Phyllis Nichols named “Woman of Year” by Beck Center

Posted on April 25, 2025 by Cynthia Moxley

“Woman of the Year” Phyllis Nichols, left, poses with her friend Tammi Campbell, during the luncheon.

Scores of happy women dressed mostly in yellow gathered recently to celebrate Beck Cultural Exchange Center naming Phyllis Y. Nichols the “Woman of the Year” during its annual Ethel Beck Society Awards Luncheon.

Nichols is the recently retired president and CEO of the Knoxville Area Urban League, a position she held for more than 20 years.

Beck’s president, Rev. Renee Kesler, said Nichols was chosen because “as chief executive since 2000, she expanded the Urban League’s impact to serve over 11,000 individuals and families annually through programs to provide a skilled and diverse workforce; to increase and retain home ownership; to support economic and small business development, and to advocate for equity and excellence in education for students of color.”

Nichols and Kesler also worked together over the past four years to ensure that Blacks and other minorities received opportunities during the construction and operation of Covenant Health Park, the new East Knoxville home to the Knoxville Smokies minor league baseball team. Continue reading →

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“Diamond-level” venue attracts dignitaries — and smiles!

Posted on April 21, 2025 by Cynthia Moxley

(Author’s note: Hey, everybody! Sorry it’s been so long since the Blue Streak has had a new post. But I have a good excuse! In real life, I’m a public relations specialist and one of my main clients is Boyd Sports. You may have heard a little something about a minor league baseball stadium that opened last week near downtown Knoxville! That’s what I’ve been working on. Now that the stadium is open, I can get back to updating the Blue Streak a lot more regularly. I thought I’d start with a report on a fun little party held at the new stadium, Covenant Health Park, the day before the Knoxville Smokies played their first game there. I hope you enjoy it! Cynthia Moxley.)

Knoxville Smokies owner Randy Boyd, center, poses with, from left, Knoxville City Council member Gwen McKenzie, Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon, Knox County Commissioner Damon Rawls, and Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs. McKenzie and Rawls represent the district where Covenant Health Park is located.

Knoxville loves a party. And a new venue. And the chance to be among the first to experience something.  

So it’s no wonder that the VIP “thank you” reception held last week to give key supporters an early look at the new Club Level at Covenant Health Park was so crowded. The lovely room, which last week overlooked the Knoxville Smokies’ baseball diamond, has a capacity of about 300, depending on how it’s set up. It is expected to be the future site of scores of local gatherings and parties, so it was great to see it in action.

On some occasions, the Club Level view will be of a soccer field or concert venue. Continue reading →

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History Center hits home run with new baseball exhibit

Posted on March 20, 2025 by Cynthia Moxley

“Put me in, Coach!” Kim Henry, left, and Deborah Franklin enjoyed the part of the exhibit that focused on women in baseball.

Coinciding with the scheduled return of the Smokies baseball team to downtown Knoxville next month, the East Tennessee History Center this Saturday will open a fun and fact-filled exhibit on the history of the sport in Tennessee.

Local supporters celebrated with a sneak preview and a reception at the Gay Street center last night. The exhibit is chock-full of fascinating details ranging from the origin of famous quotes and sayings to historical photos and artifacts dating back to the first baseball game in Knoxville.

Held in 1867, just two years after the end of the Civil War, the game featured two local teams — the Knoxvilles and the Holstons — and was played not far from the location of the Smokies’ new stadium, Covenant Health Park.

“Baseball brings people together,” an enthusiastic Randy Boyd, owner of the Knoxville Smokies, the Chicago Cubs’ Double-A minor league affiliate, said during brief remarks. “When you watch some sports, people are looking straight ahead, glued to the game action. But in baseball, they are looking at each other, talking and socializing. Young and old; rich and poor; people from all parts of the community.” Continue reading →

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Next Symphony season: Beethoven’s 9th and Midori!

Posted on March 13, 2025 by Cynthia Moxley

Melony Dodson and KSO Music Director Aram Demirjian announced the latest KSO season at a smal reception recently. Dodson is morning concert host and producer at WUOT-FM.

World-famous violinist Midori will return to East Tennessee next season to perform with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra at the historic Tennessee Theatre.

In a series of programs celebrating the KSO’s 90th year and the 10th anniversary of Music Director Aram Demirjian‘s tenure here, the KSO also has commissioned nine world premieres to be spread throughout the season. That’s more world premieres than the KSO ever has performed in a single season.

“It’s definitely a milestone,” Demirjian said during an interview. “It’s about our recent history and about thinking to the future of our organization and the art form.”

The young conductor, who I believe is a master at program scheduling, said he aimed in making his selections to keep the offerings “fresh and vibrant” and to “demonstrate the breadth of what’s possible for a regional orchestra in a smaller city like Knoxville.” He praised the Symphony’s audiences for their open-mindedness. “Our audience seems to understand and be excited about new discoveries,” he said. “New music is met at least with a sense of curiosity and receptiveness.” Continue reading →

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Mardi Growl: Dogs, music and blessings for 18th year!

Posted on March 6, 2025 by Cynthia Moxley

This cute group took home the first place award for “Team Spirit.”

Mardi Growl, the biggest fundraiser for Young-Williams Animal Center every year, is always fun. Over its 18-year history, I’ve been to it in the sweltering heat as well as in the cold, drizzling rain. Brrr. 

But this past Saturday, the weather was just about perfect. The thermometer registered in the low 60s at World’s Fair Park in the early afternoon, but the clear sky and bright sun made it seem much warmer. Both the dogs and the human festival-goers were comfortable in their colorful outfits.

And, speaking of outfits, the “Best of Show” award went to a dog and human portraying characters from the movie “Wicked.” I loved it that the dog was the one who played “the good witch!”

Scores of vendor booths and exhibits, numerous food trucks, and a live band made for an afternoon with something for everyone. Continue reading →

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Wendel Werner wows in West Knox

Posted on February 24, 2025 by Cynthia Moxley

Jazz pianist Wendel Werner and his wife, Alison. He performed on Thursday at a delightful fundraiser for the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra.

Delicious food and drink, brilliant and celebratory music, and warm camaraderie on a Thursday night. What a great excuse to drop a few bucks in support of the Knoxville. Symphony League which, in turn, supports the Knoxville Symphony.

Noted local jazz pianist Wendel Werner was the headliner at a lovely private dinner in the Montgomery Cove neighborhood at the beautiful home of Lisha and Frank Venable this past Thursday. The event, attended by about 20 guests and a number of volunteers, was part of the popular “Elegant Dining” series of special dinners put together by the Symphony League. The League covers the hard costs of the events so that all proceeds go directly to the Knoxville Symphony.

The standout at dinner was the moistest and most flavorful beef tenderloin I’ve had in a long time — as well as mouthwatering grilled shrimp — both prepared by Frank Venable, a retired financial adviser who, we discovered, started his career as a bartender and cook at a number of famous old Knoxville restaurants. Most notable was the extremely popular Half Shell in Bearden, where Venable cooked and tended bar — before he was even 18 years old! (I think I can say that because the statute of limitations has long run out!) Continue reading →

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Scores of women — and 2 men — get stadium peek!

Posted on February 11, 2025 by Cynthia Moxley

Former Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero with Doug Kirchhofer, left, of Boyd Sports, and Stone Mosley of Denark Construction.

Members of the Executive Women’s Association, which consists of the top female business leaders in town, last week got a private tour of Covenant Health Park, the new multi-use stadium in downtown Knoxville that will be home to the Knoxville Smokies.

In addition to hosting the home games of the minor league baseball team, Covenant Health Park also will be home to the One Knoxville SC soccer team and the site of all kinds of concerts, gatherings and other activities. It is set to open mid-April.

About 50 women — and two brave fellows! — took a 45-minute tour of the facility led by Doug Kirchhofer, CEO of Boyd Sports, which owns the baseball team and will manage the facility, and Stone Mosley, assistant project manager of Denark Construction, the general contractor building the stadium.

“I got a little choked up, to tell you the truth,” said Phyllis Nichols, the recently retired long-time president and CEO of the Knoxville Area Urban League. “Randy Boyd had a vision that a lot of people could not see. And to stand on concrete and see that it’s become a reality, it’s awe-inspiring.” Continue reading →

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Evergreen Ball: Funds and fun for the Smoky Mountains!

Posted on January 31, 2025 by Cynthia Moxley

Jim and Missy Kane Bemiller during the silent auction at the Evergreen Ball.

The Evergreen Ball, which raises funds every year for the Friends of the Smokies organization, was another big success this year, selling out Cherokee Country Club’s ballroom and two overflow areas and raking in big bucks in its silent and live auctions.

And, it was a lot of fun in the process!

Although the term “ball” usually connotes dancing, the only actual rug-cutting happened at the “after party” with a phenomenal 10-piece band, “The Atlanta Party Fanatics,” taking the stage of a large tent in the parking lot. And, to keep the crowd from bailing to see the anticipated University of Tennessee vs. Auburn basketball game late that night, a huge screen was set up adjacent to the stage with the live television broadcast of the game. So, even though the results were disappointing for most in attendance — the score was 53-51 in favor of the Tigers — folks could distract themselves and maybe salve their wounds with terrific music and an open bar!

According to Friends of the Smokies, the silent bids totaled $127K and the live auction brought in more than $60K. On top of that, a special “Fund the Cause” segment, where folks who had already paid dearly to attend were asked to donate even more, pulled in an additional $40K. The final fundraising results will take ticket sales and expenses into account and will be released later.

In the meantime, let’s look at that party! Continue reading →

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Want to surprise a reluctant honoree? Try this!

Posted on January 14, 2025 by Cynthia Moxley

What party? From left, front, Dan Hamilton, Dawn Ford, Robin Gibson; behind them, Jeannie Dulaney; coming in door, Diana Condon.

If you read this blog very often, you know that one of my best friends is Dawn Ford. And her husband is one of my husband’s best friends. We go back forever. We travel together. We are in clubs and organizations together. In short, I want to make her happy.

And she was quite clear about one thing recently. Although she had a birthday last month, she did NOT want a party. She ESPECIALLY did not want a surprise party. If she said it once, she said it a hundred times — not just to me, but to all her family and friends. I reluctantly agreed. She would not have to worry about me!

Her son (and only child), Christopher, agreed, too. At least he SAID he agreed.

But a few weeks before her birthday, he gave me a call. “We are going to have a party,” he said. “And I need your help with the guest list. Who’s in that movie club you all have? I need their contact info.”

“Oh, no!” I told him. “She will kill you. And if I help you, she will kill me, too!”

“Don’t worry about it,” he said. “It’s gonna happen. Send me that list.”

“If I do it and she gets mad, you have to take full responsibility,” I said. But I was really worried.

“It’s on me,” he assured me. “I have a plan.” Continue reading →

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KSO’s 90th year: historic violin, nine world premieres

Posted on January 10, 2025 by Cynthia Moxley

Knoxville Symphony Board President Rick Fox, right, and his partner, Ralph Cianelli, show the violin his late great-aunt used to take lessons from the KSO’s founder in the early 1900s. The violin has been in the attic of Fox’s home, The Middlebrook, for 75 years.

As the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra prepares to celebrate its 90th anniversary this year, its board president, Rick Fox, has donated to the group a violin that his late great-aunt used to take lessons from the KSO’s founder, Bertha Walbern Clark.

And, although the 2025-2026 lineup of performances has not yet been unveiled, Music Director Aram Demirjian has announced an ambitious program called “Nine for Ninety,” whereby the season will include nine specially commissioned world premieres.

The nine new pieces will be spread out among four of the KSO’s various lineups: the Masterworks, Chamber, Q-Series, and Concertmaster series. Additionally, one commission will be for the Knoxville Symphony Youth Orchestra.

The violin, which belonged to Faye Howard Ballew, was presented to Rachel Ford, the Symphony’s executive director, during the board and staff’s annual holiday party last month, which was held at Fox’s historic home, The Middlebrook.

“The KSO is excited to have this historic violin added to its collection,” Ford said. “Already possessing Bertha Walburn Clark’s viola and the batons she used to conduct the KSO, we now have an instrument that she was connected to via her teaching career which significantly impacted many students throughout Knoxville. Many thanks to Rick for his generosity and bringing this violin ‘home.'” Continue reading →

Filed under: Historic preservation, Knoxville, Music | 4 Comments