August First Friday Happenings

It's approximately 115 degrees out and it's Friday night. What are you going to do? Give in to the heat or say, "No, I'm all about the city, heat be damned!" I trust you are a hardy bunch and that's exactly what you intend to say. If so, here are a few things happening this fine First Friday, as well as a couple for the weekend.

The Daylight Building on Union Avenue will be a happening place with Americana/Vocal Group Kelsey Woods performing a set or two from 7:00 to 9:00 at John Black Studios. Food is promised and I think it includes samples from Bella Luna. The art of Booder Barnes will be on display at Union Avenue Books. I think that would be worth it just to meet someone named "Booder," don't you agree? On Saturday they will host an author event with Sherri Lee featuring her book Under the Fig Leaf: A Cookbook for Fig Lovers.

Art, as always plays a major part in the First Friday celebration. The Art Market at 317 S. Gay Street will host a reception from 5:30 to 9:00 as a kick-off for the exhibits of Jay Hollopeter (painting) and Kathy Seely (jewelry). Music will be provided by Grayson Dagnon. The Emporium will feature an exhibit called "Enlightenment" on the main floor, presented by the Tennessee Reiki Connection. Don't know what Reiki is? That's why you come to First Friday. It's all about learning. Knoxville artist Diana Rogers will be featured on the north side of the balcony in an exhibit entitled, "A Day in the Life: Observations and Obsessions."

There is more than enough music to keep you going all night. The King Bees will play the KMA from 6:00 to 8:30. Just as First Friday winds down Kukuly and the Gypsy Curse get started at the Bistro at 9:00. After a taste of that groove, head down to Barley's for a 10:00 show with the Tim Lee 3 and opening acts. Still haven't had enough? A midnight show downstairs at Latitude 35 starts at midnight with closing act Jonathan Sexton and the Big Love Choir probably hitting the stage around 2:00 AM. It's a fund raiser, so your money goes for a good cause.

Bored on a Friday night? You must not be downtown. See you on the street.