On Friday, July 16, at the invitation of Volunteer Ministry Center, Knoxville Opera will be performing a concert of Broadway, Disney, Opera, and songs for people gathered under I-40 at North Broadway. The concert will feature soprano Jacqueline Brecheen and mezzosoprano Aubrey Odle, accompanied by Knoxville Opera Artistic Director Brian Salesky. Every year Knoxville Opera provides Community Engagement Concerts like these at venues such as Knoxville Area Rescue Ministries, Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCA programs, Cancer Support Community and churches. Performance begins at 10:30 a.m.
July 15 – August 1
Flying Anvil Theatre: Venus in Fur with shows running Thurs. – Sat. at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Venus in Fur opens with a cynical playwright lamenting the lack of talent in the actors he has auditioned for his new play based on a 19th century novel. When ditzy Vanda arrives two hours late, sparks and punch lines fly. But underneath the humor, something wicked and dangerous bubbles to the surface, building to a punch-in-the-gut ending you’ll never see coming.
Flying Anvil Theatre, locally known for newer, provocative productions, is currently selling season passes and single tickets for their upcoming season which features five mainstage shows and a special performance by comedian/singer Minton Sparks. Venus will open with a ‘pay-what-you-want’ preview on July 15. Tickets are $25 for adults and $13 for students. For mature audiences. For more info or to purchase tickets go here or call 865-357-1309. Tickets are also available at the door.
Saturday July 17
Block Party & Information Session for Stadium from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the City-owned parking lot, 400 E. Jackson Ave. (corner of Jackson and Patton Street), beneath the James White Parkway overpass Join the Block Party downtown, near the site of a proposed multi-use stadium, to learn more about this community-building project. Partners, stakeholders and designers will have information on hand to describe the proposed concepts of the multi-use stadium. Talk one-on-one with project planners, representatives of the Tennessee Smokies, their multi-use development partner, Knox Pro Soccer, and community partners like the Knoxville Area Urban League.
Historic Ramsey House: Tennessee Vintage Base Ball game at 11 a.m. The Tennessee Association of Vintage Base Ball plays the game by 1864 rules, wears period uniforms, and represents actual baseball teams that existed in 1864. There are some new aspects of this free event this year at Ramsey House. Food trucks will now be providing refreshments at each game, and kids can now participate in a themed craft and game area. The 15% of the proceeds from the food truck sales help continue to bring this great educational event to the community. Please support these local food vendors throughout the season. Please bring a lawn chair, an umbrella for shade, and leave the coolers at home.
Knoxville Botanical Garden: Grooves in the Garden from 5 – 10 p.m. Tickets are $30 – $40. Join hosts UUNIK Academy & Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity – Knoxville Alumni Chapter for live music featuring Brian Clay & Friends. They will keep you grooving to all the hits! It’s a grown folks outdoor party. Food trucks, cash bar and vendors will be available. Bring a lawn chair and partner to have a good time. For more info or to purchase tickets go here.
For info on other local events, contact the Arts & Culture Alliance.