Community Calendar 033025

MARCH 30

AUDITIONS FOR ‘CHARLIE & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY’—Theatre Bristol announces auditions for Charlie & The Chocolate Factory on March 29 and 30 at 512 State St., Bristol, TN. Auditions are open, and roles are available for men, women, teens, and children. Important information about auditions, roles, the rehearsal schedule and other details, the audition form are at theatrebristol.org/audition. A free audition workshop will also be held on March 23 at 2:30 p.m. and is highly encouraged for anyone new to theatre. In March, the search is on for "The Candy Man" himself, Willy Wonka, as well as Charlie Buckett, his devoted mother and bed full of grandparents including Grandpa Joe, and "lucky" children, Violet Beauregarde, Veruca Salt, Mike Teavee, and Augustus Gloop, and their respective parents, as well as Mrs. Green, Jerry and Cherry, along with some nutty workers, and of course, Oompa-Loompas! Charlie & The Chocolate Factory opens July 18, and runs for two weekends at Paramount Bristol. For audition information visit www.TheatreBristol.org/audition, for tickets visit www.ParamountBristol.org, and for information and updates follow TheatreBristolTN on Facebook, call 423-212-3625, or email info@theatrebristol.org.

CAMEO THEATRE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION & THEATRE BRISTOL RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY—Exactly one hundred years after opening for the first time, the Cameo Theatre celebrates its centennial with Theatre Bristol’s grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sunday, March 30, 6:30 p.m. at 703 State Street, Bristol, VA. Help us recognize those who have made this possible and hear from leaders from both cities with proclamations on this historic occasion, and learn how you can support the future Theatre Bristol and Cameo Theatre, all led by an evening ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Bristol Chamber of Commerce. RSVPs are requested at theatrebristol.org. To learn more or support the Cameo Arts Capital Campaign give at TheatreBristol.org/donate by check or online, or contact Theatre Bristol at info@TheatreBristol.org or 423-212-3625.

KNOT A PROBLEM—March 30, 1:30 p.m., at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park, 1651 W. Elk Ave., Elizabethton, TN 37643. Cost: Free. Maximum of 10 participants. Registration required at www.tnstateparks.com/parks/events/sycamore-shoals. Join Park Ranger Taylor Moorefield for a crash course in useful knots. Whether you're camping, doing farm work, hoisting heavy objects, or tying down a load, this program will teach you something. Learn principles of what makes a knot useful, how to care for rope, different types of cordage for different tasks, and a selection of the most versatile knots Ranger Taylor uses the most. Knots taught will depend largely on the experience level of those attending. Open to adults and children ages 10 and up. Meet behind the visitor center in the pines near the walking ramp. Subject to cancelation in the event of severe weather. For more information, call 423-543-5808 or visit tnstateparks.com/parks/sycamore-shoals, sycamoreshoalstn.wordpress.com, facebook.com/sycamoreshoals or friendsofsycamoreshoals.org.

MASTERWORKS FOR PIANO—Maria Yefimova presents Masterworks for Piano featuring pieces from Jean Phillippe Rameau, Franz Schubert, and Maurice Ravel on Sunday, March 30, at 2 p.m. in Cantrell Hall on the UVA Wise campus. The concert is free and open to the public. This performance is brought to you by Pro-Art and The University of Virginia’s College at Wise in conjunction with the W. Campbell Edmonds and Clinch Valley Concert Series. For more information and to make reservations visit proartva.org.

APRIL 1

ORDINARY PEOPLE, EXTRAORDINARY STORIES OF OVERCOMING FRAUD (FREE WEBINAR)—April 1, 3-4 p.m. Sign up: https://events.aarp.org/TE0401. Part of the AARP Virginia Tuesday Explorers series, retired San Diego Deputy District Attorney Paul Greenwood will interview victims of scams. The fraud survivors will share their stories and Greenwood will offer tips on how to protect yourself. All webinars and in-person events are free and open to the public, but registration is required to participate. View the entire schedule of fraud prevention and financial security events at https://aarp.cvent.com/VAFinancialSecurity.

WATAUGA ASSOCIATION OF GENEALOGISTS MEETING—The Watauga Association of Genealogists will hold their monthly meeting at the Johnson City Public Library and online via Zoom on Tuesday, April 1, at 6:30 p.m. The Zoom link can be found on the first page of the WAGS website at https://wagsnetn.org//. The public is invited to attend all WAGS meetings.  Our guest speaker is Dr. Colin F. Baxter, a native of Harrow, England. He received his undergraduate degree in history from East Tennessee State University in 1961 and earned his master’s degree and Ph.D. in history from the University of Georgia in 1963 and 1965, respectively. He returned to teach history in 1971 and became chairman of ETSU’s history department in 2002. Dr. Baxter will speak on the explosive RDX and its production in Kingsport and Hawkins County, Tennessee. In the 1940s, RDX proved to be pivotal in the Battle of the Atlantic and directly contributed to the Allied victory in WWII.

APRIL 2

AL-ANON—A support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941.

UPPER EAST TENNESSEE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT SUMMIT—East Tennessee State University’s second annual “Upper East Tennessee Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Summit” conference happens Wednesday, April 2, at the Brinkley Center. The conference aims to train and educate members of the community in the prevention of, as well as the response to, sexual assault and in advocacy and treatment for survivors. Officials hope the conference will help eliminate misconceptions and create an environment in which survivors will be better cared for. Conference speakers include representatives from the Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence and ETSU Quillen College of Medicine, among other groups. The conference features narratives from sexual assault and domestic violence survivors. The registration fee of $89 ($55 for students) includes breakfast and lunch. Continuing Education Units will be offered. ETSU employees may use their employee audit benefit to pay for registration. For registration or more information, call the Office of Professional Development at 1-800-222-3878 or visit etsu.edu/coe/professional-development/. For disability accommodations, call the ETSU Office of Disability Services at (423) 439-8346.

APRIL 3

‘DINING ... FIT FOR A KING’ FUNDRAISING EVENT—“Dining ... Fit for a King” is a fundraiser with proceeds supporting curatorial and educational programming at William King Museum of Art. This series of dining events offers unique culinary experiences organized by William King Museum of Art and hosted individually by members of your community. This series of dining events offers unique culinary experiences ranging from “Brunch on the Front Porch” to “Summer Social at Middle Fork Barn.” Join us April 3 at WKMA for the kick-off party to sign up for the dining events of your choice. Tickets are extremely limited and sell quickly. Reception, catered by AtoZ Catering, and drinks begin at 5:30 p.m. Sign-up for individual dining events from 6-7 p.m. RSVP required. Email RSVP@wkmuseum.org by April 1. Event tickets will be open to the public on April 4 at 10 a.m. at williamkingmuseum.org/dffk2025. In conjunction with “Dining ... Fit for a King,” we will also be hosting an online silent auction, “Sculptures ... Fit for a King.” Embrace the opportunity to own a contemporary work of art by bidding on one of six garden sculptures previously featured as a part of our 1997 and 1998 outdoor sculpture competition, “Out in the Open.” Bidding closes April 3. Visit event.gives/dining25 to view sculptures and place your bid!

LONESOME PINE REGIONAL LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETINGS—The regular monthly meeting of the Lonesome Pine Regional Library Board of Trustees will be held Thursday, April 3, at 1 p.m. at the C. Bascom Slemp Memorial Library in Big Stone Gap. The Finance Committee will meet at 12:40 p.m. to review monthly payables.

APRIL 4

BIG GUN: #1 AC/DC TRIBUTE—Marion, VA. Big Gun to perform AC/DC tribute at The Lincoln Theatre, 117 E. Main St., Marion, VA 24354, on Friday, April 4, at 7:30 p.m. Hailing from Knoxville, TN, Big Gun is a passionate group of rockers whose musical prowess is unmistakable. Over a decade of dedication to mastering the iconic guitar riffs and hard-edged vocals has made them the go-to choice for an AC/DC experience. Secure your tickets now for as little as $41 and enjoy an electric evening at The Lincoln Theatre. For more information and event tickets, visit www.thelincoln.org or call 276-783-6092.

BRISTOL MUSIC CLUB SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION DEADLINE—April 4 is the postmark deadline to apply for the Bristol Music Club Scholarship Auditions to be held on Saturday, May 3. Private music students in grades 4 through 12 are eligible to audition. Applicants may enter in any of the following: piano, organ, voice, classical guitar, or any standard orchestral or concert band instrument. For complete information and application form, contact Phyllis Crabtree, 276-591-8748, or phllscrbtr99@gmail.com.

APRIL 5

RESCHEDULED: 25TH ANNUAL THE REV. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY PARADE—Kingsport, TN. The 25th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade in Kingsport originally scheduled to be held on Monday, Jan. 20, from 10-10:30 a.m., has been RESCHEDULED TO Saturday, April 5 from noon-12:30 p.m. Parade participants will need to assemble at 11:15 a.m. at the intersection of E. Sullivan Street & Center Street (Parking is available near or around the New City Hall, 415 Broad Street, Kingsport, TN 37660). The parade route will follow E. Sullivan Street and end at the New Kingsport City Hall, 415 Broad Street. The theme is “Answer to Racism is the Love of Christ” & “Love is Still Alive in 2025 — Choose to Love And Not Hate.” If you would like, please enter a car, float, church/business van, bus, truck, other exhibits or take a 20-minute walk during lunch in the parade. For more information, call Bishop Ronnie Wayne Collins at 423-956-0675 or email rcollins.j316@gmail.com/.

BAYS MOUNTAIN PARK STARWATCH PROGRAM—Bays Mountain Park’s night sky observing sessions, StarWatch, has returned for the spring season. StarWatch sessions allow the public to enjoy the splendor of the night sky at Bays Mountain Park’s observatories. If the weather is good, attendees can typically see star clusters, nebulous gas clouds, colorful multiple-star systems, distant galaxies and the Moon and planets. If the weather is poor, the park will have an alternate activity in the planetarium theater. StarWatch sessions will be held on March 1 and 8 at 7 p.m., March 15, 22, and 29 at 8 p.m. and April 5, 12, 19, and 26 at 8:30 p.m. Note — please arrive at the beginning of the program so you can find your way to the observatories. Be sure to dress for temperatures at least 20 degrees cooler than expected and do not use white light flashlights at the observing grounds. This is a free event and does not require registration. StarWatch is hosted by the Bays Mountain Astronomy Club & Bays Mountain Planetarium. For more information, visit www.baysmountain.com or call 423-229-9447.

COMMUNITY ART SUPPLY SWAP—The Kingsport Public Library is hosting a community art supply swap on April 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kingsport Renaissance Center (Room 238). Participants may come to the event and acquire gently used art supplies for free. Donations of new and gently used art supplies will be accepted at the library and the Renaissance Center until April 4. Donations can also be brought to the event directly. Acceptable art supplies include paints, brushes and palettes, paper, yarn, fabric, clay and sculpting tools, jewelry-making supplies, slime-making supplies and much more. NOTE: please bring only clean and usable materials and no hazardous or expired products. Participants are encouraged to use the library’s event page on Facebook to meet others who are interested in the event and keep track of all recent information. For more information, visit www.kingsportlibrary.org.

FUR BALL—Kingsport, TN. Petworks Animal Services’ 2025 Fur Ball takes place on April 5 at Meadowview Marriott Conference Resort & Convention Center. Tickets are $150 per person and are also available through a variety of sponsorship opportunities. This 5th annual Fur Ball Gala is themed “All Jazzed Up for Pets” and will feature a silent auction, cocktail reception, seated dinner, a live auction and lots of music and dancing! The 2025 Fur Ball will feature The Tonez from Western North Carolina, a seven-piece ensemble whose playlist runs from disco to rock and roll, including favorites from Motown, R&B, Ballads and Rock and Roll. The Silent Auction and Cocktail Reception begins at 5:30 p.m. and will feature jazz music from the David Cate Trio. Our dinner, program, and entertainment will begin at 6:45 p.m. This jazz-themed event call for dress that's a little creative. Feel free to include elements of fun and casual to glitz and glamour. Come how you are comfortable and be ready to bid on some great auction items to help the animals at Petworks. All proceeds from the 2025 Fur Ball will provide support for Petworks to continue caring for the animals of Kingsport and help create new programs to keep pets in their homes. To order tickets, view sponsor opportunities or donate a silent auction item, visit https://petworkstn.com/fur-ball-2025, email Michellew@Petworkstn.com or call 423-247-1671.

LAS GUARACHERAS—Sensational all-female Colombian sextet Las Guaracheras will perform at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 5, in the Goodloe Center at Mountain Empire Community College in conjunction with Pro-Art’s 48th season and the W. Campbell Edmonds Concert Series. Renowned for their dynamic fusion of Afro-Caribbean rhythms such as salsa, cumbia, and music from the Pacific region of Colombia, Las Guaracheras have taken the Latin music scene by storm, captivating audiences with their powerful message and infectious stage presence. Tickets are $10 at the door. Children and students will be admitted free. A talkback will follow the performance. For more information and to make reservations visit proartva.org.

APRIL 6

EMOTIONAL LANDSCAPES: A JOURNEY THROUGH MUSIC’S DEEPEST EMOTIONS—Symphony of the Mountains returns to the historic Paramount Bristol Theatre on Sunday, April 6, at 3 p.m., joined by Voices of the Mountains, for an afternoon of music that stirs the soul. Experience emotions like only music can convey. From the stirring trumpets of Charpentier’s Te Deum Overture to the introspection of Fauré’s Requiem, and the triumphant celebration of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7, this concert takes audiences through a rich tapestry of sound and feeling. Tickets: $40 (students and children are free), available at MySOTM.org or call (423) 392-8423.

APRIL 8

FIRST RESPONDERS’ APPRECIATION LUNCHEON—A First Responders’ Appreciation luncheon will be held at the Southern Gap Visitor Center on April 8. The open-house style luncheon will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. First responders will receive an invitation and are asked to RSVP to the chamber at 276-935-4147 for the chamber’s meal planning purposes. Businesses who would like to help sponsor the luncheon may contact the Buchanan Chamber of Commerce to be added to the sponsor list. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the chamber.

GOLDEN OLDIES: CINEMA CLASSICS—Golden Oldies: Cinema Classics will be held on April 8 at 11 a.m. at The Lincoln Theatre, 117 E. Main St., Marion, VA 24354. This free program pulls the audience back in time to experience The Lincoln Theatre in its “movie palace” days. The Lincoln will be highlighting many classics throughout the year and looking back at the original programming. April’s film will be a thrilling mystery titled “Cast A Dark Shadow” (1955), which was directed by Lewis Gilbert and stars Dirk Bogarde and Margaret Lockwood. For more information and event tickets, visit www.thelincoln.org or call 276-783-6092.

SUICIDE SURVIVORS SUPPORT GROUP OF THE TRI-CITIES—Navigating the Ocean of Grief after the Suicide Death of a Loved One, facilitated by Barbara Sims, Ph.D., who lost her son, Christopher Michael Price, to suicide on January 5, 2018. We meet the second Tuesday of each month at the Summit Leadership offices, 3515 Bristol Highway, Johnson City, TN, 6-7 p.m. To get on the contact list for meeting notices or for additional information about this support group, contact Barb Sims at barb@bsims.net.

APRIL 9

AL-ANON—A support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941.

PROTETING YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION ONLINE (FREE WEBINAR)—April 9, 1-2 p.m. Sign up: https://events.aarp.org/PPI0409. Stay safe in cyberspace with this workshop on the ins and outs of how to protect your personal information online. Safe browsing, how to recognize online scams and when it’s OK — or not — to share your personal information online will be covered. All webinars and in-person events are free and open to the public, but registration is required to participate. View the entire schedule of fraud prevention and financial security events at https://aarp.cvent.com/VAFinancialSecurity.

APRIL 10

NASHVILLE SONGWRITER SHOWCASE FEATURING BILLl DILUIGI—April 10, 7-8:30 p.m., at the International Storytelling Center, 100 W Main St., Jonesborough, TN 37659. Tickets on sale now. This show is sure to be a sellout as Bill DiLuigi was the very first co-write Jordan and Seth had in Nashville. He has co-written many of Dugger Band's hits and is coming back by popular demand! Don't miss this chance to see him alongside Jordan and Seth for this special night!

SILENT BOOK CLUB—April 10, 5:45-7 p.m., at The Book Cellar, 112 Court St., Abingdon, VA. Free. Join us for Silent Book Club on the second Thursday of each month. Bring your current read, grab a drink, & make some friends. Let’s carve out some time for ourselves and make space for reading.

APRIL 11

THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN—Marion, VA. The Lincoln Theatre, 117 E. Main St., Marion, VA 24354, hosts The Magic of Motown on Friday, April 11, at 7:30 p.m. Experience the soul of Motown, with steady basslines and tight vocal harmonies suited to reimagine the era’s best. The Magic of Motown delivers exceptional renditions of hits from Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, The Supremes, Jackson 5, The Temptations, and more! They perfectly capture the groove of the 1960s and ’70s: an infectious blend of pop, soul, and R&B that sparked a music revolution and continues to influence multiple genres today. Audiences find themselves totally mesmerised by the polished performances of The Magic of Motown, characterized by that signature funk sound and beats you can’t help but bust a move to. Tickets can be secured online, by phone, or in person for as low as $42. For more information, visit www.thelincoln.org or call 276-783-6092.

APRIL 12

BAYS MOUNTAIN PARK STARWATCH PROGRAM—Bays Mountain Park’s night sky observing sessions, StarWatch, has returned for the spring season. StarWatch sessions allow the public to enjoy the splendor of the night sky at Bays Mountain Park’s observatories. If the weather is good, attendees can typically see star clusters, nebulous gas clouds, colorful multiple-star systems, distant galaxies and the Moon and planets. If the weather is poor, the park will have an alternate activity in the planetarium theater. StarWatch sessions will be held on March 1 and 8 at 7 p.m., March 15, 22, and 29 at 8 p.m. and April 5, 12, 19, and 26 at 8:30 p.m. Note — please arrive at the beginning of the program so you can find your way to the observatories. Be sure to dress for temperatures at least 20 degrees cooler than expected and do not use white light flashlights at the observing grounds. This is a free event and does not require registration. StarWatch is hosted by the Bays Mountain Astronomy Club & Bays Mountain Planetarium. For more information, visit www.baysmountain.com or call 423-229-9447.

EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA—The Kingsport Aquatic Center is hosting its third annual Easter Eggstravaganza from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 12. To celebrate the holiday, more than 6,000 Easter eggs will be spread around the whole indoor facility for children to retrieve. In addition, all participants will receive goody bags the day of the event. Easter Eggstravaganza will also feature a Golden Egg Hunt where children will search for the one golden egg hidden somewhere in the facility. The one who finds the golden egg will receive two free admission tickets for the summer season, a T-shirt and a candy bag — a prize package worth up to $50. Admission is $10 per person prior to the event and $12 per person at the door. All children ages 12 and under must have an adult signed up with them. All individuals entering the facility will be required to pay admission. Event participants will have access to the Kingsport Aquatic Center all day on April 12. To register, visit https://bit.ly/4a0pHrJ or click on the CivicRec link in the Connect Kingsport app or go to www.kingsporttn.gov and click on the “CivicRec” link, then search for “Easter” in the search bar. For more information, visit www.swimkingsport.com.

LIGHTNIN’ CHARLIE—Marion, VA - The Lincoln Theatre, 117 E. Main St., Marion, VA 24354, will host a special fundraising event this spring. The Mel Leaman Free Clinic, which provides accessible, knowledgeable, and patient-centered care to those in the area while also giving students interprofessional training, will have a fundraiser on April 12 at 7:30 p.m. This event is a performance by musical artist Lightnin’ Charlie. For more information and event tickets, visit www.thelincoln.org, call 276-783-6092 or email lincolntheatremgr@gmail.com.