Empire And Electricity Calendars: Plan Your Weekend

EMPIRE CALENDAR

EXHIBITS

BRISTOL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Virgie R. Fleenor Art Gallery, through Aug. 31, Musical Styles Along the Crooked Road showcases the long history of picking and singing in the mountains. Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays, 2-5 p.m. (276) 821-6148.

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.

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 .

JONESBOROUGH VISITORS CENTER: Jonesborough, 117 Boone St., Sept. 2-29, 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.

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

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., August Art Studio, Best Friend Cards, Touch a Truck Event; Aug. 27, Jiggle Robot workshop 2; Aug. 30, Free admission day to the museum, 1-4 p.m. (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, Members Gallery, Aug. 13-Sept. 19, exhibit by regional artists, Audrey Bevins, Don & Sharon Crisp, Ruth Crowe, Jerry Sanders, meet artists reception, Aug. 23, 2-4 p.m.; 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.

SYCAMORE SHOALS HISTORIC STATE PARK: Elizabethton, 1651 W. Elk Ave., through Aug. 30, Newell-Hendershot Watermedia Exhibition. (423) 743-7799 or http://www.watauga-valley-artists.com.

MUSEUM OF THE MIDDLE APPALACHIANS: Saltville Hall, 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, through Jan. 3, 2010, Exhibition: Buying Time: Clocks Along the Great Road, 1790-1870; 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.

FESTIVALS/FAIRS

APPALACIAN FAIR: Gray, Tenn., Aug. 24-29 featuring exhibits, arts, crafts, canned goods, floral, holiday, needlework, photography, 4H exhibits, carnival rides, entertainment, beauty contests, demolition derby, food, fun, etc., (423) 477-3211, http://www.AppalachianFair.com or e-mail: .

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.

TAZEWELL COUNTY FAIR: 515 Tazewell County Fairgrounds, through Aug. 22, Motorsports, music, horse shows, car, truck and motor cycle shows, pageants, exhibits, carnival rides and more. (276) 988-7300.

CONFERENCE

MATHEMATICS CONFERENCE: Abingdon, Virginia Highlands Community College, Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, Sept. 12, Southwest Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics conference, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. open to any teacher of mathematics from kindergarten through college level. Pre-register by Sept. 4. (276) 739-2513, http://www.mcs.uvawise.edu/svctm or .

ETC.

WRITING WORKSHOP: Bristol Public Library, J. Henry Kegley Meeting Room, Aug. 25, Gayle Trent will present workshop on basic steps of writing such as outlines, plots, characterization, realistic dialogue and freelance writing. Also aspects of self publishing. Registration required to this free event. (276) 821-6148.

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.

ELECTRICITY CALENDAR

NIGHTLIFE

BRISTOL VFW: Bristol, West State Street between 16th and 17th Streets. Aug. 20, 8 p.m., Altered State. http://www.bristolvfw.org or (423) 764-0381.

THE BUSPIT: Kingsport, 240 E. Main St. Aug. 20, 9:30 p.m., Brinley Addington (country), free; Aug. 21, 9 p.m., Firecracker Jazz Band (jazz), free; Aug. 22, 9 p.m., The Coal Men (rock), free. http://www.thebuspit.com or (423) 578-2336.

CAPONE’S: Johnson City, 227 E. Main St. Aug. 21, 10:30 p.m., Vertigo, Eris, and Via la Vulture; Aug. 22, 10 p.m., Jescoe and South Mouth. http://www.caponesjc.com or (423) 928-2295.

DOWN HOME: Johnson City, 300 W. Main St. Sept. 4, 9 p.m., Jill Andrews, $15. http://www.downhome.com or (423) 929-9822.

DOWNTOWN CENTER: Bristol, 810 State St. Aug. 25, 7 p.m., Ramblin’ Rose. (423) 764-4171.

5 O’CLOCK BAR: Glade Spring, 35025 Brittany Lee Drive, off I-81 Exit 29. Aug. 21-22, 8 p.m., Close to Closure. (276) 429-2275.

GAGES RESTAURANT: Abingdon, 309 Falls Dr. Aug. 21, 7 p.m., The Singing Crawfords; Aug. 22, 7 p.m., Yan Benchop. (276) 479-2627.

THE HIDEAWAY: Johnson City, 235 E. Main St. Aug. 21, 10 p.m., Muleface and Saturday Night Preacher; Aug. 23, 10 p.m., Gibby and the Buzzkills; Aug. 25, 7 p.m., Arizona Lives, Like the Stars, and Broken by Tuesday. (423) 926-3896.

O’MAINNIN’S: Bristol, 712 State St. Aug. 20, 4 p.m., Shades of Grey; Aug. 21, 10 p.m., Jesco; Aug. 22, 10 p.m., Fatback Party Band; Jan. 26, 10 p.m., Ryan Ward. http://www.myspace.com/omainninspub or (423) 844-0049.

ROCK-N-HORSE II BAR & GRILL: Bristol, 3080 W. State St. Aug. 20-22, Gruvmatics. 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. (423) 461-4884.

NISWONGER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER: Greeneville. Aug. 29, 7:30 p.m., Percy Sledge (soul), $10-$27.50; Sept. 10, 8:30 p.m., Grits: The Musical, $10-$27.50. (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; Sept. 5, 7:30 p.m., Taylor Swift and Kellie Pickler, $22-$51.50; Sept. 19, 8 p.m., Jamie Foxx, $49.75-$69.75. (704) 688-9000.

VIKING HALL: Bristol. Sept. 5, 7 p.m., Caged Chaos (mixed martial arts), $17-$47; Sept. 25, 7:30 p.m., Jeremy Camp, $19-$28; Oct. 10, WWE Smackdown and ECW Live (wrestling), $15-$60. (423) 764-0188.

CONCERTS

ROCK THE MOUNTAINS: Southwest Virginia Community College, Dickenson Hall, Sept. 12, Battle of the Rock Bands, 1:30 p.m. (276) 964-7389, (276) 964-7344 or http://www.sw.edu. 

PICKIN’ PORCH: Bristol, Va., Bristol Mall, Aug. 20, J.B. & The Honey Beans and Glen Bolick, 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 ON THE SQUARE: Jonesborough, Tenn., Couirthouse Square, Aug. 21, Wall of Pop with Jeni and Billy, 7 p.m. (423) 753-1010 or musiconthesquare.com.

IT’S GREAT ON STATE MUSIC SERIES: Bristol, State St., Downtown Center, Sept. 11, Yo’ Moma’s Big Fat Booty Band with Asheville Horns, 7 p.m.

ENTERTAIN YOUR SENSES: Abingdon, Latture Field, Sept. 5, 50’s Night at the Pavilion, 7-10 p.m. (276) 676-2282 or http://www.abingdon.com.

BLUE RIDGE MUSIC CENTER: Galax, Va., Milepost 213 on Blue Ridge Parkway, 700 Foothills Road, Aug. 21, Dailey & Vincent/Ashlee Blankenship & Josh Underwood, 7 p.m., $15; children 12 and under, free. (276) 236-5309 or .

JAMMIN’ ON THE CLINCH: Richlands, Va., Flannary Field, Aug. 22, Caiged Angel, 8-11 p.m. 9276) 963-3385.

BORDER BASH: Bristol, 500 block of State St., Aug. 28, children’s activities, crafters and concssions 6 p.m. Live music 7 p.m. with Brian McGee and the Hollow Speed followed by Sam Quinn & Japan Ten, 8:30 p.m. (276) 645-0111 or 94230 573-2200.

MOUNTAIN RIVER CONCERT SERIES: Elizabethton, 1651 West Elk Ave., Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area, Aug. 29, Two Step Bluegrass and Country Band, 7 p.m. $7 adults/$2, children. (423) 543-5808.

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.

FILM

REAL TO REEL THEATERS: Johnson City, Springbrook Drive, Aug. 20, Whatever Works, 7 p.m. State of Franklin Film Society (SoFFS) will be available at each screening. or .

FESTIVAL

ALBERT HASH MEMORIAL FESTIVAL: Whitetop, Va., Mt. Rogers School, Sept. 5, Music, dance, workshnops, crafts, insurment making demonstrations and food. Performers include various artists, 10 a.m.  to 9 p.m. (rain or shine).  $7, children under 12 free.

THEATER

WOHLFAHRT HAUS DINNER THEATRE: Wytheville, Va., 170 Malin Drive, through Aug. 23, Golden Oldies; Aug. 27-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, through Sept. 13, Forever Plaid; Sept. 16-20, The Witnesses; Stage II, Sept. 3 thru November, The Foreigner; Sept. 11-Nov. 15, Little Shop of Horrors. (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.

LAMPLIGHT THEATRE: Fall Branch, Tenn., Aug. 22, The Curtis Band, 7 p.m. $5 per person. (423) 348-7610.

LINCOLN THEATRE: Marion, Sept. 5, Paul Williams & The Victory Trio, Kruger Brothers, Barry Scott & Second Wind and Wise Old River, 7 p.m. (423) 323-7829 or http://www.songofthemountains.org.

PARAMOUNT CENTER FOR THE ARTS: Bristol, Oct. 1, Wilson Williams and the Platters, 7:30 p.m. $35 adults/$31 seniors/students on sale now. (423) 274-8920 or http://www.etix.com.

OUTDOOR DRAMA

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

STORYTELLING/WORKSHOPS: Bristol Public Library, J. Henry Kegley Meeting Room, Aug. 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.

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.

BALLROOM DANCE BASH: Bristol, Va., 628 Cumberland St., Bristol Ballet Studio, Aug. 29, kickoff dance, 7 p.m. for fall ballroom dance classes. $10 per person. Monthy classes October to January and February to May,  $40 per session. (276) 669-6051.

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, Aug. 22, Closed, race weekend.

CARTER FOLD: Hiltons, Aug. 22, concert by Stevie Barr, Dennis Hall and Friends, 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, Aug. 21, Junior Royal and Classic Country, 7:30-10:30 p.m. $5. (276) 646-8566.

COUNTRY CABIN II: Norton, Alt. Rt. 58; Aug. 22, South Mountain Boys, 7:30-10:30 p.m.; $5 adults/$1 for children 2 through 11; 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., Aug. 28, senior citizens dance with Ramblin’ Rose. (423) 538-8568.

FAMILY BLUEGRASS: Hansonville, Aug. 21, Benny Jones Band, 7:30-10:30 p.m.; Aug. 22, Appalachian Strings, 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.

HORSE CREEK GOSPEL MUSIC BARN: Greene County, Tenn., 657 Broyles Road, off Hwy. 107, Aug. 22, Perry Reed & Company. (423) 639-2322 or http://www.horsecreekgospelbarn.com.

IRON HORSE CAMPGROUND: Damascus, 30460 Blossom Road, Hwy. 58, Aug. 21, Limited Edition; Aug. 22, Country Tradition, 7:30-10:30 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., Aug. 21, Peters Brothers and Lee County Grass (featurng 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, Aug. 21, 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, Aug. 22, Midnite Ramblers; House Band, The Peters Brothers, 7:30-10:30 p.m. $5 adults/$1 children 6-12/under 6 free; Reserve tickets now for Dave Evans & River Bend performance Sept. 12. (276) 679-1164.

AUDITIONS

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: Greeneville, Tusculum College campus, Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Building, Aug. 24-25 for ages 14 and up. Registration 5:30 p.m and auditions 6 p.m.; Aug. 26-27 for children grades 6-8, registration, 2:45 p.m. with auditions, 3:15 p.m. Registration for grades 1-5 wil lbe 3;30 p.m. with auditoins, 4:5. For information, (423) 798-1620 or e-mail .

A PIECE OF MY HEART: Johnson City, East Tennessee State University’s Division of Theatre and Dance, room 207 of the Campus Center Building, Sept. 2, for nine women - including spots in the singing group “MaryJo and the Sugar Candies” - and one man, 7-10 p.m. (423) 439-6512 or .

LITTLE WOMEN: Virginia Intermont College Theatre Department, Trayer Theatre in the Anne R. Worrell Fine Arts Center, Sept. 8-9, Auditions for Little Women, 6 p.m. Roles open for four men and six women, 16 years and up. (276) 466-7973 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.

HOW TO SUBMIT INFORMATION
Calendar is a free public service published at the discretion of the Bristol Herald Courier. Submission deadline is Monday at noon for the items scheduled during the upcoming week. Clubs are encouraged to submit notices of appearances of musicians at nightspots in Northeast Tennessee or Southwest Virginia. New photos of bands are always welcome, especially if members have changed recently. Send a schedule with show times and contact numbers and photos of performers to ElecTriCity Calendar, Bristol Herald Courier Calendar, P.O. Box 609, Bristol, VA 24201. Fax: (276) 669-3696. E-mail: . Phone: (276) 645-2515. For more information call Mary Dutton at (276) 669-2181.