September 7th, 2008

If you want to participate in one of Knoxville's most unique and longstanding traditions, attend the 23rd Annual Symphony in the Park. The event will be held on September 7th at Ijams Nature Center and will feature the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, a special guest artist, gourmet food and a silent auction. This event attracts prominent guests which have included Lamar Alexander, Jim Clayton, Pat Summitt, Mayor Bill Haslam, Bruce Pearl and David Keith. 

Ijams Nature Center reports this year's special guest artist will be three time Grammy award winner Ashley Cleveland. Cleveland's most recent Grammy was received in 2008 for Best Rock Gospel Album, Before the Daylight's Shot. Additionally, this year's special guest of honor will be Christine "Teenie" Hayworth. Hayworth has dedicated years of support and service to Ijams Nature Center. Serving as emcee will be Knoxville couple Belinda and Frank Gambuzza, owners of Salon Visage.

According to Ijams: Symphony in the Park normally attracts guests who come to enjoy the beautiful scenery, delicious gourmet fare catered by The Lord Lindsey, and a silent auction with fabulous items such as an acoustic guitar autographed by Vince Gill, two roundtrip coach airline tickets to anywhere in the continental U.S., a luxury yacht cruise for eight to Emma's at Choto Marina for dinner, a cocktail party for 25 with National Geographic guests.  Jim Gray Gallery has donated a beautiful limited edition framed print, "Settling to Fish," that will be available during the silent auction, as well. 

Proceeds from Symphony in the Park will provide funding for Ijams' environmental education programs and maintenance of the nature park. Recent concern on global climate change and the negative impact on our environment have increased public awareness to "Go Green." Ijams has always been at the forefront of earth-friendly practices by offering free or low cost environmental education programs for all ages that are designed to increase the knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the natural world. Additionally, Ijams maintains 175 acres of green space with nature exhibits and hiking trails for the community to enjoy.

If you are unable to attend the Symphony in the Park, but you'd still like to support their work, you can become a member of Ijams Nature Center. Ijams is only partially funded by local government, corporate and foundation grants and program fees. A large portion of their funding comes from members. The more support Ijams is given, the more fun and educational programs and events they can offer our community. Even though entry to the park and facilities are currently free, there are many benefits to becoming a member.

• Subscription to EarthWords monthly newsletter

• Special members-only activities

• Free and discounted family nature programs

• 10% discount in gift shop

• 10% discount at spring and fall plant sales

• 10% discount on facility rentals

• Discounts on nature day camps

• Members-only birthday adventures  

• Reciprocal membership privileges to other select ANCA national nature centers

For further details about Symphony in the Park or how you can become a member, call (865) 577-4717 ext.23, or visit the Nature Center online at www.ijams.org.

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Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved.