I’m not sure what it is exactly, but there’s something about closing a street to have a party that just gets everyone in a festive mood! This month, the Bijou Theatre took advantage of an opportunity like that and hosted its annual Jubilee fundraiser out on Gay Street under a clear tent. The night was a blast!
It was a beautiful evening as folks gathered on Gay Street in preparation for a delicious good time.
For the past couple of years, the non-profit historic venue kind of tiptoed into the concept by having a reception and dinner outside on Cumberland Avenue before taking the party inside. But this year’s soiree used the even better Gay Street space pretty much all night long. There were five musical acts altogether and they alternated between the outside stage and the indoor stage. The evening culminated with country singer-songwriter Margo Price, who was fresh from two Grammy nominations this year.
Alan and I live downtown, so we got there early to check out the setup.
Isn’t it pretty?
Nothing says “country music” like an old pickup truck!
Cozy sitting areas were set up and I noticed they were in use all night.
Our friend Courtney Bergmeier has been with the Bijou Theatre for 10 years and has been executive director for the past five.
Knoxville City Council Member Matthew DeBardelaben dressed for the occasion!
John Thurman, left, and Marshall Stair.
From left, Madge Cleveland, Erin Donovan, and Kim Henry. Donovan was on the planning committee for this very successful event and served as emcee for portions of it.
From left, Monique and Bruce Anderson with Ed and Lisa Shouse.
Rebekah Jane Justice and Scott Temple seemed to be having fun!
First act was Sarrenna Johnson.
Sarrenna is a local artist who plays frequently at bars and restaurants in the area.
Wells Station provided a delicious buffet of barbecue favorites.
See what I mean?
A line formed immediately when the buffet opened! But it moved quickly.
State Rep. Gloria Johnson was in line!
Bill Alexander, also known as the “Appalachian Hippie Poet,” was in line, too!
Michael Combs, left, with David Arning. Arning is chairman of the Bijou’s board of directors and he also served on the planning committee for the Jubilee event. It’s the largest annual fundraiser for the 117-year-old cultural treasure.
Great seeing my buddies Kevin and Maria McHale there! Maria also was on the planning committee.
Judy and Frank Rothermel.
Syreeta and Clarence Vaughn.
Next band was Russell Walker and the Honky Tonk Thursday House Band. Russell Walker is based in Knoxville and Chicago, if you can imagine! He plays frequently at Barley’s in the Old City with a variety of other musicians.
They had the dance floor hopping!
The table decorations were cute! That’s one way to use old albums!
Jenny Moore’s husband, Peter, was on the planning committee. I guess that’s why she was able to select an outfit that perfectly matched the theme! Good job!
Here she is with hubs, Peter Moore. They also were volunteers who helped with setup and tear down of the event. Thanks, folks!
Jenny and Rick Blackburn.
Jack Singleton and Becky Fuller. He’s a member of the Bijou Board.
Rebecca and Alan Williams.
Heather Seiber, left, and Nina Reineri. Seiber is business manager of the Bijou; Reineri was on the event planning committee.
Dessert was by Cruze Farm. Yum!
Then we went inside the beautiful Bijou for the third band.
The New Market Trainwrecks. They are another local band that plays frequently at Barley’s and on the WDVX “Blueplate Special” program.
After that set, it was back outside! It was starting to get a little darker and a little cooler.
The Deslondes performed. They are an Americana music group from New Orleans.
And, once again, the dance floor came alive!
The crowd was appreciative.
The Knoxville Police Department’s mounted police officers were a popular addition! The horses are named Knox, left, and Summitt.
Ha!
Courtney Bergmeier posed with my sweet husband, Alan Carmichael. (Who actually IS a saint!)
Margo Price closed out the evening with a fun set back inside the theater.
