This Month’s Featured Artist – John Jackson
John is a transplant from Chicago, IL. He came to Knoxville, Tenn. in 1986, to attend Knoxville College, HBCU where he earned a Bachelor’s in Applied Science and studied Music Ed. He accompanied the KC Concert Choir to performances in Spain, New York, Detroit, Chicago, Boca Raton FL, Grand Rapids, and Cincinnati.
John is currently Minister of Music at Community Evangelistic Church (CEC) and has been there for 30 years. John also serves as part-time director of music with Freedom Fellowship Christian Church since 2005 and part-time director of music with HOPE Fellowship since 2018. John serves faithfully with other para-church ministries in Knoxville that include The WordPlayers, Emerald Youth Children’s choir director, and Young Life. KNOXVILLE FREEDOM SONGS & STORIES. 7 pm, May 20 in Chilhowee Park Homer Hamilton Amphitheater.
The WordPlayers present “Knoxville Freedom Songs and Stories” at 7 pm, Thursday, May 20, at Chilhowee Park Homer Hamilton Amphitheater. Free admission, donations appreciated. This performance chronicles the history of the local black community beginning in the post-Civil War through the Jim Crow era. The song/story collection narrates the old layout of the town and the population movement that created the Knoxville we know today. These are stories of celebration and of lament – the stories of Knoxville. Performers and audience members will be physically distant. Presenting sponsor The Swag – www.theswag.com; co-sponsor UT College of Law; special thanks to TN Guitar & Sound. To learn about The WordPlayers and future events; visit their Facebook Page here.
Jeanine Fuller & Sam Adams, Live at Harvest – Land, Sea & Vine, 7 pm, Tuesday, May 25; 5200 Kingston Pike, Knoxville. Free live jazz, blues and soul classics while you dine. Jeanine Fuller-vocalist with Sam Adams-keys.
BGP, May 17 & 18 Preservation Pub, Knoxville Market Square; and Fri Jun 11, 9 pm; at Barley’s Knoxville, 200 E Jackson Ave, Knoxville. An 8 person horn band playing music to drink, dance and sing to. Music from the 1950s to 2000s and whatever else suits the crowd for the evening. The band is made of familiar Knoxville musicians in a new crew of misfits.
Blues Jam at Open Chord / All Things Music; Each Wednesday night 7 to 10:30 pm, 8502 Kingston Pike, Knoxville. The backline amps and drums are supplied, just sign up, bring your instrument and get your JAM ON! Thursday, 20th May, 7 pm, Open Mic Night. The Open Chord exists for the love of music. We are a coffeehouse, pub, live stage, music school, and retail instrument store for all your music needs. Website Link: http://openchordmusic.com.
Hey Bear Cafe, live music by Camo Brian; Sun May 23, 2 to 4 pm, 9036 Middlebrook Pike NW, Knoxville. No outside food/drink, food trucks available and Hey Bear Cafe will be taking care of all your boba tea needs!
Ijams Nature Center: Mead’s Quarry Big Fun Tuesdays, 6 pm, May 18; Friday, May 21, 8 pm, SPECIAL EVENT: A Magical Evening with The Young Fablesvent by Focused Fire Training
Dad & Kids Bowling Night, Sponsored by CAC Families Together Academy at Strike & Spare Western Avenue, 6:30 pm, Wednesday, May 5700 Western Ave, Knoxville. Join instructor, Sam, for a fun night. Bring the kids! Bring your friends. Cost is $1 game, $4.50 shoe rental. The only 40 lane center in Knoxville has added a comforting seating area and 32″ LCD screens for scoring.
Book Talk at The Bottom, Thursday, May 27, 7 pm; 202 Randolph St., Knoxville. Author Tiffany Jackson will discuss ‘Grown’ her latest young adult book. Copies of the book ‘Grown’ will be donated to young adult readers in our community! Co-sponsored by UTK English Department.
Michelle Williams ‘Checking In’ virtual book tour begins nightly at 7 pm, May 26 through June 1st, for six sessions. Michelle will discuss various topics and themes from her book in intimate, candid conversations with some amazing personalities and influencers. VIP tickets include a signed book and meet and greet. Special guests include Chloe Bailey, Taraji B. Henson, LeCrae, Ms. Tina Lawson, LeToya Luckett, Dr. Anita Phillips, Darrel Walls, Tamar Braxton, Chandler Moore, DeVon Franklin and Tabitha Brown. For tickets & more info, CLICK HERE.
Beardsley Farm Garden Party Gala, Fri Jun 4, 4 to 7 pm, 1741 Reynolds St, Knoxville. Wear your finest overalls to Beardsley Farm for an immersive outdoor art experience. Beardsley friends, family, and local creatives are invited to exhibit work that highlights the farm, nature, and food. Drop by for an evening of snacks, refreshments, music, art, performance and outdoor socializing with your friendly farm community as part of Knoxville’s First Friday. See you outside! websitesdkfjsldfj
The Arts & Culture Alliance and MoretoKnoxville.com
Through May 31
Pellissippi State: Music Mondays
Tomato Head: Exhibitions by Jessica Payne
Rala: New Work by Pippin Long
through Jul 1
Knoxville Museum: Museum Tours (unguided)
Through Jul 24
McClung Museum: Women’s Work Exhibition (Fridays)
Through Sep 30
Fanatic Brewing Company: Open Mic Comedy Night (Thursdays)
Daily Events and Venues:
- The Bottom Knox Bookstore features books by Black authors for sale, a children’s book corner, webinars, virtual, and in-person events with authors, a monthly book club. Community in-person events on Fridays. Visit sdfsdfsdfdf.
- The Canvas can Do Miracles
- Ijams Nature Center: Quarry Swimming Area, Paddling Rentals, Family Programs
- Muse Knoxville, fun science activities for children
- Old Gray Cemetery: Open Grounds
- Zoo Knoxville
- Central Cinema Virtual Programming
- Haunted Knoxville Ghost Tours: COVID-19 Program