September 25, 2014 - The Variety Thursdays series of free concerts on Market Square is returning for a run of fall shows, from Oct. 2 to Oct. 30. The series, sponsored by the City of Knoxville and Stellar Visions and Sound, will include square dancing, country, jazz and an adventurous local chamber ensemble.

All concerts are free - and that includes parking, which is free after 6 p.m. at the City-owned Market Square, State Street and Locust Street garages.

There will be no alcohol or food sold on Market Square during the concerts, apart from what is available on the patios of surrounding restaurants. But concertgoers are invited to bring chairs or blankets to sit on the Square and enjoy the shows. Please like and follow the Special Events Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/CityofKnoxvilleSpecialEvents, to stay updated on the bands and on any cancellations due to the weather.

All concerts begin at 7 p.m., at the Bill Lyons Pavilion on Market Square.

Thursday, Oct. 2: SQUARE DANCING ON THE SQUARE
The Helgramites, a five-piece old-time string band, will perform, with a local caller from Laurel Theater for free square dancing. Grab some friends and learn how to do-si-do!

Thursday, Oct. 9: MAE BETH HARRIS
WDVX will co-sponsor this show by Mae Beth Harris, a senior at Christian Academy of Knoxville whose blend of bluegrass, country and pop is starting to garner a lot of attention. Come see an East Tennessee rising star!

Thursday, Oct. 16: ENSEMBLE SWING TIME
Ensemble Swing Time is a 16-piece big band from Knoxville that specializes in classic big band swing and features original arrangements made famous by Glenn Miller, Harry James, the Dorsey Brothers and other great bands from the Swing Era.

Thursday, Oct. 23: NORWEGIAN WOOD
Norwegian Wood performs an eclectic stew of chamber music, ranging from arrangements of Beatles songs to well-known classical pieces.

Thursday, Oct. 30: DIXIE GHOST
There will be a performance of the dance moves from "Thriller" on Market Square at 6 p.m., followed by Dixie Ghost at 7 p.m. Dixie Ghost is an acoustic five-piece string band with a sound that is rooted in traditional folk styles yet unmistakably original and progressive.