Odds and ends from a fabulous Fourth

Knoxville Symphony performs at World's Fair Park

The Fourth of July means fireworks everywhere. But in Knoxville, it also has come to mean music. This past weekend was no exception as a wide variety of musical styles filled Knoxville’s outdoor venues amidst cool and comfortable temperatures. The crowds on World’s Fair Park Saturday evening were orderly and low-key, even as many took a short-cut through the lively Knoxville Convention Center and mingled amidst the 1,500 formally dressed Austin High School graduates gathered there for an all-school reunion.

From home base at our tiny Church Avenue condo, we wandered over to World’s Fair Park’s north stage around 5:30 Saturday to catch the country and Texas swing sounds of The Lonesome Coyotes. They did not disappoint and had everyone from babes in arms to old ladies in lawn chairs tapping their feet.

After a quick picnic dinner with friends on the coffee table at the condo, it was back to the World’s Fair Park for us – this time, to the south stage to hear the second half of the Knoxville Symphony‘s patriotic performance, followed by a breathtaking fireworks display. Friends Jeff and Christie Lee were sitting behind us at the concert and we persuaded them to join us and the rest of our group back at the condo for post-performance libations. Not to belabor the point, but it sure is easy to make those friendly unplanned connections when you live downtown.

Sunday brunch at Tomato Head followed by a “Fifth of July” party on Sunday afternoon brought the weekend to a close. Here are some of the tidbits that came our way:

• Gay and Bill Lyons have survived his daughter Laura’s poolside July 4th wedding at their West Hills home. Gay ordered barbecue for 70 from Sweet P’s and a cake from Magpies but made everything else herself. We hear that involved 30 pounds of potatoes, nine cabbages, seven watermelons and enough flowers from her yard to make 15 centerpieces. Whew! Laura married Jamie Shoemaker.
• Bruce and Tami Hartmann were hosting a lake house full of their children’s friends this weekend when their older daughter, Melissa, made it official: she is engaged to marry her boyfriend, Steven Cox. No date yet.
• Former City Councilman Larry Cox told his golfing buddies Sunday that his daughter, Brooke, has gotten engaged. She met her fiance, Kareem Coffin, at East Tennessee State University where both were students. Wedding is Oct. 24.
• Echo, the new restaurant in Bearden where Mango and Le Parigo used to be, is opening Tuesday. It is operated by Chef Seth Simmerman, formerly of Club LeConte, and Deron Little of Seasons Cafe. They say they specialize in “culinary reflections” – dishes from days gone by with a modern twist. Hmm. Bar opens at 4:30; restaurant at 5. Call (865) 602-2090 for reservations. Address is 5803 Kingston Pike.
• If you’d like to help Regas celebrate its 90th anniversary, drop by the restaurant from 5:30 to 7 on Tuesday. Bill and Grady Regas are hosting a little reception to mark the occasion.
• Word to the wise: if you are engaged to one woman and decide to call your old girlfriend out of the blue, be aware that this is a small town and some folks are likely to know and like both fabulous women. Just saying.

Lonesome Coyotes at World's Fair Park July 4

Jeff and Christie Lee at KSO concert Saturday