Your weekly guide to East Tennessee arts, music, theater, and entertainment.

Arts & Culture Alliance for September 3 – September 9

On Stage

  • Dial M for Murder – Clarence Brown Theatre, through Sept. 20. Jeffrey Hatcher’s adaptation of Frederick Knott’s classic murder mystery contains mature themes and runs about 2 hours, 15 minutes, including intermission.
  • Moon Over Buffalo – Tellico Community Playhouse, Sept. 3-20. Ken Ludwig’s backstage comedy follows two fading actors as they chase one last chance at stardom.
  • The Iliad, The Odyssey, and All of Greek Mythology in 99 Minutes or Less – Theatre Knoxville Downtown, Sept. 4-20. The fast-paced comedy condenses the legends of ancient Greece into one whirlwind performance.
  • The Dining Room – Oak Ridge Playhouse, through Sept. 6. The production explores American family life through a series of scenes centered on one dining room.

Live Music

  • Knoxville Symphony in the Garden – Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum, Sept. 3. The outdoor program pairs symphonic music with the garden setting.
  • The Local Honeys – Laurel Theater, Sept. 4. Jubilee Community Arts presents the Kentucky duo’s Appalachian-rooted songs and harmonies.
  • Chatham Rabbits – Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center amphitheater, Sept. 4. The North Carolina husband-and-wife duo brings its modern take on old-time music to Townsend.
  • Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands – Laurel Theater, 8 p.m. Sept. 6. Jubilee Community Arts presents the Grammy-winning bluegrass singer, songwriter and fiddler with her band.
  • Mighty Musical Monday – Tennessee Theatre, Sept. 7. The free monthly program showcases the historic Mighty Wurlitzer organ.
  • Summer Vibes with the Knox Jazz Orchestra – Bistro at the Bijou, Sept. 9. The weekly series brings live jazz to the downtown restaurant.

Arts & Exhibits

  • Collected Exposure: A Gathering of Creative Perspectives – Emporium Center, Sept. 4-25. The juried Professional Photographers of East Tennessee exhibition features up to 50 works. It opens during First Friday on Sept. 4, with an awards presentation at 5 p.m. Admission is free, and many works will be available for purchase.
  • Fair Portions II by Robert Grassel and A Slight Tilt on its Axis by Douglas Molinas Lawrence – Emporium Center, opening Sept. 4 and on view through Sept. 25.
  • Art, Movement, and Disability: Transcending the Beauty Paradigm – UT Downtown Gallery, opening Sept. 4.
  • Keeping Trees by Ashton Ludden – Dogwood Arts, opening Sept. 4. The exhibition centers on trees and the natural environment.
  • Birds of Prey Art Show and Owl Ridge Raptor Center Benefit – Bennett Galleries, opening Sept. 4 and on view through Sept. 26.
  • Labor Day Sunflower Celebration – Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum, Sept. 7. The seasonal event celebrates the garden’s sunflower display.

Family Fun

  • Ijams After Dark: All About Bats – Ijams Nature Center, Sept. 3. The evening nature program explores the bats that live and feed after sunset.
  • Movies Under the Stars: All Dogs Go to Heaven – Ijams Nature Center, Sept. 4. Bring lawn chairs or blankets for the outdoor family movie.
  • Movies at the Museum: The Goonies – Mabry-Hazen House, Sept. 4. The 1985 adventure comedy is featured in the historic site’s outdoor film series.
  • Dolly Parton Parade – City County Building to Market Square, Sept. 4. Cattywampus Puppet Council leads the First Friday procession through downtown Knoxville.
  • Museum Sprouts: Caravan of Camels – McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture, Sept. 8. The museum program introduces young children to objects, stories and hands-on activities.
  • Movie on the Lawn: National Treasure – Kerns Food Hall, Sept. 9. The family adventure film will be shown outdoors.

History & Community

  • Tennessee Theatre Tour with Jack Neely – presented by the Knoxville History Project, Sept. 3. The tour explores the landmark theater and its place in downtown Knoxville history.
  • First Friday Poetry Night – Union Ave Books, Sept. 4. The downtown bookstore hosts an evening devoted to poetry and community.
  • History Happy Hour with Dr. Warren Dockter – Maple Hall, Sept. 9. The informal program brings local history conversation to the downtown venue.

Looking Ahead

  • The Last Five Years – River & Rail Theatre at the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum, Sept. 10-27.
  • Jake Blount Band – Laurel Theater, 8 p.m. Sept. 11, presented by Jubilee Community Arts.
  • The Fab Four: The Ultimate Tribute – Bijou Theatre, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 11. The Beatles tribute returns with a show featuring music from Help! and hits from across the band’s career.
  • Tennessee Valley Fair – Chilhowee Park and Exposition Center, Sept. 11-20.
  • Ten Year Town film screening and live performance – Bijou Theatre, Sept. 17. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; the program begins at 6 p.m. The A Step Ahead Foundation of East Tennessee fundraiser includes the documentary and performances by singer-songwriters Erin Enderlin and Chris Canterbury.

⭐ This Week’s ArtBeat Picks

  • Best Date Night: Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands at the Laurel Theater
  • Best Free Event: First Friday exhibition openings
  • Best Family Event: Movies at the Museum: The Goonies
  • Hidden Gem: Collected Exposure at the Emporium Center

Know of an upcoming concert, play, festival, exhibit or arts event? Send information to news@knoxtntoday.com for consideration in an upcoming ArtBeat.

Follow KnoxTNToday on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn. Get all KnoxTNToday articles in one place with our free newsletter. Comments may be sent to news@knoxtntoday.com.