE@GMAIL.COM

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Biker Events sponsored by biker wear Local Events: 1. Music on the Hill with Car & Bike Show April 29th Happy Valley High School 2. 11th Annual Thirsty Orange Extravaganza April 29th 3. Jesus Fest April 29th 10am to 1pm Calvary Chapel 4. Biblical Citizenship May 1st 6:30pm Calvary Chapel 5. State Street Tattoo Fest 19th to 21st State Street Bristol 6. Chapel Hart & 8 Second Ride May 28th East TN Distillery 7. Bugtussle June 2nd & 3rd Elizabethton, TN

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

Rides: 1. WesMann’s Ride For The Ramp April 22nd Black Wolf Harley Davidson 11am KSU 12 noon 2. TN18-8 Poker Run May 6th Black Wolf 9:30am 3. Ride To Fight Suicide May 27th 9am Black Wolf

Rallies: 1. Thunder on Tobacco Road April 20th – 23rd Seven Spring NC 2. Thunder Beach Bike Rally May 3rd – 7th 3. Thunder In The Smokies 5th to 7th 4. Boozy Creek Rally May 12th to 14th 5. Myrtle Beach Spring Rally May 12th to 21st 6. True Sons MC Bike Rally June 2nd to June 4th 7. 9th Annual Snake Pit Bike Rally June 9th to June 11th

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Hello everyone hope your Entrance Hall. Don't forget to Spring is outstanding. Don’t bring your camera! forget to stop and smell the Beautiful and majestic Bristol flowers. With the warmer Caverns! Far below the earth's weather we all get out and surface, in the timeless beauty about more, so think about heading out to Bristol Caverns. of Bristol Caverns, a strange and Bristol Caverns is one of the exciting experience awaits you. oldest and most beautiful Paved, well-lit walkways wind attractions in northeast through the vaulted chambers Tennessee and has thrived and along the banks of the as one of Bristol's most ancient Underground River that visited tourist attractions. A carved these remarkable caverns modern system of concealed, from the hard core of the earth indirect lighting highlights 200 to 400 million years ago. In the natural colors and beauty the frontier days, Indians used the of the formations for your enjoyment. The tours itself Underground River as an attack takes you to all three levels and escape route in their raids of the caverns - from Mayor on settlers. Stealing into the area Preston's Chamber in the upper by way of the Underground River section to the winding banks and the caverns, they swooped of the Underground River down on unsuspecting families, 180 feet below on the cavern then disappeared as if swallowed floor. Along the Underground up by the earth. You will be River, you will be dazzled retracing the same warrior paths by dramatically displays of formations reflected in the while exploring the vast rooms streams waters. You can also and arches, columns, and natural peer over Lover's Leap, view stone formations of varying size the breathtaking Bridal Veil and kinds. These formations, formation and stare in wonder millions of years old, display rich at the dazzling formations of veins of minerals which give the formations beautiful colors of red, blue, gray, brown and sparkling white. Stalactites and stalagmites, some larger than tree trunks and others smaller than straws, fascinate and give play to the imagination. Where some of these formation have grown together, massive columns have been formed reaching from the floor to the ceiling of the lofty rooms. With Beanz Biker Corner every view, nature's artistry is at its best and can be seen in the

By Anne Hartley remarkable tumbling cascades and billowing draperies - all of 423-297-5675 solid stone.

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

Useless Facts: 1. Most of the World’s Caves Are Undiscovered 2. The TAG Area Used to Be a Sea. The TAG Area contains about 14,000 known caves.

3. Limestone is Made from Dead Animals. Most caves are set in limestone because limestone easily dissolves in rainwater. But limestone starts out in water as well. It’s made from sea organisms, like coral, shells, clams, and so on. When they die, their remains sink to the ocean floor, where the calcium carbonate collects.

Once the sea retreats, like in our story above, the layer of limestone remains.

4. If You Discover a Cave, You Get to Name It 5. The 3 Deepest Caves Are Thought to Be Connected. Caves are hydrological systems: so they typically form by water dissolving rock and creating water highways. This means that most caves are connected. The only question is whether the passages are large enough for a human to fit through. This is also thought to be the case for the three deepest caves in the world. All three located in Georgia (the country – not the state), all within a couple of miles of each other.

theloafer.net | April 18, 2023

Beanz Biker Corner

Sponsored By Biker Wear

theloafer.net | April 18, 2023

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Junior Leagues to Hold 33rd Annual Food Drive Junior Leagues to Hold 33rd Annual Food Drive at Area Food City Locations to Benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee and Feeding Southwest Virginia The Junior Leagues of Bristol, Kingsport, and Johnson City will hold their 33rd annual food drive at area Food City locations on Saturday, April 15.

The Food Drive benefits Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee and Feeding Southwest Virginia. Food City has co-sponsored and promoted the food drive every year.

The need for food is high in our area, so the local Junior Leagues work together annually to combat food insecurity. Our Junior Leagues are important because they provide women with the tools and resources to become effective leaders and make a meaningful impact in their communities. Junior League members encourage everyone to get involved in hunger relief by donating food on April 15. Pre-made bags will be available for purchase at Food City for only $15 and other donations can be dropped off at participating locations on April 15, 2023. This year’s goal is to collect 20,000 pounds of food.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee and Feeding Southwest Virginia will receive food donations from store locations in their respective regions. The Food Banks distribute food through agency partners and direct service programs. Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee and Feeding Southwest Virginia are members of Feeding America, the Nation’s largest Food Bank Network.

The Junior League is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.

Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

Junior Leagues reach out to women of all races, religions, and

trained volunteer. jlkingsport.org The Junior League of Bristol, TN-VA, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. The Junior League also reaches out to

national origins who demonstrate women of all races, religions, and an interest in and commitment to national origins who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to volunteerism. voluntarism. Website: In addition to donating to the jlbristol.org food drive, you can also help by making a monetary donation to your local food bank. More information is available at www.netfoodbank.org and www.faswva.org

The Junior League of Johnson City is a non-profit organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

Website: juniorleagueofjc.com

Junior League of Kingsport is a non-profit, all-women’s organization committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving Second Harvest Food Bank of communities through the effective action and leadership of Northeast Tennessee has led the

effort to end hunger in Northeast Tennessee since 1986. It is the only food bank serving the eightcounty region incorporating Carter, Greene, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington Counties.

Their mission is to feed the hungry in Northeast Tennessee by securing and distributing food and engaging our community in the fight to end hunger through regional partnerships, programs, and education. In addition to serving partner agencies, Second Harvest administers programs that directly benefit individuals and families at risk for hunger.

During the Calendar year 2020, Second Harvest Food Bank distributed 15,155,025 pounds of food in Northeast Tennessee, the equivalent of 12,629,188 meals provided to people in need of hunger relief in our eight-county region. Visit the Food Bank’s website, www.netfoodbank. org, for more information or call (423)279-0430.

Feeding Southwest Virginia is the largest food supplier for people struggling with hunger in Southwest Virginia. Feeding SWVA serves people who need help with food in 26 counties and nine cities, including many localities among Virginia’s poorest. Established in 1981, their mission is to feed Southwest Virginia’s hungry through a network of partners and engage our region in the fight to end hunger. Feeding SWVA works with over 350 partner programs to distribute millions of pounds of food annually. In the fiscal year 2019, Feeding SWVA distributed over 20 million pounds of food and served over 112,000 people per month. To learn more, visit feedingswva.org or call (276) 628-9266.

17

products that will help What was the last thing you searched online? Do them navigate the ups you remember? and downs of their newly Facebook does. changed life.

Facebook keeps track of Tracking activity sounds your offline activity to show you relevant ads. As like a technological frustrating as that sounds, nightmare, but when you it can be a helpful tool. look at it in terms of how It can help find products you had no idea existed or it can enhance your life, it that you need and guide opens up possibilities that you through a purchase. you never knew existed.

Give it a chance and if you Have you started a new hobby? Facebook wants still don't feel comfortable, to show you relevant you can change your purchases to help make offline tracking by clicking your foray into that settings - settings and hobby a success. New privacy - settings - off parents can be shown recommendations of Facebook activity.

Social Sentiments

By Wendy Hayden socialsentiments @outlook.com

socialsentiments.net

theloafer.net | April 18, 2023

When Online Worlds Collide

theloafer.net | April 18, 2023

18

Contra Dance Returns to Jonesborough Submitted by Joan Ackerman, Secretary HJDS Historic Jonesborough Dance Society will be returning the Jonesborough Visitor Center, 117 Boone St. on May 13th.

Dancing to live music is open to community members of all ages. Dances will be held the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month. There will be a lesson of basic contra dance moves for beginners at 7pm with dancing from 7:30pm to 10:30pm. Tickets are $12 for singles, $8 for students, and $25 for families.

Contra dancing originated in the 17th century in England and Scotland and has become

a joyful Appalachian tradition.

The dance is led by a caller who teaches the sequence of figures in the dance before the music starts and then calls out the moves during each dance.

There is no required footwork.

No partner is needed as it is tradition to change partners for each dance. It is a great opportunity to meet people and make new friends.

Contra dances are family friendly, alcohol, tobacco, and fragrance free.

Follow us for dates and announcements on Facebook (Historic Jonesborough Dance Society) and Instagram (jonesboroughcontradance).

Contra dance is energetic and lively folk dance for all ages. It is similar to square dance, but it’s done in long lines rather than four-couple squares.

19

by Kathie Scalf

night bar scenes at chain restaurants like Applebee’s, O’Charley’s and Bailey’s on North Roan Street. While we all made the rounds, the tightknit group of OG downtown regulars formed a bond in those days, and it was in that group where I first met Jason.

I eat a lot of good food across the great state of Tennessee, but it takes something particularly impressive to have me still talking days later.

It’s been almost a full week since my outstanding dinner at J Frank and I caught myself telling my best friend Robbie about it for the second time again today. But before I dive into the full assessment of my meal, I want to share a little bit of history. And while the building that houses the restaurant is rich with historical significance in its own right, I first wanted to share my personal history with its owner, Jason Vanover.

Way back in the land before time known as the early 2000s, downtown Johnson City wasn’t the charming, bustling little hub it is today. Most of the buildings were run down or vacant, and the only nightlife to speak of was Peanut’s Mecca Lounge, Numan’s, Capone’s (which at that time was called Gatsby’s) and Halo.

Most people preferred to spend their evenings near campus bouncing back and forth from Poor Richard’s to The Planet or across town hitting the late

said “you’re eatin what I’m makin” and proceeded to deliver multiple courses of amazing food to us while we were the only people in the building. My date thought I was literally the most influential human in the Tri-Cities after that!

So when I stopped in after a 2 year hiatus on Saturday before Easter, I was happy Jason was a friend of my cousin Brandy to accept the same warm reception of who was 10 years older than me. He loud teasing and a big hug when Jason was also a regular of all the girls who stepped out of the kitchen and into the bartended at Halo and it was hard to ignore his characteristic laugh and charm bar room to say hello smack in the middle of dinner rush. While every dining room every time he was in the building. He in this building is full of exquisite 19th was blunt and loud but would tease you century design, the bar is one of my in a way that made you feel like part of favorite spaces. It’s small and intimate the gang, which considering at that time with a big fireplace and floor to ceiling I was sneaking around with a fake ID woodwork; the perfect place to cozy up and barely graduated from high school, with a date over shared plates and a was a welcome reprieve. By the 2010’s, downtown was finally getting cleaned up cold drink. and I was elated that Jason was opening The menu has a perfectly curated an upscale dining venture called The selection of small and large plates, Battery in the building that is now home sides, salads and meats from land and to Southern Craft. Their low country sea. And while it all looked delicious, I cuisine and coastal ambiance became made quick work of my decision to Surf an instant hit, and their weekend brunch and Turf. To me, 5oz of filet and 2 jumbo buffet was locally famous, with multiple shrimp wrapped in bacon for $38 is a nofresh pressed juice options for mimosas brainer. That meal in Nashville costs at and a rotating selection of fine cuts of least $85 and is a la carte, meaning if you meat, lunch classics and breakfast staples. add any sides it’s an additional charge.

No matter how busy they were, Jason At J Frank, the steak dishes are served always made it a point to come out of the with two sides included! I opted for the kitchen, hand deliver something he knew southern brussels sprouts and smashed we would love and make us feel like VIPs. potatoes, and having landed on my dinner selections I was able to pair an approriate Fast forward a few years and the longCalifornia cab to compliment my meal. standing Troutdale Dining was up for sale in Bristol. Jason purchased the big, A basket of warm yeast rolls was the beautiful Victorian home that was once perfect appetizer to tide me over, and lost to the Civil War and re-branded as when my plate arrived it was brimming J Frank, a name that honors his late with savory goodness. I realized I hadn’t grandfather. Just as he had made me feel been given a steak knife and Jason so welcome as a young, dumb downtown happened to overhear my request for teen, and again during his tenure at The one so I could tear into my steak. “I’ll get Battery, every single visit I’ve paid to J one for you, but why don’t you try using Frank I’ve been ushered in and treated the knife you have first?” he asked. I like a guest of honor, whether it was for looked at him like he was crazy- I merely a single cocktail or a four course meal. had a dull butter knife for my rolls. But Being a fan of architectural history, he to oblige him I picked it up and prepared has given me and my friends guided tours to hack away, when the knife melted from top to cellar of the old, beautiful through the meat as if it were in fact a pad (and dare I speculate haunted) home. of room-temperature butter. That steak He’s even welcomed me in on a Tuesday was perfectly cooked to medium rare and when they were closed and prepared a so tender I canceled the steak knife and meal for me and a date because we’d ate the whole thing with the butter knife driven all the way to Bristol and he alone. The jumbo shrimp were wrapped happened to be inside doing inventory. from tip to tail in thick cut bacon, and He set us up at a table in front of a roaring when I bit into them they exploded, filling my mouth with smokey, juicy flavor. The fireplace, turned on some jazz and

brussels sprouts were cooked fork-tender, sauteed in duck fat with bacon and onions and drizzled with balsamic, and the smashed potatoes were loaded with cheese, bacon, scallions and im certain enough butter that my waistline would be embarrassed. This was honest-togoodness the best meal I’ve eaten in the Tri-Cities, quite possibly ever, and I felt like the secret ingredient was it was made with care and pride in quality of work.

There’s a lot of hate and anger and sadness in this world today. It can be a very isolating place, especially if you’re solo. To walk in a building and have someone take the time to greet you with open arms, a smile and a laugh no matter how busy they are, is something extraordinary. And I watched Jason do it all night, not just to me, but to practically every guest in the house. I routinely eat at the most fabulous and highly awarded restaurants in Tennessee, but it’s very rare to see an owner provide such a hands-on experience to his guests in the way that is displayed at J Frank. The weather is perfect right now, and my suggestion to you would be to run, not walk, to get a reservation at one of the outdoor tables.

You’ll probably see me there on my next visit in town.

XO - Kathie

theloafer.net | April 18, 2023

A ‘Frankly Spectacular Meal

theloafer.net | April 18, 2023

20

Old Oak Festival Returns to Tusculum University Old Oak Festival Returns to Tusculum University with Many New Activities to Build on T raditional Favorites.

converse with local writers on Authors’ Row. They also have an opportunity to listen to creative writers read their works.

In 2022, festival organizers added the Fun for the whole family will abound Old Oak Show & Shine car show to the at the Old Oak Festival at Tusculum University, with many new activities this Saturday roster, enabling owners to year complementing traditional favorites proudly display their classic vehicles that have made this annual event on the and enthusiasts to examine them to their heart’s content. The car show is gorgeous and historic campus a can’tback this year, and its primary location miss for people in the region. has been moved to the front of Annie The festival will take place throughout the campus Saturday, April 22, from 9 Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Center. a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday, April 23, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Highlights include about 20 food vendors and more than 50 other vendors that will sell and show a wide variety of attractive items. A delightful selection of musicians will grace the stage, and a diverse set of writers will be pleased to discuss their craft with festival guests.

New activities this year include a model train show, sword fighting, axe throwing and an outdoor painting event featuring the iconic Old Oak Tree, after which the festival is named.

“That just scratches the surface,” said Kim Kidwell, Tusculum’s associate vice president of institutional advancement.

“Guests will enjoy several activities that cater to their interests and generate memories that will last a lifetime. We are thrilled to connect with the community on the grounds of Tennessee’s first higher education institution, build on the many wonderful relationships we have established and meet new friends.”

The festival is a spring tradition at Tusculum and has become a popular time for many of the university’s alumni to return to campus. The campus is also abuzz with community members who enjoy strolling the pedestrian-friendly campus. They peruse the wares at the vendors’ booths, eat delicious food, sit it in the shade listening to great music and

In a continuing effort to provide the highest level of enjoyment for guests, Tusculum family members are always exploring additional activities that might interest guests.

Junior Hughston Burnheimer, who is majoring in museum studies, has organized the model train exhibit, which will be held in the Thomas J. Garland Library from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Saturday. The Kingsport Model Train Project and the Bulls Gap Museum are coming to Tusculum to help him with the exhibit. He said the passenger and freight trains will represent ones that ran through East Tennessee.

“Most of it will either be the Southern, which ran through Greeneville and from Bristol to Knoxville, or the Clinchfield, which ran from Erwin to Kingsport,” Burnheimer said. “The railroad is still present today, but people might not understand how big it used to be and how it literally shaped communities.

Most of the communities around here are what they are because that is where the trains ran.”

Senior Eirik Dahlgren, who is majoring in history and museum studies, has put together the sword fighting, which will be held in an area between the Tusculum Arch and Virginia Hall from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday. Participants will conduct demonstrations of sparring

The Old Oak Festival will feature a nice blend of musicians Saturday and a gospel music focus on Sunday.

Festival guests will be able to attend the Old Oak Show & Shine on the festival grounds. based on historic manuals to replicate the martial arts they depict. Dahlgren refers to it as a scholarly interpretative discipline.

The audience will receive explanations about what they are seeing and be able to participate in brief lessons that do not include combat.

“This activity will help people better understand some of the heritage of our region,” Dahlgren said. “Our main goal is for people to learn about what those who participate in this activity do and potentially develop an interest or at least have it in the sphere of things they are aware of because historic European martial arts is a relatively new thing. Many of the manuals we study were only discovered only about 20 or 30 years ago. It’s a very untapped area of historic scholarship.”

will develop a more complete understanding of what makes the Old Oak Tree so special as it sprouts its leaves again and provides another year of beauty.”

In addition, Bledsoe will have on display at this event a commemorative poster of this year’s festival.

Those who want further entertainment on Saturday can remain on campus after the festival concludes for the day and attend the “5 X 10 Plays” in the Behan Arena Theatre on the lower level of Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Center.

Another performance of the “5 X 10 Plays” will be held Sunday at 2 p.m.

This event, presented by Theatreat-Tusculum in association with the Bill Bledsoe, assistant professor of art and university’s English and Languages design, will lead the painting of the Old Oak Department contains five plays that Tree at 1 p.m. Sunday. The tree is estimated last about 10 minutes each. The plays to be 250-300 years old and is located next provide a mix styles and tones, enabling to the Old College building. It measures 273 the audience to experience the diversity inches in circumference and is 102 feet high, of writing, directing and acting talent in with a 124-foot average spread. The tree is the production. one of the most prominent landmarks on campus.

Tickets for both days are $15 for anyone 13-59, $12 for those 60 and older and $5 The painting activity will be in the en for children 12 and younger and can be plen air style, meaning participants will create their work outdoors. It builds on the purchased at https://arts.tusculum.edu/. success of the sold-out Couples Painting Festival sponsors to date are Eastman Night in February in which Bledsoe guided Credit Union, Imerys and Premium participants to paint a scene from Paris.

Waters. Any organization or individual The cost to participate in this activity is $20, interested in becoming a sponsor can with cash payment at the painting site and call Kidwell at 423-636-7303. the number of participants limited to 20.

Admission to the festival is free, and “The Old Oak Tree is such a beloved most activities have no charge. To see part of the Tusculum campus, and the full schedule and learn more about the festival plays an important role in the festival, please visit: bringing the community and university site.tusculum.edu/old-oak-festival/. together,” Bledsoe said. “With that in Additional information about the mind, conducting an en plen air painting university is available at: is a perfect opportunity to highlight the relationship between the two. Participants www.tusculum.edu.

21

Many non-comic book fans may not realize the character of Shazam, first known as Captain Marvel, has been around since 1940 when he first appeared in Whiz Comics #2.

Due to issues with Marvel Comics, Captain Marvel became know as Shazam. The name Shazam is an acronym for Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles and Mercury.

When teen Billy Baston speaks the word "Shazam"! he is transformed into an adult with superhuman strength, speed, flight and other abilities. If you are never seen or are too young to remember the 19741977 live action series "Shazam" then you were introduced to the character in the 2019 film "Shazam!". Zachary Levi plays the hero, and let me say he was born to play Shazam. The sequel "Shazam!

Fury of the Gods" begins with two of the daughters of the Titan Atlas, Hespera (Helen Mirren) and Kalypso (Lucy Liu) breaking into the Acropolis Museum in Athens, Greece to steal the broken staff of the Wizard Shazam (Djimon Hounsou), who gave Billy Baston (Asher Angel) his powers in the first film. The two daughters take the staff to the Wizard so he can repair it so they can use its powers. After this occurs, we see the Shazam family of foster siblings saving people from a collapsing bridge in

Pop Life

By Ken Silvers theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com

Philadelphia. As happened toward the conclusion of the first film, Billy gave his foster siblings the same powers he has, and they fight crime together. As Billy has grown older, he is aging out of the foster care program and fears he will be booted out of the Vasquez family home. While Billy tries to keep his Shazam family united, his foster brother and best friend Freedy (Jack Dylan Grazer) is still being bullied at school despite his classmates knowing he has superhero friends.

One day at school, he meets a new girl named Anne (Rachel Zegler) who takes an immediate liking to him, but will be revealed later in the film to be not as she appears.

Meanwhile, Billy/Shazam receive a warning from the Wizard about the daughters of Atlas coming after him and his family. After a meeting with his family, Billy warns them of the pending danger, and one night when Freddie sneaks out to fight crime on his own, Hespera and Kalypso find him and steal his powers thanks to the newly reformed staff. Billy and his family try to save Freedy, but he is kidnapped by the daughters and the daughters place a dome around the city trapping everyone inside. Thus, the Shazam family has their work cut out for them. The family begins to plan their efforts to rescue Freedy and the city and know battling the daughters will be a challenge, especially know that they have a dragon in tow. When the final battle begins, not only must the family battle the daughters and their dragon, but various monsters the daughters have unleashed as well.

As the battle continues, Billy begins to feel his cannot fight without the support of his family, but he eventually must face one of the daughters alone in order to save the city, and his family from destruction.

I will not say what happens after the battle concludes, other than to say a great sacrifice is made, resulting in a appearance by Wonder Woman

(Gal Gadot). The film ends with the family reunited in their home, and hopefully we will have a third film.

The sequel is far more epic than the original, and gives fans plenty of action, while still having the heart and humor of the first film. All the performances are great, highlighted

by Levi and Grazer as Freedy. I just can't imagine anyone other than Levi as Shazam, as he portrays the adult/child role to perfection. The film has two post credit scenes,

the first of which was better in my opinion. This film is fun from start to finish, and despite all the action and bombast, "Shazam! The Fury of the Gods" is a film about family, and how you don't have to be related to be in one. Now playing in theaters.

(Rated PG-13)

theloafer.net | April 18, 2023

Shazam! The Fury of the Gods

theloafer.net | April 18, 2023

22

CONCERT SCHEDULE Bristol

GREENVILLE

PARAMOUNT Apr 15 Best of the EaglesTribute to The Eagles Apr 21 BlackHawk 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 3 Sara Evans Jun 13 Marcy Playground Jun 17 Nightrain-Tribute to Guns n Roses Jun 24 Bored Teachers Comedy Tour Jul 13 Farm and Fun Time featuring Rodney Crowell 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 Nov 11 Chi-Town Transit AuthorityTribute to Chicago Dec 16 Soultown to MotownTribute to Motown CAMEO THEATER 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 May 12 The Jerry Douglas Band Jun 17 Vixen Jun 24 Robert Randolph Jul 16 Stryper Jul 17 Tommy Emmanuel

NISWONGER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 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 May 24 The Beach Boys

BRISTOL TN/VA

JOHNSON CITY TN

JOHNSON CITY

FREEDOM HALL 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 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 THOMPSON BOWLING ARENA 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 6 Elevation Worship & Steven Furtick Oct 16 Shania Twain Nov 24 Kiss: End of the Road Tour Dec 8 Lauren Daigle KNOXVILLE CIVIC AUDITORIUM 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 Apr 7 David Sedaris

NASHVILLE TN

Nashville

RYMAN AUDITORIUM 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

Chattanooga

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

Asheville

BRIDGESTONE ARENA 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 Jun 15 Beyonce Jul 22 Ed Sheeran Jul 28-29 George Strait, Chris Stapleton & Little Big Town Jul 3 Matchbox Twenty and The Wallflower) Jul 16 Blink 182 Jul 29 Sam Smith BROOKLYN BOWL 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, The Revivalists, Pixies, Umphrey’s McGee and more!

CHATTANOOGA TN

RIVERBEND FESTIVAL Jun 2-4 Maureen Morris, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Coin, Goose, Big Boi, Blackberry Smoke, Les Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade and more!

ASHEVILLE NC

THE ORANGE PEEL Apr 20 Judah & The Lion May 12 & 13 Drive By Truckers May 21 Trae Crowder Jun 22 Margaret Cho EXPLOREASHEVILLE.COM ARENA Apr 20 Mt Joy May 9 Robert Plant and Alison Krauss THOMAS WOLFE AUDITORIUM Apr 27 Brett Young July 3 The Smile

CHEROKEE, NC

Cherokee, NC

HARRAH’S Apr 21 Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo May 13 Alter Bridge May 20 One Vision of Queen featuring Marc Martel Jun 9 Travis Tritt Jun 16 Colt Ford Sep 1 Train with Parmalee Oct 21 3 Doors Down Better Life Foundation Concert

WILKESBORO, NC

in Wilkesboro, North Carolina:

MERLEFEST Apr 27-30 The Avett Brothers, Maren Morris, Little Feat, Marcus King, Tanya Tucker, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, and many many more.

GREENVILLE SC

Greenville, S.C.:

BON SECOURS WELLNESS ARENA Apr 27 Kenny Chesney Jun 23 Dude Perfect Jul 14 Thomas Rhett

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

23

A friend recently rewatched the 1992 film “Hook” for the first time since he was a kid. The film held up for him, and halfway into the movie I got a text from him that said “Robin Williams was magic.”

This thought stuck in my head as I watched Terry Gilliam’s 1991 movie “The Fisher King” which also stars Williams alongside Jeff Bridges. Williams' performance in the film is one of the finest of his career.

Bridges plays a shock jock who has been fired after a scandal involving things he said to one of his listeners while taking a call on the air. As he stumbles around trying to get his life together, he gets drunk and roams around Manhattan and through a series of events meets a homeless man named Perry (Williams) who is on a quest for The Holy Grail, which he believes is inside a home on the upper east side.

It’s full of humor and poignancy.

It’s a look at the homeless population, and what people sometimes have to go through to become better. Bridges' character begins as an unrepentant jerk who seems happy to blast his brand of whatever out over the airwaves, yet by the end of the film his encounter with Perry has brought out more humanity in him than he ever thought possible.

As a member of that generation where the movies of Robin Williams was a huge part of my childhood, seeing him now in movies is sometimes truly heartbreaking. “The Fisher King” is truly an incredible performance, and in more than one moment of watching the film, I found myself crying watching him. What a gift he truly was to us all.

The Criterion Collection this month re-released “The Fisher King” as part of their line of 4K Ultra High Definition blu-rays. It’s As they become unlikely friends, the third time they’ve released the the Shock Jock finds that their lives are more intertwined than he film, having issued it on laserdisc in 1993 and on blu-ray and DVD in could have ever imagined. “The Fisher King” is a wonderful movie. 2015. Like other 4K upgrades to titles they’ve previously issued, this new release is a combo edition with the 2015 blu-ray included. The bulk of the bonus material is on that disc, as usual with most 4K releases that come with a blu-ray.

Batteries Not Included

By Andy Ross theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com

Let’s dive into what is new here.

The 4K disc features a new 4K digital restoration from the 35mm camera negative that’s graded for Dolby Vision High Dynamic Range, with the final results approved by director Terry Gilliam. The results are really impressive. The film looks fantastic and is hands down the best it’s ever been presented on home video, and arguably better than a fresh 35mm print being projected on opening day.

The audio is presented as a

DTS-HD Masters Audio 5.1 track, which essentially preserves the original theatrical audio mix, and this was sourced from the film’s 35mm magnetic audio masters.

It sounds great, with full rich fidelity and good separation. The 4K disc also includes an audio commentary track by Gilliam that was recorded for the Criterion laserdisc release.

The bonus features included on the blu-ray disc are fantastic.

These include interviews with Gilliam and the cast, the production team, and the screenwriter. A 2006 interview featuring the late Robin Williams is also included. A viadeo essay

featuring photos taken by Bridges during production, plus footage of him training to be a shock jock with an acting coach. Deleted scenes with optional commentary

by Williams are also included, and wrapping up the set are costume tests and a trailer.

“The Fisher King” is an incredible movie and one that I was so happy to have finally seen. This new 4K UHD release by Criterion is well worth the upgrade if you have the 2015 disc, or if you don’t own the film in any form it’s easily the definitive release of the film on home video. Highly recommended. See you next week.

theloafer.net | April 18, 2023

The Fisher King