Choose Your Entertainment with the Help of Empire, elecTriCity Calendars

ELECTRICITY CALENDAR

NIGHTLIFE

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

THE BUSPIT: Kingsport, 240 E. Main St. July 17, 9:30 p.m., Driving Miss Crazy (country-rock), free; July 18, 9 p.m., Tennessee Hollow (country-rock), free. http://www.thebuspit.com or (423) 578-2336.

CAPONE’S: Johnson City, 227 E. Main St. July 17, 10 p.m., Mic Harrison; July 18, 10 p.m., The Duotones. http://www.caponesjc.com or (423) 928-2295.

DOWN HOME: Johnson City, 300 W. Main St. July 17, 9 p.m., Robin and Linda Williams, $18. http://www.downhome.com or (423) 929-9822.

DOWNTOWN CENTER: Bristol, 810 State St. July 21, 7 p.m., Holston Mountain Boys (bluegrass). (423) 764-4171.

5 O’CLOCK BAR: Glade Spring, 35025 Brittany Lee Drive, off I-81 Exit 29. July 17-18, 8 p.m., Sundance. (276) 429-2275.

GAGES RESTAURANT: Abingdon, 309 Falls Dr. July 24, 7 p.m., Big Country Bluegrass, $5. (276) 479-2627.

THE HIDEAWAY: Johnson City, 235 E. Main St. July 17, 10 p.m., Chaotic Underworld CD release show; July 18, 11 p.m., Graveyard Boulevard, Death of a Union, and Disarray; July 19, 7 p.m., Fighting Haysi. (423) 926-3896.

O’MAINNIN’S: Bristol, 712 State St. July 16, 9 p.m., Peaces of Way (Celtic) and Scythian (Celtic rock); July 17, 10 p.m., Cut Throat Shamrock (Celtic rock); July 18, 10 p.m., The Jones Boys. http://www.myspace.com/omainninspub or (423) 844-0049.

ROCK-N-HORSE II BAR & GRILL: Bristol, 3080 W. State St. July 17-18, Hired Guns. 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; Sept. 19, 6 p.m., Gaither Vocal Band, $34-$46. (423) 461-4884.

NISWONGER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER: Greeneville. 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. 1, 7 p.m., American Idols Live, $39.50-$68.50; Aug. 21, 7 p.m., Jonas Brothers, $29.50-$89.50; Sept. 5, 7:30 p.m., Taylor Swift and Kellie Pickler, $22-$51.50. (704) 688-9000.

VIKING HALL: Bristol. Sept. 25, 7:30 p.m., Jeremy Camp, $19-$28. (423) 764-0188.

CONCERTS

PICKIN’ PORCH: Bristol, Va., Bristol Mall, July 16, Pleasant Hill and Adam McPeak & Mountain Thunder and Mountain Rhythm Cloggers, 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 17, Grounded Granite, 8-9 p.m. Concert and parking, free. .

TOONS AT NOON: Paramount Center For the Arts, July 17, Summer showcase, Theatre Bristol - Act to The Future. Suggested $5 donation. (423) 274-8920.

MUSIC/MOVIES IN PARK: Bristol, Va., Cumberland Square Park, July 16, Tennessee Green, 6:30 p.m. with movie, Kit Kittredge - An American Girl to follow. Bring lawn chair or blanket. Free, however, non-perishable foods for the Second Harvest food drive will be collected.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: Bristol, Tenn., 701 Florida Ave., July 17, concert with the Sonshine Youth Choir of Brentwood United Methodist Church in Nashville, 7:30 p.m, free. (423) 764-7176.

LUNCH ON THE LAWN: Big Stone Gap, Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park, July 17, Tyler Hughes and The Generation Gap, 12-1 p.m. Box lunch, $5 with orders received by 9:30 a.m. on day of program. (276) 523-1322.

CONCERT/ICE CREAM IN THE PARK: Bristol, Tenn., Anderson Park, ice cream to first 800 visitors to park for midday lunch concert, 11 a.m to 1 p.m. music, clowns and children’s activities. Featured band, Southern ‘76, free.

ENTERTAIN YOUR SENSES: Abingdon, Kiwanis Park, July 18, Music by the Captives; Main St., July 25, the Coasters and Marvelettes concert and street party. (276) 676-2282 or http://www.abingdon.com.

BLUE RIDGE MUSIC CENTER: Galax, Va., Milepost 213 on Blue Ridge Parkway, 700 Foothills Road, July 18, Robin and Linda Williams, Bobby Patterson and Willard Gayheart, $10. (276) 236-5309 or .

BLUEGRASS AND OLD-TIME JAMBOREE: Wytheville, George Wythe High School Auditorium, July 18, featuring Fescue, Jim Lloyd and the Elkville String Band, 7-9 p.m. free, however, donations will be accepted to help defray travel expenses of the bands.

PRAISIN LOUD IN THE PARK: Galax, Felts Park, July 19, Decemberadio plus local bands starting at 4 p.m., free. (276) 233-2567

JONESBOROUGH VISITORS CENTER: Town Square, July 24, Christabel & The Jons, 7 p.m.

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.

FESTIVAL

ARTS AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL: Marion, Hungry Mother State Park, July 17-19 with hand-crafted wares, arts, history, entertainment, music and lots more. (276) 781-7400.

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.

HERITAGE DAY PARADE & FESTIVAL: Rural Retreat, July 25-26. Parade, antique tractors, talent competition, hot rods, wagon tours and exhibits, square dance, etc. (276) 686-4221 or http://www.ruralretreatheritagedays.zoomshare.com.

VIRGINIA HIGHLANDS FESTIVAL: Abingdon, July 25-Aug. 9, arts & crafts, entertainment, antiques, meet the author booth,  food, exhibits, demonstrations, Aug. 6, 6-9 p.m. Trolley Tour of the Arts Gallery Hop, etc. http://www.vahighlandsfestival.org.

GOSPEL BLUEGRASS AND BBQ FESTIVAL: Bristol, Va., Victory Baptist Church, (under tent) Aug. 1, Mountain Empire Baptist School will present 2nd annual festival, 12-6 p.m. with Barry Scott and Second Wind, Southern Accent, Keepin Tradition, Cross Point, VW Boys, food, concessions all day, etc. $10 adults/children under 12 free

OPERA

THEATER

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

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.

PARAMOUNT CENTER FOR THE ARTS: Bristol, Tenn., 518 State St., July 18, Miss American Clogger Pageant with interviews 9 a.m. and final portion of event 7 p.m. tickets available in the lobby on day of pageant. $12 adults/$6 children under 12. (423) 274-8920.

OUTDOOR DRAMAS

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

SYCAMORE SHOALS STATE HISTORIC AREA: Elizabethton, 1651 W. Elk Ave., July 16-19 and 23-25, Liberty! The Saga of Sycamore Shoals, 7:30 p.m. nightly. (423) 543-5808, http://www.liberty-drama.com or http://www.sycamoreshoalstn.org.

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 16, 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 18, Old Dogs New Tricks, 7:30 -10:30 p.m. $5. Jackie Davis, (423) 306-5770, (423) 247-9075.

CARTER FOLD: Hiltons, July 18, Warrior River 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 17, Junior Royal and Classic Country, 7:30-10:30 p.m. $5. (276) 646-8566.

COUNTRY CABIN II: Norton, Alt. Rt. 58; July 18, Appalachian Strings, 7:30-10:30 p.m.; $5 adults/$1 for children 2 through 11. Guitar lessons, 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 24, senior citizens dance with Ramblin’ Rose. (423) 538-8568.

FAMILY BLUEGRASS: Hansonville, July 17, Limited Edition; July 18, Whitetop Mountain Band, Dixie River Band, 7:30-10:30 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 18, John Lanier. (423) 639-2322 or http://www.horsecreekgospelbarn.com.

IRON HORSE CAMPGROUND: Damascus, 30460 Blossom Road, Hwy. 58, July 18, Ransom McCoy, 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 17, Cody Norris and the Watauga Mountain Boys featuring the Center Stage Cloggers, 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.

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.

OUTDOORSMEN BUILDING: Kingsport, 4535 Kingsport Hwy.11-W, July 17, 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 18, Moron Brothers, 7:30-10:30 p.m.; house band, The Peters Brothers. $5 adults/$1 children 6-12/under 6 free. (276) 679-1164.

ETC.

STORYTELLING/WORKSHOPS: Bristol Public Library, July 26, Aug. 9, 23 and Sept. 13, storytelling performances and workshop sessions by members of Beaver Creek Storytellers. 2 p.m. (276) 821-6148 or http://www.bristol-library.org.

AUDITIONS

ROBINSON CRUSOE: Marion, Blue Ridge Job Corps gym, July 20, Auditions for Missoula Children’s Theatre for students first through 12th grades. 10 a.m.

THE TRIAL OF THE BIG BAD WOLF: Theatre Bristol’s ARTspace, July 19, 2:30 and July 20, 7 p.m. Auditions for male and female and children’s roles. No experience or prepared materials are necessary. (423) 968-4977.

ROCK THE MOUNTAINS: Southwest Virginia Community College, Dickenson Hall, Sept. 12, Battle of the Rock Bands, 1:30 p.m. Submit application along with one song on CD by Aug. 3. (276) 964-7301, (276) 964-7339 or http://www.sw.edu. 

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.

**************************
EMPIRE CALENDAR

EXHIBITS

SWVCC BOOTH CENTER ART GALLERY: Grundy, through Sept. 1, exhibit, Susan Cook: Variety is the Spice of Life features oil and acrylic paintings with subjects ranging from people, animals and flowers, to seascapes, landscapes and more. (276) 964-7558 or .

SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA MUSEUM HISTORICAL STATE PARK: Big Stone Gap, through Oct. 15 exhibits, Pioneers in Education: Early African American Schools, examines the evolution of African-American schools in Wise County; For Love of Money displays coins and paper notes from around the world. (276) 523-1322 or http://www.swvamuseum.org.

SWCC APPALACHIAN ART CENTER: Archie Helton Store, Rt. 19, Claypool Hill, through Sept. 5. Mountain Harmonies, exhibit of oil paintings by Bonnie Mason; July 10, reception, 4:30-7 p.m. Center hours: Tuesday-Saturday, noon to 5:30 p.m. (276) 596-9188 or email .

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; 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.

CHARLES HARRIS LIBRARY GALLERY: Wise, through July 31, Learning Curve, a joint exhibition with artist Michael F. Morris and his high school art students. http://www.charlesharrisgallery.org.

ARTS DEPOT: Abingdon, 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 20, talk by Dr. Blaine Schubert, 6:30 p.m. about his research that focuses on fossil mammals, reptiles and amphibians of the past 10 million years; 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: CENTER FOR ART AND CULTURAL HERITAGE: Abingdon, 415 Academy Drive, July 31-Jan. 3, 2010, Exhibition: Buying Time: Clocks Along the Great Road, 1790-1870; opening reception July 31, members and lenders, 6-7 p.m.; open to public, 7-8 p.m.; Aug. 4, Clock Talk with Jim Coulson, 6:30 p.m. free; 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 .

 
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 or e-mailed to .