Oak Ridge Today

Community Band concert will honor veterans on Memorial Day

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Lettie Andrade De La Torre

Lettie Andrade De La Torre

 

Submitted

Not only is Memorial Day an opportunity to salute our veterans and military personnel, it is often considered the “unofficial” beginning of the summer. In celebration of this holiday, the Oak Ridge Community Band will perform its Memorial Day concert on Monday, May 29. The performance will begin at 7 p.m. in A.K. Bissell Park, and there is no admission fee, although donations are gratefully appreciated to help offset band expenses.

The public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for outdoor seating around the Performing Arts Pavilion, and Razzleberry’s Ice Cream Lab will continue its tradition of providing refreshments during the concert. This concert is an excellent way for area residents, families, and friends to end the Memorial Day holiday weekend and have the opportunity to honor the men and women who have served in the military to maintain our freedom, a press release said. [Read more…]

ORHS JazzKats, Band play final concert of the school year on Thursday

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The Oak Ridge High School JazzKats, along with the entire Band, will play their final concert of the school year on Thursday.

The concert is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 25, in the ORHS Performing Arts Center Auditorium.

“The JazzKats will kick off the show with the Concert and Symphonic Bands following,” a press release said. “Come enjoy our free concert and help us send our seniors off on their next adventure!”

You can see a short video clip from the last concert, “Come out Swingin’” by Larry Neeck, here.

Oak Ridge Philharmonia concert on Saturday will feature harpist with farewell solo, also Beethoven, Mozart

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Kari Novilla, harp soloist (Submitted photo)

Kari Novilla, harp soloist (Submitted photo)

 

Submitted by Dale Gedcke, publicity manager for the Oak Ridge Philharmonia

A concert on Saturday by the Oak Ridge Philharmonia will feature an abundance of ear-pleasing music, a press release said.

Concert selections will include Beethoven’s “Fifth Symphony,” the “Blue Danube Waltz” by Johann Strauss II, “Hungarian Dance No. 5” by Brahms, and the enchanting “Andante Movement” from Mozart’s “Piano Concerto No. 21.”

“As a special treat, harpist Kari Novilla will perform a farewell solo before beginning her university studies,” the press release said. “Here are the descriptions that make this concert one you will not want to miss.”

Kari Novilla began her musical studies with the violin at age four, then moved to harp at the age of seven. She currently studies with William Lovelace (past president of the American Harp Society) and Elzbieta Szmyt (Jacobs School of Music, Indiana University—Bloomington). She will be graduating this May with both her high school diploma and an associate degree from Walters State Community College, summa cum laude, the press release said. [Read more…]

New anthology published, author reading & signing May 6

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In Gods Hand

The Writers of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church have published an anthology, “In God’s Hand,” featuring poems, essays, memoir, and fiction from some of the area’s top writers. Readings from the book will be the program for the Grace Lutheran Church Flower Festival Tea at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 6. The readings will be followed by a book sale and autograph session. The book costs $15. All proceeds from the sale will go toward literary scholarships.

The book features 50 writers from seven states, including well-known writers such as KB Ballentine, Bill Brown, Judy DiGregorio, Sue Weaver Dunlap, Penny Dyer, Carol Grametbauer, Connie Jordan Green, Jane Hicks, Elizabeth Howard, Marilyn Kallet, Denton Loving, John C. Mannone, Linda Parsons, Phyllis Price, Jane Sasser, Wes Sims, Kory Wells, Sylvia Woods, and others, many from Oak Ridge and the surrounding area, a press release said.

The Flower Festival celebrates the 70th anniversary of Grace Lutheran Church and the 500th anniversary of the Reformation with the theme “For the Beauty of the Earth,” based on the hymn by that name. In addition to the readings, the Flower Festival will feature a flower show, exhibits from Boy and Girl Scouts, children’s activities, a plant swap (all on Saturday 1-4), and a music program in the church sanctuary at 3 p.m. Sunday, the press release said.

Arissa Garden Club of Oak Ridge, a group that meets at Grace, is holding a flower show during the Festival, including both flower arrangements and horticulture specimens. The show will open on Saturday afternoon and remain in place through the music program on Sunday afternoon. [Read more…]

Friends of Oak Ridge Library have book sale May 11-14

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Friends of the Oak Ridge Public Library will have its Spring 2017 Book Sale May 11-14 in the Oak Ridge Public Library Auditorium.

The sale will include fiction and nonfiction books, magazines, audiovisual materials, and other publications covering almost every subject, a press release said. A few non-publication items will also be available. Most titles are 50 cents or $1 each. Titles withdrawn from the Library are half-price Thursday through Saturday. The Silent Auction begins on Thursday evening and ends at 5 p.m. Saturday.

Thursday evening from 5 to 7:30 p.m. is a preview sale for members. Memberships will be available at the door ($5 per individual, and $10 per family). (Scanning devices cannot be used during the preview sale on Thursday.) [Read more…]

Local talent leads Oak Ridge Junior Playhouse Summer Camp

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Adra Cooper, camp director

Adra Cooper, camp director

This summer, youth will have the opportunity to be inspired by local talent to explore their creativity and surround themselves with fellow thespians. Oak Ridge Junior Playhouse is pleased to connect the theater community by offering this experience to learn in a workshop setting with its summer theater camp for youth from rising third grade through rising 12th.

Adra Cooper, camp director, said her experience with theater with young people has led her to value its positive effects.

“I have seen introverted students, who barely speak or look you in the eye, become talkative and confident young adults after finding confidence on stage,” Cooper said, adding that she thoroughly enjoyed the Oak Ridge Junior Playhouse theater camp last year. “I especially enjoyed watching the kids grow in their confidence.”

Cooper brings a wealth of experience from working with youth as a drama teacher, director, and past camp director, a press release said. Campers will also benefit from the creative talent and love of theater from camp assistants Adam Moreno and Josh Farner. Both young men grew up doing theater in Oak Ridge and Knoxville and are excited to share their enthusiasm with the Playhouse campers, the press release said.

Adam Moreno, assistant camp instructor, performing at Middle Tennessee State University in 2014.

Adam Moreno, assistant camp instructor, performing at Middle Tennessee State University in 2014.

Moreno, assistant camp instructor, was very involved in Oak Ridge High School’s drama group, the Masquers. Adam continued his education and graduated with a degree in theater (specializing in acting) in 2016 from Middle Tennessee State University.

“Theater gives you a number of skills you can’t get in any other one platform,” Moreno said. “It teaches you to work with others (even if you don’t get along), to speak in front of a crowd, to listen to others, to take constructive criticism, and much more.”

Farner, also an assistant camp instructor, was a frequent participant at the Oak Ridge Junior Playhouse growing up both as an actor and as a crew member. Warner currently attends the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, and he is majoring in producing, directing, and playwriting. Farner attended the Oak Ridge Junior Playhouse summer camps himself, so he’s especially excited to return as an instructor. [Read more…]

Public invited to Congressional Art Competition at Roane State Oak Ridge campus on Sunday

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The public is invited to the 2017 Congressional Art Competition Awards Ceremony on Sunday, April 30, at Roane State Community College’s Oak Ridge campus.

The Art Competition for students in Tennessee’s 3rd Congressional District, represented by Congressman Chuck Fleischmann, is held annually to recognize the artistic talents of high school students.

The Awards Ceremony will be held from 1:30-3 p.m. in the City Room of the Coffey-McNally Building. Visitors are welcome to view the artwork, which is on display on campus, located at 701 Briarcliff Avenue in Oak Ridge. Seating for the Awards Ceremony is limited.

The main goal of the art competition is to support and foster creativity among America’s youth. The winner of the art competition will have their artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. Also, the winner will be awarded a trip to Washington, D.C., to attend a reception and see their artwork hung inside the U.S. Capitol, a press release said.

This press release was submitted by Owen Driskill.

CONTACT Care Line to bring new film ‘The Listeners’ to Oak Ridge

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Trainee Kortney Rist in the call room at Headquarters Counseling Center., from a scene in the documentary The Listeners. (Photo submitted by CONTACT Care Line)

Trainee Kortney Rist in the call room at Headquarters Counseling Center., from a scene in the documentary The Listeners. (Photo submitted by CONTACT Care Line)

 

Special one-time screening of a new documentary about suicide hotline volunteers; screening requires 80  tickets to be sold by Thursday, April 27

CONTACT Care Line will be hosting a one-time screening of “The Listeners” in Oak Ridge on Thursday, May 4.

“The Listeners” follows a cadre of new volunteer trainees in crisis and suicide prevention as they learn to answer suicide hotlines, a press release said.

“Through their eyes—and more importantly, their ears—the film examines mental health and suicide prevention strategies, volunteerism, and the life-saving power of empathy,” the press release said.

The event includes a brief introduction to the work of CONTACT Care Line and concludes with a 15-minute opportunity for questions.

The film is being screened through Tugg.com, a platform that helps organizations to host screenings in their local theaters. Tickets can be purchased at www.tugg.com/events/the-listeners-xxbt. [Read more…]

An Evening Out to benefit Child Advocacy Center of Anderson County

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Child Advocacy Center of Anderson County Kids Count 5k

Photo courtesy Child Advocacy Center of Anderson County

 

Some of East Tennessee’s most exciting performing artists will share one stage in Oak Ridge in a concert to raise funds for the Child Advocacy Center of Anderson County, or CACAC, a press release said.

The event attracts a cadre of talented singers, songwriters, dancers, and performers from the area, the press release said. This year, it’s scheduled to start at 6 p.m. Friday, April 28, at the Grove Theater at 123 Randolph Road in Grove Center.

Two of the area’s most talented performers will be highlighting the evening, the press release said. Kelle Jolly, “The Tennessee Ukulele Lady,” is one of East Tennessee’s most celebrated jazz musicians and a WUOT personality, the release said. Dominick White, a baritone with the Marble City Opera Company, will share his talent in the evening of fun.

Other singers, plus dance ensembles, will be performing including tango, lindy hop, and Greg Carney’s hip-hop. The emcee of the evening will be Zach Farrar who will also be handling the live auction.

“This event makes a difference in the lives of children,” said Sally Avery, president of the CACAC Board of Directors. “An evening of entertainment while supporting the kids, it is the event to be at this year!” [Read more…]

Roane State award-winning author Genovise has new book

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Elizabeth Genovise

Elizabeth Genovise

 

There’s a “bit of the magical” in her new work of fiction, author and Roane State assistant professor Elizabeth Genovise says.

Genovise’s latest literary effort, what she describes “one very long ‘short’ story,” is titled “The Stone Pear.” It’s now available for pre-order from publisher Anchor & Plume Press in Louisiana.

It’s the coming-of-age story of a girl coming to grips with her mother’s fragile health while also becoming obsessed with a pair of migrant workers boarding at her parents’ farm.

Genovise, who has taught English composition and literature at Roane State since 2010, says “The Stone Pear” is an unusual departure from what she calls her “strictly realistic stories.” [Read more…]

First United Methodist hosts ETSU BucsWorth Men’s Ensemble on Friday

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ETSU BucsWorth Men's Ensemble (Submitted photo)

ETSU BucsWorth Men’s Ensemble (Submitted photo)

 

As part of the Newsong Concert Series, First United Methodist Church of Oak Ridge will host the East Tennessee State University BucsWorth Men’s Ensemble on Friday, April 21, at 7:30 pm in the Sanctuary. All are welcome to attend. The suggested donation is $10, a press release said.

BucsWorth Men’s Choir was formed in the early 1990s at East Tennessee State University as a primarily a capella chamber ensemble called “10 BucsWorth”—which referred to the number of guys in the ensemble and a play-on-words reference to the ETSU mascot, the Buccaneers, the press release said. In 2013, the ensemble was expanded to a full men’s choir under the direction of Alan Stevens. [Read more…]

Oak Ridge Chorus will perform Broadway classics, American music

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Oak Ridge Chorus Director Jaclyn Johnson is pictured above with the Oak Ridge Chorus. (Submitted photo)

Oak Ridge Chorus Director Jaclyn Johnson is pictured above with the Oak Ridge Chorus. (Submitted photo)

 

The Oak Ridge Chorus will perform Broadway classics and American music in a concert on Saturday, April 29.

The concert is presented by the Oak Ridge Civic Music Association. The chorus is led by Chorus Director Jaclyn Johnson, who was recently appointed.

It will be a “delightful evening of American music,” a press release said.

The concert will start at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 29, at the First Baptist Church of Oak Ridge.

It will feature inspirational music of America and its people through folk songs, spirituals, and many well-known classics of the Broadway stage, including music from “Les Miserables,” “Hairspray,” and “Wicked,” the press release said. [Read more…]