Maybe your mom is a bit of an Anglophile in need of a classic stage production. Maybe she’s always been a jamhead and wants to revisit those sounds from her youth with a band that soundtracked it. Or maybe she’s the crafty type, and looking for a way to commemorate the memories of parenthood with a knick-knack that can hang up in the living room. Whatever kind of mom you have, Knoxville probably has a way to show her your appreciation this weekend.
The Great Divorce Staged Reading – Erin Presbyterian Church (May 7, 7 p.m.) C.S. Lewis remains one of the most prominent Christian writers of all time, and it’s a testament to his timelessness that his works are continually revisited. In “The Great Divorce,” audiences will follow a writer traversing through heaven and hell in a conflict with desire and human nature. Nuanced and never dated, this production will hold as much weight today as it did when it was initially written.
moe. – The Mill & Mine (May 7, 8 p.m.) Jam bands are in the middle of a renaissance period, so it’s only fitting that one of their longest mainstays keeps the party going and gets a little bit of love themselves. Hailing from Buffalo, New York, moe. has been warping minds and stretching the form of rock and roll for decades, and they’re eager to show audiences new and old that they’ve still got it.
A Wildflower Affair – Ijams Nature Center (May 8, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.) As a part of the Wildflower Affair fundraiser at Ijams, the facility is playing host to some spoken word from notable local writers. Headlined by Linda Parsons, Knoxville’s poet laureate, guests are invited to glide through stanzas amidst East Tennessee’s gleaming jewel of an environment. A light luncheon will follow the reading!
Henry IV, Part 1 – Mabry-Hazen House (May 7 – 10, 7:30 p.m.) As a part of the continuing circuit of intimate theater, the Mabry-Hazen House is putting on part one of a production of Henry IV. The quaint, historical venue will transport you back to 15th-century England to follow the next in line to an empire and meet the obstacles in his path as his claim is challenged at every turn. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs for seating.
Knoxville Flea Market – Knoxville Expo Center (May 8 – 10, 2 – 4 p.m.) One of Knoxville’s most extensive and comprehensive markets is making its return! Get some shopping done with items like clothes and household goods available, as well as surplus items, cosmetic merchandise, and other perishable items perfect for those summer barbecues. With over 275 vendors and over 20 years of occupation, it’s difficult to leave the market empty-handed.
Everlasting Floral Hoops – Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum (May 9, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) There’s plenty of creative outlets for arts and crafts around town, though this Knoxville Botanical Garden may win this week’s most unique experience in the medium. The venue will have dried flowers on hand to craft handmade floral hoops. These decorations can make a heartfelt mother’s day gift, or just spruce up a living room. Individual registrants will take home 2 hoops for $50, and pairs will take home one for $50.
Vestival – Sustainable Future Center (May 9, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.) Every Saturday before Mother’s Day, South Knoxville plays host to one of the town’s most intimate, sunlit festivals. The annual ‘Vestival’ returns this week with live music, food and drink and games all centered around one of Knoxville’s most vibrant and culture-rich neighborhoods. Admission is completely free.
Jazz at Ijams – Ijams Nature Center (May 10, 4:30 p.m.) It is officially outdoor concert season, and Ijams is tossing the throw blankets and putting those dancing shoes on for their Mother’s Day jazz festival. Soundtracked by the Jesse Eads Quartet and SWINGBOOTY while swing dancers, fresh food and other amenities populate the grounds. This event is completely free, and does not permit outside alcohol as there is beer available for purchase on site.
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.
Follow KnoxTNToday on Facebook and Instagram. Get all KnoxTNToday articles in one place with our Free Newsletter.
