May 14, 2013

Page 2, The Loafer • May 14, 2013

www.theloaferonline.com May 14, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 3

Volume 27

Issue #23

!"#$%&'()*+*,%$$*-%$$%./&*0*12%34)*+*5')%&36*7(.8'*0*9:;8(*<.=.>()*+*7"8%*?.3(Cover Design - Bill May • Graphic Arts Director - Don Sprinkle • Photography - Mark Marquette

Advertising - Dave Carter, Akey Kincaid, Lisa Lyons, Tabitha Lambert, Terry Patterson

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The Town of Abingdon has created a Thursday Jams concert series for the summer as part of the Abingdon Music Experience. Starting May 16th until September 19th, there will be nationally recognized bands showcased at the Abingdon Market Pavilion each Thursday. The concerts will start at 6:30pm and are FREE to the public. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. There will be food and beverage vendors serving BBQ, Hamburgers and Pizza. No coolers are allowed. The events will be held rain or shine.

Schedule of Bands 5/16 Big Sandy and his Fly‐Rites5/23 Firecracker Jazz Band5/30 Hit and Run Bluegrass w/ Brothers Comatose6/6 JD McPherson6/13 Chatham County Line6/20 The Broadcast6/27 Terrence Simien and the Zydeco Experience7/11 Pokey Lafarge7/18 The Iguanas7/25 American Aquarium 8/15 Chuck Prophet8/22 Rosie Flores8/29 Jason D. Williams9/5 Ryan Shupe and the Rubber Band9/12 New Country Rehab9/19 Chuck Mead and his Grassy Knoll Boys Promotions for these events

!"#$ %"&'()*$ *&$ '+$ %,$ -&.#/0"#$Brands.For more information on

the concerts, you can call 276‐676‐2282 or visit www.abingdonmusicexperience.com.

Thank you to our Sponsors!Walling Distributing Company,

BVU Authority, Capo’s Music

Store, Charter Media, Comfort

Inn of Abingdon, Eastman Credit

Union, Johnston Memorial

Hospital, Steel Fab, Thompson

and Litton and Virginia Tourism

Corporation

Big Sandy and his FlyRite Boys perform Thursday, May 16th. !"#$% #$% &"'% (#)$&% *+% ,-%shows that make up the Thursday Night Jams in Abingdon series.

Since forming in 1988, Big Sandy & his Fly‐Rite Boys have emerged as one of the world's most respected practitioners of American roots music—western swing, rockabilly, and traditional country—playing it like they invented it. "I think of us as just a rock and roll band—a rock and roll band that's letting the roots show," says bandleader Big Sandy. Whether they're playing the Grand Ole Opry, Late Night With Conan O'Brien, or simply climbing out of a bus after rolling into your town, these guys are bringing us some great old‐time rock and roll.1)#$/0"+*$2,"03$&.$*)#0"$.#4#+*$

Yep Roc Records release, Turntable Matinee, commands us to "Drop the needle in the groove and start to move!" That opening track—"The Power of the 45, Part 1"—is a dance call to arms as well as a love song to the group's musical 0./2'#.3#+5$ -0($ 6!.7,$ +0.(+$ !$rapid roll call of diverse musical heroes: Junior Parker, Ronnie Dawson, Little Esther, Chuck Berry, Glen Glenn, Etta James, Johnny "Guitar" Watson. The list goes on, showing the respect the group has for the music they

We Be “Jammin” In Abingdon On Thursdays

Continued on page 5


both listen to and create. "I think with this album we've gotten to the point where we fully and more accurately represent the full spectrum of what we were listening to when all of us were growing up," Big Sandy says. "I mean, when I was growing up in Southern California, a lot of the old R&B guys were still playing. 1)#$ /0"+*$ +)&4$8,$9!"#.*+$ *&&:$me to was Ray Charles. I used to (&$+##$;03)!"7$-#"",<$!.7$=20>/0#$Stone still did a weekly talent show at the Palomino."The town of Abingdon, Va

and Bone Fire Brands are proud to bring Big Sandy and His Fly‐Rite Boys to the Farmer’s Market Pavillion.This spectrum of early

0./2'#.3#$ 0+$ 32#!"2,$ &.$ 70+92!,$on Turntable Matinee, from the western swing of "(Yes) I Feel Sorry For You" to the old‐time country of "Lonesome Dollar" and the spit‐curl rockabilly of "The Power of the 45." This time around, though, the group has expanded their stylistic palette even further by delving into Stax‐style Memphis soul on "Slipping Away" and even bossa nova on "Spanish Dagger," of which Big Sandy says, "It's another example of how I wanted to open up to

different styles."In a voice reminiscent of

Buddy Holly—sweet and smooth and sincere— Big Sandy delivers songs that double as musical short stories. "Haunted Heels," for example, tells the rockabilly tale of a woman who, whenever she dons a certain pair of black pumps, loses all control and stays out till the wee hours.The band was formed in

Anaheim in during the California roots revival of the late eighties, !.7$ !*$ /0"+*$ 4#"#$ &.2,$ !$ *"0&5$That initial incarnation included Trimble on the drums and (#.#"!*#7$ *)#$ ("&'9?+$ /0"+*$ *4&$albums (1990's Fly Right With and 1992's On The Go), but the addition of Jeffriess in 1991 led to the shift from trio to Big Sandy & His Fly‐Rite Boys. After a decade, Jeffriess took some time off to be with his family, but has now returned to the fold. His replacement for the past few years, the wonderful Jimmy Roy, is now spending time with his own family, but shared steel guitar duties with Jeffriess on Turntable Matinee. After spending so many years together, one might think the Fly‐Rite Boys would be sick of each other, but Big Sandy says, "No no no. [When we're home] I still see those guys around town."

Big Sandy and His Fly‐Rite Boys are almost always on the road, enough to burn through two tour buses in recent years. The /0"+*$4!+$ !$ 3&.@#"*#7$ 9!++#.(#"$bus from 1949 that they retired for use on an old movie set, followed only a few years later by a yellow 1950 school bus that they left for dead in Montana. AB#?"#$/2,0.($8&"#$.&4<A$+!,+$-0($Sandy. But before the school bus died, Big Sandy tells the story of driving it to one particular thrift store: "There was a kid out in front, and he was just like in awe when we pulled up. He looked a little bit confused, and then we come walking up, and he wasn't sure if he should approach us or not. Then he asked us, 'Are you guys from the past?'" Big Sandy laughs. "As if we were traveling in a time machine or something."The group ascribes to a vintage

aesthetic not only in vehicles, but also in gear ‐‐ from Kingman's 1957 custom Magnatone guitar to Jeff West's stand up bass and Trimble's vintage kit, these guys play instruments that were used when this style of music was just coming into existence.For many acts playing music

of this era, there is a tendency to look no further than the novelty of the style. Big Sandy & His Fly‐Rite Boys, however, have continued to transcend their genre the same way all iconic artists do—by creating music so good, songs that are so well‐written, that the genre is simply a launching pad for the integrity of the art. This music is timeless. "Well, it's become that," Big Sandy said. "Once we got comfortable with the style of music we were playing, we made it our own."Turntable Matinee closes with

a reprise of "The Power of the 45," in which Big Sandy sings, "Feel that rhythm in your soul, taking control. That's what keeps me alive, that's the power of the 45." Big Sandy isn't speaking just for himself; as you listen to him sing about his own love of the music, you can't help but fall in love with Big Sandy & His Fly‐Rite Boys too.Shows start at 6:30pm.

For more information and the complete Thursday Jams schedule, visit abingdonmusicexperience.com

Continued from page 4


The Walker Center, on the campus of Wilkes Community College, will present “Ricky Nelson Remembered” on May 17 at 8 p.m. This season‐ending show is a unique multimedia entertainment event featuring the live music of Ricky Nelson’s hit songs, performed by Ricky’s own twin sons Matthew and Gunnar. The show includes never‐before‐seen big screen video footage of the Nelson family with interviews from 3#2#%"0*0#+$ 0./2'#.3#7$ %,$ ;03:,$Nelson. Matthew and Gunnar Nelson

are the identical twin sons of

Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famer Ricky Nelson and the grandsons of ‘50s TV icons Ozzie & Harriet Nelson. With their rock band Nelson, C!**)#4$ !.7$ D'..!"$ )!@#$ /0@#$Top 40 Billboard hits, four #1 MTV videos and have sold over 6.5 million albums worldwide!This performance, sponsored

by Wells Fargo, appeals to a wide audience and multiple generations and celebrates the life of America’s original “Teen Idol.” Twenty‐seven years have passed since Nelson died in a tragic New Year’s Eve plane crash, but his memory lives on through his sons as they present “Ricky Nelson Remembered.”Audience members at this, the

/0.!2$9#">&"8!.3#$&>$1)#$B!2:#"$Center’s 2012‐2013 Season, will be given an exclusive preview of what The Walker Center has in store for next season! The Walker Center will begin season ticket renewals at the May 17 performance of “Ricky Nelson Remembered” for those in the audience who wish to renew.For more information, or to

purchase tickets, contact the B!2:#"$=#.*#"$-&E$F>/03#$!*$GGHIJGJIHKHL$ &"$ 4!2:#"5%&E&>/03#Mwilkescc.edu.

Ricky Nelson RememberedThe Walker

CenterMay 17th, 8pm


Tennessee is the new release from critically acclaimed singer‐songwriter, David Newbould. David’s music has been featured 0.$ NL$ 1O$ +)&4+PQOQR+P/028+<$including “Criminal Minds”, “Joan Of Acadia”, and “Harper’s Island.” This is the Nashville based artist’s sixth overall release, following 3 EP’s, a full length CD, and 2009’s CD/DVD package, The Long Way Home: David Newbould And Friends ‐ Live From Austin, TX. The music of Tennessee marks a new chapter for him.With roots originally in

Canada, David has called both Austin TX and New York City his home, prior to his 2009 relocation to Nashville. In Nashville, he has found himself "#/2#3*0.($8&"#<$!.7$)&.0.($)0+$various crafts – songwriting, performing, leading a band – to exceptional new levels. The

reasons? “The best musicians and songwriters in the world are here. People come here for one reason – to be the best, amongst the best. How do you not move forward?” Nashville has shown itself to be both peaceful and >'22$ &>$ 3&./07#.3#5$ S1)#"#$ !"#$hungry kids here with the right haircuts, trying to follow the trends...I’m just a student of the older principles: making the best music you can make, and going where that ends up taking you.” An artist who has persevered for a number of years, and earned a growing and devoted international fanbase, he offers a simple explanation as to what keeps him going: “There’s nothing else I know how to do.”Tennessee features him doing

exactly what he knows how to do – showcasing his impeccable songs, which already sound like classics. Take “Always Coming

Home”, written and sung with Rose Falcon. “My girlfriend, who is now my wife, moved with me from Texas. Two weeks later I was leaving on tour for 5 months. I needed to write this song to reassure her, ‘Babe, I’m always coming back.’” Dan Dugmore (James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt) shows up to play pedal steel on a number of songs, including the 3&'.*"0/0#7<$ SQ">*0.($ B!,4!"7T<$and the lonely, hard driving, “It Can Always Be Worse”. A duet with Kalisa Ewing, “You’re With Me”, speaks to the importance of perseverance, and features the buzzsaw like guitar work of Dan Baird (one of two songs featuring the Georgia Satellites’ frontman). “All I know is that this work is a long haul. I’ve been running towards this place and these songs for a long time. I’m glad we all found each other.” Regarding )0+$3'""#.*$)&8#<$!.7$)&4$0*$/0*+$in with this outlook? “We love it in Tennessee. We’re not going anywhere.”David and his band will

tour nationally and regionally throughout 2013, to promote Tennessee.

David NewbouldAcoustic Coffeehouse

May 16th, 8pm


Five of Nashville’s leading songwriters and up‐and‐coming talents from throughout the region will gather on the campus of Virginia Highlands Community College on Saturday, May 18, for the Richard Leigh Music Festival, a day‐long celebration of song to %#.#/0*$>&+*#"$3!"#$+*'7#.*+5Grammy Award Winner

Richard Leigh will headline a 6 p.m. performance also featuring Tony Arata, Mark D. Sanders, Dennis Morgan, and Roger =&&:5$ 1)#+#$ /0@#$ 8#8%#"+$ &>$the Nashville Songwriters’ Hall of Fame ‐ who have written songs for country music greats like Garth Brooks, Trace Adkins, Reba McEntire, George Strait, Faith Hill, and Randy Travis ‐ will perform their well‐known hits and share the stories behind the songs. Ed Snodderly, a local songwriter whose lyrics are inscribed on the wall of Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame, also will perform and emcee the show.Other festival highlights

include a 5K Walk sponsored by DePaul Community Resources, a songwriting contest, and music throughout the day from local songwriters Gill Brasswell, Mary Munsey, Impeach Dixon, and Annabelle’s Curse. The festival will end with a 9 p.m. concert featuring local favorites If Birds Could Fly and Folk Soul Revival. The festival honors the work

of Richard Leigh, a 1973 VHCC graduate who wrote “Don’t it Make My Brown Eyes Blue,” the Crystal Gayle hit that was named “Best Country Song” at the 1978 Grammy Awards and one of the ten most performed Country Songs of the Century at the 1999 ASCAP Awards. Over the course of his career, Richard has been honored with numerous awards from the Country Music Association, the Academy of Country Music and the Nashville Songwriters Association International, and written dozens of chart‐topping hits. He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1994 and was named to the Outstanding Alumni Hall of Fame by the American Association of Community Colleges in 2011.Richard enthusiastically

agreed to return to the VHCC campus, rally his friends, and lend his name to the upcoming festival that will celebrate the

!"*$ &>$ +&.(4"0*0.($ !.7$ %#.#/0*$VHCC’s Great Expectations Program for foster care students. Because Richard lost his parents at a young age and was later adopted, the cause is one close to his heart.“I am pleased to have been

asked to partner with the VCCS’ Great Expectations Program designed to assist former foster care students like myself pursue their college dreams,’’ he said. “Music and college changed my life 40‐some years ago. It’s my hope that the songwriters festival will help do it all over again for others.”VHCC launched its Great

Expectations Program in 2008 with support from a community donor, and the program has since grown to several other community colleges across the Commonwealth. Through this program, foster care students receive the support they need to complete high school, enroll at a community college, and transition successfully from the foster care system to independent living.Great Expectations Coach Criss

Golden leads the program on the VHCC campus, ensuring students in foster care have access to tutoring, help applying for /0.!.30!2$ !07<$ 3!"##"$ #E92&"!*0&.$services, life skills training, personal counseling and student mentors. Former First Lady of Virginia Anne Holton serves as Great Expectations Program Director, leading the program across Virginia’s community colleges.“Strong community support is

the secret to the success of Great Expectations,” said Anne Holton, former Virginia First Lady and former juvenile court judge, who was hired to lead the program at the beginning of 2013. “We are so grateful to Richard Leigh and his fellow artists who are graciously helping so many young people. On a personal note, this is some of my favorite music, and I am tremendously excited about this music festival.” The festival will begin

with a 5K Walk sponsored by DePaul Community Resources to raise awareness about foster care needs and services in our region. A similar walk last year generated more than 200 participants.

Richard Leigh Music FestivalVirginia Highlands Community College

May 18th

Continued on page 9


“We are excited to be hosting our second Walk to Foster Hope,” said Branch Director Nancy Wampler of DePaul’s Abingdon &>/03#5$ SU!"*.#"0.($ 40*)$ OV==$and the music festival is thrilling. We are always ready to sing about the need for more families, and feel blessed to work with a wonderful group of families and children throughout Central and Southwest Virginia. We want to #.3&'"!(#$ >!8020#+$ *&$ /0.7$ *)#$place in their heart and home to foster or adopt a child from the system, regardless of where they live.” DePaul Community

;#+&'"3#+$0+$!$.&.9"&/0*<$)'8!.$services organization that is dedicated to transforming the lives of children, adults and families. Community members can learn more about fostering or adopting a child by contact Jamie Morgan at 276‐623‐0881.Tickets for the Richard Leigh

Songwriters Festival are $25 and can be purchased online through PayPal at www.vhcc.

edu/songwriters. A PayPal account is not required. Tickets purchased after April 30 will be $30. Children under 6 will be

admitted free.For additional information,

please visit their website at www.vhcc.edu/songwriters.



U"&20/03$ +0.(#"I+&.(4"0*#"$ =20.*$ -2!3:$ )!+$long been heralded as one of Country music’s brightest stars. His many talents have taken him even further, as Black has transcended genres to become one of the most successful artists in all the music industry. To date, Black has written, recorded and released more than 100 songs, a benchmark in any artist’s career. An astounding one‐third of these songs eligible for major single release also achieved hit song status at Country radio, while more than 20 million of his albums have been sold worldwide. While it’s well‐known that Black is an accomplished singer and guitarist, people may be surprised to learn that )#$0+$!2+&$9"&/030#.*$&.$7"'8+$!.7$)!"8&.03!5 Black’s continued success can be attributed

in part to his deep sense of Country music history, and his humble gratitude in being an important part of it. The 1989 debut of his critically acclaimed fan favorite, the Triple Platinum Killin’ Time, marked a shift in the industry, with a return to the more traditional sounds of the genre. CMT lists this album as one of the 100 Greatest Albums in Country Music.Released while Black was still an unknown

Texas‐based artist and writer, Killin’ Time %&!+*#7$ /0@#$ WN$ )0*+$ X$ '.9"#3#7#.*#7$ >"&8$ !$debut album in any genre – and won Black a

collection of awards that included: Country Music Association Horizon Award, Country Music Association Male Vocalist of the Year, American Music Awards Favorite New Male Country Artist, Academy of Country Music Best New Male Vocalist, Academy of Country Music Best Male Vocalist, Academy of Country Music Album of the Year (Killin’ Time), and Academy of Country Music Single of the Year (“A Better Man”). For Black, Killin’ Time was only the beginning.

Put Yourself in My Shoes followed in 1990, and quickly went Triple Platinum. Since then, Black has had nearly two dozen #1 hit singles, and almost as many Top 5 and Top 10 hits – all of them his original compositions, which is itself a notable rarity in popular music. The overall number of his awards, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, surpasses the number of his hit records, while he has performed for a staggering number of dedicated music fans in concerts through the years.Tickets: $100 Gold Circle,$52.00 IndividualU!"!8&'.*$-&E$F>/03#$YZKG[$K\ZIJ]KLOr online at www.etix.com

Clint Black to PerformThe Paramount Center

May 17th, 8pm


Sol & Kiel invite you to an evening of stories in song and sound.Sol & Kiel’s music is a highly

crafted space in which song, instrumental composition and improvisation coexist. Roaming through various musical landscapes, Sol & Kiel performs on acoustic instruments from all over the world including C!20!.$%!2!>&.<$^!@!_&$/2'*#<$!.7$Nepalese bells. The musicians synthesize these textures with delicate chamber‐like conversation within various western folk traditions including /0772#$ 8'+03<$ !@!.*I(!"7#$ _!``$and American songcraft. Sol & Kiel has quickly carved

out a space all it’s own on the Boston music scene and has received praise from various New England based radio stations and media outlets. Jon ‘Chip’ Colcord, host of the nationally syndicated “Out of the Woods” radio show says, “On a variety of typical and not‐so‐typical instruments, Sol & Kiel create a soundscape happily existing between the realms

of both world and folk music. Imaginative songwriting and tight harmonies draw listeners into a space entirely original.” In a few short years, the band has quickly grown to selling out shows in their hometown of Boston. They are on tour throughout May in various states east of the Mississippi.Sol & Kiel strongly believe that

music exists to serve something greater than itself. They are committed to music of the heart, creating in community and those individuals that like to slow down and sit with the beauty of the world.Long time friends and

collaborators Tobey LaRoche and Michael Harrist created Sol & Kiel in the fall of 2011. Coming from a well‐known musical family, Tobey is the son of the 2!*#$ a#.$ b!;&3)#5$ c$ /2!'*0+*$ !.7$multi‐instrumentalist, Ken was a founder of the world music ensemble Do’a, who’s music was heralded by Dizzy Gillespie as “One of the important contributions to the future of

our music.” Tobey has opened for Anais Mitchell and is highly sought after as an accompanist for singer‐songwriters throughout New England. Michael is a double bassist 4)&$ /0.7+$ 4&":$ *)"&'()&'*$ *)#$northeast in many different traditions. He has toured the U.S. and Europe with the new music ensemble Capillary Action (www.capact.com) and plays extensively with the gypsy jazz group Ameranouche (www.ameranouche.com). Michael is a respected member of the Boston jazz and improvised music scene and plays traditional New England music at contra dances, western swing with the Honky Tonk Masquerade, and Ottoman era Turkish music with Orkestra Marhaba. In addition to his work on the double bass, Mike is an accomplished composer and songwriter.When performing live, the

duo’s music is augmented by Jesse Hanson on strings, guitar, and vocals. Ms. Hanson is an accomplished singer songwriter in her own right and just released her debut record.The concert will take place

at 10:00 PM on Thursday May 16th at the Acoustic Coffeehouse at 415 West Walnut Street in Johnson City, TN.www.solandkiel.com

Sol & KielAcoustic Coffeehouse

May 16th, 10pm


On Thursday, May 16th, the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SAHC) will host a celebratory party at The Barn at Allandale Mansion from 6 pm

to 8 pm, celebrating 39 years of conservation success. The event will feature dinner by Giuseppe’s Italian Restaurant and music by local artists Trae McMaken

and Will MacMorran, as well as festive recognition of local conservation heroes.“Our annual member event is

a time to congratulate members

&.$&'"$ +'33#++#+<$ "#/2#3*$ &.$&'"$history, and thank the volunteers and trustees who make our conservation vision a reality,” said Kristy

Urquhart, Kingsport native and SAHC Associate Director. “Preserving the many‐textured views and resources of these

mountains requires incredible foresight. This year, we are especially thrilled to celebrate a success story almost four decades in the making — our purchase of the 601‐acre Grassy Ridge tract in the Highlands of Roan.”SAHC considered the tract a

top priority because its size and location within a large network of high elevation protected lands, adjoining Pisgah National Forest near the Appalachian Trail and Grassy Ridge Bald. “The recent purchase of

this key property on Grassy Ridge is another example of our commitment to preserving

Local Land Trust Celebrates Conservation Heroes at Allandale Mansion

May 16th, 6pm

Join the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy at our 5th Annual Membership Event as we celebrate the protection of over 60,000 acres.

Appalachian SpringCELEBRATE

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Tickets thru May 10: $20 SAHC members/$25 non-members.

Tickets after May 10: $25 SAHC members/$30 for non-membersTicket price inclusive of food, beverage & music.

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~ Music by Trae McMaken & Will MacMorran

~ Dinner provided by Giuseppe’s Italian Restaurant

~ Beverages provided by Highland Brewing Company and One Stop Wine & Liquor

!"#$%&'()*+'(*,-*.*-/00*1*2/00*34@>%&A"(/&"1&B33"/?"3%&9"/,*'/C&D*/0,)'(1C&@E

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Purchase tickets online at B))"3"I>*"/J'(0&or call&KL4LM&4N7O55PNC&%Q1&45PJ

Special thanks to our sponsors:

Thank you for your support!

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ly

David A. Ramsey

Carolyn Novak

Blue Heron Whitewater

Corridor Properties, LLC

Red Chili Korean Restaurant

Biltmore Estate

Mauk’s of Jonesborough

Flour Fancies Bakery

Campbell’s Morrell Music

Julie Calhoun-Roepnack, Potter

Jonesborough Farmers Market

Natural Pet Supply

Alpine Ski Center

Café Lola Bistro

Alley Kat

Continued on page 13


the beautiful mountains of our region,” said Jeanette Blazier, former Kingsport mayor and current president of the SAHC Board of Trustees. “It is #+9#30!22,$ +0(.0/03!.*$ +0.3#$ *)#$founding members of SAHC had as their primary focus the preservation of the Highlands of Roan.” To keep toes tapping and spirits

high at the celebration, McMaken and MacMorran will perform /0772#<$ ('0*!"$ !.7$ %!._&$ 8'+03$40*)$ 0./2'#.3#+$ >"&8$ *)#$ =#2*03$and Canadian Highlands. Both gentlemen are instructors with East TN State University’s Bluegrass and Old Time music program. Individually, McMaken tours as a one‐man storytelling and music‐picking entertainer, and MacMorran tours with the Celtic rock band 7Nations.Advance tickets ($20 for

SAHC members/$25 for non‐members) are available online at www.Appalachian.org and include music, dinner, and beverage. After May 10 or at the door, tickets will be $25 for SAHC members/ $30 for non‐members. For more information, contact Cheryl Fowler at 828.253.0095 ext. 209 or 3)#",2M!99!2!3)0!.5&"(5The mission of the Southern

Appalachian Highlands

Conservancy (a land trust) is to conserve the unique plant and animal habitat, clean water, farmland and scenic beauty of the mountains of North Carolina !.7$1#..#++##$>&"$*)#$%#.#/0*$&>$present and future generations. We achieve this by forging and maintaining long‐term conservation relationships with private landowners & public agencies, owning and managing land, and encouraging healthy local communities.To date, SAHC has protected

over 60,000 acres from the Highlands of Roan to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Now headquartered in Asheville, NC, SAHC was founded in Kingsport, TN in 1974 to protect the incredible landscape of the Highlands of Roan around the Appalachian Trail. Over the last four decades, our conservation work expanded to cover a wider geographic region; however, the Highlands of Roan remain &'"$ /2!(+)09$ 9"0&"0*,$ >&3'+$ !"#!5$$www.appalachian.org



WEDNESDAYS

WEDNESDAYS

Nashville quintet VITEK have released their new single, “Sunbird.” A follow up to 2011’s debut album Kaleidoscope, this “afro‐electro‐pop” track is about discovering and pursuing one’s given purpose. In the last year, VITEK has been

working tirelessly to produce more music while facing the hardship of a lineup change. Losing two members of the band due to geographical differences, VITEK adjusted accordingly. “We didn’t want to replace them, but rather took on the challenge &>$ 7&4.+0`0.($ *&$ !$ /0@#$ 90#3#$with a pleasant outcome,” says lead man Gabhram Vitek of the

change. With each band member taking on additional vocal and instrumentation roles, the band organically developed a more "#/0.#7<$>&3'+#7$+&'.7<$4)03)$3!.$be heard in “Sunbird.” “Sunbird” opens with an

almost Lion King‐esque vibe that stands out as a perfect blend of nostalgic and original. Inspired by Michael Jackson’s “Wanna Be Starting Something,” where Jackson sings “ma ma se ma ma sa ma ma coo sa” (Translated, “I will sing the song that Michael sings”), VITEK tried their hand at a spin on some tribal lyrics with “i ma se ma sa.” Literally translated, it means “I will sing the song,” but within the context of the rest of the track holds a deeper meaning of “I will sing the song as I watch you unfold and am able to tell your story.” http://vitekmusic.comwww.facebook.com/vitekmusic

VITEK PerformsCapone’sMay 17th


Northeast State Community College welcomes award‐winning guitarist Martin Taylor to campus to kick off the Summer Concert Series with a free live performance on Wednesday, May 15 at 7 p.m.Taylor will perform in the

Wellmont Regional Center for the Performing Arts Theater on the main campus, adjacent to Tri‐Cities Regional Airport.Completely self‐taught,

Taylor has enjoyed a remarkable musical career. He has invented and developed a way of playing the guitar that is admired, and often imitated, by guitarists all over the world. As well as being a true guitar innovator, he is also a master concert performer, dazzling audiences with his solo shows, which combine virtuosity, emotion, humor, with a strong stage presence.Taylor established a

unique musical career as an internationally acclaimed musician, and his inimitable style has seen him recognized as the world’s foremost exponent of solo jazz guitar playing. No less than Jeff Beck said of Taylor, “He out‐shred’s all of us put together….I’ve never seen anything like it.” As well as his solo concerts

and recordings, he has also collaborated with musicians from many different musical genre including, Stephane Grappelli, Jeff Beck, Gary Burton, Chet Atkins, Bill Wyman, George Harrison, Dionne Warwick, Diane Schuur and Jamie Cullum. He spends much of the year travelling the world, playing in concert halls in Europe, North America, Japan, Asia, and Australasia as well as presiding over the uniquely innovative Martin Taylor Guitar Academy online.The concert is free and

open to the public. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact 423.279.7668 or _9:#22,Mnortheaststate.edu.

Martin Taylor Kicks Off Summer

Concert SeriesNortheast StateMay 15th, 7pm


;#/2#3*0.($ *)#$ "03)$ 8'+03!2$heritage of his home in southeast TN, A Man Called Bruce’s music is roots, rock, country, and blues. Americana music with an edge *)!*$ /0*+$ 4#22$ 0.$ *&7!,R+$ 8'+03!2$landscape. As an outlaw, his sound has been compared to Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and the like. You can also hear *)#$ 9&9$ d$ "&3:$ 0./2'#.3#+$ &>$The Beatles, Lynyrd Skynyrd and other classic artists. But, you can’t deny comparisons to The Civil Wars, John Hiatt, and The

Avett Brothers, along with other currently popular songwriters. His solo performances include up to two 45‐minute sets of all original music.Steve Bogard, president

of the Nashville Songwriters Association Int’l said Bruce is, “… obviously a talented writer.”

The Chattanooga Songwriters Association awarded A Man Called Bruce the ‘Songwriter of the Month’ award for July 2012.Bruce’s roots are country,

his heart beats with the blues, and his soul is rock n’ roll. His latest album, “Americana ;&3:+T$ >#!*'"#+$ ]$ +&.(+$ /022#7$with southern‐fried electric guitars and a few solid roots/rock ballads. He plays all the instruments on the album, except for one 90 second guitar solo played by axe‐man extraordinaire Danny P (formerly of the Phunk Junkeez) on the song, “Darkest Soul.”Listening to his live CD entitled

“Live 8.10.12” will also tell you a

lot about him.At the end of 2012, Bruce

#8%!":#7$ &.$ )0+$ /0"+*$ .!*0&.!2$tour that included shows in Charlotte, Nashville, Memphis, Oklahoma City, Albuquerque, Phoenix, Tempe, Tucson, El Paso, and Austin, TX. His passion for songwriting is inspired by legendary writers such as Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, John Lennon, and many more. One of his goals is to have other up and coming artists record some of his songs.After decades of playing in

duos, trios and rock bands, A Man Called Bruce placed his entire focus on songwriting. In 2010, after 2 years of writing, )#$ "#2#!+#7$ )0+$ /0"+*$ +&2&$ !2%'8$entitled “Tennessee,” which is available here in the online store, on iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby !.7$ .#!"2,$ \L$ &*)#"$ /0.#$ &.20.#$retailers. Performing mostly as a solo act, he presents his songs stripped down to their essential elements using guitar, vocal & sometimes harmonica. Bruce plays regularly at traditional venues in southeast TN and north GA. He has made several live TV appearances on WRCB‐1O<$ =)!**!.&&(!R+$ ^-=$ !>/020!*#<$and has done a handful of live & recorded radio performances for WUTC‐FM in Chattanooga, TN and WDVX‐FM in Knoxville, TN.Bruce is returning to Johnson

City on May 18th to perform at The Acoustic Coffeehouse again from 8:00 to 10:00pm.

A Man Called BruceAcoustic Coffeehouse

May 18th, 8pm


This May, kids and adults alike, are invited to take part in a town‐wide scavenger hunt in Abingdon for “Billy the Book King” ‐ the mascot of William King Museum’s Summer Art Camp 2013: By The Book. Twenty (20) participating locations will hide “Billy” for 92!,#"+$*&$/0.7$*)"&'()$C!,$GN5

“We thought a scavenger hunt would be a great way to get the community excited about Summer Art Camp at the Museum, as well as get folks out to the various businesses in town to discover new treasures,” explains Sara Cardinale, Director of Community Relations at the William King Museum.Maps and scavenger hunt

instructions can be found online and at each of the 20 locations. F.3#$ !$ 92!,#"$ /0.7+$ *)#$ )077#.$“Billy,” they will receive an “I found Billy” ticket from the stop. When 10 tickets are collected, they can be redeemed at the Museum for a prize. Those who /0.7$ !22$ KL$ )077#.$ S-022,T+<$ 4022$receive and be entered to win a free week of Summer Art Camp.Each session of this year’s

camp offers students the chance to delve into the vast and imaginative realm of children’s literature. Children will bring their favorite characters and places to life through drawing, painting, photography, games, theater and much more. “Building our camps around

familiar stories immediately puts children in a creative state of mind. We have a fantastic group of artists who will be teaching this summer and we’re excited to expose the campers to a wide variety of artistic media,” +!,+$ b0.7+#,$ V&27#"/0#27<$Director of Education.Each Summer Art Camp

runs for one week, with offerings for children preK through 12th grade. There are three weeks of camps for rising 1st through 6th graders, each with a different theme, so children in that age group could attend all three. A complete listing of camp sessions can be found on the William King Museum’s website. “This year we’ve streamlined our registration process by adding an online payment option in hopes that it will be more convenient for parents and,” says V&27#"/0#275$To learn more about

Summer Art Camp, or to register campers,

visit the Museum’s website: www.williamkingmuseum.org or call 276‐628‐5005 x 116.For more information

about this event, please visit us on the web at www.WilliamKingMuseum.org or reach us by phone at 276‐628‐5005.William King Museum is

located at 415 Academy Drive, off West Main Street or Russell Road, in Abingdon. The Museum >#!*'"#+$/0@#$#E)0%0*0&.$(!22#"0#+<$artist studios, a museum store and outdoor sculpture garden. Educational programs in the visual arts are offered year‐round for both children and adults, and school audiences are served by in‐house and outreach programs. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the William King Museum is a partner of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, a member of the Virginia Association of Museums and is funded in part by the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

William King Museum Launches Scavenger Hunt


May is National Historic Preservation Month and the Southside Neighborhood Organization in the Tree Streets of Johnson City we will have a home open to tour. This year the home of Mark and Kathy Serago at 700 W. Locust will be open on May 19, 2013 from 1 to 4pm. They have been renovating the 1909 Queen Anne Victorian for almost 15 years. They will share the history of the house along with

the tales of the renovation progress. Brochures will also be available for a walking tour of the neighborhood. Eight properties are featured on the walking tour but are open not to tour.Light refreshments will be served. The event is

free.For additional information visit www.

treestreets.us

Johnson City Tree Streets Celebrate National Historic

Preservation Month

AdoptA Dog

Diamond is a 3 year old Coon Hound mix. She is spayed and current on shots. To adopt Diamond and give her a furever home, call Regina at 423‐239‐5237.


Shantel Leitner is a soulful Midwesterner brought up on the plains of a small, idyllic town in Kansas. She began singing at a small age, following in the foot steps of her grandfather, mother, & aunt who comprised a family country/4#+*#".$%!.75$ 6)!.*#2$ +)&4+$!.$!>/0.0*,$for a soul sensibility that melds itself with a pop/folk likability. Where there

0+$ 8'+03!2$ +0.3#"0*,<$ 6)!.*#2$ /0.7+$ *)#$most truth & hungers to connect with the listener. Shantel’s style could best be described as pop/folk infused with a bit &>$+&'2$!+$)#"$@&03#$/2&!*+$!%&@#$)#"$('0*!"<$harkening a raw quality reminiscent of an old blues record.Shantel’s music can be found at http://

shantelleitner.bandcamp.com

Shantel LeitnerAcoustic Coffeehouse

May 21st, 10pm

End of School Bash and Benefit Concert

Sullivan Gardens K-8 SchoolMay 17th, 5pm

Friday, May 17th at the Sullivan Gardens K‐8 school, this event will feature Thomas Taylor and The HIGHRIZE Band, Benny Wilson Band, and Marcus Boyd.Please come out and show your

support for Caleb and Hunter, who are

battling leukemia. 100% of the proceeds will go to their families.$5 donation per person will be taken

at the door. Pizza, hot dogs, drinks, and items will be available for sale. There is !$eN$"!>/2#$>&"$!$('0*!"<$!+$4#225


Country superstars Diamond Rio, over 40 unique craft beers, and the best barbecue in the region ‐ that’s exactly what the sixth annual Racks by the Tracks Festival will be providing in Kingsport on Saturday, May 18th from noon to 11pm.With 10,000 people in

attendance last year, the popular festival is growing again. In addition to beer and ribs, the headlining band is Grammy award winning Diamond Rio. Since forming in 1984, Diamond Rio has earned 13 Grammy Nominations and been named Vocal Group of the Year six times (ACM, CMA). Since the group’s debut single “Meet in the Middle”, hits such as “Beautiful Mess” and “One More Day” have landed the band a spot on the Billboard charts 33 times and they have sold more than 10 million albums.Kanishka Biddanda, festival

founder, says “We are excited to bring a band with one of the most successful careers in country music to the Tri‐Cities. This is a can’t miss concert for anyone in the region, plus it helps to raise thousands of dollars for great 2&3!2$.&.I9"&/0*+5TOpening for Diamond Rio will

be Mississippi Hall of Famer Webb Wilder, the well‐known roots‐rocker. Vintage Guitar Magazine writes, “If Webb Wilder and his band are passing within 300 miles of your town, don’t miss them!”The festival

kicks off with blues legend Mac Arnold at noon, and also includes The Billy Crawford Band and closing the festival will be local favorite Benny Wilson Band. Entrance to the concert area requires a ticket, which is $10 and can be purchased online at www.RacksByTheTracks.com or in‐person at any Food City store.

An extensively upgraded craft beer tasting that lets attendees sample over 40 craft beers is one of the big draws of Racks. This year, festival organizers are bringing in 35 beers that have never been at a tasting in this area.“Customers said we want to

try beers we haven’t had before. So, we searched high and low to /0.7$ ("#!*<$ )!"7I*&I(#*$ %##"+T<$said festival organizer James Phillips.For those looking for an even

more profound experience, an exclusive high gravity beer tasting will be available. In addition, some breweries are formulating special, one‐of‐a‐kind Racks by the Tracks Festival brews. c.&*)#"$ +0(.0/03!.*$ '9("!7#$

this year is the tasting area layout and size. Racks has now doubled the tasting area in size – half of it will be indoors and half of it will be outdoors. This gives attendees the ability to bring chairs and sit down inside the tasting area with a direct view of the concert stage.In addition, with the expanded

size, designated driver tickets will be available for attendee friends who do not want to sample but would like to hang‐out in the tasting area. The beer tasting, from 2‐7

9585<$ )!+$ +&27$ &'*$ *)#$ 9!+*$ /0@#$years, so those interested should

buy their tickets well in advance. Tickets are $35 or $45 for the High Gravity. Each participant receives a souvenir tasting glass. Designated driver tickets are $15. The festival’s Facebook page is keeping participants up‐to‐date on all featured breweries.For those looking to enjoy

great food, the BBQ Cook‐Off Competition will give attendees an opportunity to taste the best barbecue from local restaurants and teams. Each attendee at the festival can cast a vote in 4 different Peoples Choice award categories. Non‐barbecue vendors will also be on‐site.Families will also get to let the

kids enjoy time in the free Kid’s Station, sponsored by Leaping Lizards. Kids will have a blast bouncing around in the large 0./2!*!%2#+<$ !+$ 4#22$ !+$ )!@0.($their faces painted and other activities.Festivities also include the

Racks by the Tracks SPF 5K Race/Walk & Kid’s Mile Dash presented by Dermatology Associates. Proceeds from the 5K go to The Skin Cancer Foundation. Also, Dermatology Associates will be providing free skin cancer screenings on June 11 from 5:30pm‐8:00pm. Registration for the races are available on the festival’s website and entrants receive a performance race shirt. Awards will be given for numerous age groups.

Registrants also receive free entrance into the concerts.“We are

excited to be adding the 5K race to the festival. This is a fun and fast course around d o w n t o w n K i n g s p o r t for runners, walkers and kids. Ultimately, our desire is to raise awareness

Racks by the TracksKingsport, May 18th



to the importance of getting tested early for skin cancer,” says Kanishka Biddanda.The festival grounds are free

and food can be purchased at menu prices. Concert tickets are $10 (kids under 5 are free). The craft beer tasting and concert ticket combo is $35. The limited quantity High Gravity Beer Tasting ticket is $45 and provides access to the concert, craft beer tasting, and the high gravity section.To avoid waiting in line,

attendees should buy their tickets in advance. Tickets can be purchased at www.RacksByTheTracks.com today or at any Food City store.Stay up‐to‐date on the

festivities by joining the Racks by the Tracks Facebook page. While entrance to the festival is free, all partakers must have a ticket to get access to the special events.U"&3##7+$ %#.#/0*$

+#@#"!2$ "#(0&.!2$ .&.I9"&/0*$organizations including Sullivan County Humane Society, Relay for Life, Keep Kingsport Beautiful, Downtown Kingsport Association, and Kingsport Chamber of Commerce.For more information and

beer tasting tickets, please visit www.RacksByTheTracks.com or contact event organizers at (423) 863‐3998.The festival is sponsored

by Food City, Cumulus Broadcasting, WCYB, Libation Station, Dermatology Associates, Eastman Chemical Co., First Kingsport Credit Union, Barberitos of Kingsport, Appalachian Community Federal Credit Union, Pepsi, Lagunitas Brewing, Sapporo Beer, Leaping

Lizards, Times Digital Group, and VIP Seen.About Diamond Rio: Six‐time Vocal Group of the

Year, Diamond Rio won their /0"+*$ Grammy for their album The Reason on Word Records, which also garnered the band *)#0"$ /0"+*$Dove award. Formed in 1984, Diamond Rio features lead singer Marty Roe, guitarist Jimmy Olander, drummer Brian Prout, keyboardist Dan Truman, bassist/harmony Dana Williams and Gene Johnson on mandolin/harmony. The band signed with Arista in the early 90’s and embarked on one of the most successful careers in country music. The band has sold over 10 million albums earning three 92!*0.'8$ !.7$ /0@#$ (&27$ "#3&"7+$and won the Country Music Association’s Vocal Group of the Year award four times as well as netting two Academy of Country Music Awards in the top Vocal Group of the Year category and thirteen GRAMMY ® nominations. When they debuted in 1991 with the hit “Meet in the Middle,” Diamond ;0&$ %#3!8#$ *)#$ /0"+*$ ("&'9$ 0.$the history of country music to have a debut single reach No. 1. They continued to place 32 more singles on the Billboard chart, including “How Your Love Makes Me Feel,” “Norma Jean Riley,” “Beautiful Mess,” “Love a Little Stronger,” and “One More Day.” The band are long‐time supporters and National Spokespersons for Big Brothers Big Sisters and have raised over 1.5 million dollars for the charity to date through annual events including golf tournaments and Team Rio, a marathon and half marathon group. www.diamondrio.com


Diamond Rio


I’ve been known to fool around with a few ladies of the night...but it’s not what you think.

I’m talking about spending some quality time with some women who dig me for my intellectual side. You know the kind. And I’m into them for their timeless class and great understanding of the “big picture” about life.There’s Andromeda and her

mother Cassiopeia (that was a twisted relationship!). And Virgo, somewhat of a frigid gal for staying out all night. But those Pleiades sisters! These seven celestial nymphs can really wear a guy down. Let’s see, there’s lovely Alcyone and Atlas, and bright Elektra and Taygeta, and dazzling Maia, Pleione and Merope. Now, I know how Snow White felt around the Seven Dwarfs! But one lady of the night

who plays hard to see is the only one I can truly hold in my arms. That is, if I lived in the times around 240 BC. That’s Queen Berenice II was shacking up with King Ptolemy III of Egypt. She is the only once‐living human recognized among the 88

constellations of the North and South Hemispheres. Never heard of her? Well,

she was a real Egyptian Ptolemy Euergetes. Together they helped make Alexandria a cultural center of the world. I t ’ s not the queen herself who’s immortalized in the night sky‐‐it’s her hair! That’s right, directly overhead at 10 pm on these Spring nights is the faint constellation Coma Berenices. The word “coma” in Latin means “hair,” (a comb) and is also the derivative for comet, literally meaning “hairy star.”

In fact, Coma Berenices is not just a random alignment of stars, like most constellations. The faint stellar members are all related, being an ancient star cluster of 30 or so, located at the edge of our Milky Way Galaxy some 250 Light Years distant.Three brightest members

of Coma Berenices form a “V” shape, but they are at 5th and 6th magnitudes, which is the

threshold for human eyesight on a clear night free of light pollution. Though small in size and so

faint that most people have a )!"7$ *08#$ /0.70.($ 0*<$ !8!*#'"$astronomers know it well because of the half‐dozen far away galaxies that can be seen as faint, fuzzy shapes even in beginner backyard telescopes.A French astronomer Charles

Messier was hunting for comets with a powerful telescope for the times of the mid‐1700s when he :#9*$ /0.70.($ *)#+#$ >!0.*$ &%_#3*+$in the same place.He began charting them, giving

them a designation after his name of M‐1, M‐2, etc. This has become known as the Messier Catalog of 105 easy to see objects in about any telescope‐‐even binoculars! Little did Messier know that some of the objects are nearby gaseous nebulae in our Milky Way, some are cluster balls of stars orbiting around our Galaxy, and the others are distant galaxies with billions of stars of their own.Coma Berenices is literally a

“deep sky” paradise, as amateur astronomers call the distant

objects that look like grey, fuzzy smudges of various shapes and sizes against the black of space. It was not until the /0"+*$ 9)&*&("!9)+$ 4#"#$ 8!7#$through telescopes beginning in 1880s that the true nature of the “Messier Objects” were realized.Today, astronomer Messier’s

original list has been expanded

Ladies of the Night Sparkle Above



by a New General Catalog of thousands of “NGC objects,” many of them discovered by English astronomer William Herschel, the discoverer of Uranus in 1781. In fact, amateur astronomers traditionally graduate their celestial hunting grounds from the 105 well‐known Messier objects to the Herschel 500, which is an exhaustive , but "#4!"70.($3)!22#.(#$*&$/0.7$*)#8$all. But back to Coma Berenices.

Because of our Earth’s position in orbit around the Sun, and the Sun’s location in the outer one‐third of the Milky Way Galaxy’s spiral arm, we look up at the night sky and away from our stellar island. That’s why the Spring nights are so sparse of bright stars‐‐there just aren’t that many around us. But come Summer and we are looking back into the guts of our Galaxy.Looking out into the late night

sky above, you are staring at the unseen millions, if not billions of galaxies beyond us. Berenice’s Hair is bordered on three sides by the bear Ursa Major, Virgo and Bootes, with it’s bright,

orangish star Arcturus nearest *)#$ 3#2#+*0!2<$ /2&40.($ 2&3:+5$1)#+#$ 3&.+*#22!*0&.+$ !"#$ /022#7$with unseen concentrations

called “galaxy clusters” that were discovered with the most powerful telescopes on Earth. Many of us have seen the

famous Hubble Space Telescope portrait of thousands of galaxies in one photo that covers less than diameter our Moon. In Coma Berenices there is a galaxy cluster of thousands that lies 400 million Light Years away. By contrast, just 65 million miles from our Milky Way are the %"0()*<$ *#2#+3&903$ (!2!E0#+$ /0"+*$seen by astronomer Messier, M‐85, M‐88, M‐99 and M‐100. One famous spiral aggregate of billions of stars is called the Black Eye Galaxy because of a dark cloud of cosmic cloud blocking its center. We see this one, called M‐64, easily because it is “only” 20 million Light Years away. Enough of these crazy

distance and unfathomable numbers for stars making up the galaxies of the Universe‐‐‐what happened to my lady of the night, Queen Berenice?Legend has it the

Egyptian beauty so loved her husband, King Ptolemy Euergetes, that she pledged her beautiful hair as a +!3"0/03#$>&"$)0+$+!>#$"#*'".$from a battle. Safely in her

King’s arms, Berenice cut her hair and left it for public display, and it was stolen! In Greek times, the locks were said to be spirited away by the Gods into the stars. The Greek astronomer f"!*&+*)#.#+$0+$*)#$/0"+*$3"#70*#7$with charting and naming Coma Berenices around 200 BC, as he lived in Alexandria. And in 1602 the last, great pre‐telescope astronomer, Denmark’s Tycho Brahe, included tiny Coma Berenices in his comprehensive +*!"$3!*!2&(<$8!:0.($0*$&>/030!25So there’s some pretty good

reasons why I like the company of certain “ladies of the night.” That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it!




Celestial events in the skies for the week of May 14‐20,

2013, as compiled for The Loafer by Mark D. Marquette.

NASA is celebrating the 40th anniversary of Skylab, the /0"+*$*"'2,$>'.3*0&.!2$+9!3#$+*!*0&.5$$c3*'!22,$*)#$('**#7$hull of a Saturn rocket third stage, the cavernous space station was visited by three crews, each with three astronauts. Skylab 2 was 28l days, Skylab 3 was 59 days and Skylab 4 was 84 days long‐‐all records at the time. In the night sky, after sunset are three planets,

Jupiter, Venus and Mercury.

Tues. May 14F.$*)0+$N]\Z$7!*#$0.$+9!3#$)0+*&",<$c8#"03!R+$/0"+*$space station, Skylab, was launched aboard a Saturn V rocket. The station was damaged during launch when the micrometeoroid shield separated from the workshop and tore away, taking one of two main solar panel arrays with it and jamming the other one so that 0*$3&'27$.&*$7#92&,5$c$7!"0.($+9!3#4!2:$%,$*)#$/0"+*$crew salvaged the space station and saved the Skylab program. Skylab fell back to Earth on July 11, 1979.

Wed. May 15On this 1963 date in space history, Gordon Cooper was rocketed into space aboard the tiny Mercury spaceship 3!22#7$g!0*)$\5$$=&&9#"$4!+$*)#$2!+*$c8#"03!.$*&$/2,$+&2&<$+*!,0.($0.$+9!3#$GZ$)&'"+$!.7$*)#$/0"+*$h6$!+*"&.!'*$*&$sleep in space. He actually fell asleep awaiting launch, and his lackadaisical attitude during his command of the two‐man Gemini V cost him a ride to the Moon. Before dying in 2004 at age 77, he was cast in the

limelight as an advocate of Earth being visited by aliens.

Thurs. May 16Planet Saturn is high in the southwestern sky at 10 pm in the constellation Virgo. It is below the brightest star when looking south, Spica, which is white. Saturn is

below Spica and looks yellowish.

Fri. May 17The Big Dipper is pouring its

contents out of it bowl in the north. Follow the curve of the handle and “arc to Arcturus, then speed on to Spica.” Arcturus is the third brightest star in the Northern sky, and anchors the kite or ice cream cone star pattern of Bootes the

Herdsman.

Sat. May 18First Quarter Moon is today at precisely 12:35 am. A beautiful sight on a warm Spring evening, our celestial neighbor is directly south at sunset. Binoculars will reveal lots of details. If using a telescope, start with the highest number eyepiece (like 25 mm),

which is low power, and enjoy long looks.

Sun. May 19Mercury will be low to the western

horizon, getting higher each night as it heading for a dramatic meeting with Jupiter and Venus

in a loose triangle May 26th. Look every opportunity at around 8:30 pm to see the three planets in deep

twilight as they shift positions day‐by‐day. Jupiter will be highest and yellowish, and much brighter Venus

below. Mercury is barely above the horizon, fainter and reddish but moving up higher each day. The celestial “conjunction” of planets is occurring in Taurus.

Mon. May 20On this 1995 date in space history, the important Earth research module Spektr was launched by a Proton rocket to the Russian MIR Space Station. On June 25, 1997, an unmanned cargo supply ship crashed into Spektr, losing pressurization and causing life saving measures for the crew of three, who survived.


Part of my love for movies comes from a desire to see pictures that are just downright fun to watch. They don’t even need to be movies that are all that good, and sometimes just a title and atmosphere can be enough to make it a win for me. This is where Universal’s mid N]ZL+$/028$+#"0#+$Si..#"$6!.3*'8$Mysteries” lies for me. Based upon a popular radio program of the day, which in turn was based

upon a series of books, the six /028+$*)!*$3&89"0+#$*)#$+#"0#+$!"#$quite fun to think about, strictly based on titles alone. There’s nothing all that

+0(.0/03!.*$ !%&'*$ *)#+#$ 8&@0#+<$they’re all B pictures, and they all star Lon Chaney, Jr. But what is it that these movies have that makes it worth your time? For one thing, there’s the titles. All +0E$ /028+<$ 0.$ &"7#"j$ Calling Dr. Death, Weird Woman, Dead Man’s

Eyes, The Frozen Ghost, Strange

Confession, and my favorite title Pillow of Death. Who wouldn’t want to see a movie called Pillow of Death!?!? c.&*)#"$>!3#*$*&$*)#+#$/028+<$0+$

that with the exception of Pillow of Death—really I can’t write that enough—they all open in the same manner. After the title card all of them carry—proudly !..&'.30.($ *)0+$ /028$ !+$ c^$INNER SANCTUM MYSTERY, we are greeted by a disembodied /2&!*0.($ )#!7$ 0.+07#$ !$ 3",+*!2$ball, welcoming us to “The Inner Sanctum, a place controlled by mind, where even you can commit—murder!!! (dun dun dun!)” iR8$.&*$!22$*)!*$+'"#$*)#+#$/028+$

were all that intensely terrifying 4)#.$ *)#,$ /0"+*$ 3!8#$ &'*<$ %'*$they must’ve been moderately successful for the studio. They are fun to watch, especially from !$ /028$%'>>R+$ +*!.79&0.*5$ i*$ (0@#+$you a look at the day to day operations of a studio during the golden age of Hollywood. Full of contract players who worked a day on one movie, then off to another the next, and another the

Lost in the Inner Sanctum



day after that. Contract directors making the rounds of the studio, and using their marquee horror star in Chaney, along with the “Inner Sanctum” franchise name, to draw in theatergoers. 1)#$ /028+$ !"#$ !22$ +)&"*<$ *)#$ 2&.(#+*$ 0.$

the series runs only an hour and seven minutes. Though being B pictures, these are still Universal titles, production k'!20*,$0+$@#",$(&&75$1)#$/028+$!22$>#!*'"#$.03#$ %0*+$ &>$ !*8&+9)#"#<$ !.7$ /0.#$ %2!3:$and white cinematography. There’s also the glimpse of a very young, up and coming, Lloyd Bridges in Strange Confession. Would I recommend these to a someone looking for gripping suspense and an engaging mystery? No, I wouldn’t.C&+*$&>$*)#$92&*+$!"#$#!+,$*&$/0('"#$&'*<$

!.7$ 8&+*$ &>$ *)#+#$ /028+$ +*!.7$ !+$ 4)!*$they are—short pulp movies designed to bolster a studio’s bank account. But in there lies some of the charm of these /028+<$ >'.$ 20**2#$ #E3'"+0&.+$ *)!*$ 8!:#$for great rainy day viewing. Movies that feel like they’re trying too hard with the *0*2#+$ !.7$ /2&!*0.($ )#!7$ 0.*"&7'3*0&.$ *&$convince you of a “shocking” hour or so !)#!75$ F772,$ #.&'()<$ 0*R+$ *)#$ /028$ 40*)$the silliest title, Pillow of Death, which is the best of the group. The entire series is available in a two

disc set from Universal for about $20, not bad for this group of entertaining little movies. If anything, the price of admission 0+$4&"*)$0*$>&"$*)#$/2&!*0.($)#!7$!2&.#<$!.7$again, Pillow of Death! See you next week, >&22&4$8#$&.$140**#"$M1)!*c.7,;&++5$




When “Iron Man” burst on the big screen in 2008 with Robert Downey, Jr. in the title role, my friend Jennifer was on cloud 9. She remained there for “IM2” (2010), and still continues to /2&!*$ !%&@#$ ("&'.7$ 40*)$ *)#$new release “Iron Man 3”. I must interject, Jennifer is not so much a fan of the character of Iron Man as she is of the actor portraying him. In other words, put Downey on the theater screen reading from a phone book, and she will be there. Downey was last seen as

Iron Man in the mega hit “The Avengers” driving off with the Hulk (in regular human form) at the end of said movie. The third “Iron Man” movie is set after “The Avengers”, and features Tony Stark/ Iron Man facing an enemy who has no limits to reach his goal: terrorizing the world. When the enemy is revealed

as The Mandrin (Ben Kinsgley), Stark makes a direct threat to the terrorist which results in the villain attacking Stark’s home and loved one, the returning Gwyenth Paltrow as Pepper. After his world is altered,

Stark sets out on the road, and heads to Tennessee as part of his effort to uncover the dastardly deeds of a scientist named Aldrich Killian (Guy Pearce), who has connections to The Mandrin. The connections between

Killian and Mandrin are unexpected, and I will not reveal

how they are connected, lest to spoil the movie for you. While he is on his journey,

Stark must rely on his own survival instinct and ingenuity to battle his enemies. Stark’s old friend, the Iron Patriot (Don Chealdle) is also contacted to aid our wayward hero. Meanwhile, as if Stark doesn’t

have enough to deal with, he is having issues with Pepper. B)#.$ 6*!":Pi"&.$ C!.$ /0.!22,$

confronts The Mandrin and crew, it’s a no‐holds‐barred battle that even involves Pepper. The new /028$ #@#.$)!+$U#99#"$ 0.$ !.$ i"&.$Man suit for awhile, and there are Iron Man suits everywhere that are able to function without Tony inside them. 1)#$ 3208!E$ &>$ *)#$ /028$ 0+$

exciting, but left me wondering if this is a now completed trilogy. There have been press reports Downey may be ready to turn in his Iron Man suit, and that would certainly upset Jennifer. Downey has so made the role

)0+$ &4.<$ 0*$ 4&'27$ %#$ 70>/03'2*$to imagine anyone else as Iron Man. However, different actors have portrayed James Bond and Batman to various degrees of success, so anything is possible. Downey’s possible retirement

>"&8$ *)#$ "&2#$ !+07#<$ *)#$ /028$ 0+$action packed, while still allowing time for the Stark character to express deep emotions. Downey and Paltrow are so comfortable in their respective roles, they make it seem effortless. The only 7#*#""#.*$0.$*)#$/028$!+$>!"$!+$iR8$concerned, is the often annoying accent Kingsley uses, but then again, he is supposed to be a terrorist, so he needs to annoy us. With marvelous special

effects, witty dialogue, and the commanding presence of Robert Q&4.#,<$l"5<$Si"&.$C!.$GT$0+$!$/0.#$addition to the series, but heaven help us, and Jennifer, if Downey ever abandons the iron suit for good. (Rated Pg‐13) B+

Iron Man 3


Every year at this time I generally offer the contents of a graduation speech I might deliver if I were asked to do this sort of thing. Not being a fan of these kinds of speeches—after all, how much longer do we have to endure endless variations &>$ S*&7!,$ 0+$ *)#$ /0"+*$ 7!,$ &>$ *)#$rest of your life”?—I would be inclined to deliver something that would guarantee my never being invited back to deliver a graduation speech again, anywhere, anytime. But, as Jim Morrison said when he was told he and his bandmates would never be invited back to perform on The Ed Sullivan Show after *)#0"$ /0"+*$!.7$&.2,$9#">&"8!.3#$there, “Hey, man, we just did it.” With these kinds of things, once is probably enough.As luck would have it, I came

across a pretty interesting set of ideas as I was contemplating what to say at this year’s graduation. So, I decided that I would beg, borrow, and steal from this source rather than come up with something original (if there is such a thing in this wild and wonderful mash‐up kind of world we live in). So, taking liberties with (and quoting whenever appropriate from) a neat little blog called “6

Ways You Are Your Own Worst Enemy” (found quite by accident on a sometimes gushy site called marcandangel.com), here is the gist of what I will tell the graduating class of 2013 if asked:Dear graduates, if you want to

)!@#$ !$ +!*0+>,0.($ 20>#$ /022#7$ 40*)$lifelong learning (you’ve already experienced more than enough teaching), you should start by contemplating the following seven pieces of advice:(1) Don’t expect to be content

with what you’ve just achieved. “Nothing in life is constant. There is neither absolute happiness nor absolute sadness. There are only the changes in our moods that continuously oscillate between these two extremes.” You don’t need medication to deal with these mood swings, just a constant devotion to the wonder of learning and the ever‐vigilant resistance to becoming attached to any set of ideas you believe will never change.(2) Focus on success rather

than failure. I know this sounds like a cliché, but it’s true enough to act as a sort of moral compass. “Every morning when you wake up, think of three things that are going well in your life at the moment. As you fall asleep #@#",$ .0()*<$ /022$ ,&'"$ 80.7$ 40*)$

an appreciation for all the small things that went well during the day.”(3) Resist the temptation to

become comfortable. “Living is about learning and growing through excitement and discomfort.” Keep in mind that comfort has produced very little art, music, or literature. And gaining comfort at the risk of losing the kind of discomfort that creates passion, compassion, and truly meaningful things is not why you are here. And keep in mind that unlearning is just as important as learning.(4) You are a product of

your beliefs. And here I’m not talking about the nonsense that motivational speakers often spout when they tell you that if you believe it you can realize it. Rarely does this happen except in the movies. But if you 40+)$ *&$ 20@#$ !$ >'2/0220.($ 20>#$ /022#7$with creative discomfort, you have to understand the twin powers of belief and disbelief. And, please, stay as far away from motivational speakers as possible. Read Plato’s Gorgias to see what I mean.(5) Be vulnerable. Don’t be

afraid of showing the world your 4#!:.#++#+$ !.7$ /2!4+5$ Q&.R*$ %#$afraid to declare, “This is me. Take me or leave me.” Perfection is a /2!4#7$(&!2$!*$%#+*5$1",$*&$>&"(#*$the advice you’ve been given for most of your life, “Practice makes perfect.”(6) Instead of worrying about

how things are supposed to be or might have been, “appreciate what is. Hope for the best, but expect less.” Distrust the illusion

of nostalgia and the promise of a rosy future that will solve all your problems. “When you stop expecting people and things to be perfectly the way you had imagined, you can enjoy them for who and what they truly are.” And, last but not least . . . . . .(7) Life is not a PowerPoint, a

lecture, or a true/false test, but is a discussion, a dialogue, and a coloring book with no lines or boundaries to stay within. Learn to distrust anyone who tries to

circumscribe your creativity with the well‐worn phrase “We can’t change, because it’s always been done this way.”So, as you depart from this

place, be uncomfortable, creative, and imperfect. And never stop unlearning. Today is the day after *)#$7!,$%#>&"#$0*$4!+$*)#$/0"+*$7!,$of the rest of your life.See you next week (which will

be the sixth day after the day I %#(!.$*)#$/0"+*$7!,$&>$*)#$"#+*$&>$my life).

Graduation Speech 2013


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