Openings and Happenings - You Better Pay Attention

Fashions now available at Reruns in the Daylight Building

This is an exciting time downtown. Today featured not one, but two business openings: Reruns completed their move to the Daylight Building and Union Avenue Books, after many fits and starts, officially opened its doors at 10:00 AM, marking the complete occupancy of the Daylight Building retail space as they joined The Happy Envelope, Just Ripe (which opened a couple of weeks ago) and old timer John Black Studio.

Stocked and ready - Reruns, Knoxville

I dropped in on Reruns, which seems a bit smaller to me than their previous location on Market Square, but I could be wrong.

Sarah and Bunnie hold first book ever sold at Union Ave. Books

I didn't buy a dress there, but I made a move I'm pretty proud of at Union Avenue Books: I bought the first book they ever sold! I dropped by yesterday (before they opened) and gave them cash and a book to hold until they officially opened this morning and had them ring it up, first. Appropriately, the name of the book is A History of Reading by Alberto Manguel. It was recommended to me by a very trusted source and I snagged a like-new hardback copy for $4.00. Pretty good.

Bunny and Sarah help Susan

Be sure to visit them very soon and support this newest local treasure. They are getting in new stock everyday and can order any title you like. I ordered two travel guides and was told they will likely be in after just two days.

Now, for those happenings you can't miss:

Thursday, June 2, 2011: Johnny Lang comes to Sundown in the City. Absolutely amazing blues guitar will send you into the night singing. Lie To Me, his debut album in 1997 was an instant classic. This one is worth battle the drunken, cigarette smoking teenagers to hear.

Friday, June 3, 2011: The Seventh Annual Bob Dylan Birthday Bash is set for the Market Square Stage with music beginning at 5:00 PM and running until 10:00 PM. Local artists the Lonetones, the Black Cadillacs and Robinella would each be worth catching on their own. The featured artist is national recording artist Tim O'Brien. All artists will be offering their takes on Bob Dylan classics and one would assume O'Brien would play songs from his classic album of Dylan covers, Red on Blonde. You absolutely need to be there.

Friday, June 3, 2011: The third annual Downtown Dash sponsored by City People will begin on Union Avenue near the Locust Street Garage at 7:00 PM. This one mile race features serious and not-so-serious runners and is always fun.

Friday, June 3, 2011: It's First Friday with shops and galleries all around town putting on the ritz. Additionally, all the stores in the Daylight Building will be open late. Come by and snag some organic groceries, classic books, funky clothes and make an appointment to have your portrait taken by John Black.

I hope to do it all. I'll see you there and then we'll all need to be up bright and early for the Market Square Farmer's Market.