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.

Now EVERYBODY is Doing It.......

Julia Child Paved the Way

It wasn't that many years ago that there were only a very few cooking shows on television.  Let's see---there was Julia Childs; then I remember Graham Kerr---the "Galloping Gourmet"; and I also recall Jeff Smith, the "Frugal Gourmet".

Graham Kerr

Fast forward to today, and there are so many chefs on the tube that you can't keep 'em straight.  There's the Barefoot Contessa and Emeril Lagasse and Rachel Ray and Martha Stewart and Bobby Flay and so many more it makes my head spin.

Jeff Smith

Now---don't get me wrong---I pretty much like all of 'em.  But why is everyone an expert cook these days?

Same thing is true of guitar players.  Used to be that there were only a few people playing that instrument---but today, EVERYONE (including moi) is a player.

And gosh, now that I REALLY ponder the subject, it seems EVERYONE has written a book.  Except me, of course.  But, think about it---how did it happen that seemingly everyone is an author these days?

And the beat goes on---what other areas can you think of where EVERYONE is an expert?

Final Vacation Pictures

So another great vacation has come to an end.  We always have the best times!  Here are a few final photos of our week at Myrtle Beach: