Things to Do

Places to Go

Surprise Me!

Work Play Explore

Featured Stories

Battle of the Bands Keeps Hope Alive

The secret to a successful fundraiser resides not only in the cause, but in the appeal and entertainment it offers to those who may be inclined to attend. So credit New Hope Children’s Advocacy Center and The Shed Smokehouse & Juke Joint for inaugurating “New Hope’s Battle of the Bands: Band Together for Hope,” an event that adds an extra allure. Five local bands aged 25 and under will face off live in a high-energy competition, judged by celebrity judges and cheered on by a live audience. The winner will be awarded the Judges’ Winner Prize in the form of a professionally produced music video courtesy of Big Slate Media. The competition will take place on Saturday, March 28, 6 p.m., at The Shed Smokehouse & Juke Joint in Maryville.
Read More

MLK Center renovations bring opportunities

Every community needs a place where people can come together, grow collectively and rely on one another for support. In Alcoa, the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center has long served as that kind of space. For many residents, it is more than just a building: it is a place where friendships form, students find guidance and neighbors gather. Recent renovations to the center are helping expand those opportunities even further. The upgrades have created more space for enrichment programs, community activities and educational support while continuing to provide a welcoming environment for people of all ages.
Read More

Don McMillan is a Nerd for the Now

Had he been pursuing his current profession in 1984, Don McMillan might have been able to vie for a lead role in that classic (?) comedy “Revenge of the Nerds.” The film became known as the geeks’ coming out of sorts, one that proved that even the nerdiest among us can compete with the cool kids.

“That brought us up for awhile, but then Steve Urkel brought us down,” McMillan jokes. “Nerds came out of the woodwork. Then Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates, who were huge nerds, got very rich, and proved that nerds were cool. The world got turned upside down with the tech revolution.”

Though it may be after the fact, McMillan continues to prove that nerds have come into their own. A former chip designer, he’s made his mark courtesy of his unique PowerPoint-driven comedy, which entertains audiences possessing all levels of intelligence capability and know-how, regardless of specific technical expertise.
Read More

Local Actor, National Roles

David Dwyer gets recognized quite a bit while traveling around town. One might suspect it’s due to an extensive acting resume, but more often than not, the connection isn’t quite that clear.

"People come up to me all the time, and their most common comment is something to the effect of ‘Where do I know you from? You look so familiar, but I can’t quite place you…” he says.

Granted, one could attribute that to a certain celebrity status. After all, even the biggest names in show biz are frequently confused for someone entirely different. Yet in Dwyer’s case, a certain ambiguity seems to pervade nearly every encounter. He’s been mistaken for a long-lost classmate, a fleeting acquaintance and someone whose frame of reference is entirely amiss.
Read More
Read All the Buzz About Blount

Like and Subscribe

Facebook Linkedin Youtube Tiktok

Upcoming Events

Apr.

7

Daisy’s All‑Talents Open Mic

Step into the spotlight at Daisy’s for our brand‑new weekly Open Mic, a cozy, low‑pressure space for anyone who wants to share their voice, their craft, or their creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or trying something for the very first time, our stage is yours.

Join us every Tuesday evening as we turn the bar into a tiny theater – a little stage, warm lights, and a room full of people cheering you on.

🌟 What You Can Perform
– Clean comedy
– Poetry & spoken word
– Storytelling
– Acting & monologues
– Authors reading their work
– Singers & musicians
– Or anything else you’re excited to share

🕕 Schedule
– Signups at 6:00 PM
– Show runs 6:30–8:00 PM
– 10‑minute slots
Hosted by the wonderful Julia Pope, who keeps the night flowing with kindness, encouragement, and a whole lot of heart.

📍 Where
608 Ellis Ave, Maryville

Come perform, come listen, or come hang out with a great crowd in a welcoming, alcohol‑free space. Every voice belongs here.

  • 6 p.m.
Learn More

Mar.

27 and 28

The Appalachian Ballet Presents "The Little Mermaid"

The Appalachian Ballet Company will present The Little Mermaid, a Danish fairy tale written by Hans Christian Andersen, which becomes a family-friendly ballet that will entertain and delight people of all ages!  This version is choreographed by ABC Director, Amy Morton Vaughn.

With beautiful scenery and colorful costumes, the ballet lighting will be designed by John Horner. There are over 90 dancers in the cast.

Event Location: Clayton Center for the Art

  • Friday 7-8:30, Saturday 3-4:30
  • $23-$47
Learn More

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Stay in the know about all the latest local buzz, events, and hidden gems – sign up for our newsletter today! 

Name(Required)
Weekend Forecast Blount County Weather View →