Upcoming Penny Performances
Last updated February 21, 2012
Penny Performances give every child in Knox County, including home-schooled and private-schooled students, an opportunity to attend arts and culture events/activities at the maximum cost of ONE PENNY when accompanied by an adult during the academic school year. The Penny Performances program meets the local arts community’s long-term goal of serving and educating East Tennessee's children.
Click here for Penny Performances happening today!The following guidelines apply to EVERY Penny Performance event:
+ Open to Knox County residents only.
+ All children ages 5-15 must be accompanied by a paying adult (age 18 and older) in a ratio not to exceed three children per one adult.
+ Proof of Knox County residency (driver's license) will be required for each adult accompanying children ages 5-15.
+ Students ages 16-18 must show proof of Knox County residency.
+ At least one in a group of up to four Knox County students ages 16-18 must purchase a regular adult admission/ticket (if applicable) for the group to be able to participate in Penny Performances.
See individual Penny Performance listings below for exceptions to any of the above rules.
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Thursday-Friday, February 23-24, 8:00 PM Knoxville Symphony Orchestra: Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony University of Tennessee Choruses will join the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra all led by Music Director Lucas Richman. Concerts begin at 8:00 PM, with a pre-concert chat at 7:00 PM. Advance reservations required? YES How to obtain admission: Please call the KSO Box Office at 865-291-3310, option 4, to charge by phone, or come to the Box Office at the Emporium, 100 S. Gay Street, Suite 302, Knoxville, TN 37902 (Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM). This offer is not available through web sales. Previously purchased tickets may be picked up at will-call at the venue beginning one hour prior to the event. No free tickets will be given to any students, regardless of age, without one paying adult. This offer will not be available for walk up sales at the venue the afternoon or evening of the concert. Cut off for advance reservations is 5:00 PM on Wednesday, February 22. Contact: The KSO Box Office, 865-291-3310, Option 4, e-mail Tennessee Theatre, 604 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902 | www.knoxvillesymphony.com |
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Saturday, March 3, 7:30 PM The WordPlayers: Anne of Avonlea This delightful, enchanting play is a sequel to Anne of Green Gables and continues the exciting adventures of one of literature's most enduring characters, Anne Shirley. From her first days as a young teacher to her departure for Redmond College, we are reacquainted with such old friends as Marilla Cuthbert, Rachel Lynde, Diana Barry and Gilbert Blythe. We also meet many new ones. This heartwarming and humorously uplifting play will be fondly remembered by audiences long after the final curtain. Advance reservations required? Recommended but not required How to obtain admission: 50 admissions are available for $0.01. Specific seats are not reserved. Seating is General Admission. After 50, people are welcome to wait until 5 minutes before curtain and if seats remain, they will be admitted. Tickets are available at the door until the theatre fills up or at 7:30 PM. Contact: 865-539-2490, e-mail The WordPlayers' Theatre @ MCM, 1540 Robinson Road, Knoxville, TN 37923 | www.wordplayers.org |
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Sunday, March 4, 2:30 PM Knoxville Symphony Orchestra: Stravinsky’s A Soldier’s Tale The Chamber Orchestra will also perform Stravinsky’s Concerto in D and Schoenberg’s Verklarte Nacht. KSO Music Director Lucas Richman will conduct the concert. The concert will take place at the Bijou Theatre at 2:30 PM. There will be a discussion immediately following the concert with the performers. Advance reservations required? YES How to obtain admission: Please call the KSO Box Office at 865-291-3310, option 4, to charge by phone, or come to the Box Office at the Emporium, 100 S. Gay Street, Suite 302, Knoxville, TN 37902 (Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM). This offer is not available through web sales. Previously purchased tickets may be picked up at will-call at the venue beginning one hour prior to the event. No free tickets will be given to any students, regardless of age, without one paying adult. This offer will not be available for walk up sales at the venue the afternoon or evening of the concert. Cut off for advance reservations is 5:00 PM on Wednesday, February 29. Contact: The KSO Box Office, 865-291-3310, Option 4, e-mail Bijou Theatre, 803 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902 | www.knoxvillesymphony.com |
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March 6-10, Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Additional dates: April 3-7, May 1-5, June 5-9, July 3-7 (closed July 4) Blount Mansion Association: Penny Performances Week at Blount Mansion Free tours are provided for up to three students (per paying adult) during the first full week of every month during the year (except January). Tours are given at the top of each hour. The last tour starts at 4:00 PM. We are closed on Sundays and Mondays. Advance reservations required? NO Contact: Patricia Brake Rutenberg, 865-525-2375, e-mail 200 W. Hill Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37901 | www.blountmansion.org |
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March 7-10, Wednesday-Friday, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (appointment required) Additional dates: April 4-7, May 2-5 The Mabry-Hazen House: Guided Tours Free tours are provided for up to three Knox County students (with paying adult) during the first week of every month during the calendar school year. Does not include special events. Visitors will be guided through the Mabry-Hazen House with a detailed history of the Mabry-Hazen Family and will view the full Family collection of over 5,000 heirlooms. Advance reservations required? YES - Appointments are required during January and February. Contact: Calvin Chappelle, 865-951-6614 or 865-522-8661, e-mail 1711 Dandridge Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37915 | www.mabryhazen.com |
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Friday-Saturday, March 9-10 Jubilee Community Arts: Jubilee Festival Traditional Music festival. Details TBA. Advance reservations required? YES How to obtain admission: After purchasing an adult ticket through www.KnoxTIX.com or by mail, an adult ticket holder may call to reserve up to three children’s tickets. Contact: Brent Cantrell, 865-522-5851, e-mail Laurel Theater, 1538 Laurel Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37916 | www.jubileearts.org |
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March 16 - April 1, Thursday-Saturday at 8:00 PM and Sunday at 3:00 PM Tennessee Stage Company: New Play Festival production of "The Good Son" A world premiere play of a murder mystery by Knoxville playwright Craig Smith. The play has strong language; young people would need to be accompanied by an adult. Seats are first come, first served (up to 50 per performance). Advance reservations required? Recommended but not required Contact: Tom Parkhill, 865-546-4280, e-mail Theatre Knoxville Downtown, 319 N. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37917 | www.tennesseestage.com |
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Thursday-Friday, March 22-23, 8:00 PM Knoxville Symphony Orchestra: Holst’s The Planets Knoxville Symphony Orchestra’s Moxley Carmichael Masterworks Series presents Holst’s The Planets featuring the women of the Knoxville Chamber Chorale. The orchestra will also perform Kernis’ Musica Celestis and Handel’s Viola Concerto in B minor featuring Mary Persin. Guest Conductor Daniel Meyer will lead the KSO. Concerts begin at 8:00 PM, with a pre-concert chat at 7:00 PM. Advance reservations required? YES How to obtain admission: Please call the KSO Box Office at 865-291-3310, option 4, to charge by phone, or come to the Box Office at the Emporium, 100 S. Gay Street, Suite 302, Knoxville, TN 37902 (Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM). This offer is not available through web sales. Previously purchased tickets may be picked up at will-call at the venue beginning one hour prior to the event. No free tickets will be given to any students, regardless of age, without one paying adult. This offer will not be available for walk up sales at the venue the afternoon or evening of the concert. Cut off for advance reservations is 5:00 PM on Wednesday, March 21. Contact: The KSO Box Office, 865-291-3310, Option 4, e-mail Tennessee Theatre, 604 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902 | www.knoxvillesymphony.com |
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Sunday, April 1, 2:30 PM Knoxville Symphony Orchestra: The Principal Quartet The program will feature Alvarez’s Metro Chabacano, Mozart’s String Quartet No. 16 in E-flat, K. 428 and Chausson’s Concerto for Violin, Piano and String Quartet in D Major, Op. 21. The concert will take place at the Bijou Theatre on April 1 at 2:30 PM. There will be a discussion immediately following the concert with the performers. Advance reservations required? YES How to obtain admission: Please call the KSO Box Office at 865-291-3310, option 4, to charge by phone, or come to the Box Office at the Emporium, 100 S. Gay Street, Suite 302, Knoxville, TN 37902 (Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM). This offer is not available through web sales. Previously purchased tickets may be picked up at will-call at the venue beginning one hour prior to the event. No free tickets will be given to any students, regardless of age, without one paying adult. This offer will not be available for walk up sales at the venue the afternoon or evening of the concert. Cut off for advance reservations is 5:00 PM on Wednesday, March 28. Contact: The KSO Box Office, 865-291-3310, Option 4, e-mail Bijou Theatre, 803 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902 | www.knoxvillesymphony.com |
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Tuesday, April 10, 8:00 PM Knoxville Jazz Orchestra: Country and Bluegrass meet the Big Band with Rob Ickes What do you get when you cross a smokin’ jazz big band, a master dobro player and some of the great songs from the styles of Country, Bluegrass and traditional Gospel? You’ll have to come to this concert to find out! Dobro master Rob Ickes is one of the most accomplished and innovative musicians on the scene today. He has been named Dobro Artist of the Year eleven times by the International Bluegrass Music Association and has collaborated with a wide range of musicians in many genres including Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Alison Krauss, Merle Haggard, Earl Scruggs, Tony Rice, Charlie Haden and John Scofield. Don’t miss this extraordinary musical event! Advance reservations required? YES - The public may obtain one free student ticket per paying adult by visiting the Tennessee Theatre box office in person prior to the day of the show to get the free ticket. No tickets will be issued on the day of the event, and they will not be available for purchase online. Contact: Emily Mathis, e-mail Bijou Theatre, 803 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902 | www.knoxjazz.org |
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Thursday-Friday, April 19-20, 8:00 PM Knoxville Symphony Orchestra: Carnival of the Animals Children’s Poet Laureate Jack Prelutsky will join the orchestra to narrate Saint-Saens’ work. Also on the program is Schubert’s Overture, D. 590 in D Major, Saint-Saens’ Concerto No. 3 for Violin with David Kim and Schubert’s Symphony No. 8, "Unfinished." KSO Music Director Lucas Richman will conduct the concert. Concerts begin at 8:00 PM with a pre-concert chat at 7:00 PM. Advance reservations required? YES How to obtain admission: Please call the KSO Box Office at 865-291-3310, option 4, to charge by phone, or come to the Box Office at the Emporium, 100 S. Gay Street, Suite 302, Knoxville, TN 37902 (Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM). This offer is not available through web sales. Previously purchased tickets may be picked up at will-call at the venue beginning one hour prior to the event. No free tickets will be given to any students, regardless of age, without one paying adult. This offer will not be available for walk up sales at the venue the afternoon or evening of the concert. Cut off for advance reservations is 5:00 PM on Wednesday, April 18. Contact: The KSO Box Office, 865-291-3310, Option 4, e-mail Tennessee Theatre, 604 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902 | www.knoxvillesymphony.com |
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Friday-Sunday, April 20-22 Dogwood Arts Rhythm N Blooms Music Festival Dogwood Arts celebrates East Tennessee’s rich musical heritage with Rhythm N Blooms. This weekend-long event features locally-revered and nationally-renowned Americana Root artists whose music spans country, blues, jazz, rock, bluegrass and folk. One student may receive admission for $0.01 per one paying adult. Advance reservations required? NO - Tickets may be purchased the day of the event at the Rhythm N Blooms Tent at Market Square Contact: Lyle Keeble, 865-637-4561, e-mail Various locations in downtown Knoxville | www.RhythmNBloomsFest.com | www.dogwoodarts.com |
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Sunday, April 22, 3:00 PM Knoxville Chamber Chorale: Spring Concert An afternoon of choral chamber music and solos followed by a reception. Adult tickets are $10 and may be purchased at the door or in advance from a Chorale member. Up to three children may attend for $0.01 per paying adult. Advance reservations required? NO Contact: Nancy Middlemas, 865-579-6292, e-mail St. John's Episcopal Cathedral, 413 W. Cumberland Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37902| www.knoxvillechoralsociety.org |
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April 25-27 and May 2-4 Clarence Brown Theatre: Kiss Me Kate Book by Bella & Sam Spewack; lyrics & music by Cole Porter. Originally Staged by John D. Wilson. Start with Shakespeare, add the timeless songs of Cole Porter, and you get a multiple Tony Award winning musical! This play-within-a-play recounts the onstage and offstage romantic battles of a touring production of The Taming of the Shrew. Featuring songs like "Brush Up Your Shakespeare", "Another Op'nin', Another Show" and "Why Can't You Behave?". With the purchase of one adult ticket, Knox County residents can buy up to three child tickets free. Advance reservations required? YES How to obtain admission: 35 admissions are available each night for $0.01 each. Please call the CBT Box Office at 865-974-5161 to charge by phone or come to the Box Office at the Clarence Brown Theatre, 1714 Andy Holt Avenue on the UT Campus, Knoxville, TN 37996 (Monday-Friday 12:00-5:00 PM). This offer is not available through web sales. Previously purchased tickets may be picked up at will-call at the Clarence Brown Theatre Box Office anytime during operational hours. Cut-off for purchasing Penny Performance tickets is 24 hours before show time. Contact: 865-974-5161, e-mail Clarence Brown Theatre, 1714 Andy Holt Avenue on the UT Campus, Knoxville, TN 37996 | www.clarencebrowntheatre.com |
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Friday, April 27, 8:00 PM and Sunday, April 29, 2:30 PM Knoxville Opera: Verdi’s Otello Internationally-renowned tenor Michael Austin stars as the jealous general Otello. Alluring Greek soprano Kassandra Dimopoulou makes her American debut as the betrayed Desdemona. In Italian with projected English translations. This production features brief dramatic readings from Shakespeare's Othello in English during the opera performance. Advance reservations required? YES How to obtain admission: Please bring all student IDs and payment for any adult tickets to the Knoxville Opera Box Office located at 612 E. Depot Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917 no later than four days prior to the performance you wish to attend. Contact: Knoxville Opera Box Office, 865-524-0795, ext. 1, e-mail Tennessee Theatre, 604 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902 | www.knoxvilleopera.com |
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Saturday-Sunday, May 5-6 Historic Ramsey House: Skirmish on the Holston A Living History Weekend commemorating the Civil War. Up to three children per paying adult may attend for $0.01. More details TBA! Advance reservations required? NO Contact: Sherrie Shuler, 865-546-0745, e-mail 2614 Thorngrove Pike, Knoxville, TN 37914 | www.ramseyhouse.org |
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Sunday, May 6, 2:30 PM Knoxville Symphony Orchestra: Schubert’s “Unfinished” Symphony The Chamber Orchestra will also perform Schubert’s Piano Trio No. 2 in E-flat Major, Op. 10, the world premiere of Richman’s Salutation No. 9 and Schubert’s Overture, D. 590, D Major. KSO Music Director Lucas Richman will conduct the concert. The concert will take place at the Bijou Theatre at 2:30 PM. There will be a discussion immediately following the concert with the performers. Advance reservations required? YES How to obtain admission: Please call the KSO Box Office at 865-291-3310, option 4, to charge by phone, or come to the Box Office at the Emporium, 100 S. Gay Street, Suite 302, Knoxville, TN 37902 (Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM). This offer is not available through web sales. Previously purchased tickets may be picked up at will-call at the venue beginning one hour prior to the event. No free tickets will be given to any students, regardless of age, without one paying adult. This offer will not be available for walk up sales at the venue the afternoon or evening of the concert. Cut off for advance reservations is 5:00 PM on Wednesday, May 2. Contact: The KSO Box Office, 865-291-3310, Option 4, e-mail Bijou Theatre, 803 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902 | www.knoxvillesymphony.com |
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Thursday-Friday, May 17-18, 8:00 PM Knoxville Symphony Orchestra: Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G KSO Music Director Lucas Richman will lead the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra performing Thomas’ Mignon Overture, Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G with Martina Filjak, Lalo’s Le Roi d'Ys Overture and Debussy’s La Mer. Concerts begin at 8:00 PM, with a pre-concert chat at 7:00 PM. Advance reservations required? YES How to obtain admission: Please call the KSO Box Office at 865-291-3310, option 4, to charge by phone, or come to the Box Office at the Emporium, 100 S. Gay Street, Suite 302, Knoxville, TN 37902 (Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM). This offer is not available through web sales. Previously purchased tickets may be picked up at will-call at the venue beginning one hour prior to the event. No free tickets will be given to any students, regardless of age, without one paying adult. This offer will not be available for walk up sales at the venue the afternoon or evening of the concert. Cut off for advance reservations is 5:00 PM on Wednesday, May 16. Contact: The KSO Box Office, 865-291-3310, Option 4, e-mail Tennessee Theatre, 604 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902 | www.knoxvillesymphony.com |
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ONGOING: Wednesday-Friday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM; Saturday 10:00 AM - noon Crescent Bend House and Gardens: Free Museum Admission 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 600 acre working farm and so named for its prominent setting overlooking a majestic crescent bend in the Tennessee River just west of downtown Knoxville. The Armstrong-Lockett House Museum at Crescent Bend contains an extensive fine antique art and furniture collection from notable artisans. Also on display is an outstanding American and English Silver collection dating back to the 16th century. The William P. Toms Memorial Garden at Crescent Bend is a three-acre formal Italian terraced pleasure garden that overlooks the Tennessee River. Visitors can stroll among the nine terraced gardens of Japanese Maples, Roses, Conifers, Perennials and thousands of colorful blooming annuals that are set to the backdrop of the dancing waters from five large fountains. Up to three students may enjoy a tour of Crescent Bend for free with paid adult admission. Last tour on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday begins at 3:00 PM. Closed December and January. Advance reservations required? YES How to obtain admission: Please call ahead to schedule a tour. Contact: Judy McMillan, 865-637-3163, e-mail 2728 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919 | www.crescentbend.com |
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ONGOING: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM; Saturday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM; Sunday 1:00-5:00 PM East Tennessee Historical Society: Free Museum Admission Free admission to the Museum of East Tennessee History for one parent accompanying a participating child. Advance reservations required? NO How to obtain admission: See the museum staff member at front desk of History Center. Contact: 865-215-8824, e-mail East Tennessee History Center, 601 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902 | www.eastTNhistory.org |
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ONGOING: Monday-Saturday, 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM James White’s Fort: Tour the Fort 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. Advance reservations required? NO. How to obtain admission: Admission is free for up to three children per paying adult. No groups. Contact: 865-525-6514, e-mail 205 East Hill Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37915 | www.jameswhitesfort.org |
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ONGOING: Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Sunday 1:00-5:00 PM (closed Mondays and holidays) Knoxville Museum of Art Higher Ground: A Century of the Visual Arts in East Tennessee The Higher Ground exhibition traces the development of the fine art craft in the region and the surrounding area over the past century. It tells the largely unknown story of the area’s rich artistic history and its connection to the larger currents of American art. Many of the featured artists spent their entire lives and careers in the area, while some moved away to follow their creative ambitions. Others were drawn to the region by its natural beauty, as the wealth of landscape imagery in this exhibition attests. Higher Ground allows viewers to follow the history of artistic activity in the region over a century of development and learn about some of the many exceptionally gifted individuals who have helped shape the area’s visual arts tradition. Every student visitor accompanied by a parent/guardian will receive an art-related gift. Advance reservations required? NO How to obtain admission: Admission is Free. Knox County students will receive a free gift at the KMA Gift Shop. Contact: Rosalind Martin, 865-523-6349, e-mail 1050 World's Fair Park, Knoxville, TN 37916 | www.knoxart.org |
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ONGOING: Saturday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Sunday, 12:00-5:00 PM Marble Springs State Historic Site / Governor John Sevier Farmstead: Guided Tours John Sevier was elected Tennessee’s first governor in 1796. His property at Marble Springs in South Knox County was a working farm and a weekend retreat until 1800 when he resided at the farm till his death in 1815. Today Marble Springs consists of Sevier’s cabin, a tavern, loom house, smoke house, and trading post. Tours are provided for students for FREE every Saturday and Sunday (except during special events and holidays). Gates close at 5:00 PM; Tours start at the top of the hour; the last tour starts at 4:00 PM. Advance reservations required? NO How to obtain admission: Upon entry to the historic site, visitors should approach the Trading Post Gift Shop. This building is the closest to the parking lot and has an information sign on the outside wall. A tour guide will be available unless otherwise posted (work is often conducted in our on-site offices), in which case, please call 865-573-5508 and a tour guide will be with you shortly. Contact: Anna Chappelle (or on-site staff), 865-573-5508, e-mail 1220 West Governor John Sevier Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920 | www.marblesprings.net |
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ONGOING: Monday-Saturday, 12:00-1:00 PM WDVX-FM Radio: WDVX Blue Plate Special Free live music show and live radio broadcast AND studio tour with reservations. 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, and online at www.wdvx.com as well as 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. Advance reservations required? For studio tour only. Contact: Jennie Caissie, 865-544-1029 x231, e-mail Knoxville Visitor Center, 301 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902 (other locations as announced) | www.wdvx.com |