Blank Newspaper

21/08/2024

If you haven't yet signed up for Compass, they do great work. Here is an example.

Emails show that tensions over programming and operations at WUTK preceded the departure of longtime general manager Benny Smith.

02/08/2024

This is quite a tale, neighbors.

McClung Collection houses one of East Tennessee's most important catalogues of photographs You know all those photos of ye olde Knoxville you see in every other restaurant, bar and shop downtown? Or t

01/08/2024

It's hard to believe, but Blank turns 17 this month. In all of our years of publication, this is one of the most meaningful pieces to ever grace our pages.

Late Fisher Tire patriarch Bob Fisher cemented his legacy through a life of talent and kindness It’s surreal navigating a world without Bob Fisher in it. His son, Bobby Jr., sees reminders of his fath

23/07/2024

Years ago, before the overlords changed the angles on what people see our posts, we posted videos of the week. People seemed to really enjoy it. Even though we don't expect many of our followers to see this, we thought it might be worth a shot to try this again and this seems like a good way to get it going. Enjoy life, neighbors!

15/07/2024

Benny Smith and WUTK will part ways at the end of the year, according to a document acquired by our colleagues at Compass. The Volunteer structure will also change.

Longtime Station Manager Benny Smith will part ways with WUTK after being put on administrative leave last week Earlier today, our colleagues at Compass obtained a statement released by the College of

14/07/2024

Hello neighbors,

Over the last week we've been working diligently to process all the angles on the current situation surrounding Benny Smith and WUTK. We're getting close to publishing a piece but there are still a few things that we need to identify and confirm before we feel comfortable doing so.

In the meantime, it seems appropriate to share this piece about Smith and his legacy. At the bottom of the article, you'll find links to testimonials from others in the community as well.

If you're unfamiliar with him or the station, this might give you a better understanding about why the community is up in arms. This story was written by Steve Wildsmith in March of 2022.

Back in 1982, when WUTK first elbowed its way onto the local airwaves, the 128-watt signal started to fade somewhere on the other side of the 17th Avenue hill. Scroll too fast down the dial, and you w

11/07/2024

Congrats to Corner Lounge for winning Knoxville's finest bar, amongst other things.

We are nothing without our customers. Oh, and our bartenders. Oh, and our drinks. Oh, and our food. MUCH love for voting us Knoxville’s Best Bar, Knoxville’s Best Bartenders in Justin and Sheena, and Knoxville’s Best Bloody Mary! Thank you for sharing the love, Blank Newspaper! Keep it real and keep it local, Knoxville!

10/07/2024

Surprise!

If you should happen to pull up to Lost & Found Records around 7:00 on Saturday night, you might catch these guys practicing out on the porch... (Parking might be an issue... consider carpooling or Ubering if you can!) Superdrag Van Superdrag Stuff!

09/07/2024

Sunset on Central is back and yes, it's still free, neighbors.

  Born & Raised Productions has announced the lineup for Knoxville’s biggest free music festival, Sunset on Central. Returning on Saturday, August 24th, 2024, this year’s event will feature o

05/07/2024

One of the best perks of running a newspaper is getting to interview fascinating people. I've been fortunate to help tell the story of many people and businesses over the years but I've never been able to interview my favorite band at the time. Until now. Here is my conversation with Nick Allbrook from Australian Pysch Rock band POND. -Rusty

When pondering about the continent responsible for the greatest musical output thus far in this millennium, a few contenders come to mind. But when it comes to indie music, no one has been doing it be

03/07/2024

Here's a look at what's going on this month in Knoxville music.

Thursday, June 27th Mike Coykendall at Barley's Sierra Hull at the Bijou Theatre Prince of The Burning Sands at Preservation Pub Friday, June 28th Drew Foust & The Wheelhouse at Barley's í68 at Op

15/06/2024

Roo, day two, here for you, dear readers.

by Tyler Larrabee and Rusty Odom   Friday showed the progression of a handful of bands, a few of which have been on the farm before. Many of the bands who hadn't yet played Bonnaroo are regulars

14/06/2024

Day one of Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival felt a bit like the old days.

Bonnaroo has undergone myriad changes over the years, but opening day of the 2024 installment felt like the old days (welcome back, paper schedules). Sure, the What Stage was opened for the first time

12/06/2024

Today (Wednesday) is the final day to vote, neighbors!

Click the image to vote now!

10/06/2024

It's time to celebrate your city, neighbors!
Wednesday, June 12th is the final day to vote for all your favorite Knoxville people and businesses. Be sure to check the rules before you begin and have fun!

Click the image to vote now!

06/06/2024

Celebrate your city, neighbors! Vote for your favorites in Knoxville's Finest, our annual readers' poll. Be sure to check the rules before you vote!

Click the image to vote now!

23/05/2024

Here is your monthly music calendar, neighbors.

  Friday, May 24th Tangled In Blue at Ale Rae's Cordovas at Barley's Deuce Kiss at Open Chord Saturday, May 25th Paul McDonald & The Mourning Doves at Barleys St. Owsley at Open Chord Wished

22/05/2024

How about this one? Nice work, Mempho.

Memphis, TN (May 22, 2024) – Fresh from a triumphant month-long residency at Tom Lee Park producing two back-to-back music and culinary extravaganzas, Mempho Presents has announced the return of its f

19/05/2024

Day two of Hangout Music Festival hit all the right notes, according to Blank's resident yungblud, Tyler Larrabee. Get the scoop here. https://blanknews.com/hot-to-go-day-two-of-2024-hangout-fest-shines-after-early-rain-delay/

The Hangout staff couldn’t hold off the weather forever for us, and day two started with an hour-long rain relay. The BLANK crew received regular updates via the official WhatsApp group from 5am all

05/05/2024

Here's our recap of an eventful second day at Shaky Knees Festival.

Slight hiccups not nearly enough to disrupt festival's progress The inevitable companion to a festival’s evolution and ability to book larger headliners is a slew of complaints filling social media, m

04/05/2024

Good afternoon, fam! Here are our impressions of the first day of Shaky Knees Festival 2024.

Friday's lineup at smaller stages crushed while headliners slayed Despite some major adjustments, Friday was one of the best days in the history of Shaky Knees. It should come as no surprise, though;

08/04/2024

We've been quietly working on this brand new event for months now and we're less than a week away. It looks like the weather is going to be righteous and it's free to attend! Celebrate the city with us, neighbors.
The Soap Box Derby gets moving at high noon and the music starts at 5! The schedule is below.

5:00 - Sarrenna
6:30 - Dos Fuegos
8:00 - Dishwater Blonde

03/04/2024

A six-show concert series was announced this morning with a big charitable touch. Concerts for Our Own is set to take place at the amphitheater at World's Fair Park. See the lineup at the link.

"Concerts For Our Own," a local organization committed to supporting causes in the Knoxville community through live music, has chosen The Joy of Music School, Knoxville Pediatric Cancer Collaborative

27/03/2024

What a weekend. Here is our coverage from four beautiful days of Big Ears Festival, neighbors. Be sure to follow the links at the top of the page for recaps of each day.

I've known Micheal "Rasta" Lewis for 25 years now, and I've never once heard him shook. Until Thursday. It was 3:15 p.m. on the dot when my phone rang for the only call I would answer all day. And, bo

22/03/2024

Big Ears Festival is off to a fantastic start. Here's a look at day one.

https://blanknews.com/day-one-of-big-ears-2024-jordan-3s-and-overalls/

I've known Micheal "Rasta" Lewis for 25 years now and I've never once hear him shook. Until Thursday. It was 3:15 p.m. on the dot when my phone rang for the only call I would answer all day. And boy a

18/03/2024

Here is our enormous guide to Big Ears Festival, complete with previews to over 30 acts, an interview with festival founder Ashley Capps and a festival-themed horoscope by Madame Weezy.

  A look into many of the acts performing during the festival by Wayne Bledsoe, Daniel Britt, John Flannagan, Jennifer Duncan-Rankin, Matt Rankin and Rusty Odom Big Ears founder Ashley Capps inte

18/03/2024

Greetings neighbors, Blank is proud to sponsor Channel Pressure along with The Blom Shop this Sunday at Local Smokey. This event is curated by Brandon Biondo of The New Romantics and we can't wait. Best of all, the event is completely free and open to the public. Find out the whole scoop here.

Local musician curates a day of free sets at Local Smokey For several years, Brandon Biondo seemed to be everywhere. A fixture in The Pilot Light scene of bands and musicians that eschewed conventiona

17/03/2024

Dos Fuegos . Today. 4:00. Merchants of Beer. Free. Presented by Blank and Second Bell Music Festival.

17/03/2024

Today is the day!

Carrie On events production honors former employee, raises money for good cause   When Barley’s employee Carrie Daughtery passed away in 2008, she was involved with Emily’s Power for a Cure, a f