Oak Ridge Today

Music Association appoints executive director

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Oak Ridge Civic Music Association appoints Joy Bonamarte as executive director (Submitted photo)

The Oak Ridge Civic Music Association has appointed Joy Bonamarte as executive director. The appointment was announced by ORCMA President Larry Vance.

ORCMA is home to the Oak Ridge Symphony Orchestra, Oak Ridge Chorus, Chamber Music Series, and Coffee Concerts, and the organization is gearing up to celebrate its 80th anniversary in the upcoming 2024-2025 season.

“Bonamarte brings a dynamic blend of artistic passion and strategic leadership to her new role,” a press release said. “With over a decade of experience in arts management, marketing, and a deep commitment to community engagement, Joy is poised to lead ORCMA into its next phase of growth and impact.”

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Youth board hosts Art in the Park

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The Oak Ridge Youth Advisory Board will host the first Art in the Park, and it will feature local artists, interactive art displays and crafts, face painting, refreshments, and local musician performances.

Art in the Park is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 30, at the Alvin K. Bissell Park Amphitheater Pavilion.

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Secret City Radio Show to feature folk Grammy winner

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The Secret City Radio Show next week will feature Dom Flemons, who won a Grammy Award for best folk album in 2023, a press release said.

The show will also feature Kelle Jolly, the “Tennessee Ukulele Lady,” the press release said.

The show is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. Friday, April 5, at the Grove Theater, and it will be broadcast on East Tennessee radio station WDVX, 89.9 FM. [Read more…]

Library book sale Thursday-Saturday

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The Oak Ridge Public Library is pictured above on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

Friends of the Library Book Sale is in the Oak Ridge Public Library Auditorium on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

The sale starts 5-7 p.m. Thursday for members only, with memberships available at the door.

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Clinton desegregation book wins history award

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A book about the desegregation of Clinton schools won the Tennessee History Book Award for 2023.

The book is “A Most Tolerant Little Town: The Explosive Beginning of School Desegregation.” It was written by Rachel Louise Martin, a historian and writer, a press release said.

The award was announced by the Tennessee Historical Commission and the Tennessee Historical Society. The award prize includes $2,000.

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Three students, schools selected for ORNL FCU art, mural program

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Three students and schools have had their art work selected for the ORNL Federal Credit Union’s Community Art and Mural Program.

Introduced in 2017, the Community Art and Mural Program was created to support initiatives that make the arts accessible to all and help our communities thrive. The 2024 mural theme was “new beginnings,” a press release said.

“Congratulations to the following students and schools,” the press release said:

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Oak Ridge Philharmonia has free concert in March

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The Oak Ridge Philharmonia will have a free concert in March, performed on two separate dates in Oak Ridge and Knoxville.

“We hope you can join us for a generous portion of fun and very enjoyable music,” a press release said.

The concerts will include:

  • Muzio Clementi, “Symphony No. 4”
  • Claude Debussy, “Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun”
  • Heitor Villa-Lobos, “Bachianas Brasileiras No. 4”

Here is the concert schedule:

  • Sunday, March 10, at 4 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Oak Ridge, 1101 Oak Ridge Turnpike
  • Sunday, March 17, at 4 p.m. at Cokesbury United Methodist Church, 9919 Kingston Pike, Knoxville

“As always, the concert is provided with free admission, but we certainly appreciate donations that can be given at the concert or through our wonderful website,” the press release said. “We encourage you to visit our website and read about our orchestra: https://www.oakridgephilharmonia.org/.”

More information will be added as it becomes available.

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Playhouse has Maskapalooza! fundraiser on March 9

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The Oak Ridge Playhouse will have a Maskapalooza! fundraiser on Saturday, March 9. (Submitted photo)

The Oak Ridge Playhouse will have a Maskapalooza! fundraiser on Saturday, March 9.

It’s a fan favorite, a press release said.

“Dress to impress, don a creative mask, sample delectable heavy hors d’oeuvres, take home unique auction items, and dance the night away to the tunes of DJ Luther Simmons,” the press release said.

The party starts at 6 p.m. March 9 in Calhoun’s Banquet Hall in Oak Ridge.

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Playhouse presents ‘Cemetery Club’ comedy

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The Oak Ridge Playhouse will present the comedy “The Cemetery Club” in seven performances from February 9-18. (Photo courtesy Eric Smith/Oak Ridge Playhouse)

The Oak Ridge Playhouse will present the comedy “The Cemetery Club” in seven performances from February 9-18.

“The story concerns three widows and longtime friends who gather each month to visit their husbands’ graves,” a press release said. “Doris wants to continue mourning her loss. Ida wonders if it’s time to move on. Lucille pretends to move on—but hasn’t. Their outlooks on life, and responses to becoming widows vary, but the drama begins in earnest when they meet the local butcher, Sam, who has recently lost his wife. It looks as if a new love is on the horizon for some, however, not everyone approves.”

The press release said “The Cemetery Club,” by Ivan Menchell, was originally produced in 1987, and it “addresses the challenges of growing older with plenty of laughs and witty banter along the way. Characters share beautiful and lively bonds (think ‘Steel Magnolias’ meets ‘The Golden Girls’) as they explore an optimistic look at renewal after loss.”

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New Year’s Eve Countdown with food trucks, bands, ball drop

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A New Year’s Eve countdown in Oak Ridge will feature food trucks, bands, and a ball drop.

There will also be fireworks, and the event and parking will be free, according to Free Medical Clinic of Oak Ridge, which is presenting the countdown.

The event is scheduled from 9 p.m. Sunday, December 31, to 1 a.m. Monday, January 1, at Alvin K. Bissell Park. The park is located at 1403 Oak Ridge Turnpike.

Musical performers will include Eli Fox Band and Alex and the Animals, according to an event flyer.

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Community Band has Christmas Concert & Sing Along

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You can enjoy Christmas songs and carols with the Oak Ridge Community Band this afternoon, Sunday, December 10.

The concert is scheduled to start at 3:30 pm. at the Grove Theater at 123 Randolph Road in Oak Ridge.

“This is a free, family-friendly celebration and a great time to relax, take a break from shopping, and sing your favorite carols and hear familiar Christmas music,” an announcement said.

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ORHS Masquers Showcase is Saturday

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The Oak Ridge High School Masquers Fall Showcase is Saturday.

The performances will start at 7 p.m. Saturday in the ORHS Performing Arts Center.

Tickets are $5 at the door or online at https://orhsmasquers.booktix.com/.

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