Traditions are returning to the valley this weekend, it seems. The dogwood trees are the first signaler of this, joined in part by their festival namesake, and then followed by numerous returns of staples of art and culture throughout town. They seem to be coming back to beckon in a new season, hoping that patrons will follow the call.
The Outsiders – Tennessee Theater (April 22-26, multiple showtimes) S.E. Hinton’s classic young adult drama is being adapted to the stage, with this Tony Award-winning production coming to Knoxville in fine form. Come to see the page pop out and come to life as two dueling groups of teenagers duke it out and learn about the world just as much as each other.
Movie Night at the Museum – McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture (April 23, 6 & 8:30 p.m.) Movie nights at the museum might be back by popular demand, but they’re running in congruence with new exhibits that play off the themes of these selections. With a screening of Mamma Mia!, patrons can gear up for the new exhibit titled Fashioning Ourselves: The Power of Clothing and Adornment by coming in their best vintage clothing to match the energy of those on screen personalities. Tickets are free for museum members and $50 for non-members.
A Glezele Tey – Laurel Theater (April 23, 7 – 9 p.m.) The trio of Ariel Shapiro, Rachel Leader, and Richie Barshay is delving into their roots with this collection of traditional Yiddish music from Eastern Europe. The hope is that this deeply historical set of pieces can inspire a more forward-thinking way of consuming the art and learning how to apply old ideas to modern contexts, both musically and thematically. Tickets will start at $20.
Images of Knoxville – Central Bearden Church (April 24, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.) 75 years into their tenure across town, the Knoxville Choral Society is continuing to amaze audiences and engulf rooms with their all-encompassing performances. As they celebrate this new milestone, they’ll be challenging themselves as they delight audiences with renditions of Handel, Mozart and more. Tickets are $15 with students in high school and below getting free admission.
Dogwood Arts Festival – World’s Fair Park (April 24 – 26, multiple times). Another anniversary celebration for a Knoxville tradition, the Dogwood Arts Festival is now in its 65th year and continues to showcase better and brighter creators with every turn. World’s Fair Park will continue its nationally renowned circuit with vendors, live music, local food, and celebration on every corner. Admission, as always, is completely free.
Independent Bookstore Day – The Bottom (April 25, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.) One of Knoxville’s favorite independent bookstores is celebrating their status with some special programming, scavenger hunts and the chance to win some free volumes and audiobooks for a few lucky readers and patrons. This all day event will highlight the store by partnering with publishers who are able to split profits and keep these institutions alive and thriving.
Moving Day – Knoxville Christian School (April 25, 9 a.m.) Presented by the Parkinson’s Foundation, this walk-a-thon style event helps raise money for victims of one of the most common disorders affecting Americans every day. Either individually or with a team, you can blaze your own trail on the path for treatments and solutions for this disease.
Yoga at the Garden – Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum (April 26, 1 p.m.) To work off the weekend calories or spirits, the Knoxville Botanical Garden is hosting this sunlight-based recovery program that prioritizes physical and mental health. Led by instructor Simon Bradbury, you’ll get a glimpse at one of the most popular exercise movements worldwide. In the event of unfavorable weather, class will be held in the Garden Club Room.
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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