Use elecTriCity and Empire Calendars to Choose Your Entertainment

NIGHTLIFE

BRISTOL VFW: Bristol, West State Street between 16th and 17th streets. July 2, 8 p.m., Bad Habit. http://www.bristolvfw.org or (423) 764-0381.

THE BUSPIT: Kingsport, 240 E. Main St. July 2, 9:30 p.m., Ivy Road, free; July 3, 9 p.m., Kenneth Brian, free; July 8, 8 p.m., The Enemy Lovers, free. http://www.thebuspit.com or (423) 578-2336.

CAPONE’S: Johnson City, 227 E. Main St. July 3, 10 p.m., Matt Stillwell. http://www.caponesjc.com or (423) 928-2295.

DOWN HOME: Johnson City, 300 W. Main St. July 2, 8 p.m., Cadillac Sky, $18. http://www.downhome.com or (423) 929-9822.

DOWNTOWN CENTER: Bristol, 810 State St. July 2, 7 p.m., Southern Countrymen; July 7, 7 p.m., Highway 11. (423) 764-4171.

5 O’CLOCK BAR: Glade Spring, 35025 Brittany Lee Drive, off I-81 Exit 29. July 3-4, 8 p.m., Cynical. (276) 429-2275.

GAGES RESTAURANT: Abingdon, 309 Falls Dr. July 10, 7 p.m., Townbranch Bluegrass, $5. (276) 479-2627.

THE HIDEAWAY: Johnson City, 235 E. Main St. July 3, 10 p.m., Ocoai and As Sick As Us; July 4, 10 p.m., The Growth, Compulsion Analysis, Brother Fyodor and Spirit Knife. (423) 926-3896.

O’MAINNIN’S: Bristol, 712 State St. July 2, 10 p.m., The Ian Thomas Band; July 3, 10 p.m., 10,000 Flames; July 4, 10 p.m., Little Buddah (trip-hop); July 8, 10 p.m., Ivy Road. http://www.myspace.com/omainninspub or (423) 844-0049.

ROCK-N-HORSE II BAR & GRILL: Bristol, 3080 W. State St. July 3-4, Michael Stacey Band. http://www.myspace.com/rocknhorse2 or (423) 844-0400.

CIVIC CENTERS

FREEDOM HALL: Johnson City. 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, July 2, Wayne Henderson, 7 p.m. (276) 645-0035, http://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, July 3, Acoustic Faith, 8-9 p.m. Concert and parking, free. .

TOONS AT NOON: Paramount Center For the Arts, July 10, Pianist, Jonathan Knight. Suggested $5 donation. (423) 274-8920.

LUNCH ON THE LAWN: Big Stone Gap, Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park, July 3, Rhodyjane Meadows, noon-1 p.m.; free, bring lunch or order boxed lunch for $5, order by 9:30 a.m. at (276) 523-1322.

MUSIC/MOVIES IN PARK: Bristol, Va., Cumberland Square Park, July 2, Amazed by Grace, 6:30 p.m. with movie, Hotel for Dogs 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 Fantastic 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.; 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

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.

THEATER

WOHLFAHRT HAUS DINNER THEATRE: Wytheville, Va., 170 Malin Drive, 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 .

LAMPLIGHT THEATRE: Fall Branch, Tenn.,
July 3-4 and July 10-11. United We Stand, a high-spirited, patriotic tribute for all ages. 7 p.m. each evening with matinee, July 11, 2 p.m. $8 adults/$5 students, 6 years and under free. All veterans and military personnel free. Reservations suggested. (423) 348-7610 or http://www.lamplighttheatre.com.

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., through 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 http://www.bluemoondinnertheatre.com.

JONESBOROUGH REPERTORY THEATRE: Jonesborough, Tenn., 125 1/2 West Main St., July 2, 7 p.m., July 3-4, 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. and July 5, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. 1940’s USO Show. (423) 791-4440.
PERFORMING ARTS

LITTLE SHEPHERD AMPHITHEATER: Jenkins, Ky., off Highway 23, The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come, 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 .

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 http://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.

BUFFALO RURITAN CLUB: Bluff City, corner of Beaver Creek Road and Buffalo Road, July 4, Distant Thunder, 7:30 -10:30 p.m. $5. Jackie Davis, (423) 306-5770, (423) 247-9075.

CARTER FOLD: Hiltons, July 4, Kody Norris, Tom Isaacs and the Watauga Mountain Boys, 7:30 p.m. $7 adults/$1 children, 6-11/free under 6. (276) 645-0035, http://www.carterfamilyfold.org.

CHILHOWIE LIONS CLUB: Smyth County, July 3, Music Memories, 7:30-10:30 p.m. $5. (276) 646-8566.

COUNTRY CABIN II: Norton, Alt. Rt. 58; July 4, Bluegrass Circle, 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., July 10, senior citizens dance with Ramblin’ Rose. (423) 538-8568.

FAMILY BLUEGRASS: Hansonville, July 3, Benny Jones Band, 7:30-10:30 p.m.; July 4, Appalachian Strings and Dixie River Band, 7:30-11 p.m. Free dinner with paid admission will be served between 6-7:30 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, July 4, The Melody Trio and Eddie King, 7 p.m. (423) 639-2322 or http://www.horsecreekgospelbarn.com.

IRON HORSE CAMPGROUND: Damascus, 30460 Blossom Road, Hwy. 58, July 4, Classic Country, 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., July 3, White Top Mountain Band, 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; , or http://www.layshardware.com; July 4th Show: Jesse McReynolds and Coaltown, 5 p.m. $10 advance/$12 at door/$5 children. (276) 395-5160.

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) 239-590.

OUTDOORSMEN BUILDING: Kingsport, 4535 Kingsport Hwy.11-W, July 3, David O’Roark and Southern Countrymen Band, 7:30-10:30 p.m. $5 adults/$1 children. (423) 913-3205.

TACOMA COMMUNITY CENTER: Tacoma, Va., 4408 Stone Mountain Road, July 4, Gary Edwards & Basic Grass, 7:30-10:30 p.m.; house band, The Peters Brothers. $5 adults/$1 children 6-12/under 6 free; make reservations by July 4 for Moron Brothers, July 18 performance (limited seating). (276) 679-1164.

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, ; singers, contact David Volk, 328-0271, .

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.

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.

HANDS ON MUSEUM: Johnson City, 315 E. Main St., July Art Studio, design an ice cream cone; Degas’ favorite things; inspiration art; July 2, half price admission; July 3, Free first Friday celebration; July 4, closed; Amazing Me exhibit; summer camps; Golf classic at Johnson City Country Club; Wacky Sports Day; Kids Like You & Me ‘Exhibit. (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: or visit http://www.abingdon-artsdepot.org.

MUSEUM OF THE MIDDLE APPALACHIANS: Saltville Hall, July 4, Little Salty, museum’s mascot will celebrate 13th birthday along with Appalachian Jubilee, 2-4 p.m. at downtown stage; 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 http://www.museum-mid-app.org.

WILLIAM KING MUSEUM: 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 http://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.

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 .

 
FESTIVAL

RURAL RETREAT/WYTHE COUNTY FAIR: Rural Retreat Fairgrounds, through July 4, Games, rides, food and entertainment. (276) 228-6195 or .

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 http://www.doerivergorge.com.

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 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, .

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; e-mailed to .