Dr. Bill and Laura Pippin enjoying the afternoon. They own Marble City Dentistry and Facial Esthetics in downtown Knoxville and are big supporters of the KJO.
There are few things more relaxing on an early Sunday evening than gathering with friends in a beautiful location, sipping wine, snacking on appetizers and listening to live jazz music. That’s why the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra’s “Jazz and Cocktails” fundraiser is so successful each year.
This event has found a home at the beautifully restored Maple Grove Estate, a historic 10,000-square-foot house located on 15.5 acres at 8800 Westland Drive. The owners, Roland and Karen Shankles, lovingly restored the property in 2018 for use as a wedding and event center. But it’s also a great venue for jazz in the afternoon.
The Knoxville Jazz Orchestra launches its new season next month with the unveiling of the new “NXT GEN series,” an outreach to engage young musicians to produce and perform jazz music in order to ensure the future success of the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra. The regular “Big Band” concerts start in October with a champagne reception for subscribers. And the popular “Live at Lucille’s” series, taped before a live audience at East Tennessee PBS, is on sale now, as well. The KJO also will present free concerts every Tuesday in September on the outdoor stage in Market Square downtown. These folks are busy!
Great vibes emanating from Nolan Nevels on drums, Rob Linton on bass and Taber Gable on piano.
From left, Don Hough; Vance Thompson, founder and director of the KJO; Jennifer and Paul Clay.
From left, Stuart Worden, Lane Hays, Pandy Anderson and Kathy Brennan.
Under the tent. Thank goodness for those fans!
A beautiful appetizer spread was by Above and Beyond Catering.
Vance Thompson and caterer Misty Daniels.
Checking folks in were Sophia Thompson, left, and Haley Gray.
Maple Grove Estate owners Roland and Karen Shankles.
From left, Jared and Natalie Dowling, Eric and Nikki Elliott and Melinda Grimac.
Mardel Fehrenbach, left, and Sheena McCall.
John and Kathy McCarty.
Jo Dohn and Gary Grimac.
Harvey and Karen White.
Gil and Edie Volk.
From left, Gail Jarvis, Moody Altamimi and Laura Pippin.
Cynthia and Pete Sowa.
Cindy Hassil, left, and Becky Hancock.
Cathy Briscoe-Graves and Alan Carmichael.
From left, Leslie McGuirk, Patti Cline, Glo Klarich and Yuka Williams.
Here are a few shots at the facility — in case you are looking for event space.
Sunroom, where the refreshments were set up.
Music room.
Living room.
Backyard.
Side yard.
Here’s the pretty front view of Maple Grove Estate.
No better way to spend a beautiful Sunday afternoon/evening in Knoxville than listening to the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra.
Thank you Cynthia for capturing the moment!
Sheena: It was so much fun!
Beautiful! The new owners have done a wonderful job on the restoration. I’ve always loved that building.
Next time!
Gina: Agree with you. It’s lovely.
So glad the Maple Grove is still loved and being used. The happy smiles at this event made me happy, too, and the food — oh, the food! I know I speak for many when I say “thanks” for all you do to cover Knox good times. Best wishes for a good finish to the summer.
Rusha: I think the Maple Grove is being used more than ever. I have never seen it looking so nice. We are so lucky to have so many fun things to attend. Look forward to seeing you and Bert at some of them soon!
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