A! Magazine for the Arts Archive

About this issue

There are many opportunities in the region to become involved in the arts.

In This Issue

• David Kováč promotes string music to youth David Kováč became the associate professor of violin/viola at East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, two years ago.
• About David Kováč Dr. David Ková maintains a varied career as a violist, artistic director, chamber musician and instructor of violin and viola.
• Amy Potterton shares the love of choral music with children When Amy Potterton came to Johnson City, Tennessee, in 2013, she left her award-winning Baldwin City Children’s Choir in Baldwin City, Kansas.
• MECCA provides opportunities for children as young as first grade If children in the first through third grades want to join Mountain Empire Children’s Choral Academy’s Choristers, they should go to registration at Central Baptist Church, Johnson City, Tennessee, Aug. 20 from 4-5:30 p.m.
• Matthew Potterton leads music department Matthew Potterton grew up playing bass in the family band. “We sang folk, country and a little bluegrass perfect training for moving to Tennessee someday,” he says.
• ETSU offers many student ensembles The East Tennessee State University music department is more than its Bluegrass, Old-Time and Country Music department.
• Gao Yung Chen has a passion for music Gao Yung Chen says music has always been a part of his life.
• BucsWorth Men’s Choir receives national honor The BucsWorth Men’s Choir of East Tennessee State University received national honors in The American Prize in Choral Performance competition.
• Rick Lang Music Scholarship established at ETSU for songwriting students Award-winning songwriter Rick Lang and his wife, Wendy, established a scholarship endowment in the East Tennessee State University Foundation to benefit students in the Bluegrass, Old-Time and Country Music Program who have an interest in songwriting.
• Storytelling Live! has stellar August line-up of tellers Storytelling Live!, the International Storytelling Center’s celebrated teller-in-residence series, continues its season in August.
• Virginia Highlands Festival presents chance to tour historic homes The 70th Virginia Highlands Festival invites you explore historic Abingdon, Virginia, while learning about the region’s culture and history.
• Fairies make their home in historic downtown Bristol with new public art project Believe in Bristol, along with several participating small businesses, have introduced a new public art project in historic downtown Bristol: Fairy Doors.
• Beth Macy speaks at Sunday with Friends in Abingdon Beth Macy, the author of “Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors, and the Drug Company That Addicted America,” is coming to Abingdon Sunday, Aug. 19, at 3 p.m. at the Sinking Spring Presbyterian Church as part of her national book tour.
• Marion joins Appalachian Mural Trail The town of Marion is the newest member of the Appalachian Mural Trail, the brainchild of Doreyl Ammons Cain, who serves as the organization’s director.

A! Extra

• 2018-19 Acts, Arts, Academia series at Tusculum University to feature a variety of stage and musical performances The Acts, Arts, Academia performance and lecture series is a program of Tusculum University Arts Outreach and supported by the late Dr. Sam Miller in memory of Agnes Ault Miller, Hearts for the Arts, the Tennessee Arts Commission, Arts Outreach and genero
• Erwin’s artsy elephants on parade seek to redeem town’s past Visitors to downtown Erwin, Tennessee, this summer will not have failed to notice the parade of colorful pachyderms on display through the recently renewed blocks along Main Avenue.
• Abingdon High School chemistry teacher pursues writing passion Jennifer Ann Reed is back in the chemistry classroom at Abingdon High School.
• IBMA 2018 Special, Momentum award nominees include several with ETSU ties East Tennessee State University Bluegrass, Old-Time and Country Music Studies congratulates its alumni, faculty and students who were recently announced as nominees for 2018 International Bluegrass Music Association Special and Momentum awards.
• VHF Announces Juried Fine Art Award Winners The 70th Annual Virginia Highlands Festival presented awards to the “Juried Fine Art” show winners at the Arts Depot July 26.
• Highlands Community Services to hold dance for community, people with special needs ABINGDON, Va.: Wilt Grier likes to get down to R. Kelly.
• Richlands, Virginia, native achieves dream of being published author GRUNDY, Va. — Even in first grade, Justin Trout wanted to be an author.
• Artist preserves traditional folk crafting with Moravian stars ABINGDON, Va.: After spending more than 40 years working at a local phone company — some of it soldering wires and climbing ladders — Cathy Jones is keeping her hands busy preserving Appalachian traditions she doesn’t want to see die.
• STS Grant applications open August marks the unofficial ending of summer and the beginning of another school year for teachers and students across Tennessee.
• 2018 IBMA award nominees include nine ETSU alumni, students and faculty JOHNSON CITY — Nine individuals associated with East Tennessee State University’s Bluegrass, Old-Time and Country Music Studies program are nominees for 2018 International Bluegrass Music Association awards.