Caesar Stair IV and Christine Cloninger at the Scruffy City Soiree at the Mill & Mine. She’s executive director of Knox Heritage; he’s the organization’s general counsel. (When he stands up straight, he’s about twice as tall as her!)
Friday, September 20, was an extremely busy night in downtown Knoxville! Not only was country music superstar Morgan Wallen playing at Neyland Stadium (for the first of two shows), but the Knoxville Symphony was performing at the Tennessee Theatre, a Led Zeppelin tribute band had sold out the Bijou Theatre (except for eight tickets!), and Black Jacket Symphony was performing the music of Elton John at the Civic Auditorium.
But we weren’t at any of those places. We were at the Mill & Mine for the Scruffy City Soiree sponsored by Knox Heritage. We wanted to see our friends at Sanders Pace Architecture be awarded the Preservationists of the Year honor. It was a fun evening. But we sure are glad we live within walking distance because traffic and parking were murder!
“Sanders Pace Architecture has made significant contributions to historic preservation and revitalization in Knoxville,” Knox Heritage said in its program. “With over 100 local, regional, and national design awards, Sanders Pace has established itself as one of the most thoughtful and imaginative firms practicing in the Southeast.”
Richard and Gina Bass with Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon, right.
From left, Candyce Goschy, Pat Shope, Sharon Moore, Linda Bailey, and Rosa Mar during cocktail hour.
Knoxville City Council Member Lynne Fugate and her husband, Scott.
From left, Andrew Gorton, Knox Heritage Board President Adrienne Webster, Jared and Karyn Brewster.
Melissa and Chad Tindell. He’s a Knox Heritage board member and was the evening’s emcee.
Marshall and Natalie Stair.
Artist Mike Berry, also a Knox Heritage board member, completed this painting of the JFG Coffee sign during the cocktail hour! It was later auctioned off to raise money for the non-profit.
Here’s Berry and Knox Heritage volunteer Tobias Kight with the finished work.
From left, Alan Carmichael, Pandy Anderson, Rebecca and Alan Williams.
It’s fun to mingle outdoors!
There’s even a comfy sitting area.
From left, Mary Pom Claiborne, Trey Coleman, and Kim Henry.
Knox Heritage board member Steve Drevik and Lee Ann Rogers.
Lila Honaker and Chris Milam.
Dennis and Kim Denton.
Matthew DeBardelaben and Meredith Cole.
Bill Lyons, left, looking vintage! He’s with Alan Carmichael.
Jude Staunton, left, and Deborah Franklin.
John McCarty, left, and Paul James.
From left, Erin Donovan, Bob Whetsel, and Kristin Grove.
Knox Heritage board member Bridget Mounger, Kelly Absher, and Felicia Wright.
Colton and Haley Thomas.
Dennis Owen and Kelly Reynolds.
Caesar Stair, III, and Mayor Kincannon looked serious.
Here’s an interesting auction item. A poster from a 1970 movie called “Trader Hornee.” It was found when they were cleaning out the Bijou Theatre before renovating it. The Bijou used to show porn films!
Check out the ratings!
The tables were beautiful.
Pretty salads featuring a watermelon radish!
Dinner is always served family-style at this event. Passed dishes included flank steak roulade with roasted tomato, fennel, and olive ragu; haricots verts; and crispy smashed new potatoes.
The two desserts were coconut mousse with lemon cookie crumble and lavender; and chocolate mousse with fresh berries. I thought it was hilarious that the desserts were sponsored by Crumpton Family Dentistry!
The dental practice also provided chocolate bars for each table!
Kim Trent, Knox Heritage’s former executive director, with artist Mike Berry.
John Niceley and Martha Kern.
Jay and Elizabeth Kramer.
Gay Lyons and David Butler.
Bob and Melynda Whetsel.
Soon, it was time for the program.
Brandon Pace accepting his firm’s “Preservationists of the Year” honors.
John Sanders.
The Sanders Pace staff in attendance.
And then, music from one of my favorite local bands, The Tennessee Sheiks. Here’s Marcus Shirley.
Don Cassell, a mandolin virtuoso.
Brent Thompson.
Band leader Nancy Brennan Strange.
We left the Mill & Mine at about 10 and these two friends of ours, Laura Lenn, left, and Kim Henry, talked us into coming to J.C. Holdway, Laura’s husband’s restaurant, for a drink — or two. (OK, it wasn’t a hard sell!)
My husband, right, and Laura’s father-in-law, Jerry Lenn, tolerated us. Barely.
When we left the restaurant to walk home at 1 a.m., there still was a traffic jam in downtown Knoxville from all those concerts!
Very fun night! Always great to catch up with so many friends while supporting a great cause.
Gay: Agree. Sure was a fun night. And what a packed evening in downtown Knoxville!