May 28, 2013

Page 2, The Loafer • May 28, 2013

www.theloaferonline.com May 28, 2013 • The Loafer, Page 3

Volume 27

Issue #25

!"#$%&'()*+*,%$$*-%$$%./&*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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Downtown Johnson

CityFriday

through Sunday

June 7-9


Music, Arts, Children’s Activities and so much more on the streets of Downtown Johnson City can only mean one thing, it’s time for the 2013 Blue Plum Festival! This year marks the 14th year of this annual festival, and it doesn’t show any signs of slowing anytime soon!“This year our stage directors worked to expand

our music on the stages and activities for families,” says Festival Director Brandi Woodall. “We have been very fortunate to have continued support from Blue Moon Brewing Company who will once again be our Title Sponsor this year; Centurylink who will also provide broadband service throughout our festival and a mobile charging station this year, and our new partnership with East Tennessee State University and ETSU Online as the Main Stage Sponsor for the 2013 Blue Plum Festival.”

Schedule of Events – Friday, June 7Main Street Stage (Presented by ETSU and

ETSU Online)4:15 p.m. The Barefoot Movement5:15 p.m. Kenny Vaughan Trio7:00 p.m. Big Daddy Love8:45 p.m. Keller Williams with the Travelin’

McCoury’s

Jazz Stage (Presented by SweetWater Brewing Co, Johnson City Federal Credit Union, and Time &Pay)5:00 p.m. Loretta Bowers6:15 p.m. Mark Thie Music Project7:30 p.m. Lenore Raphael9:15 p.m. El Movimineto

Local Stage (Presented by Eastman Credit Union)5:00 p.m. Alli Epperson6:30 p.m. Matt Martin8:00 p.m. Wayne Graham!"#$% &'('% )*+,% -./012/34% +,4%

the Highhills

Kids Area 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.Urban Art Throw Down

3p.m. – 8 p.m.Animation Festival Times

varyLittle City Roller Girls 6

p.m.‐ 11p.m.

Schedule of events – Saturday, June 8Blue Plum 5K – 9 a.m. by Lady

of the FountainMain Street Stage12:00 p.m. Daisi Rain12:45 p.m. My New Favorites1:45 p.m. The Great Smoky

Mountain Bluegrass Band2:30 p.m. Malcolm Holcombe and Ed Snodderlly3:30 p.m. Anndrena Belcher and the Wild Boys4:30 p.m. This Mountain5:45 p.m. Missy Raines and the New Hip7:15 p.m. Shawn Camp9:00 p.m. Scythian

Jazz Stage5p.m. Loretta Bowers6:15p.m. Mark Thie Music Project7:30 p.m. Lenore Raphael9:15 p.m. El Movimineto

Local Stage12:30 p.m. Ozone Rangers2 p.m. Christian Kohran3:30 p.m. Alexa Woodward5 p..m. The Red County Gospel6:30 p.m. Scratch River Telegraph Company8 p.m. We Killed Vegas9: 30 p.m. Annabelle’s Curse

Blue Plum 7’s Rugby Tournament – Civitan Park 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.Kids Area 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Urban Art Throw Down 3p.m. – 8 p.m.Animation Festival – Times varyLittle City Roller Girls 6 p.m.‐ 11p.m.

Schedule of events – Sunday, June 9Criterium Bike Race – 8:00 a..m. – 3:30 p.m.Blue Plum Revival at the Jazz Stage – 11:00

a.m. to 3 p.m.

For additional information on the Blue Plum 5/6728+39%&3/+6/%82627%7./%:012;2+3%0/6728+3%</=627/%+7%www.blueplum.org

The 2013 Blue Plum FestivalOfficial Lineup and Activities

Schedule


Saturday, June 1st, 2013, at 7:30 p.m. the Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, Virginia, will present a concert by an old time band ‐ Wayne Henderson and Friends. Performing with Wayne will be Jeff Little, piano

player extraordinaire. Concert admission is $10 for adults, $1 for children 6 to 11, under age 6 free. Wayne Henderson’s top‐notch

12,>/?@&2;A2,>% 26% +% 6:B?;/% :0%great pleasure and pride to his friends, family, and neighbors in Grayson County, Virginia. His guitar playing has also been enjoyed at Carnegie Hall, in three national tours of Masters of the Steel‐String Guitar, and in seven nations in Asia. In addition to his reputation as a guitarist, Henderson is a luthier of great renown. He is a recipient of a 1995 National Heritage Award presented by the National Endowment for the Arts. He produces about twenty instruments a year, mostly guitars; he is almost as well‐known for the mandolins he has made. Doc Watson owned a Henderson mandolin. Some of Henderson’s

instruments are intricately decorated, but they are most respected for their volume, tone, and resonance. Blues guitarist John Cephas said that Wayne Henderson “is probably the most masterful guitar maker in this whole United States.” Above and beyond his great talents as a musician and instrument maker, Wayne Henderson is known as a “friend to everyone” and shares his talents and knowledge B,6/3126.3*'%Hotshot rockabilly pianist

Jeff Little comes from Boone, North Carolina, in the heart of the Blue Ridge, where he grew up surrounded by music. Jeff =/>+,% 7:% &3+*% &2+,:% +7% +>/% 128/'%%His family owned a music store,

and musicians of all persuasions dropped by to play a few tunes with the kid, which helps account for Jeff’s mastery of a range of styles.CB7% D/00E6% ;?272;+3% 2,13B/,;/%

was Appalachian singer and guitarist Doc Watson, a neighbor and close family friend. His uncompromising approach helped shape Jeff ’s approach to music. Today Jeff Little is still conversant with a range of music, =B7% 12,46% .26% >?/+7/67% F:*% 2,%performing two styles that were hot when he was growing up in the music store – rockabilly and traditional Appalachian music. An astounding performer in the rockabilly genre, he obviously owes some inspiration to Jerry Lee Lewis. “Oh sure, you had to

know some Jerry Lee when I was coming up. His tunes would buy you a burger; you didn’t have to live on peanuts. But even back then I never did get to thinking I was Jerry Lee. I kept a lot of me in my music.”But there is also an echo of

more contemporary mountain tradition in Jeff’s performance. G26% 3/+4% 6:3:69% (B;.% 2,13B/,;/4%=*% 7./% 13+7@&2;A% >B27+?% 7?+4272:,9%are breathtaking in their speed, precision and clarity. They tell that he learned much from Doc Watson.Rounding out Wayne’s group

of friends accompanying him <233%=/%G/3/,%H.27/%:,%12443/%+,4%guitar, Greg Cornett on banjo and vocals, and Herb Key on bass. For one of the best nights of old time music you can imagine, don’t miss Wayne Henderson and Friends with Jeff Little. Be sure to bring along your dancing shoes – and your friends!For recorded information on

shows coming up at the Fold, call 276‐386‐6054 or visit www.carterfamilyfold.org. The Fold is on Facebook – page Carter Fold – and Twitter – Twitter @carterfoldinfo. To speak to a Fold staff member, call 276‐594‐0676.

Wayne Henderson and Friends, with Jeff Little

Carter Family FoldJune 1st, 7:30pm


Press release by Brandi LawsonWhen asked about their new

album, “Onyx” and what it stands for, Leigh Kakaty, lead singer of Pop Evil, rubs his hands together, smiles, and says, “Graduation”. He explained how the hard rock band from Michigan has grown and progressed to the next level. Their music is heavy and encourages you to always want more and to not just chase your dreams but turn then into reality. Consistant perseverance is what has got them through their trying times.The band had a couple speed

bumps that ended victorious when two new members came along. Nick Fuelling was added as lead guitar and Josh “Chachi” Marunde on the drums. With these additions came a whole other level of high‐powered energy, especially during their

live shows. I cannot imagine the ups and downs and doors that have been opened and closed for them. I asked Josh, “How do you keep from getting discouraged?” He said, “Always appreciate the small things”. Such simple advice that we all tend to forget.

I met Leigh in Knoxville, TN earlier this month and he told me “Torn to Peices” was his favorite song on the new album. He called 27% +% I=+33+4J% 2,13B/,;/4% =*% 7./%death of his father. The emotion rips through the song and you understand why it is a favorite if

you have ever lost a loved one.He then started talking about

7./2?%12?67%62,>3/%:00%IK,*LJ%;+33/4%“Trenches”, and how the lyrics came about. He laughed as he said, “I was literally diggin’ for rhymes on a second hand cell phone! I had a busted phone with a cracked screen!” Although you cannot tell there were any underlying obstacles when you hear the song.IM?/,;./6J% 26% 7./% 12?67%:0%+%N$%

minute trilogy music video. It portrays a woman in an abusive ?/3+72:,6.2&9% 12>.72,>% ./?% <+*%out of the “Trenches”. The trilogy was shot in Sweden and I saw where they had visited an Ice Bar and I asked how it was. Leigh replied, “COLD !” But then he began talking about the video and the album as a whole and I watched his eyes light up with pride. He said several times, “I can’t wait for you to hear it, for everyone to hear

it!” “Just wait!” And it is a truly powerful album.Pop Evil introduced me to

the “rock world” that is full of misconceptions. They are proof that if you work hard and never 67:&% 12>.72,>% 0:?% 2(&?:8/(/,79%you will succeed! Although their name is very misleading, these guys are the exact opposite of “Evil”. They will be at Capones in Johnson City on May 29. Tickets are available through Capones website. Come support these guys along with their positive messages and CATCH YOUR DREAM!

Pop EvilCaponesMay 29th


If you are looking to heat up your summer, then get ready. Soulful Georgia‐based songwriter, Connor Pledger, is going on tour this summer and this is one artist you DO NOT WANT TO MISS. Raised near Atlanta, Georgia, Connor Pledger grew up around a lot of different genres of music from pop, soul, and country, R&B to rock and everywhere between. He eventually used this palette of music he found in Atlanta to create his own sound. His refreshing versatility provides an exciting treat for the ears.Pledger is a comfortable break

from the average pop acoustic styles we hear on a regular basis. With his soulful vocals and his 13B24% >B27+?% 6A23369% O3/4>/?E6%music has the ability to reach out to all age groups who love more than one genre whether it is funk, country, blues, or rock. His melodies are full of smooth riffs and hooks and such contagious ?.*7.(6% *:B% <233% 12,4% *:B?6/30%tapping along to the beat.Pledger’s tour is going up and

down the East Coast in cities such as Boston and he will be touring around his home state of Georgia and even up in Toronto,

Canada. This is a tour you want to follow. Not only is Pledger’s music eclectic, Pledger is down‐to‐earth and friendly.His shows will be acoustic

only, providing a more intimate, cozy set list so fans old and new can get to know the man behind the music. Connor Pledger is the newest, MUST‐SEE ARTIST of 2013. If your schedule isn’t full this summer, then consider it 1233/4'%P:% 6//%Q:,,:?%O3/4>/?%:,%tour this summer!Connor was born in Phoenix,

Arizona and raised near Atlanta, Georgia. Calling Georgia his home, the artist moved to Athens, Georgia in 2010, where he ;B??/,73*%?/12,/6%.26%(+7/?2+3%+,4%never ceases in gaining a solid following. Throughout his high school years, the artist found his voice and musical talents thanks to many performance opportunities near his home in Conyers, Georgia. Eventually Connor added the guitar to his musical repertoire claiming his father and former musician, Bill Pledger, as his work’s main inspiration. Connor’s music has a contagious new sound that, ,:% 4:B=79% &?:(:7/6% 12?67% 72(/%listeners with ease and entices them all to become a part of his following comprised of fans worldwide. The UGA “Red & Black” describes his sound as “acousti‐funk.” His music is inspired by the sounds of BB King, Led Zeppelin, Stevie Wonder, The Allman Brothers band, and John Mayer. Connor’s signature bluesy voice, hands down, brings some originality to the slew of today’s new artists and sounds. He has performed in cities such as Nashville, New Orleans, New York City, London (England), Ho chi Minh City (Viet Nam) and Paris (France). In 2009, after playing a show at Eddie’s Attic in Atlanta, Pledger met &?:4B;/?% R+,,*% S,12/34% <.:%3+7/?% ?/;:?4/4% .26% 12?67% +3=B(%“Detours” (released in 2010) and also his newest project “Fight or Flight” (released July of 2012). While both albums don acoustic guitar accents, Connor’s most recent sound, heard on Fight or Flight and seen in his live performances, showcases his soulful notes and blues rock inspired vocals. Both albums are now available in iTunes stores around the world.

Connor PledgerAcoustic Coffeehouse

June 6th, 8pm


WEDNESDAYS

WEDNESDAYS

One of the most exciting young acoustic bands, Lindsay Lou & the Flatbellys, bring their unique “LouGrass” sound to Jonesborough on Friday, May 31, when they perform at Music on the Square ‐ www.musiconthesquare.com. Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys have jumped into the forefront of today’s progressive roots music movement. Distinct vocals, tight harmonies, instrumental expertise, and creative arrangements are all essential characteristics of their unique sound. Instrumentally, they can turn on a dime, their arrangements showing a well‐developed taste in music ‐ based on bluegrass traditions but frequently dipping into swing jazz and popular song craft – and their sound is deftly guided by

the clarion vocals of lead singer Lindsay Lou.Lindsay Lou & the Flatbellys’

new album, Release Your Shrouds, marks a remarkable step forward and that’s thanks in part to the relationship between Lindsay Lou and Joshua Rilko, which blossomed in their college days and, with their recent marriage, now forms the core of the band. Joshua plays mandolin and joins his voice with Lindsay in beautiful harmony on the new album which is a window to a bluegrass band spreading its wings and incorporating new 2,13B/,;/6% 2,7:% 7./2?% 6:B,4'% %K,%“Wonderful You Are,” bass player Spencer Cain shines in a duet with Lindsay’s Billie‐Holiday‐like vocals, and dobro player Mark T+8/,>::4% =?2,>6% 7./% 12?/% :,%“Lemon Squeezy.” Keith Billick’s

banjo playing not only offers the driving bluegrass sound, but also brings a level of sophistication to the less traditional numbers, like instrumental track “Barbarossa.” Lindsay Lou’s songs are fully crafted stories, often based on real‐life experiences, with lovely hooks and choruses. The breadth of the songs’ themes pushes each band member to work outside the bluegrass box and the results are delightful. Like any family, Lindsay Lou & the Flatbellys are more than the sum of their parts. They’re an all‐American family, front‐porch pickin’ party, with each song shining with the polish of handmade homemade acoustic roots music. www.lindsayloumusic.com

Lindsay Lou & The FlatbellysJonesborough Music on the Square

May 31st


He’s got this sort of amperage. When he turns it on, there’s just some kind of energy coming from him that’s almost scary but it’s powerful on stage. – Heidi Ehle, Mary B. Martin School of the ArtsIn 2000, Everett “E.T.” Tarlton

walked onto the ETSU campus, fresh from a childhood in Chuckey, Tenn., with a Tennessee twang, ideas pulling him in many directions and an untapped passion for performing. After about a decade of education and experiences at East Tennessee State University and stints as a regional professional actor and dancer, Tarlton is ready to put his effusive energy toward a career plan. “I just recently came out of

=/2,>% 7/??212/49% 327/?+33*% 4+*6%ago,” says 30‐year‐old Tarlton with a quick laugh. “But I’ve done it before. I’ve moved to a big city =/0:?/'% M./% 7?+,6272:,% 7./% 12?67%time was not the easiest and comparatively. This is going to be a piece of cake comparatively. I have a stronger plan now … I think I have a résumé that will at least get me taken seriously.”Tarlton’s résumé, though

varied, belies the actual scope of his participation in the arts. It doesn’t include the dozens of times he has assisted school groups with choreography and dance leadership, his three years as house manager for ETSU’s Mary B. Martin School of the Arts, his directorial and acting endeavors with Jonesborough

Repertory Theatre or his latest acting performance in ETSU’s Patchwork Players production of The 39 Steps where he portrayed men, women, children and inanimate objects. The résumé does, however,

with absolutely no ego, list some of his proudest accomplishments, such as playing Jim in Glass Menagerie and Macduff in Macbeth at ETSU and choreographing revue Forever Plaid with ETSU’s Music Department. Topping the list of ETSU performances is Tarlton’s favorite role, Orin, the addicted and addictive dentist. “Probably the most fun, collegiate or professional, that I ever had on stage was Little Shop of Horrors,” Tarlton says, grinning. “And I am not a fan of musicals, but it’s one of my favorite shows.”Tarlton likely won’t bring

it up, but music and musicals – at David Crockett High School in Washington County, Tenn. – inspired his interest in performance of all kinds. When he started in the Crockett choir, “The theater bug hadn’t hit me yet,” he says. “I thought theater kids were weird.”Then show choir with teacher

Judith Bays gave Tarlton a peek into the world of acting and dancing, and portraying Danny in Grease and choreographing the show choir’s movement completely changed the country boy’s mind about theater people. “I went, ‘Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey. I

like this.’ So I blindly declared a theatre major [at ETSU], actually a double major in theater and English. I did English to get my &+?/,76%:00%(*%=+;A%'''%S,%(*%12?67%<//A%:0%(*% 12?67% 7./+7/?% ;3+669% S%was hooked.”Tarlton had some obstacles

to overcome, right off – an East Tennessee accent and a family who did not “understand” serious acting aspirations, and Tarlton was serious. The accent was not so hard to work with. IS% 4:,E7% ?/(/(=/?% 7./% 12?67%encounter but I remember the 12?67% */+?% ./% <+6% ./?/% +,4% ./%talked like this – ‘a nice night 0:?% +% A,20/% 12>.79E% J% 6+*6% C:==*%Funk, drawing out those long I’s. “Because he was from the mountains up here and he kinda talked like that. I remember telling him, ‘We’re going to work on that.’ And we did.”The foundational theater

7?+2,2,>%>+8/%M+?37:,%;:,124/,;/%to cross the mountains and work in Cherokee, N.C., with the outdoor drama Unto These Hills and the T. Ramsey Actors Canteen musicals there in 2004‐2005. When he returned to ETSU, the dance program had become a part of the Division of Theatre, and Tarlton found another mentor, Cara Harker. IU*%12?67%2(&?/662:,%:0%V'M'%<+6%that he appeared fearless on stage,” says Harker. “Although S% (/7% .2(% =?2/13*% :,% +% 0/<%:;;+62:,6% 2,% N$$W9% S% 12?67% 6+<%him perform in Little Shop of Horrors … in 2007 and was blown away by his work.”Since then, Tarlton has

danced in and choreographed for ETSU’s spring dance concerts and had a lead role in Harker’s Tallulah Dies, which was recognized at the Cincy Fringe Festival in July 2011. “E.T. is an all‐arounder,” she says. “He can dance ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip‐hop, and since working together, he has grown tremendously as a partner dancer, tap dancer and choreographer. I like working with him because there are no boundaries with E.T.”The professional life enticed

Everett Tarlton Turns Energies Toward Nashville

Continued on page 11


Tarlton again, but the affair was brief. “I moved to Atlanta with $160 in my pocket and I have a place to stay but no acting job, no regular job, no nothing,” he recounts. G/%>:7%;+67%2,%.26%12?67%+B4272:,%

as Holcomb B. Habersham, an Atlanta aristocrat in Peachtree Battle, danced background for some headliners and worked in +% =+>/3% 6.:&9% =B7% 12,26.2,>% .26%degree brought him back to his mountain home. Back at ETSU, he further built

his résumé with Tallulah Dies; more ETSU dance; directing and performing with JRT; numerous character roles on ETSU’s main and secondary stages; acting for ETSU’s Spaces video series; and house managing Mary B. Martin School of the Arts’ ticketed events. His energy, charm, knowledge of performing and organization have made him invaluable, says MBM SOTA Events Coordinator Heidi Ehle. “E.T. is able to wrap his brain around all of the tasks a house manager must juggle and be a lot of fun at the same time,” she says. “He’s also an extremely

talented person. In fact, for him not to develop what he’s got is bordering on criminal. He’s an amazing dancer. Probably his choreography is some of the best I’ve seen at ETSU in the annual spring dance performances. He’s absolutely engaging in a theatrical production even if he only has a bit part. For some ?/+6:,%*:B% 12,4%*:B?6/30% ?28/7/4%by everything that he’s doing …” There’s no prima donna

in Tarlton. His candor, charm and willingness to help have engendered quite a “family” at ETSU. “People should know that not only is he good with performing and the theater side of the world but he’s a very caring person,” says Cooley, who performed with Tarlton most recently in Caesar 2013 and a dance event in Kentucky. “He cares for his friends and the people who look out for him. He will look out for you, as well.”Tarlton is ready to take his

plan to the world and, this time, see it to fruition. May brought the long‐awaited graduation. Now, he turns his energies to directing Trail of the Lonesome Pine, an outdoor drama in Big Stone

Gap, Va., for the second year and premiere of his one‐man show, co‐written with fellow ETSU theatre major Josh Holley, Timmy Goes to Rehab, at the Kansas City Fringe Festival.“It’s loosely based on the rehab

of my own life, overcoming things I grew up with and things that hindered me as an entertainer and as a person,” he says. “It’s about overcoming them but it’s told in a dark comedy sort of way, like a children’s storybook. ‘See Timmy run. See Timmy go to rehab …’ ” After that, the plan includes

invitations to other fringe festivals where casting directors look for fresh talent and, ultimately, a move to Nashville. He’s got the guts, vigor and

drive. He’s got a plan. Acting, dancing, choreography, directing, &?:4B;2,>9% <?272,>9% 67+>/9% 123(9%TV, video – Tarlton doesn’t want to be limited. But can he really make it? “It’s been a fantastic journey,

working with E.T. and I look forward to hearing about his future as an artist in Nashville,” Harker says. “He is ready for this next step.”

See E.T. graduate. See E.T. go to Nashville. See E.T. on the big

screen … Go, E.T., go.Continued from page 10


Folk Soul Revival is a harmony drenched, boot stomping, rowdy, rootsy Americana band from the Appalachian mountain region of Virginia/Tennessee.FSR has just released their

third album ‘Prompting The Dapperness.’The completely fan funded release (following a hugely successful Kickstarter campaign) returns to the formula that has continued to make the band so endearing‐ strong songwriting, sing along melodies, impassioned vocals and most of all honest music that resonates deep within the listener. There’s a reason the band has such a loyal fan base (‘The Congregation’) and garners accolades wherever they travel.In 2010, the band’s second

album ‘Words Off the Tongue’ was ranked among the Top 15 Albums of the Year by No Depression magazine. ‘Prompting the Dapperness’ reached #12 on the iTunes country charts and #99 on the overall charts on the day of its release, and has already charted on BillboardMagazine’s Heatseekers Charts at #10 (South Atlantic division.)In 2011, the Virginia Tourism

Board awarded FSR the Virginia Band of the Year and in 2012 readers of Virginia Living Magazine named the band among the Top Three bands in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Their website is http://redwantingblue.com.

Folk Soul RevivalTwilight Alive Summer Concert Series

Kingsport May 30th


The alluring rose‐lavender blooms decorating Grandfather’s slopes indicate the beginning of another wonderful summer on the mountain. The color returns to the Mountain this coming June and it does so in a most breathtaking way.The “Remarkable

Rhododendron Ramble” hosted by the attraction’s naturalists celebrates this memorable sight June 1‐16 at 1 p.m. daily. Grandfather’s knowledgeable guides are looking forward to sharing the beauty of this year’s blooms with park visitors.“Come join us to learn more

about our rare treasure, the Catawba Rhododendron and other native shrubbery,” said Katie Gray, chief naturalist at Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. “It’s a very exciting time of year.”The naturalists have planned

guided walks to honor the native Catawba Rhododendron and educate guests on how the plant 1276% 2,7:% 7./% 2(&:?7+,7% /;:3:>2;+3%

communities at Grandfather Mountain.Found throughout

southern Appalachia, Catawba Rhododendron also hold special 62>,212;+,;/% 2,% 7./% =:7+,2;+3%world. It is among only four original species of rhododendron that have been used to cultivate

thousands of hybrids. The Catawba Rhododendron

covers more than 1,000 feet in elevation from MacRae Meadows to MacRae Peak where it reaches X9YZX%0//7'%S7%7*&2;+33*%12?67%+&&/+?6%at overlooks near the entrance of the attraction in late May and arrives at the higher peaks near

The Mile High Swinging Bridge by the end of June. “Our rare Pink‐Shell Azalea has

been exceptional this year,” Gray said. “We are anticipating the same from the Rhododendron.”The Grandfather Mountain

Stewardship Foundation is a not‐0:?@&?:127%;:?&:?+72:,%/67+=326./4%

to preserve Grandfather Mountain, operate the nature park sustainably in the public interest, provide an exceptional experience for guests, and inspire them to be good stewards of the earth’s resources. For more information, visit www.grandfather.com or call 800‐468‐7325.All Rhododendron Ramble

activities are included in the regular attraction admission. For more information phone 800‐468‐7325 or plan a trip at www.grandfather.com.

Remarkable Rhododendron RambleGrandfather Mountain Through June 16th

The Catawba Rhododendron covers more than 1,000 feet in elevation on Grandfather Mountain. This wide range of elevation provides a long window of opportunity for guests to see this showy blooming plant. (Photo by Helen Moss Davis)


If Django Reinhardt, the cast of Stomp and the Beatles all had a party at Tim Burton’s house, Caravan of Thieves would be the band they hired.Northeast State Community

College welcomes this theatrical

and talented band to campus for a free live performance on Tuesday, June 11 at 7 p.m. in the Wellmont Regional Center for the Performing Arts at the main campus in Blountville. The performance is the second of

the College’s Summer Concert Series.Driving gypsy jazz rhythms,

acoustic guitars, upright bass and violin lay the foundation for the band’s mesmerizing vocal harmonies and fantastic stories. Caravan of Thieves are musical and intense. They entertain, dazzle and defy musical ;3+66212;+72:,% <.23/% </3;:(2,>%the spectator to join the band throughout the performance in (:(/,7+?*% 1276% :0% ;3+&69% 6,+&6%and sing‐alongs.Like many families, this one

started with a married couple – Fuzz and Carrie Sangiovanni, (guitar,vocals, various percussive “instruments”) writing and performing as a duo.“It started as a romantic,

bohemian vision of a couple making music, performing

on the road, in parks, venues, traveling around and avoiding responsibility as much as possible,” says Fuzz. “The 12?67% 7.2,>% </% 426;:8/?/4% <+6%we loved singing together, harmonizing our voices. We just seemed to click right away.”In the spring of 2008, Fuzz

and Carrie extended their family 7:% 2,;3B4/% 12/?*% 82:32,267% C/,%Dean and double bass madman, Brian Anderson completing their colorful vision. Since then, the four of them ran away from home and never looked back. Within 7.+7% 12?67% */+?9% 7./% Q+?+8+,% :0%Thieves began to win immediate praise for their unique blend of gypsy swing and popular music, inspiring them to record and release the debut full‐length album Bouquet (2009).To accompany this collection

of dramatic and satirical tales, they built an interactive stage set of percussive junk and the ragtag quartet took their newly animated show on the road, sharing stages with world renowned artists such as Emmylou Harris, Glen

Q+(&=/339% [+,;2% P?20127.9% M./%Decemberists, Keb Mo, Tom Tom Club, Iron and Wine, Punch Brothers, John Hammond, John Jorgenson and many others. The Caravan successfully connected with audiences on each of these diverse bills, proving their act to be understood and appreciated by folk, pop, rock and jazz audiences of all ages.“The years spent making

music as an acoustic duo, alongside street performers, forced us to create a style of music we can present anywhere, anyhow, plugged in or not, a little wild and raw,” adds Carrie addressing the palpable troubadorian nature of Caravan Of Thieves, “And this seemed to be a characteristic of popular artists and performers who have developed their persona and style that continue to span generations.”For their next release, Mischief

Night (2010), the band felt their sophomore effort would best be suited as a live recording due to their continuously evolving

Caravan of Thieves Rolls Into Northeast State

June 11th, 7pm



show and the response and energy they had been receiving from audiences far and wide. Captured from one sold out 6.:<%2,%5+2?12/349%Q:,,'9%U26;.2/0%[2>.7% .2>.32>.76% 7./% 12?67% 7<:%years of their most outrageous and engaging on‐stage antics, original composition favorites and a few selections from their list of unexpected cover song reconstructions.The band’s third release

and second studio album, The

Funhouse, broadens the Caravan of Thieves sound to include the kitchen sink, and then some. Tunes like “Raise the Dead,” the record’s single, drive the point home with impressive lift, powered by soaring crescendos and inspired gang vocals, not to mention a lyric that invites the deceased to join in the fun.The concert is free and open

to the public. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact 423.279.7668 or [email protected].

Continued from page 14

Johnson City’s The Barefoot Movement will release their second album “Figures of the Year” on June 1st at Down Home. This contemporary folk quartet came together while students of ETSU’s Bluegrass, Old‐Time, and Country Music Program. They’ve since been making waves in the folk world starting with the release of their 2011 debut album “Footwork.” 2013 brings the release of a new album, cross country touring, and all manners of shoeless excitement. Their new effort, “Figures of the Year,” comes on the heels of their west coast tour, opening for Anti Records artists The Milk Carton Kids from Denver’s Bluebird Theater, to San Francisco’s Great American Music Hall. The record itself, produced by Roy Andrade, of the New Reeltime Travelers, is a journey through a year, each song telling its part of the larger story, with both original and traditional

numbers, complete with all the elements that make up the Barefoot sound: lush harmonies, thoughtful instrumentation, and memorable melodies. The CD Release Show is scheduled for 8 pm at Johnson City’s own listening room, Down Home, at 300 W. Main St. The group, which features Noah Wall on 12443/%+,4%8:;+369%\B/,72,%];?/6%

on guitar and vocals, Tommy Norris on mandolin, and Hasee Ciaccio on upright bass and vocals, will also kick off the main stage music schedule at the Blue Plum Festival. You can also look for them on the lineup for Jonesborough’s Music on the Square series later this summer. Visit www.barefoot‐movement.com for more details.

The Barefoot MovementDown Home, June 1st, 8pm


Grasstowne will headline the upcoming June 1st concert taping for Song of the Mountains at the historic Lincoln Theatre in Marion, Virginia. The concert will also feature the award winning singer‐songwriter Michael Reno Harrell as well as the Jeanette Williams Band, the Church Sisters and the Asheville, North Carolina based band Wrecked Fretts.Grasstowne is a band

comprised of a very well respected veteran of bluegrass (B62;%+6%</33%+6%0:B?%:0%7./%12,/67%young musicians in bluegrass today. This combination together is one of the hottest and energetic bands touring today! M./% =+,4E6% 12?67% 7.?//% &?:F/;76%“The Road Headin’ Home”, “The Other Side of Towne” and “Kickin Up Dust” went to #1, #2 and #2 respectively on the National Bluegrass Charts. Their latest single “This Old Guitar & Me” is currently in the top 15 on the singles chart and rising! Alan Bibey is an original member and Justin Jenkins, Kameron Keller & Adam Haynes have been with the band for four years and are some of their generations most talented and sought after musicians. The newest member of the band, Blake Johnson, is an incredible singer and player in his own right. All the guys are featured on the new project Grasstowne “4”, which will be out very soon .

Michael Reno Harrell is an award winning songwriter, storyteller and published author. His songs have been described as “Appalachian grit and wit”, but his self‐penned material resonates far beyond his Southern roots. Because of his exceptional knack for description, fans have described his songs as “little movies”. His combination of music and storytelling are based in experience, sometimes downright funny, sometimes just plain scary, maybe even with a message worth taking away, but always mesmerizing and entertaining.

Savannah and Sarah Church, twins also known as The Church Sisters, were born in Norton VA on December 11th, 1995. At age one, they returned to

Grasstowne Heads Up Lineup

June 1st


Grasstowne

Michael Reno


the hometown of their mother Stephanie in Danville VA. Their career began after winning a local radio station’s talent competition. After winning, the phone began to ring with requests for them to appear at local churches. It soon grew into something much bigger, as they have traveled all over the U.S., most recently with Christian artist Brandon Heath. They now have a full band, touring schedule, as well as two self‐produced albums. They’ve also made appearances on RFD’s

popular T.V. shows “Larry’s Country Diner” and “Country’s Family Reunion.”The Jeanette Williams

Band will make their third appearance on Song of the Mountains. Jeanette with her husband Johnny always deliver a great bluegrass program laced with traditional song favorites as well as many original tunes that these talented veteran entertainers provide. Based in Danville, Virginia the Jeanette Williams Band is a true crowd pleaser.Wrecked Fretts is a band

that mixes bluegrass roots music with their own unique style of other Americana forms of music. This band is young and energetic and present a show that is very unique and entertaining.This Song of the Mountains

concert on June 1st begins at 7:00 pm. Tickets and information is available at www.songofthemountains.org or by calling 276‐783‐6093.Song of the Mountains

is underwritten for public television by TEDS, the General

Francis Marion Hotel in Marion, VA, The Appalachian Cultural Music Association and the Mountain Music Museum in Bristol, TN, Blue Ridge Country 98.1 fm, The Bank of Marion, Morehead State University, Bryant Label Co. of Blountville, TN. Special support from the Town of Marion, VA. Also Song

of the Mountains appreciates all the support received from their faithful supporters who contribute dollars to keep this concert series funded and on public television across America.Memberships and Song of

the Mountains merchandise are available at the website and your purchases help support the

concert series. Donations are accepted at the website as well. Underwriting opportunities are available by contacting Song of the Mountains through our website, www.songofthemountains.org.Song of the Mountains/The

T2,;:3,% M./+7?/% 26% +% ,:,@&?:127%organization.


Michael Reno

The Church Sisters

Jeanette Williams


With summer breezes come festivals and concerts on every turn, but one church in the area is going above and beyond to not only provide entertainment

for the community but also serve them. On Saturday, June 1, theROCK Church, is hosting an extensive community event called “ROCK the Block” at Memorial Park in Kingsport. This city wide event will feature fun for the entire family with 2,13+7+=3/6% 0:?% 7./% A2469% >+(/%stations, and much more. The family fun will be open during the afternoon hours from 2‐7pm, and then a special concert will take over the evening from 7‐9pm featuring Kingsport’s own Brad Blackwell. As a church, theROCK’s desire

is to serve their community in whatever way possible, and so they have designed an entire day to do just that. Hamburgers, chips, and water will all be &?:824/4% 0:?% 5)VV% 0:?% 7./% 12?67%2,000 people. Also provided will be free clothing in a reverse yard

sale style, and tons of giveaways throughout the day. Local organizations, businesses, and restaurants have also teamed up to provide refreshments and other goodies throughout the day. theROCK Church launched

in March 2009 with one simple vision in mind “To Pay Whatever Cost, to Point People to the Cross”. Lead by Pastor Billy Riner, theROCK is now known as a group of people focused on SERVING people and breaking down barriers that most people have about “church” or “Christians”. 7./)KQ^% <+6% :,/% :0% 7./% 12?67%churches in the region to have a fully functioning internet campus that broadcasts live every Sunday morning and Thursday night from their website iROCKdoU.com and were featured in the Kingsport Times‐News for their new approach to ministry.

Rock the Block 2013Kingsport, June 1st


The Town of Abingdon has created a Thursday Jams concert series for the summer as part of the Abingdon Music Experience. Until September 19th, there will

be nationally recognized bands showcased at the Abingdon Market Pavilion each Thursday. Each concert will start at 6:30pm and will be FREE to the public.

Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. There will be food and beverage vendors serving CC\9%G+(=B?>/?6%+,4%O2__+'%[:%coolers are

allowed. The events will be held rain or shine.Hit & Run Bluegrass formed

in Colorado in late 2001 with the mutual desire to play “authentic yet modern” bluegrass. A few months later, the group of stellar pickers won the 2002 Rockygrass Band Competition in Lyons, CO. Less than a year after 7.+79% G27% `% )B,% 7::A% 12?67% &3+;/%at the 2003 Telluride Bluegrass Festival Band Contest, making 7./(% 7./% 12?67% +,4% :,3*% =+,4%to win both contests. Hit & Run </,7% :,% 7:% 7+A/% 12?67% &3+;/% +7%the 2005 SPBGMA International Band Championships in [+6.8233/a+%?+?/% 0/+7% 0:?%+% 12?67%time competitor.Literal brothers, Alex (banjo

and vocals) and Ben Morrison (guitar and vocals) of The Brothers Comatose grew up in a house that was known for its music parties. “The Morrison house was a gathering place for local musicians – everyone would bring an instrument, call out tunes, call out changes, and just play for hours” says Brothers

Comatose bassist and Morrison music party goer, Gio Benedetti. “I learned more in that living room than in any class I ever took.” The brothers took this generous, inclusive and rowdy attitude and brought it to stages all over San Francisco. With the addition of (/(=/?6%O.232&%C?/_2,+%b12443/c%and Ryan Avellone (mandolin) the string quintet brings their original string music and the feel of an intimate music party to audiences all across the United States.Promotions for these events

+?/% =?:B>.7% 7:% B6% =*% C:,/12?/%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.

Hit and Run Bluegrass with Brothers Comatose

Abingdon Thursday Jams

FOR COMPLETE SHOW DETAILS, VISIT!"#$%&'$()*#+,-.,/#,$+,0+'(

!"#$%&'(&)*+%#$%,*))%-(.%'/)(%+'%+")%/012#&3%!")%)4)(+%5#22%1)%")2.%&'6)%*-#(%'*%$"#()3%7'0%6-8%1*#(9%12-(:)+$%-(.%&"-#*$;%10+%('%&''2)*$%'*%'0+$#.)%-2&'"'2%-*)%-22'5).3

MAY 30, 2013

6:30 - 9:30PM

Hit and Run Bluegrass

Brothers Comatose


A human being in a spacesuit working outside the International Space Station is about the most dangerous situation imaginable. Yet it has become so routine that lost to the public is the awe and thrill 7.+7% :,3*% +% 6&+;/(+,% 13:+72,>%free in the Universe can describe.An extravehicular activity‐‐

EVA in NASA jargon‐‐is truly a unique experience. And it all started a distant 48 years ago <./,% 12?67% +% )B662+,9% 7.+,% +,%American, literally “tip‐toed”

into the void of outer space.M./% 12?67% 6&+;/% <+3A% <+6%

performed by Alexey Leonov, 81, who spent about 15 minutes 0?//% 13:+72,>% :B7624/% 7./% 7<:@man Voskhod 2 spacecraft on March 18,1965. Three months late on June 3, 1965, American Ed White popped the gull‐wing hatch on his side of the Gemini Sd%6&+;/;?+07%+,4%13:+7/4%:B7624/%while commander Jim McDivitt, 82, anxiously watched inside. White, destined for a

moonwalk, shockingly died in 7./% D+,B+?*% e!Wf% ]&:33:% e% 12?/%during a dress rehearsal test that

Forgotten Danger of Spacewalks


Ed White’ Spacewalk


claimed two other astronauts; veteran Gus Grissom, the likely ;.:2;/% 0:?% 7./% 12?67%(+,% :,% 7./%Moon, and rookie Roger Chaffee. Still, 48 years later this week, the photo image is one of the most iconic of the Space Age‐‐a gangly, spacesuited Ed White 13:+72,>% 0?//% +>+2,67% 7./% =3B/%marble Earth and black of space, his umbilical cord wrapped around him like a serpent, his hand holding a propulsion gun +,4% .26% 6&+;/6.2&% ?/13/;7/4% 2,%the gold visor. Everything about the photo says man has taken the plunge into outer space.So just how many people

do you think have performed how many spacewalks since the days of Leonov and White? The total to date (June 2013) is 687 space walks among 201 men and woman. (The unique 12 moonwalkers and their 13 forays outside their moonships are excluded from this tally). The following 9 countries have 13:<,% 6&+;/<+3A/?6"% g,27/4%States of America, 125; Russia 59; Canada, France and Japan, 3 each; Germany and China, 2 each; Switzerland and Sweden, 1 each.With regularly scheduled

spacewalks outside the ISS for maintenance of life support systems and science experiments, the non‐space watching Joe and Jane Americas rarely hear about astronauts braving the void of outer space. Unless there is a problem...On April 19, 2013 Roman

):(+,/,A:% ;:(&3/7/4% .26% 12?67%spacewalk and became the 201st person to walk in space, and just the third, second generation spaceman. He and fellow cosmonaut Pavel Vinogradov performed emergency repairs to a leaking ammonia cooling unit outside the ISS that got attention from the new media. Roman’s dad, Yury Romanenko, 68, spent a total of 431 days in space (one 326 day stay on MIR) and 18 hours in space walks, so they are 7./%:,3*%0+7./?@6:,%6&+;/132/?6%7:%share that unique experience. It is amazing that no one has

been seriously hurt or killed in the dangerous business of spacewalking. Again, the credit is to the thorough, checklist mentality of all aviation that keeps stupid mistakes from causing a real problem. And

extensive training.NASA utilizes several huge

swimming pools built at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas to orchestrate every maneuver possible on replicas of the ISS. Russia has a similar EVA tank in Star City outside of Moscow. This underwater training mimics weightlessness in space, and can help foresee

problems with tools and the need for necessary constraints. For every hour an astronaut is in outer space, they rehearse about seven hours. Astronaut Story Musgrave,

instrumental in the repair of the myopic Hubble Space Telescope in December 1993, trained his



Astronaut Michael Lopez Alegria


fellow spacewalkers to rehearse every movement like a ballet, so there’d be no surprises‐‐an approach that is still taken today. M./% 128/% ?/&+2?% (2662:,6% :0%

the Hubble Space Telescope rank up there as some of the most amazing salvage jobs on V+?7.'% % M./% 12,+3% ?/&+2?%(2662:,%completely replaced parts never intended to be swapped out, and hundreds of tiny screws had to be patiently undone, then refastened. Astronauts were propped inside the chassis of Hubble for hours, traveling 17,500 mph around the Earth, experiencing 45 minutes of daylight and 45 minutes of night.There are many other

spacewalks that stand out in NASA history, none less challenging that the 1994 untethered EVA of an astronaut with a Manned Maneuvering Unit backpack that helped capture two errant satellites that were brought back to the Space Shuttle cargo bay for repair back on Earth and successful relaunch. Once, three spacesuited astronauts standing in the Space Shuttle cargo bay hand grabbed a crippled Intelsat communications satellite as the pilot physically maneuvered the spaceship into position. These daring rescue missions were thought to be the beginning of a &?:127+=3/% -&+;/% M?+,6&:?7+72:,%System (STS), but the fatal, launch explosion of Space Shuttle Challenger in January 1986 ended those dreams as being too

risky and expensive.American astronauts

have crawled outside their spaceships halfway to the Moon just to retrieve valuable rolls :0% 6B?8/233+,;/% 123(9% +,4% 7./*%have repaired the space station Skylab after a launch mishap left it with crippled solar panels. The Russians have done EVA’s to transfer crews between two spaceships, and even brought back to life a dead space station with daring spacewalks inside

the frozen modules. And there were the more than 300 spacewalks during 10 years of 35 -&+;/% -.B773/% 132>.769% I.+?4.+7J%astronauts and cosmonauts built the International Space Station. The protective spacesuit is

a “mini‐spaceship” of its own, providing systems for breathing and eliminating of bodily waste like sweat and urine. A layer :0% B,4/?>+?(/,76% <27.% 13B24%tubes for temperature comfort is also built with sensors for vital body statistics like heartbeat. The outer layer of the spacesuit blocks harmful radiation and cosmic rays, as well as micrometeorites. The actual spacesuit has evolved over the years from the models once customized for each spacewalker, to a “one‐size‐1276@+33J% 6&+;/6B27% 7.+7% (+*% =/%used by different people up to 10 times before being retired. There are an American and Russian version aboard the ISS, and usually two of each are stowed and ready for activation. The helmet is designed for




spacewalkers to reach a tube 67?+<% 0:?% ?/0?/6.2,>% 13B2469% +,4%a dispenser for an energy bar snack. What’s the hardest thing

about spacewalking? How about restraining your feet and arms, as well as holding things with your hands. Over the decades of spacewalks, it was found necessary to have foot restraints and handlebars for hand‐holding. And perfecting the right glove has been a challenge. Because there is pressure

in the space suit, a person is +;7B+33*% 13:+72,>% 2,624/% 27'% % h:B?%feet might not touch the bottom of the suit. And trying to grab and grip something takes more effort than on Earth. Hands quickly get tired, and can even be aching with pain after the EVA. On the last three Apollo missions, 7./% +67?:,+B76% 12,>/?72&6% </?/%rubbed painfully raw against the inside of their gloves as they spent hours pounding chisels on rocks and picking up samples.

-:9% ,/+?3*% 128/% 4/;+4/6%after Leonov and White broke into outer space, who has been outside the most in the unforgiving environment of outer space? The record is currently held by

Anatoly Solovyev of the Russian Federal Space Agency, with 82 hours, 22 minutes from 16 EVAs, followed by NASA’s Michael Lopez‐Alegria with 67 hours, 40 minutes in 10 EVAs. Solovyev .+4% 128/% (2662:,6% +=:+?4% 7./%MIR space station, where he performed his EVAs to repair solar panels and perform routine maintenance. Lopez‐Alegria is a Spanish‐

American astronaut, and a veteran of three Space Shuttle missions and one International Space Station mission. Among his ten spacewalks is the the second longest all‐time EVA duration record at almost 9 hours. He +36:% .+6% 7./% 3:,>/67% 6&+;/132>.7%of any American at the length of 215 days when aboard the ISS from September 18, 2006 to April 21, 2007, and he performed

128/% 6&+;/<+3A6% 4B?2,>%that time. The female record

for spacewalks is held by American Sunita Williams, a former ISS commander, with seven spacewalks for a total time of 50 hours and 40 minutes in outer space. Incredible is that 30

people have performed six spacewalks or more! Also astonishing‐‐but just a sign of the times‐‐ is that the almost monthly EVAs of two spacewalkers outside the International Space Station are rarely mentioned on any news media outlets except the NASA channel. Mankind has again

found a way to survive in an unforgiving environment and made it look routine. And in outer space, the ultimate challenge is to not just survive, but to thrive.

Continued from page 22 Astronaut Sunita Williams



Celestial events in the skies for the week of May 28‐June 3, 2013, as compiled for The Loafer by Mark D. Marquette.

M./%1207.%(:,7.%:0%N$e#%;./;A6%:B7%7.26%<//A9%+,4%</%+?/%6B44/,3*%2,7:%DB,/%<27.%daylight for nearly 16 hours and not much darkness for stargazing. In fact, darkness is basically from 10 pm to 6 am, so the stars will shine only for us “night owls.” But in the evening twilight around 9:45 pm, planets Venus, Jupiter and Mercury are

gathered together in what astronomers call a conjunction.

Tues.May 28In the evening twilight, Venus is just one degree north of Jupiter‐‐that’s two Moon diameters. And below the pair is much fainter Mercury. Watch the three planets move about during the next two

weeks, Venus getting higher and Mercury lower.

Wed. May 29The Big Dipper is high overhead looking north, it two outside bowl stars pointing to the North Pole star, Polaris. And follow the curve of the handle to the bright star Arcturus in Bootes the Charioteer (and bear herder). Bootes is supposedly chasing the Big Bear, Ursa Major, of which the Big Dipper is just the

hindquarters.

Thurs. May 30T+67%\B+?7/?%U::,%26%7:(:??:<%+7%N"XW%&(9%+,4%7./%;?/6;/,7%phase will dominate the morning sky. You will see the Moon directly south in the mid‐morning sky, a beautiful sight against

the powder blue of day.

Fri. May 31Near‐Earth asteroid e!!Y%\VN%is approaching the Earth‐Moon

6*67/(%0:?%+%13*=*%:,%U+*%#e67'%M./?/E6%,:%4+,>/?%:0%+%;:33262:,i%+7%closest approach the asteroid will be 3.6 million miles away. Even at that distance, however, the 1.7‐mile‐wide space rock will be an

easy target for mid‐sized backyard telescopes.

Sat. June 1Saturn is in the southeast in Virgo, the bright star Spica above

and to the right. This is an area void of many bright stars because we are looking away from our Milky Way Galaxy to the outside

Universe.

Sun. June 2On this 1966 date in space history, NASA’s Surveyor 1 soft‐landed on the Moon’s

K;/+,%:0%-7:?(9%+%62>,212;+,7%/8/,7%2,%](/?2;+E6%?+;/%7:%7./%U::,%<27.%)B662+'%%-:(/%lunar scientists thought the three‐legged, spidery lander might be swallowed up in

deep, dusty soil. It didn’t, and plans for the Apollo landings got a boost.

Mon. June 3K,%7.26%e!WX%4+7/%2,%6&+;/%.267:?*9%V4%H.27/%&/?0:?(/4%](/?2;+E6%12?67%6&+;/%<+3A%outside the Gemini IV spacecraft while commander Jim McDivitt, 82, anxiously <+7;./4%2,624/'%%H.27/9%4/672,/4%0:?%+%(::,<+3A9%42/4%2,%7./%e!Wf%]&:33:%e%12?/%

during a test that claimed two other astronauts. Today, more than 500 spacewalks have been safely performed by the USA, Russia and China, most of them in the to build the orbiting

International Space Station. Yet the iconic image is that of Ed H.27/%13:+72,>%0?//%2,%6&+;/'%


I have always been a Star Trek fan, especially of “Star Trek: The Next Generation”. The adventures of various captains and crews have kept me entertained over the years, on both television and on the big screen. H./,% 7./% 123(% 6/?2/6% <237/4%

with the release of “Star Trek Nemesis” (a movie I liked) in 2002, the franchise was left for dead. Flash forward to 2009 and

the release of the rebooted J.J. Abrams directed “Star Trek”, and 7./% 123(% 6/?2/6% <+6% :,;/% (:?/%alive and well. I was very impressed with the

spot on casting of the famous characters, and the fresh tone provided by the director and the young and enthusiastic actors. M./%123(%<+6%6B;.%+%.279%+%6/jB/3%was a forgone conclusion, and we have one with the new release

“Star Trek Into Darkness”. Once more the crew of the

Enterprise, led by Capt. James T. Kirk (Chris Pine), is back for an all new adventure, and in 3‐D no less.

Pine is joined by Mr. Spock bk+;.+?*% \B2,7:c9% T2/B7/,+,7%Uhura (Zoe Saldana), Karl Urban (Dr. “Bones” McCoy), Simon Pegg (chief engineer “Scotty”), Anton Yelchin (Ens. Chekov),

and John Cho as Lieut. Sulu. Bruce Greenwood completes the main cast in the role of Adm. Christopher Pike. The story begins with a

terrorist attack in London, initiated by the mysterious John Harrison (Benedict Cumberbatch). Harrison has a mind set to damage or even 4/67?:*%-7+?13//79%+,4%;:,72,B/6%

Star Trek Into Darkness



his quest to do so in San Francisco. Harrison manages to escape

capture after one of his attacks, and leaves Earth for a distant planet. Soon, after some very trying occurrences, Kirk and his crew are in hot pursuit of the terrorist. M./%123(%.+6%(+,*%&3:7%7<2676%

and surprises, not the least of which is the true identity of Harrison. Is he, dare I say it, Khan, the superhuman solider from the original series? I will not say in case you haven’t seen 7./%123('%Director Abrams, who will

direct the new “Star Wars” movie, wastes no time in kicking the action into high gear, as the 8/?*% 12?67% 6;/,/% .+6% ^2?A% +,4%R?'%U;Q:*% 13//2,>% 0:?% 7./2?% 328/6%from some primitive aliens on another planet. The action

continues at a fast pace, but not at the expense of character interaction. The famous characters all

have time to shine in the new 123(9% +,4% 7./% ;3:6/% 0?2/,46.2&%between Kirk and Spock is further cemented. I was very impressed with the

story‐line, the acting, the special effects, the 3‐D, and most of all Cumberbatch. The “Sherlock Holmes” actor nearly stole 7./% 123(9% +,4% 26% +% (:82/% 8233+2,%on par with Heath Ledger’s Joker. Cumberbatch turns in a performance that conveys both disgust and pity toward his character. As I mentioned earlier, the new

I-7+?% M?/AJ% 123(6% +?/% =?2332+,73*%cast, and all the main actors have wonderful on screen chemistry. You really feel these characters care about each other, and that requires more than brilliant

acting. I feel the actors care about one another off screen, and that is clearly displayed on the screen. M./% 123(% &?/6/,76% <:,4/?0B3%

/L+(&3/6%:0%6+;?212;/9%0?2/,46.2&%and family, and succeeds in mixing action and emotion. K,/%:0%7./%=/67%123(6%:0%N$e#9%

and a wonderful addition to the “Star Trek” series is currently playing in our galaxy. I encourage you to don your 3‐D glasses, transport to a theater, and boldly go see “Star Trek Into Darkness”. (Rated PG‐13) A




It’s the end of May, so let’s take some time to talk about what we’re gonna be doing in June. For kicks and curiosity, the month of June will be devoted to a fun little social media project I’m calling Andy’s Film Club. Think of it as being a far more geekier version of Oprah’s Book Club, swapping out books for movies. A group of friends of mine, over Facebook, and I will watch the same movie from [/7132L%/+;.%<//A'%M./,%</E33%+33%6.+?/%:B?%comments with the group, and I’ll distill it into that week’s column. I’ll share the name of each movie that is coming up, so you can join in on the fun. Why? Why engage in an odd little

movie watching experiment with friends over the inter webs? Several reasons. One, why not? Two, I love sharing movies with people, and out of the four we’re going to watch, only one is completely new to me. It’ll be fun to see how other people react to these movies. I am inherently curious to see if we’re all on the same page, totally different, or down the middle. It’s not going to be that different than if I invited you over for a movie night. What type of movies are we going to

=/%<+7;.2,>9%*:B%+6Al%S%12?67%.+4%7.:B>.7%that it would be good to mix it up, not just 67+*%<27.%:34/?%123(6'%h/79%S%;:B34,E7'%M./%list is half movies from the 1940s and the

1960s. I can’t help it, it’s where a lot of my passion for movies lies. I also want people to see more older movies. I just want to do my little part to get people (:?/% +<+?/% :0% 7./% 123(6% 7.+7% S% 3:8/% 6:%dearly. I can’t think of the last time I’ve done

a themed month like this—unless you count my annual yuletide stream of columns—but I don’t. It’ll be fun to have a themed month to play with. So what are we going to kick off this month long adventure with? We start with one of my top ten favorites movies, 1935’s The Bride of Frankenstein. Without question, it’s one of the truly great America movies, right up there with Casablanca, Citizen Kane, and Gone with the Wind. I won’t go into the reasons this is a top

7/,% 123(% 0:?% (/9% SE33% 6+8/% 7./(% 0:?% ,/L7%week. I hope you’ll consider joining along with us on this month long adventure. All the movies we’re watching are on [/7132L9% +,4% +6% 0+?% +6% S% ;+,% 7/339% <233% ,:7%=/%426+&&/+?2,>%+,*72(/%6::,'%-:%12?/%B&%your instant queues, and get ready to join along! You’ll have till next Tuesday to see The Bride of Frankenstein. Sorry for cutting this week’s column

short, but I have to share my thoughts on the movie for next week. See you then!

A June Experiment


One of the projects that had been on my “To Do” list for some time was contracting Ray Manzarek, the legendary Doors’ keyboardist, for a lecture/performance at Northeast State Community College. I had talked to his agent on several occasions and was hoping his fee would drop a bit before we signed the dotted line. When I received the news about Manzarek’s death last week, I was overcome with a sense of loss and an even greater feeling of regret. Needless to say, I now wish I hadn’t waited so long to make the deal, because I believe Manzarek’s performance would have been a long‐remembered one here in East Tennessee. I guess I just didn’t believe Ray would leave us so soon, at least not in his mid‐seventies.I began playing the organ

about three years before “Light My Fire” was released, and until that time had set my sights on mastering the usual three‐chord rock and roll songs that were so popular at the time. However, the Summer of 1967 changed all that when I heard two songs that 424,E7%jB27/%127%7./%B6B+3%(:34aProcol Harum’s “Whiter Shade of Pale” and The Doors’ “Light My Fire,” both featuring organ lines that didn’t sound like anything I had ever heard before, at least not in popular music. My perspective was altered even more when I 12?67%./+?4% 7./%+3=B(%8/?62:,%:0%“Light My Fire” on the FM radio in my dad’s Buick on a moonlit night sometime in the spring of 1967 as he and I were on our way back home from North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. This <+6%7./%12?67%72(/%S%?/+32_/4%7.+7%“album versions” even existed—I assumed that “Light My Fire” was only available in its all‐too‐brief

three‐minute Top 40 format. Hearing Manzarek’s extended organ solo on the song I thought I knew backwards and forwards was a revelation that still lingers in my memory after all these years. Although this sounds totally unbelievable today, the concept that a pop song played on the radio could last for slightly over seven minutes was utterly mind‐blowing. I couldn’t have been more astounded or excited had my dad presented me with a yet‐to‐be‐invented iPad right then and there. This was not popular music, I said to myself, 7.26%<+6%6;2/,;/@12;72:,'Although I will probably

make a few enemies by saying this, I never much cared for Jim Morrison. For me, especially after I heard the album version of “Light My Fire” on that moonlit night (shades of The Doors’ “Moonlight Drive” perhaps), The Doors were inconceivable without Ray Manzarek. It was he, not Morrison, 7.+7%4/12,/4%7./%6:B,4%:0%the band and made their songs so memorable, so intriguing, and so mysterious. Manzarek played like no one at the time (or since), and my skills at playing those simple pre‐Doors rock and roll songs were challenged when I tried to duplicate even Ray’s simplest comps and solo lines. He seemed like some sort of alien from outer space. Where did he learn to play like that? Who—or what—could have possibly been his teacher and inspiration? Ray was truly an

anomaly in the world of pop music at the time. While other bands incorporated a bass player in their lineup, Ray played the group’s bass parts on a specialty instrument called a Fender Bass Piano, which was perched on top of his Vox Continental combo organ (the same instrument used earlier by British Invasion bands like The Dave Clark Five and the Animals); the Vox was later replaced by a newer and slightly bulkier Gibson G‐101, but the Fender Bass Piano stayed, and Ray continued playing it with his left hand while creating those mesmerizing solo lines with his right hand on the organ keyboard. Granted, a real bass player was sometimes brought in for recording sessions, but a live Doors concert always featured Manzarek and his keyboards doing double duty.The Doors have been one of

the most mythologized groups in pop music history, thanks largely to the unpredictable antics by the real‐life Morrison and Oliver Stone’s much‐discussed and ballyhooed movie, starring Val Kilmer as Morrison. Most of the group’s activities, including the origins of their songs, exist in more than one version, as if these stories were written in cuneiform rather than in English. Take the story of how “Light My Fire” came to

be written and performed, for instance. Manzarek’s version, as recounted in his memoir, Light My Fire: My Life With The Doors (1998), probably should be taken at face value, although anything that occurred in Southern California in the late sixties should probably be greeted with a great deal of skepticism. According to Manzarek, the song was originally written by Robby Krieger, the group’s guitarist, and then whipped into shape by Densmore, himself, and Morrison. Manzarek undoubtedly is responsible for the keyboard parts, which were improvised over Krieger’s initial chord progressions that accompany Morrison’s vocals. The lengthy instrumental =?/+A% 7.+7% 4/12,/6% 7./% I+3=B(%version” of the song, however, was Manzarek’s creation, and he took his inspiration from jazz saxophonist John Coltrane’s improvisation on “Ole,” and not from his version of “My Favorite Things,” as most critics have assumed. Just listen to both Coltrane performances and see if you don’t agree with Manzarek (who should, after all, be a pretty reliable authority, even when you factor in the effects of a late‐sixties Southern California vibe and more than a few illegal substances). Regardless of whose creation story you choose

to believe, there is no denying that the organ parts of “Light My 52?/J%+?/%+%4/12,2,>%(:720% 2,% 7./%history of popular music.After Morrison’s death,

Manzarek continued to play his unique music, teaming up with composer Phillip Glass for a version of Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana,” playing with various experimental music groups, including a Doors‐tribute band with Robby Krieger, and granting many interviews and mesmerizing audiences with his many Doors tales (my sense of regret is overwhelming me again at this point).We will indeed miss Ray

Manzarek, but we will always have his music, which is more accessible than ever in this iTunes world. And we have a whole slew of memoirs and pop music histories to consult, including the best of the lot (besides Manzarek’s aforementioned memoir, that is), Greil Marcus’ thought‐provoking and intriguing book‐length essay, The Doors: A Lifetime Of Listening To Five Mean Years (2011).I hope you will spend some

time this week listening to Ray Manzarek and honoring his legacy in your own way. For starters, try playing two keyboards at once.See you next week.

Remembering Ray Manzarek


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