East Tennessee Now

Frank Murphy interviews Sara Dickson, Development Manager at the Alzheimer's Association's Tennessee chapter. and Mark Dulniak, a volunteer with the Alzheimer's Association. Mark leads the Ales for ALZ campaign. During the month of August, 21 local brewery locations offer unique craft beers and special events with proceeds benefiting the 2026 Walk to End Alzheimer's. Find more information at https://alesforalz-knox.org/ The Knoxville Walk to End Alzheimer's takes place on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at Zoo Knoxville. Registration is free. Those who donate $100 or more can receive a Walk t-shirt. More information is available at http://www.alz.org/KnoxvilleWalk

Frank Murphy interviews George Bove, Media and Public Relations Chairman for the Kerbela Shrine Temple, about the 49th annual Kerbela Shrine Circus on August 7, 8, and 9, 2026 in Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville. Complimentary circus tickets can be obtained by calling (865) 573-1901.  Proceeds from the sales of concession items at the circus support the Kerbela Shrine Temple. To be a Shriner, one must also be a Master Mason in Freemasonry. Kerbela Shrine is part of Shriners International, which supports Shriner’s Hospitals for Children, a system of 22 hospitals providing specialty pediatric care. Children up to age 18 with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate are eligible for care at Shriners Hospitals for Children and receive all services at no financial obligation to families. 

Frank Murphy interviews Fr. Charlie Donahue, pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish, and Cindy McLaughlin of the Irish Fest Committee about the 17th annual Irish Fest on the Hill. The festival will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Saturday August 8, 2026 on the campus of Immaculate Conception Parish, 414 W. Vine Avenue in Knoxville. Tickets are $15 at the gate for adults. Children 12 and under are free. The festival features musical performances by Knoxville Pipes and Drums; Red Haired Mary; Tim and Cherry on Strings; Nancy Brennan Strange & Friends; Jeff Nelson; Def Leprechaun Band; Doon the Brae; and Tracy Jenkins & Gil Draper. Those attending may enjoy Irish food, drinks, dessert, and music and take part in a silent auction. A Gaelic games demonstration will be held. There will also be tours of Immaculate Conception Church, one of the oldest Catholic churches in the Diocese of Knoxville. Learn more at https://icknoxville.org/irish-fest-committee or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/1891305818222732/ 

Frank Murphy interviews Jess Shepherd, Melissa Mijares, and Jim Piehl of the Fresh Start Home Project. The projects mission statement is "Restoring Homes. Renewing Hope." Their goal is to complete one major home transformation each year for a deserving family in East Tennessee by bringing together volunteers, skilled tradespeople, local businesses, and community leaders. This year's inaugural project will take place on August 1, 2026 at the home of a longtime Farragut High School teacher who has dedicated the past 25 years to serving the community. The project will include new flooring, windows, painting, drywall repairs, fixture replacements, landscaping, and dozens of additional repairs. Volunteers can sign up to help at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fresh-start-home-project-knoxville-volunteer-sign-up-tickets-1989544956522 Fresh Start Home Project founder Jess Shepherd is a real estate agent with Keller Williams Realty. Melissa Mijares is a certified financial planner with TVAMP Financial. Jim Piehl is the co-owner of JP Homes Construction. Learn more about Fresh Start Home Project at https://freshstartnox.org/

Frank Murphy interviews Rebecca Gomez and David Snow of Theatre Knoxville Downtown, located at 800 S. Central Street in Knoxville. Rebecca is directing and David is starring as Mortimer Brewster in TKD's production of Arsenic and Old Lace, which opens on Friday, July 24, 2026 and runs through August 9, 2026. Tickets and information are available at https://theatreknoxville.com/arsenic-and-old-lace/ TKD's 2026-27 season continues with The Iliad, The Odyssey, and all of Greek Mythology in 99 Minutes or Less Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors I’ll Be Home for Christmas Boeing Boeing The Pillowman The Picture of Dorian Gray Theatre Knoxville Downtown, is Knoxville’s oldest continuously operating, non-academic, all-volunteer, non-profit community theater. Information about season tickets, auditions, volunteer opportunities, and other ways to support TKD is available at https://theatreknoxville.com/ 

Frank Murphy interviews Jenny Flatford, artistic director of the Oak Ridge Civic Ballet Association, and Rebecca Renegar, a member of the ORCBA board of directors. A fundraiser for the organization, titled "Behind the Curtain," will be held on Friday, July 31, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in the Historic Grove Theater in Oak Ridge. The event features performances by their current company of dancers as well as by alumni. There will also be a silent auction, food, and drinks. Tickets must be purchased by July 27th at https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/ZDPDT7MSHTYUJ The Oak Ridge Civic Ballet Association was organized in 1963 and holds the longest existing dance charter in the state of Tennessee. ORCBA is a nonprofit community arts organization dedicated to the education and production of ballet arts. ORCBA is designed to stimulate a wider appreciation of dance, develop local dance talent, and bring quality professional performances to Oak Ridge and the surrounding communities. ​ The organization supports dancers  ages 6  and up who have successfully auditioned for the productions and are taking additional training at recognized area dance schools. Participation in the productions provides the developing artist with an opportunity for group study in technical skills and ensemble performance, while also enabling the community to enjoy their talents at annual performances. Learn more about the Oak Ridge Civic Ballet Association at http://www.orcba.org/

Frank Murphy interviews Susan Unbehaun, Executive Director of Ladies of Charity Knoxville, and Lisa Daley, Vice President of the board of directors. The mission of Ladies of Charity Knoxville is to provide emergency assistance to those in need. They operate a thrift store and food pantry at120 W. Baxter Avenue in Knoxville. The food pantry is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. while supplies last. Learn more at https://www.ladiesofcharityknox.org/  The thrift store will celebrate "Christmas in July" by selling holiday décor, clothing, and other items from June 27 to July 11. The thrift store is open Mondays through Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The annual Ladies of Charity Fashion Show will be held on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at St. Gregory's Auditorium on the campus of Knoxville Catholic High School, 9245 Fox Lonas Road in Knoxville. A $5 donation is requested at the door. RSVPs are encouraged at https://www.ladiesofcharityknox.org/2026-fashion-show 

Frank Murphy interviews Frank Graffeo, Chief Executive Officer of the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend, Tennessee, and conductor Danny Griffin, who will lead a 45-piece American brass band for the "Independence 250 Concert on the Fourth" on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at 8:00 pm in the Heritage Center’s covered amphitheater. Admission is a suggested $10 donation to the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, which houses a celebrated museum, a village of 18 authentic, historic homes and structures, indigenous peoples exhibits, and educational programs for children and adults. Learn more at https://gsmheritagecenter.org/event/independence-250-concert-on-the-fourth/  The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center provides insightful programming, preserves history and heritage, educates and interprets, and carries out work that teaches the mind and touches the spirit. In addition to museum exhibits, there are hands-on activities for young and old, including live historic interpreters in authentic dress, authentic 19th-century buildings in a historic village and farmstead, and a significant Cherokee Native American collection.

Frank Murphy interviews Beth Roskelly, Director of Development & Public Relations at InterFaith Health Center, 7005 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville. InterFaith Health Center provides accessible, affordable, and quality health care to the working uninsured or underserved, primarily through the support of individuals, the religious, health care, and business communities. Learn more at https://interfaithhealthcenter.org/  In November 2005, following a successful capital campaign, InterFaith Health Center moved its medical, dental, and mental health services into one location on Middlebrook Pike, allowing them to serve more patients.  The Center places a strong emphasis on preventative care and is able to offer an array of services on site such as dermatology, minor surgery, injections, bracing, biopsies, wound care, breathing treatments, physical therapy, laboratory testing, x-rays, diagnosis and treatment for both acute and chronic conditions. Onsite monthly volunteers are specialists in podiatry, rheumatology, dermatology, gynecology, immunology, family practice, orthopedics, physical therapy, cardiology, endocrinology, dietician, physician assistant, endodontics, and family dentistry.

Frank Murphy interviews Will Meyer, vice president of the Museum of Appalachia, located at 2819 Andersonville Highway, Clinton, Tennessee. The Museum of Appalachia, which was founded in 1969 by John Rice Irwin, portrays an authentic mountain farm and pioneer village, with three dozen historic log structures, several exhibit buildings filled with thousands of authentic Appalachian artifacts, multiple gardens, and free range farm animals.  The Museum will host its annual Barn Dance fundraiser on Friday, June 19, 2026. The silent auction will open for bidding on Monday, June 15, 2026 via the Handbid mobile app. More information is available at https://events.handbid.com/auctions/museum-of-appalachia-barn-dance-2026  The Museum’s annual Independence Day Anvil Shoot Celebration will be held on July 3 and 4, 2026, as an expanded two-day event made possible in part by support from Tennessee America 250. At the center of the celebration is the Museum’s signature anvil shoot, a rare frontier tradition in which a 200-pound anvil is launched hundreds of feet into the air using gunpowder. Anvil shoots will take place at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. both days. Tickets and information are available at https://www.museumofappalachia.org/independence-day/ 

Frank Murphy interviews Executive Director Jennifer Harrell and Development & Communications Manager Lori Friel of Cancer Support Community East Tennessee. The organization's mission is to uplift and strengthen people impacted by cancer by providing support, fostering compassionate communities, and breaking down barriers to care. They provide free classes, workshops, and programs. Learn more at https://www.cancersupportet.org/  The band Smooth Sailor will play classic yacht rock favorites at a benefit concert for CSCET on Thursday, June 4, 2026 at Yee-Haw Brewing, 745 N Broadway, Knoxville. General admission tickets are $50. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are available at https://events.handbid.com/auctions/2026-good-vibrations CSCET's annual Fall Luncheon and Silent Auction will feature comedian and cancer survivor Karen Mills on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at Bridgewater Place in Knoxville. 

Frank Murphy interviews Katy Watt, president of Explore Oak Ridge, and actress Kadi Brazil, who portrays Katie the Calutron Girl in promotional videos for Explore Oak Ridge. Several of the videos are dedicated to the Manhattan Project National Historical Park, which was established in 2015 on the sites of three formerly secret communities located in Hanford, Washington; Los Alamos, New Mexico; and Oak Ridge, Tennessee.  Explore Oak Ridge maintains a calendar of upcoming events and festivals at https://exploreoakridge.com/  On Sunday, May 24, 2026 at 7:00 p.m., the Oak Ridge Community Band presents its annual Memorial Day concert in A.K. Bissell Park.  The Flatwater Tales Storytelling Festival takes place on Friday, June 5 and Saturday, June 6, 2026. The 26th annual Lavender Festival will be in Jackson Square on Saturday, June 20, 2026.  On July 4, 2026, the Oak Ridge Community Band will perform in A.K. Bissell Park starting at 7:30 p.m. A fireworks display will be launched from the property of Oak Ridge High School starting about 9:45 p.m. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. 

Frank Murphy interviews Kathryn Frady, Executive Artistic Director of Marble City Opera, Knoxville's chamber opera company, with the goal of bringing American chamber opera and innovative performances of traditional operas to new audiences. Learn more about Kathryn and her upcoming schedule at https://www.kathrynfrady.com/  Kathryn Frady will direct Marble City Opera's production of Josephine by Tom Cipullo at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at the Historic Grove Theatre in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Josephine is a one-woman opera about the legendary entertainer Josephine Baker, set in the final years of her life. Tickets and information are available at https://www.marblecityopera.com/josephine  Marble City Opera presents Opera in the Park at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Lakeshore Park's Marble Hall in Knoxville, Tennessee. Admission to the concert is free. Sponsorship information is available at https://www.marblecityopera.com/operainthepark  Kathryn Frady with direct and star in Marble City Opera's production of The Tragedy of Carmen, adapted from Carmen by Peter Brook, Jean-Claude Carrière, and Marius Constant, at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 18 and Saturday, June 20, 2026 at the Historic Grove Theatre in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The Tragedy of Carmen distills Georges Bizet’s opera into a taut, psychologically driven 90-minute chamber work featuring many of the opera’s most beloved musical moments. Tickets and information are available at https://www.marblecityopera.com/tragedyofcarmen 

Frank Murphy interviews Hollie Cook, Director of Preservation Services at Knox Heritage. May is National Historic Preservation Month. The mission of Knox Heritage is to protect Knoxville’s unique character for future generations by preserving, restoring, and transforming historically significant structures and places.  Knox Heritage will hold its 2026 East Tennessee Preservation Awards on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in The Emporium, 100 S. Gay Street, Knoxville. The event is free to attend. Complimentary wine, beer, and small bites will be served. RSVP by Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at https://www.knoxheritage.org/events/2026awards/  The 2026 East Tennessee Preservation Awards will recognize outstanding individuals, organizations, and projects contributing to historic preservation efforts within a 16-county region. Eligible projects include historic (50+ years old) residential or commercial projects that were completed between January 2025 and February 2026, or an individual or organization that has recently and significantly contributed to furthering historic preservation in the region. Eligible counties include Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Knox, Loudon, Monroe, Morgan, Roane, Scott, Sevier, and Union.  The Knox Heritage Fragile & Fading list identifies and prioritizes local properties, landmarks, and neighborhoods in need of preservation strategies. This initiative aims to create awareness and strengthen community support to save these historic places from being lost forever. The list includes the Knott-York House, situated on the median strip of Middlebrook Pike near 3rd Creek Road. Constructed circa 1845 with locally sourced brick and traditional craftsmanship,the home reflects both the architectural sensibilities and the practical construction methods of the Antebellum period. 

Frank Murphy interviews Rob Patrick, executive director, and David Caudill, senior director of marketing and public relations, for the Knoxville Academy of Medicine Foundation which is the philanthropic arm of the Knoxville Academy of Medicine, the medical society for Knox County physicians. Knoxville Area Project Access (KAPA) is a program under the leadership of the KAM Foundation. KAPA is a broad-based community charity created to provide access to health care for low-income, uninsured individuals in East Tennessee.  Since 2006, Knoxville Area Project Access has coordinated more than $425 million dollars in donated health care to more than 38,000 low-income East Tennesseans without access to health insurance or government-sponsored program. KAPA coordinated over 103,000 medical encounters from July 2023 - June 2024.  99% of all patient appointments are kept by KAPA patients. KAPA patients receive a full continuum of care administered by a network of over 2,900 physicians and providers, along with all area hospitals, who donate services to help those in need. In January 2017, KAPA began expanding its services to include social service barriers in a pilot called KAPA Connects. These barriers include housing, transportation, food, drug/alcohol dependency, and health literacy.  The KAPA Kitchen exists to be a life changing bridge for patients experiencing food insecurities while KAPA helps them navigate their health care. Patients will be able to get: immediate food and hygiene products; heart healthy food items; diabetic healthy food items; diet education resources. Learn more at https://kapatn.org/kapa-kitchen

Frank Murphy interviews Brandy McDonnell, the Founder and Executive Director of STRIDE Equine Therapy in Kingston, Tennessee. The organization will hold its first major fundraiser, Riding for the Roses, on Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Blue Point Stables, 675 Buck Creek Road in Kingston. Tickets are $60 or two for $100.  Attendees can watch the live broadcast of the Kentucky Derby. There will be a best hat contest, signature drinks, a silent auction, STRIDE rider demonstrations and more. It benefits the Youth with Promise program to provide scholarships for local youth who need a place to belong, grow, and thrive.  The acronym STRIDE stands for Supportive Therapeutic Riding for Independence, Development, and Empowerment. The organizations mission is to provide high-quality equine activities to people with disabilities, foster children and at-risk youth. Learn more at https://strideequinetherapy.org/ 

Frank Murphy interviews artistic director Dr. John Orr and assistant director Andrew Duncan of the Knoxville Choral Society. The organization's 75th Anniversary Celebration Concerts will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026 at Central Bearden Church, 6300 Deane Hill Drive, Knoxville; and at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at the Community Church at Tellico Village, 130 Chota Center, Loudon. The program features "Zadok the Priest" by Handel, "Regina Caeli K276" by Mozart, and "Psalm 148" by Holst, along with the world premiere of "Images of Knoxville," a newly commissioned work by Andrew Duncan, written specifically for this anniversary and for this city.  Tickets are $15 for adults and only $0.01 for children under 18 through the Penny4Arts program. Learn more at https://www.knoxvillechoralsociety.org/

Frank Murphy interviews Drew Degges of the Volunteer Alzheimer's Foundation about the 16th annual Forget Me Not 5K to benefit the Pat Summitt Foundation. The race will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026 starting and finishing at the Village Green Shopping Center in Farragut. The race course goes through the Village Green subdivision, which includes part of the Farragut Dogwood Trail. Sign up at https://runtheday.com/register/detail/forget-me-not-5k-10k-and-1-mile-race-2026-dh7/ The mission of the Volunteer Alzheimer’s Foundation is to raise funds and awareness in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. They are dedicated to supporting research advancing care for families affected by Alzheimer’s. Learn more at https://www.volalz.org  The Volunteer Alzheimer's Foundation will host the Vol Alz Classic golf tournament on September 28, 2026 at Tennessee National Golf Club.

Frank Murphy interviews Carter Brown, Camp Director of Camp Ba Yo Ca in Wears Valley, Tennessee. Carter began serving at Camp Ba Yo Ca at age fifteen as a counselor and kitchen staff member. He received his Master of Divinity from Gateway Seminary and served as the Camp Director at another Baptist camp before returning to Camp Ba Yo Ca.  Camp Ba Yo Ca provides outdoor adventure activities to nearly two thousand children in the Knox, Blount, and Sevier county regions. Their mission is to minister to children’s lives through evangelism, discipleship, and mentoring. Camp Ba Yo Ca is affiliated with the Knox County Association of Baptists. More information is available at https://www.campbayoca.com  The Camp Ba Yo Ca Classic is an annual golf tournament with all proceeds go directly to the Ba Yo Ca Fund, which ensures that every child who wants to attend Camp can do so, regardless of financial circumstances, while providing a safe and enriching environment for all.  This year's tournament will be held at Wild Laurel Golf Course in Townsend on May 11, 2026. Check in will begin at 8:00 a.m. and a shotgun start will be at 9:00 a.m. Individuals can register for $125 or teams of four can register for $500 at https://www.campbayoca.com/camp-bayoca-classic-golf-tournament.html 

Frank Murphy interviews Knoxville Police Chief Paul Noel, who was sworn in as Knoxville’s 27th Chief of Police on June 13, 2022. Prior to assuming command of the Knoxville Police Department, Noel was a Deputy Superintendent at the New Orleans Police Department, where he served in numerous leadership roles for over 25 years. After hiring over 100 recruits in 2025, KPD is back to full staffing levels for the first time in over a decade. The most recent recruit class started on March 23, 2026.  Murders matched a 10-year low in 2025. As of March 29, there have been no murders in Knoxville so far in 2026. Non-fatal shootings are down around 90 percent.  KPD is preparing to launch a Drone as First Responder program. They be able to deploy semi-autonomous drones to provide real-time information to officers responding to calls for service. They are also planning to activate overt cameras in areas with more incidents requiring police assistance.  More information is available about the KPD Real Time Information Center at https://knoxvilletnpolice.gov/real-time-information-center/

Frank Murphy interviews Kelsie Crittendon, Executive Director of Sunshine Services. Its mission is to provide person-centered supports for individuals with developmental disabilities that promote independence, inclusion, and empowerment to reach their personal vision of happiness and life satisfaction. Learn more at https://sunshineservicesknox.org/ A fundraiser titled Golden Hour: An Evening to Shine Forward will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026 at Sunshine Services, 3000 N. Central Street, Knoxville from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. "Early Shine" tickets are $75 and are expected to sell out in advance. General Admission tickets, which will be sold at the door, are $100. Each ticket includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and an open bar featuring beer and wine, along with access to the full Golden Hour experience, which includes live music, a live painting and an auction. Recently, Sunshine had to close their long-standing workshop program.  In response, they established the Sunshine Transition Fund to support the individuals who were directly impacted by the workshop closure. The goal is to make sure each person has the resources and support they need as they transition into new opportunities.  The Golden Hour event raises money for the Transition Fund to help provide employment transition support and job coaching, transportation support, skill-building and training opportunities, technology that supports independence and employment, and individualized transition planning.

Frank Murphy interviews Celia Gruzalski, Executive Director of Tennessee Memory Disorders Foundation and Clinic which provides its patients with evaluation and treatment for neurodegenerative dementia syndromes, including Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss and other cognitive concerns. Learn more at https://tmdf.org/ TMDF supports health initiatives and educational empowerment through advancing early detection and precise diagnosis, leading regional clinical trials for Alzheimer’s and related diseases, driving statewide public health change, empowering future healthcare professionals, strengthening caregiver support and family resources, and providing hope and reducing stigma to the greater community.  The second annual TMDF Golf Tournament will be held Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at Egwani Farms.

Frank Murphy interviews Tracey Torres of Appalachian Bear Rescue and Jay Proulx of The Shed Smokehouse & Juke Joint about the upcoming Rockin' for the Rescue Benefit Concert. The event will be held on Sunday March 29th, 2026 from 12 noon to 7:00 p.m. at The Shed, 1820 W Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Maryville, Tennessee. Tickets are $40 and are available at https://appalachianbearrescue.org/ The bands performing in the concert are: Dreams- A Fleetwood Mac Experience Roger Hay Band- Blues,Jazz & Rock Crazy on Heart- Classic Tribute to Heart Shady Sadie- Good Ole' Southern Rock & Country SuperCharger - #1 All 70's Classic Tribute Slippery When Wet: The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute Local vendors will be selling a variety of items. Appalachian Bear Rescue is a black bear rescue facility located just outside of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Townsend, Tennessee. ABR is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization that has been returning black bears to the wild since 1996. Each year black bears from our national parks and surrounding areas are orphaned, injured, or in need of medical care. Appalachian Bear Rescue gives them a second chance at life in the wild.

Frank Murphy interviews M. Janice Mitchell, founder, and Dr. Ace Edewards, conductor, of the Scruffy City Orchestra. A free concert celebrating the orchestra's tenth anniversary will be performed on Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in The Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, 711 S. Northshore Drive, Knoxville. After the concert, the audience is invited to enjoy light refreshments at a free reception with the orchestra members in the Cathedral Hall.  Scruffy City Orchestra was founded in 2015 by a small group of musicians who wanted to create a community orchestra in Knoxville, drawing volunteer members from the greater metropolitan area. In November, 2018 SCO was invited to be part of the Cathedral Concert Series at The Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in Knoxville. Scruffy City Orchestra is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt community orchestra which relies on the generosity of the community for its funding. Learn more at https://www.scruffycityorchestra.com/

Frank Murphy interviews Lindsey Shanton, executive director of  Sevier County Partners in Progress Education Foundation, and board member Robbie Fox, who is also the mayor of Sevierville. The Sevier County Partners in Progress Education Foundation is a non-profit corporation chartered by the State of Tennessee in April 2016.  The purpose of the organization is to establish a scholarship fund to be used to assist area high school students with tuition for dual enrollment classes at Walters State Community College and tuition assistance for students pursuing a four-year degree at East Tennessee State University in Sevierville. Learn more at https://seviercountypip.com/ A pancake dinner benefitting Partners in Progress will be held from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at Flapjack's Pancake Cabin, 1016 Parkway, Sevierville, TN. Tickets are available online for $6 each. The D&S Builders Scholarship Shoot Sporting Clays Tournament benefitting Partners in Progress will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026 at Iron Mountain Sporting Clays, 410 Hardin Road, Kodak, TN. Call 865-428-2212 for details.

Frank Murphy interviews Steve Hodges and Frank Venable about the 13th Annual Shakin' Not Stirred Gala, which will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at The Venue at Lenoir City. Steve Hodges is the founder of the KiMe Cure Neurological Disorders Fund. Frank and Lisha Venable are the event hosts. Sportscaster Mark Packer will be the emcee. Tickets and information are available at https://www.parkinson.org/sns  Steve Hodges was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease in 2009. The KiMe Fund has been successful in raising awareness and donations to fund high risk/high reward research to find a cure for Parkinson’s. 80% of funds raised will be designated towards the Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech – a partnership between the Parkinson’s Foundation and Parkinson’s UK that funds high risk, high reward research conducted by biotech companies to accelerate new treatments and ideally a cure for Parkinson’s disease; 20% of funds raised by TEAM KIME will be designated for the Parkinson’s Foundation Comprehensive Care Center at University of Tennessee Knoxville. Additional information about the KiMe Fund is available at https://www.kimecnd.org/ 

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