Being a front-man for a band is never an easy gig. The idea behind being the main voice and leader for a group of collected musicians to create one solid musical union is…well, put simply…it’s difficult. With the somersault of Knoxville’s newest craze The Pop Rox onto the scene, front-man Valerie Buckner has taken that task head on and has made her voice the only standing sound that resounds through these southern hills. Buckner’s vocal style is filled with explosive energy and defies the typical idea of a female lead. She has taken the stage by the reigns and has made it her own. As she and The Pop Rox continue to take Knoxville by storm, I sat down with Buckner to get the low-down on how she is taking a view from the front. Well…I have to admit…I’ve been pretty excited about doing this interview since the first time that I saw you perform at Latitude 35. For our readers,... (more...)

Back by popular demand, Gatlinburg’s fifth annual presentation of Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales™ begins in downtown Gatlinburg on June 11, 2010 and will run through August 7. Tunes & Tales is a summer-long street performance event featuring costumed musical performers, storytellers and artisans portraying time periods as far back as 1800. This popular eight-week event truly highlights one of Gatlinburg’s greatest assets – the walkability of the community – and provides guests with an interactive, educational and entertaining experience the whole family can enjoy. The collection of personalities and performers arrive nightly at 5 p.m. in the center of town. Visitors witness a magical transformation of sidewalk to stage as the characters disperse along the downtown Parkway for an evening of entertainment and storytelling until... (more...)

There are people in this world who simply have everything going for them. Whether it’s a joyful smile, a creative thought, or just simply an amazing talent…it seems as though these people are the ones who make a difference in this world. These are the people who make dreams a reality and change this life as we know it. This is a direct representation for the talented Gene Priest. It’s an everyday journey of his to make his ambitious dreams a reality. With his creativity and amazing talents, he’s already wrapped the United States as an established drummer with some amazing bands of many different genres. On the verge of the release of his debut EP “Living to Die” and taking the spotlight from behind the drum kit to being the front man of his very own Project “Gene Priest & The Cardinal Sin”…I sat down with this awe-inspiring musician of many trades to discuss just exactly how he is making the light his own. This for me is indeed a pleasure my friend…simply because... (more...)

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For the everyday musician, a musical instrument is simply an outlet. For some it’s a way to express themselves and for others it’s a way to find fame and exposure…for Dave Whitaker it’s simply a way of life. Whitaker is one of the most well-known and diverse drummers in East Tennessee and has made a credible name for himself in the industry. Both traditionally and classically trained, he has developed what was once considered a “cool instrument to bang on” into a mesmerizing tool that is as beautiful and graceful as it is heart pounding and explosive! With the success of his latest project The Pop Rox, I sat down with Whitaker to find out just exactly how he’s bringin’ the beat back. When did you starting playing percussion and take a role as a drummer? I official started learning the instrument when I was ten years old. My father is also a drummer so there were always drums in the house and he put the drumsticks in my hands. When you started playing, did you have an... (more...)

As of 9AM today Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies has opened their newest exhibit. The Penguin Playhouse is home to 19 African Blackfoot Penguins and they are all doing wonderfully. The new exhibit is an interior and exterior habitat allowing guests to the aquarium to view the animals from inside the aquarium and also outside from the street. They currently have feeding shows scheduled for 10:30am and 3:30pm as well as keeper talks throughout the day. There are crawl tunnels and clear acrylic walk overs throughout the exhibit. You will quite literally be surrounded by Penguins and Water. Be sure to go by and see the birds soon! Related Stories:First Penguins to Call Gatlinburg Home, Now Living the Good Life at Ripley’s Aquarium of the SmokiesRipley’s Aquarium of the Smokies Receives Top US Aquarium Award from TripAdvisor.comWorld Famous Weekie Wachee Mermaids Set to Return to Ripley’s Aquarium of the SmokiesGatlinburg... (more...)

Hideaway Local Artist, Paul Murray, has donated the use of two pieces of his artwork to promote awareness and encourage donations to the Smoky Mountain Children’s Home. The sketch entitled Hideaway and the watercolor entitled Troubl’ Darlin’ will become the new “faces” of the SMCH. These images will be seen in all of the new promotional material for “The Home.” Paul Murray, Canadian native, was always preoccupied with the study of his art. At the age of 10, Paul didn’t find it hard to skip school and walk 12 miles to visit his old hermit friends Joey and his siblings. Murray was already displaying his work at local art shows, where his paintings and commissions sold. At age 13, he quit school and dedicated himself to preserving these rare people. When Paul wasn’t on his friend’s homestead learning to make tools by hand and live off the land; he was in the library learning the techniques of the masters. Some of those he studied were Rembrandt, Wyeth and... (more...)

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