City Songs: Knoxville

QUARRY BY THE LAKE - East TN Bluegrass Youth

In his song “Quarry by the Lake”, Braxton Rogers recounts the history and evolution of Mead’s Quarry, a prominent feature of Ijam’s Nature Center in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee. Filmed on location on a cold day in March 2024. Composed by Braxton Rogers Braxton Rogers, banjo and vocals David Eversole, guitar Julia Eversole, bass Guest artists: Josh Oliver, guitar Matt Morelock, narration and banjo Creative guidance: Evie Andrus,  East Tennessee Bluegrass Association  Video production and editing: Amos Oaks and Indigo Eleora,  Knoxville Community Media  Audio recording: Ben McLaughlin Seth Hopper Location filming:  Ijam's Nature Center 

QUAKE - DJ Backrow

Big Ears commissioned each student in Fulton High School’s beatmaking class to compose a piece that reminded them of a place. DJ Backrow’s piece “Quake” stood out among the 16 submissions. His place? Space! Live footage filmed on location at Fulton High School in Knoxville, TN. Historical images from the McClung Historical Collection. Alien footage from the secret files of Amos Oaks. Composed and recorded by DJ Backrow (Michael Johnson) Creative guidance: David Miller Suzi Analogue Video production and editing: Amos Oaks,  Knoxville Community Media  Special thanks to Fulton High School, Ableton Live, Suzi Analogue, and her team.

PHYLLIS WHEATLEY - YWCA Reach Interns

Filmed on location at the  Phyllis Wheatley YWCA  in Knoxville, Tennessee. A trusted East Knoxville community center since 1920, YWCA Phyllis Wheatley Center is the main facility for the YWCA’s youth programs in East Tennessee. Phyllis Wheatley Center staff and volunteers work tirelessly to provide youth with the tools necessary to overcome obstacles and to succeed in school and beyond. City Songs worked with students from the Reach Program, which is a competitive, incentivized internship offered to young men and women, ages 14-18 years old. Students selected to participate in the program learn important skills for entering the workforce, including time management, accountability, conflict management, and financial literacy. Students meet with guest speakers from a variety of professions and have the opportunity to shadow professionals in a variety of careers. Selected writings of Phyllis Wheatley read by Gabrielle Anderson, Jaleeyah Brooks, and Kathy Mack. Leyla McCalla, cello Drums Up Guns Down, percussion Direction and production: Amos Oaks Matt Morelock Video Recording: Amos Oaks and Indigo Eleora,  Knoxville Community Media  Jalen Johnson (Reach intern) Christian Chandler (Reach intern) DaSean Johnson (Reach intern) Audio recording: Ben McLaughlin Seth Hopper Poem curation: University of Tennessee Department of English Book donation: Friends of the Knox County Public Library

CLOSET - Joy of Music School

Ed Sublett and his beatmaking class meet weekly at the Joy of Music School in Knoxville, Tennessee. Using the idea of “place” as a creative cue, Mr. Sublett and his students settled on the gear closet at the Joy of Music School, as it’s an essential feature of their musical education but can also serve as a metaphor for the liberation that comes with exploring and becoming one’s true self. Filmed on location at  Joy of Music School  in Knoxville, Tennessee, which has been providing music lessons and mentoring for financially disadvantaged youth since 1998. Composition and performance: Joy of Music beatmaking students Ed Sublett Matt Morelock Video production and editing: Amos Oaks,  Knoxville Community Media  Audio recording: Ben McLaughlin Seth Hopper

I THINK I'M A WOLF - ShyShy

Shy Shy (AKA Shyann Hoard) was a 5th grader at Belle Morris Elementary School in Knoxville, TN, when she recorded this ode to her favorite sport. “I Think I’m a Wolf” was filmed on location at Knoxville’s Fulton High School. Special thanks to the teachers at Belle Morris Elementary School for poetic guidance, and EXTRA special thanks to Shyann’s heroes, the 2024 Fulton High School Lady Falcons, for hyping her up when she recorded this video! Written and performed by Shy-Shy Guest artists: Robert Richards Matt Morelock Video production and editing: Amos Oaks,  Knoxville Community Media  Audio recording: Ben McLaughlin Seth Hopper

FIRST CREEK - Kennedy Lee

This episode features First Creek, specifically the section off Ocoee Trail behind the North Knoxville Branch Library. Through the voice of reader Akeelah Marshall, writer Kennedy Lee reflects on how this place has become a refuge for her over the years. This downtempo, wistful track was created by beat makers Eddie Upton and Javier Imes. It is complemented by the vocal improvisations of musician and visual artist Lonnie Holley and singer Leah Hennessy, who were inspired to take an environmental slant on the track based on the beauty of the creek. Original text - Kennedy Lee Read by - Akeelah Marshall Electronic track - Eddie Upton and Javier Imes Live vocal improvisation - Lonnie Bradley Holley and Leah Hennessy Cameras - Amos Oaks and Jebney Lewis Audio recording - Aurora Nealand Video editing - Amos Oaks Audio editing - Aurora Nealand and Jebney Lewis Production assistance - Justyne Griffin Community coordination - Rachel Milford

SANSOM SPORTS COMPLEX - Regis Okungu

In this episode, writer Regis Akungu reflects on the importance that the "beautiful game" of soccer has had in his life and how it has tied him to the Sansom Sports Complex. Aurora Nealand led the Knox Honkers and Bangers through and improvised score based on the words and moods from Regis' text. Original text - Regis Akungu Read by - Regis Okungu Live orchestral improvisation - Knox Honkers and Bangers Community Marching Band (Nick Shaffer, Jake Plewa, Ryan Dunaway, Brandi Augustus, Tyler Chen, Tony Cheatham, Seth Hopper, Jessica Hammonds, Seth Mahern, Bryan Hill, Will Fist, Pumpkin Starr, Rachel Gurley, Abby Wintker, Josh Wright, Rachel Milford, Chris Rusk, and Chance Kellar, with special guest Justyne Griffin) Cameras - Amos Oaks and Jebney Lewis Audio recording - Aurora Nealand and Jebney Lewis Video editing - Amos Oaks and Jebney Lewis Audio editing - Jebney Lewis Production assistance - Justyne Griffin Community coordination - Rachel Milford

SANDRA AVENUE - Joshua Sleuter

Writer Joshua Sleuter uses words to detail an intimate portrait of his home on Sandra Ave. The lo-fi track that Noel Carillo and Dexter Lewis created to underscore Joshua's words is rounded out by the atmospheric improv of cellist and Mivos Quartet member, T.J. Borden and flautist Justyne Griffin. Original text - Joshua Sleuter Read by - Tywan Taylor Electronic track - Noel Carrillo and Dexter Lewis Live improvisation - T.J. Borden, cello, and Justyne Griffin, flute Cameras - Amos Oaks and Jebney Lewis Audio recording - Aurora Nealand Video editing - Amos Oaks Audio editing - Jebney Lewis Production assistance - Justyne Griffin Community coordination - Rachel Milford

A STAGE - Courageous 

In this episode, poet, organizer, and theater maker Courageous (aka Jonathan Clark) collaborates with composer and beat maker Jarius Bush, founder of Knoxville's own Good Guy Collective. Courageous muses on all the ways that the stages of Knoxville and beyond, and the artists who have performed on them, have inspired him molded him as an artist. Aurora Nealand and Joe Jordan join Courageous at the World's Fair Park Amphitheater, improvising over Jarius' track. Jarius and Courageous not only contributed this track to the project but also worked with Fulton High School students to hone and shape their writing and tracks for the 2023 version of City Songs: Knoxville. Original poem - Jonathan "Courageous" Clark Electronic track - Jarius Bush Live improvisation - Aurora Nealand, alto saxophone, and Joe Jordan, trumpet Cameras - Amos Oaks and Jebney Lewis Audio recording - Justyne Griffin Video editing - Jebney Lewis Audio editing - Jebney Lewis Production assistance - Justyne Griffin Community coordination - Rachel Milford

GRANDPARENT'S HOUSE - Kayla Hall

In this episode, writer Kayla Hall conjures the details and memories of her grandparents former home on Boright Place. The wistful, downtempo track created by Jordan Santos and Nataijah Coffer is complemented by the vocal stylings of Knoxville's own Jiima and the keyboard work of songwriter and producer Xzavian Wrushen. Written by - Kalyn Hall Read by - Jasmin Young Electronic track - Jordynn Santos and Nataijah Coffer Live music - Jiima, vocals and Xzavian Wrushen, keys and vocals Cameras - Amos Oaks and Jebney Lewis Audio recording - Aurora Nealand Audio editing - Jebney Lewis and Jeremy Thal Video editing - Jebney Lewis Production assistance - Justyne Griffin Community coordination - Rachel Milford

CECIL WEBB REC CENTER - Judea Taylor 

In this episode, Judea Taylor shares her memories and impressions of Cecil Webb Recreation Center and reflects on how her time at the center shaped her character. The uptempo track, created by Justin Reyes and Jason Smith, is overlaid with the live improvised stylings of Maria "Mange" Valencia and Mauricio Ramirez of the group Meridian Brothers, with a special guest appearance by Amos Oaks on the musical saw. Original text - Judea Taylor Read by - Julianna Holland Electronic track - Justin Reyes and Jason Smith Live improvisation - Maria “Mange” Valencia, alto saxophone; Mauricio Ramirez, drums; and Amos Oaks, saw Cameras - Amos Oaks and Jebney Lewis Audio recording - Justyn Griffin Video editing - Jebney Lewis Audio editing - Jebney Lewis and Aurora Nealand Production assistance - Justyne Griffin Community coordination - Rachel Milford

BELLE MORRIS ELEMENTARY - Tywan Taylor

In this episode, writer Tywan Taylor reminisces in luminous detail about his time as a student at Belle Morris Elementary. The powerhouse ensemble Mourning [A] BLKstar, improvised a live score for Tywan's rousing text during a recess at Belle Morris. Original text- Tywan Taylor Live Improvisation - Mourning [A] BLKStar (James Longs - vocals Chimi Peculiar - vocals LaToya Kent - vocals Dante Foley - drums Jah Nada - bass Theresa May - trumpet William Washington - trombone Pete Saudek - keys RA Washington - samplers) Cameras - Amos Oaks and Jebney Lewis Audio recording - Aurora Nealand Audio editing - Jebney Lewis Video editing - Jebney Lewis Production assistance - Justyne Griffin Community coordination- Rachel Milford

SPRING HILL SCHOOL - Nehemiah Fears

In this episode, writer Nehemiah Fears brings us back in time with her in a remembrance of her elementary school days at Spring Hill. Knoxville-based violinist and composer Evie Andrus injects a bluegrass sensibility to the rhythm-heavy track created by student beat makers Larry Brabson and Feather Daniels. Original text - Nehemiah Fears Read by - Nehemiah Fears Electronic track - Larry Brabson and Feather Daniels Live improvisation - Evie Andrus, violin Cameras - Amos Oaks and Jebney Lewis Audio recording - Aurora Nealand Video editing - Jebney Lewis Audio editing - Jebney Lewis Production assistance - Justyne Griffin Community coordination - Rachel Milford

FULTON HIGH SCHOOL TENNIS COURTS - Ashlyn Diaz

In this episode, writer and Fulton Tennis Team member Ashlyn Felipe Diaz narrates the inner world of a tennis match. Elijah Roach and Trinity Phillips created a propulsive track to complement Ashlyn's words. Multi-instrumentalist and raconteur Matt Morelock and percussionist and Fulton music teacher David Miller both used the opportunity to improvise to the track and end the encounter by actually playing tennis with their instruments! Original text - Ashlyn Felipe Diaz Read by - Ashlyn Felipe Diaz Electronic track - Elijah Roach and Trinity Phillips Live instrumentation - Matt Morelock, banjo, jaw harp, ragini, and David Miller, udu and banjo Cameras - Amos Oaks and Jebney Lewis Audio recording - Aurora Nealand Video editing - Lazarus Dance Audio editing - Aurora Nealand and Jebney Lewis Production assistance - Justyne Griffin Community coordination - Rachel Milford

OLD AUSTIN HOMES - Neveah Wight

Neveah Wight wanted to use this project to take the viewer to a place that no longer exists, her Grandma's house in the old Austin Homes. Composers Josiah Burns and Camila Miguel Francisco created a lo fi track filled with nostalgia, and jazz singer and ukelele player, Kelle Jolly, provided a chorus that sums up what it means to miss a loved one and the place they used to live..

See video here.

Neveah Wright - Narrative Josiah Burns and Camila Miguel Francisco- Electronic Track  Kelle Jolly  - Vocals, Ukulele, and Tamborine Jebney Lewis- Guitar and Hand Claps Aurora Nealand - Camera and Audio

Neveah's Narrative: My special place is my grandma’s old apartment, in the old Austin Homes apartments. Every time I think about it it just takes me back to the good ole days. It was really just being with my grandma that made those times so special to me. Every time I think about it I always just see my sister,grandma,and myself, we really did everything together in that apartment. The best memories I have is when we used to walk to the store thats like a half a mile away,and this used to be a everyday thing or whenever we have some type of money. One on the worst memories I have there is the time I lied to her over something stupid. So it’s a school night and i’m supposed to be sleep like she told me,but no I decided to stay up and watch tv all night. When the time came for me to get up and ready for school I was really tired,so I went to go tell her I was “sick”. And of course she didn’t believe me,and I did everything to make it so believable. She ended up giving in but I got the worst cuss out from her ever. Now my grandma is the type of grandmother to protect her grandbabies with her all. Like she would say she was going to beat us but end up spoiling us instead,but that cuss she gave me felt like more then a beating. My family is not really too big on holidays but every birthday my grandma showed out for every last one of us. Like i’m talking about a bunch of balloons,a big goodie bag with all our favorite things,and a stack of money which we did nothing but spend on snacks and other junk. Another one of my favorite things is all her grandkids had a nickname and it was grandma,it was like if she had to be a grandma we did to. Every time we went to go see her or she came to see us all you would hear was “hey grandma” going back and forth. I remember one time she got really drunk and just went missing for like a whole week,come to find out she was just with a friend and i’m guessing she needed a break. For the days she was gone I relized that my biggest fear was actually loosing her. I hate that I had to eventually face my fear man when I say I was so hurt and I still am,it’s like it gets better some days and worst some days. Don’t get me wrong I don’t think she actually really left us cause I do still feel her presences. She always told us “If I ever was to leave this earth i’m still gonna be here I will never leave you guys.” I aso hate that the last time I seen her was on my 17th birthday and she passed away exacally four days after my birthday,that will forever stick with me. I can’t blame her though because I know how tired she was. I am happy my last words to her was “I love you” and her’s to me was “I love you more.” So you see i’m just trying to come at peace with it and so far i got good progress.

BORIGHT PARK - Joy Boya

In this episode, Fulton senior, Joy Boya, uses words to paint a vivid picture of what it means to be a kid playing in a favorite park. Cellist and music therapist, Cecilia Wright, creates a multi-track score that underpins Joy's beautiful poem.  See video here. 

Joy Boya - Poem  Cecilia Wright  - Multi-Track Cello Improvisation Camera and Audio- Jebney Lewis

Joy's Poem: Rise up to see the morning brighten up to me The birds loud, I can hear them talking over me And the breeze is making the trees dance for me This can be seen one of two ways If you want to see beauty, then it's all in your face So many parks, so many places to play So many places to eat, and in your stay The one where we be is the one off Boright We can sit in the car, swing, or slide on the slides The colors coordinate with everything at sight Take my nieces and nephews so they can also be free Of course, the whole time, they're screaming through their teeth Sometimes, at a time, we've all brought something Whether a bite, or a bike or a toy that was in sight Or even a drink you guzzle after you're done for the night It was never too late, and never too early to be at the park Even though it can look pretty scary after dark But together forever is the game we play And no matter where we're at in life, can we promise That this beautiful spirit will always stay No matter the age, we should always play As there's a kid in us, no matter how big or tall No matter how old or as an adult Part of you will always want to get out in this world And have fun

GREEN MAGNET ACADEMY -

In this episode, Green Magnet Math and Science Academy alum Josiah Libby recalls some of the playful highlights of his early education. Lashante Hinton and Dalaylah Truitt provide an upbeat track that songwriter and violinist Elena Moon Park and composer and multi-instrumentalist Aurora Nealand round out with a bit of improvised ambiance.

 See video here.    Josiah Libby - Original Poem Lashante Hinton and Dalaylah Truitt - Electronic Track  Elena Moon Park  - Violin Improvisation  Aurora Nealand  - Accordion Improvisation

Josiah's lyrics: In math class I played with blue blocks In science class I saw some cool rocks In gym class I ran in swagger socks Yeah this is my school I came from here Back then, everything was so near and dear I tried the monkey bars with no fear If I didn’t skin my knee I would have no career In math class I played with blue blocks In science class I saw some cool rocks In gym class I ran in swagger socks My science teacher had a pretty cool snake I brought her a collection of tadpoles that she put in a safer lake Now those tadpoles have grown into frogs Those frogs that live in many bogs In math class I played with blue blocks In science class I saw some cool rocks In gym class I ran in swagger socks In math class is where I learned real fast I would be doing those equations with one pass Yeah in math class I was mighty fast did everything in a dash That is why they call me the flash In math class I played with blue blocks In science class I saw some cool rocks In gym class I ran in swagger socks In gym class is where I play Sometimes we went outside for a day We would ride around on those boards And break our fingers, but that is no more In math class I played with blue blocks In science class I saw some cool rocks In gym class I ran in swagger socks The one thing I took from my years Is the friendship and the tears But with my education, I can live with no fears

DOWNTOWN KNOXVILLE - Jennifer Nicely

In this narrative, Jennifer Nicely details her personal highlights of downtown Knoxville. Beatmakers Chantal Guzman Soto and Asyaria Martin took things in an ambient and slightly spooky direction. Bass clarinetist, improvisor, and composer Jorge Variego and percussionist Abby Fisher built on all that tension in a lively improv under the marquee of the Tennessee Theater. After watching this episode, you may never think of downtown Knoxville in quite the same way!  See video here. 

Jennifer Nicely - Narrative text Chantal Guzman Soto and Asyaria Martin - Electronic Track  Abby Fisher  - Percussion Improvisation  Jorge Variego  - Bass Clarinet Improvisation Jebney Lewis and Aurora Nealand - Camera and Audio

CHURCHWELL & CENTRAL - Henry Lubke

In this video, youth writer Henry Lubke mines the poetic details of a moment and a place: the Churchwell/North Central Intersection. A trio of superb improvisers -- Ben Lamar Gay (cornet), Claire Chenette (oboe), and Aurora Nealand (alto sax) fill out the spaces in a cinematic, uptempo track created by student beat-maker Sergio Gaspar Manuel.  See video here .

Henry Lubke - Narrative Sergio Gaspar Manuel - Electronic Track  Ben Lamar Gay  - Cornet Improvisation  Claire Chenette  - Oboe Improvisation  Aurora Nealand  - Alto Sax Improvisation Jebney Lewis - Camera and Audio

Henry's Narrative - The Comfort In Reality: The Churchwell/North Central Intersection rests at the top of a big hill and shares it’s space with a community theater, a slew of random shops, and a cul de sac. It isn’t exactly a very pretty place or frankly even a very unique place… Or so I thought.... It was September 20th 2021, I had just walked out of the theater at the top of the hill all alone. I was drained of energy as I had spent the past two hours baking under the stage lights like a raisin in the sun. Another long rehearsal was over as I waited for my dad to come by and pick me up. The sun is setting and the darkness begins to swallow the edges of the sky. The cold air hits my warm skin and immediately shifts me from a walking ball of fire to a frozen ice sickle. I walked down and sat on the curb of Churchwell as I stared out at North Central expecting for my dad to swing by. Although it only took him 30 seconds on the dot to get there it felt like 30 minutes to me when I waited. I began to stare out and see all the walks of life amongst the streets I was sitting on. The directors came out from the theater, smoked a quick cigarette, and watched the blinking lights of the cell towers in the distance. Parents living in the neighborhood took seats on their porches to get a break from their kids, and Homeless people scavenged up and down the block just for a place to rest. I walked further down the street and examined the skyline of the city in the distance, clashing with the horizon of the Smokies. It was something so industrial, and man made blending with something so natural and innate, yet it is an easy view on the eyes. My attention then diverted to the twinkling lights of the tailor shop that looked as if it had been pulled straight out of the 1950’s. I found that the inanimate objects, like buildings, and silhouettes of the streets were breathing and living just as much as the people who walked them were. I felt cold, tired, and overwhelmed when I walked out of that theater and wasn’t exactly thrilled to wait out on the Churchwell-North Central intersection. Yet every extra moment I stayed staring out at my city I felt more understanding of it, closer to it. That was a warm comforting feeling in the midst of a cold dark night. For this place taught me to find unconventional beauty. For this place gave me a new perception of my town. For this place is the essence of Knoxville.

UT BOTANICAL GARDEN - Elena F. Miguel

Knoxville troubadour Adeem the Artist transformed writer Elena Miguel's snapshot of a family Easter picnic at the UT Botanical Gardens into a musical catalogue archiving the moments of beauty in the landscape around us. Jebney Lewis added a little low and high end on bass and harmonica.  See video here .

Elena F. Miguel - Narrative  Adeem the Artist  - Lyrics, Guitar, and Camera Jebney Lewis - Bass Guitar, Harmonica, Camera, and Audio

Elena's Narrative: A pretty long eerie walk to the beautiful University of Tennessee Botanical Garden was interesting. Seeing rural buildings falling apart that was once filled with memories. A graffiti with amazing bright colors from the inside of the tunnel as you walk past through it. And a river to the right as you walk by. As we walked to the garden we were filled with laughter and having small talks as we went. We then heard a small splash and we saw little turtles coming out of the water. As they end up tipping over the edge of the rock making a little splash as they go in. As we entered the beautiful garden downtown. It's filled with plants full of life and the aroma around you smells so fresh. Coming from the tulips as it moves side to side. With a beautiful bright pink color standing out. And the blue sky with the bright sun shining above us. As the breeze brushes against our skin making it a wonderful day to spend Easter there with my family. And from a distance hearing other people with their family and friends talking having a great time. In the peaceful garden. As we kept walking there was an old rusted car. As we heard a waterfall from the distance. And in the clear water there were gold fishes swimming in it. Above the waterfall the chirping of the birds sounded like a melody. The memories that were made there are unforgettable. We all sat around by the waterfall talking and eating some snacks. We ended up taking pictures and laughing. Pictures that were taken will last a lifetime that will be seen generations down. The garden was a peaceful place where I enjoyed being. It has made me have good intentions in things and just let things flow.

JODY WRIGHT ARENA - Jamia Simmons

This episode features Jody Wright Arena, home of the Fulton Falcons. In this poem, basketball player Jamia Simmons recalls the many ways the arena has been meaningful to her. The track is underpinned by a basketball backbeat and a soprano and alto sax improv furnished by Fulton music instructor and band director David King and multi-instrumentalist and composer Aurora Nealand.  See video here .

Jamia Simmons - Original poem Basketball Beat - Tavaria Allen, Derrick Smith, Isaiah Brown Saxophone Improv - David King and Aurora Nealand Camera and Audio - Jebney Lewis

Jamia's poem: Jody Wright Arena A place that’s home for the Falcons A place I call my second home A place where I’ve been able to let go of all my worries A place that’s comfort me at my lowest and showered me with unconditional love at my highest A place that’s full of greatness A place where I surpassed 1,000 points The sound of the national anthem as I rock back and forth and pray to the lord The unforgettable introduction from Coach Black as we run out The sound of the balls hitting the shiny, dull wooden floors The sound of the white net as I swish a 3 The roaring sound of the crowd as we gain another victory A place where I’ve worn my heart on my sleeve A place I’ve shed blood, sweat and tears A place I’ve gained wins and losses A place where I’ve created bonds that will last forever February 10th, 2022 a date I’ll never forget in this gym A night that was a emotional rollercoaster A night that I shed tears, laughed , smiled and just lived in the moments A place I was proposed to This gym houses more than just basketball games This gym symbolizes my life Jody Wright Arena I am forever grateful for you and the unexplainable life experiences you’ve giving me the last 4 years in high school