Category Archives: Events

Furrows named “Heroes;” party looks like hootenanny!

John Tolsma and his son, John II, were the emcees last week when his in-laws, Sam and Ann Furrow, were designated “Heroes of Southern Appalachia” at the Museum of Appalachia in Norris.  The award, in its fifth year, recognizes “individuals … Continue reading

Filed under: Events, Historic preservation | 5 Comments

Natalie Haslam: “A gift to all of us”

A celebration of life was held for Natalie Haslam January 21 at St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral in downtown Knoxville. The some 500-seat sanctuary was standing room only and the services were live-streamed into an overflow space for those who couldn’t … Continue reading

Filed under: Events, Knoxville | 18 Comments

It’s 2026: Let’s get this party started!

There is no more festive location in which to ring in the new year each December 31st, than the downtown restaurant called J.C. Holdway. Located at 501 Union Avenue, it’s owned and operated by Joseph Lenn, Knoxville’s only James Beard … Continue reading

Filed under: Events, Food | 3 Comments

Chamique Holdsclaw: ‘No one heals alone.’

Former Lady Vol basketball star Chamique Holdsclaw, an Olympic gold medalist and WNBA Hall of Famer, opened up to a large luncheon crowd at the Knoxville Convention Center last week about her own mental health struggles.  In the process, she … Continue reading

Filed under: Events, Knoxville | 8 Comments

After 22 years, we have this cookie thing down!

Our annual cookie exchange is in the books once again and I have the crumbs on the floor to prove it! Actually, this party is a group effort each year and I don’t mind sweeping up a little bit afterwards. … Continue reading

Filed under: Events, Food | 10 Comments

Leadership Knox Class of ’93 reunites — again!

The Leadership Knoxville Class of ’93 has done it again! Another fun gathering — almost every year since we “graduated” 32 years ago! Yay us! We did miss gathering in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. But we came … Continue reading

Filed under: Events, Knoxville | 6 Comments

“Cause for Paws:” extraordinary generosity — and fun!

  Young-Williams Animal Center had its most successful “Cause for Paws” fundraiser ever last week, CEO Janet Testerman said, with a capacity crowd celebrating the “fairy tail” endings many of its charges experience. Whimsical entertainment, a delicious dinner, a lively … Continue reading

Filed under: Events, Knoxville | 2 Comments

Pete Claussen, named East Tennessean of the Year, surprises with announcement of his own

A packed ballroom of friends and supporters celebrated Knoxville businessman and philanthropist Pete Claussen being named “East Tennessean of the Year” last week. But Claussen had an announcement of his own. He donated 90 acres of land to the Seven … Continue reading

Filed under: Events, Historic preservation | 8 Comments

Theater people sure know how to party!

The props, the music, and the setting were perfect this past Saturday night for a terrifically over-the-top party. Of course they were. The fun folks from the Theatre Department at the University of Tennessee were the hosts! The location? The … Continue reading

Filed under: Events, Theater | 2 Comments

Bewitching evening benefits Jazz Orchestra

The Knoxville Jazz Orchestra’s signature fundraiser each year is called “Evening Under the Stars.” What made this year’s event different was that it actually was under the stars! They got rid of the big tent that usually is pitched on … Continue reading

Filed under: Events, Music | 2 Comments