The thick of the summer heat has set in, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that everyone is huddled by the air conditioner indoors this weekend. Fruit stands are still going up downtown, parks are still populated with festivals and barrooms and concert halls are still booming with the sound of live music. Pull up a lawn chair or a barstool, because there’s plenty of venues celebrating nothing else but a few days off.
Paul Thorn – Bijou Theater (June 11, 8 p.m.) The best writers seem to know that less is more. It’s a philosophy that’s carried country and blues songmaker Paul Thorn through the many decades of his career, where short and sweet proverbs have transformed into entire schools of thought under the guise of a few chords. There’s a reason that folk music resonates so deeply with so many, and Thorn is just one artist carrying the torch for simplicity that can transform into something far deeper.
Bones in the Museum – Preservation Pub (June 12, 8 – 9:30 p.m.) The live music weekend circuit is getting an early start with Bones in the Museum, a fan-favorite collective of indie rock classics, with some album cuts for the crate-diggers peppered around the edges of their set. The heart of Knoxville’s downtown is getting its pulse up early this week with a familiar feeling shot in the arm.
Summer Book Fest – Crafty Bastard Brewery (June 12 – 13, multiple times) Beer and books seem to be mixing well in Knoxville this weekend, with several of our favorite brew hubs propping up some display shelves and inviting writers and readers to indulge in both literary and spirit-based relaxation. Over 100 local authors and businesses will be on display to learn a little more about our local prose makers.
Market Square Farmer’s Market – Market Square (June 13, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.) Stock the fridge with summer favorites with the help of the good folks at the Market Square Farmers Market. Everything here is grown within a 150-mile radius of Knoxville, ranging from fruits and veggies to coffee and artisan crafts with everything in between. The Market is still every Saturday in the square until November.
Dog Prom – The Bark (June 13, 4 – 7 p.m.) Even the furry friends need a big dance. Dress up your dog and bring their date to a social hour on four legs where there’s even a prom king and queen crowned at the end of the evening. Guests can stop by anytime within the event window, with winners announced at 7 p.m.
Cowboy Junkies – Bijou Theater (June 13, 7 p.m.) Country music’s most consistent group is celebrating 40 years of nonstop touring, writing and recording with a pit stop at East Tennessee’s most spiritual music venue. The group fits the bill, with their mix of America’s most get-grabbing genres swimming in a sea of sonics that melts speakers with one note.
Red, White & Bluegrass – Mayor Ralph McGill Plaza (June 13, 6 – 9 p.m.) Farragut’s annual bluegrass bash is now doubling as an early birthday celebration for the country the genre has found a home in over the past hundred years. Finger-picking and washboard beating can be heard throughout the park as you peruse a variety of food options and good company.
Knoxville Water Lantern Festival – Chilhowee Lake (June 13, 6 – 10 p.m.) In hundreds of cities across the world, community members are gathering to light up the water as memorable as it is decorative. Guests can personalize paper lanterns with their own decoration and messaging, making it fit to send out at sunset. Live music, food and other activities will be available at the event.
Adam Delahoussaye is a freelance writer for KnoxTNToday who loves telling stories about music, arts, and culture in and around his hometown. Have a story for Adam? He can be reached at delahoussaye1267@gmail.com or by text at 865-919-5059 with your story idea.
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