Sneak Peek

By Shavonna Bush & Laura Childers

MONET AND AMERICAN IMPRESSIONISM

The Hunter Museum of American Art’s latest exhibit is on its final stretch. “Monet and American Impressionism” pairs three original works by the renowned French impressionist with 70+ works by American artists who launched a new chapter of impressionism in the West.    

Journey through the galleries to see works by Mary Cassatt, William Merritt Chase, Childe Hassam, Willard Metcalf, Theodore Robinson, John Henry Twachtman, and J. Alden Weir. Five thematic groupings include landscapes, portraits, intimate depictions of women and children, and images of modern life.

“We’ve had record-breaking visitation numbers since the exhibit opened,” says Hannah Legg, director of communications at Hunter Museum of American Art. “It’s garnering glowing remarks from visitors across the region.”

Through September 20, Hunter Museum of American Art

2015 GALLERY HOP

Now in its 9th year, AVA’s (Association for Visual
Arts) Gallery Hop gives the public a chance to visit 20+ local galleries for free. Just grab a map at any of the participating galleries to begin your self-guided tour.

From 2 to 8 p.m., hoppers can view exhibitions, enjoy refreshments, watch live demonstrations, and try their hand at activities ranging from printmaking at The Open Press to glass blowing at iGNiS Glass Studio. AVA also distributes a gallery hop bingo card for a chance to win a few prizes.

Lauren Goforth, education and exhibitions director of AVA, says the hop is about connecting the public with our arts community. “It’s a unique chance to speak with artists and learn firsthand about their craft,” she says. 

Artwork will be for sale at most locations, giving visitors a chance to begin or expand their collections. “You can find work spanning a wide range of price points,” Goforth says. “It’s a great opportunity for experienced and first-time collectors alike.”

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September 12, various locations throughout downtown Chattanooga

THE AVETT BROTHERS 

The modern folk rock band – brothers Seth and Scott Avett with Bob Crawford and Joe Kwon – brings their honest, heartfelt brand of Americana to Memorial Auditorium in September. The band formed in 2001 and has become a genre stalwart over the course of seven albums. Their earthy, energetic live show draws sellout crowds across the nation – and the September show will see them playing to a full house.

This will be the third time the Avett Brothers have stopped in Chattanooga, bringing their hallmark fusion of folk and rock to the Scenic City. But that doesn’t mean you’ll get the same thing you saw last time. “Their setlist changes every show,” says Georges Sulmers of Outback Concerts, the promoter of the Chattanooga show. “It’s always fresh and new. Sometimes they’ll do songs off a forthcoming record, and sometimes it will be songs they haven’t played in forever. You get to see 13 years of their world on stage in a night.”

“There is a genuine spirit that emanates from the stage when the Avett Brothers perform,” he continues. “That vibe is really rare in this day and age. People are coming for the songs and not all the bells and whistles you often get at shows.”

September 12,  Memorial Auditorium

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Arts3SISTER ACT, A DIVINE MUSICAL COMEDY

This hilarious musical adaptation of the 1992 flick starring Whoopi Goldberg kicks off Chattanooga Theatre Centre’s 92nd season. Fresh from Broadway, the show follows the plot we know and love – but with added depth.

“It’s such a funny show, but it also has a sincere message relative to our time,” says Scott Dunlap, musical director. “It’s about encountering stereotypes, choosing forgiveness, and ultimately finding redemption – all things that make for an uplifting and positive production.”

An original score by eight-time Oscar winner Alan Menken gives the ‘70s disco sounds a surprising, fresh treatment. Soul-bearing ballads, girl-power anthems, and rousing gospel numbers will get you tapping your toes in your seat.

“Expect lots of laughs and fun songs you’ll be humming the next day,” Dunlap says. “But we also hope to bring a tear to your eye.”

September 18 – October 4, Chattanooga Theatre Centre

RENÉE FLEMING WITH THE CSO

Arts2Chattanooga’s classical music lovers are all in a tizzy: this fall, one of the greatest living operatic sopranos comes to perform alongside the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera (CSO) at the Tivoli Theatre.

Renée Fleming is a regular performer in opera houses and concert halls worldwide, but is  famous for crossing the boundaries of classical music into other musical forms. Known as the “people’s diva,” she headlined the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in 2006 and sang at Buckingham Palace for Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012. In 2014, she became the first classical artist to sing the national anthem at the Super Bowl.

CSO Music Director Kayoko Dan will conduct the first half as Fleming performs opera and classical works, including Richard Strauss’s haunting “Four Last Songs.” Principal Pops Conductor Bob Bernhardt will conduct the second half as Fleming sings lighter fare like Broadway tunes and American Songbook classics.

“Chattanooga is in for a treat!” says Maestro Dan. “We are beyond thrilled to introduce our audience to Fleming’s gorgeous voice, captivating stage presence, and grace as an artist and arts ambassador.”

October 7, Tivoli Theatre

Chattanooga Fashion Week

No need to travel to NYC or L.A. for a dose of style. Chattanooga Fashion Week returns this October with a four-day schedule of runway shows, designer showcases, hair and makeup demonstrations, and more.

Produced by Gage Models and Talent Agency, the event began four years ago in response to a need for more high fashion events in our community. “Design artists needed an outlet to express their craft and be noticed,” says Jaime Hemsley, founder and organizer of the event.

Ticket holders can view current looks from more than a dozen local designers and boutiques, as well as designers from across the Southeast. Hundreds of regional models, makeup artists, and hairstylists join in this celebration of current beauty and fashion trends.

“You’ll be treated to stunning runway shows with a great mix of couture, ready-to-wear, swimwear, and designs for men and children,” says Hemsley. “This year also includes a runway event benefiting charities focusing on autism.”

Come out for a taste of what Southern Living calls a “burgeoning movement in Southern fashion.”

October 7-10, various locations throughout downtown Chattanooga

THE ADDAMS FAMILY MUSICAL 

Local theater company Closed Door Entertainment (CDE) brings this hit musical comedy to Chattanooga just in time for Halloween season. Based off the popular 1960s television program and comic strip, the production will invoke nostalgia in longtime fans while offering a fresh twist on the classic.

The musical’s original story tells of the princess of darkness, Wednesday Addams, who has fallen in love with a straight-laced young man from a respectable family. It all takes a raucous turn when the boyfriend and his family show up at the kooky Addams household for dinner.

“The audience can expect to laugh like they’ve never laughed before,” says J.C. Smith, CDE’s executive director and founder. “See the family you watched growing up come to life on stage!”

October 16 – 18, Tivoli Theatre

Keigwin + Company

The fourth installment in UTC’s 2015-2016 Patten Performance series, Keigwin + Company brings an electrifying brand of contemporary dance to the stage. The group’s “athletic, theatrical, witty, and sexy” style has won them national acclaim since 2003.

Artistic Director Larry Keigwin says attendees can expect a mix of high art with pure entertainment. “The music ranges from Aretha Franklin to young composers from New York,” he says. “It’s an accessible and physical variety show.”

November 9, UTC Fine Arts Center

Drew Holcomb The Neighbors

ArtsThe Folk/Americana outfit returns to Track 29 in November for a standing room only show. Hear singer-songwriter Drew Holcomb join forces with wife Ellie Holcomb (vocals), and former neighbors Nathan Duggar (guitar), Rich Brinsfield (bass), and Jon Radford (drums) in an evening of soulful tunes blurring the lines between country, folk, and rock.

The band’s fall tour follows Medicine, Holcomb’s latest full-length release and his biggest one to date. Now with 10 years in the industry under his belt, he’s graduated from a regional act to selling out venues across the country. 

Opening the show will be Penny & Sparrow, an Austin-based folk pop duo with a stripped down, return-to-basics sound. When Holcomb takes the stage, expect a setlist that’s packed with tracks off the new album and peppered with highlights from older material.

  “We love being home in Tennessee playing to our homestate crowd,” Holcomb says. “Live music is about feeling alive and being a part of a community for a night. We hope that’s what people walk away with.”

November 12, Track 29

STRAIGHT NO CHASER

Famous for their seamless harmonies, creative arrangements, and dashing good looks, the 10-member men’s a cappella group comes to the Tivoli Theatre on November 14. It’s the 25th stop on their extensive “New Old Fashioned” tour, which follows on the heels of their fifth full-length Atlantic Records release.

“Fans can expect a bit of everything!” says bass vocalist Charlie Mechling, of the upcoming performance. “We’re keeping the songs under wraps, but there will be several new ones mixed in with classics and holiday tunes. Maybe we’ll throw in a little ‘Rocky Top.’”   

His favorite part of the show? “When we finish the performance with an off-mic song,” he says. “People lean forward in their seats!”

November 14, Tivoli Theatre

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