Knoxville Musicians
Famous Knoxville natives include the alternative rock band, 10 Years, country music superstar, Kenny Chesney, The Aldridge Sisters, Chet Akins, Con Hunley and Brian Bell, the guitarist for Weezer. Knoxville is also home to Sundown in the City presented by Regal Enterntainment Group. Sundown in the City celebrated its 10th Anniversary featuring artists every Thursday like Edwin McCain, George Thorogood, The Wailers, Gin Blossoms, Ozomatli, John Butler Trio and Drive-By Truckers.
The Valarium frequently features up and coming artists. Past performers include John Mayer, 10 Years, Evans Blue, 311, Candlebock, Seether, Red and Vertigo. Blue Cats is legendary venue featuring legendary artists. It is also surrounded by popular clubs like Tonic, Fiction and Club 106.
Knoxville's warm weather and beautiful lakes sets up a perfect stage for outdoor music. The World's Fair Park or custom built floating stages and docks at Ft. Loudon Lake for Rocking on the River or Norris Lake, TN can make for great live outdoor venues.
Tennessee Theatre is one of Knoxville's most prestigious theaters frequented by a formally dresses crowd. The Tennessee Theatre is a great venue to visit for popular music especially during the holiday season. Traditional Christmas music is performed by country and bluegrass artists like Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder.The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra frequents the Tennessee Theatre during the holiday season. Anuna Celtic Origins, an Irish group, also offers their vocal uniqueness bridging the gap between classical and pop music.
The Bijou Theatre is showcase to several performances each month. The NME Riot Rock-N-Roll Riot Tour 2007 is being showcased at the Bijou featuring popular indie rock bands like The Hold Steady and Art Brut.
Thompson-Boling Arena is a major venue in Knoxville. Owned by The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Thompson-Boling Arena is home to the Tennessee Volunteers and Lady Vols basketball teams. However, this arena is not just dedicated to Tennessee athletics, but also to musical events. Stars such as Martina McBride, Rascal Flatts, Alan Jackson, Keith Urban, George Strait and Nickelback have all performed here. Thompson-Boling seats 24,535 people.
World Grotto, located in Market Square in Knoxville's Old City, offers live music every night. World Grotto specializes in world and regional music. It also features an art gallery located in the World Cafe. The art gallery showcases regional and world artists.
WUTK 90.3 The Rock is the University of Tennessee's premier rock radio station gaining extreme national recognition. WUTK is operated by the UT Department of Journalism and Electronic Media and its music, news and sports shows are all student produced. WUTK collaborates with The Tennessee Theater, The Bijou, World Grotto, Blue Cats and many other Knoxville venues for numerous events to bring the newest and best musical acts to Rocky Top. 90.3 The Rock has also been nominated for six College Music Journal awards and has won Best Local Music Station for two consecutive years.
