Summer is coming to an end and Knoxville is starting to spring back into action. With events from local radio, historical sites and some celebrations of local heritage, the staples of the city are returning in full force this weekend. Whether you’re shaking off the work week or trying to learn something new, there’s a little something for everybody over the next few days.
Miss Tess – WDVX (August 7, 6-7 p.m.) WDVX’s First Friday returns with Miss Tess, who’s somewhat of a self-proclaimed old soul looking to draw inspiration from southern music’s golden era. Sitting in a stew of country, blues and the mountain music that shaped the region, she continues to define the cutting edge while still working hard to preserve the music that continues to soundtrack a long, hard history.
& Juliet – Tennessee Theater (August 7, 8 p.m. & August 8, 2 p.m.) What if Juliet got a new lease on life and a chance to live how she wanted after the curtains to the original “Romeo & Juliet” closed? This Broadway musical imagines an extended version of the classic love story, one where its female protagonist gets a second chance with the help of some modern pop ballads sprinkled throughout the soundtrack.
Dogwood Regional Exhibition – Dogwood Arts (9 a.m. – 5 p.m.) Dogwood Arts is continuing to highlight creators from across the region with their regional exhibition, a month-long display of the works of local artists from across the area. Dozens of pieces highlighting the cultural significance and creative singularities of the Southeast’s most creative minds will be ready for consumption for the 18th year in a row.
Market Square Farmer’s Market – Market Square (August 8, 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.
Irish Fest on the Hill – Immaculate Conception Church (August 8, 4 – 10 p.m.) Knoxville’s Irish heritage is on full display this weekend at one of the city’s most ornate and historically important cathedrals. Soundtracked by music from groups like Red-Haired Mary and Knoxville Pipe & Drums, a Gaelic games demonstration will take place when the festival is in full force. Tickets for this event are $15 for adults, with kids 12 and under getting in free.
SlimFest – Cotton Eyed Joe (August 8, 5 – 11 p.m.) Benefitting Legends of Tennessee, The Cotton Eyed Joe will play host to this year’s SlimFest, a live music bonanza geared toward a more mature crowd. Tickets start at $50, with VIP tables also available for purchase.
Blues Cruise – Star of Knoxville Riverboat (August 8, 4 – 7 p.m.) A Sunday wind down can always include some live music. The Star of Knoxville Riverboat will set sail for a few hours of jams and relaxation, as the sound of the blues floats down the river and eases those Sunday scaries. Tickets are $35 for non-members, and $30 for members.
…And Then I Became Free – Mabry-Hazen House (August 8, all day) The tour of Mabry-Hazen House is being seen from a different perspective Saturday. In celebration of Emancipation Day, the historical site will focus its exhibits on the African-American individuals who helped shape the home, and how crucial their story is to seeing the full picture. Admission for these tours is completely free.
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?
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