East Tennessee Now

Frank Murphy interviews Jen Sheehan, Development Manager for the Covenant Health Foundation, and Lauren Miller, CEO of MoxCar Marketing + Communications and volunteer co-chair of Artsclamation!, an annual fine art sale on Friday, December 4 and Saturday, December 5, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. The event will takes place at The Standard, 416 W. Jackson Avenue in downtown Knoxville. Free parking is available in the city-owned surface lot across the street on Jackson Avenue. The sale is free and open to the public to browse and shop; no tickets are required. Artsclamation! features more than 50 local and regional artists offering a va...

Frank Murphy interviews Kara Hunkele and Josie Fellers of Second Harvest Food Bank. Donations to Second Harvest will be doubled from December 1 to 3, 2026 in recognition of Giving Tuesday and their annual Double Your Donation Day fundraiser. Visitors are invited to stop by Second Harvest Food Bank, 136 Harvest Lane, Maryville, TN 37801 on December 3, 2026 for Double Your Donation Day. 

Second Harvest distributes more than 27 million pounds of food across an 18-county service area through multiple feeding programs and over 850 community partners. Information is available at https://www.secondharvestetn.org/ or by calling 865-521-0000.

This year's Holiday D...

Frank Murphy interviews Beth Shea, executive director, and Veronica O’Hearn, development associate, of the Children's Museum of Oak Ridge, located at 461 West Outer Drive in Oak Ridge. The museum's 25th Anniversary Gala will be held on Friday, November 20, in the historic CMOR gym. Guest speaker Don Hunnicutt will present "Secret City Trains through the Lens of Ed Westcott" who was his father-in-law. Tickets and information can be found at https://childrensmuseumofoakridge.org/

The mission of the Children's Museum of Oak Ridge is to provide fun and diverse educational programs and exhibits emphasizing play and hands-on learning fo...

Frank Murphy interviews Marketing Manager Sarah Kaplan and Content Creator Josh Holley of Young-Williams Animal Center about the 12th Annual Cause for Paws fundraiser which will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2026 at the Knoxville Museum of Art. This year's theme is "Pawcasso." Tickets and information are available at https://www.young-williams.org/event/cause-for-paws-2026/ 

Young-Williams Animal Center serves as the municipal animal shelter for Knox County and City of Knoxville while maintaining a 92% save rate. They offer free vaccine clinics, foster programs, and interactive volunteer opportunities like "Doggy Day Trips" and "Paws for Reading" at the center o...

Frank Murphy interviews Nancy Welch, program manager of Volunteer Assisted Transportation, and Pat Housley, a volunteer driver for the organization. Volunteer Assisted Transportation is part of the Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee. 

CAC’s Volunteer Assisted Transportation is a non-profit, volunteer-driven program dedicated to providing accessible and affordable transportation services to Knox County older adults and people with disabilities who require aid and assistance to travel safely. Learn more at https://knoxseniors.org/transportation 

Volunteer drivers provide one-on-one assisted transportation to the frail, and mobility challenged. These individuals require aid and assistance to their destinations, duri...

Frank Murphy interviews Mona Nair, Development Director of Blount County Habitat for Humanity and Tony and Hazel Hughes, chairpersons of the 14th Annual Homes FORE! Humanity Golf Tournament on Thursday, October 15th, 2026 at Lambert Acres Golf Course. Learn more about the golf tournament at https://blounthabitat.kindful.com/e/14th-annual-homes-fore-humanity-golf-tournament-presented-by-atmos-energy 

The ReStore is a venture of Blount County Habitat for Humanity and supports its mission to provide simple, affordable homes for people in need through the sale of donated items at reduced prices. The ReStore also benefits the community by diverting waste from local landfills. In addition, w...

Frank Murphy interviews Maestro Brian Salesky, Artistic Director of the Amadeus Concert Ensemble, which will present its ninth season of free concerts as part of the Cathedral Concert Series at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, 711 S. Northshore Drive in Knoxville. The performances will feature 29 works by 19 composers spanning four centuries of music. 

The season’s themed concerts are: 

Free reservations may be made three weeks prior to each...

Frank Murphy interviews Pedro Tomás-Mitchell, president of HoLa Hora Latina. The 25th HoLa Festival will be held on the Performance Lawn at World’s Fair Park on Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Admission is $4 for those 12 years and older. 

Local vendors will be selling handmade, artisan crafts, art, home décor, apparel, jewelry, and other unique items authentic to Hispanic cultures. Food vendors will be selling homemade Latin American cuisine and draft beer. The festival features performances by Latin jazz, rock, salsa, and traditional bands and dancers. Children can learn about Spain and Latin...

Frank Murphy interviews Carol Evans, Executive Director of Legacy Parks Foundation. Legacy Parks works to expand parks, create trails and increase access to rivers. Since 2005, Legacy Parks has raised over $32 million for parks and open space, helped conserve 1,000 acres of forest and farmland, and added over 800 acres of parkland in the region. The foundation has five areas of focus: 

Their current and up...

Frank Murphy interviews Kristy DuBose, executive director of The Koinonia Foundation of Tennessee, which provides a variety of programs designed to support, empower, and engage individuals with disabilities. These programs include recreational and social opportunities, educational workshops, skill-building activities, and community-based events that promote inclusion and independence. They serve individuals with disabilities across a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and abilities. They work with participants who may experience physical, developmental, intellectual, or sensory disabilities. 

The annual Koinonia Foundation Gala will be held on September 24, 2026 at The Press Room. Tickets are $100 per person or $775 for a table of e...

Frank Murphy interviews Mindy Savage of the American Heart Association and Matt Odom, chairman of the 2026 Greater Knoxville Heart Walk. This year's walk takes place on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at Covenant Health Park, 500 E Jackson Ave, Knoxville. More than 3,000 people are expected to gather for the new Greater Knoxville Heart Walk experience, a participant-centered event focused on CPR readiness, survivor stories and community impact. The walk begins and ends on the field following a route through downtown Knoxville.

Heart Wal...

Frank Murphy interviews Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic's Executive Director Deborah Murph and Director of Marketing and Development Shaun Fulco. Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic provides quality healthcare for the medically uninsured who live or work in Sevier County, Tennessee. The clinic offers medical, dental, and behavioral health care as well as a medication assistance program. Learn more at https://mountainhope.org/

The 6th Annual Raffle for Hope will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2026 at The Ridge Events Center in Sevierville. Tickets may be purchased by emailing [email protected] or calling 865-774-7684. Details are available at...

Frank Murphy interviews Sara Keel, Program Manager for Knox County CAC Mobile Meals about their upcoming "Power of the Purse" fundraiser on Thursday, September 17, 2026 at Rothchild Catering and Conference Center, 8807 Kingston Pike, Knoxville. Donations of gently used purses are being accepted through August 31, 2026 at these locations during normal business hours:

CAC Ross Building  – 2247 Western Avenue
Southern Market  – 5400 Homberg Drive
Chico’s Turkey Creek  – 11321 Parkside Drive
Powell Florist – 7301 Clinton Highway 
Elder’s Ace Hardware Hardin Valley  – 10009 Hardin Valley Road
The Metropolis – 6513 Kingston Pike
Details are available at https://www.knoxseniors.org/events/potp-donations/

Frank Murphy interviews Leslie Adams and Billy Stair of the Haiti Outreach Program, based at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Haiti Outreach Program will host a special, multimedia program of inspiring stories and music to benefit its medical mission on Sunday, August 23, 2026 beginning at 5:00 p.m. in the Sacred Heart Cathedral School gymnasium. The gym is located at the rear of the campus at 711 S. Northshore Drive in Knoxville. Hors d'oeuvres and drinks will be provided. Admission is free and all are welcome. Please RSVP by emailing [email protected] with your name and...

Frank Murphy interviews Sara Dickson, Development Manager at the Alzheimer's Association's Tennessee chapter. and Mark Dulniak, a volunteer with the Alzheimer's Association.

Mark leads the Ales for ALZ campaign. During the month of August, 21 local brewery locations offer unique craft beers and special events with proceeds benefiting the 2026 Walk to End Alzheimer's. Find more information at https://alesforalz-knox.org/

The Knoxville Walk to End Alzheimer's takes place on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at Zoo Knoxville. Registration is free. Those who donate $100 or more can receive a Walk t-shirt. More information is available at http://www.alz.org/K...

Frank Murphy interviews George Bove, Media and Public Relations Chairman for the Kerbela Shrine Temple, about the 49th annual Kerbela Shrine Circus on August 7, 8, and 9, 2026 in Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville. Complimentary circus tickets can be obtained by calling (865) 573-1901. 

Proceeds from the sales of concession items at the circus support the Kerbela Shrine Temple. To be a Shriner, one must also be a Master Mason in Freemasonry. Kerbela Shrine is part of Shriners International, which supports Shriner’s Hospitals for Children, a system of 22 hospitals providing specialty pediatric care. Children up to age 18 wit...

Frank Murphy interviews Fr. Charlie Donahue, pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish, and Cindy McLaughlin of the Irish Fest Committee about the 17th annual Irish Fest on the Hill. The festival will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Saturday August 8, 2026 on the campus of Immaculate Conception Parish, 414 W. Vine Avenue in Knoxville. Tickets are $15 at the gate for adults. Children 12 and under are free.

The festival features musical performances by Knoxville Pipes and Drums; Red Haired Mary; Tim and Cherry on Strings; Nancy Brennan Strange & Friends; Jeff Nelson; Def Leprechaun Band; Doon the Brae; and...

Frank Murphy interviews Jess Shepherd, Melissa Mijares, and Jim Piehl of the Fresh Start Home Project. The projects mission statement is "Restoring Homes. Renewing Hope." Their goal is to complete one major home transformation each year for a deserving family in East Tennessee by bringing together volunteers, skilled tradespeople, local businesses, and community leaders.

This year's inaugural project will take place on August 1, 2026 at the home of a longtime Farragut High School teacher who has dedicated the past 25 years to serving the community. The project will include new flooring, windows, painting, drywall repairs, fixture replacements, landscaping, and...

Frank Murphy interviews Rebecca Gomez and David Snow of Theatre Knoxville Downtown, located at 800 S. Central Street in Knoxville. Rebecca is directing and David is starring as Mortimer Brewster in TKD's production of Arsenic and Old Lace, which opens on Friday, July 24, 2026 and runs through August 9, 2026. Tickets and information are available at https://theatreknoxville.com/arsenic-and-old-lace/

TKD's 2026-27 season continues with

Theatre Kn...

Frank Murphy interviews Jenny Flatford, artistic director of the Oak Ridge Civic Ballet Association, and Rebecca Renegar, a member of the ORCBA board of directors. A fundraiser for the organization, titled "Behind the Curtain," will be held on Friday, July 31, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in the Historic Grove Theater in Oak Ridge. The event features performances by their current company of dancers as well as by alumni. There will also be a silent auction, food, and drinks. Tickets must be purchased by July 27th at https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/ZDPDT7MSHTYUJ

The Oak Ridge Civic Ballet A...

Frank Murphy interviews Susan Unbehaun, Executive Director of Ladies of Charity Knoxville, and Lisa Daley, Vice President of the board of directors. The mission of Ladies of Charity Knoxville is to provide emergency assistance to those in need. They operate a thrift store and food pantry at120 W. Baxter Avenue in Knoxville. The food pantry is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. while supplies last. Learn more at https://www.ladiesofcharityknox.org/ 

The thrift store will celebrate "Christmas in July" by selling holiday décor, clothing, and other items from June 27 to July 11. Th...

Frank Murphy interviews Frank Graffeo, Chief Executive Officer of the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend, Tennessee, and conductor Danny Griffin, who will lead a 45-piece American brass band for the "Independence 250 Concert on the Fourth" on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at 8:00 pm in the Heritage Center’s covered amphitheater.

Admission is a suggested $10 donation to the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, which houses a celebrated museum, a village of 18 authentic, historic homes and structures, indigenous peoples exhibits, and educational programs for children and adults. Learn more at https://gsmheritagecenter.org/event/independence-250-concert-on-the-fourth/ 

The Great Smok...

Frank Murphy interviews Beth Roskelly, Director of Development & Public Relations at InterFaith Health Center, 7005 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville. InterFaith Health Center provides accessible, affordable, and quality health care to the working uninsured or underserved, primarily through the support of individuals, the religious, health care, and business communities. Learn more at https://interfaithhealthcenter.org/ 

In November 2005, following a successful capital campaign, InterFaith Health Center moved its medical, dental, and mental health services into one location on Middlebrook Pike, allowing them to serve more patients. 

The Center places a strong emphasis on preventative care and is able to of...

Frank Murphy interviews Will Meyer, vice president of the Museum of Appalachia, located at 2819 Andersonville Highway, Clinton, Tennessee. The Museum of Appalachia, which was founded in 1969 by John Rice Irwin, portrays an authentic mountain farm and pioneer village, with three dozen historic log structures, several exhibit buildings filled with thousands of authentic Appalachian artifacts, multiple gardens, and free range farm animals. 

The Museum will host its annual Barn Dance fundraiser on Friday, June 19, 2026. The silent auction will open for bidding on Monday, June 15, 2026 via the Handbid mobile app. More information is available at https://events.handbid.com/a...

Frank Murphy interviews Executive Director Jennifer Harrell and Development & Communications Manager Lori Friel of Cancer Support Community East Tennessee. The organization's mission is to uplift and strengthen people impacted by cancer by providing support, fostering compassionate communities, and breaking down barriers to care. They provide free classes, workshops, and programs. Learn more at https://www.cancersupportet.org/ 

The band Smooth Sailor will play classic yacht rock favorites at a benefit concert for CSCET on Thursday, June 4, 2026 at Yee-Haw Brewing, 745 N Broadway, Knoxville. General admission tickets are $50. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are available at https://events.h...

Frank Murphy interviews Katy Watt, president of Explore Oak Ridge, and actress Kadi Brazil, who portrays Katie the Calutron Girl in promotional videos for Explore Oak Ridge. Several of the videos are dedicated to the Manhattan Project National Historical Park, which was established in 2015 on the sites of three formerly secret communities located in Hanford, Washington; Los Alamos, New Mexico; and Oak Ridge, Tennessee. 

Explore Oak Ridge maintains a calendar of upcoming events and festivals at https://exploreoakridge.com/ 

On Sunday, May 24, 2026 at 7:00 p.m., the Oak Ridge Community Band presents its annual Memorial Day co...

Frank Murphy interviews Kathryn Frady, Executive Artistic Director of Marble City Opera, Knoxville's chamber opera company, with the goal of bringing American chamber opera and innovative performances of traditional operas to new audiences. Learn more about Kathryn and her upcoming schedule at https://www.kathrynfrady.com/ 

Kathryn Frady will direct Marble City Opera's production of Josephine by Tom Cipullo at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at the Historic Grove Theatre in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Josephine is a one-woman opera about the legendary entertainer Josephine Baker, set in the final years of her life. Tickets and information are av...

Frank Murphy interviews Hollie Cook, Director of Preservation Services at Knox Heritage. May is National Historic Preservation Month. The mission of Knox Heritage is to protect Knoxville’s unique character for future generations by preserving, restoring, and transforming historically significant structures and places. 

Knox Heritage will hold its 2026 East Tennessee Preservation Awards on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in The Emporium, 100 S. Gay Street, Knoxville. The event is free to attend. Complimentary wine, beer, and small bites will be served. RSVP by Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at https://www.knoxheritage.org/events/2026awards/ 

The 2026 East Tennessee Preservation Awar...

Frank Murphy interviews Rob Patrick, executive director, and David Caudill, senior director of marketing and public relations, for the Knoxville Academy of Medicine Foundation which is the philanthropic arm of the Knoxville Academy of Medicine, the medical society for Knox County physicians. Knoxville Area Project Access (KAPA) is a program under the leadership of the KAM Foundation. KAPA is a broad-based community charity created to provide access to health care for low-income, uninsured individuals in East Tennessee. 

Since 2006, Knoxville Area Project Access has coordinated more than $425 million dollars in donated health care to more than 38,000 low-income East T...

Frank Murphy interviews Brandy McDonnell, the Founder and Executive Director of STRIDE Equine Therapy in Kingston, Tennessee. The organization will hold its first major fundraiser, Riding for the Roses, on Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Blue Point Stables, 675 Buck Creek Road in Kingston. Tickets are $60 or two for $100. 

Attendees can watch the live broadcast of the Kentucky Derby. There will be a best hat contest, signature drinks, a silent auction, STRIDE rider demonstrations and more. It benefits the Youth with Promise program to provide scholarships for local youth who need a place to be...

Frank Murphy interviews artistic director Dr. John Orr and assistant director Andrew Duncan of the Knoxville Choral Society. The organization's 75th Anniversary Celebration Concerts will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026 at Central Bearden Church, 6300 Deane Hill Drive, Knoxville; and at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at the Community Church at Tellico Village, 130 Chota Center, Loudon.

The program features "Zadok the Priest" by Handel, "Regina Caeli K276" by Mozart, and "Psalm 148" by Holst, along with the world premiere of "Images of Knoxville," a newly commissioned work by Andrew Duncan, written specifically for this anniversary and...

Frank Murphy interviews Drew Degges of the Volunteer Alzheimer's Foundation about the 16th annual Forget Me Not 5K to benefit the Pat Summitt Foundation. The race will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026 starting and finishing at the Village Green Shopping Center in Farragut. The race course goes through the Village Green subdivision, which includes part of the Farragut Dogwood Trail. Sign up at https://runtheday.com/register/detail/forget-me-not-5k-10k-and-1-mile-race-2026-dh7/

The mission of the Volunteer Alzheimer’s Foundation is to raise funds and awareness in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. They are dedicated to su...

Frank Murphy interviews Carter Brown, Camp Director of Camp Ba Yo Ca in Wears Valley, Tennessee. Carter began serving at Camp Ba Yo Ca at age fifteen as a counselor and kitchen staff member. He received his Master of Divinity from Gateway Seminary and served as the Camp Director at another Baptist camp before returning to Camp Ba Yo Ca. 

Camp Ba Yo Ca provides outdoor adventure activities to nearly two thousand children in the Knox, Blount, and Sevier county regions. Their mission is to minister to children’s lives through evangelism, discipleship, and mentoring. Camp Ba Yo...

Frank Murphy interviews Knoxville Police Chief Paul Noel, who was sworn in as Knoxville’s 27th Chief of Police on June 13, 2022. Prior to assuming command of the Knoxville Police Department, Noel was a Deputy Superintendent at the New Orleans Police Department, where he served in numerous leadership roles for over 25 years.

After hiring over 100 recruits in 2025, KPD is back to full staffing levels for the first time in over a decade. The most recent recruit class started on March 23, 2026. 

Murders matched a 10-year low in 2025. As of March 29, there have been no murders in Knoxville so...

Frank Murphy interviews Kelsie Crittendon, Executive Director of Sunshine Services. Its mission is to provide person-centered supports for individuals with developmental disabilities that promote independence, inclusion, and empowerment to reach their personal vision of happiness and life satisfaction. Learn more at https://sunshineservicesknox.org/

A fundraiser titled Golden Hour: An Evening to Shine Forward will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026 at Sunshine Services, 3000 N. Central Street, Knoxville from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. "Early Shine" tickets are $75 and are expected to sell out in advance. General Admission tickets, which will be sold at the door, are $100. Each ticket includes he...

Frank Murphy interviews Celia Gruzalski, Executive Director of Tennessee Memory Disorders Foundation and Clinic which provides its patients with evaluation and treatment for neurodegenerative dementia syndromes, including Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss and other cognitive concerns. Learn more at https://tmdf.org/

TMDF supports health initiatives and educational empowerment through advancing early detection and precise diagnosis, leading regional clinical trials for Alzheimer’s and related diseases, driving statewide public health change, empowering future healthcare professionals, strengthening caregiver support and family resources, and providing hope and reducing stigma to the greater community. 

The second annual TMDF Golf T...

Frank Murphy interviews Tracey Torres of Appalachian Bear Rescue and Jay Proulx of The Shed Smokehouse & Juke Joint about the upcoming Rockin' for the Rescue Benefit Concert. The event will be held on Sunday March 29th, 2026 from 12 noon to 7:00 p.m. at The Shed, 1820 W Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Maryville, Tennessee. Tickets are $40 and are available at https://appalachianbearrescue.org/

The bands performing in the concert are:

Frank Murphy interviews M. Janice Mitchell, founder, and Dr. Ace Edewards, conductor, of the Scruffy City Orchestra. A free concert celebrating the orchestra's tenth anniversary will be performed on Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in The Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, 711 S. Northshore Drive, Knoxville. After the concert, the audience is invited to enjoy light refreshments at a free reception with the orchestra members in the Cathedral Hall. 

Scruffy City Orchestra was founded in 2015 by a small group of musicians who wanted to create a community orchestra in Knoxville, drawing volunteer members from the g...

Frank Murphy interviews Lindsey Shanton, executive director of  Sevier County Partners in Progress Education Foundation, and board member Robbie Fox, who is also the mayor of Sevierville. The Sevier County Partners in Progress Education Foundation is a non-profit corporation chartered by the State of Tennessee in April 2016.  The purpose of the organization is to establish a scholarship fund to be used to assist area high school students with tuition for dual enrollment classes at Walters State Community College and tuition assistance for students pursuing a four-year degree at East Tennessee State University in Sevierville. Learn more at https://seviercountypip.co...

Frank Murphy interviews Steve Hodges and Frank Venable about the 13th Annual Shakin' Not Stirred Gala, which will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at The Venue at Lenoir City. Steve Hodges is the founder of the KiMe Cure Neurological Disorders Fund. Frank and Lisha Venable are the event hosts. Sportscaster Mark Packer will be the emcee. Tickets and information are available at https://www.parkinson.org/sns 

Steve Hodges was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease in 2009. The KiMe Fund has been successful in raising awareness and donations to fund high risk/high reward research to fin...