Wednesday, October 17, 2012

The Blue Plate Special.......

I decided to spend the day downtown yesterday.  I was looking forward to attending "The Blue Plate Special" free concert that is held every day at noon at the Knoxville Visitor Center.  And I looked forward to having lunch at one of the many eateries in the downtown area.  And then I planned to walk over to the area of Knoxville known as the Old City---a neighborhood in a part of town once known as "The Bowery" that for many years was a rough and tumble locale but which is now being rejuvenated with the entry of new shops and restaurants.

Knoxville Visitor Center
And, of course, I planned on taking many pictures to document my day and to share with friends.  To that end, Cindy gave me 4 new recharged AA batteries to go into my camera.  At 11:10, I departed my driveway and headed south toward downtown, a 10 minute drive.

I arrived at the Visitor's Center at11:30ish.  I staked out a good seat just in front of the stage.  The place began to fill up, and promptly at noon, the show began.

Let the Music Begin!

The Blue Plate Special is held Monday through Saturday at the Visitor's Center and is conducted by radio station WDVX in Knoxville.  The Emcee for the production is a really cool lady named Red Hickey.  A Knoxvillian, she is perfect for directing the hour-long program.  She is perceptive, personable, funny, knowledgeable and yes, easy on the eyes.  She keeps the audience fully engaged while making sure the performers stay on time.

I Hope It's OK That I Lifted This Photo of Red Hickey Off Of Her Bio Page.  She is A Sensation.

This day, there were two sets of performers.  The first 30 minutes of the show featured a two-sister act named Scenic Roots.  Their names are Erin and Amber and they sang to their play on dulcimers and fiddle.  Very good and unique duet. 

 
 
 
Scenic Roots---Erin and Amber
 
The final half of the program featured the music of Ian McFeron and his backup singer, Alisa Milner.  Ian sings his own material and accompanies himself on guitar while Alisa also plays fiddle.
I really liked these two performers.  Ian has a natural enthusiasm---even exuberance---that is very appealing.

Ian McFeron

Alisa Milner
When the show began, I took out my camera and turned it on.  Guess what---the batteries that Cindy gave me had not been fully charged and I was able to take only two pictures.  I was not a very happy camper.  But I did at least get to see a wonderful free hour-long concert by professionals.  I did enjoy myself and the crowd.

Without the ability to take the kind of pics I wanted, I decided to forgo my visit to the Old City and try that another day.  Instead, I ferreted out a restaurant I had not tried---Oodles Uncorked at Market Square---and sat down to a wonderful char-broiled burger with homemade pepper chips.  Oh yeah, babe.  Clint was hungry and that burger really hit the spot.

Oodles Uncorked
It was a good day in spite of the camera issue.  I'll be back downtown soon.  I love Knoxville.




11 comments:

  1. Hey, Clint! So cool you are getting out and about to explore all that Knoxville has to offer! I tell you what, the fiddle is quite popular around these parts. Guess I need to dust off "Rocky Top" and "Tennessee Waltz", lol!

    My favorite spot downtown is Calhouns on the River. Love walking down the waterfront. One day I want to ride the Riverboat.

    Hope you are well, and perhaps our paths will cross soon!

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  2. Good day, Sir!
    Good day, Cindy!
    As far as I have seen, you both are ok!
    I am happy for that!

    My best regards from Romania!

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  3. You had perfect weather for your outing yesterday, beautiful weather. I am happy you had a good day and enjoyed the musicians at the "Blue Plate Special". I sure loved hearing you tell me all about it later in the day. Your lunch sure sounded delicious, too!

    Most of all, I am happy that you love Knoxville!

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  4. What a great day despite the camera. Interesting to
    read, thanks for sharing it with us.
    Reminds me of when I washed my jeans with
    My cell phone in the pockets.....haven't worked
    properly since.
    Yvonne.

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  5. What a great day despite the camera. Interesting to
    read, thanks for sharing it with us.
    Reminds me of when I washed my jeans with
    My cell phone in the pockets.....haven't worked
    properly since.
    Yvonne.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Great to read you lifestyle over your way - and a pity about the rechargeable batteries...never mind.

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  7. Well hello Clint, it's been a while but with opportunities such as this I can understand why I haven't seen much of you lately. Or maybe you've been posting and I'm the one who is behind on reading my friends blogs, either way it's awesome to see you again.

    An hour of free entertainment, that's phenomenal and sounds fantastic! Unfortunate about the battery issues, but at least that didn't ruin your afternoon. I seem to always have two cameras, if not three on me. When I take my camera out that's number one in my purse, sometimes the point and shoot is number two and depending on the day sometimes the DSLR travels with me as well. The AB3C's of photography, Always Bring Two or Three Cameras! lol

    Have a wonderful weekend, cheers!

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  8. I wonder if I had been to Knoxville. I do not think so. Hello Clint, this is oceangirl.

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  9. Clint?

    This is oceangirl still.

    ReplyDelete

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