East Tennessee Now

Frank Murphy interviews Ken Martin, Artistic Director of the Clarence Brown Theatre and Head of the Theatre Department at the University of Tennessee, about the opening of the new Jenny Boyd Theatre. The first production in the new theatre is Cabaret, with performances February 11 to March 1, 2026. Upcoming productions are The Royale in the Jenny Boyd Theatre from March 25 to April 12, 2026; and You Can't Take It With You in the Clarence Brown Theatre from April 15 to May 3, 2026. Tickets and information are available at https://clarencebrowntheatre.com/ The Clarence Brown Theatre and the Jenny Boyd Theatre are located on the campus of the University of Tennessee. Each season, roughly 35,000 patrons within a 50-miles radius of Knoxville attend their productions. The theatre is fully integrated with the Department of Theatre in all aspects of mission and function. They bring professional actors and designers to the theater to work one-on-one with students. 

Frank Murphy interviews Akima Club of Knoxville president Cindy Connor and Akima Cabaret chairperson Donna Brown about the Akima Cabaret 2026, titled "The Wizard of Hawz." In the show, a couple who hates country music goes moonshine tasting in Gatlinburg only to find themselves transported to the colorful land of Hee Haw. The Akima Cabaret is held every other year. Performances will be at the Mill and Mine on Friday, February 27, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, February 28th, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.; and Saturday, February 28th, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets and information at https://www.akimaclub.org/ The Akima grant program provides financial support to several local nonprofit agencies. Over $186,000 was given to non-profit Knoxville area agencies over the past two years through funds raised by Akima Cabaret 2024. Over the last thirty years, Akima has raised over 1.5 million dollars through Akima Cabaret all of which has gone back into the community through Akima grants. Grant applications for 2026 are due by February 28, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

Frank Murphy interviews Shannon Herron, Marketing & Creative Director of Dogwood Arts, and Landon Shewmake Owner and COO of BlueWing Homes, about the Dogwood Arts House & Garden Show. The 48th annual House & Garden Show will be held on February 6, 7, and 8, 2026 at the Knoxville Convention Center. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors/veterans, and free for children 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the door. Discounted tickets can be purchased in advance at any ORNL Federal Credit Union branch. The House and Garden Show features hundreds of vendors showcasing products and services for  home and garden; 10,000 square feet of garden displays created by local landscape designers; stage presentations by experts; and live music. Learn more at https://www.dogwoodarts.com/houseandgardenshow

Frank Murphy interviews Kirstin Kropilak and Abigail Jumper of the Knoxville Academy of Medicine Alliance (KAMA) about their legacy fundraiser, Doc Rock for Health, which will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at the Mill & Mine. Tickets are available at https://kamalliance.org/docrock  KAMA is a non-profit organization established in partnership with the Knoxville Academy of Medicine to promote health education programs that impact the welfare of our community and to encourage friendships among its membership. The event features a "battle of the bands" in which at least two members from each band are physicians. Each band represents a local health-related charity and plays to win a percentage of the proceeds. During the event, attendees vote for their favorite band. The funds are distributed based on the number of votes each band receives, with a portion of the night’s proceeds donated to the respective charities represented by the bands. This year's lineup: 7:00pm - Dr. Zoster and the Pox Playing for Tennessee Memory Disorders Foundation 7:45pm - Whiskey Compass Playing for KAPA Kitchen 8:30pm - BBS Playing for St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic 9:15pm - No Recall Playing for Knoxville  Family Justice Center 10:00pm - Remedy Playing for Interfaith Health Center

Frank Murphy interviews Kristy Altman, Vice President of Communications and Public Relations of MEDIC Regional Blood Center. MEDIC is the provider of blood and blood-related products for 25 hospitals in 23 counties in East Tennessee and Southeastern Kentucky and regional air transport services. January is National Blood Donor Month. This month, donors can receive a Feelin' Frosty t-shirt. During Roll Up Your Sleeve Week, donors can receive a sweatshirt and a raffle entry for other prizes. Upcoming incentives include hoodies and orange t-shirts.  Starting January 1, 2026, platelet donors will receive a $50 e-gift card following their donation. The IRS raised the limit for rewards from $600 to $2000 for 2026. With this change, donors should not reach the limit. Therefore will not need to have a 1099 issued. Learn more or make an appointment to donate at https://medicblood.org/

Frank Murphy interviews Kelly Orrico, Co-Founder and President of the Widowed Parent Relief Project. Kelly and her husband C.J. were inspired to start the WPRP after Kelly survived a massive stroke at age 39. A series of unlikely events led to her being found by a stranger and being brought to the only hospital in her area that had the technology to perform life-saving surgery she needed.  Widowed Parent Relief Project's mission is to help build an enduring support system and alleviate everyday stressors for widowed parents so they can spend more time on their family's mental health and healing. A WPRP “Family Friend” volunteer walks alongside the parent for one year, staying apprised of current needs and advocating for the family in the community. During that year, WPRP also provides paid services, which include regular cleaning services, home organizing, and self-care/babysitting stipends. Learn more at https://www.wprp.org/

Frank Murphy interviews Mike Witcher, owner and chief meteorologist of eastTNweather. Mike became well known as the morning meteorologist on WBIR-TV from 2005 to 2014 and again from 2017 to 2023. He decided to leave television and become an entrepreneur by starting his own digital forecast service. His ad-supported business provides weather information free of charge via multiple social media platforms and via his own eastTNweather app and website. Learn more at https://easttnweather.com

Frank Murphy interviews Chris Hall, Chief Operating Officer at Remote Area Medical. Since 1985, Remote Area Medical (RAM®) has provided free healthcare services to those in need through the operation of mobile pop-up clinics around the country. Remote Area Medical was founded in 1985 by Stan Brock, known as co-host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom.  RAM will offer a free medical, dental, and vision clinic in the Jacob Building at Chilhowee Park in Knoxville on February 6, 7, and 8, 2026. Learn more at https://www.ramusa.org/

Frank Murphy interviews Dana Soehn, President and CEO of Friends of the Smokies. Dana joined Friends in 2023 after serving as a National Park Service employee for more than 30 years, including ten years as Park Spokesperson. During the government shutdown, Friends of the Smokies joined with other partners to provide funding to  keep the Great Smoky Mountains National Park open to the public. Friends of the Smokies is seeking donations to continue funding projects in the Park.  Learn more at https://friendsofthesmokies.org/

Frank Murphy interviews Jen Corbin, this year's president of the Nativity Pageant of Knoxville and Erica Moore, this year's vice president. The 57th annual Nativity Pageant will be presented on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.; Sunday, December 14, 2025 at 3:00 p.m., and Monday, December 15, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the Knoxville Civic Coliseum.  Parking is $5, credit or debit card only. Admission to the Pageant is free. Doors open one hour prior to each performance. A musical prelude begins 30 minutes prior to each performance. Arrive early enough to find seats before the performance, which begins in total darkness. The performance lasts about one hour.  The Nativity Pageant of Knoxville features live animals, a cast of over 100 actors, a choir of over 100 singers, a full orchestra and four professional narrators. It tells the biblical story of the birth of Jesus. For more information, visit https://www.knoxvillenativity.com/

Frank Murphy interviews Fr. David Boettner, rector of the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, 711 S. Northshore Drive in Knoxville. Fr. David discusses the first Sunday of Advent and the coming of the Christmas season. Visit the Cathedral's website at https://www.shcathedral.org/ for Mass times and other information.  For details about the free Cathedral Concert Series, go to https://www.shcathedral.org/cathedral-concert-series/

Frank Murphy interviews local media personality Beth Haynes and Pamela Coleman of the McNabb Foundation about the Beth Haynes 12 Days of Christmas Online Auction benefiting the McNabb Center’s Dear Santa Program. Funds raised through the auction will help provide gifts and experiences for more than 2,500 children and families in need this holiday season. Bidding opens Monday, December 1, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. and runs through Friday, December 12, 2025 at 10:00 p.m. Text 12days25 to 243-725 to view the auction items, or visit the website at https://www.mcnabbfoundation.org/12days

Frank Murphy interviews Aram Demirjian, Music Director of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra about their upcoming performances including Rhapsody in Blue on November 20 and 21, 2025; Elf on November 23, 2025; Handel's Messiah on November 30, 2025, and the Clayton Holiday Concerts on December 19, 20, and 21, 2025. Aram also discusses the Knoxville Symphony Youth Ensembles and their upcoming Fall concerts. Find the full schedule at https://knoxvillesymphony.com/concert-calendar/ 

Frank Murphy interviews Natalia Havasy, Director of Marketing & Community Benefit at East Tennessee Children's Hospital about their Adopt a Family program and the Fantasy of Trees.  To Adopt a Family, donate $15 or more to benefit East Tennessee Children's Hospital, and get back $15 in a gift card from Salsarita's. https://www.etch.com/ways-to-give/adopt-a-family/  East Tennessee Children's Hospital Fantasy of Trees takes place Wednesday, November 26 to Sunday, November 30, 2025 in the Knoxville Convention Center. https://www.etch.com/ways-to-give/events/fantasy-of-trees/ 

Frank Murphy interviews Caroline Bean, Public Relations & Communications Manager for the Gatlinburg Convention & Visitors Bureau and Elaine Frank, Deputy Director of Special Events for the City of Knoxville.  Caroline discusses upcoming events in Gatlinburg including the Winter Magic Kickoff and Chili Cookoff on November 7; the 50th annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade on December 5; and Gatlinburg's New Year’s Eve Celebration at the Space Needle on December 31. Learn more at https://www.gatlinburg.com/events/seasonal-events/winter/ Elaine discusses upcoming events in Knoxville including Christmas at Chilhowee on November 21; Holidays on Ice in Market Square from November 28 to January 4; and New Year's Eve at the Sunsphere on December 31. Elaine invited Frank to emcee New Year's Eve at the Sunsphere. Learn more about Christmas in the City events at https://www.knoxvilletn.gov/Christmas

Frank Murphy interviews Executive Editor Joel Christopher and Photo Editor Jennifer Dedman of Knox News about the Empty Stocking Fund, which has been helping families in need since 1912. Empty Stocking Fund recipients receive 40 food items including a five-pound ham to provide for Christmas dinner as well as other meals during the holiday season. The News Sentinel Charities, Inc. is a nonprofit - 501(c)3 - organization that was established in 1975 to manage and govern the Empty Stocking Fund. News Sentinel staff that serve on the News Sentinel Charities board manage the program. Volunteers are needed during the week of December 15 to pack boxes with food. Volunteer registration for 2025 opens on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at https://www.esfknox.org/

Frank Murphy interviews Bethany Jackson, Location Leader for the Sevier County Isaiah 117 House. There are currently 37 Isaiah 117 House locations across 13 states with 7 more opening by February, 2026.  The mission of Isaiah 117 House is to reduce trauma on removal day and to provide a safe place where children can await placement. Children generally stay up to 72 hours and receive clothing, shoes, hygiene items, suitcases, and anything they may need to start their journey into foster care. Learn more at https://isaiah117house.com/

Frank Murphy interviews Michael Ray, Executive Director of The Joy of Music School, which provides free weekly music lessons to 150 in-house students and reaches over 1,000 children per year through 19 partner sites. Learn more at https://joyofmusicschool.org/

Frank Murphy interviews Alan Lowe, director of the American Museum of Science & Energy and the K-25 History Center in Oak Ridge. The American Museum of Science & Energy attracts about 65,000 visitors per year. Among other activities, AMSE provides interactive curriculum-based classroom programs for school groups and STEM education programs. AMSE houses permanent and rotating exhibits, provides live demonstrations, hosts evening events, and holds spring, summer, and fall camp programs for students. AMSE is also the starting point for bus tours of historic sites on the federal government’s Oak Ridge Reservation, and it hosts the National Park Service (NPS) programs and events for the Manhattan Project National Historical Park. Learn more at https://amse.org/

Frank Murphy interviews Brian Salesky, Executive and Artistic Director of Amadeus Concert Ensemble about its 2025-2026 season of free concerts as part of the Cathedral Concert Series at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.  Learn more at https://www.shcathedral.org/cathedral-concert-series/

Frank Murphy interviews Amanda Marr Director of Marketing & Communications for the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce about Smoky Mountain Harvest Fest and other activities in the Sevierville area.  Learn more at https://visitsevierville.com/fall/

Frank Murphy interviews Alyssa Cook, development director of Tennessee Out-Reach Center for Homeless (TORCH), and Naomi Asher of The Maven consultancy.  Learn more at https://oakridgetorch.org/

Frank Murphy interviews Mike Kitchens, chairman of Smoky Mountain Service Dogs, which trains and provides mobility assistance service dogs to military veterans and first responders who need them.  This program aired on Sunday, September 7, 2025. Learn more at https://www.smokymountainservicedogs.org/

Frank Murphy interviews Aaron Snukals of Concerts For Our Own and Caroline Timpson of Breast Connect. The concerts benefit three charities: Breast Connect, the Love Kitchen, and Choice Health Network. Tickets on sale at https://www.concertsforourown.org/  Learn more about Breast Connect at https://breastconnect.org/ This program aired on Sunday, August 31, 2025. Concerts For Our Own season: Friday, October 10, 2025 - "The Purple xPeRIeNCE" Prince Tribute Show Thursday, October 30, 2025 - "MummFest" - Here Come the Mummies with special guests Lachy Doley & Platinum Moon

Frank Murphy interviews Sara Dickson and Mark Dulniak with the Alzheimer's Association's Tennessee chapter. This program aired on Sunday, August 24, 2025. Ales for Alz runs through August 31. Information at https://alesforalz-knox.org/ The 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer's will take place on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Zoo Knoxville. Information at http://www.alz.org/KnoxvilleWalk

Frank Murphy interviews Kesha Waters and Hannah Fatheree of CASA of the Tennessee Heartland. This program aired on Sunday, August 17, 2025. CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate. The core purpose of CASA of the Tennessee Heartland is to provide a voice for abused and neglected children in Anderson and Blount counties. As a non-profit, volunteer-based agency, our mission is to empower CASA volunteers to advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children in juvenile court. Our vision is to provide a court-appointed volunteer advocate for every child who needs one.

Frank Murphy interviews Kelley Weatherley-Sinclair of the East Tennessee Historical Society about the 2025 History Hootenanny which takes place on Saturday, August 16, 2025.  This program aired on Sunday, August 10, 2025. History Hootenanny showcases the best of the East Tennessee History Center and its partners at this open house. This year’s theme is “Sports History” to celebrate the feature exhibition, Home Runs & Home Teams: A History of the National Pastime in Tennessee. Guests can enjoy live music, sports-themed children’s activities, Knoxville walking tours, shuttles to the Historic House Museums of Knoxville, and more! History Hootenanny is a free public history event organized in partnership by the East Tennessee Historical Society, Calvin M. McClung Historical Collection, and Tennessee Archive of Moving Image & Sound.

It’s officially spring - so Tis the season to get outdoors…. One way is The 3rd annual Lupus Golf Tournament Fundraiser….. There are so many ways to take part.. Even if you don’t play…. This annual event raises awareness for Lupus and the Lupus Foundation of America.

So many people getting sick, the flu- covid, sinuses issues.. Its a lot to stay healthy…these days… and some people - have greater struggles… with their health.. For instance, dealing w/ substance abuse disorders.. But there is help and support… on non-profit is  the East TN Association of Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselors - Darius is diving in to learn more about this organization and their annual Smoky Mountain Conference.

Ever have a day or days - you feel lost, maybe even hopeless? It happens… know you are not alone… in fact there are many organizations out there - ready to help - if you are ready for it… one of them - a hand up for women…. Full of love and support.. The non-profit is holding its largest fundraiser, the Annual Gala Red Carpet Event.

Camp Bayoca - sound like something your kids should get into? Head on over to campbayoca.com and get them registered today.

Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs will be calling in to talk about the 2025 Read City USA challenge and how you can get involved. But first, KFD Asst. Chief Mark Wilbanks joins us to tell us about the upcoming KFD Recruitment Expo.

If you have a teenager in the family, or know of one.. They can score a thousand bucks - time to break out the creativity for a contest through Metro Drug Coalition- Courtney Fuson shares the details for “A Vape Free Future” youth PSA contest.    First, Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs calls in about the 2025 Read City USA challenge and how you can get involved.

The Beardsley Community Farm is gearing up for Snow ! No need to grab a shovel - more like a spoon…. It’s actually their Snow Day event. With a full day of activities including a soup contest, silent auction, and live musical performances. Charlotte’s here to fill us in … But first, it’s time to Pack the Bag with Second Harvest Food Bank…  A fundraiser to fuel their Food for Kids program.  Matthew Blondell says $8 goes a long way when it comes to nutritious food for hungry children.

Leave winter at the door and get ready for the spring time with the Dogwood Arts House & Garden Show. Shannon Herron will be joining us today to tell us everything you need to know about this year’s event. But first, Ron Day from Remote Area Medical stops by to talk about their upcoming clinic where they’re offering health, vision and dental services completely free of charge.

Charlie Jackson from the Hand Up For Homeless Ministry joins the show to talk about his organization, their impact on the Knoxville community, and how you can get involved this winter and holiday season.

Saturday, December 7th Covenant Health is bringing back their 20th annual Artsclamation fine arts sale benefitting Peninsula Behavioral Services. Laurel and Tyler joins us this morning to tell us all about it.

Christmas time is right around the corner and what better way to bring in the holiday season than with some classic Christmas stories. The Clarence Brown Theatre has the right idea as they’re presenting A Christmas Carol November 21 - December 21. Mindy stops by to give us the details.

Ron Day from Remote Area Medical stops by to talk about their upcoming free healthcare clinics. Also, Kimberly Montierth from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints comes in to tell us about their Light The World Giving Machines fundraiser.

Hand Up For Women is a local ministry offering a hand UP to women who want to live a self-sufficient, abundant life free of loneliness and fear. November 1st they will be launching their online auction benefiting the women and programs of the organization. Betty-Lou Simpson joins us this morning to tell us more about it.

Fall is finally here which means it’s time for the fall festivities, and East TN Children’s Hospital has plenty for you to choose from. Natalie joins us today to tell us all about them. With the fall comes the fall critters creeping in your house to stay warm. Luckily Michael from Renewal By Anderson is here to give us all the tips on how to keep your home bug free this coming fall and winter!

Knox County Mobile Meals just hosted their annual Power of the Purse fundraiser to much success. Sara Keel joins us this morning to tell us about the volunteer opportunities available with Mobile Meals and how you can help out!

The 24th annual Hola Festival is taking place Saturday, September 21st and Pedro joins the show to tell us more about it.

October 2nd, the Boys and Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains will be hosting their 22nd annual Play FORE The Kids Golf Tournament. This year they're ramping up the stakes by giving away a brand new 2024 Chevrolet Corvette!

The Clarence Brown Theatre will be presenting, “Knoxville,” a musical depicting the childhood of Knoxville native and Pulitzer Prize winning author, James Agee. To tell us more about it we have Kenneth Martin and McKinley Merritt joining us today!

The 18th annual Slim Fest is taking place August 3rd and will be raising money for the Legends of Tennessee, a youth mentorship program based here in Knoxville. Steve Stilts of Slim Fest and VFL Jabari Davis joined us this morning to give us all the details!

It’s Christmas !!! in July… the Emerald Youth Foundation is getting a head start, with your help, so they can be sure the hundreds of families they serve, have a super special holiday season. Also, Sara Dickson and Steve Danesi from the Alzheimer’s Association stop by to talk about the Walk To End Alzheimer's happening in September and how you can get involved to support the cause!

Concerts For Our Own is a series of live concerts benefiting non-profit organizations that serve the people right here in East TN.  Today, Martin Riggins from the Love Kitchen and Jennifer East from PUNT Pediatric Cancer Collaborative will join us and share more about their respective organizations, how Concerts For Our Own will support their efforts, and how you can get involved!

Sara Dickson and Steve Danesi from the Alzheimer’s Association stop by to talk about the Walk To End Alzheimer's happening in September and how you can get involved to support the cause! Kimberly O’Neal also joins us today to talk about her company Modern Day Stay At Home Mom and how she is helping thousands of moms across the country.

Time is running out to take advantage of the TN Department of Treasury TN Stars program. Shelli King joins us today to tell us how you can get a jump start on your child’s college savings. But first, Marilyn Childress from the Veterans Heritage Site Foundation joins the show to tell us how her foundation will be honoring WWII veterans this weekend.