Free live music show! Join WDVX & your host Sean McCollough for Kidstuff Live at the Knoxville Visitors Center. Also featuring the Rockin' Kidstuff Band with Kevin Abernathy and girl band The Pinksters. So grab your adult and come to Kidstuff Live! It's a lot of fun for the kid in everyone!

Contact: 865-544-1029 x231, e-mail
Knoxville Visitor Center, 301 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902 (other locations as announced) | www.wdvx.com
Advance reservations required? NO

June 1, 2013 marks the 217th anniversary of Tennessee’s admission as the 16th state in the union. East Tennessee’s most important cultural heritage sites are partnering to celebrate Statehood Day on Saturdays, May 25 and June 1. The sites include places of historical significance in the exciting journey from the creation of our country to the founding of our state. Each site will have individual ways of celebrating the birth of Tennessee. This is a free museum day to the public.

Crescent Bend House & Gardens (Saturday, May 25, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Historic Crescent Bend House & Gardens is one of the Southeast’s finest house museums and gardens. Built in 1834 by Drury Paine Armstrong, Crescent Bend was once a 900-acre working farm and so named for its prominent setting overlooking a majestic crescent bend in the Tennessee River just west of downtown Knoxville. Hosting free admission; Crescent Bend House & Gardens, 2728 Kingston Pike Knoxville, TN 37919. Information: 865-637-3163, www.crescentbend.com

Historic Ramsey House (open Saturday, May 25, 12:00-2:00 PM)
Historic Ramsey House was built in 1797 by Knoxville's first builder, Thomas Hope, for Francis Alexander Ramsey, one of Knoxville’s first settlers. Armed with a recent paranormal study, Historic Ramsey House is once again having “A Haunting at Ramsey,” this time to include a trip to our recently acquired cemetery at Lebanon at the Forks. This cemetery is where the original Ramsey Family has been buried along with several other area residents from that period. Historic Ramsey House, 2614 Thorngrove Pike, Knoxville, TN 37914. Information: 865-546-0745, www.ramseyhouse.org

Marble Springs (Saturday, May 25, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Sunday, May 26, 12:00-5:00 PM)
Marble Springs was the home of John Sevier (1745-1815), Tennessee’s first governor and Revolutionary War hero. Marble Springs State Historic Site will commemorate this occasion with a weekend of Living History. Walk amongst Living History interpreters in 18th Century clothing portraying life on the frontier, encampments, and more. Children’s activities include falling into a militia drill and playing with period toys. Blacksmithing, weaving, and open hearth cooking will be demonstrated all weekend. Food will be available for purchase. This event is free and open to the public. Donations are appreciated. Marble Springs: 1220 West Gov. John Sevier Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920. Information: 865-573-5508, www.marblesprings.net

Blount Mansion (Saturday, June 1, 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM)
Construction on Blount Mansion began in 1792, making it the oldest museum in Knox County. Commemorate the creation of the state of Tennessee and celebrate the pioneers who settled and transformed the southwest territory into the vibrant state of Tennessee. Blount Mansion, 200 W. Hill Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information: 865-525-2375, www.blountmansion.org

James Whites Fort (Saturday, June 1, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
Built in 1786, James White’s Fort was home to the founder of Knoxville. More than 10,000 visitors tour the Fort each year and experience the frontier lifestyle through hands-on interpretations. Celebrate at James White’s Fort and learn about open hearth cooking and blacksmithing. Free admission, and donations will be gladly accepted. James White's Fort, 205 E. Hill Ave, Knoxville, TN 37915. Information: 865-525-6514, www.jameswhitefort.org

Mabry-Hazen House (Saturday, June 1, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
Celebrate Tennessee Statehood Day and Confederate Decoration Day! Confederate Decoration Day starts at 11:00 AM at Bethel Confederate Cemetery, and shuttles will be available beginning at 10:00 AM at the Mabry-Hazen parking lot. Heritage groups including the Sons of Confederate Veterans and the United Daughters of the Confederacy will gather at the Bethel Cemetery to honor over 1,600 Confederate soldiers who are interred at this historic site. Speakers will be present to offer perspectives relating to the Civil War and the role of the Confederate soldier. In addition, tours of the newly opened Bethel Cemetery Civil War Museum will be offered. Parking will be located at the Mabry-Hazen House and buses will shuttle visitors down the road to the cemetery. The event is free and open to the public. Mabry-Hazen House, 1711 Dandridge Avenue, Knoxville, TN, 37915. Information: 865-522-8661, www.mabryhazen.com

Additionally, Crocket Tavern Museum in Morristown will join the Knoxville-area historic sites celebrating 217th anniversary of Tennessee Statehood Day. The Museum was built on the site of the boyhood home of Davy Crockett. It is a reconstruction of the 1790's John Crockett Tavern. Crocket Tavern Museum will be open with free admission on June 1 from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Crocket Tavern Museum, 2002 Morningside Drive, Morristown, TN 37814. Information: 423-587-9900, http://www.crocketttavernmuseum.org

May 25 – June 29: Children’s Watercolor
Saturdays, 1:30-3:00 PM. Mary Secrist will offer watercolor classes for students ages 8 – 12 years old. All materials will be supplied. Cost: $75 per student.

May 28 – June 25 AND July 2-30: Children’s Art
Tuesdays, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM. Jan Bolus will work with students to have one or two completed projects to take home at the end of each class. The cost is $105 for non-members; all materials included.

Clay classes: We have flexible times for children’s handbuilding with clay or wheel thrown clay. Call the Director or email the Art Center to schedule. Appropriate for ages 8+.

We also offer classical and folk guitar lessons at the Art Center through instructor Andy LeGrand of LeGrand Music Studio: e-mail or 865-223-5885.

Contact: Sylvia Williams, 865-357-2787, e-mail
Fountain City Art Center, 213 Hotel Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37918 | www.fountaincityartctr.com

May 28-31, June 3-7, June 10-14, June 17-18
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Kuumba Watoto Urban Youth Institute has been a seasonal program since AAAA's inception. Every year we hold a Drum and Dance camp for kids from 5 to 18 years old lasting 4 weeks. Camp participants are exposed to healthy forms of eating and endurance training which helps fight any early signs or current obesity. The KUUMBA KAMP experience leaves youth with a boost of self-discipline, pride, & self-esteem. Youth will also have the opportunity to perform during the Twenty-Fourth (24th) Anniversary KUUMBA FESTIVAL, with events happening throughout Knoxville. This year’s KUUMBA KAMP will feature workshops aimed to provide creative ways to develop the model performer through goal setting and boosting nutrition awareness. Participants will engage in creative lesson plans to enhance their Performance Skills. There will be workshops for jewelry and masquerade building, Guest Artist(s) trained in West African drum & dance, and plenty of fun & enrichment. Weight Loss and Goal-setting enrichment along with healthy snacks and plenty of fluids will be provided daily. Camp participants can bring a healthy snack daily. Cost: $60 per child for the entire camp; $25 per week/per child ($40 per child for family of 3 or more siblings).

Kuumba Kamp Community Sign-ups & Parent Appreciation Day will be on Sunday, May 26, 2013 from 2:00-5:00 PM in front of Austin-East Magnet High School on Martin Luther King Jr., Avenue.

Contact: 865-217-6786, e-mail
Vine Middle School, 1807 Martin Luther King Jr, Ave, Knoxville | www.kuumbafestival.com

Celebrate with a free birthday party featuring activities, games, crafts, refreshments, door prizes, and a photo booth. This birthday celebration marks the 50th anniversary of the museum’s official dedication, June 1, 1963. This family friendly event will feature activities related to the museum’s permanent and temporary exhibits, providing children the chance to try out prehistoric tools, create an Egyptian Pharaoh’s headdress, play pin-the-tooth on the dinosaur, identify birds, and complete an object scavenger hunt. Prizes will be given to McClung Museum “explorers” who complete activity “passports” during the event. A photo booth will allow visitors to take memorable photos with friends and family members. Free museum memberships and door prizes will be given away throughout the afternoon for both adults and children. Refreshments will also be provided courtesy of ARAMARK. Reservations are not required. Free parking is available in front of the museum on Circle Park Drive and also in adjacent university lots. 

Contact: 865-974-2143, e-mail
McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture, 1327 Circle Park Drive on the on the campus of the University of Tennessee
http://mcclungmuseum.utk.edu

KMA’s Summer Art Academy classes will expand your child’s creativity and his or her knowledge of art. The KMA offers classes that ignite your child’s imagination through painting, sculpture, drawing, and more. These classes will not only increase your child’s knowledge of art, but will help in the development of his or her artistic techniques, fine motor skills, critical thinking skills, and confidence. Each week offers a new and exciting age-appropriate art class that will nourish and challenge your child. Morning classes are offered each week for children ages 3-12 years old. Morning classes are offered each week for children ages 3-12 years old. Afternoon classes are offered for ages 13 and up. Tuition for the half-day class is $85.00 for Members and $100.00 for Non-members (unless specified otherwise), and includes workshop supplies, instruction, and guided tours. Workshops and scholarships are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Contact: 865-523-6349, e-mail
Knoxville Museum of Art, 1050 World’s Fair Park Drive, Knoxville, TN 37916 | PDF listing of classes

June 10-14 AND June 17-21
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM. Do you have children that are curious about science and enjoy field explorations and hands-on activities? Parents of rising fifth (10 years old), sixth and seventh graders can register their students now for a variety of science themed activities plus a tour of Oak Ridge National Laboratory and special presentations by ORNL researchers during the two weekly sessions. Cost is $175 for non-members. Both one-week camp sessions will be held at the Freels Bend Cabin site, where campers will utilize the natural setting to study insects, habitats, water, life science, weather, geology and fossils. Campers will also do activities and projects with flight, electricity and robots.

Contact: 865-576-3200, e-mail
300 S. Tulane Avenue, Oak Ridge, TN 37830 | www.amse.org

June 10-21: 100 Years of Broadway Musical Theatre Camp
9:00 AM – 3:30 PM, for ages 11-17. Cost: $390. This two-week camp teaches stage presence, musicality, movement and vocal skills and culminates in a fast-paced showcase of Broadway show tunes from Tin Pan Alley, to Grease to Phantom of the Opera!

June 24-28: Lights, Camera, Action! Musical Theatre Camp
9:00 AM – 3:30 PM, for ages 6-10. Cost: $195. We’ll focus on Hollywood for this one week camp filled with singing, dancing and fun with songs from Spongebob Squarepants, Finding Nemo, Shrek and more! Campers will craft their own props and costume pieces to use in the showcase performance.

July 8-12: Acting Skills For Young Actors Camp
9:00 AM – 3:30 PM, for ages 6-10. Cost: $195. This camp will offer age-appropriate training in how to read a script, prepare for auditions and rehearse and perform scenes from the latest TV and film scripts. Great for building both confidence and poise!

July 8-12: Playwriting Camp
9:00 AM – 3:30 PM, for ages 11-17. Cost: $195. A chance for budding wordsmiths to see their work on stage! Writing, acting and directing skills are covered in this one week camp. (It is recommended, but not required that Playwriting Campers sign up for On Camera Acting Skills Camp as well.)

July 15-19: On Camera Acting Skills Camp
9:00 AM – 3:30 PM, for ages 11-17. Cost: $215. Campers will learn how to prepare for and ace film auditions and see their work on video. Also in this one week camp, we’ll watch scenes from our favorite movies and welcome guest actors and directors.

July 22-26: Improvisational Acting
9:00 AM – 3:30 PM, for ages 11-17. Cost: $195. Professional actors use improvisation to find depth and truth in their characters. We’ll try out improv techniques for both drama and comedy in this one week camp where creativity rules!

July 22-26: Adult Acting Camp
6:30-9:00 PM, for ages 18+. Cost: $215. This evening camp is a chance to focus on acting skills in a fun atmosphere. Be challenged and supported by professional actors and directors as you grow in ability, confidence and professionalism.

Aftercare is available until 5:30 PM for $75 per week. All camps meet at 1529 Downtown West Blvd, Knoxville, TN 37919.

Contact: 865-312-2458, e-mail | www.flyinganviltheatre.com

Wednesday-Thursday, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Friday, 1:00-4:00 PM
Camp to be led by the multi-talented teacher, musician, and composer Jeff Comas, Owner of Allied Music Instructors. Children with and without disabilities will learn how to compose a symphony in paper, learn some music basics, and will perform an original piece of music they create. A family picnic and square dance will take place on Friday, June 14, from 4:00-8:00 PM as part of ETTAC's 25th Anniversary Celebration. Suggested donation for the camp is $20 per child, with scholarships available as requested and needed.

Contact: 865-219-0130, e-mail
116 Childress Street, Knoxville, TN 37920 | www.ettac.org

Children ages 7 and up will be treated to art classes from experienced artists.  The art topics for each week are:

June 12 - Drawing 2 with Larry Harrington
June 19 - Acrylic/Blue Dog with Marilyne Bartos
June 26 - Pottery with Judy Clark Turner
July 3 - Watercolor with Rebecca Harmelink
July 10 - Fabric Art with Jane Tavernier
July 17 - Mono Painting with Karen Shaw
July 24 - Watercolor with Rebecca Harmelink
July 31 - Watercolor with Sheryl Reeser
August 7 - Mono Painting with Karen Shaw
August 14 - Drawing Zentangles with Marilyne Bartos

The cost per session is $12 for the first child and $6 per additional child. This charge covers all materials.  Participants may attend any and all sessions with no reservation necessary.

Contact: 931-707-7249, e-mail
Plateau Creative Arts Center, 451 Lakeview Drive (off Peavine Drive) in Fairfield Glade | www.artguildfairfieldglade.net

Monday-Friday, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
For ages 7-12. The Appalachian Arts Craft Center has been teaching young people about crafts for more than 30 years. This camp teaches children about traditional Appalachian crafts as well as contemporary crafts. This year the camp will have projects like weaving, sewing, making baskets, making recycled paper, and other paper crafts. All crafts are suitable for boys and girls. Kids need to bring a packed lunch each day. Cost: $85 if registered by June 3; $95 after June 3. Some scholarships may be available. Call for more information.

Contact: 865-494-9854, e-mail
2716 Andersonville Highway, Clinton, TN | www.appalachianarts.net

June 17-21, June 24-28, July 8-12 AND July 15-19
Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
Imagine a summer camp packed with learning, making new friends, performing on stage, and most importantly - fun! That's just what we've designed with our Summer Acting Camps. Kids between the ages of 9 and 12 will experience the art of theatre. Each week children will learn improv, basic stage skills, and work together to write a play that they will perform on The U.S. Cellular Stage at The Bijou Theatre for family and friends at the close of each camp week.

Children are asked to bring a sack lunch that does not need to be refrigerated or heated. Cost: $135 per child per session.

June 17-21 (Carey Parham is the instructor for June 17-21 and July 15-19; Roy De La Rosa is the instructor for June 24-28 and July 8-12.

Contact: 865-522-0832 x 201, e-mail
803 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902 | www.knoxbijou.com

Our summer classes are structured around a week-long intensive schedule. The classes will culminate in a “workshop” presentation for family and friends at the end of the week. The classes are divided into three levels of acting experience. Class size is small so that individual instruction and growth is possible for each student. The cost for the week is $230 per student. Each student will receive 2 complimentary tickets to a KCT show upon completion of the class.

June 17-21: CAMP I: Acting III: Advanced Acting
Monday-Friday, 1:00-4:00 PM. Ages 10-17. The Acting III class will study realistic and objective based acting in a fast paced and creative context. Using the tools of modern acting, participants will create unique characters as they write their own scenes and bind them into a one-act play that they will produce and present to invited guests at the end of this intense one week experience. Only the brave, committed and creative need apply. Class size is limited and subject to instructor approval and submission of resume, so early application is encouraged.

June 24-28: CAMP II: Acting II: Basics of Musical Theatre A
Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Ages 8-11. Students in this class will develop their skills as a musical theatre performer. This will include good, healthy singing and vocal warmups, how to read and interpret music, learning to use the voice as an instrument for developing character and then how to execute a song in that same character. Students will learn how to appropriately make appropriate musical transitions on stage. We will also touch on learning new music quickly and the skill of singing and blending as a small ensemble. KCT’s Acting I class or some previous acting or stage experience recommended.

July 8-12: CAMP III: Acting II: Basics of Musical Theatre B
Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Ages 11-14. Students in this class will develop their skills as a musical theatre performer. This will include good, healthy singing and vocal warmups, how to read and interpret music, learning to use the voice as an instrument for developing character and then how to execute a song in that same character. Students will learn how to appropriately make appropriate musical transitions on stage. We will also touch on learning new music quickly and the skill of singing and blending as a small ensemble. KCT’s Acting I class or some previous acting or stage experience recommended.

July 15-19: CAMP IV: Acting II: Intermediate Acting
Monday-Friday, 1:00-4:00 PM. This class is designed to develop the confidence and creativity of the intermediate level actor. Students will study correct vocal projection, stage movement, character development, and improvisation. Students will learn to develop specific skills for the stage through acting games, performance activities, and scene study Students will practice acting in groups, pairs, and individually with different assignments. KCT’s Acting I class or some previous acting experience recommended.

July 22-26: CAMP V: Acting I: Beginning Acting
Monday-Friday, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM. Ages 8-11. KCT staff members have designed this class to channel the incredible energy of this age group into different characters and theatrical creations. Each class will begin with an introductory concept or skill of the theatre and acting for the stage. Students will practice through group acting games, performance activities, and beginning scene study and character development. This class is designed for students with little to no theatre experience who are interested in exploring the art of acting.

Contact: 865-599-5284, e-mail
109 E. Churchwell Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917 | www.childrenstheatreknoxville.com

Bring history to life; explore your creativity; expand your imagination; enhance your knowledge! This summer camp is designed for ages 9-13. Jump into American History and experience first-hand what it was like to live during early America. A fun filled week of outdoor and indoor hands-on activities.

Contact/registration: 865-539-7167 | www.pstcc.edu/bcs
At Historic Ramsey House, 2614 Thorngrove Pike, Knoxville, TN 37914 | www.ramseyhouse.org

Contact: Judy McMillan, 865-637-3163, e-mail
2728 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919 | www.crescentbend.com
Advance reservations required? YES; please call ahead to schedule a tour.

Free admission to the Museum of East Tennessee History for one parent accompanying a participating child.

Contact: 865-215-8824, e-mail
East Tennessee History Center, 601 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902 | www.eastTNhistory.org
Advance reservations required? NO

Visit James White's Fort to experience what life was like in East Tennessee more than 200 years ago! James White’s Fort is the home of James White who settled in Knoxville with a 1,000-acre land grant from the state of North Carolina. Includes White’s first home, furnished with original tools and artifacts from the period. Penny Performance students may enjoy a self-guided tour of the Fort for free with paid Adult admission.
Admission is free for up to three children per paying adult. No groups.

Free live music show and live radio broadcast. Students will also be given a studio tour upon request. The Blue Plate Special is broadcast on the radio at 89.9 FM, 93.9 FM and 102.9, online at www.wdvx.com, and on mobile devices through Public Radio Exchange (iPhone app) and Tune-In Radio (Droid app). Select shows will be held live at special locations throughout the year, including the Market Square Stage in downtown Knoxville.

Contact: 865-544-1029 x231, e-mail
Knoxville Visitor Center, 301 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902 (other locations as announced) | www.wdvx.com
Advance reservations required? For studio tour only.