Knoxville Marathon 2013

Posted on April 12, 2013 Written by 2 Comments
Knoxville Marathon Start, April 2013

Knoxville Marathon Start, April 2013

It’s hard to know at the end of this week whether I should continue recounting last weekend or move the focus to the upcoming weekend. I’ll go with last weekend, but I must mention that this weekend is likely the biggest of the Dogwood Arts Festival, with the Arts and Crafts Festival on Market Square and throughout Krutch Park. The artisan works are phenomenal and the food tent, in which chefs prepare dishes with wine pairings, is one of my favorite single events of the year.

Mayor Rogero, Knoxville Marathon, April 2013

Mayor Rogero, Knoxville Marathon, April 2013

American Flag on Clinch Avenue, Knoxville Marathon, April 2013

American Flag on Clinch Avenue, Knoxville Marathon, April 2013

Arm Cyclists, Knoxville Marathon, April 2013

Arm Cyclists, Knoxville Marathon, April 2013

Still, I must give a nod to last weekend’s Knoxville Marathon which drew several thousand people. The race has grown to include a 5K, Half-Marathon, Marathon and Marathon Relay. Urban Son-in-Law backed off to the half-marathon this year and many Urban Friends ran various other races. I think one reason for the massive crowds last weekend was the marathon, as a number of people came in from out of town or simply stayed downtown to enjoy the other events going on.

Health and Fitness Expo, Knoxville Marathon, April 2013

Health and Fitness Expo, Knoxville Marathon, April 2013

Health and Fitness Expo, Knoxville Marathon, April 2013

Health and Fitness Expo, Knoxville Marathon, April 2013

Arm Cyclists2, Knoxville Marathon, April 2013

Arm Cyclists, Knoxville Marathon, April 2013

Arm Cyclists3, Knoxville Marathon, April 2013

Arm Cyclists, Knoxville Marathon, April 2013

I love the fact that a fitness-based event has become so big in the city. It also works beautifully to have so many great activities downtown to greet any out-of-town visitors. There is no way someone visited the city last weekend, encountered the beautiful weather, pianos on the square, Chalk Walk, First Friday, Rhythm and Blooms and came away with anything other than a very positive impression of what is happening here. They also spent time and money in the Health and Fitness Expo on Saturday.

Knoxville Marathon Start, April 2013

Knoxville Marathon Start, April 2013

Knoxville Marathon Start, April 2013

Knoxville Marathon Start, April 2013

Knoxville Marathon Runner, April 2013

Knoxville Marathon Runner, April 2013

Knoxville Marathon Start, April 2013

Knoxville Marathon Start, April 2013

The starting line and staging area always attract me. Nerves jangle about at every turn, runners giddy with excitement warm up maybe a bit too much. Proud families wish their loved ones well. The mayor spoke at this year’s opening and the national anthem makes any sporting fan’s blood reach a quick boil of anticipation. Some are there to win, others to have fun and others simply to finish. Music pounds from a PA system as it will throughout the race as live bands play for the runners.

Entertainment on Market Square, Knoxville Marathon, April 2013

Entertainment on Market Square, Knoxville Marathon, April 2013

John D. Cable and the Empty Bottle Band, Clinch and Locust, Knoxville Marathon, April 2013

John D. Cable and the Empty Bottle Band, Clinch and Locust, Knoxville Marathon, April 2013

I photographed eventual winner Wojciech Kopec (2:22:15) as he left the start line (red jersey above, number 2), but missed him at the twenty-five mile mark. I did catch Edward Tabut passing the UT Conference Center, heading into the final stretch. He was about three minutes behind first place. He also nearly left the course by not turning onto Locust, but a policeman yelled, pointed and Edward corrected his course.

Second Place Runner (No. 4), Mile Tweny-five, Knoxville Marathon 2013

Second Place Runner (No. 4), Edward Tabut, Mile Tweny-five, Knoxville Marathon 2013

Third Place Runner, Mile Twenty-four, Knoxville Marathon, April 2013

Third Place Runner, Bryan Morseman, Mile Twenty-four, Knoxville Marathon, April 2013

Fourth Place Runner, Mile Twenty-Three, Knoxville Marathon 2013

Fourth Place Runner, Stewart Ellington, Mile Twenty-Three, Knoxville Marathon 2013

Fifth Place Runner, Mile Twenty-four, Knoxville Marathon, April 2013

Fifth Place Runner, Abraham Kogo, Mile Twenty-four, Knoxville Marathon, April 2013

About four minutes behind him was Bryan Moresman in third and I really felt for the next two guys as I photographed them leaving Market Square. They ran within steps of each other around the twenty-four mile mark and clearly, they would battle to the finish line. In the end, while Stewart Ellington (No. 6) lead by a few yards at that point, Abraham Kogo (No. 3) would pass him in the end to win fourth place. Two seconds separated them at the finish line. You can find complete results here.

Half-Marathon Medal, Knoxville Marathon, April 2013

Half-Marathon Medal, Knoxville Marathon, April 2013

Others would pass through downtown on into the afternoon. In fact, Urban Son-in-Law spotted a couple going through around 4:00, well after the official times have stopped. It reminds me of Cake’s awesome song, “The Distance.” All that matters at that point is finishing. And whether anyone else knows or acknowledges the fact, you know. It has to feel good. I never made it to the complete marathon and I admire those who do.

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Knox Heritage Salvage Show and Friday Night Uptown

Posted on April 10, 2012 Written by 3 Comments
Knox Heritage Salvage Show, 36 Market Square, Knoxville, April 2012

As I said in my last post, there was far too much going on last Friday night to cover it in one post. I’m struggling to cover it in three. Today I’ll focus on the Second Annual Knox Heritage Salvage Show held at 36 Market Square and other events in what used to be called “Uptown.” I’ll head to the other end of South Gay Street to the 100 Block in tomorrow’s post for coverage of the widest assortment of events and activities of the night.

Table made from bed frame and ceiling tiles by Brian Wagner

Knox Heritage Salvage Show, 36 Market Square, Knoxville, April 2012

Knox Heritage Salvage Show, 36 Market Square, Knoxville, April 2012

Knox Heritage promotes preservation of historic sites and, in this case, re-purposing of various architectural or structural elements into works of art. The art was displayed on the second floor of 36 Market Square courtesy of Ken and Brenda Mills, the owners of the building. Here’s hoping this space isn’t available for next year’s event, but rather is filled with businesses of one sort or another.

Knox Heritage Salvage Show, 36 Market Square, Knoxville, April 2012

Candlesticks from wooden rail spindles by Ryan Burgess

I loved this piece, but didn’t catch the artist’s name. Anyone know?

Table incorporating silver wire casing by Briena Harmening

The show included objects large and small, practical and whimsical. In some cases the raw materials and their former purpose were obvious; in other cases, not so much. Some were beautiful, some were funky, but they were all fun to examine and discuss and a large, revolving crowd did just that. There was wine, food, many smaller objects for sale and people generally enjoying each other for a good cause.

Knox Heritage Salvage Show, 36 Market Square, Knoxville, April 2012

Some people just need to be photographed

After looking through the Salvage Show we stopped by Sapphire on Gay Street for Hannah Green‘s art showcase. I’m drawn to her art and repulsed by it. It generally includes nude females and lots of blood and I suspect it is intended to be disturbing. She was very gracious to allow me to take her photograph.

Sapphire, Gay Street, Knoxville, April 2012
Hannah Green and her art at Sapphire

Classical Musician at Art Market

The Art Market, Gay Street, Knoxville, April 2012

We stopped by the Art Market to see what was new there. It is a cooperative effort staffed by the artists whose work is on display, so it’s always fun to stop in and talk to the person behind the counter. I often find great gifts there and they have generally excellent music on First Fridays. Most of the time it is jazz, but this time around a very talented young woman played classical pieces on a cello.

Cobra on Gay Street, Knoxville, April 2012

Cobra on Gay Street, Knoxville, April 2012

Les Miserables on Gay Street, Knoxville, April 2012

As we walked toward the 100 Block we saw my favorite vehicle in recent memory and enjoyed a Les Miserables Bomb laid on the outdoor diners at Downtown Grill. I’m assuming this was a cast group. It was really cool and I think appreciated by the surprised audience.

Jazz at Coolato Gelato, Gay Street, Knoxville, April 2012

The 100 block of Gay Street will require a post of its own, but I ended the night back in the uptown area with some fun jazz at Coolato Gelato (they played my guiltiest pleasure song: “Girl from Ipanema.” I just can’t here it enough.)

French Market, Gay Street, Knoxville, April 2012
Entrance to Krutch Park Extension,  Gay Street, Knoxville, April 2012

I took a couple of photographs of favorite spots: The French Market where we enjoyed a crepe and the cool weather the next morning and Coffee and Chocolate, which is always a great spot to shut down the night.

Coffee and Chocolate, Union Avenue, Knoxville, April 2012

Filed Under: Art Market, Cobra, Coffee and Chocolate, Coolato Gelato, Downtown Knoxville Blogs, First Friday April 2012, French Market, Hannah Green, Knox Heritage, Les Miserables, Salvage Show, Sapphire

August 2011, First Friday

Posted on August 9, 2011 Written by 6 Comments
Buskers and Dancers on Market Square

Matt at Downtown Wine pours free samples, Gay Street, Knoxville

My biggest complaint against First Friday is that it ends too early. With most events starting at 7:00 and most shops and activities stopping at 9:00, it’s tough to really enjoy everything as much as I’d like. Would it be too hard to stay open to 10:00? Could we be crazy and say 11:00? Seriously, unless you are able and interested in getting a table at 5:30, it’s hard to eat and take in very many of the events. I find myself doing a drive-by on most things and not having time to sink my teeth properly into any one thing.

But enough with the complaints, already. My little party had a great time for as long as the lights stayed on. Some events are starting early to get things going when less competition is around. Downtown Wine hosted it’s weekly tasting with Matt serving up samples of an unoaked Chardonnay and a couple of nice Riojas which seemed to be crowd pleasers. Henna art started early in front of Fizz served with a smile from a member of the Urban Nation. Both events started at 5:30.

Jazz at the French Market, Gay Street, Knoxville

Drum Contingent in Krutch Park

A Lovely Hula Artist

Dinner at the French Market is usually a good bet. It’s busy, but not overrun like some of the restaurants on Market Square. It’s also a bit faster and less expensive. Throw in delicious crepes, free jazz music and great people watching on Gay Street and in Krutch Park and you’ve got my favorite First Friday choice for fine dining. Krutch Park features drumming and hooping and doesn’t seem to adhere quite as strictly to the 9:00 PM bewitching hour.

John Black hits the Bela Luna table in his studio, Union Av., Knoxville

Kelsey’s Woods at John Black Photography, Union Avenue, Knoxville

John Black Photography on Union Avenue featured music from Kelsey’s Woods and food from Bella Luna. Not a bad combination.

Informational tables and art from the Tennessee Reiki Connection

My party made it to the Emporium with only about fifteen minutes to spare. It had obviously cleared out a bit so that made it easier to take pictures of the fascinating art from the Tennessee Reiki Connection. Entitled “Enlightenment,” and described as a Metaphysical, Spiritual and Energy Art Show and Holistic Fair.” Much of the art was three dimensional and/or textured with mixed media.

It’s a bit over my simple Urban Guy head, but they had cool art, information booths and a pretty girl with glitter make-up playing a Pink Floyd song on acoustic guitar. I’ll admit that brought back some specific memories this Urban Guy will just keep to himself.

Emissions spewing on Wall Avenue

My least favorite sight of the night was of a very large travel trailer which was parked on Wall Avenue with its engine running for hours. How many miles must one Nissan Leaf drive to balance out the poison inflicted on our atmosphere by five minutes from that massive combustion engine? It’s rhetorical, engineers. The fact that it appears to have been a Joe Hultquist campaign machine pretty much cuts his chances to about zero for my vote.

Urban Toddler, her fav urban sculpture and Miss Amanda’s Animal Crackers

Then it was over. And too early for everyone except Urban Toddler who was up thirty minutes past her bed time and soaked in sweat from the heat and humidity of a hot August night on the town. Two books and one song later and she was dreaming of a fun First Friday.

Filed Under: Emporium, First Friday, French Market, Joe Hultquist, Kelsey's Woods, Krutch Park, Tennessee Reiki Connection

Paris, the Bronx and Krutch Park

Posted on October 6, 2010 Written by 2 Comments
I’ve talked about the Grand Opening/Block Party happening on the 100 block of Gay Street last Friday night. It was very Rock and Roll with a twist of art in the air. I’ve talked about Market Square on the same night, with Sorority Surprises, literary celebrations, a pink-strewn square with Pretty in Pink on the big screen and bluesy jazz laying down the ambience. Still, there was another section of town with its own thing going on.
Accordion Player at French Market, Knoxville, October 2010

Friday night downtown has found me more often than not at the French Market lately. Slowly but surely each night is finding its spot. Sunday is Coffee and Chocolate for a treat to start the work week. Monday is La Costa a little after-work relaxation. Tuesday through Thursday is Tomato Head and Trio. Saturday night is S and W and Donald Brown. But Friday is quickly becoming a stroll through Paris.

This particular Friday night was special. Yes, it was First Friday, but it also happened to be the second anniversary of the opening of the French Market, Knoxville’s very own Parisian sidewalk cafe. While the 100 Block rocked out and Market Square immersed itself in the blues, the French Market reveled in . . . the accordion! What could be more French? Very traditional! We ate our crepes, listened to the accordion and took a small trip to Paris. 

Solar Booths in Krutch Park, Flow Mojo stands guard, Knoxville, October 2010
As we took our imaginary trip, a glance across the street revealed Krutch Park, still clinging to Flow Mojo (it lasted past September!) and reveling in the future with an array of solar power booths and displays. If the Paris to Krutch Park weren’t enough for your Friday evening traveling sensibilities, a little bit of Brooklyn slipped onto the sidewalk when a young man began an interpretive dance that ending in a dazzling display of break dancing prowess – all set to the sounds of an accordion pounding out an unremitting polka beat. Where else could you have all this action in one spot?



Brooklyn meets the Left Banke, Break dancing and Polka on Gay Street, Knoxville, October 2010
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Filed Under: Accordion, Break Dancing, Brooklyn, French Market, Knoxville Tennessee, Paris, Solar Power

General Burnside Asserts Himself Unexpectedly

Posted on August 19, 2010 Written by 6 Comments
"Portrait of Maj. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnsid...Image via Wikipedia

General Burnside from the American Civil War is most known outside of Knoxville for his famous sideburns. Inside Knoxville he was better known for taking over the town during the war and holding off the confederate attempts to reclaim it. I’d never given him much thought, myself, until recently when he virtually confronted me on the street.

I found myself at the French Market on a recent delightful morning when the sun was shielded enough by cloud cover to make sitting outside in the shade bearable early in the day. I’d gotten interested in trying their Italian coffee and I’d just started and become entirely hooked reading Jack Neely’s book Market Square: A History of the Most Democratic Place on Earth. (Follow the link and buy it if you haven’t. You won’t regret it.) I’d worked my way up to the 1860′s and the siege of Knoxville. On page 24 I’d just read the paragraph that starts with the sentence, “In the early Autumn of 1863, blue-uniformed troops under Union General Ambrose Burnside occupied Knoxville.” Looking up to rest my eyes, I nearly fell out of my chair. Directly in front of where I sat was the historical marker pictured below:

If I had been anywhere else in in Knoxville I would not have seen it. If I had been inside or at another outside table, I would not have noticed it. Even at my table, if I had chosen the other chair, my back would have been to it and I would have never known. It was almost as if the old guy was saying, ”Hey, before you sat there with your fancy coffee, I hung out in this spot.” It was beyond creepy. What made me look up at that moment or be in that spot when I read that portion? I’ll let you draw your own conclusions.

It makes you wonder how many markers we walk past without ever considering the lives and important moments that centered on that very spot where we carry on our little lives. And further, who will notice that we once walked this road? Will we make enough difference that someone will remember?

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Filed Under: Ambrose Burnside, American Civil War, Coffee, French Market, history, Jack Neely
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