Oak Ridge Today

Reminder: EmiSunshine show is Friday at Grove Theater, benefits United Way

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Emi Sunshine at Grove Theater

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On Friday, October 30, the historic Grove Theater in Oak Ridge will return to its roots, hosting a benefit concert headlined by 10-year-old EmiSunshine, the newest talent to take the country music world by storm. Knoxville band Handsome and the Humbles will open the concert, proceeds of which will benefit United Way of Anderson County.

EmiSunshine was born in Madisonville, Tennessee, and grew up listening to Tom Petty and June Carter Cash, sounds which have influenced her current style. From the official EmiSunshine website: “Whether she’s performing on the ‘Today’ show or the Grand Ole Opry or taking the stage at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, she is fearless, confident, and firm in her musical direction. As she says, she sings ‘old-time music,’ but it’s her own unique blend of roots music that is equal parts Americana, bluegrass, gospel, and country, with a little bit of blues thrown in for good measure.”

Since a video of her singing on a street went viral, EmiSunshine has amassed an impressive fan base and has given repeat performances in some of the top cities and venues in East Tennessee. However, her motivation remains simple. “I love how I get to sing to people and make them happy,” she says. “I’m really blessed that I get to do this. It makes me feel amazing, like I’m touching somebody’s life.” [Read more…]

ORHS Masquers presents ‘Harvey,’ a Pulitzer Prize-winning play, in November

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ORHS Masquers "Harvey"

Oak Ridge High School Masquers, the school’s drama program, will present Mary Chase’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play “Harvey” in three performances in November. (Photo courtesy ORHS Masquers)

 

Oak Ridge High School Masquers, the school’s drama program, will present Mary Chase’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play “Harvey” in three performances in November.

“Harvey” is the story of Elwood P. Dowd and his invisible, six-foot-tall rabbit named Harvey. When Elwood’s sister Veta tries to have him committed to the local mental hospital, the doctors commit Veta instead and mad-capped hilarity ensues. Come “see” the best dressed rabbit in town and a fantastic cast of student actors, a press release said.

The Masquers performances will be at the Oak Ridge Performing Arts Center (ORPAC) on:

  • Thursday, November 12, at 7 p.m.;
  • Saturday, November 14, at 7 p.m.; and
  • Sunday, November 15, at 2 p.m.

[Read more…]

Pumpkin Festival is Saturday in Grove Center

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Pumpkin Fest 2015

By Jim Widener

The 13th Annual Pumpkin Festival in the Historic Grove Center on Halloween will feature live music, family-friendly activities, and food vendors. The Pumpkin Festival is from noon until 6 p.m. Saturday, October 31, at Oak Ridge’s Historic Grove Center. The community is invited to enjoy Halloween with us!

Dress up and get in the spirit. Kids are especially encouraged to enter the costume contest. Our celebrity judges will present prizes for the best costumes. Pets and their people are encouraged to dress in outrageous, fanciful costumes and join in the fun! Pets are allowed to come in on a foot-powered float, like a wagon or decorated bicycle. And don’t forget the pumpkin chunkin’ contest! [Read more…]

Children’s Museum hosts ‘Spooktacular’ Event Oct. 30

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Children's Museum of Oak Ridge

To celebrate Halloween, the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge will host a Not-So-Scary Spooktacular Event from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, October 30.

Young visitors are invited to create their own trick-or-treat bags before visiting the exhibits. Activities are free with admission.

Among events at the museum will be: [Read more…]

Legendary vocalist Pat Boone to perform in benefit for ORHS music department

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Pat Boone

Pat Boone

Legendary vocalist Pat Boone will perform in a benefit for the Oak Ridge High School music program in Oak Ridge on Thursday.

The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, October 22, at the Oak Ridge High School Performing Arts Center.

Boone will be backed by Knoxville swing orchestra The Streamliners.

“The performance of his ‘The Music and The Memories’ show is a benefit for the Music Department at the Oak Ridge High School,” a press release said.

Tickets are $75 VIP (with artist meet and greet), $50 orchestra, $35 side aisles, and $20 upper balcony. [Read more…]

St. Mary’s Fall Festival this weekend

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The 65th Annual St. Mary’s Fall Festival is this weekend.

“The public is welcomed and wholeheartedly invited to join us,” a press release said. “We will be celebrating this tradition and community celebration the weekend of October 16-17, and we look for the turnout to be the best yet!”

The festivities begin on Friday, October 16, with the Knights of Columbus Spaghetti Dinner kicking off at 5 p.m. The dinner will be held in the family life center/Columbus Hall until 7 p.m., with “take out dinners” available.

“The most exciting part of Friday evening is the live auction that begins at 7 p.m.,” the release said. “Attendees thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to bid on those prized items! Some up for bid this year are date nights and family fun packages, artwork, vintage glass and silver serving pieces, exercise equipment including a bow flex and elliptical, living room, bedroom, dining and outdoor furniture, handmade quilts and afghans, jewelry, golf clubs, and a craftsman 42” riding mower. And this is to name just a few!” [Read more…]

Free ‘Sparky and Rhonda Rucker’ concert, Oak Ridge climate prayer vigil Sunday

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Oak Ridge Climate Prayer Vigil 2015

A first-of-its-kind climate prayer vigil in Oak Ridge on Sunday will feature a free concert and faith leaders, scientists, and citizens concerned about climate change, a press release said.

The concert at Melton Lake Park will feature Sparky and Rhonda Rucker of Maryville. Others participating in Sunday’s vigil and concert are Tennessee Interfaith Power and Light, or TIPL; Citizens Climate Coalition, or CCC; and prominent Tennessee climate organizers, faith leaders, lawmakers, environmental and municipal organizations, and concerned citizens, the press release said.

It’s the first Tennessee Interfaith Power and Light​ Climate Prayer Vigil in Oak Ridge. Sunday’s event will include statements on the urgency of climate action, music, candles, prayers by three faith leaders, a silent meditation, and a benediction.

Then, hosted by the Citizens Climate Coalition, climate organizations, scientists, and others will offer opportunities for effective action, the press release said. [Read more…]

Community Band concert on Sunday features music for adults, children

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Oak Ridge Community Band Spring Concert April 19, 2015

The Oak Ridge Community Band is directed by Dale Pendley in concert in April 2015 at the Oak Ridge High School Performing Arts Center. (Submitted photo)

 

A concert by the Oak Ridge Community Band on Sunday will feature music for adults and children.

It’s the start of the new 2015-2016 series of indoor concerts, and it will open with the Children’s Concert scheduled for Sunday afternoon, October 11. The performance will begin at 3:30 p.m at the Oak Ridge High School Performing Arts Center.

Along with the new season will come some new changes, a press release said. Tickets at the door will be only $5 per person for all adults over 18, and children through age 18 will be free.

In addition, the public will have the opportunity at the October 11 concert to purchase season member cards allowing admission to concerts held in October, November, January, February, and April for only $15 per person, which is a savings of the cost of tickets to two out of the five concerts listed above. [Read more…]

Tennessee Fall Homecoming at Museum of Appalachia this weekend

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Tennessee Fall Homecoming Leroy Troy

Photo courtesy Museum of Appalachia

NORRIS—The annual Tennessee Fall Homecoming at the Museum of Appalachia in Norris this weekend will feature more than 70 musicians, authentic mountain and pioneer demonstrations, and dozens of artisans showcasing and selling handmade goods.

It’s a beloved and historic three-day event, organizers said.

This year, the Homecoming Marketplace, where festival-goers browse heritage arts and crafts from artisans showcasing their skills on site, has been selected as a feature representation of Tennessee Craft Week. Tennessee First Lady Crissy Haslam will be making a special appearance on Friday afternoon from 2:30-4 p.m. to promote Tennessee Arts programs.

The featured music lineup for this year’s event, now in its 36th year, includes the Del McCoury Band, multiple Grammy and International Bluegrass Music Award recipient and Bluegrass Hall of Fame member; previous two-time IBMA Entertainers of the Year and Vocal Group of the Year, the Gibson Brothers; and the multiple Grammy- and Dove-nominated band, Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, also a 7-time IBMA Vocal Group of the Year and Bluegrass Hall of Fame Member. Also returning to the Tennessee Fall Homecoming this year is the legendary Larry Sparks, who was just inducted into the Bluegrass Hall of Fame at the 2015 IBMA awards. [Read more…]

Artists ‘chalk the walks’ Saturday for scholarships for Roane State students

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Blue Phantom

A sidewalk chalk painting from the 2014 Street Painting Festival. (Submitted photo)

 

The 16th annual Oak Ridge Street Painting Festival is drawing near—it will be held from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, October 3 (rain day on Sunday), at the Oak Ridge Campus, Roane State Community College.

Dozens of artists will be brushing up on their skills as they bring colorful faces and scenes to concrete sidewalk squares using free art supplies. Would-be Rembrandts will “paint” with chalk the squares that sponsors “purchase” by writing checks.

You, too, can write a check to the Roane State Foundation to fund scholarships for RSCC students. These students have been out of high school for a few years and are not eligible for Tennessee Promise scholarships.

The public is invited to this free festival organized by the Rotary Club of Oak Ridge in conjunction with Roane State. [Read more…]

AC Events: Pickin’ in the Park, Wheelers for the Wounded, David Hall Cabin open house

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Here are three events happening in Anderson County this weekend:

Pickin’ in the Park Concert—Friday, October 2, at Norris Dam State Park

Join the Friends of Norris Dam State Park for the annual Pickin’ in the Park Concert held the first Friday of October from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. This event is an evening full of bluegrass music, barbecue, local craft vendors, laughter, and fun, organizers said.

The event is located at the historic amphitheater and tearoom on the east side of Norris Dam State Park. There is no entrance fee, but donations to the Friends of Norris Dam are strongly encouraged.

If you have any questions, call the park office at (865) 426-7461.

Wheelers for the Wounded—October 3 at Windrock Park [Read more…]

ORHS Marching Band brings ‘The Music of Bond’ to winners circle at Karns, Maryville

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ORHS Wildband Brass on Sept. 26, 2015

The Oak Ridge High School WildBand performs at the Karns Marching Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015, when they won overall top scoring band. (Photo by Julio Culiat)

 

By Merny Hughey

Congratulations to the Oak Ridge High School Marching Band for winning back to back as the overall top scoring band at the Maryville and Karns Marching Invitational events this month.

Under the direction of Spence Milligan, Mike Spirko, Josh Bibbs, and Sean Greene, with music arranged by Mike Spirko, the students have brought “The Music of Bond” to the winners circle two Saturdays in a row as well as to the Wildcat football games.

From the tuxedo show shirts to our very own James Bond, the band is not only performing difficult music to the beat of our talented percussion section, but also enhancing the iconic Bond music with dance, color, and story from the Color Guard.

The WildBand won the high music score at these first two competitions as well as top scores for Drum Major, Percussion, and Color Guard against other very talented bands that have more practice time due to scheduling. [Read more…]