For Knoxville, the second weekend in April is a runner’s holiday. For everyone else, it just means more springtime programming and a chance to observe the athletes with a glass of something good in their hand. The city is buzzing this weekend, and it’s more than the stomp of sneakers on World’s Fair Park. Music, theater, and the visual arts are all getting their moment in the sun this weekend.
Dusk in the Dogwoods: A Garden Parlor Party – Mabry-Hazen House and Bethel Cemetery (April 9, 6 – 9 p.m.) The annual fundraiser and spring season opener at Mabry-Hazen House is back with a garden party in the spring sunshine. This year, the theme is the roaring 20’s, where flappers and wide-legged pants bounce around the grounds with drinks flowing and live music to set the mood. A silent auction will also take place during event hours, as well as a costume contest with multiple categories. General admission is $125.
HARDY – Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center (April 9, 7 – 9 p.m.) Michael Wilson Hardy got his start in Nashville rubbing shoulders with Nickleback’s co-writers before quickly moving on to pen some of Morgan Wallen’s first breakaway hits like “Up Down” and “More Than My Hometown.” His affinity for both thrash-inducing rockers and quick-witted country bangers has morphed into a solo career that is totally singular and has to be seen in order to be believed. His propensity for flare will no doubt be on display in Knoxville on Thursday night.
Cocktail Competition – Maple Hall (April 10, 6 p.m.) If you consider yourself a mixologist, or maybe just an aspiring critic of the spirits, then Maple Hall may be the perfect Friday night appetizer to those dinner plans. With a ticket, you get samples of six unique cocktails to sip and judge throughout the evening, accompanied by light snacks to cleanse the palette in between each round. Ticket prices start at around $35 per person.
The Royale – Clarence Brown Theater (April 10 – 17, multiple showtimes) Jay “The Sport” Jackson has always dreamed of being boxing’s world heavyweight champion. But in 1905, at the height of segregation, his goals constantly feel frustratingly out of reach. When a sleazy promoter approaches Johnson about a way to make his aspirations real, his moral compass starts to go haywire. This drama, inspired by the life of Jack Johnson, analyzes the psyche of one of history’s toughest fighters, and the conflict of a lifetime that happened outside the ring.
Ali Siddiq – Bijou Theater (April 11, 4 p.m.) Houston native Ali Siddiq can find humor in even the darkest of places. To prove it, he pulls a lot of his material from his time in a penitentiary, where he stored stories that would see a life in front of bars and on the stage years after his sentence. His new tour, The Custom Fit, sees Siddiq debuting all new material from his wild life experience, narrativized to a point that you forget you’re at a comedy show until the punchline boomerangs back in your face after a few minutes of storytelling.
Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon – World’s Fair Park (April 11 – 12, multiple times) Runners city wide will gather downtown all weekend, anticipating the starting gun for Knoxville’s annual and highly anticipated marathon and associated events. Aside from a straight 26 mile run, the grounds of World’s Fair will also be the starting block for four person relays, half marathons, a 5K and more. All experience levels are welcome!
Mindful Line Art – Appalachian Art and Craft Center (April 12, 1:30 – 4 p.m.) Instead of sketching out what next week will look like, the Appalachian Art Center is putting pen to paper in a much more present sense. At their art class this Sunday, guests can decompress with some soothing line fixtures to take your mind off of whatever stress awaits on Monday. With a class tailored for beginners, artists can learn how to make the most of whatever imperfections make their way to the page.
Blues Cruise – Star of Knoxville Riverboat (April 12, 4 – 7 p.m.) The Nick Moss Band featuring Jason Ricci is looking to take some smooth sailors on a guitar-lick filled voyage this Sunday evening, with a lap down the Tennessee River soundtracked by an electric blues extravaganza. This is one of the most popular events that the Tennessee Riverboat offers, and sure to have passengers swaying in the wind.
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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