Empire and elecTriCity Calendars

NIGHTLIFE

BRISTOL VFW: Bristol, West State Street between 16th and 17th Streets. June 25, 8 p.m., Nomadz. www.bristolvfw.org or (423) 764-0381.

THE BUSPIT: Kingsport, 240 E. Main St. June 25, 9:30 p.m., Wolf Creek, free; June 26, 9 p.m., The Smart Brothers, $5. www.thebuspit.com or (423) 578-2336.

CAPONE’S: Johnson City, 227 E. Main St. June 26, 10 p.m., The Sean McCurry Band; June 27, 9 p.m., South Mouth and The Robbie Jay Band. www.caponesjc.com or (423) 928-2295.

DOWN HOME: Johnson City, 300 W. Main St. June 26, 9 p.m., Jimmy Thackery (blues), $18; June 27, 9 p.m., North Fork Switchgrass, $10. www.downhome.com or (423) 929-9822.

DOWNTOWN CENTER: Bristol, 810 State St. June 25, 7 p.m., Southern 76; June 30, 7 p.m., Ramblin’ Rose. (423) 764-4171.

5 O’CLOCK BAR: Glade Spring, 35025 Brittany Lee Drive, off I-81 Exit 29. June 26-27, 8 p.m., Octane Overload. (276) 429-2275.

GAGES RESTAURANT: Abingdon, 309 Falls Dr. June 26, 7 p.m., The Whitetop Mountain Band (old time), $5. (276) 479-2627.

THE HIDEAWAY: Johnson City, 235 E. Main St. June 28, 7 p.m., Title Fight, Jumper KO, and Fighting Haysi; June 30, 7 p.m., Always in August, Freshman 15, and Erickson. (423) 926-3896.

O’MAINNIN’S: Bristol, 712 State St. June 25, 10 p.m., Two Man Gentleman Band; June 26, 10 p.m., Flipside Runner; June 27, 10 p.m., Tarnished. www.myspace.com/omainninspub or (423) 844-0049.

ROCK-N-HORSE II BAR & GRILL: Bristol, 3080 W. State St. June 26-27, John Carter. www.myspace.com/rocknhorse2 or (423) 844-0400.

CIVIC CENTERS

FREEDOM HALL: Johnson City. June 26, 7 p.m., Casting Crowns (contemporary gospel), $22.50-$37.50; July 17, 7:30 p.m., Cross The Line TNA Live Wrestling, $24.50-$54.50. (423) 461-4884.

NISWONGER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER: Greeneville. July 9, 7 p.m., Abraham Lincoln World Film Premiere, $12-$45; July 31, 7:30 p.m., Kevin Johnson (ventriloquist), $8-$22.50. (423) 638-1679.

THOMPSON-BOLING ARENA: Knoxville. Aug. 28, 7:30 p.m., Keith Urban and Sugarland, $20-$74.50. (865) 656-4444.

TIME WARNER CABLE ARENA: Charlotte. Aug. 21, 7 p.m., Jonas Brothers, $29.50-$89.50. (704) 688-9000.

CONCERTS

PICKIN’ PORCH: Bristol, Va., Bristol Mall, June 25, Ramblin’ Rose, 7 p.m. (276) 645-0035, www.pickinporch.org.

DOWNTOWN CENTER MUSIC SERIES: Bristol, Tuesdays, 7 p.m., through September, Bluegrass first and third weeks/Nostalgia remainder of Tuesdays; Thursdays, Hot Southern Nights.

MUSIC IN THE PARK: Marion, Hungry Mother State Park, Gazebo behind The Restaurant, June 26, 8-9 p.m. Concert and parking, free. hminterpreter@dcr.virginia.gov.

LUNCHTIME ON THE LAWN: Marion, Courthouse Square, June 26, with free lunch and live music, noon-1 p.m.

TOONS AT NOON: Paramount Center For the Arts, June 26, Rex Ward, Pipeworks for Pops & Pomp. Suggested $5 donation. (423) 274-8920.

LUNCH ON THE LAWN: Big Stone Gap, Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park, June 26, Jade Bolling, noon-1 p.m.; free, bring lunch or order boxed lunch for $5, order by 9:30 a.m. at (276) 523-1322.

CONCERT: Kingsport, 240 E. Main St., The Bus Pit, June 27, Motown medleys with Sandy B and the All-Stars! Doors open 7:30 p.m. Concert benefits the Kingsport Chamber’s education programs. $15. (423) 392-8800.

BENEFIT CONCERT: Bristol, Tenn., Paramount Theater, June 27, Ryan Pelton, Elvis Tribute Artist, will perform A Tribute To The King – It’s Elvis, along with his Tribute Band, 7 p.m. Proceeds will benefit Bristol Humane Society. Tickets: (423) 274-8933.

GOSPEL SINGING: Castlewood, Russell County Fairgrounds, June 27, 2 p.m.; June 28, 10 a.m. various artists, rain or shine. Free admission. Concessions by Castlewood Fire Dept., and Rescue Squad. (276) 738-8808.

BLUEGRASS & BARBEQUE: Preston’s Grove, (next to Sugar Hollow Park) June 27, featuring April Taylor, and various artists, 2 p.m. Event is a fundraiser for the work of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Bristo/Washington County, Va. $10 (children 12 and under free).

SYCAMORE SHOALS MOUNTAIN RIVER CONCERT SERIES: Elizabethton, 1651 W. Elk Ave., Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area, June 27, Patchwork, 7 p.m. $7adults/children $2. (4230 543-5808

BLUE RIDGE MUSIC CENTER: Galax, Va., Center’s outdoor amphitheater, Milepost 213 on Blue Ridge Parkway, June 27, American Piano Masters, 7 p.m. $10/children under 12 free. Advance tickets: www.blueridgemusiccenter.org or (276) 236-5309.

MUSIC/MOVIES IN PARK: Bristol, Va., Cumberland Square Park, July 2, Amazed by Grace, 6:30 p.m. with family movie to follow. Bring lawn chair or blanket. Free, however, non-perishable foods for the Second Harvest food drive will be collected.

STAR-SPANGLED WEEKEND: Bristol, Va., Cumberland Square Park, July 4, Trey Hensley, 12:30 p.m. Also featured performers will be Bristol Virginia Senior Show Choir, Katie Salyers and Jessica Nixon.

APPALACHIAN JUBILEE: Saltville, Va., Town Square, July 4, country, bluegrass, gospel music with various artists, 2-10 p.m. Free event. Raffle ticket drawing, 8 p.m. (276) 944-5041, (276) 496-7509, (276) 492-9213 or (276) 496-5435.

AFTER HOURS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: Wytheville, Wither’s Park, July 4, the Fanmtastic Shakers, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Advance tickets, $5/gate tickets, $6/children 5 and under free. Rain outs moved to Wytheville Community Center. (276) 223-3378.

IT’S GREAT ON STATE MUSIC SERIES: Bristol, State St., Downtown Center, July 31, Christabel and the Jons, The New Familiars, 7 p.m.

FILM

MOVIES: Bristol, Va., Bristol Public Library, 701 Goode St., J. Henry Kegley Meeting Room, 1 p.m.; June 27, March of Penguins, G; July 18, Eight Below, PG; Aug. 8, Ice Age, PG; popcorn provided; register your family or group at (276) 821-6148.

MOVIE: Abingdon Market Pavilion, July 11, Wizard of Oz, beginning at dusk. (8:30 p.m.) $2 donation suggested. Rain or shine. Bring lawn chair or blanket. Popcorn and drinks available. (276) 698-5667.

FESTIVAL

SONG OF THE MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL: Groseclose, Va., Davis Valley Winery’s amphitheater, June 25-27, featuring Dan Tyminski Band, Wayne Henderson and others. (276) 783-6093, (276) 686-8855 or www.songofthemountains.org.

THE ANY FESTIVAL II: Red Barn Campground on White Top Road near Bristol Motor Speedway, June 26-27. The festival is dedicated to the memory of Jef Roberts. Various artists will perform. Festivities begin 12 p.m. Friday/12 p.m. Saturday. Proceeds will go toward hospital expenses incurred by Roberts. All ages. $10 daily or $15 daily if you plan to camp/$20 two days or $30 camping two days.

BLUES FESTIVAL: Abingdon, Latture Field, June 27, Homemade jam featuring Scott Ainslie, Lightnin’ Charlie and Blue Mother Tupelo along with various artists, 4-11 p.m. Food and beverages available. 1-800-435-3440 or www.abingdon.com.

DOWNTOWN DAYS: Marion, downtown, July 17-18; Friday, 6-11:30 p.m., Downtown Chili Championship, classic and antique vehicles, street dance with Phantom; Saturday, World’s Largest Yard Sale, Great Maroon Downtown Cornhole Championship, live music from 6-10 p.m.; free weekend shuttle service to Hungry Mother Park; (276) 783-4190.

TALL TOWN FESTIVAL: Bluefield, Va., intersection of Route 460 and 720, June 26-27; Friday, downtown, Back Porch Pickers; Saturday, Bluefield College Chapel Auditorium, five Bluegrass Crooked Road Players and Singers, $12; storytelling with Megan Hicks and Kim Weitkamp includes children’s workshops at Graham Middle School; food, crafters, vendors at Sanders House; also includes walking tours, antique car show and more; visit bluefieldva.org.

THEATER

WOHLFAHRT HAUS DINNER THEATRE: Wytheville, Va., 170 Malin Drive, through June 28, The King and I; July 2-Aug. 23, Golden Oldies, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, dinner 6 p.m./show, 8 p.m. Sunday matinee: Lunch 1 p.m./show 3 p.m. (276) 223-0891, (888) 950-3382 or whboxoffice@ntelos.net.

BARTER THEATRE: Abingdon, Barter Theatre, through Aug. 9, The Wizard of Oz; through Aug. 8, Showtime at First Baptist; Stage II, through Aug. 8, The Fantasticks; through July 26, Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks. (276) 628-3991.

BLUE MOON DINNER THEATRE: Johnson City, 215 E. Main St., June 26-Aug. 22, On Golden Pond, Fridays and Saturdays, meal at 6 p.m., show at 8 p.m., some Sunday matinees, 1/3 p.m.; (423) 232-1350 or www.bluemoondinnertheatre.com

PERFORMING ARTS

LITTLE SHEPHERD AMPHITHEATER: Jenkins, Ky., off Highway 23, The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come, June 27; July 4, 11, 18, 25; Aug. 1, 15, 22, 29; Sept. 5; $11 adults, $9 senior citizens, $7 ages 7-16, children under 6 free; (606) 832-1453.

STORYTELLING

STORYTELLING TOURS: Jonesborough, May-Oct, Legends, Whispers and Mysteries Tour last Thursday of each month with stories and unusual happenings of Jonesborough’s past and present on these ghostly tours. (423) 753-9882 or positiveSTS@aol.com.

APPALACHIAN GHOSTWALKS: Through July 31, Revolutionary and Civil War eras of our regions past, Red, White and Boo! Haunted Vacation Ghost and History Tours. Several to choose from. (423) 743-WALK (9255) or www.AppalachianGhostWalks.com.

MUSIC/DANCE

ABINGDON COFFEEHOUSE JAM: 300 Senior Drive, Abingdon Senior Center/Virginia Ballroom, July 2, musicians come any time after 5 p.m.; stage performance begins 7 p.m. featuring a variety of acoustic music. Casual wear; refreshments available; no alcohol. Donations accepted at door, and go toward supporting all programs at the senior center. (276) 628-5859.

ALLISON GAP JAMBOREE: Saltville, Allison Gap Old School House, Friday nights, 6-10 p.m., bluegrass, gospel, mountain and country music. (276) 496-7490.

BLUEGRASS JAM AT THE KOA: Wytheville, Va., 231 KOA Road, Exit 77, music and dancing Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. (276) 228-2601.

BRISTOL TRAIN STATION: Mountain Music Showcase, June 29, Duty Free, 7-9 p.m. Free admission. (423) 383-4227 or mtnmusicshowcase@yahoo.com.

BUFFALO RURITAN CLUB: Bluff City, corner of Beaver Creek Road and Buffalo Road, June 27, Distant Thunder, 7:30 p.m., Jackie Davis, (423) 306-5770, (423) 247-9075.

CARTER FOLD: Hiltons, June 27, Larkins Brothers Band, 7:30 p.m. $5 adults/$1 children, 6-11/free under 6. (276) 645-0035, www.carterfamilyfold.org.

CHILHOWIE LIONS CLUB: Smyth County, June 26, Ransom McCoy, 7:30-10:30 p.m. $5. (276) 646-8566.

COUNTRY CABIN II: Norton, Alt. Rt. 58; June 27, South Mountain Boys, 7:30-10:30 p.m.; $5 adults/$1 for children 2 through 11. Guitar lessons began June 19 for six weeks, 5:30-6:30 p.m., $35, bring own guitar, Reece Boyd, (276) 679-5417; Jam session each Tuesday, 7 p.m. (276) 679-3541.

EASTMAN SQUARE AND ROUND DANCE CLUB: Kingsport, Eastman Lodge, Bays Mountain. Evening dances second, fourth Saturdays. (423) 229-3771.

ELKS CLUB: Elizabethton, 1000 N. Sycamore St., June 26, Ramblin’ Rose. (423) 538-8568.

FAMILY BLUEGRASS: Hansonville, June 26, James Meadows & Country Mile Drifters, 7:30-10:30 p.m.; June 27, Dixie River Band and Bluegrass Travelers, 7:30-11 p.m. $4/children under 12-free. (276) 794-9067.

HILL KARAOKE CLUB: Rose Hill, Va., Karaoke every Wednesday and Saturday, 6 p.m. $2 donation.

HORSE CREEK GOSPEL MUSIC BARN: Greene County, Tenn., 657 Broyles Road, off Hwy. 107, June 27, Richie Rose, 7 p.m. (423) 639-2322 or www.horsecreekgospelbarn.com.

IRON HORSE CAMPGROUND: Damascus, 30460 Blossom Road, Hwy. 58, June 27, James Meadows and The Country Mile Drifters, 7:30-10:30 p.m. Dance lessons Saturday, 5:30 p.m. (276) 475-6008.

JOHNSON CITY SENIORS’ CENTER: 607-609 Myrtle Ave. Line dance lessons. (423) 434-6237.

LAY’S HARDWARE CENTER FOR THE ARTS: Coeburn, Va., 409 Front St., June 26, Gary Edwards & Basic Grass, 7:30-10:30 p.m., $5 adults/$1 children 6-12/under 6 free; Thursday jam sessions, 6:30-10:30 p.m. Friday, live bluegrass, 7:30-10:30 $5 adults/$1 children 6-12/under 6 free. (276) 395-5160, (276) 395-3323; info@layshardware.com, lmays@townofcoeburn.com or www.layshardware.com.

MS. GERTA’S: Wytheville, East Lee Highway off Exit 77 on I-81. Tuesdays, bluegrass jam, 6:30 p.m. Donations. (276) 617-1166.

MOUNTAIN EMPIRE SHAG SOCIETY: Johnson City, Holiday Inn Lounge, S. Roan St., Monday, 7 p.m., Carolina Shag free basic lesson. Carl Edwards, (423) 878-5877 or Larry Calhoun, (423) 239-5906.

OLD ROCK SCHOOL: Damascus, June 27, Honk-Kee Tonk Heroes, 2 steppin’ action and lots of fun, 7-10 p.m. $5/12 and under free with a paying adult. Concessions, prizes will be given away. (276) 492-1109.

OUTDOORSMEN BUILDING: Kingsport, 4535 Kingsport Hwy.11-W, June 26, David O’Roark and Southern Countrymen Band, 7:30-10:30 p.m. $5 adults/$1 children. (423) 913-3205.

AUDITIONS

MUSICIANS, SINGERS NEEDED: Virginia’s College at Wise Division of Music or UVa-Wise Concert Band and UVa-Wise Chamber Choir; musicians contact Richard Galyean, (276) 328-0235, rdy3y@uvawise.edu; singers, contact David Volk, 328-0271, dpv4a@uvawise.edu.

HILLS ARE ALIVE CHORUS: Of Sweet Adelines International, actively seeking new members; women who sing four-part harmony invited any Tuesday, 7 p.m., Blountville, Factory Stores of America, 3564 Shadowtown Road, Suite 247, I-81 at Exit 66. Lauri Matheson, (423) 646-2176, Jeanie Monhollen, (276) 628-8817.

FIFE AND DRUM CORPS: Elizabethton, 1651 W. Elk Ave., Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area, each Saturday, 11 a.m. Experienced fife players and drummers and anyone musically inclined for ages 12 and up needed to revive Betsy Towne Fife & Drum Corps. (423) 543-5808.

****EMPIRE CALENDAR ****

EXHIBITS

WILDFLOUR BAKERY & RESTAURANT: Abingdon, Art of the Highlands Fine Arts Group will exhibit Endangered Species featuring examples of animal and environmental features currently in need of preservation.

BOOTH CENTER GALLERY: Grundy, Southwest Virginia Community College, through June 30, collection featuring paintings, drawings and sculpture created by artists from Russia, Scotland, Eastern Europe, Ghana and the United States. (276) 964-7228 or Rhonda.whited@sw.edu.

CHARLES HARRIS LIBRARY GALLERY: June 28, closing reception of the 2009 Community Art Show, 3-4 p.m. Light refreshments. (276) 328-1251 or www.charlesharrisgallery. org.

HANDS ON MUSEUM: Johnson City, 315 E. Main St., June Art Studio, summer camps, studio closed until 1 p.m. June 25-26 and June 29-July 3; through July 5, Kids Like You & Me focuses on children with special needs; hero cards; All ability art; Art techniques; Storytelling with Linda Hammons. (423) 434-HAND. Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m.

ARTS DEPOT: Abingdon, Exhibits Gallery, through July 11, Photographs of the Mountain Empire, an exhibition of photographs by members of the Highlands Camera Club; Members Gallery, through July 17, exhibits by David Alexander, Maggie Brillhart, Lyndall Mason and Connie Bundy; through July 17, works by Elizabeth Johns, New Paintings; through Dec. 1, Time Travelers program. Gallery hours: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday through Saturday or by appointment. (276) 628-9091, e-mail: abingdonartsdepot@abingdon.-com or visit www.abingdon-artsdepot.org.

MUSEUM OF THE MIDDLE APPALACHIANS: Saltville Hall, Folk Pottery exhibit of items made between 1820 and 1929; Also on display is Geology, the Ice Age, native Americans, Pioneer Settlement, Early Salt and Gypsum Industry, War-Between-The-States, Industrialization, Company Town Life and Wetlands. The Museum Store is open. Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 1-4 p.m. (276) 496-3633 or www.museum-mid-app.org.

WILLIAM KING REGIONAL ARTS CENTER: Abingdon, 415 Academy Drive, through Oct. 11, Pilars of Bohemia: Mullins, Houser, and Crookshank; through Sept. 6, John Kingerlee: A Painter’s Passage. Shop the Looking Glass Museum Store; Tours at Two; free guided tour of exhibitions, second Sunday, 2 p.m. Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday’s. Closed Mondays and some holidays. (276) 628-5005 or www.wkrac.org.

NYUMBA YA TAUSI-PEACOCK MUSEUM: Bristol, Va., 412 Clinton Ave. Two permanent exhibits: African artifacts, handmade toys, musical instruments, jewelry, etc.; African American collectibles, black memorabilia, i.e., dolls, quilts, photos, etc. $5 adults/$3 for children under 12. Museum hours: 1-5 p.m. Saturday and weekdays by appointment. W. Banks, (276) 669-4596.

RUBY WOOSLEY MEMORIAL QUILT EXHIBIT: Richlands, Va., Richlands Police Department Complex, June 25-27, Quilt exhibit along with traditional quilters, 2-8 p.m. (276) 963-3385.

STAR MUSEUM: Abingdon, 170 E. Main St., through Aug. 9, All About Oz, The exhibition will combine the Weisfeld College w/Oz ephemera from the collections of Dr. Alan Pickrell and Dr. Jay Lavigne; July 27, 7:30 p.m. VHF program, “All About ‘All About Oz,’” $5. Museum open Wednesday-Saturday, 1-7 p.m., Sunday, 1-5 p.m. (276) 628-2962 or stareva@bvunet.net.

FESTIVALS

GREATER RICHLANDS AREA FESTIVAL: Richlands Police Department Complex, June 25-27, James H. Drew carnival rides, beauty pageants, exhibits, music, food, arts, crafts, pet shows, fireworks display and lots more. (276) 963-3385.

2009 TALL TOWN FESTIVAL: Bluefield, Va., Sanders House, June 26, 27, celebration of the arts featuring music, storytelling, art, crafts, food and more. (276) 596-9188 or e-mail tobyn.raines@sw.edu.

RURAL RETREAT/WYTHE COUNTY FAIR: Rural Retreat Fairgrounds, June 30-July 4, Games, rides, food and entertainment. (276) 228-6195 or vstlc@embarqmail.com.

ETC.

DAY QUEST: Elizabethton, Doe River Gorge, on select Saturdays through Sept. 26, a day of various activities from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. $16 per person/children 7 and under free when accompanied by a parent. Horseback riding and paintballing are extra. To register or more info, (423) 725-4010 or www.doerivergorge.com.

VENDOR APPLICATIONS: Richlands, Va., June 25-27, applications accepted for the Greater Richlands Area Festival at Richlands Police Department. Booth spaces available for $75 all week/$50, 3-days and $30 for one day. No tables, tents, chairs or electricity provided. (276) 963-3385.

CULINARY SERIES: Abingdon, William King Museum, kick-off reception for The Art in Dining: A Taste of Regional Cuisine Series, June 25, 6-9 p.m.; hors d’oeuvres provided by 10 area restaurants; series continues throughout the year at various locations with reservations on first come basis after reception; (276) 628-5005.

ROCK OUT HUNGER: Johnson City, 1735 W. State of Franklin Road, Earth Fare, June 25. Live, local music, with performance by Sajai Wise Kids, and burgers for a buck with proceeds going to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee. (423) 477-4053.

WINGS & WHEELS: Abingdon, Virginia Highlands Airport, Lee Highway, July 25, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; vintage aircraft and auto show includes classic cars, planes, helicopters, SWAT and military vehicles and more; food, drink vendors available; $5, children 12 and under free; gate proceeds benefit Kiwanis Children’s programs; (276) 628-3732 or (276) 224-9510.

THE GALLERY @ BARR PHOTOGRAPHICS: Abingdon, 152 E. Main St., Call for artists for the 2009 exhibition schedule. Contact Dean at thegallery.barrphotographics@embarqmail.com or (276) 628-1486.

INVITATION TO LOCAL ARTISANS: Clintwood, Ralph Stanley Museum & Traditional Mountain Music Center invites artisans to submit their work for sales consideration in the museum gift shop. Committee will evaluate submissions, provide response within two weeks based on available space and specific needs of the shop; Aaron Davis or Pam Morris, (276) 926-8550.

CALL FOR ARTISTS: The Art Place of Chilhowie offering space for studios, gallery shop, classroom for artists, craftspeople in Smyth County, neighboring communities. (276) 496-3734.

ART ENTRIES ACCEPTED: Abingdon, William King Regional Arts Center, entries for From These Hills: Contemporary Art in the Southern Appalachian Highlands. Artists are asked to submit images via CD-Rom or slide of up to six works by Aug. 3. (276) 628-3922 or e-mail, ajustice@wkrac.org.

PARADE ENTRIES NEEDED: Bristol’s Independence Day Parade. Open to any organization or business. Entries accepted until June 27. (276) 466-4009.

Calendar is a public service of the Bristol Herald Courier. Submission deadline is Monday at noon for the items scheduled during the upcoming week. Notices may be addressed to Bristol Herald Courier Calendar, P.O. Box 609, Bristol, VA 24203; faxed to (276) 669-3696 or emailed to mdutton@bristolnews.com.