Lee Zimmerman

An accomplished writer, blogger, reviewer, and thespian, Lee Zimmerman contributes to several publications, among them, Let’s Be Blount, Relix, Goldmine, Bluegrass Today, Living Blues, The Maryville Daily Times, and The Salt Lake City Weekly. His book about Americana Music: Voices, Visionaries and Pioneers of an Honest Sound was published by Texas A&M University Press. He began his record industry career working in promotion for the late, great ABC Records and followed that with a lengthy stint at Capitol Records. He’s had opportunity to work with a number of artists over the course of his career, including Tom Petty, Bob Seger, Jimmy Buffett, and Steve Forbert, among many others. An obsessive music collector, he owns too many albums to count at this point and a variety of musical instruments he’s yet to learn how to play. He’s currently proud to be co-hosting the “Blount County Live” website under the auspices of Let’s Be Blount.

Articles by Lee Zimmerman

Meaning in Music

March 23, 2026 No Comments

College life is a time that allows for building bonds, establishing friendships, and sharing new experiences. Maryville College takes that philosophy several steps further by offering its students the opportunity to participate in the Maryville College Concert Choir and its other various vocal ensembles.

“The choir represents Maryville College as a place where students are encouraged to care deeply, work hard, and support each other,” said Stacey Wilner, senior lecturer of music and director of choral activities at Maryville College. “The way the students sing, interact, organize and carry out our events reflects the College’s values in a very real way.” 

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Battle of the Bands Keeps Hope Alive

March 20, 2026 No Comments

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.

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Don McMillan is a Nerd for the Now

March 13, 2026 No Comments

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.

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Local Actor, National Roles

March 12, 2026 No Comments

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.

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5 Blount County Cover Bands to Watch

March 9, 2026 No Comments

Blount County offers a unique array of cover bands. Granted, the term “cover band” doesn’t always convey the kind of respect these outfits may otherwise deserve. However when it comes to the following Blount County bands, there is a credibility that’s clearly compelling.

They also command a distinct diversity. Here are five of Blount’s best.

1. Cats Away

Cats Away consists of three seasoned musicians who bring a unique blend of styles to the stage. With a repertoire that includes Western Swing, Jazz, Bossa Nova, popular film scores, fiddle tunes, and the sound of traditional country, Cats Away strives to be both diverse and creative.

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John "JJ" Johnstone (at right) sings at The Station.

Big Names, Local Feel

February 6, 2026 No Comments

The Station Offers Intimate Music Venue The Station has attracted a loyal and discerning audience over the past eleven years,

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