The Loafer, Jan. 14, 2014

Page 2, The Loafer • January 14, 2104

www.theloaferonline.com January 14, 2104 • The Loafer, Page 3

Volume 28

Issue #6

Published by Creative Publishing, Inc., P.O. Box 3596, Johnson City, TN 37602

www.theloaferonline.com • [email protected]

e-mail: [email protected] (editorial)


It is time again for the Annual Tri Cities Bridal Show at the D.P. Culp Center at ETSU in Johnson City! Here we are, more than

and our focus, as always, is on our brides and providing an outstanding collection of true wedding professional suppliers that will always be there to take care of their needs. There will be many door prizes and amazing deals from the exhibitors PLUS we will also be presenting TWO LUCKY COUPLES with honeymoon dream cruises from Cruise Planners and Summit Travel at the end of the show. It is the mission of all our fabulous exhibitors to assist brides and grooms in creating the wedding of their dreams and desires. There will be mannequin models throughout the show displaying the latest ladies and men’s wedding day fashions.

Continuing our new tradition, we will have two, runway style fashion shows at 2:30 and 3:30PM. Weddings are one of the

most celebrated and sometimes confusing rites of humanity. They are events that inspire hopeful dreams but also require a great deal of planning and thought. Our culture places much emphasis on weddings and the phrase that you hear a lot, is the ability to provide the ever elusive “Dream Wedding”. The simple reality is that your wedding should be the wedding of your own dreams, not those conjured up by other people trying to change your concept of what your wedding should be. That dream belongs to you so when considering the suppliers that will be assisting you with your wedding, make sure that they are willing to work with

you to achieve your ideas and goals. That is what makes YOUR wedding unique.We have a phrase that describes

the suppliers that just do the same thing, over and over, and concentrate on making it faster, cheaper and easier on them; In the event industry we call those, “McWeddings” or Wedding Mills!

people, and your wedding should

our exhibitors so that you can be assured that they are among the best available in this region. They will be at the 29th Annual Tri Cities Bridal Show to assist you. This

suppliers will meet you, develop some ideas, simplify your planning process and most importantly create lasting relationships and friendships. Remember, the best people book far in advance (some as much as 2 years) so it is

important to reserve your wedding planner, venue, entertainment, photographer, caterer and others as early as possible! This show is the oldest and largest wedding event produced in the Tri Cities of

just those “right connections” to make your wedding exactly what you want it to be!Advance tickets are available at

www.tricitiesbridalshow.com for $8.00 or $10.00 at the door, pre-‐registered brides can purchase $4.00 admission tickets on the website through January 17th!There will be many other door

prizes and drawings plus the Grand Prize Cruises!Professional Exhibitors Include:

Celebrate Rentals, The Wedding Boss, Cruise Planners by Kathy Kennedy, Summit Travel, DJ Alan Dodson, Red Carpet Event Photos, Venue at King Center, DJ Robbie Britton, Happily Ever After Farm, A

The 29th Annual

Continued on page 5


Sharp Entertainment, Rae of Light Photography Works, Pratt’s Catering, Men’s Wearhouse (MW Tux), The Venue at King Center, Maple Lane Farm, Jean Moree Photography, Lalonde’s Bridal Boutique, Princess Diaries, Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites-‐Bristol, VA, Tracy’s Treats, Slumber Parties by Rachel, Meadowview Convention Center, Jim Goodwin Photography, Advanced Photography, Mr. Picture Booth, Tracy’s Treats, Daniele Elyse Photography, Rejuva Laser Skin Center, Jim Goodwin Photography, Mary Kay, Cake Art, Curl Up and Dye Salon, Premier Jewelry, It Works Wraps, Gourmet Bridal Registry, Plexus Slim, Origami Owl, VIP Seen Magazine, Oh So Haute Photography, J.J.’s Catering & Restaurant, Outback Steakhouse of Bristol VA, Katrina Serene Photography, Stan Crabtree Photography, Orange Leaf Media, TW Wedding Cinematography, Blackthorn Club, Beck Mountain Corn Maze, Heartwood, Little Black Book Boudoir Photography and more!The Tri-‐Cities Bridal show is

produced by An Unforgettable Event, Inc. and Co-‐Sponsored by Celebrate Rentals of Johnson City. WTFM and VIP Seen providing Media Coverage.

Continued from page 4


The Historic Jonesborough Dance Society will hold a contra dance on Saturday, January 18, 2014 at the Jonesborough Visitors Center, 117 Boone Street from 7:30

p.m. to 10:30 p.m. with a class for beginners starting at 7:00 p.m. The featured band will be “Flying The Tune” consisting of Lew Gelfond

keyboard. Calling the dance will be ETSU Student, Clinton Ross from Charlotte.. Admission is $7, $5 for HJDS members and $5 for full time students.The evening will begin with a

family dance from 5:30-‐6:45pm. The family dance is truly a family event where parents or grandparents and children ages four and up learn traditional dances. The dance will consist of easy steps for participants of all ages taught by Christi Bothwell. The goal is to teach the fundamentals of dancing with a focus on having fun and placing less of an emphasis on dance techniques. Types of dances include circles, long-‐ways sets, squares, and odd number sets. All dances will be taught and called with high-‐energy live music from students in the ETSU Bluegrass, Old Time & Country Music program. Family dances promote community, inter-‐generational interaction, and bring traditional dance to a new generation, making the dance community stronger and enduring. Admission to the family dance is $5 for adults and $3 for children. Family package costs $15 for parents and all their children. If

the participants wish to stay for the regular dance, their Family Dance admission can be applied to the regular admission costs.Clinton Ross began his calling

career in 2012. Ross, a member of the ETSU Bluegrass, Old Time and Country Music program, is an accomplished musician but took very quickly to contra dance after participating in the on-‐campus dances twice a month at the Culp Center. He was immediately drawn to calling. He attended the Cumberland Dance Week, a camp in Nancy, KY, two summers ago where he was tutored by one of the nation’s top callers, Seth Tepfer, from Atlanta. After calling in Jonesborough in January of 2013, Clinton has traveled around the country making calling appearances in many established dance communities.For more information, please

contact event organizer, David Wiley, at 423-‐534-‐8879 or visit www.h i s to r i c j one sbo rough dancesociety.org and Historic Jonesborough Dance Society on FACEBOOK.

Jonesborough Contra & Family DanceJanuary 18th


Cultural Arts in partnership with

an evening with The Barefoot Movement with special guest Loves it at The Renaissance Arts Center Theater in Kingsport, TN on Friday January 24, 2014 at 8pm. Johnson City?s The Barefoot Movement have been making waves in the folk world since the release of their 2011 debut album Footwork.2013 brought 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 to San Francisco to Vancouver. The record itself 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.From the foot-‐tapping

instrumental “Sheepherder” to the emotional ballad “Thunder” and everything in between, these roots music newcomers have assembled quite the collection here, both old songs and new, offering something for everyone.Loves It was born in the vibrant

honky tonkin’ community of Austin TX in 2010. Vaughn Walters and Jenny Parrott, each veterans of the road, left their other bands to hit the ground running as a duo. Their homemade melodies and rhythms are inspired by folk, country, gospel, and punk. Loves It plays with a veneration for tradition and a determination to bring a modern voice to their favorite sounds. By playing 200 shows per year in the US, Europe, and Asia, Loves It has amassed a collection of all new original music for their

due out October 2013. Loves It has appeared at such festivals as Bristol Rhythm and Roots, Red Wing Roots, OK Mozart, and has appeared on Wisconsin PBS special “30 minute music hour.” The harmony driven duo switches between guitars,

special guests to create a bigger

sound. Kinky Friedman calls their debut album “Yay” “an American original, another step on the road to the stars.”An incredible line up is already

set for Kingsport all the way through the summer of 2014. All

reserved seating in the beautiful

Renaissance Theatre, where there is not a bad seat in the house. Refreshments will be for sale at the theatre.Show starts at 8 pm (Doors open

at 7 pm)Tickets: $12 Reserved Seats

Book Now: www.EngageKingsport.com

The Barefoot Movement & Loves ItRenaissance Arts Center Theatre

January 24th, 8pm


Saturday, January 18th, 2014, at 7:30 p.m. the Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, Virginia, will present a concert of bluegrass music by the Kevin Prater Band. Admission to the concert is $8 for adults, $1 for children 6 to 11, under age 6 free.The Kevin Prater Band sprang

from the long musical association between Kevin Prater and Tom Timberlake, beginning with the Timmy Cline Band in 1994 and then continuing with Redwing in later years. Years into Kevin’s tenure with the James King Band, Tom began trying to convince Kevin that he should be doing his own music, and his persistence paid off. He put

dream of fronting his own band, and soon they were forming the Kevin Prater Band. They started picking together again and working on new music with a couple of local

together as the Kevin Prater Band in 2009. Kevin has played many different instruments over the

rhythm and lead is a driving force of the KPB sound. His vocals are the backbone of the group, and what their music is built around. Danny Stiltner is one of the most talented bass players in eastern Kentucky. Danny and Kevin had known each

other since their childhood, when they used to play local shows around the area. They always said they would love to play together in a band, but didn’t know so many years would go by before it would come to pass. Tom Timberlake plays banjo for the group. He is one of the most hard driving banjo players today and also knows how to back up vocals and make them truly shine. His harmonies are second to none. Gary Moore is the mandolin player for the KPB. His playing is very strong in rhythm, and his leads add a great deal to the melody. Gary’s vocals are a true pleasure to listen to, and he brings great sounding harmonies to round out the KPB sound.The band comes from a wide

heroes. The original Seldom Scene, the Country Gentlemen, the Osborne Brothers, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Red Allen, the Stanley Brothers, and Boone Estep and the Ramblin Grass are among the different styles of music they have all admired and studied together throughout the years. The KPB bases their sound on strong vocal harmonies, built around high trios, and their style is reminiscent of the classic Seldom Scene and the 1970s Country Gentlemen performances. They are also steeped in the

tradition of gospel music, and pride themselves on the acapella hymns and great gospel songs that people have come to enjoy. The band also includes classic country in their repertoire and loves bringing old familiar favorites to life. They’ll be bringing along a

some lively dance tunes as well.For some of the

best traditional bluegrass the region has to offer, be sure to come out and see the Kevin Prater Band at the Carter

tunes, tremendous vocals, great instrumentals, and amazing harmony. For more information on the band, go to http://thekevinpraterband.com/.Carter Family Memorial Music

rural arts organization established to preserve traditional, acoustic, mountain music. For further information on the center, go tohttp://www.carterfamilyfold.org. Shows from the Carter Family Fold can be accessed on the internet athttp://www.carterfoldshow.com. Carter Music Center is part of the Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail.You can visit the Crooked Road Music Trail site at http://thecrookedroad.org. Partial funding for programs at the center is provided by the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. For recorded information on shows coming up at the Fold, call 276-‐386-‐6054. The Fold is on

To speak to a Fold staff member, call 276-‐594-‐0676.

Kevin Prater BandCarter Family Fold

January 18th


Sundy Best will perform at Capone’s, 227 E. Main Street, on Thursday, January 16th. Tickets are $7 at the door. Doors open at 8pm and show starts at 10pm. Ages are 18 and up. Sundy Best is a country duo

made up of Kris Bentley and Nick Jamerson from Lexington, Ky. These guys stormed onto the music scene in spring 2013 and have quickly become a household name. Their video for the popular single “Home” debuted at number one on CMT’s Pure 12-‐Pack Countdown last April and they have been climbing the music charts ever since. They made their Grand Ole Opry debut Thanksgiving weekend and performed there for a second time on January 10, 2014.This country duo is on a fast

track to super stardom, yet they remain humble and grounded to their Kentucky roots. With their own mix of country, bluegrass, rock, soul, and rhythm and blues, they are a fan favorite among a variety of music genres. Their current album “Door

Without A Screen” is available now and they have a new album titled “Bring Up The Sun” that will be released in March.Their video for “These Days”

from their new album, slated

for release in March 2014, world premiered on CMT in November. They made their Grand Ole Opry

debut last year and are playing there this Friday night. Sundy Best video for “Home”

spent 10 weeks in the Top 10 on the CMT Pure 12 Pack, including multiple weeks at #1; the duo’s proven active fan base is only

#kinfolkmovement coming to the party.Front porch melodies and lyrics

grown out of the rocky topsoil of Eastern Kentucky’s Appalachian Mountains intertwine Sundy Best’s roots into the songs they sing. They are storytellers, musicians, friends, and the impetus of the ‘kin folk movement’ that is organically connecting a strong music-‐loving

family that believes in solid, real and relatable songs. They are crowd rockers and

party starters. The band’s visceral sound and incredible live shows have gained them a loyal following of dedicated fans from the hills and hollers of Appalachia, all the way to the bustling one way streets under downtown city lights across the south. There are mountains in their music-‐ valleys of love lost and missing home, peaks of rowdy Saturday nights and the journey in between. The guys have been friends since

they were in elementary school. They both grew up singing in their church for fun while starring in high school sports in Prestonsburg, Kentucky. After college sports success for each, Kris in basketball, and Nick in football, the friendship continued in music as they began playing patio parties, restaurants, and clubs, often playing 4 hours

songwriters, they bring songs to each other and together create their own style and sound.

Sundy BestCapone’s

January 16th


With virtuosic dancers and thrilling choreography, one of the nation’s premier contemporary dance companies Eisenhower Dance blends drama, momentum and force with technical brilliance in its performances at Diana Wortham Theatre on Friday and Saturday, January 17 and 18, 2014 at 8:00 p.m. Founded by Artistic Director Laurie

Eisenhower in 1991, Eisenhower Dance has been captivating audiences for more than two decades with an evolving, exhilarating repertoire dedicated to the performance of a diverse range of contemporary dance works.In its January 17 & 18 performances

at Diana Wortham Theatre, Eisenhower Dance performs the following works: Begin with the End in Mind, an abstract work by Ron de Jesus that showcases the dancers’ dynamic range, from soft and tender to powerful and athletic; Open Veins by Laurie Eisenhower, a virtuosic pure movement work; Threads, a luscious and passionate work for eight dancers—a signature work by Eisenhower Dance and an audience favorite; Music Lesson, a piece by Eisenhower that utilizes old recordings of narrated music lessons spliced with new music samples, giving a tongue-‐in-‐cheek version of music history and form; and Better Places, a crown-‐pleasing suite of

music, also by Eisenhower. An additional work by a guest choreographer will be revealed at the performances.Eisenhower Dance has

received critical acclaim along with enthusiastic audience support from around the world, called “stunning” by the Holland Sentinel and acclaimed as “intelligently crafted repertoire” by Dance Magazine. The company

has received numerous grants and awards for its work, including a prestigious Touring Award from the New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA) to present its work NewDANCEfest during the 2012-‐2013 season. With

support from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the company has also collaborated with Michigan Opera Theatre, the Warren Symphony, the Immigrant Suns, the Rackham Symphony Choir in Carmina Burana, and the Motor City Lyric Opera and the Toledo Opera in Amahl and the Night Visitors.In addition to the public

performances, Diana Wortham Theatre hosts Eisenhower Dance for an extended residency at the theatre. Activities include an after-‐school performance, “Kids in Motion,” on Wed., Jan. 15 at 3:30pm; a Master Class for the public on Thurs. Jan. 16 (location and time to be announced); a Matinee Series performance, “Motown in Motion,” on Fri. Jan. 17 at 10:00am; and a workshop at Care Partners. In addition, ticket holders of the Jan. 17 & 18 evening performances can attend free pre-‐performance discussions with Laurie Eisenhower and/or Eisenhower Dance dancers at 7:00pm both nights prior to the 8:00pm performances. All activities except for the Care Partners

workshop are open to the public; more information at www.dwtheatre.com. Funding for the residency is made possible by South Arts.Since founding Eisenhower Dance,

Laurie Eisenhower has created over 100 dances for the company in addition to works for numerous professional and university dance companies. She has been awarded several Creative Artists grants from state arts foundations, the Michigan Dance Association Choreographers Festival Award, the Women in Art Award for Choreography, Artserve’s Michigan Governor’s Arts Award for Outstanding Michigan Artist and, most recently, the prestigious 2012 Kresge Artist Fellowship.Eisenhower Dance’s Asheville

performances are funded in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the North Carolina Arts Council; and presented with support from The Art Fryar Charitable Trust; and by Performance Sponsors Steve & Rena Hoffman, and by Mainstage Dance Series Sponsors Hedy Fischer & Rancy Shull, Tina & John McGuire, Ronna & Rob Resnick, BMW of Asheville, and Diamond Brand Outdoors; with additional support from Media Sponsors WNC magazine and WCQS 88.1FM. The new entrance for the Diana

Wortham Theatre at Pack Place is marked by the location of the theatre’s new marquee between 12 and 14 Biltmore Avenue. Patrons enter the theatre through the breezeway between Marble Slab Creamery and Circle in the Square restaurants, and into a large interior courtyard for Pack Place with multiple glass doors to the theatre’s lower lobby and new

just over 500 and boasts exceptional acoustics and sightlines, making it the premier performance space in Western North Carolina. The Mainstage Series is

supported by a grant from the North Carolina Arts Council, a state agency. The Mainstage Series 2013/2014 Season Sponsors are the Asheville Scene, Blue Moon Water, Creative Energy, Laurey’s Catering and Gourmet-‐to-‐go, the North Carolina Arts Council, and the Renaissance Asheville Hotel. To obtain more information on the Mainstage Series or to purchase tickets,

(828) 257-‐4530 or visit www.dwtheatre.com.Ticket Prices: Regular $35;

Students $30; Child $15Student Rush day-‐of-‐the-‐

show (with valid ID) $10

(828)257-‐4530 • www.dwtheatre.comArtist’s Website: www.

eisenhowerdance.org

Eisenhower DanceDiana Wortham Theatre

January 17th & 18th


Tennessee Department of Tourist Development has released the

in print and online as an e-‐guide, recognizing Bristol as the Birthplace of Country Music.

that message comes through loud and clear in the new 2014

A striking cover shows native Tennessean and international superstar Justin Timberlake paying homage to Tennessee’s musical roots, while callouts highlight some of the state’s top music destinations, including Bristol, the Birthplace of Country Music.“We’re thrilled to showcase

Justin Timberlake on the cover

Vacation Guide as we celebrate the 60thanniversary of rock n’ roll and all that Tennessee offers as the global music destination of choice.” said Commissioner Susan Whitaker, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.Tennessee Lt. Governor Ron

Ramsey, who resides in the Bristol area, is a strong supporter of Tennessee’s tourism industry.“Being the Birthplace of Country

Music and having Bristol Motor

driving force behind tourism in this region,” he said. “It’s absolutely wonderful that Bristol is receiving this type of recognition.”Matt Bolas, executive director

of the Bristol Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, is happy to see Bristol featured on the cover of the vacation guide. Bristol is recognized as the Birthplace of

country music recordings were made here in 1927.“We have such a wonderful

partnership with Tennessee Tourism and we’re honored that Bristol has a place on the cover,” he said. “We feel very fortunate to be able to work with such an amazingly talented group of people, and they, along with Virginia Tourism, continue to work diligently with us on the opening of the Birthplace of Country Music Museum.”

Leah Ross, executive director of the Birthplace of Country Music, was ecstatic to learn of Bristol’s billing on the guide.“We’re absolutely thrilled to

be included on the cover, along with Justin Timberlake, and we’re honored to be recognized for the role Bristol has played in shaping the music of Tennessee,” she said. “We appreciate Tennessee

Tourism for giving us this kind of recognition, particularly in the year in which we’re opening the Birthplace of Country Music Museum.”Also inside the guide, some

of the music industry’s top celebrities, including Dolly Parton and Sheryl Crow, share their favorite Tennessee experiences throughout a dynamic photo essay

highlighting several facets of the state’s travel industry. A series of features also showcases Tennessee music, food, spirits, outdoors, festivals and the diverse network of Discover Tennessee Trails & Byways, including can’t-‐miss stops along each one. A special double-‐page spread highlights Union City’s brand new $100 million attraction, Discovery Park of America.Add to that a list of annual

events, regional overviews and best bets, maps, attraction listings and more, and potential visitors have everything they need to plan the perfect Tennessee vacation.

Like last year, a new iPad app of the guide will be available soon in iTunes offering additional rich media and interactive content, as well as links to all advertisers.More than 550,000 guides are

available at the state’s 14 Welcome Centers and to tourists requesting the publication via tnvacation.com and 1.800.GO2.TENN. It is also available as an e-‐guide at tnvacation.com. The guide is Tennessee’s primary vacation planning and marketing publication for domestic and international tradeshows.

Justin Timberlake & Bristol Featured on 2014 Tennessee

Vacation Guide Cover


Urgent need for blood donors with types O, A negative and B negativeAs severe winter weather begins

to subside, the American Red Cross is asking all eligible blood donors to help offset a weather-‐related shortfall in donations.

“It’s the blood products already on the shelves that help save lives when severe weather hits,” said Gwen Hunter, Blood Donor Recruiter in East Tennessee. “Thanks to generous Red Cross blood donors, blood products were available for patients who still needed transfusions despite the weather. Now we invite those previously ‘frozen out’ from giving blood to come in soon.”Blood donors with the most in-‐

demand blood types — O positive, O negative, A negative and B negative — are urgently needed to give blood in the days and weeks ahead to offset the shortfall.Red blood cells, the oxygen

carrying component of blood, are the most widely transfused blood product and must be transfused within 42 days.

Johnson County EMS Rescue in

the Crewette Building, 203 Vandilla Street, Mountain City, 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm, Call American Red Cross, 818 Sunset Drive, Johnson City,

2:30 pm to 7:00 pm

American Red Cross, 818 Sunset Drive, Johnson City, 8:00 am to 1:00 pm

American Red Cross, 818 Sunset

Drive, Johnson City, 8:30 am to 1:00 pm

Johnson City/Washington

County NAACP, 322 West Watauga Avenue, Johnson City, 12:30 pm to 5:00 pm

Simply call 1-‐800-‐RED CROSS (1-‐800-‐733-‐2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other

at check-‐in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-‐for-‐

on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us

Red Cross Calls For Blood Donations After Severe Winter Weather Impacts Collections


The Korean Children’s Choir will present the 2014 CCA KIDZ TEAM -‐ Suwon, Korea, Carl Powers Memorial Tour at the Paramount Center for The Arts January 17 from 7-‐9 pm. Admission is free.The Korean Children’s

Choir, a ministry of the international media ministry Far East Broadcasting Company (FEBC), founded by Dr. Billy Kim, who is often referred to as the “Billy Graham of Asia.”The CCA Kidz Team Korea Children’s Choir

has delighted audiences around the United States with their beautiful voices, colorful costumes, skilled choreography and traditional Korean dance. Members of the children’s choir are selected through a competitive audition process. The children, ranging in ages from 7 to 13, receive training from a voice trainer, choreographer and conductor. The choir has performed a variety of concerts at churches, cultural centers, theme parks, schools and universities throughout Canada, Australia, Saipan, Guam, Taiwan, Cambodia, Southeast Asia and different parts of Europe.

Dr. Billy Kim was born in 1934, into a poor farm family near the end of the Japanese occupation. When the Korean War broke out in June of 1950, his family could not escape, so they endured the hardships of war in Suwon. Kim was able to get work as a houseboy for the U.S. military, where he met Sgt. Carl Powers, the U.S. Soldier who would change his life forever. Powers helped Kim get to America and

17, and Powers enrolled him at the Bob Jones Academy in Greenville, S.C.“We hope to express our deep appreciation

for the American people for what they have done, both missionaries and those in the military,” Kim said. “The audience will cry, laugh, rejoice and be blessed from these kids’ songs and message. Korea is the second largest missionary sending country in the world, and we hope to encourage the American audience as well as our young people and those hoping to go to the United States for college to consider missions.”Bristol bluegrass band, Duty

Free, will open for the Korean Children’s Choir. Duty Free members include, Hal Boyd, Bobby Love, Tim Laughlin and Charlie and Rick Powers, nephews of Carl Powers. The event is being sponsored by sponsored by Friendship Hyundai of Bristol and Johnson City.

Korean Children’s ChoirParamount Center for The Arts

January 17th, 7pm


Two eclipses of the Moon during the “graveyard shift” of early morning will highlight the stargazing in our celestial skies for 2014. April 15 the Moon slips into the

Earth’s shadow beginning at 2:46 am and be total at 3:46 am. The same celestial magic happens again Oct. 8th, but dawn will ruin the total phase on our Eastern USA coast. The planet Jupiter dominates the

winter and late spring as the third brightest star in Gemini the Twins, joining brothers Pollux and Castor. And then the will be the April close

approach of Mars to Earth. The third and fourth planets will be about 55 million miles apart on April

8th, not super close but a distance that will make it easy to see dark surface markings and bright white polar caps.The planet Venus will become

the pre-‐sunrise beacon in the east through summer, while Mercury will play its usual back and forth in the morning and evening horizons twice throughout the year. The year ends with Saturn

bejeweling the autumn in Virgo, a sight in a telescope that simply says “astronomy.”Any astronomy year is full of

surprises, new discoveries and a

closer understanding of just where we

into the grand scheme of the Universe. There could be a comet come out of nowhere (like Hale-‐Bopp in 1997, or there might be another destructive asteroid collide with Earth, like the Russian explosion in February 2013. Maybe Mars rover Curiosity will turn over a rock and

skeleton! Now, THAT would be a surprise for the ages. And there will

no doubt be more fabulous images of Saturn and its retinue of fascinating moons

Top Stargazing Events of 2014

Continued on page 15

Saturn’s hexagonal south pole

Lunar eclipse photo by Mark Marquette


from the billion dollar Cassini spacecraft, now in its 10th year orbiting the ringed world. One area under study this year is the unique hexagonal hurricane in the center of the south pole, as well as the environment on moon Titan’s surface of lakes and rivers made up of minus -‐200 liquid methane.In the human space frontier,

the International Space Station is experiencing its 13th year of continued occupancy with 12 more astronauts that make up Expeditions 39 and 40 taking residence for 5-‐month stints. Business as usual will include more supply missions with modules built by two private contractors who have billion dollar contracts with NASA. Still the only ticket to ride to

the ISS is the Russian Soyuz TMZ

expensive ticket it is with NASA spending up to $60 million for one of three seats on the cramped Soyuz space capsule.The New Year will show progress

in the building of NASA’s four-‐man Orion space capsule, much like the Apollo spaceship of the 1960s. And private space entrepreneur Space X is involved in test to convert its Dragon spaceship into a manned vehicle for trips to the ISS. One unique aspect of a new year

of stargazing is looking forward to seeing the same old celestial friends that avid amateur astronomers have become familiar with—much like old friends. For instance, watching Orion

leap over the eastern horizon on its side and then standing straight up in the direct south hours later as a rite of the Winter season. And with a backyard telescope, there are dozens of celestial sites that include the Great Nebula of Orion, The Pleiades star cluster, and brightest star of all, Sirius.When Leo is seen rising in the

east, it’s time to think of Spring, reinforced when Hercules joins the early evening. Then the parallelogram of stars that make up Lyra the Harp with brilliant star

when the Great Square of Pegasus rides high in the eastern sky in the early evening, it’s Autumn time. And then, again, appears Orion as the cycle of Earth orbiting the Sun continues. Think of our 365 and one-‐fourth

day trip around the Sun as being on an 800 million mile circle race track. The Sun is in the middle, and we start out the year looking at the stars of Orion and company in Turn 1. As we approach Turn 2, the

grandstands represent the stars of Spring with Leo and friends. The

that lead into Turn 3 and the Summer stars. Finally, Turn 4 is where the Autumn stars are seen as we whizz by at 30,000 mph. When down the front stretch and

looking at Winter’s starry wonders in the stands, we can’t see the stars of Summer on the backstretch of the orbital racetrack because of the bright Sun. They are in the daytime sky. So every celestial lap, we are looking in the grandstands of stars,

we move at a predictable speed governed by the gravity of the Sun and laws of physics. That is what makes every

celestial year a special one, reacquainting the stargazer with the familiar starry friends. After all, they are always there—and never let you down.

Continued from page 14Photo by Mark Marquette



Central Ballet Theatre of Greeneville is celebrating its 10th anniversary with the production of “Prince Caspian: Return to Narnia” Jan. 17-‐19 at Tusculum College.Set to emotionally stirring

music, the ballet tells the timeless tale of faithfulness, belief and courage, based on “Prince Caspian,” the second book in the popular Chronicles of Narnia series by C. S. Lewis. This ballet is Central Ballet Theatre’s second world premier and its eighth original ballet. More than 90 local children and adult dancers and four professional dancers will perform in the ballet which will run from Jan. 17 -‐ 19 at the auditorium of the Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Building on the Tusculum College campus.“Prince Caspian: Return to

Narnia” is the powerful sequel to “The Lion, the Witch, and the

amid a Civil War as the villainous King Miraz prevents the rightful heir, his young nephew Caspian, from ruling the land of Narnia once his own son is born. The story details Caspian’s journey to claim his rightful place in the kingdom.“This is a very powerful ballet

because there is so much depth to the story,” explained Lori Ann Sparks, artistic director and choreographer for Central Ballet Theatre. “Certain selections really make the audience think about the very meaning of life. This ballet is a challenge to all people to live for truth. It is told through the story of C.S. Lewis, one of the best storywriters of all time, set to powerfully stirring music and presented in a most beautiful art

weak of heart. It has real sword-‐

and beautiful relationships that bring to life a story that is no longer a fairy tale but rather lessons the audience will both enjoy and take home with them.”Fourteen additional dances

with new choreography have been added to the ballet since it was originally performed by Central Ballet Theatre. In addition to her original choreography, three of the dance selections were choreographed by Richard d’Alton of International Ballet of Houston, who has received the “Outstanding Choreographer” award by the Youth

America Grand Prix competition judges for many consecutive years. In addition, Marilyn duBrisk, director of Tusculum College’s Arts Outreach, choreographed a piece called Old Stories for this ballet.In celebration of Central Ballet’s

10th anniversary, there is an opportunity to win a beautiful quilt, handcrafted by Kymberly Boschee and created from the t-‐shirts from the past 11 ballets Central Ballet has performed in its 10 years. Tickets may be purchased in the lobby during the shows.“Prince Caspian” will be

performed at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 17 and 18. Matinee performances are scheduled at 2 p.m. on Saturday and on Sunday, Jan. 19. All performances will be in the auditorium of the Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Building on the Tusculum College campus. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. Tickets are available at Three Blind Mice, Evans Jewelry, The General Morgan Inn and Richland Creek Gifts as well as at the door. For ticket reservations, please call 724-‐7014 or 798-‐1620. For more info, visit www.centralballet.com.

Prince Caspian: Return to NarniaCentral Ballet Theatre at Tusculum

January 17th-19th


Celestial events in the skies for the week of June 14-‐20, 2014, as

compiled for The Loafer by Mark D. Marquette.

The gibbous Moon is waning to Last Quarter phase next week, rising Tuesday beside Jupiter in Gemini at 5:30 pm, and by next Monday it rises in Leo at 10:30 pm. Moonlight has been the inspiration for the nov-‐elist, artists, poet and songwriter—maybe you are among those bathing in moonshine this week. The stark

landscape of winter and silvery light are a unique vision, espe-‐cially on a cool, crisp night.

On this 2005 date in space his-‐tory, mankind touched another world when the Huygens space-‐craft landed on the Saturn moon Titan. Taking images while it parachuted to a soft landing on the shore of a methane lake, Huy-‐gens showed pebbles and eroded rocks in a surface photo. Ejected from the Cassini spacecraft that is still orbiting Saturn, the three-‐foot wide Huygens is now a dead

relic from Earth.

On this 2006 date in space history, the NASA spacecraft Stardust’s reentry capsule crash landed in a Utah desert containing particles of Comet Wild 2, completing a 12 year mission that

and Comet Tempel 1. The Comet Wild 2 samples contained water and hydro-‐carbons that are building blocks of life.

Jupiter rises in east and dominates the rest of the night. Even in the cheap-‐

est telescope, you can see the squashed globe of Jupiter, its dark bands and the changing positions of it four, star-‐like moons, each of which are interesting worlds in their own

right.

Here are some of the bright stars that dazzle our night sky this week: Betelgeuse, Rigel, Sirius, Procyon, Capella, Aldebaran, Castor and Pollex. These are among the 20

brightest stars in the night sky, and form a giant, celestial hexagon on the sky.

Orion the Hunter is reaching its peak time at around 9 pm, as it stand high over the south horizon. Betelgeuse means armpit of the giant, and this red star is the Hunter’s shoul-‐der. Rigel is the white star of Orion’s knee. The other knee

star is Saiph, and the other shoulder star is Bellatrix.

Launched on this date in 2006 toward the dwarf planet

Pluto, NASA’s New Horizon’s spacecraft is past Uranus and

Happy 84nd birthday to Apollo 11 moonwalker Buzz Aldrin. He was standing beside Neil Armstrong in the American moonship Eagle when they landed in Mare Tranquility on July 20th 1969, and the second man to set foot on an alien

world.


In what now seems like a never ending movie series, another

screen. “Paranormal Activity: The

Marked Ones” is the latest in the series that began in 2007, and once again is in the “found footage” format. If you saw the original

initial reaction? I remember all the hype surrounding the original release, and the reactions of some of the audience members when I

The one thing I do remember was how several audience members began to grow impatient due to the fairly slow pace of the story, and made their displeasure

build in intensity and I remember thinking, yes, this is an example of our “Instant satisfaction” culture. I guess if some character isn’t running around with a machete trying to off cast members, some people just don’t have the desire to wait for something better.

the 5th outing, and despite the fact

character Jesse (Andrew Jacobs), who lives in Oxnard, CA. with his family, and has just graduated from high school. After several days of

mark on his arm, and one night when he is out with his best friend Hector (Jorge Diaz), the duo are attacked by two thugs, who soon have been knocked unconscious by Jesse. After realizing he had no idea

how he knocked the thugs out, Jesse soon realizes he has superhuman abilities (insert Spider-‐Man joke here). However, even as Jesse is enjoying his new abilities, matters

for the recent graduate begin to deteriorate. Jesse is actually one of many children who were “selected” before birth to become part of a sinister plot by the witches seen in

After Jesse’s mood and behavior

with Hector and friends in hot pursuit of their wayward friend.

Their search for Jesse leads them to the house where the character of Grandma Lois lived in the third

you want to be. Let me say to my friends right

away, if you ever venture to an evil witches house, don’t expect me to follow! After Jesse’s friends reach the mysterious house, the

again see the character of Katie.

moments, as it should, and the characters are all interesting, despite being annoying at times. Most impressive to me was how the ending cleverly connected to

Overall, “Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones” was a scary blast that could actually end the series. We shall see. (Rated R) B

Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones



Usually the deaths of famous people and artists don’t affect me that much. I’ll have a moment of sadness and think about it, but then it’ll pass from my brain. But when the death of Phil Everly, half of the pioneering, wildly

Brothers, passed away it really hit me. When the news of Phil’s death came in the evening of January 3rd, delivered to me from a post by a friend on Facebook, I said out loud “Oh, no.” I quickly grabbed a video of “Walk Right Back” off YouTube and posted it to my Facebook page, then I went over to my record player and started playing Everly Brothers records.

I listened to the songs that night, and was reminded—as I am every time I listen to them—of how crazily perfect their harmonies were. It wasn’t till the two days later, the morning of the 5th, that it really seemed to hit me. CBS’s Sunday Morning program did a lovely tribute to Phil, and when I heard the opening chord to “All I Have to Do Is Dream,” I felt tears slowly begin to form in my eyes. I was caught off guard by this, and I know it’s because I heard that opening chord. “All I Have to Do Is Dream” is one of those songs that, to me, is damn near perfect. “All I Have to Do Is Dream,” has

always been one my favorites by them, and it’s hard to pick favorites with a group whose catalog is rich with killer songs. I listen to

“All I Have to Do is Dream” and it reminds me of everything that love should be, could be. Maybe it isn’t that pure, or that simple, or that wonderful. But if I would ever get married, “All I Have to Do Is Dream” is the kind of song I’d want to have played at the wedding. We often take people for granted,

and then their deaths remind us of why we fell in love with them in the

Brothers for granted. They’re one of a handful of artists that’s always in my main rotation of music. I’ve heard their music most of my life, and it wasn’t til high school, when my music library began to really

some of their albums. But Phil’s passing served as a reminder to me of just how damned perfect they were. The Everly Brothers were transcendent. Don’t let anyone kid you into

Without The Everly Brothers, Simon and Garfunkel wouldn’t have been Simon and Garfunkel. Without The Everly Brothers, the sound of Lennon and McCartney wouldn’t have been what it was. It’s popular to dismiss some of the

early rockers these days, as many people have crazy ideas on what rock is. Granted, I’m one of the most opinionated people in the world when it comes to music, but I love what I love, and I love it with all my heart and soul. The Everly’s

music won’t fade anytime soon, or at all, really. Younger kids will grow up with parents whose passion is music, and they’ll introduce them to

who realize that music means more to them than anything else, will discover them, and that great wave of joy that once washed over me

over them as well. So thank you, Phil. Thanks for

making some of the most amazing

music I could have ever hoped to

heart and soul with joy, happiness, and hope. You and Don made magic, and I will be eternally grateful for it. Rest in peace.

For Phil

Phil and Don Everly


Unless you’ve been hiding in a box for quite some time, you no doubt are familiar with Maru, the Japanese cat (a male Scottish Fold, belonging to the species Felis domesticus) who has become quite the Internet celebrity. According to his inevitable Wikipedia entry, Maru, who was born on May 24, 2007, is a very watchable cat indeed.

video was posted, his exploits with boxes and other household paraphernalia have been viewed “an average of 800,000 views each” with the total number of views for all his videos reaching 200 million, as of this past April (no doubt this number is much larger by now); and his YouTube channel is the “7th most subscribed in Japan.” There are probably more impressive viral videos out there (should we mention Miley Cyrus?), but very few as calming and as reassuring as the ones featuring this wonderful feline.And what exactly does Maru do?

Well, to be honest, not very much. His favorite activity is exploring and nesting (or trying to nest) in a variety of cardboard boxes and containers. And he is also very adept at getting a variety of paper and plastic bags stuck over his head—don’t worry, I don’t think he is in any danger of suffocating, because his “invisible” owner is

activities. She keeps pretty busy collecting and arranging all those boxes, but she is very careful never to be seen or heard during the

as “Mugumogu” (her YouTube account name) and she inserts clever English and Japanese title cards into her videos to let us know what is going on. Perhaps only I see this as an affectionate nod to the silent movie tradition—the videos are not silent, of course, but usually all we hear are the sounds of boxes

an occasional “Meow” from Maru. Sound is therefore not an essential

ingredient in Maru’s rise to fame.While his YouTube videos are

hugely popular, Maru has made appearances in other media, most notably in a Fresh Step commercial, also on YouTube, and there have been two Maru picture books, with accompanying DVDs, published in Japan. Can a movie be far behind?

see it, and propose that all those who bring a cardboard box to the theatre be admitted free.As neat as a movie would be, I

would like to see the development of a Maru reality show. Maru would

the pretty sordid and over-‐crowded roster of reality shows that have disgraced our living rooms since their debut in the 1990s (unless you count “Candid Camera,” which was very popular in the 50s and 60s).Here is a brief list of reasons why

Maru should have his own reality show and why he would be much better at this medium than what we have to choose from today:He doesn’t have numerous

celebrity ego issues to confront us withHe hasn’t been in rehab and

probably never willHis face will probably not show

on too many tabloid covers (just the tabby-‐loids!)He shows up to work on time

(well, sometimes)He will never get into trouble

by espousing controversial socio-‐political-‐religious viewsHe doesn’t make other cats

ashamed to belong to the same

species as himHe won’t record any ridiculous

Christmas albums or make other attempts at being talentedHe won’t aggravate you with

his bizarre and annoying family (except for maybe his new kitten companion, Hana, who joined his household this past August)His show doesn’t require any

special props (except for boxes and bags), exotic locations, obnoxious roommates, or overpaid and underdressed celebrity judgesHis show, unlike every reality

show out there, won’t be scripted; just give him a couple of boxes and he is ready to go (as if cats would follow a script if they could read or take direction)I suppose this list could be

expanded at will, but you get the idea. In addition to promoting Maru

as a reality show star, I also believe he could become a motivational “speaker” of sorts and an advocate of various self-‐improvement programs. And I know he would do a much better job that most of the people out there who are trying to motivate, inspire, and improve us. For one thing, Maru advocates a very simple life, not one crowded with time-‐management seminars, leadership workshops, and PowerPoint presentations. What’s more, he promotes creativity rather than self-‐improvement. You don’t have to shell out hard-‐earned money for books, DVDs (except perhaps for the ones about him), and doomed-‐to-‐fail multi-‐step improvement programs. To make

box and let your imagination run wild. Maru, rather than being an advocate of “thinking outside the box,” tells us to “think (and sleep) inside the box.”So, let’s make this New Year a

Maru-‐inspired one. After watching Maru, I am trying very hard to get our two cats—Kee-‐Kee and Nigel—inspired to become viral video stars, but so far I’m not having much luck. Wonder if there is room for a video series showing cats sleeping? See you next week. In the

meantime, hang on to those cardboard boxes.*Special thanks to our fearless

Editor, Christy Leach, for making me aware of the wonderful world of Maru.Maru’s blog can be found at

http://sisinmaru.blog17.fc2.com

Let’s Make This A Maru-Inspired Year

Think inside the box



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