Choose Your Fun elecTriCity & Empire Calendars

NIGHTLIFE

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

THE BUSPIT: Kingsport, 240 E. Main St. Sept. 17, 9 p.m., Gary Hensley Band, free; Sept. 19, 6:30 p.m., Johnny Pafford & the Mountain States Boys (bluegrass), free. http://www.thebuspit.com or (423) 578-2336.

CAPONE’S: Johnson City, 227 E. Main St. Sept. 17, 9 p.m., Pop Evil; Sept. 18, 9 p.m., All 4Ward. http://www.caponesjc.com or (423) 928-2295.

DOWN HOME: Johnson City, 300 W. Main St. Sept. 23, 8 p.m., Sarah Bettens, $20. http://www.downhome.com or (423) 929-9822.

DOWNTOWN CENTER: Bristol, 810 State St. Sept. 17, 7 p.m., Kids Our Age; Sept. 22, 7 p.m., Rambling Rose. (423) 764-4171.

5 O’CLOCK BAR: Glade Spring, 35025 Brittany Lee Drive, off I-81 Exit 29. Sept. 18-19, 8 p.m., The Dystrict. (276) 429-2275.

FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES CLUB: Bristol, 2033 W. State St. Sept. 18-19, 8 p.m., Karaoke, $2 donation. (423) 217-0188.

GAGES RESTAURANT: Abingdon, 309 Falls Dr. Sept. 19, 7 p.m., Jennifer Leigh. (276) 479-2627.

THE HIDEAWAY: Johnson City, 235 E. Main St. Sept. 18-19, 6 p.m., Our Fest; Sept. 20, 9 p.m., Dead Meadow and Thee Birds ov Paradise. (423) 926-3896.

O’MAINNIN’S: Bristol, 712 State St. Sept. 17, 10 p.m., The Sterio Fidelics; Sept. 23, 10 p.m., Christabel and the Jons. http://www.myspace.com/omainninspub or (423) 844-0049.

ROCK-N-HORSE II BAR & GRILL: Bristol, 3080 W. State St. Sept. 18-19, David Michael Band. http://www.myspace.com/rocknhorse2 or (423) 844-0400.

CIVIC CENTERS

FREEDOM HALL: Johnson City. Sept. 19, 6 p.m., Gaither Vocal Band (gospel), $34-$46; Sept. 29, 7 p.m., Skillet, Hawk Nelson, Decyfer Down, and The Letter Black (rock), $23-$55; Oct. 9-11, Jericho Shrine Circus, $12. (423) 461-4884.

KNOXVILLE CIVIC AUDITORIUM AND COLISEUM: Knoxville. Oct. 15, 8 p.m., Robin Williams (comedy), $81-$101; Oct. 21, 7:30 p.m., Kelly Clarkson (pop), $43.50-$53.50. (865) 215-8999.

NISWONGER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER: Greeneville. Sept. 24, 7:30 p.m., Of Mice and Men, $10-$22.20. (423) 638-1679.

TIME WARNER CABLE ARENA: Charlotte. Sept. 19, 8 p.m., Jamie Foxx, $49.75-$69.75; Oct. 18, 7 p.m., Metallica (heavy metal), $51.50-$71.50. (704) 688-9000.

VERIZON WIRELESS AMPHITHEATRE: Charlotte. Oct. 3, 6 p.m., Widespread Panic and The Allman Brothers Band, $36-$99. (704) 549-5555.

VIKING HALL: Bristol. Sept. 25, 7:30 p.m., Jeremy Camp, $19-$28; Oct. 10, WWE Smackdown and ECW Live (wrestling), $15-$60; Nov. 13, 7 p.m., Styx, REO Speedwagon, and Night Ranger (‘80s rock), $28-$68. (423) 764-0188.

CONCERTS

PICKIN’ PORCH: Bristol, Va., Bristol Mall, Sept. 17, Rich in Tradition, 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; (423) 764-4171.

MUSIC ON THE SQUARE: Jonesborough, Tenn., Courthouse Square, Sept. 18, Whitetop Mountain Band; 7 p.m. (423) 753-1010 or musiconthesquare.com.

RECITAL: Emory, Va., Emory & Henry College’s Memorial Chapel, Sept. 19, with classic and contemporary musical theatre repertoire by Christianne Roll, 7:30 p.m. (276) 944-6846 or (276) 944-6866.

MUSIC ON THE LAWN: Independence, Va., Davis-Bourne Inn, Sept. 19, Americana music with Laura Beth and the Clover Hollow Boys, 6-8:30 p.m. (276) 773-9384, or http://www.davisbourneinn.com.

ENTERTAIN YOUR SENSES: Abingdon, Latture Field, Sept. 26, Oktober Fest with the Bavarian Fun Maker Show, 6:30-9:30 p.m. (276) 676-2282.

FILM

ABINGDON CINEMALL: 721 E. Main St., Sept. Oct. 12-13, Food, Inc., Exposé about how what most Ameicans eat should really be called an industrial product. (276) 739-2447 or .

HEART AND SOUL FILM SERIES: Abingdon, Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, executive auditorium, Sept. 23, A Convenient Truth: Urban Solutions from Curitiba, Brazil, 7:30 p.m. $5. (276) 492-0503.

MOVIE SCREENING: Wytheville, 145 East Main St., The Smithsonian and The Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum, Sept. 26, screening of the documentary, Soul Of A People: Writing Americas Stories, 4:30 p.m. Reservations, (276) 223-3484 or e-mail: .

FESTIVAL

WASHINGTON COUNTY FAIR: Abingdon, Washington County Fairgrounds, through thru Sept. 19, Music with various performers, Cole Shows Carnival, Great Little Bear Show daily, etc. (276) 628-6233 or http://www.washcofair.com.

OKTOBERFEST: Faith Lutheran Church, Oct. 10, 8 a.m. to noon, breakfast, games, hayrides, yard sale, bake sale; 3-7 p.m. music and pig roast. In addition from 8 a.m to noon, Community Health & Wellness Services, Mountain States Health Alliance will be offering Heart/Vascular Disease Risk Screening. Pre-registration is required for the vascular studies. (423) 202-4558.

PERFORMING ARTS

CART: Richlands Middle School Auditorium, Sept. 22, Jeni and Billy, 7 p.m. (276) 963-3385 or .

THEATER

WOHLFAHRT HAUS DINNER THEATRE: Wytheville, Va., 170 Malin Drive, through Oct. 25, Thoroughly Modern Millie, 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, Sept. 17-20, The Witnesses; Sept. 25 thru Nov. 14, Frankenstein; Stage II, through November, The Foreigner; through Nov. 15, Little Shop of Horrors. (276) 628-3991.

JONESBOROUGH REPERTORY THEATRE: 125 1/2 West Main St., Sept. 17-20 and 25-27, Wit, Thursday-Saturday 8 p.m.; Sunday 2 p.m. Tickets $12 general admission/$10 students/seniors on sale now. (423) 753-1010 or http://www.jonesboroughtheatre.com.

LAMPLIGHT THEATRE: Fall Branch, Tenn., 441 Horton Highway, Sept. 19, Barn Dance. (423) 348-7610.

PARAMOUNT CENTER FOR THE ARTS: Bristol, Sept. 18-20, Rhythm & Roots Reunion performances; Sept. 24, Bluegrass Jam - Benefit show for musician Mark Mervis, 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 1, Wilson Williams and the Platters, 7:30 p.m. $35 adults/$31 seniors/students on sale now; Tickets on sale for Celtic Crossroads, Oct. 23. (423) 274-8920 or http://www.etix.com.

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 .

MUSIC/DANCE

ABINGDON COFFEEHOUSE JAM: 300 Senior Drive, Abingdon Senior Center/Virginia Ballroom, August through November; every Thursday night, 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 VA/TN COUNTRY SHOW PALACE: Bristol, Va., 14364 Lee Hwy. (Campbell Building), Thursdays and Saturdays, 7 p.m., country music and dancing; Thursday band, Ramblin Rose; Saturday band, Thunder Mountain; Fridays, 7 p.m. gospel music led by The Glory Road Singers; admission $5, $4 for seniors and veterans; (423) 967-3090.

BUFFALO RURITAN CLUB: Bluff City, corner of Beaver Creek Road and Buffalo Road, Sept. 19, Bulls Eye, 7:30-10:30. $5 admission. (423) 306-5770.

CARTER FOLD: Hiltons, Sept. 19, ETSU Bluegrass Band, 7:30 p.m. $7 adults/children 6-11, $1; under age 6 free. (276) 645-0035, http://www.carterfamilyfold.org.

CHILHOWIE LIONS CLUB: Smyth County, Sept. 18, Junior Royal and Classic Country, 7:30-10:30 p.m. $5. (276) 646-8566.

COUNTRY CABIN II: Norton, Alt. Rt. 58, Sept. 19, Appalachian Strings, 7:30-10:30 p.m.; jam session Tuesdays 7 p.m., $5 adults; $1 children 2 through 11. (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., Sept. 25, senior citizens dance with Ramblin’ Rose. (423) 538-8568.

FAMILY BLUEGRASS: Hansonville, Sept. 18, Muddy Hollow Band, 7:30-10:30 p.m.; Sept. 19, Scott County Boys, Dixie River Band, 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.

IRON HORSE BOOT SCOOTIN’ BARN: Damascus, 30460 Blossom Road, Hwy. 58, Sept. 17, Southern ‘76; Sept. 19, Music Memories, 7:30-10:30 p.m.; dance lessons Saturdays, 5:30 p.m. (Under new management: Barry and Holli Salewsky). (276) 880-1447, cell: (276) 202-7412, (276) 202-7413 or e-mail, .

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., Sept. 18, Bluegrass Expedition (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, 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, Sept. 19, Glen Ritchey Band, 7:30-10:30 p.m. $5 adults/$1 children 6-12/under 6 free. (276) 679-1164.

AUDITIONS

TALENT SEARCH: Bristol, VA., 14364 Lee Hwy., Bristol VA/TN Country Show Palace and Bristol VA/TN Gospel Show Palace, Saturdays, 1-6 p.m., auditioning individuals and groups for upcoming events; gospel music opens Sept. 18, 7 p.m., continues every Friday night with proceeds promoting Christian broadcasting; Jim Thomas, (423) 967-3090.

RENT: Theatre Bristol, ARTspace, 506 State St., Sept. 27, 2:30 p.m. and Sept. 28, 7 p.m. (ages 18 and up) Photo ID and appropriate footwear required. Bring a calendar of potential conflicts. Prepared materials are not required - if you would like to present a prepared piece, sheet music for accepted prepared materials is available at Theatre Bristol’s office weekdays Tuesday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Rent is Jonathan Larson’s Pulitzer-prize winning rock-opera based loosely on Puccini’s opera La Bohème. Production runs Dec. 4-19 and midnight on Dec. 15 and (423) 968-4977.

NORTHEAST STATE THEATRE: Blountville, Performing Arts Center on campus, Sept. 23-24, 4-7 p.m. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Open to students and community members; need four men, six women, eight boys and nine girls. Prepare one-minute monologue from a play, book or favorite story; be prepared to sing part of a Christmas carol a cappella. Performance dates: Dec. 10-13. (423) 354-2479 or .

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

CHARLES HARRIS LIBRARY GALLERY: Wise, Va., 124 Liberty Road SW, through Sept. 30, exhibition, “Lessons: 30 Years of Printmaking” by artist Barbara Tisserat. (276) 328-1251 or http://www.charlesharrisgallery.org.

JONESBOROUGH VISITORS CENTER: Jonesborough, 117 Boone St., through Sept. 29, The Watauga Valley Art League presents the Valley Art Exhibit, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (423) 743-7799.

SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA HIGHER EDUCATION CENTER: Second floor of Art Wall, through September, Harold Jerrell’s photography exhibit, Capturing Great Light. Free exhibit. (276) 619-4309 or http://www.swcenter.edu.

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.

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., September Art Studio, Grandparents Day activities; Art membership drive ongoing; Ophelia workshop; Library card sign-up; Maze-a-Palooza; (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. Closed Monday.

ARTS DEPOT: Abingdon, Members Gallery, through Sept. 19, exhibit by regional artists, Audrey Bevins, Don & Sharon Crisp, Ruth Crowe, Jerry Sanders; 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.

THE 1912 GALLERY: Emory, Va., Emory & Henry College, through Sept. 26, Vivian Beer: The Colorful Tide, an exhibition of contemporary sculpted chairs in metal craft and other media. (276) 944-6130.

MUSEUM OF THE MIDDLE APPALACHIANS: Saltville Hall, Deltiology and the Postcard: A Lost Medium for Messaging; Folk Pottery exhibit of items made between 1820 and 1929; 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, Sept. 27, family festival, 2-4 p.m. tours, art projects, food, music and dedication of VanGogh Outreach Vans; Sept. 27-Nov. 22, J.C. Leyendecker: America’s “Other “Illlustrator;  through Jan. 3, 2010, Exhibition: Buying Time: Clocks Along the Great Road, 1790-1870; through Oct. 11, Pilars of Bohemia: Mullins, Houser, and Crookshank; 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.

STAR MUSEUM: Abingdon, regular hours: 1-5:30 p.m. or 6 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; weekends by appointment; closed Wednesdays.

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.

FESTIVAL/FAIR

CEDAR BLUFF HERITAGE FESTIVAL: Sept. 19, music, artists, crafemen, antique dealers and food vendors, etc (276) 964-4889, http://www.cedarbluffva.org.; fax: (276) 964-2056.

BURKE’S GARDEN FALL FESTIVAL: Tazewell, Sept. 26. camel rides, crafts, quilt show, food, apple butter, fall decorations, pumpkins, woodworking, spinning, etc., 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Spaces still available. (276) 472-2544.

FALL FESTIVAL: Mouth of Wilson, Va., Grayson Highlands State Park, Sept. 26-27, featuring live bluegrass, old-time and gospel music, food, children’s activities, arts and crafts exhibits, etc., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Proceeds benefit Rugby Volunteer Rescue Squad and Fire Department. 1-800-9337275 or http://www.dcr.state.va.us.

FALL FESTIVAL: Richlands, Oct. 3, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Vendor spaces available. (276) 963-3395 or e-mail .

SALTVILLE FALL FESTIVAL: Saltville Elementary School, Oct. 10. Games, silent auctions, food, country store, bingo, etc., 4-6 p.m.; Vendors needed. (276) 646-6063.
APPLE BUTTER FESTIVAL: Meadowview, Va., Exit 24, I-81, Meadowview Town Square and Fire Department Building, Oct. 17,  The Meadowview Civic Club’s festival, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vendors are welcome. Set ups begin 8 a.m. No charge, however, reservations need to be made for space by calling Romona Calloway, (276) 944-3500. For information call Phyllis Price (276) 628-2383.

ETC.

CEDAR BLUFF HERITAGE FESTIVAL: Sept. 19, register early for booth space. (276) 964-4889 or http://www.cedarbluffva.org.

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.

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.

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 . Call Mary Dutton, (276) 645-2556, for more information.