Garth Brooks announces world tour on 'GMA'

Elysa Gardner

USA TODAY

After some gentle prodding from Robin Roberts, country superstar Garth Brooks confirmed what many fans have been anticipating: that he'll embark on a world tour next year.

Appearing on Good Morning America to promote his new box set, Blame It All On My Roots: Five Decades of American Influences, and a DVD of his show at the Wynn Las Vegas, Brooks was initially coy about rumors that he would go back on the road, joking that at 52 his trek would be "a wheelchair and walker kind of thing."

But after suggesting that an announcement of some sort would be coming soon, Brooks spilled the beans — noting that his wife, fellow singer Trisha Yearwood, and three daughters had all given their approval.

"All my babies are fine with it," Brooks said. "Ms. Yearwood is fine with it. So now I get to do what I love to do, which is play music."

Brooks' rep, Nancy Seltzer, told USA TODAY of the announcement: "He honestly surprised everyone and himself."

Taylor Swift announces 2020 Lover Fest tour with only four U.S. shows

Swifties are in for a treat!

Taylor Swift announced on Twitter Tuesday that she will embark on a 2020 summer festival tour for her record-breaking "Lover" album, with only four concerts in the U.S.

"The Lover album is open fields, sunsets, + SUMMER. I want to perform it in a way that feels authentic," she tweeted. "I want to go to some places I haven’t been and play festivals. Where we didn’t have festivals, we made some. Introducing, Lover Fest East + West!"

Swift's tour kicks off overseas in Belgium in June before hitting Germany, Norway, Denmark, Poland, France, Portugal and Brazil on her international dates.

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The North American leg of her tour will start in July with only four U.S. concerts, so far, including Lover Fest West in California and Lover Fest East in Massachusetts.

Swift is scheduled to open Los Angeles' brand new SoFi Stadium with back-to-back Lover Fest West shows in July, becoming the first woman to open an NFL stadium. The Hollywood Park stadium is the future home of the Los Angeles Chargers and Los Angeles Rams football teams.

She will then head to Foxborough, Massachusetts, the following weekend for two Lover Fest East shows at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots.

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Here's the full list of Swift's announced tour dates, so far:

June 20: Werchter Boutique (Werchter, Belgium) June 24: The Waldbühne (Berlin) June 26: Oslo Sommertid (Oslo, Norway) July 1: Roskilde Festival (Roskilde, Denmark) July 3: Open'er Festival (Gdynia, Poland) July 5: Festival de Nîmes (Nîmes, France) July 9: NOS Alive (Oeiras, Portugal) July 18: Allianz Parque (Sao Paulo, Brazil) July 25 and 26: SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles) July 31 and Aug. 1: Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, Massachusetts)

More tour dates are expected be announced soon.

The 29-year-old pop superstar's seventh studio album, "Lover," debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart with the biggest sales week since her previous album, "Reputation," was released in 2017.

"Lover," released Aug. 23, racked up 867,000 equivalent album units in its debut week, including 679,000 in album sales and 226 million in on-demand audio streams for the album's songs, according to Nielsen Music.

General public tickets go on sale Oct. 17.

Contributing: Maeve McDermott

More: Taylor Swift is a kid again on 'Lover,' a big, messy embrace of a new album

Beyoncé/Jay-Z tour dates posted prematurely; Beyhive loses its mind

Well, we haven't seen the Beyhive this worked up since Beyoncé posted her veiled pregnancy reveal photo on Instagram last year.

On Monday, the singer's official Facebook page and the Ticketmaster site briefly posted the news that she and husband Jay-Z will embark on a second "On the Run" tour together, beginning July 30 in Philadelphia. Then moments later, the tour dates were gone.

For now, fans are pondering the fate of the Lemonade-spiller, preparing their finances in case the couple actually does announce tour dates ... and poking a little fun at themselves for letting Beyoncé run their world.

A sampling of the reaction:

Thank you for your sacrifice

In a NSFW post, Twitter user @clearlyiconic expressed gratitude to the "intern" who botched the tour date announcement. "Beyoncé might let you go but I just wanted to let you know that I appreciate you. Thank you for warning us to get our bank accounts ready."

Well, that escalated quickly

The posts may have only been published for a few minutes before someone caught the mistake, but it was already too late. "Ambulances have been called and wigs have already been snatched," BET Music pointed out.

Fear the wrath of Blue Ivy

"I know Blue Ivy cussing somebody out" over the mistake @bronze_bombSHEL speculated. And there's reason to fear the couple's 6-year-old daughter: Remember when she told her superstar parents to chill at the Grammys — and they complied?

The real reason for the joint tour

Twitter user @jtnghlee has a theory as to why Bey and Jay are touring together again: So she can keep an eye on him and avoid any more Beckys. Tiffany Haddish already told us what happens when someone gets too close to Jay for Bey's comfort.

The music is back: A guide to fall concerts in Austin

At long last, touring acts are on the road again this fall. Pent-up demand from the pandemic shutdown is bursting forth as restrictions have eased, creating an overflow of shows in local arenas, amphitheaters, music halls and clubs in the latter half of 2021. Our list gets an early start with some August events and continues through December, with more than 250 concerts in all.

Best concerts in Phoenix in September 2022: Bad Bunny, Kendrick ...

September is going to be a hot month for concerts in metro Phoenix.

Bad Bunny brings the ambitiously titled World's Hottest Tour to Chase Field and Kendrick Lamar is coming to Footprint Center in support of one of this year's most acclaimed releases, "Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers."

Footprint Center also hosts Gorillaz' first appearance in the Valley since 2010 and Duran Duran's first Phoenix concert as Rock and Roll Hall of Famers.

Here's a look at those and other September concert highlights, from Armand Hammer at Crescent Ballroom to St. Vincent playing her first Valley dates since Innings Festival, where she was easily the best act on the bill.

Nostalgia tour? Nah.Duran Duran, Nile Rodgers & Chic's monster hits lit it up in Phoenix

Armand Hammer

The underground hip-hop duo of Billy Woods and Elucid made the rounds of critics' year-end lists in 2021, from Paste to Pitchfork, for "Haram," their provocative collaboration with the Alchemist. Beats Per Minute praised it as an album "built to make you uncomfortable, from its harsh cover art to its incendiary lyrics." They're joined by PSYPIRITUAL, A. Billi Free and the Lasso.

Details: 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1. Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Ave., Phoenix. $20. 602-716-2222, crescentphx.com.

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Sebastian Yatra

The Colombian chart-topper brings his Dharma World Tour to downtown Phoenix. The singer won New Artist of the Year at the 2018 Latin American Music Awards and Best Latin American Central Act at the MTV Europe Awards in each of the past four years. Seven of his biggest hits have topped the U.S. Latin Pop charts, including "TBT" (with Rauw Alejandro and Manuel Turizo) and "Chica Ideal" (with Guaynaa).

Details: 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2. Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix. $23 and up. 800-745-300, ticketmaster.com.

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Kadim al Sahir

The Iraqi singer-songwriter has won a World Music Award for Best Middle Eastern/North African Artist, a Jordan Award for Best Arabic Artist & the Murex d’or for Lifetime Achievement Legend Award. He typically performs with an orchestra of 20 to 30 musicians.

Details: 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2. Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd St., Phoenix. $135 and up. 602-267-1600, celebritytheatre.com.

Flume

The Grammy-winning superstar is touring in support of "Palaces," a third album that finds him moving into quieter, more introspective moods and features guest appearances by Caroline Polachek, Damon Albarn, Toro y Moi and more. NME responded to the album with a rave said the DJ "can still soundtrack your night out, but on ‘Palaces’ he’ll also gently bring you back down to Earth when morning comes."

Details: 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3. Phoenix Raceway, 7602 Jimmie Johnson Drive, Avondale. $54 and up. tixr.com.

Gloria Trevi

The Latin music sensation's Isla Divina World Tour kicked off with six sold-out performances at Mexico City's Auditorio Nacional, where she holds the distinction of being the female artist with the most career performances. In a concert that lasts two and a half hours, the award-winning singer will perform more than 25 hits. A press release promises, "The show will take audiences into a catharsis to leave everyday challenges behind and embark on an amazing journey from a paradisiacal beach to submerge in the depths of the sea."

Details: 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3. Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix. $23 and up. 800-745-300, ticketmaster.com.

Steve Aoki

Superstar DJ Steve Aoki closes out the season for RELEASE After Dark by the Pool at Talking Stick Resort. The two-time Grammy nominee has built his brand on word of mouth (and social posts) surrounding his amazing light shows, creative beat drops and, of course, habitual throwing of cake at each performance. If you haven't seen a Steve Aoki cake toss, here's your chance. You'll thank me later.

Details: 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3. Talking Stick Resort, Loop 101 and Pima Road, Salt River Reservation. $50. 480-850-7734, talkingstickresort.com.

Hiatus Kaiyote

There's an otherworldly experimental flavor to the more ambitious treasures to be found on these Australian soul revivalists' most recent effort, 2021's "Mood Valiant." But it goes down easier than that suggests. As PopMatters noted, they've also "crafted something brilliant with 'Mood Valiant' – an album that’s effortlessly likable, commandingly confident, and rich with heart and soul."

Details: 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 4. Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Ave., Tempe. $35-$65. 480-829-0607, luckymanonline.com.

RL Grime

This L.A.-based DJ/producer topped the iTunes electronic chart with his 2013 “High Beams" EP. Entertainment Weekly praised his second album, “Nova,” which featured collaborations with Miguel, Julia Michaels, Chief Keef and Ty Dolla Sign. “NOVA fits the dictionary definition of its title," EW's critic wrote. "A bright star packed with vivid, undeniable energy — one that sets the stage for the DJ-producer's consistently evolving sound.”

Details: 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 4. Maya Day & Nightclub, 7333 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale. $75. 480-625-0528, mayaclubaz.com.

Sammy Hagar and the Circle

The man who simply can't drive 55 is touring with a group that features fellow Van Halen veteran Michael Anthony on bass, John Bonham's son Jason, who's been known to sit in with his dad's band, on drums and guitarist Vic Johnson. The Crazy Times Tour also features the man who makes every room feel like a bar (with the broken-bottle fistfights or the random drunk dials to old lovers) the undeniable George Thorogood & The Destroyers.

Details: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 7. Ak-Chin Pavilion, 2121 N. 83rd Ave., Phoenix. $25 and up. 602-254-7200, livenation.com.

Duran Duran

The New Wave veterans are touring the States in support of "Future Past," their 15th studio release, with special guests Nile Rodgers and Chic. This their first Valley concert since taking their rightful place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in their first year on the ballot. They last played Phoenix in 2016, also with Rodgers, a concert that managed to sidestep nostalgia while also dusting off hits. What more could you want?

Details: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 7. Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix. $24.50 and up. 602-379-7800, ticketmaster.com.

Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness

This is the final night of a co-headlining tour with Dashboard Confessional, which New Noise Magazine says "is a must-see if you are looking for a nostalgic gut punch and a fun time." The once and (I’m assuming) future leader of Jack’s Mannequin and Something Corporate is touring the United States in continued support of his third album as the leader of Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, "Upside Down Flowers."

Details: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 7. Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix. $39.50 and up. 800-745-300, ticketmaster.com.

Keith Urban

The four-time Grammy winner's first world tour in four years takes its name from an album he released last year, "The Speed of Now Part 1." In a press release, Urban said, “Every night is the first time we’ve played these songs for that audience, in that moment. It’s why every show is different — spontaneous and unpredictable — even for us.” He's joined by Ingrid Andress and Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line.

Details: 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8. Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix. $24.50 and up. 602-379-7800, ticketmaster.com.

Banda MS

The name Banda MS is short for Banda Sinaloense MS de Sergio Lizarraga. The regional Mexican outfit was formed in 2003 by brothers Sergio and Alberto Lizárraga in Mazatlan, Sinaloa, (hence the MS in their name) and features more than a dozen musicians. Their biggest stateside hit, "Sin Evidencias," reached the Hot Latin Tracks chart in 2009.

Details: 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9. Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix. $59 and up. 602-379-7800, ticketmaster.com.

The Kid LAROI

The Australian rapper was supposed to launch his first headlining global tour in downtown Phoenix early last year. But like many things there were supposed to happen early last year, the entire sold-out tour got pushed back. The multiplatinum rapper's U.S. hits include "Without You," which features Miley Cyrus on the remix, and "Stay" with Justin Bieber. A recent review in the Guardian said, "At the first of two headline shows at Brixton Academy, he sweats out his setlist like a fever, tearing through two-minute tracks titled like confessions of teen rage."

Details: 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9. Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix. Sold out. Resale ticket prices vary. 800-745-300, ticketmaster.com. \

Flo Rida

The rapper least likely to leave you guessing what state he calls home started off 2008 at No. 1 with “Low,” which held on for a 10-week run unmatched by any single since Beyonce’s “Irreplaceable” — the biggest difference being that Beyonce was a superstar by then, while “Low” was this guy's first official single (and the biggest single of 2008). He was back at No. 1 in 2009 with “Right Round” and again in 2012 with “Whistle.”

Details: 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9. Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Ave., Tempe. $55-$85. 480-829-0607, luckymanonline.com.

Testament

These thrash-metal veterans exploded on impact with "The Legacy," a fast and furious debut that hit the streets in 1987 and went on to earn them a spot in the Decibel Magazine Hall of Fame, which said the album "hit the metal world with the impact of a close-range thunderclap upon its release." Their latest album, 2020's "Titans of Creation," was praised in Kerrang! as being "packed tight with the precision and power that they’ve made their own for more than 30 years." They're joined by Exodus and Death Angel.

Details: 6:50 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9. The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix. $35; $30 in advance. 866-468-3399, thevanburenphx.com.

Cults

Last year marked the 10th anniversary of the beloved self-titled debut that introduced the world to the spellbinding magic of Madeline Follin and Brian Oblivion, making good on the shimmering pop transcendence of their breakthrough single "Go Outside." And they're still going strong, as evidenced by the timeless appeal of 2020's "Host," an album that finds them expanding the scope of their sound while retaining the charms of their debut and welcoming Follin into the songwriting process.

Details: 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9. Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Ave., Phoenix. Sold out. 602-716-2222, crescentphx.com.

Slander

The L.A.-based EDM duo are launching a tour in support of an album called "Thrive" that finds them expanding the scope of their sound, venturing into techno on “Before Dawn.” Slander issued a statement saying, “When we sat down to make the album one of the things that was most important to us was having the space to actually try something new." They're joined by Svdden Death, HOL!, A Hundred Drums and Redline.

Details: 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept 10. Phoenix Raceway, 7602 Jimmie Johnson Drive, Avondale. $50 and up. tixr.com.

Alice in Chains and Breaking Benjamin

Seattle grunge legends Alice in Chains and Pennsylvania post-grunge veterans Breaking Benjamin are on a co-headlining tour with the U.K. branch of the '90s grunge explosion, Bush. This is the first time those two headliners have toured together and the first time either act has been through Phoenix since the summer of 2019.

Details: 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10. Ak-Chin Pavilion, 2121 N. 83rd Ave., Phoenix. $25 and up. 602-254-7200, livenation.com.

Kendrick Lamar

This is the hip-hop legend's first performance in the Valley since May 2018, when he brought TDE: The Championship Tour to Ak-Chin Pavilion. This tour, which also features Baby Keem, is in support of one of this year's most acclaimed releases, the brilliant "Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers." Lamar's first album since the triple-platinum, Grammy-winning triumph "Damn," it hit Billboard's album chart at No. 1, his third consecutive release to do so.

Details: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10. Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix. Sold out; resale ticket prices vary. 602-379-7800, ticketmaster.com.

Alicia Keys

After three months of a sold-out European arena tour, the 15-time Grammy winner returns to the States with a concept inspired by her longtime friend and mentor, Prince, to perform intimate concerts on The Alicia + Keys World Tour. In a press release after the tour launched with sold-out show in Charlotte, North Carolina, Keys said, “What an amazing night and what an amazing connection we shared. My spirit has been calling me to bring us all closer together. Tonight is exactly what touring should feel like after we’ve all been disconnected for so long."

Details: 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10. Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix. Sold out. Resale ticket prices vary. 800-745-300, ticketmaster.com.

Jeezy

The Artist Formerly Known as Young Jeezy arrives in support of "The Recession 2." He topped the rap and R&B charts in 2005 with "Soul Survivor," the breakthrough single from his platinum debut, "Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101." His biggest hits include "And Then What," "I Luv It," "Go Getta," the double-platinum "Put On" (which featured Kanye West and put Jeezy back at the top of the rap charts), "My President" (featuring Nas), "Lose My Mind" (featuring Plies), "Leave You Alone" (with Ne-Yo) and "R.I.P."

Details: 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10. Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd St., Phoenix. $40-$125. 602-267-1600, celebritytheatre.com.

'Weird Al' Yankovic

Drawing from his catalog of 14 studio albums, the accordion player most likely to rewrite the lyrics to a Knack song promises a different set list every night on the Unfortunate Return of the Ridiculously Self-Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour. The tour marks Yankovic's return to the stage after his hugely successful Strings Attached Tour in 2019 where he performed each night alongside a full symphony orchestra.

Details: 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11. Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave. Sold out. 480-782-2680, chandlercenter.org.

Josh Ritter

The pride of Moscow, Idaho, Ritter was named to a list of the 100 greatest living songwriters by Paste in 2006, alongside such obvious heroes as Bob Dylan and Steve Earle. Joan Baez and Bob Weir have covered his songs. His latest album was produced by kindred spirit Jason Isbell and features contributions from Amanda Shires and members of Isbell's the 400 Unit.

Details: 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11. MIM Music Theater, Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. $44.50-$54.50. 480-478-6000, mim.org.

Lauv

The singer-songwriter is touring in support of "All 4 Nothing," a sophomore effort the Line of Best Fit hailed as "both brutally honest and beautifully cathartic as well as "a stunning collection of close to home confessionals that cements his status as an extraordinary storyteller." His best-known song remains his breakthrough hit, 2017's "I Like Me Better."

Details: 7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 12. Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix. $29.50 and up. 800-745-300, ticketmaster.com.

Giveon

The R&B star rose to fame in 2020 on the strength of two hit singles — Drake's "Chicago Freestyle" and his own quadruple-platinum "Heartbreak Anniversary," for which he earned a Grammy nomination (one of seven). He may be best known in the mainstream for his feature on the Justin Bieber single "Peaches," a triple-platinum smash that topped the Hot 100 and the Billboard global charts.

Details: 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 12. Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Ave., Tempe. 480-829-0607, luckymanonline.com.

Jack Harlow

The Grammy-nominated rapper peaked at No. 2 on Billboard's Hot 100 with a breakthrough single called "Whats Poppin," a success he topped this year with a feature on "Industry Baby," a multiplatinum chart-topper by Lil Nas X, and current single, "First Class," Harlow's second No. 1 of 2022. He arrives in support of "Come Home the Kids Miss You," which hit the Billboard album charts at No. 3.

Details: 7:45 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13. Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix. Sold out. Resale ticket prices vary. 800-745-300, ticketmaster.com.

Of Montreal

The indie-pop legends from Athens, Georgia, led by the great Kevin Barnes, are returning to Phoenix in support of “Freewave Lucifer,” a gem of an album whose title gets increasingly unprintable from that point out. It’s a deeply psychedelic trip inspired by the isolation caused by the pandemic. Highlights range from the shape-shifting avant-pop splendor of “Marijuana’s a Working Woman” to “Ofrenda-Flanger-Ego-a Gogo,” a twisted lullaby that ends with Barnes “humming ‘If I only had a brain, Dorothy/If I only had a brain.” As previously noted, it’s a trip.

Details: 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13. Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Ave., Phoenix. $25. 602-716-2222, crescentphx.com.

Dave Matthews Band

Dave Matthews Band have sold more than 25 million tickets since their inception. With the release of 2018's "Come Tomorrow," they became the first group in history to have seven consecutive studio albums debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. This is their first Valley concert since 2020, when they headlined Innings Festival, topping an eclectic bill that managed to bring fans of Jason Isbell, Portugal. the Man and DMB's huge fan base together as one nation under a groove.

Details: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14. Ak-Chin Pavilion, 2121 N. 83rd Ave., Phoenix. $25 and up. 602-254-7200, livenation.com.

Kehlani

The Oakland-based R&B singer rose to fame as a member of Poplyfe, a teen pop group that finished fourth on "America's Got Talent," a humble beginning that barely hinted at the artistry Kehlani flashed a debut called "SweetSexySavage." This tour is in support of the singer's third album, "Blue Water Road," with special guests Rico Nasty and Destin Conrad.

Details: 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14. Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix. $49.50. 800-745-300, ticketmaster.com.

iDKHow

Led by onetime Panic! at the Disco member Dallon Weekes with drums by Ryan Seaman, iDKHow (short for I Dont Know How But They Found Me) are a good bit quirkier — and more intriguing — than their singer's former band. There are moments on "Razzmatazz," their latest album, that echo the loopier moments of Queen or Sparks while other highlights groove like David Bowie in his Thin White Duke phase. This is a co-headlining tour with Joywave.

Details: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14. The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix. $33; $29 in advance. 866-468-3399, thevanburenphx.com.

Wet Leg

The Isle of Wight indie-rock duo's self-titled debut is all but guaranteed to make the rounds of critics' year-end best-of lists. And for obvious reasons. It's one of those perfect debuts that arrives at exactly the moment we all need it, like the Strokes' "Is This It." A reviewer at musicOMH.com said they're "firmly on track to become the biggest band in the country" with an album that's "here to shake the post pandemic culture out of its slumber."

Details: 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15. The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix. $30; $25 in advance. 866-468-3399, thevanburenphx.com.

Twenty One Pilots

The title of the Icy Tour refers to "Scaled and Icy," an album that became their third consecutive release to debut in the Top 5 of the Billboard album chart when it arrived in 2021. This is the duo's first Valley performance since November 2018, when the Bandito Tour led us to rave, "For all the showmanship and spectacle that goes into the staging of their shows, the dedication of those fans may have a little more to do with the emotional connection they've managed to make with their music."

Details: 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16. Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix. $74.50 and up. 602-379-7800, ticketmaster.com.

Flashback Party Jam

This is a stellar flashback to 21st Century hip-hop with performances by Treach of Naughty By Nature (who topped the rap charts with their breakthrough single, "O.P.P."), Sir Mix-A-Lot (who topped the Hot 100 with "Baby Got Back"), Sugarhill Gang (whose "Rapper's Delight" was hip-hop's first top 40 hit), 112, Hi-Five, Kid N Play, Digital Underground, Tag Team and 60 Boyz.

Details: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17. Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix. $35.50 and up. 602-379-7800, ticketmaster.com.

Junior H

A powerful leading voice in the urban corrido movement and a popular live act with more than 8.6 million monthly listeners on Spotify, the Mexican singer brings his much-anticipated, 21-date U.S. tour, the $ad Boyz 4 Life Tour, to Phoenix. Released in February, Junior H's latest album, “Mi Vida En Un Cigarro Vol.2,” has surpassed 100 million streams on Spotify.

Details: 7:45 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17. Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix. $29.50 and up. 800-745-300, ticketmaster.com.

Boots in the Park with Tim McGraw

Boots in the Park returns to Tempe Beach Park with Tim McGraw topping a bill that also features Dustin Lynch, Ryan Hurd, Tenille Arts, Frank Ray and Joe Peters. McGraw has been a force on country radio since topping Billboard's country airplay chart with the double-platinum "Don't Take the Girl" back in 1994. His biggest hits include "It's Your Love", "Just to See You Smile" and "Live Like You Were Dying," the top country songs of 1997, 1998 and 2004 respectively.

Details: 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17. Tempe Beach Park, 80 W. Rio Salado Parkway. $99. seetickets.us.

Pitbull

Mr. Worldwide is back in the Valley with special guests Iggy Azalea and Sean Paul on the Can’t Stop Us Now Tour, which shares a name with one of Pitbull's recent singles, a collaboration with country singer Zac Brown. Azalea also joined him on the I Feel Good Tour, which also played Ak-Chin Pavilion last summer and finished fourth on Billboard's list of last year's biggest Latin tours.

Details: 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18. Ak-Chin Pavilion, 2121 N. 83rd Ave., Phoenix. $29.95 and up. 602-254-7200, livenation.com.

The Gaslight Anthem

In March, the Jersey punks most likely to have their stage crashed by the Boss (it's happened more than once) announced on Instagram that they were reuniting and beginning work on songs for their first album since 2014. "Returning to full time status," as singer guitarist Brian Fallon put it, adding, "We’re very much looking forward to the future and seeing you all again. We want to thank you for staying with us. Stay tuned!"

Details: 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18. Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Ave., Tempe. $35-$55. 480-829-0607, luckymanonline.com.

Remi Wolf

There's a playful brand of willful eccentricity at work on "Juno," from the breezy funk of a song that hangs its wistful chorus hook on the surreal proclamation, "I love my family intrinsically like Anthony Kiedis," to several highlights recalling the avant-pop genius of M.I.A.'s masterful "Arular." It's not for everyone, of course. But if you like a side of fun with your inventiveness, then you could more than likely use a little Remi Wolf in your life.

Details: 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 19. The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix. $35; $30 in advance. 866-468-3399, thevanburenphx.com.

An Evening with Michael Buble

The Canadian crooner hit the mainstream with "It's Time," a triple-platinum smash that topped the Billboard year-end jazz charts for 2005 and 2006 while spinning off his breakthrough single, "Home." He's also quite the showman. As the Sydney Morning Herald says, “This is a man who holds the audience in the palm of his hand. His soaring vocals absolutely knock it out of the park.”

Details: 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20. Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix. $65 and up. 602-379-7800, ticketmaster.com.

Kikagaku Moyo

These psychedelic rockers from Tokyo are touring the States in support of their fifth and final studio release before taking what they say is an indefinite hiatus. And if "Kumoyo Island" does, in fact, turn out to be the swan song they intended, they'll have gone out on a high. "Kumoyo Island" is an atmospheric daydream of a headphone record that draws you in and then signs off with a final track that sort of drifts into the ether, a fitting farewell.

Details: 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20. Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Ave., Phoenix. Sold out. 602-716-2222, crescentphx.com.

Tinariwen

Hailed by Slate as "rock 'n' roll rebels whose rebellion, for once, wasn't just metaphorical," these Tuareg musicians from northern Mali who got together while exiled in Algeria earned a best-world-music-album Grammy in 2011 for "Tassili." They're touring the States in continued support of 2019's breathtaking "Amadjar."

Details: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21. MIM Music Theater, Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. Sold out. 480-478-6000, mim.org.

Hearts on Fire

Relentless Beats and Psyko Steve Presents are joining forces on the Hearts on Fire Festival. The emo-stacked inaugural event will feature the All-American Rejects, Boys Like Girls, Mayday Parade, Set It Off and Cray, with more to be announced. The event will also feature experiences the promoters are saying will "quicken the pulse of pop-punk music lovers everywhere," as though their pulses need quickening.

Details: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23. Phoenix Raceway, 7602 Jimmie Johnson Drive, Avondale. $50 and up. tixr.com.

Maren Morris

The country star is touring in support of "Humble Quest," an album Pitchfork celebrated as "11 lithe songs about love, work and family, some great, some good, with a coherence and clarity that make it feel matter-of-factly masterful." "Circles Around This Town,” one of two singles shared in advance, broke Amazon Music’s record for most streams for a country song debut by a female artist.

Details: 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23. Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix. $39.75 and up. 800-745-300, ticketmaster.com.

Andrew Bird

The violinist most likely to whistle arrives in support of "Inside Problems," an introspective journey that makes it easy for the listener to tag along. As Pitchfork hears it, "These 11 songs may be meant to chronicle a pointedly personal inner voyage, yet he’s wound up with a warm, collaborative record that feels like a balm for fear and loneliness." This is a co-headlining tour with Iron & Wine.

Details: 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23. The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix. $50.50-$56. 866-468-3399, thevanburenphx.com.

VortiFest

VortiFest returns to Sedona for a two-day celebration in the vortex of red rock country with alternative hip-hop legends Arrested Development and G. Love & Special Sauce topping the bill. This marks the third Sedona VortiFest since it was founded in 2021. Yes, that means three events in two years. The Yawpers, Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra, Banana Gun, Adam Bruce, Damiyr and Sedona's own decker. round out the lineup.

Details: 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23; 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 24. Sedona Red Rock High, 995 Upper Red Rock High Loop Road. $25 Friday; $66 Saturday; $90 two-day pass. vortifest.ticketleap.com/vortifest2022/

Freestyle Festival

There's no shortage of hits to go around on this one. Stevie B, Lisa Lisa, Taylor Dayne, Expose, Tiffany, Jody Watley, All 4 One, Berlin Connie, JJ Fad, Nice &Wild, the Cover Girls, Shannon, Trinere, Timmy T., George Lamond, Pretty Poison, Noel, Sweet Sensation, Cynthia,Lime, the Flirts, Sugar Hill Gang, Melle Mel & Scorpio From Grandmaster Flash and the Furious 5 are all scheduled to perform.

Details: 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24. Tempe Beach Park, 80 W. Rio Salado Parkway. $59 and up. ticketstripe.com.

Sabaton

The Swedish metal veterans bring the Tour to End All Tours - North America 2022 to Phoenix with support from Dutch symphonic metal legends Epica. The tour takes its name from Sabaton's latest release, "The War to End All Wars," which topped the Billboard Current Rock Albums and Current Hard Music Albums charts.

Details: 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24. Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix. $32.50 and up. 800-745-300, ticketmaster.com.

Chvrches

The Scottish synth-pop trio made our year-end album list with 2021's "Screen Violence," on which they turned to slasher films as an unlikely source of inspiration for an album that shimmers its way through an endless string of effervescent pop hooks. The violence is in the lyrics, a juxtaposition that works because of course it does. Robert Smith of the Cure lends his voice to the drama of "How Not to Drown," which opens on Lauren Mayberry singing, "I'm writin' a book on how to stay conscious when you drown."

Details: 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24. Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Ave., Tempe. $42. 480-829-0607, luckymanonline.com.

Girl in Red

Marie Ulven picked up a Best New Alternative Artist nomination at this year's iHeartRadio Music Awards on the strength of a full-length debut titled "If I Could Make It Go Quiet," the Norwegian bedroom-pop songwriter's first full-length studio effort. DIY Magazine said the album "has all the qualities of a blockbuster pop record — incessant hooks, A-list producer credits — but hone in on each track and you’ll find intimate vignettes that are fully formed in themselves."

Details: 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25. The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix. $25-$28. 866-468-3399, thevanburenphx.com.

Gorillaz

The world’s most successful virtual act will once again be brought to life by Damon Albarn and the 14-piece Gorillaz live band — aided and abetted by a varying cast of guest performers — for Life Is Beautiful, a series of 21 unique arena dates across the U.S. and Canada. This is the British group's first U.S. tour since 2018 and first Phoenix date since 2010, when Albarn's backing band included the Clash's Mick Jones and Paul Simonon. It was a brilliant performance and there's no reason to believe this won't be just as entertaining.

Details: 7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 26. Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix. $55 and up. 602-379-7800, ticketmaster.com.

Bad Bunny

World's Hottest Tour? That's how Bad Bunny's biggest tour to date is being billed, and there's no reason to believe he'll fail to live up to the hype. He is, after all, the most listened-to artist in the world for two straight years on Spotify. The opening night of the tour at Camping World Stadium in Orlando holds the record as that venue’s highest-grossing show. By the time the tour launched, 16 of 21 dates on the first U.S. leg were reportedly sold out. He's joined by Deorro.

Details: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28. Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson, Phoenix. Sold out; resale prices vary. 800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com.

Wu-Tang Clan and Nas

Hip-hop icons Wu-Tang Clan and Nas are on a co-headlining NY State of Mind Tour. Considered by many to be the greatest hip-hop group of all time, Wu-Tang Clan have been touring as a unit since their debut record, "Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)," hit the streets in 1993. In addition to each member of the crew representing their lyrical contributions to the Wu-Tang Clan's eight albums, they'll feature notable cuts from the solo discography.

Details: 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29. Ak-Chin Pavilion, 2121 N. 83rd Ave., Phoenix. $29.50 and up. 602-254-7200, livenation.com.

Alan Jackson

This performance is part of the Last Call: One More for the Road Tour, a farewell tour for Jackson, who's hitting the road for the first time since revealing a health diagnosis that's made it difficult to tour. In a press release, Jackson said, “I’ve always admired my heroes like George Jones, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn and Charley Pride who just played as much as they wanted to, as long as they could. I’ve always thought I’d like to do that, and I’d like to as long as my health will allow."

Details: 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30. Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Ave., Glendale. $59.50 and up. 623-772-3800, ticketmaster.com.

Bonnie Raitt

The singer-guitarist returns to the road in support of "Just Like That," her first release since 2016, which topped the Billboard folk and blues charts. In a press release, Raitt said, "I’m so excited to reunite with one of my favorite soulful artists and dear friends, Marc Cohn, for our fall tour."

Details: 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30. ASU Gammage, Mill Avenue and Apache Boulevard, Tempe. Sold out. Resale ticket prices vary. 480-965-3434, asugammage.com.

St. Vincent

St. Vincent topped our year-end album list for 2021 with "Daddy's Home." Annie Clark has never sounded funkier, channeling Prince and David Bowie's art-funk years, complete with gospel-tinged backup singers, on an album inspired by her recently incarcerated father's old records. Hence electric sitar turning up on seven of the album's 14 tracks and one song drifting into Pink Floyd's corner of the galaxy. And yet, she sounds surprisingly contemporary on tracks she co-produced, like her previous effort, with Jack Antonoff of the band fun. She also topped our ranking of the best performances at this year's Innings Festival.

Details: 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30. Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Ave., Tempe. $42. 480-829-0607, luckymanonline.com.

Lake Street Dive

You could easily pin a yacht-rock label on the more sophisticated moments, of which there are many, on "Obviously," an album that features elements of cocktail funk and smooth-jazz balladry for a soulful sound that would've fit right in at adult contemporary stations in the '70s. American Songwriter suggests, "Think Steely Dan minus Becker and Fagen’s wry, occasionally sneering lyrics, and you’re getting warm to Lake Street Dive’s approach."

Details: 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30. The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix. $35; $30 in advance. 866-468-3399, thevanburenphx.com.

Reach the reporter at ed.masley@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-4495. Follow him on Twitter @EdMasley.

Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

Louisville Broadway: The 2019-20 season lineup announced

You've got your Broadway tickets and you're anxiously awaiting the cultural phenomenon known as "Hamilton" to arrive in Louisville this June.

But even though there are still four more shows to get through during this PNC Broadway in Louisville season, including "The Book of Mormon," "On Your Feet!" "Hello, Dolly!" and of course, "Hamilton," it's never too early to start thinking about next season.

On Thursday, PNC Broadway in Louisville announced its 2019-20 season which promises a powerhouse lineup kicking off with "Dear Evan Hansen" — an award-winning musical by the same people who did the music for "La La Land" and "The Greatest Showman."

That musical, which won six 2017 Tony Awards including Best Musical and the 2018 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, is described by The Washington Post as “one of the most remarkable shows in musical theatre history."

"It's going to be a great lineup," said Leslie Broecker, president of PNC Broadway in Louisville, previously told Courier Journal. "I mean, it's hard to top 'Hamilton,' but I think we can do it. It's going to be an amazing season. I am really pleased."

More:Hey 'Hamilton' fans, Louisville's 2019 Broadway lineup has more highlights

Read this:A Facebook page has popped up selling 'Hamilton' tix. Is it a scam?

And they just might have pulled it off. In addition to "Dear Evan Hansen," also coming in 2019-20 is "The Band's Visit," "Jesus Christ Superstar," "Miss Saigon," "Anastasia," "Come From Away," and returning this year, a season option add-on of "Disney's The Lion King."

"We're coming off a season with a huge hit like 'Hamilton,'" Broecker said. "The show not only appealed to our typical arts patrons but also to a much younger crowd so when we went back to Broadway in search of the best shows for the new season, we looked for productions with broad appeal and I feel like we found that."

The mega-musical, which runs June 4-23 at the Kentucky Center, catapulted PNC Broadway In Louisville to an all-time high in season subscriptions — with around 16,000 eager fans.

Each of those fans was a factor in the PNC Broadway series' decision on what shows to bring to Louisville for the next year.

"The Band's Visit," recently featured on "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon" is the winner of 10 Tony Awards including Best Musical. Broecker chose this production because of its passion and incredible music.

It's the story of a band of Egyptian musicians who show up lost at a cafe in Israel and "it will capture you with the depth of its story," she said.

There are also two revivals in the new season's regular line up that Broecker hopes will appeal to both old and new fans of Broadway musicals. A technically enhanced "Miss Saigon" may literally blow your hair back — remember the helicopter landing scene?

The new season of the PNC Broadway in Louisville also marks the 50th anniversary of the production of Andrew Llyod Webber and Tim Rice's "Jesus Christ Superstar." Broecker said it's perennially the most requested of the revivals, followed closely by "Disney's The Lion King," which is back this season for the third time.

A universal story:Your guide to the Kentucky Opera's new season

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While the family-favorite is not part of the season package, it is a season option — which means subscribers can choose to include the production or pass on picking it up.

Brand new to the Louisville stage is "Anastasia," a musical based on the hit 1997 animated film is about the adventures a Russian girl who may or may not be the daughter of a Czar. The stage adaptation features music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens whose Oscar-nominated song for the film, “Journey to the Past,” is also featured in the musical.

The 2019/2020 season closes with a bit of history and an uplifting message.

"Come From Away" tells the story of the 7,000 people who were diverted to Newfoundland, Canada because they were in airplanes flying across the Atlantic Ocean when the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 occurred in New York City.

"I have goosebumps just talking about it. It's an incredible story about how that community rose up and took care of these passengers," said Broecker. "It's an incredible uplift and you get to see the goodness in people."

Current season subscribers can renew their season tickets now. Season tickets will go on sale to the general public on March 28 in three ways:

Order online at BroadwayinLouisville.com

Call the Broadway Across America toll-free Louisville Season Ticket Hotline at 502-561-1003 Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Select your seats in person at the PNC Broadway In Louisville Box Office, 620 W Main St., Ste 100 Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Prices for the six-show season ticket package range between $255-$813 depending on seat location.

Tickets for individual shows are not available at this time and typically go on sale to the general public four to six weeks prior to the opening of the show, according to Matt Porter, director of Public Relations for Broadway Across America. For priority offers, updates, and news, join the EClub at BroadwayInLouisville.com.

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“I am extremely proud of our long-term partnership with PNC Broadway in Louisville and couldn’t be happier with this accomplishment,” Kim Baker, president of The Kentucky Center, previously said. “This achievement is a testament to their ability to recognize and bring the very best Broadway entertainment to the Bluegrass and present it right here on The Kentucky Center’s Whitney Hall stage.”

While it is hard to top a season with "Hamilton" on the playbill, Broecker and her team are pleased they've put together a new season filled with more than enough pizzaz, passion and delight to bring you back to the theater next season for more.

Reach Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com or Twitter @kirbylouisville. Support strong local journalism by subscribing today: courier-journal.com/kirbya.

PNC Broadway in Louisville 2019-20 Season

All productions take place at the Kentucky Center for Performing Arts, 501 W. Main St.

Dear Evan Hansen

Winner of six 2017 Tony Awards including Best Musical and the 2018 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album

WHAT: A letter that was never meant to be seen, a lie that was never meant to be told, a life he never dreamed he could have. Evan Hansen is about to get the one thing he’s always wanted: a chance to finally fit in. "Dear Evan Hansen" is a deeply personal and profoundly contemporary musical about life and the way we live it.

WHEN: Oct. 1-6

The Band's Visit

Winner of 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical

WHAT: Spend an evening in the company of unforgettable strangers at "The Band's Visit," one of the most celebrated musicals. It rejoices in the way music brings us to life, brings us to laughter, brings us to tears, and ultimately, brings us together. In an Israeli desert town where every day feels the same, something different is suddenly in the air. Dina, the local café owner, had long resigned her desires for romance to daydreaming about exotic films and music from her youth. When a band of Egyptian musicians shows up lost at her café, she and her fellow locals take them in for the night. Under the spell of the night sky, their lives intertwine in unexpected ways, and this once sleepy town begins to wake up.

WHEN: Dec. 3-8

Jesus Christ Superstar

WHAT: With music and lyrics by Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony winners Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, the 50th Anniversary production of "Jesus Christ Superstar" is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes "I Don’t Know How to Love Him," "Gethsemane" and "Superstar."

WHEN: Jan. 7-12, 2020

Miss Saigon

WHAT: This is the story of a young Vietnamese woman named Kim who is orphaned by war and forced to work in a bar run by a notorious character known as the Engineer. There she meets and falls in love with an American G.I. named Chris, but they are torn apart by the fall of Saigon. For three years, Kim goes on an epic journey of survival to find her way back to Chris, who has no idea he's fathered a son. Featuring stunning spectacle and a sensational cast of 42 performing the soaring score, including Broadway hits like “The Heat is On in Saigon,” “The Movie in My Mind,” “Last Night of the World” and “American Dream,” this is a theatrical event you will never forget.

WHEN: Feb. 11-16, 2020

Anastasia

WHAT: This show transports you from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love and family.

WHEN: March 17-22, 2020

Come From Away

WHAT: Head into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland, Canada that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships.

WHEN: May 5-10, 2020

Disney's The Lion King

PNC Broadway in Louisville 2019-20 season option. Winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

WHAT: Giraffes strut. Birds swoop. Gazelles leap. The entire Serengeti comes to life as never before. And as the music soars, Pride Rock slowly emerges from the mist. This is Disney’s THE LION KING, making a triumphant return to The Kentucky Center.

WHEN: Oct. 30 to Nov. 17, 2019

How to get tickets to PNC Broadway in Louisville's 2019-20 season

HOW: Current season subscribers can renew their season tickets now. Season tickets will go on sale to the general public on March 28 in three ways:

Order online at BroadwayinLouisville.com.

Call the Broadway Across America toll-free Louisville Season Ticket Hotline at 502-561-1003 Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Select your seats in person at the PNC Broadway in Louisville Box Office, 620 W Main St., Ste 100 Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

COST: Prices for the six-show season ticket package range between $255-$813 depending on seat location.

MORE INFORMATION: Tickets for individual shows are not available at this time and typically go on sale to the general public four to six weeks prior to the opening of the show. For priority offers, updates, and news, join the EClub at BroadwayinLouisville.com.

Harry Styles is playing 6 nights in Austin. What do you need to know?

The buzz on the Austin music scene is only going in one direction for the next week. Harry's coming.

Pop superstar Harry Styles begins a six-show residency at Austin's Moody Center arena on Sept. 25.

And it's a star-studded weekend already: Hollywood actors Robert De Niro and Meryl Streep will be at a gala for the Harry Ransom Center on Saturday, and Alamo Drafthouse's Fantastic Fest continues with a celebration of South Korean auteur Park Chan-wook and more.

Disney details Taika Waititi and Sterlin Harjo show 'Reservation ...

Brandy McDonnell

The Walt Disney Company made a cavalcade of high-profile announcements Thursday, which was its 2020 Investor Day.

The house of mouse unveiled new details on the future of its direct-to-consumer services Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ and previewed a slew of new content, including multiple attention-grabbing reveals for Disney Animation Studios, Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar and more. Disney also gave a first look at its upcoming international general entertainment content brand, Star, according to a news release.

A couple of the announcements that emerged should be of special interest to Oklahomans:

The 2021 slate of FX originals, which includes “The Old Man,” “American Horror Stories,” “Platform,” “Y: The Last Man” and “Reservation Dogs,” will be available on Hulu in the U.S. and Star in multiple international markets.

As previously reported, "Reservation Dogs" is the anticipated new series from Oscar-winning New Zealand filmmaker Taika Waititi, who is of Maori ancestry, and Tulsa moviemaker Sterlin Harjo, who is a member of the Seminole and Creek nations.

Now officially coming to FX with the Disney Investor Day announcement, "Reservation Dogs" is a new half-hour, coming-of-age comedy about four Native American teenagers growing up on a reservation in eastern Oklahoma who spend their days committing crime - and fighting it.

The series is co-created by Harjo ("Four Sheets to the Wind," "Mekko"), who also directed the pilot episode, and Waititi (“JoJo Rabbit,” “What We Do in the Shadows”), according to a news release. The series stars D’Pharoah Woon-A-Tai, Devery Jacobs, Paulina Alexis and Lane Factor. "Reservation Dogs" is executive produced by Harjo, Waititi and Garrett Basch (and produced by FXP).

In a June interview, Harjo told me the pilot lensed in Oklahoma, although filming was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"We were about to shoot the pilot when COVID kicked off and everyone had to go home. But it's been nice because it's still moving forward. We're just waiting on production to pick back up, and it gave us time to kind of write more episodes, which has been great," Harjo said in June.

"If you look at Native representation in history, it's been pretty bad. So, almost showing any truthful, real version of Native people is humanizing. ... I think anytime we show Native people kind of on their terms and in their environments, we're humanizing (them) on the screen and we're changing the narrative that history has kind of laid on us - history and Hollywood."

Oklahoma Film + Music Office Director Tava Maloy Sofsky confirmed in an autumn interview that the FX pilot successfully wrapped in the state over the summer.

Also as part of the Investor Day event, Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production President Sean Bailey announced several feature films in the works under the Disney banner.

Among the projects filling the Disney+ slate are “Hocus Pocus 2,” a sequel to the 1993 Halloween cult classic, directed by Adam Shankman; a live-action take on “Pinocchio,” directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Tom Hanks; an animated “Night at the Museum,” with Shawn Levy attached to produce; “Cheaper by the Dozen,” a reimagining of the hit comedy with “black-ish” producer Kenya Barris; “Chip N’ Dale: Rescue Rangers,” a hybrid live-action-animated feature; “Sister Act 3,” the third film in the beloved “Sister Act” series, with Whoopi Goldberg on board to star and produce with Tyler Perry; and “Peter Pan & Wendy,” directed by David Lowery and starring Jude Law and Yara Shahidi.

Previously announced up-and-coming features include “Jungle Cruise,” starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt and directed by Jaume Collet-Serra; the Rob Marshall–directed “The Little Mermaid”; a live-action prequel to “The Lion King,” with Barry Jenkins on board to direct; and “Cruella,” starring Emma Stone, with Craig Gillespie at the helm.

Also among the Disney Live Action projects is "The Chris Paul project," a biographical film in development for Disney+ about NBA superstar and former OKC Thunder floor general Chris Paul. It follows Paul, whom the Thunder recently traded to the Phoenix Suns, through his moving story of family, legacy and destiny that helped make him who he is today, according to the news release.

Other highlights from the presentations include:

Disney General Entertainment Group Content

Disney Television Studios for Disney+

Disney Television Studios shared a look at some of the high profile family entertainment series in development for Disney+, including two projects inspired by Disney properties: “Beauty and the Beast (working title),” starring Luke Evans and Josh Gad with new music composed by Alan Menken; and “Swiss Family Robinson,” which is a reimagining of the classic from Ron Moore and Jon M. Chu. The studio is also developing “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” based on the bestselling book series by Rick Riordan from Disney Publishing Worldwide.

Disney Television Studios is currently in production on four live action series set to debut on Disney+ in 2021: “The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers,” “Big Shot,” “The Mysterious Benedict Society” and “Turner & Hooch.”

National Geographic Content

National Geographic revealed its ambitious Disney+ slate including high profile titles “Limitless With Chris Hemsworth,” “Welcome to Earth (working title)” featuring Will Smith, and a fourth season of the Emmy-winning anthology series “Genius,” which will profile Martin Luther King, Jr.

The studio also announced the new documentary film “Cousteau,” which will debut in theatres before coming to Disney+ alongside new documentary series “Secrets of the Whales,” “A Real Bug’s Life,” and “America The Beautiful.”

Content for Hulu and Star

The Kardashian Jenners will create new global content under a multi-year deal, to stream exclusively on Hulu in the U.S. and internationally on Star, with an expected debut in late 2021. Also premiering on Hulu and Star next year are the premium series “Only Murders in the Building,” “The Dropout,” and “Dopesick.”

Hulu

Hulu’s award-winning, hit drama series, “The Handmaid’s Tale,” has been renewed for a fifth season ahead of its season four premiere and “Nine Perfect Strangers,” starring and executive produced by Nicole Kidman along with David E. Kelley, will debut next year.

FX

In addition to Hulu in the U.S., the FX premium content brand will bring its library of award-winning content and exclusive new originals to Star around the world. FX has ordered four additional seasons of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” for the linear channel, FX on Hulu, and Star, smashing the record for longest running live-action sitcom in television history. The group announced it is developing the first series adaptation of the science-fiction horror classic “Alien” and is in advanced talks for a two-season order of “The Stones,” a drama series about the world’s greatest and most enduring rock ‘n roll band, The Rolling Stones. FX will also embark on one of its most sweeping, sophisticated and adult series with the retelling of James Clavell’s beloved epic saga, “Shōgun,” set within feudal Japan.

Walt Disney Studios Content

Lucasfilm

Lucasfilm announced an impressive number of exciting Disney+ series and new feature films destined to expand the Star Wars galaxy like never before. Among the projects for Disney+ are “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” starring Ewan McGregor with Hayden Christensen returning as Darth Vader, and two series set in the Mandalorian era from Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni: “Rangers of the New Republic” and “Ahsoka,” a series featuring the fan favorite character Ahsoka Tano.

Additional new titles announced for Disney+ include “Andor,” “Star Wars: The Bad Batch,” “Star Wars: Visions,” “Lando,” “The Acolyte,” and “A Droid Story.” The studio is also revisiting “Willow” in a new series with Warwick Davis returning in the title role.

The next feature film in the Star Wars franchise, releasing in December 2023, will be “Rogue Squadron,” which will be directed by Patty Jenkins of the “Wonder Woman” franchise. The next installment of the “Indiana Jones” franchise directed by James Mangold, a Star Wars feature film by writer/director Taika Waititi and “Children of Blood & Bone,” based on Tomi Adeyemi’s New York Times bestselling novel, round out the feature-film slate.

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Production

For Disney+, the studio unveiled a star-studded lineup of original movies and officially confirmed it will produce “Hocus Pocus 2,” reboots of “Three Men and a Baby” with Zac Efron and “Cheaper by the Dozen” with Kenya Barris and Gabrielle Union, and a new “Sister Act” film starring Whoopi Goldberg, who is on board as a producer with Tyler Perry.

Additional Disney+ projects revealed include “Chip ‘N Dale: Rescue Rangers,” a hybrid live action-animated film starring John Mulaney and Andy Samberg; “Pinocchio,” directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Tom Hanks; “Peter Pan & Wendy,” starring Jude Law as Captain Hook and Yara Shahidi as Tinker Bell; and “Disenchanted,” with Amy Adams returning as Giselle. New live action biographical films set for the service include “Greek Freak,” about NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The group is also developing new animated takes on favorite 20th Century Studios’ titles “Diary of a Wimpy Kid”; “The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild,” starring Simon Pegg; and “Night at the Museum.”

The studio also previewed its slate of feature films including “Jungle Cruise”; “Cruella”; a prequel to “The Lion King”; and “The Little Mermaid.”

Walt Disney Animation Studios

Walt Disney Animation Studios made several announcements today, highlighting the upcoming feature film “Encanto,” which includes new songs by Emmy, Grammy and Tony Award winner Lin-Manuel Miranda and is slated for theaters in November 2021. The studio also revealed that “Raya and the Last Dragon” will debut simultaneously on Disney+ Premier Access and in theatres in March 2021.

Marking the first animated series produced by WDAS, the studio also revealed several new series for Disney+ including “Baymax,” “Zootopia+,” “Tiana” and “Moana, The Series,” as well as “Iwájú,” which will be produced in collaboration with the Pan-African comic book entertainment company Kugali.

Pixar Animation Studios

Pixar Animation Studios revealed its upcoming slate of original series for Disney+ and feature films. Among the titles are Pixar’s first-ever long-form animated series “Win or Lose,” which debuts exclusively on Disney+ in Fall 2023, and two brand-new feature films slated for theaters in 2022, Academy Award-winning director Domee Shi’s “Turning Red,” and “Lightyear,” the definitive origin story of the hero that inspired the toy. Chris Evans will voice the hero on his journey to becoming the most famous Space Ranger ever. Slated for theaters next summer is the original feature film “Luca.”

Additional details were shared about new Disney+ series, including “Inside Pixar,” “Pixar Popcorn,” “Dug Days,” and “Cars,” as well as the upcoming feature film “Soul” and short “Burrow”—both debuting on Disney+ on Dec. 25.

Marvel Studios

Marvel Studios shared plans for the expansion and future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, revealing details about upcoming content for both Disney+ and theaters. Among dozens of upcoming projects, three new series for Disney+ were revealed, including the Samuel L. Jackson-starrer “Secret Invasion,” “Ironheart” with Dominique Thorne as a genius inventor, and “Armor Wars,” starring Don Cheadle as James Rhodes aka War Machine who faces Tony Stark’s worst fears.

These will join the studios robust lineup of Disney+ titles including “WandaVision,” “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier,” and “Loki”; the animated series “What If…?”; “Ms. Marvel”; “Hawkeye,” with Hailee Steinfeld joining Jeremy Renner in the series; “She-Hulk,” starring Tatiana Maslany in the title role alongside co-stars Mark Ruffalo and Tim Roth; “Moon Knight”; “Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special”; and a series of original shorts, “I Am Groot,” featuring everyone’s favorite baby tree.

Included in a host of new feature film reveals were “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” the third feature in the “Ant-Man” franchise, and “Fantastic Four,” which introduces Marvel’s most iconic family. Marvel Studios’ upcoming feature films also include “Black Widow,” “Shang Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings,” “Eternals,” “Doctor Strange In The Multiverse of Madness,” “Thor: Love and Thunder,” “Black Panther 2,” “Blade,” “Captain Marvel 2” and “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.”

ESPN and Sports Content

ESPN announced a milestone new 10-year agreement with the Southeastern Conference (SEC), expanding its partnership and adding college football’s most-watched TV package, beginning with the 2024 season. The deal will also bring select SEC football games to ESPN+, beginning with the 2021 football season and running through the term of the agreement.

ESPN+, which now reaches more than 11.5 million U.S. subscribers, will also launch several new original series and studio shows in the coming months. “Peyton’s Places,” the Emmy-nominated series currently in its second season on ESPN+, will return for a third season (Fall 2021) and expand to other sports - with some of the most engaging names in sports fronting their own versions of the series, including Abby Wambach (soccer), Ronda Rousey (combat sports), David Ortiz (baseball), and Peyton’s brother, Eli Manning (college football). ESPN+ will also launch “Stephen A’s World,” a new, original program featuring the insights and opinions of one-of-a-kind personality Stephen A. Smith in January. “Man in the Arena: Tom Brady,” the highly anticipated nine-part documentary series coming to ESPN+, is built around Tom Brady’s never-before-seen, first-hand accounts of the journey to each of his nine Super Bowls. Plus, a newly reimagined version of SportsNation will return weekday mornings, beginning in January, exclusively on ESPN+.

-BAM

5 things to know on October 16, 2022: Start your week smart: Snow ...

CNN —

How much would you pay for a pair of old and dirty Levi’s jeans? A couple of bucks? Maybe $10 or $20 if they were really cool? Well, brace yourself … A pair of Levi’s from the 1880s that were found in an abandoned mine recently sold at auction for more than $87,000.

Here’s what else you need to know to Start Your Week Smart.

The weekend that was

• The Alaska snow crab harvest has been canceled for the first time ever after billions of the crustaceans have disappeared from the cold, treacherous waters of the Bering Sea in recent years.

• Chinese leader Xi Jinping today opened the 20th Party Congress, where he is poised to break with tradition and take on a third term as party chief – paving the way for potential lifelong rule.

• Two gunmen opened fire on Russian military recruits at a training ground in Russia’s Belgorod region Saturday, killing at least 11 people and wounding another 15, Russia’s state news agency TASS reports

• Mexican authorities are searching for gunmen who killed at least 12 people and injured three more after opening fire in a bar in central Mexico on Saturday evening.

• Documents provided by the Secret Service to the House select committee investigating the January 6, 2021, insurrection show that the agency and its law enforcement partners were aware of social media posts that contained violent language and threats aimed at lawmakers prior to the attack on the US Capitol.

The week ahead

Monday

A new FDA rule change goes into effect that allows people with mild to moderate hearing loss to buy hearing aids directly from a store or online – without a prescription. This change could result in savings of about $2,800 a pair, the FDA estimates. Watch CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta explain what this means for the millions of Americans who could benefit from wearing hearing aids but have never used them.

And if you were among the many who filed for an extension on your federal income tax return on April 18, your six months are up. Remember that even with an extension, you could still be subject to a late payment penalty unless you paid off your balance in full by the original filing date.

Tuesday

October 18 marks the 50th Anniversary of the Clean Water Act, which was enacted to “restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Nation’s waters.” The act extends to “all navigable waters” and prohibits individuals without permits from discharging pollutants into those waters – but the exact definition of such waters remains unclear. The EPA is currently facing a challenge in the Supreme Court over its authority to protect wetlands under the Clean Water Act.

Wednesday

Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to be deposed in a defamation lawsuit brought by E. Jean Carroll, a former magazine columnist who accused Trump of raping her in a department store in the mid 1990s. A federal judge last week rejected Trump’s attempt to pause his deposition, saying his efforts to delay the case are “inexcusable.” Trump has denied the allegations.

Friday

Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon – who was found guilty in July of two counts of contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena from the House select committee investigating the January 6 attack on the US Capitol – is set to be sentenced. He faces a minimum sentence of 30 days in jail, according to federal law. Bannon is also facing New York state charges of money laundering, conspiracy and fraud related to an alleged online scheme to raise money for the construction of a wall along the southern US border. He has pleaded not guilty.

Hear more about America’s mental health crisis

In this week’s One Thing podcast, CNN Medical Correspondent Dr. Tara Narula breaks down a new survey from CNN in partnership with the Kaiser Family Foundation, which finds that nine out of 10 adults believe that there’s a mental health crisis in the US today. We explore what’s driving that sentiment, the possible solutions, and why an influential task force has recommended screening children ages 8 and older for anxiety. Listen here.

Photos of the week

Check out more moving, fascinating and thought-provoking images from the week that was, curated by CNN Photos.

What’s happening in entertainment

Music

Superstar singer and songwriter Taylor Swift drops her 10th studio album, “Midnights,” on Friday. Here’s a little preview of what fans can expect.

TV and streaming

Season 11 of FX’s popular anthology series “American Horror Story” premieres Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET. In “American Horror Story: NYC” ( or “AHS: NYC” for short), mysterious deaths and disappearances ramp up in the city. Meanwhile, a doctor makes a frightening discovery, and a local reporter becomes tomorrow’s headline. Watch the trailer at your own peril…

If you’d prefer something a little lighter, yet with a Halloween bite, “The School for Good and Evil” arrives on Netflix Wednesday – featuring an all-star cast that includes Charlize Theron, Kerry Washington, Laurence Fishburne, Patti LuPone and Michelle Yeoh, among many others.

In theaters

Friday is shaping up to be a battle between “The Rock” and two of “Ocean’s Eleven.”

“Black Adam,” the latest chapter in the DC Extended Universe, stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as Teth Adam, who “was bestowed the almighty powers of the gods. After using these powers for vengeance, he was imprisoned, becoming Black Adam.” (“Black Adam” is being released by Warner Bros., which is owned by CNN’s parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery.)

“Ticket to Paradise” features co-stars George Clooney and Julia Roberts as ex-spouses who team up to try and stop their daughter from getting married in Bali to a man she’s just met.

What’s happening in sports

Basketball

The 2022-23 NBA Season gets underway Tuesday with the Boston Celtics hosting the Philadelphia 76ers in the first game, and the reigning league champions Golden State Warriors hosting the Los Angeles Lakers in the second game. The Warriors have won four titles in the last eight seasons.

Baseball

The MLB postseason continues later today when the Cleveland Guardians face the New York Yankees in Game 4 of the American League Division Series. The winner will take on the Houston Astros in the American League Championship Series, which begins Wednesday. Game 1 of the National League Championship Series is set for Tuesday, with the San Diego Padres hosting the Philadelphia Phillies.

Quiz time!

Take CNN’s weekly news quiz to see how much you remember from the week that was! So far, 14% of fellow quiz fans have gotten eight or more questions right. How will you fare?

Play me off

Taylor Swift - Shake It Off

‘Shake It Off’

With six nominations heading into next month’s American Music Awards and a new album dropping on Friday, why not kick off your Sunday with Taylor Swift’s 2014 hit single? And if you absolutely hate this song, well, you already know what they say… (Click here to view)

Knoxville-area SERVPRO franchisees recognized for outstanding ...

Knoxville News Sentinel

Knoxville-area SERVPRO franchisees recognized for outstanding achievement

Knoxville, TN (Grassroots Newswire) July 27, 2021 - SERVPRO announces that the following franchisees were recognized at the company's 52nd annual convention, held July 19-23 at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort in Orlando, Florida.

Max Pope Jr. & Andrea Pope, Owners of SERVPRO of Blount County, who can be reached at (865) 982-2332 or mpope@servproblountcounty.com, received the MILLIONAIRE'S Bronze award.

John & Kristina Greenway, Owners of SERVPRO of Rocky Hill/Sequoyah Hills/South Knoxville, who can be reached at (865) 862-8907 or kgreenway@servpro9669.com, received the HERITAGE Bronze award.

These top performing entrepreneurs joined the more than 650 franchise owners and key employees to receive recognition at the gala award ceremony. Forty-three of those award-winning entrepreneurs became first-time millionaires as SERVPRO franchise owners over the past business year. In all, SERVPRO boasts 663 franchisees who have attained the million dollar or more milestone through their franchise ownership.

"On behalf of SERVPRO, I congratulate these high-achieving entrepreneurs," said Rick Isaacson, CEO of Servpro Industries, LLC. "Throughout a difficult time when there were no models to follow, SERVPRO continued to provide the service, expertise, and emergency response that has helped us become the trusted specialists for residential and commercial disasters. I'm proud of our entire team of dedicated remediation professionals who stand ready to provide prompt, professional fire and water cleanup and restoration, and mold mitigation and remediation services to home and business owners in their communities – whatever the challenge and whenever it happens."

In an effort to accommodate all members of the SERVPRO franchise family, SERVPRO planned a high-tech "hybrid convention" event this year, encouraging franchise owners and key personnel to access the convention events in-person or virtually, according to their preference. The event theme, "Game On," characterized the excitement and determination that has energized the company and its franchise network as the world begins to reopen and return to normal. All attendees benefitted from three general sessions, including a keynote presentation by well-known motivational speaker Molly Fletcher. More than 40 workshop topics informed and educated attendees on the latest trends and innovations in the disaster restoration and remediation industry.

"We are always excited and proud to share the latest in SERVPRO innovation and business support with our entire network at our annual Convention, but the real 'win' this year was simply being able to get our franchise family together," said Isaacson. "Our annual convention is designed to encourage an open exchange of knowledge – franchise-to-franchise and franchise-to-headquarters. This sharing of hands-on best practices and real-life experiences benefits our entire company. I congratulate our winners for their outstanding achievements this past year and offer my sincere thanks to the entire SERVPRO family for a job well done in a time of unprecedented challenge."

For more information, please contact one of the award-winning Knoxville-area disaster remediation professionals named above or visit www.SERVPRO.com.

About SERVPRO

For more than 50 years, SERVPRO has been a trusted leader in fire and water cleanup and restoration services, mold mitigation, biohazard and pathogen remediation, and construction services. SERVPRO's professional services network of more than 1,900 individually owned and operated franchises spans the United States and Canada, responding to property damage emergencies large and small – from million-square-foot commercial facilities to individual homes. When disaster strikes, homeowners, business owners and major insurance companies alike rely on SERVPRO to make it "Like it never even happened."

Greene County Partnership announces participation in TVA ED Community Innovation Academy

Greeneville, Tennessee – Greene County is one of 8 communities taking part in this year’s TVA Economic Development Community Innovation Academy, a program and experience to help economic developers create breakthrough ideas together to better their communities.

Developed by TVA Economic Development and Guillermo Mazier, Founder of Collective Intelligence and VP of Global Innovation for Conway Data Inc., the Academy aids in unlocking the tools, tactics and skills to more effectively and collaboratively solve community problems with the goal of sparking more economic growth and shared community prosperity.

Greene County’s participation in the TVA Innovation Academy is a collaborative effort with Academy local representation by Jeff Taylor, President and CEO of the Greene County Partnership, Mark Stevans, Director of Special Projects for the First Tennessee Development District, Paige Mengel, CFO of Greeneville Light & Power, and a Community Innovation A-Team back in each community. The Greene County Partnership is the initiative lead.

Over a course of nine months, participating communities are completing community ecosystem maps, performing innovation capacity assessments and engaging in hours of interactive working sessions to identify a critical community challenge and incubating a solution that would solve it and in turn positively affect their local economies.

The Academy will culminate on October 21 in Nashville, TN with a pitch presentation by each participating community outlining an innovative solution to a proposed problem within their community. Teams will be seeking resources (i.e. feedback, introductions, connections, program funding) from the pitch event judges and audience members to strengthen their solution pathway.

“TVA’s Community Innovation Academy provides participating Valley communities the opportunity to explore fresh and transformational approaches to competitiveness in the economic development industry,” said Heidi Smith, TVA General Manager, Global Business. “We are proud to partner with the Greene County Partnership and Greene County to help prepare the community catalysts for industry disruptors and support innovative solutions to foster economic growth.”

“Cities and their community networks are incredible vectors to solve complex economic development problems. The growing rate of global change and unpredictable business environments present a profound challenge to our ability to plan, manage and grow our communities these days. Companies and talent alike are increasingly looking to locate or grow in communities that welcome change, embrace creativity and build innovative environments. Challenges accelerated by the Covid 19 pandemic like workforce availability, small business readiness, corporate growth/expansion and inequality have grown exponentially more complex. How communities effectively respond to those challenges requires new thinking, new models and new collaborations. By applying community innovation, we can help places like Greene County positively impact their long-term economic future,” said Guillermo Mazier, Founder Collective Intelligence and VP Global Innovation at Conway, Inc.

“We’re both proud and excited to be apart of this remarkably innovative program” said Jeff Taylor, President and CEO of the Greene County Partnership. “By partnering with the First Tennessee Development District and Greeneville Light & Power, we can identify common community problems, and with the help of the Community Innovation Academy, we’ve been able to develop appropriate solutions that are conducive to expanding and diversifying Greene County’s economy.”

The Tennessee Valley Authority is a corporate agency of the United States that provides electricity for business customers and local power companies serving 10 million people in parts of seven southeastern states. TVA receives no taxpayer funding, deriving virtually all of its revenues from sales of electricity. In addition to operating and investing its revenues in its electric system, TVA provides flood control, navigation and land management for the Tennessee River system and assists local power companies and state and local governments with economic development and job creation. More information is available at TVA.com.

The Greene County Partnership is a joint venture of the Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Board, Tourism Council, Keep Greene Beautiful and Education & Workforce Development. The organization actively promotes, preserves and enhances the quality of life and economic well being of all Greene Countians by providing collective leadership and serving as a facilitator, catalyst and unifying force to achieve common community goals. The Partnership is a highly effective organization for building community consensus and has become a model for other communities wanting to form similar organizations across the country.

Visit our website at greenecountypartnership.com

Novis Health of Knoxville announces the opening of new center

Knoxville, TN, July 13, 2021, residents of Knoxville, TN, and the surrounding area will be happy to hear that Novis Health has opened a new facility in their neighborhood. Their unique approach to health is entirely different from what is commonly known as traditional medicine, so much so it is not “healthcare” in the conventional sense at all. Novis Health ensures the seven critical areas of health are addressed and optimized, including a focus on Nutrition, Positive Psychology, Social Well-Being, Optimal Lab-Work, Sleep, Movement & Spirituality. Frequently members are able to reduce and even eliminate dependence on certain medications, optimize their health and reduce many of the known risk factors of chronic disease. The Novis Health process achieves success by collaborating with a certified health coach and partnership with a member’s clinician.

Health in the US is a REAL GROWING PROBLEM.

An astonishing 47% of US adults deal with at least one Chronic Disease & many more develop chronic illnesses without knowing it. To make matters worse, deaths from prescription drug treatments (iatrogenic deaths) have become the #3 cause of death in the US.

These statistics beg the question of where one goes to regain optimal health? The fundamental blueprint of Novis Health is the solution to this crisis, a place that is family-focused and fully dedicated to addressing the root cause of disease.

Services and Products:

World-class Functional Health Coaches

Health Data Tracking Tools That Look At Sleep, Stress, Blood Sugar, Nutrition, And More

Cutting-edge Health Technologies

Fully Personalized Nutritional Solutions

Biofeedback Enhanced Mindfulness

Coordination W/ Primary Care Providers And Functional Medicine Providers

Specialized Testing

All Delivered through an affordable Monthly Membership.

To celebrate the opening of its new location, Novis Health of Knoxville will offer complimentary consultations for a limited time to experience the Novis Health difference.

Novis Health helps their members achieve:

Health Optimization

Reduction and even elimination of dependency on certain medications

Coordination of Services in Collaboration with Existing Providers

Reversal Type 2 Diabetes & Pre-Diabetes

Reversal of Low Thyroid Symptoms

Women’s Health

Loss of Stubborn Weight

Improved Lifestyle

For complete information, visit https://novishealth.com.

Nokian Tyres officially expands to 24/7 production at Dayton factory, earns ISO 14001 certification

DAYTON, Tenn. – Nokian Tyres has added a fourth production shift at its North American factory in Dayton, Tennessee, and is now producing tires around the clock at the state-of-the-art facility it opened in 2019.

The production milestone coincides with another major achievement at the Dayton Factory: ISO 14001 certification, which validates Nokian Tyres’ strict environmental standards at the facility.

“ISO 14001 certification is another testament to the fact that we are one of the most sustainable tire manufacturers in the world,” said Dayton Factory Environmental, Health and Safety Manager Darren Bakkestuen. “It’s pretty rare that we got through the assessment without any major findings.”

The Dayton Factory’s production building holds LEED v4 Silver certification, the only tire production facility in the world to achieve that mark, and its solar-powered administration building is LEED v4 Gold. Earlier this month, Nokian Tyres won the Tennessee Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Award for Sustainable Performance for its environmental efforts in Dayton.

Nokian Tyres began producing tires 24/7 at its Southeast Tennessee campus on July 12. The global tiremaker has hired nearly 150 team members since the start of 2021 and added a third production shift in mid-May. The creation of a fourth shift is in line with Nokian Tyres’ long-term ramp-up plans at the factory, where it plans to make as many as four million tires annually and employ up to 400 workers once the facility reaches full capacity.

“Adding third and fourth production shifts allows us to keep pace with production goals that will help us grow our presence in North America,” said Dayton Factory Operations Director David Korda. “We’re pleased with the quantity and quality of workers we’ve added this year, and we’re eager to help them thrive as our company grows.”

Nokian Tyres started production at the Dayton Factory in January 2020 to serve rising demand for its products in the North American market. It crafts all-season and all-weather tires at the facility in line with its core values of safety and sustainability. All three of Nokian Tyres’ global factories hold ISO 14001 certification.

Nokian Tyres aims to use the factory to reduce delivery lead times to North American customers and build tires tailored to the needs of drivers in the region, such as the Nokian Tyres One, an all-season passenger tire it launched in North America in January.

Knoxville’s annual entrepreneurship week returns in-person, celebrates new accelerator programs

KNOXVILLE, Tenn., July 15, 2021 – The Innov865 Alliance announced today Innov865 Week 2021 will return with an in-person annual pitch competition and other special events. Innov865 Week 2021 will take place Monday, October 4 – Friday, October 8.

Innov865 Week boasts a range of events for everyone in the area to support local economic development, from investors and regional entrepreneurs to community leaders and students. Throughout the week, the Innov865 Alliance will celebrate two new startup accelerators coming to town in 2022-- Techstars Industries of the Future Accelerator and the Spark Cleantech Accelerator.

Innov865 Week 2021’s premier event is Startup Day 2021, held Tuesday, October 5 at the Mill and Mine. Startup Day is an annual “Shark-Tank”-style pitch competition, where participants compete for a chance to win up to $10,000 in cash prizes. Six of Knoxville’s most investable startups will pitch their businesses in front of a panel of investor judges. In addition to the opportunity to spotlight their startup for investors, entrepreneurs will compete for a “crowd favorite” cash prize, presented by Truist. Included in this year’s programming is the Impact Award, presented by Verizon, given to an entrepreneur or startup that has made a lasting, positive impact on the community.

Earlier this summer, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the Tennessee Valley Authority and The University of Tennessee announced the launch of the Techstars Industries of the Future Accelerator. Over the next three years, this unique program will work with 30 startups that use clean energy, AI, big data, cybersecurity, digital currency, 5G and other innovations to transform society. Less than a week after the announcement of the Techstars Industries of the Future Accelerator, the University of Tennessee’s (UT) Spark Innovation Center announced the formation of the Spark Cleantech accelerator. The accelerator is a regional partnership supported through a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy and includes Clean Energy Trust, Centrepolis Accelerator at Lawrence Technological University and mHUB.

To learn more about Innov865 Week 2021, visit https://innov865week.com/. The website and event calendar will be updated regularly as more events are added to Innov865 Week.

ABOUT INNOV865 WEEK AND THE INNOV865 ALLIANCE

Innov865 Week is a weeklong celebration of Knoxville’s entrepreneurial spirit that brings together startups, entrepreneurs, makers, investors, business leaders, students, and community leaders from across East Tennessee for a week of educational panels, pitch competitions, investor roundtables, and social events. It is presented by the Innov865 Alliance, a coalition that develops, supports, and promotes the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Founding members of the Innov865 Alliance include the University of Tennessee Research Foundation, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, PYA, UT’s Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Three Roots Capital, Tennessee Valley Authority, Launch Tennessee, Knoxville Chamber, Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, UT Research Park at Cherokee Farm, the City of Knoxville and Bunker Labs Knoxville. To learn more, visit www.innov865.com/.

Dollywood's Dreammore Resort and Spa earns top USA Today award, nominated for second award

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (Monday, July 19, 2021) — In early July, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa was named the number one Amusement Park Hotel in the country by USA Today readers in the publication’s 10Best Readers’ Choice awards. Dollywood’s family-favorite resort now has the opportunity to go two-for-two, as it has been nominated for the 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Family Resort.

Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, which celebrates its sixth anniversary later this month, has quickly become a sought-after resort destination, prompting The Dollywood Company to announce a 10-year, $500 million investment strategy that includes additional resort properties. The first resort planned as part of the strategy is Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort, which is slated to open in 2023.

Voting opened today at noon and runs through Monday, Aug. 16 at 11:59 a.m. A page with a link to the voting page can be found at www.dollywood.com/vote. Anyone is eligible to vote and may do so once per day, per device. Nominees for all categories are chosen by a panel of relevant experts which include a combination of editors from USA Today, editors from 10Best.com, relevant expert contributors and more.

Nestled in the Smoky Mountains next door to Dollywood theme park and Dollywood’s Splash Country water park, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa provides guests with a full-service, comfortable home-away-from-home experience that only Dolly Parton could create. Inspired by Parton’s childhood in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, a love for music and storytelling, and a desire to create a place for families to grow and play, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa brings Parton’s vision for a premiere family destination to life.

Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa has several unique areas and experiences for families to spend quality time together. Families gather to play checkers by the fireplace in one of the resort’s grand living rooms, enjoy a glass of sweet tea in a rocking chair on one of the many porches or swap stories on one of the beautiful garden benches. The resort’s lavish 20-acre property includes premiere amenities and perks to help guests create their own special moments and memories.

Full-service dining, indoor and outdoor pool complexes, and exclusive park privileges—like complimentary transportation to Dollywood theme park and complimentary TimeSaver passes for Dollywood rides and shows—make the property a must-visit experience. Additionally, there are a variety of on-site activities at the resort for families. Through fun-filled activities including arts and crafts, storytelling and summertime pool parties, Camp DW is designed to inspire children’s imaginations. At night, families gather around the fireplace for a bedtime story with a book selected from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Guests also can roast complimentary marshmallows to make s’mores each night around the fire pit.

During its history, DreamMore Resort has earned several awards including being named the #1 Amusement Park Hotel in 2018 by USA Today, one of Southern Living’s “Best Places to Stay in the South” and one of Travel + Leisure’s “25 Resorts in the US that are Perfect for Families.”

A panel of experts and USA Today 10Best editors selected Dollywood Parks & Resorts properties and attractions in six categories for award competitions that took place in June. Results included:

Best Amusement Park Hotel- Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa (#1)

Best Amusement Park Restaurant- Aunt Granny’s Restaurant (#1)

Best Amusement Park Entertainment- Dreamland Drive-In (#3)

Best Amusement Park- Dollywood (#5)

Best Outdoor Water Park- Dollywood’s Splash Country (#5)

Best Amusement Park Roller Coaster- Lightning Rod (#5)

Best Amusement Park Hotel- Dollywood Cabins (#7)

For more information about Dollywood’s 2021 season, operating calendars and more, please visit Dollywood.com or download the Dollywood app.

Pinnacle is one of the country's top 5 workplaces for millennials

NASHVILLE, TN, July 16, 2021 – Pinnacle Financial Partners is among the top companies in the country for millennials to work, which includes associates from age 24 to 40. The firm earned the No. 4 spot on the list of Best Workplaces for Millennials from FORTUNE magazine and Great Place to Work®, just as it did in 2020. In April 2021, Pinnacle was named the overall No. 26 Best Company to Work For in the United States and No. 8 Best Workplace in Financial Services and Insurance.

“The pandemic changed people’s expectations of how work fits into their lives,” said Sarae Janes Lewis, Pinnacle’s director of associate and client experience. “Many of today’s millennials are parents of young children and even approaching middle age, and they expect a work-life dynamic that will let them be at their best in all roles. That’s always been Pinnacle’s value proposition for associates. They’re given the freedom to do what they love at work and the flexibility to take care of their family and personal needs so they never have to compromise. We were built for this moment.”

During the height of the pandemic, associates gave glowing reviews of Pinnacle’s response and business continuation plan, which gave them room to prioritize caring for themselves and their families.

“From Day One, I felt like my health and my family’s health was important… I appreciate being a part of the Pinnacle family now more than ever.”

“The constant support and requests for our input makes me feel valued as a person and a member of this Pinnacle family… We are all able to do what works best for our individual situations and offices.”

“I feel that every decision took my family into consideration, as well as my ability to continue performing my daily duties with all the resources necessary to do so.”

“The flexibility for us to take care of our family and kids really helped us. I don’t know what we would have done without that support.”

Even with a hiring philosophy that seeks out seasoned professionals with at least 10 years of experience for most roles, nearly a quarter of Pinnacle’s associates are 40 years old or under. With an average retention rate of 95 percent – unheard of in the financial services industry – they are more likely to stay and build their careers at Pinnacle.

Rankings for this list reflect feedback representing more than 5.3 million employees at Great Place to Work-Certified organizations. Great Place to Work, a global people analytics and consulting firm, evaluated more than 60 elements of team members’ experience on the job. Eighty-five percent of the evaluation is based on what millennials say about their experiences of trust and reaching their full human potential as part of their organization, no matter who they are or what they do. The remaining 15 percent of the rank is based on an assessment of millennials’ daily experiences of innovation, the company’s values and the effectiveness of their leaders, to ensure they’re consistently experienced.

Best Workplaces for Millennials is one of a series of rankings by Great Place to Work and FORTUNE based on employee feedback from Great Place to Work-Certified™ organizations. Pinnacle regularly ranks on several of them, including overall Best Company to Work For, Best Workplace in Financial Services and Insurance, Best Workplace for Parents and Best Workplace for Women.

Pinnacle Financial Partners provides a full range of banking, investment, trust, mortgage and insurance products and services designed for businesses and their owners and individuals interested in a comprehensive relationship with their financial institution. The firm is the No. 1 bank in the Nashville-Murfreesboro-Franklin MSA, according to 2020 deposit data from the FDIC. Pinnacle earned a spot on the 2021 list of 100 Best Companies to Work For® in the U.S., its fifth consecutive appearance. American Banker recognized Pinnacle as one of America’s Best Banks to Work For eight years in a row and No. 1 among banks with more than $10 billion in assets in 2020.

Pinnacle owns a 49 percent interest in Bankers Healthcare Group (BHG), which provides innovative, hassle-free financial solutions to healthcare practitioners and other licensed professionals. Great Place to Work and FORTUNE ranked BHG No. 1 on its 2020 list of Best Workplaces in New York State in the small/medium business category.

The firm began operations in a single location in downtown Nashville, TN in October 2000 and has since grown to approximately $35.3 billion in assets as of March 31, 2021. As the second-largest bank holding company headquartered in Tennessee, Pinnacle operates in 14 primarily urban markets across the Southeast.

Additional information concerning Pinnacle, which is included in the Nasdaq Financial-100 Index, can be accessed at www.pnfp.com.

About the Best Workplaces for Millennials

Great Place to Work based its ranking on a data-driven methodology applied to anonymous Trust Index™ survey responses representing over 5.3 million employees at Great Place to Work-Certified organizations. To learn more about Great Place to Work Certification and recognition on Best Workplaces lists published with FORTUNE, visit Greatplacetowork.com.

About Great Place to Work

Great Place to Work® is the global authority on workplace culture. Since 1992, they have surveyed more than 100 million employees around the world and used those deep insights to define what makes a great workplace: trust. Great Place to Work helps organizations quantify their culture and produce better business results by creating a high-trust work experience for all employees. Emprising®, their culture management platform, empowers leaders with the surveys, real-time reporting, and insights they need to make data-driven people decisions. Their unparalleled benchmark data is used to recognize Great Place to Work-Certified™ companies and the Best Workplaces™ in the US and more than 60 countries, including the 100 Best Companies to Work For® and World’s Best list published annually in Fortune. Everything they do is driven by the mission to build a better world by helping every organization become a Great Place to Work For All™.

HUB International acquires the assets of Georgia-based Risk Point Consulting

Chicago, July 16, 2021 - Hub International Limited (Hub), a leading full-service global insurance broker, announced today that it has acquired the assets of Risk Point Consulting. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Located in Marietta, Georgia, Risk Point Consulting specializes in professional sports and college athletics contractual bonus coverage and over-redemption insurance. Their team has been helping clients with more than 60 years combined experience in the industry and having managed more than $1 billion in risk exposure during their 15 years in business.

Risk Point Consulting’s focus aligns with Hub’s Sports & Entertainment Specialty practice by complementing and strengthening its existing capabilities. Michael Wright, President of Risk Point Consulting, and his team, including Adam Goldfarb and Ari Weitz, will join the Hub Gulf South region.

“Risk Point Consulting’s deep experience with all sports entities and a specific focus on sports sponsors, professional athletes and college athletic departments, allows it to help its clients achieve their unique goals. We are confident this acquisition will help expand our sports and entertainment capabilities in the South,” said Shaun Norris, President of Hub Gulf South.

About Hub’s M&A Activities

Hub International Limited is committed to growing organically and through acquisitions to expand its geographic footprint and strengthen industry and product expertise. For more information on the Hub M&A experience, visit WeAreHub.com.

About Hub International

Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Hub International Limited is a leading full-service global insurance broker providing risk management, insurance, employee benefits, retirement and wealth management products and services. With more than 13,000 employees in offices located throughout North America, Hub’s vast network of specialists brings clarity to a changing world with tailored solutions and unrelenting advocacy, so clients are ready for tomorrow. For more information, please visit www.hubinternational.com.

UT Knoxville donors invest in students, set scholarship record

More than 51,000 generous alumni and friends of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, invested in students during the 2020–21 fiscal year, committing more than $202 million and transforming the student experience. The donations resulted in the record-setting awarding of student scholarships, the establishment of a student emergency fund, and the founding of the Big Orange Pantry to alleviate food insecurity.

“The way our alumni and friends have stepped up to support UT students during a difficult year has been nothing short of amazing,” said Chancellor Donde Plowman. “I continue to be inspired all the time by the selflessness, courage, and leadership that define Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds.”

This record year has enabled another generation of students to gain access to the Volunteer experience. More than 7,400 students were awarded more than 9,500 privately funded scholarships for a disbursed total of over $21 million.

“I am the first person in my entire family to finish high school, let alone a college degree,” said senior Alexis Moreno, a statistics major. “Thanks to the generosity of donors, finances were not one of the obstacles. This is something I will always remember and be grateful for.”

Moreno completed his UT education with support from the Tri-Star Scholarship program, an area that saw significant growth this year. Comprising three scholarships (UT Promise, Tennessee Pledge, and Flagship), the Tri-Star provides pathways for Tennessee residents to receive an affordable UT education.

One of the proudest achievements of the year was the way Volunteers stepped up to establish the university’s Student Emergency Fund. The initial goal of raising $250,000 using VOLstarter, UT’s crowdfunding platform, was quickly exceeded, and funds were distributed to nearly 830 students by May. For Heath Allen, a geography major, the emergency funding helped him find an apartment in Knoxville, giving him reliable internet service and a pathway to complete his semester virtually.

The Big Orange Pantry was established after a study on campus revealed that one in three students identified as food insecure; the isolation and economic upheaval of COVID-19 increased the problem. A collaborative cross-campus effort created and stocked the pantry, where students can receive assistance in a stigma-free environment that is like a shopping experience.

The pantry was made possible by seed funding given by Donnie and Terry Smith (’80), whose philanthropy centers around agriculture and food.

“It’s really hard to ace a math test when you’ve got an empty stomach,” Smith said. “Our hearts are with that kid who needs that bit of extra help to do well in school and not get discouraged. It’s hard to raise your hand and say, ‘I’m hungry.’”

Two transformative moments during the year were a gift from the Haslam family to the Haslam College of Business and the Zeanah family’s gift to create the Zeanah Engineering Complex. Other highlights included the Big Orange Give, the annual day of giving, which raised $2.5 million in just 24 hours for hundreds of areas across campus; significant growth in alumni chapter and council scholarships; and a gift from Randy and Jenny Boyd (both ’79) to secure a historic replacement of the Carousel Theatre, which will be named the Jenny Boyd Carousel Theatre.

UT raises funds through the University of Tennessee Foundation, an independent nonprofit corporation that seeks to enrich the lives of UT students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends through alumni engagement, financial stewardship, and private investments. The foundation is the preferred channel for all private contributions benefiting faculty and students throughout the University of Tennessee System.

Ole Red Gatlinburg to hold hiring event July 20th

Ole Red Gatlinburg—the popular restaurant, music venue, and retail space inspired by country superstar Blake Shelton—will welcome job seekers during a one-day hiring event. Prospective candidates will have the opportunity to learn more about careers at Ole Red Gatlinburg, which is owned and operated by Ryman Hospitality Properties (RHP). The hiring event will take place Tuesday, July 20, 10am-6pm, at Ole Red Gatlinburg (511 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738).

The company is recruiting for full-time and part-time job openings that include everything from servers, hosts, bartenders, barbacks, bussers, and line cooks to AV, retail, security, and maintenance positions.

Candidates can apply online at RHPCareers.com/Ole-Red-Gatlinburg in advance to secure interview spots. The company will be making job offers on site.

Ryman Hospitality Properties offers competitive pay and benefits for both full and part-time positions. As COVID-19 restrictions lift across the U.S., new employees will help meet the surge in customer demand that Ole Red Gatlinburg has experienced.

Keep Knoxville Beautiful to bring mural to Marble City

Keep Knoxville Beautiful (KKB) has commissioned a mural to be installed on the corner of Sutherland Avenue and Concord Road. The mural will be located on the concrete block wall of the Smyrna Ready Mix plant.

Keep Knoxville Beautiful has partnered up with local artist Megan Lingerfelt to bring some greenery to a drab wall at the entrance to the Marble City neighborhood and steps away from the Third Creek Greenway. Lingerfelt was inspired by the lush and flourishing spirit of the Third Creek Greenway. The mural will consist of a pattern of a spade-shaped leaf with a sheen that would reflect light and give a sense of the dappled sun and shade experienced on the greenway. Additionally, a nod to the neighborhood's namesake and history is included with "Marble City" woven through the leaves in a light pink broken line to abstractly reference the color and character of Tennessee pink marble.

Executive Director of Keep Knoxville Beautiful, Alanna McKissack, says “we are excited to bring beautification through the creative lens to this historic neighborhood of Knoxville. Beautiful spaces help promote clean and thriving communities. We hope this will be a start to more projects along Sutherland Avenue.”

Keep Knoxville Beautiful is hoping to raise $5,000 to help pay for the new mural. The organization is asking for donations of $11 on Facebook to help cover the cost of one square foot of the mural. Donations can be made at https://www.facebook.com/donate/245831440413963/.

Prep and painting of the mural will begin in August.

KCDC secures 63 emergency housing vouchers to help stem homelessness in pandemic

Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC) has been awarded 63 emergency housing vouchers to help prevent homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic with funding authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocated additional emergency housing vouchers (EHVs) to public housing authorities in areas where populations have the greatest need while also considering housing authority capacity and the requirement to ensure geographic diversity, including rural areas.

“These vouchers will help KCDC get more people into housing who need it the most right now,” KCDC Executive Director and CEO Ben Bentley said. “The pairing of resources through HUD’s Continuum of Care (COC) programs with these EHVs will enable the delivery of rapid housing and support for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.”

The EHVs will help assist individuals and families who are homeless; recently homeless; at risk of homelessness; or fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking or human trafficking.

KCDC’s Section 8 program is seeking additional landlords within Knoxville and Knox County to help provide affordable housing to lower-income families. Benefits to landlords include a guaranteed rent subsidy via direct deposit on the first working day of each month; lower vacancy rates; criminal background checks on applicants; and inspections on units to identify any possible problems. For more information, visit https://www.kcdc.org/landlord or contact section8info@kcdc.org.

About Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation

Since 1936, KCDC has been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for the citizens of Knoxville and Knox County. KCDC’s mission is to improve and transform neighborhoods and communities by providing quality affordable housing, advancing development initiatives and fostering self-sufficiency. For more information, call 865-403-1100 or visit http://www.kcdc.org.

Ribbon cutting ceremony officially opens Avertium's Knoxville office

KNOXVILLE, TENN. – July 14, 2021 – Avertium, a cyber security management and consulting company, re-opened its newly renovated Knoxville headquarters today, located at 1431 Centerpoint Blvd, Suite 150 with a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Avertium executives and staff, Knoxville Chamber of Commerce, Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, amongst others.

Knoxville-based Sword & Shield, in business for more than 22 years, was acquired by growth equity firm, Sunstone partners in 2019, merging multiple companies to form Avertium. Avertium’s CEO, Jeff Schmidt, understands the business benefits of running and growing an office in Knoxville. With offices in Phoenix, Ariz. and Longmont, Colo., Avertium’s next chapter requires the talent that comes from East Tennessee and the support of the community.

“Avertium’s exponential growth is a testament to our employees and our mission to keep our customer’s information safe,” says Avertium CEO, Jeff Schmidt. “Cybersecurity is top of mind for IT, security professionals and business executives and when a threat makes it to the news, it’s because of a breach – it’s our job to prepare, prevent and detect these things so that they don’t come to fruition.”

Avertium attracts employees from all over the US and recruits locally from Pellissippi State’s Cybercrime Unit, University of Tennessee and other educational facilities. Avertium’s Knoxville location has a state-of-the-art Cyber Fusion Center operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. As Avertium continues its rapid growth, and goal of helping its customers secure a better future, the team and community in Knoxville will continue to play a critical role.

Solar Alliance to hold free workshop for businesses seeking USDA grants for Rural Energy of America Program (REAP)

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – July 14, 2021 – In response to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) now accepting federal grant applications for its Rural Energy of America Program [REAP], Knoxville-based Solar Alliance is presenting an informative workshop to help business owners understand how to get 75% of a solar system paid for with tax incentives and grants.

The free Solar Alliance workshop is hosted by Lick Skillet Farm on Wednesday, July 28 at 5:30 p.m., at 800 Lick Skillet Lane in New Market, Tennessee. Attendance is free by registering online.

REAP provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. REAP grant application submissions are due by October 31, 2021, and many types of businesses are eligible.

“There is a big misconception that grants to fund solar installations to offset energy costs are reserved for agricultural producers or working farms, and that is simply not the case,” noted Harvey Abouelata, vice president of commercial solar for Knoxville-based Solar Alliance. “We’ve helped businesses of all types and sizes apply for and receive grants for solar solutions that have a huge impact on energy costs and their bottom lines. The main prerequisite is that the business be in an area deemed rural and they are classified as a small business. The USDA definition of “small business” is actually broader than most people realize, so we encourage business owners to get in touch with us so we can help them navigate the process and determine what support is available," said Abouelata.

Applying for the USDA REAP energy grant can be time-consuming and intimidating, so Solar Alliance offers a turnkey program to help businesses in rural communities. “Solar Alliance has secured millions of dollars in tax incentives/credits and grants for customers to help offset project costs. The REAP grant can be combined with the investment tax credit (ITC) and the modified accelerated cost recovery system (MACRS) depreciation which makes for an attractive payback,” noted Abouelata.

“The savings from our solar installation are a critical part of our cost-cutting strategy, and our customers appreciate our commitment to the environment. The turnkey approach Solar Alliance took to handling both the REAP grant and the total installation made everything easy,” said Alex Miller, CEO of Lick Skillet Farm in New Market, Tennessee. “It’s a rare occasion when a business can drive down a fixed-cost,” said Ted Wampler, Jr., president of Wampler Farm Sausage in Lenoir City, Tennessee. “We installed several solar projects through the grant process since 2009 and have been recognized as an innovative business in our industry. I highly recommend going for a REAP grant,” he said.

According to the USDA website, this program helps increase American energy independence by increasing the private sector supply of renewable energy and decreasing the demand for energy through energy efficiency improvements. Over time, these investments can also help lower the cost of energy for small businesses and agricultural producers.

Randy DeBord, an entrepreneurial businessman involved in the revitalization of downtown Morristown, Tennessee utilized a REAP grant to install solar at McFarland Pharmacy where he is president and owner. “Grants to help reduce energy costs aren’t just for farmers,” noted DeBord. “Many small, for-profit businesses qualify, regardless of the type of business.”

“Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s been a tough 16 months for small businesses, especially those located in rural areas,” said Abouelata. “We are here to help navigate the application process through construction so small businesses can become energy independent and control their costs.”

Solar Alliance charges a nominal fee for its grant writing services which can be applied in the form of a credit during the construction phase.

For information, contact Harvey Abouelata at habouelata@solaralliance.com

About Solar Alliance

Solar Alliance is a purpose-driven company whose mission is fostering energy independence and promoting sustainable solutions that preserve the environment. The company partners with businesses, utilities, contractors, and other entities to propel economic development, promote environmental stewardship, and spur energy independence.

CBCW’s Christa Rosenberg handles lease of new downtown Knox co-working space for female entrepreneurs

July 13, 2021 | Knoxville, Tenn — Coldwell Banker Commercial Wallace announces the lease of an office space at the Langley Building, 520 W. Summit Hill Drive, Suite 601, Knoxville, TN 37902.

The transaction was handled by Christa Rosenberg for her client, Aught LLC, the driving force behind co-working spaces and cultivated community for women entrepreneurs in Knoxville. Formerly Girl Boss Offices, this concept has been hugely popular with the organization’s West Knox location. Aught is now expanding to downtown Knoxville and beyond.

Founded in 2019 by Erika Biddix, the organization seeks to redefine female entrepreneurship while connecting women with resources to accelerate their success. This downtown location adds 16 available desks to the existing 14 in Cedar Bluff. Franchise opportunities are now open nationwide.

Aught and Rosenberg, representing Coldwell Banker Commercial Wallace, are committed to supporting women entrepreneurs and both recently served as co-sponsors for the event “Let Her Speak Presents: Seeing the Superhero in You!” This sold-out event, which also included a networking Happy Hour at Maple Hall, was in the form of a virtual workshop to help women see the superpowers within themselves. https://www.letherspeakus.com/

For more information about leasing options, contact Christa Rosenberg at 865-309-4950. To learn more about Aught membership options or to apply for co-working space, visit https://www.aughtentrepreneurs.com/.

Magma Equities acquires 146-unit multifamily community in West Knoxville for $15.425 million

Manhattan Beach, CA (July 13, 2021) – Multifamily investment firm Magma Equities (“Magma”) in partnership with Viking Partners has added to its Tennessee portfolio with the acquisition of Greentree Homes Apartments, a 146-unit garden-style community in Knoxville for $15.425 million.

The property, which will be rebranded as The Abigail, benefits from a prime location at 4831 E. Summit Circle in West Knoxville, one of Knoxville’s most affluent neighborhoods. Located within five miles of Downtown Knoxville and the University of Tennessee, the neighborhood’s elementary, middle and high schools are among the most highly rated in Knox County.

Despite the numerous demand drivers, the eight-acre wooded property has suffered from a lack of institutional-quality ownership and has largely remained unimproved since being constructed in 1974. This has impacted both rent growth and occupancy, which was 88 percent at closing, according to Magma Equities Founder and Managing partner Ryan Hall.

“We will immediately address deferred maintenance issues as well as bring on Elmington Property Management, which manages all of our properties in Tennessee, to improve property-level operations,” said Hall, whose Los Angeles-based investment firm owns more than 700 units in Tennessee. “We will then embark on a thoughtful renovation program in the Fall.”

When completed, Hall believes The Abigail will be well positioned as a high quality, yet more affordable alternative to the higher-priced rental product in the West Knoxville submarket.

Dennis Harris of The Kirkland Companies represented both parties to the transaction.

About Magma Equities

Manhattan Beach, CA-based Magma Equities (http://www.magmaequities.com) is a diversified real estate organization focused on re-positioning Class A & B apartment communities throughout the country. We strive to maximize returns for investors while providing our residents with homes that are environmentally friendly, efficient, and state-of-the-art. Investment decisions are based on our successful experience in the past, and more importantly, our vision for the future.

About Viking Partners

Viking Partners (https://www.vikingpartnersllc.com/) is a private equity real estate investment firm focused on the acquisition, turnaround, and disposition of value-add real estate throughout the country. Since its founding in 2008, Viking Partners has completed more than 70 property acquisitions valued at over $925 million on all asset types including office, multifamily, retail, and industrial/flex. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Viking Partners is currently seeking acquisition opportunities for value-add and stabilized properties with a transaction range of $10 million to $60+ million.

Country Roads Axe Co. brings first self-pour tap wall to Pigeon Forge

PIGEON FORGE, TN (July 13, 2021) – Country Roads Axe Co. has partnered with iPourIt, Inc., a leading provider of self-pour technology, to bring the first self-serve tap wall to Pigeon Forge, TN.

Located in Sevier County, one of the country’s fastest-growing tourism destinations and home of Dolly Parton’s Dollywood, Country Roads is the first axe throwing concept to offer advanced projected targets with special games and customizable graphics, as well as a full-service dining experience.

Guests can skip the line at the bar and serve themselves using an RFID-enabled wristband to activate the taps and track their tab. The 24-tap draft system offers a rotating selection of both domestic and local craft beers, ciders, seltzers, and more.

Owners Brandon Disney, Chad Preston, Chuck Preston, and Todd Boggess recognized an opportunity to bring a completely new and unique experience to Pigeon Forge and began looking into self-pour technology as a complement to their high-tech indoor axe throwing concept.

“We’re beer drinkers and hate waiting at the bar so when we saw self-pour technology, we started doing research and realized there was nothing like it in town,” shared Disney. “Our beer dispense partner recommended looking at iPourIt and we were sold on the system design and the fact that they develop their own technology and software in the USA instead of buying it from overseas like other providers.”

The dining menu is provided by West by God CoalFired Pizza, another project for co-owner Boggess. It features gourmet, made from scratch coal-fired pizzas including favorites like the Pizza Party, pepperoni drizzled with Mike’s Hot Honey Sauce, and the Boggey Bomb, meat lovers style with local bacon jam.

Diners can watch the axe throwing activities from “Almost Heaven,” a special mezzanine that overlooks the rest of the venue. Those who are throwing can opt to try ninja stars and knives in addition to the traditional axes. Meeting and event space and group discounts are also available.

With iPourIt self-pour tap wall technology, operators can differentiate their business while increasing alcohol revenue, reducing labor needs, and enhancing customer experience. The latest GEN 4 platform is loaded with tools and features that are perfect for venues like super quick check-in speeds, automated pricing specials, and real-time inventory management.

Country Roads Axe Co. is located at 137 E Wears Valley Rd Suite 3, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863.

About Country Roads Axe Co.

Country Roads Axe Co. is the hottest and most technologically advanced family entertainment venue in Pigeon Forge. The never-before-seen axe throwing experience features digitally projected targets, iPourIt’s self-serve draft beverage system, a full-service bar, and gourmet dining by West by God CoalFired Pizza. All of these unique concepts come together in a 7,500 square foot space to create an experience unlike any other in the Smoky Mountains. Visit countryroadsaxeco.com for more information.

About iPourIt, Inc.

iPourIt, Inc. is America’s leader in self-serve beverage dispense technology with over 7,300 taps installed, 215 million ounces poured, and 260 locations in operation. The team of self-pour experts partners with operators and entrepreneurs to create fun and interactive experiences in restaurants, venues, taprooms, and beyond. iPourIt technology is proven to increase alcohol revenue, simplify labor needs, and enhance customer satisfaction. Visit ipouritinc.com for more information.

Follow iPourIt, Inc. on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

Fort Sanders neighborhood street cleaning planned for successive July weekends

Taking advantage of most University of Tennessee students being off campus during mid-summer, City crews will be cleaning the streets in Fort Sanders next weekend (July 17 and 18) and again the following weekend (July 24 and 25).

“Fort Sanders is a dense neighborhood with a very high demand for on-street parking, so it’s most effective and most convenient to the residents to sweep the streets when UT is out of session and there are fewer residents, fewer cars,” City Parking Systems Manager Mark Elliott said.

“We appreciate the help and understanding of the summer residents in making this successful. This will benefit the neighborhood. We’ll clean the streets and parking lanes – everything from dirt and leaves to litter to oil drippings.”

The weekend work will occur July 17-18 on north-south streets and on July 24-25 on streets running east-west in the Fort Sanders area.

Traffic is expected to continue to flow on the affected streets during the project. However, temporary short-term closures may occur as needed due to safety protocols. During the project dates and times, parking will not be allowed, and towing will be enforced on the affected streets.

North of Cumberland Avenue, the north-south streets included in the project are those between Cumberland Avenue and Grand Avenue, including 12th through 23rd streets and including James Agee Street.

East-west streets are those parallel to Cumberland Avenue from White Avenue to Grand Avenue, including Clinch, Laurel, Bridge, Highland and Forest avenues, and on Grand Avenue between 11th and 23rd streets.

South of Cumberland Avenue to Lake Avenue, a smaller but similar area is being cleaned, between Volunteer Boulevard and Melrose Place.

Both weekends’ project hours will begin Saturday at 6 a.m. and will end Sunday at 6 p.m.

Temporary no-parking signs will be posted at least 48 hours in advance of the street maintenance work.

Attached are maps showing the affected streets and the dates when they will be cleaned.

City celebrates $4.8 million grant for additional electric buses

The City of Knoxville has been awarded a $4.8 million federal grant for additional electric transit buses.

The Low and No Emission Vehicle Grant Program supports transit agencies in purchasing or leasing low- or no-emission buses and other transit vehicles that use advanced technologies to provide cleaner, more energy efficient transit service in communities across the country.

“This will go a long way in helping KAT transition to an all-electric fleet,” Mayor Indya Kincannon said. “With each new electric bus, we are reducing our carbon footprint. We are moving closer toward our goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions associated with City operations by 50 percent by 2030 – and a communitywide reduction of 80 percent by 2050.”

As KAT's oldest diesel buses age, they are being replaced with state-of-the-art electric buses that, according to the Argonne National Laboratory, are about three times more fuel-efficient than a standard diesel bus (13 MPGDE vs. 4.4 MPG).

Knoxville Area Transit plans to use these federal funds, coupled with some local dollars, to add six additional electric buses to its fleet. This means the City could have 18 electric buses on area routes by the end of 2022.

“We are so grateful for this opportunity to improve our fleet and help meet the City's sustainability goals with this continuing transition to all electric vehicles,” said Isaac Thorne, the City’s Director of Transit. “Our KAT passengers are excited about this move to all-electric, and so are we."

U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty and Rep. Tim Burchett supported the City’s application for this grant.

“Knoxville Area Transit provides an important service for folks in Knoxville, which is why earlier this year I asked the Federal Transit Administration to give KAT’s Low-No application grant full consideration,” Rep. Burchett said. “I’m glad this grant was awarded to our community so KAT can modernize its fleet to be more efficient and environmentally friendly.”

KAT's goal is to have the entire 71-bus fleet running on electricity in about eight years.

For more information on the Low and No Emission Vehicle Grant program, visit www.transit.dot.gov/lowno.

Food City continues to grow and expand hiring 1,200 new associates

Food City is proud to have celebrated the opening of several new store locations and store expansions this year, along with the continued growth of their GoCart curbside pick-up and in-store food service options, such as to-go meals. These events have resulted in the creation of a number of new area jobs.

On Wednesday, July 14th, Food City will be hosting a company-wide hiring event to include both full-time and part-time positions. The company is planning to hire 1,200 friendly, smiling faces in key customer and food service positions at store locations throughout their operation area and their Distribution Center. The positions include, both entry-level positions and experienced, skilled positions, such as meat cutter, cake decorator, and retail management, as well as various warehousing/distribution positions, including truck drivers.

Food City is a family owned and operated company that offers a generous benefits package to their associates including competitive salaries, comprehensive training, healthcare coverage with medical and dental plans, 401(k) with a 3% company match, vacation accrual, vision coverage, and company paid life and disability plans, and Employee Stock Ownership Plan. In addition, to these great benefits, Food City also offers advancement opportunities to associates who wish to progress within a growing company.

Interested candidates, can apply online at FoodCity.com or visit any Food City store to complete an application. Make plans to attend the event at your local Food City to find out how Food City is so much more than a grocery store.

84 Lumber to host hiring event in Knoxville, offering $840 sign-on bonus for candidates who receive an offer

EIGHTY FOUR, PA. (July 8, 2021) – 84 Lumber, the nation’s largest privately held building materials supplier, is launching a recruitment effort to fill immediate openings at retail stores in the Knoxville area. The company will host a Hiring Event on July 13th from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at its Knoxville retail location (5802 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN 37921).

At the event, job seekers will learn more about the company culture and get the opportunity to be interviewed for open positions in the area that include manager trainee (MT), forklift operator, and lumberyard associate. Qualified applicants may receive an offer of employment during the event. Candidates who attend the event and then get hired as a result of it are eligible for a one-time $840 sign-on bonus

“84 Lumber is seeking to fill 15 open positions in the greater Knoxville area, including at our locations in Knoxville, Jefferson City, and Sevierville to add to our team of more than 100 employees in the area,” said Rob Woodrow, divisional vice president at 84 Lumber. “We’re growing along with the growth in the construction industry – here in Knoxville and across the nation. We’re looking for people seeking a fresh start.”

Woodrow went on to detail the openings in the region:

Manager trainees (MTs) hired by 84 Lumber enter an intensive, one-on-one, on-the-job training program that teaches them about the company’s business and puts them on a path to become a future leader within the enterprise. Starting compensation for manager trainees is $40,000 per year.

Forklift operators and lumberyard associates need no prior experience and perform essential functions behind the scenes – from management of supply shipments to operation of heavy equipment. These associates can expect a starting pay of up to $14 per hour based on experience.

“We are a family-owned company, which means we are committed to helping our employees build and cultivate a career with us. In fact, 95% of our store managers started in our manager trainee program,” Woodrow said. “As we see it, 84 Lumber recruits individuals with a can-do attitude, a willingness to work hard, and a desire to learn. Once we find these people and they join the company, we teach and train them and find ways for them to grow with us.”

Woodrow added that 84 Lumber expects it might find the right fit from all types of candidates – an individual with no construction experience, military veterans ready to embark on their next career challenge, or people with some previous work experience who seek to redirect their career.

Candidates interested in participating in the Hiring Event are asked to pre-register. To sign up, go to 84 Lumber’s Hiring Page and complete the form. Once you are registered, you will receive an email from 84 Lumber with the link to apply for the desired position. To save time, candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for positions online before they attend the event.

NOTE: 84 Lumber continues to follow CDC safety guidelines with regard to COVID-19. We ask that those attendees who are not yet fully vaccinated wear a mask and maintain social distancing.

To learn more about 84 Lumber, follow the company on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

ABOUT 84 LUMBER

Founded in 1956 and headquartered in Eighty Four, Pennsylvania, 84 Lumber Company is the nation’s largest privately held supplier of building materials, manufactured components and industry-leading services for single- and multi-family residences and commercial buildings. The company operates nearly 250 stores, component manufacturing plants, custom door shops, custom millwork shops and engineered wood product centers in more than 30 states. 84 Lumber also offers turnkey installation services for a variety of products, including framing, insulation, siding, windows, roofing, decking and drywall. A certified national women’s business enterprise owned by Maggie Hardy Knox, 84 Lumber was named by Forbes as one of America’s Largest Private Companies in 2018 and one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2019. For more information, visit 84lumber.com or join us at Facebook.com/84lumber and linkedin.com/company/84-lumber.

Arrow Exterminators opens four new offices

ATLANTA (July 7, 2021) – Atlanta-based Arrow Exterminators recently opened four new offices in Blue Ridge, GA, Peachtree City, GA, Knoxville, TN, and the south Mobile area of Alabama. These offices will help us better serve these communities and the surrounding areas, and they will also help accommodate recent growth and provide career advancement opportunities for Arrow team members. All four offices will service residential homes with a focus on pest and termite control along with wildlife services in select locations.

“Being a family-owned and operated company for 57 years, we strongly value family and community,” said Emily Thomas Kendrick, Chief Executive Officer. “Our passion is one of the key components of not only providing exceptional service to our customers, but also being involved in the communities where we serve.”

Tim Pollard, President and Chief Operating Officer, continues, “Because of our recent growth over the past year, we saw a need in these markets for residential pest control services; whether it be an existing location we already service, or expanding into a new area, we are excited to roll out the welcome wagon to our customers. These new offices provide a unique opportunity for Arrow Exterminators to firmly root itself in the Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee markets. What a great way to kick off the start of our new fiscal year!”

Three Roots Capital receives $1.8M from U.S. Department of the Treasury to provide access to capital in economically distressed communities

KNOXVILLE, TENN. – This week, the U.S. Department of the Treasury awarded $1,826,265 in COVID-19 relief funds to Three Roots Capital (Three Roots) as part of its CDFI Rapid Response Program (CDFI RRP). Based in Knoxville, Tennessee, Three Roots will use these funds to make loans and investments across East Tennessee and greater Central Appalachia, helping support job-creating small businesses, place-making commercial real estate projects and community facilities.

In total, the U.S. Treasury awarded $1.25 billion to 863 community development financial institutions (CDFIs) in 48 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico. These CDFI RRP grant funds will help recipients build capital reserves and loan-loss reserves, along with providing financial products, financial services, development services and other operational activities in their communities. Three Roots received the maximum award amount given and will use the capital to increase the size of the Three Roots Capital Impact Fund, which is a pool of capital from which it will make equity investments in addition to loans.

Three Roots has a history of providing access to capital for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and projects in rural or low-income areas of East Tennessee and Kentucky. Since its founding in 2016, the CDFI has deployed over $74.5 million of capital, which has created or retained 1,564 jobs and developed 528,732 square feet of real estate. With Three Roots’ support and guidance, small businesses like Southeastern Packaging Technologies have thrived in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and rural, job-creating companies have continued to have positive impacts in their communities like Outdoor Venture Corporation in McCreary County, Kentucky.

“I founded Three Roots in direct response to the chronic need for more investment capital in central and southern Appalachia and in the broader Southeast. This award allows us to continue to support small businesses and entrepreneurs in low-income and economically disadvantaged communities throughout the region,” said Three Roots Capital Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer Grady Vanderhoofven. “CDFIs play an integral role in helping to lift economies, especially in times of need like this pandemic. We are honored to receive the maximum amount of this CDFI RRP award. Receiving these funds helps us continue to do what we do best: providing capital, connections, business coaching and collaboration in our region.”

Three Roots anticipates the CDFI RRP funds could be used to help address an access to capital gap identified by Techstars in their Assessment of the Entrepreneurship Ecosystem of the Greater Knoxville Metropolitan Area. Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the Tennessee Valley Authority and the University of Tennessee recently announced the upcoming launch of a Techstars Industries of the Future Accelerator in Oak Ridge-Knoxville, which will foster the growth of 30 startups over three years.

About Three Roots Capital

Three Roots Capital (Three Roots) is certified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and as a Community Development Entity (CDE). Because Three Roots is a CDFI, banks that make loans to, grants to, or investments in Three Roots may be eligible to receive Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) credit. Three Roots maintains its CDFI certification by making loans and/or investments to companies and projects located in low and moderate income (LMI) census tracts and by providing operational and technical assistance to companies and projects located in such areas. As a CDE, Three Roots is eligible to receive an allocation of federal New Markets Tax Credits (NMTCs) and to participate in and facilitate NMTC transactions.

Green Llama introduces new line of plastic-free, eco-friendly household cleaners

JOHNSON CITY, TN—June 3, 2021--Green Llama, LLC, a startup out of Johnson City, TN, is on a mission to reduce single-use plastic and carbon emissions with effective, non-toxic cleaners. The company launched online sales on May 1, 2021.

The difference in Green Llama is in its form. Instead of selling cleaners in a plastic bottle, the company provides all-purpose, glass, and bathroom cleaners in pod form. Simply drop the pod in a spray bottle and add water from the tap. The ingredients are biodegradable, non-toxic and naturally occurring or naturally derived. They are scented with essential oils for a touch of aromatherapy. It’s a truly eco-friendly cleaner that eliminates the need to purchase more throw-away plastic bottles.

The idea for Green Llama was born more than a year ago when Kay Baker, an occupational therapist, was cleaning her home. Baker was tired of buying new plastic bottles every time she ran out of cleaner; a light went on. After a lot of research, testing and many different recipes, she created the formulas for Green Llama.

“I am passionate about the environment and reducing waste,” Baker said. “I love our products because they make it simple to cut out plastic in the home.”

Plastic pollution is a worldwide problem with an estimated 46,000 pieces of floating plastic per square mile of our oceans. This wreaks havoc with an estimated 1 million sea bird and 100,00 marine mammal deaths annually directly from plastic. With increased awareness, individuals can make a big difference, starting in their homes.

“We are trying to reduce the amount of single use plastic while also decreasing the energy cost of shipping water around the country,” Baker explained. “Each ready-made cleaner you buy from the store is more than 90% water. Since you already have water in your home, I removed it.”

Green Llama estimates if each household in the United States bought one single pod instead of a single-use plastic bottle, we would save 128 million plastic spray bottles from the landfill.

Green Llama currently sells kitchen, bathroom and all-purpose cleaning pods; sample packs are also available. The company also sells reusable glass bottles for those who have already recycled their plastic bottles.

To learn more or to purchase, visit greenllamaclean.com.

Kindred Healthcare, Tennova Healthcare and UT Medical Center announce opening of Knoxville Rehabilitation Hospital

KNOXVILLE, TN (June 22, 2021) – Kindred Healthcare, Tennova Healthcare and The University of Tennessee Medical Center (UTMC) today announced the opening of Knoxville Rehabilitation Hospital, located in the new Tennova Health Park at 1250 Tennova Medical Way.

The new 57-bed hospital, with all private rooms, will focus on acute rehabilitation for patients who suffer from stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, complex neurological disorders, orthopedic conditions, multiple trauma, amputation and other injuries or disorders. The first patients are expected to be seen later this month.

The 68,000-square-foot, two-story rehabilitation facility will feature therapy gymnasiums outfitted with the latest technology in therapy devices including augmented reality balance training, therapy bionics, and a full body exoskeleton. It will have large multidisciplinary gymnasiums equipped for all therapy services as well as a therapeutic courtyard with exterior amenities, such as a golf chipping range, pickle ball and cornhole.

There is also a dedicated traumatic brain injury unit complete with monitored rooms, specialized beds and patient lifting equipment, and separate therapy and dining spaces. The hospital will also have a unit exclusively for stroke patients, and private, family-friendly rooms with sleeper chairs. Patients will have access to an apartment setting where they can practice daily living tasks before they return home; and pet therapy and community re-entry programs will help ease the transition back to home. For more information about Knoxville Rehabilitation Hospital, visit www.knoxvillerehabhospital.com.

“We are excited about this milestone achievement for our community as this collaborative effort was a result of many hours and hard work for all parties involved. This initiative reinforces our mission with our focus on excellence in quality, service and access,” states Tony Benton, Tennova East Market Chief Executive Officer. “Through this joint venture, we are now able to better serve this population with advanced therapies and resources to help them regain quality of life. It has been an honor to work alongside Kindred and The University of Tennessee Medical Center. We are excited to see the continued growth at this location.”

“It is truly rare and unique when competitors can come together to create a collaborative solution that better serves the needs of our patients and the East Tennessee community,” said Joe Landsman, president and chief executive officer of UTMC. “Our patients will directly benefit from this enhanced coordinated delivery of the high-quality, efficient healthcare services throughout the care continuum from when they first enter our system at our medical center through their rehabilitation at Knoxville Rehabilitation Hospital and throughout their recovery.”

Knoxville Rehabilitation Hospital expects to serve more than 1,200 patients each year. The average length of stay for patients is approximately two weeks. The facility design has been implemented at several Kindred rehabilitation hospitals throughout the country with significant success in enhancing patient outcomes and improving their quality of life.

“We are pleased to open Knoxville Rehabilitation Hospital in partnership with Tennova Healthcare and The University of Tennessee Medical Center—two of the region’s leading healthcare providers,” said Russ Bailey, President, Kindred Rehabilitation. “The new hospital will offer the community increased access to quality care with a team of therapists, nurses and other healthcare professionals dedicated to providing high-quality inpatient rehabilitation services and passionate advocacy for patients that enhance the lives of individuals throughout East Tennessee.”

Free legal advice clinic for veterans July 14th

The Knoxville Bar Association would like announce that the Veterans Legal Advice Clinic event will once again be held in person at the Knox County Public Defender’s Office, starting on July 14.

Any veteran seeking legal help is encouraged to attend the Legal Advice Clinic for Veterans on July 14, 2021 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Current CDC guidelines will be followed regarding indoor social distancing and masking for those who are not vaccinated. Those wishing to wear a mask are welcome to do so regardless of vaccination status.

Veterans who are not able to attend the clinic in person are encouraged to continue to use the telephone clinic option. Preregistration is required for telephone clinic and veterans are asked to call Legal Aid of East Tennessee at (865)637-0484 to preregister.

This is a general advice clinic with a wide variety of legal issues, including family law, landlord/tenant, bankruptcy, criminal defense, consumer protection, contract disputes, child support, and personal injury, among other issues.

Free Legal Advice Clinic for Veterans

Date of event

Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Time

12 Noon – 2:00 P.M.

Location

Knox County Public Defender’s

Community Law Office

1101 Liberty Street

Knoxville, TN 37919

Attorneys will be available to provide consultations in legal issues such as:

Landlord/tenant

Veterans Benefits

Bankruptcy

Criminal defense

Consumer protection

Contract disputes

Estate Planning

Child support

Personal injury

General Legal Issues

The Veterans’ Legal Advice Clinic is a joint project of the Knoxville Barristers, the Young Lawyers Division of the Knoxville Bar Association (KBA), KBA/Barristers Access to Justice Committees, Legal Aid of East Tennessee, Knox County Public Defender’s Community Law Office, the University of Tennessee College of Law, Lincoln Memorial University – Duncan School of Law, and the local VA office.

Apex Bank announces grand opening of South Knoxville office

Knoxville, Tenn. Apex Bank will celebrate the Grand Opening of its South Knoxville office with a ribbon cutting ceremony performed by the Knoxville Chamber on July 9, 2021 at 10:00am with festivities taking place from 9AM until 6PM. The office is located at 7570 Mountain Grove Drive, Knoxville, TN 37920.

“We are thrilled to have our doors open, and expand our presence in Knox County, and introduce the Apex Bank brand, and our competitive services to the residents, and business owners of this lively community,” stated Leslie Ford, office manager at the South Knoxville office. “With our relationship-based banking philosophy, Apex Bank is focused on giving back to the community, as well as a highly-regarded level of service, meeting personal and business banking needs. We are so proud of our team, and look forward to celebrating and supporting our community.”

The grand opening will feature food, the Seymour Volunteer Fire Department, door prizes, games, reveal of the winners of the Apex coloring contest and more.

Apex Bank delivers high-quality financial services and actively looks for opportunities to engage with local communities to build strong relationships that promote economic stability and growth. Apex Bank currently operates 17 offices across Tennessee, in addition to its Knoxville-based national mortgage-servicing center, where the bank purchases residential and commercial mortgages throughout the country. To learn more about Apex Bank and its commitment to education and community outreach, email press@apexbankcom. Apex Bank is a member of the FDIC.

Axle Logistics new building officially opens

Knoxville, Tenn. – Axle Logistics new headquarters is open, representing a $13 million investment that helps stretch downtown to the north. The 1920s-era building, originally a car dealership, is now a state-of-the-art logistics headquarters from which the movement of goods is coordinated across the U.S. as well as in Canada and Mexico.

“The new facility has helped our team with renewed energy,” said Axle cofounder Jon Clay. “Just as importantly, it has helped us recruit. We’ve added 70 new positions already this year.”

Cofounder Drew Johnson put it this way: “The new space and the amenities it offers us creates the proper setting for our growing team. It fits our culture perfectly”

The project was given a 15-year payment in lieu of taxes incentive, commonly called a PILOT from both the City of Knoxville and Knox County. It was also approved by the Industrial Development Board.

"We appreciate Axle Logistics selecting Knoxville, creating jobs here, and adding to the vibrancy of our city and our neighborhoods," Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon said. "It's an added bonus that Axle shares our love of historic places and has brought back into reuse a century-old building that has long sat vacant."

“Knox County is a great place to live, work, and raise a family,” said Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs. “Axle Logistics saw that when they chose to open their new headquarters here and I know they will help us prove that to the many qualified logistics students graduating from the state’s flagship university. I hope their success and growth continue.”

With an eye to the future, Axle has already purchased an adjoining building.

Axle Logistics is a growing Knoxville company with a focus on providing safe, reliable, advanced logistics services. That includes truckload, less than truckload (LTL), intermodal, and warehousing to customers throughout the continental U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Axle has been repeatedly named to the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies list and has been recognized as both a Top Workplace and a Top Freight Brokerage firm.

The new headquarters project was managed by Conversion Properties, was designed by Design Innovation Architects, and built by Denark Construction.

Marc Nelson Denim opens Florida location

Knoxville, TN - Knoxville fashion house Marc Nelson Denim has expanded, opening a second location in the Tampa Bay area. “The Studio” store and showroom will feature men’s accessories and products, Marc Nelson brand denim, and bespoke clothing.

Situated in a historic house at 716 E. Lime Street in the garden district of Lakeland, Florida, The Studio was designed to provide a unique experience for Marc Nelson Denim customers. Local artist Aaron Corbitt was commissioned to create artwork for three rooms that offer different facets of Marc Nelson Denim: the Johnny Cash Room, housing the Marc Nelson line of denim; the Bob Marley Room, where bespoke tailoring takes place; and the Muhammad Ali Room, where customers waiting to be fitted can watch sports television on custom leather chairs made to look like boxing gloves. Antique furniture and fixtures contribute to the private club environment, and customers will be invited to linger and enjoy a glass of whiskey with owner and designer Marcus Hall.

“We are focusing on appointment only, one-on-one visits with our customers,” said Hall. “We help them find pieces that fit not only their bodies, but their personalities.”

The Knoxville native is looking forward to the expansion. “We want to help gentlemen in Lakeland and the surrounding areas feel their best,” said Hall. “We are excited to join the Lakeland community and hope to be here for years to come.”

About Marc Nelson Denim

Founded in 2010 by Marcus Hall in response to the off-shoring of the American denim industry, Marc Nelson Denim is a Knoxville, Tennessee-based designer clothing brand emphasizing high-quality fabrics, customizable fit and small-batch production. Focused on the customer experience, the company’s trademark red slash signifies the brand's approach to duality: Southern comfort with a contemporary edge. Marc Nelson Denim has locations in Knoxville, Tennessee and Lakeland, Florida.

Shifting the Approach to Healthcare Real Estate Management

In the dynamic, competitive healthcare landscape today, healthcare providers are constantly challenged to operate more efficiently. The “balancing act” between continuous growth, high-quality care, cost containment, and streamlining operations is a daunting task. In the midst of these challenges, many health systems, physician practices, and other providers overlook the significant potential for strategic and financial opportunities that lie within their real estate portfolios.

Real estate continues to be, and will always be, a critical component in the delivery of healthcare. With most healthcare providers owning or leasing hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of square feet of real estate, it comes as no surprise that real estate and facilities typically equate to one of the largest assets on the balance sheet and one of the largest expenses on the income statement. Transitioning from the tactical, day-to-day operational approach to real estate property management, to a more holistic approach rooted in organizational strategy can empower healthcare leaders to utilize a more strategic, business-minded approach to leverage real estate to achieve broader strategic objectives.

While traditional healthcare property management functions like maintenance and work orders, vendor coordination, and building rules and regulations, are certainly imperative to the successful management of a healthcare facility, they are often tactically focused without consideration of bigger picture strategic and operational considerations across the overall portfolio of properties. Expanding to an all-encompassing portfolio management approach to assess strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats offers a competitive advantage in a versatile environment to those who capitalize on critical operational and strategic opportunities related to real estate.

There are a number of key elements in effective portfolio management including strategic alignment, portfolio tracking and reporting, relationship management, enterprise facility management, and regulatory compliance. To learn more, download our white paper, “Healthcare Real Estate Portfolio Management: Shifting the Approach to Healthcare Real Estate Management.”

For more information on RTG insights and solutions, visit the RTG Innovation Center.

About Realty Trust Group

Realty Trust Group, LLC (“RTG”) is a real estate advisory and services firm offering a full spectrum of real estate services including advisory, development, transactions, operations and compliance.

Since 1998, RTG has helped hospitals, physician groups, and property owners navigate the rapidly changing industry with growth strategies that gain market leadership as well as enhance patient and physician experiences for better delivery of care. Our philosophy is to provide innovative solutions to the complex and challenging issues found in today’s healthcare real estate market. These solutions include strategic campus and facility planning, portfolio optimization, portfolio monetization, project development, leasing, acquisition and disposition services, portfolio management, regulatory compliance and many other ideas and services. For more information about RTG and our innovative healthcare real estate services, visit www.realtytrustgroup.com, Facebook, LinkedIn, or call 865-521-0630.

Tennessee Memory Disorders Foundation to launch July 1

June 30, 2021 – Knoxville, Tenn. – Dr. Monica Crane, a board-certified geriatrician and founder of Genesis Neuroscience Clinic, will launch the non-profit, Tennessee Memory Disorders Foundation (TMDF), on Thursday, July 1 to address the increasing number of persons suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association’s “2021 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report,” there are an estimated 6.2 million Americans aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s dementia. As the number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s increases, so does the need for healthcare providers, caregivers, research and education.

TMDF will seek to aid in meeting those challenges.

“First, TMDF will train and mentor students, healthcare professionals, and community advocates to become future providers and leaders in memory disorder care,” said Cheryl Rice, President of the TMDF board of directors. “Second, the non-profit will promote health through raising awareness of the need for research and participation in research trials designed to shed light on these devastating diseases that disproportionally affect older Americans. In addition, TMDF – through its charitable clinic – Genesis Neuroscience Clinic, will provide direct patient care on a sliding fee basis.”

According to Crane, TMDF will use its donations to compensate interns while promoting the non-profit’s mission into every step and decision made regarding the mentoring program.

“Genesis Neuroscience Clinic’s mentoring program allows a diverse group of undergraduates a direct pathway into medical school,” said Crane. “The clinic gives opportunities by providing these paid leadership roles with the goal of giving students the best hands-on clinical experience they can have in addition to guidance on how to apply and be admitted into medical school.”

To donate to TMDF, visit tmdf.org/donate/ or mail to 1400 Dowell Springs Blvd #340, Knoxville, Tenn., 37909.

ETMAC, Knoxville Chamber release 2021 Military Economic Impact Report

The Knoxville area’s military installations and activities generate an estimated $2.98 billion in economic impact each year, according to a study conducted by the East Tennessee Military Affairs Council (ETMAC), in cooperation with the Knoxville Chamber. Data for this study was collected in 2019 and updates the previous study completed in 2017 which showed an impact of $1.8 billion.

The study calculated the monetary impact of the active duty, guard, and reserve components of the US Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. The study takes into account the annual payroll of active duty, guard, reserve, and civilian personnel, expenditures for construction, supplies, services and materials, indirect jobs resulting from military personnel and military contracts given to area businesses and other factors like retirees’ pay and veterans’ benefits.

“ETMAC completes this economic analysis to provide business and civic leaders a discernable look at the significant contribution that the military and defense programs make to the economy of East Tennessee,” said BG Geoff Freeman, US Army, retired, and President of ETMAC. “Because the military is one of the major drivers of economic activity in our area, in terms of direct and indirect jobs, supplies and services, and costs to maintain, train and operate facilities, our hope is that business and civic leaders will consider policies and actions that support and help retain this valuable resource in East Tennessee.”

The economic impact – measured for the year Fiscal Year 2019 is as follows:

Veteran’s Benefits: $816,460,118 million

Active Duty/Guard/Reserves: $327,057,646 million

Dept. of Defense Contracts: $1,378,009,000 billion

Military Retirees: $458,373,672 million

Total: $2.98 billion

The analysis uses the U.S. Department of Defense methodology to measure activity within 50 miles of Knoxville. The largest installations from an economic standpoint were the McGhee Tyson Tennessee Air National Guard Base and the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, TN Army National Guard. Also, more than 9,000 + military retirees live within the 50-mile radius. Several organizations rank Tennessee in the “top ten” most desirable places for military retirees, based on such factors as: the state's cost of living, taxes imposed by the state, city, and county, the availability of a military base and veterans administration facilities, primary care facilities, dentists, shopping stores, banking services, senior citizen services, as well as having a variety of recreational activities.

“It is always important to recognize and honor the contributions of our local military units,” said Freeman. “We hope this report will encourage local businesses to take special care of the many men and women who serve our country, and recognize how important they are to our national defense, as well as our local economy.”

Governor Lee, Commissioner Rolfe announce Flex-N-Gate to expand Blount County operations

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe and Flex-N-Gate officials announced today that the company will expand its operations, creating 91 new jobs in Blount County.

Flex-N-Gate, an automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) supplier, specializes in manufacturing plastic, metal, lighting and mechanical assemblies. The company will invest $5.5 million to upgrade and expand its Rockford manufacturing facility and increase production in lighting materials.

Flex-N-Gate has been manufacturing automotive parts since the 1960s. Headquartered in Urbana, Ill., Flex-N-Gate currently employs approximately 185 people at its Rockford location and 23,000 throughout the world. For employment inquiries please go to www.Flex-N-Gate.com.

Over the last five years, TNECD has supported nearly 70 economic development projects in East Tennessee, resulting in 9,000 commitments and $2.5 billion in capital investment.

“Supporting the companies in our automotive sector is key to the success and growth of Tennessee’s economy. I’m pleased to have Flex-N-Gate expand its Rockford operations, and I thank them for creating over 90 new jobs in Blount County.” – Gov. Bill Lee

“Tennessee is home to over 900 automotive suppliers, and since last year we have seen more than $2.3 billion invested in the automotive sector. At TNECD, we are focused on doing all that we can to support these companies so that when they are looking to grow, Tennessee is the clear choice. Thank you, Flex-N-Gate, for choosing Tennessee.” – TNECD Commissioner Bob Rolfe

“We would like to thank the state of Tennessee and Blount County for making Rockford the best place to locate this project. Flex-N-Gate looks forward to continued growth and job creation in partnership with TNECD and Blount County.” – Bill Beistline, Flex-N-Gate executive vice president of Metals and Procurement

“TVA and Maryville Electric Department congratulate Flex-n-Gate on its decision to expand in Blount County. It’s always an exciting day when we can celebrate a company’s commitment to continued growth in the Valley, and we are proud to partner with the Blount Partnership and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to support Flex-n-Gate’s business success.” – John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of Economic Development

“It’s no surprise to me that Flex-n-Gate is making a $5.5 million investment in Blount County to expand their operations and create 91 new jobs. Tennessee, especially Blount County, is a great place to do business. We are grateful to Governor Lee, Commissioner Rolfe and local officials for securing these jobs and this investment.” – Sen. Art Swann (R-Maryville)

“In Blount County, part of our mission has always been to help our existing companies expand and grow. We are grateful that Flex-N-Gate has the confidence to make this investment in our community.” – Rep. Jerome Moon (R-Maryville)

About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies that help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. To grow and strengthen Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment to the state and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @tnecd. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tnecd.

Big Kahuna Wing Festival becomes strategic gateway to World Food Championships

One of Knoxville’s most anticipated food events, the Big Kahuna Wing Festival, is back and has been named a Super Regional Qualifier for the world’s largest Food Sport event, World Food Championships (WFC).

Through this regional gateway program, the event will qualify five local Knoxville cooks to compete at WFC’s 9th Annual Main Event, November 5-7, in Dallas, Texas, where more than $300,000 in prize money is up for grabs.

“The Big Kahuna Festival is personally one of my favorite events to attend annually, and we’re happy to be able to welcome them back as a regional qualifier for cooks and chefs who want to compete on a global stage,” said Mike McCloud, WFC President and CEO. “These strategic qualifiers not only highlight the great local cuisine from America’s diverse regions, but they end up giving passionate cooks a chance at WFC to develop life-long friends who share the same passion and purpose of food through competition.”

The September 5th Big Kahuna Wing Festival is expected to fill Downtown Knoxville with its flavorful and alluring aroma of hot wings on the barbie. The festival will feature over 15,000 pounds of wings to be enjoyed by attendees and then ranked by WFC’s E.A.T.™ certified judges.

Any E.A.T.™ certified foodie who is interested in putting his or her taste buds to the tests and judging some of the best wings in the South can apply here. If you’re not E.A.T.™ certified yet, simply take WFC’s online certification course at www.wfcfoodjudge.com to become eligible.

The WFC 2021 qualifying event –– which will be held at the World's Fair Park Performance Lawn located between the Sunsphere and 11th Street –– is currently accepting cooking team applications here. Participating teams will be whipping up their best wing recipes for a chance to take home the event’s $10,000 prize purse and “Tennessee’s Best Wings-2021” bragging rights.

VIP tickets go on sale July 5th, while General Admission tickets will be available August 5th. Tickets are available at https://www.bkwfestival.com/ticket-info/.

More information on the Big Kahuna Wing Festival can be found at https://www.bkwfestival.com/.

In the meantime, stay up-to-date on all things Food Sport, follow the World Food Championships on Twitter (@WorldFoodChamp), Facebook and Instagram (@WorldFoodChampionships).

About Big Kahuna Wing Festival

This year, the 8th annual Big Kahuna Wing Festival celebrates the creation of the “Buffalo Wing”, which has become a national food icon. Invented in 1964 at the world famous Anchor Bar by Teresa Bellisimo, the popularity of the chicken wing has made it America’s #1 appetizer. Last year alone over 20 billion wings were consumed by Americans, 1.25 billion on Super Bowl weekend alone.

The Big Kahuna Wing Festival has become one of the best culinary events in the region. Last year the festival drew over 8,000 attendees who enjoyed over 100 different sauces from 40 different teams representing restaurants, cooking teams, businesses, and The University of Tennessee Culinary Institute. Attendees and visitors come from all over the region. All for the love of the “Buffalo Wing” and to raise money for charity.

About World Food Championships

The World Food Championships (WFC) is the highest stakes food competition in the world. This multi-day, live event culinary competition showcases some of the world's best cooks who compete for food, fame and fortune in 10 categories (Bacon, Barbecue, Burger, Chef, Dessert, Recipe, Sandwich, Seafood, Soup and Steak). In 2019, more than 450 culinary teams from 11 countries and 42 American states competed in WFC’s Main Event. In August, the 10 Category Champs went head-to-head for a $100,000 bonus that determined a new World Food Champion in a TV special called The Final Table: Indianapolis. While contestants have to earn their way into WFC by winning a Golden Ticket at a previous competition, potential judges are welcome to take WFC’s online certification course that explains the E.A.T. methodology. Certified judges then request and receive available seats at the next scheduled WFC event. Click here to learn more about getting certified.