By Michelle Price
Special to the UCBJ
UPPER CUMBERLAND – Whether you want to watch as others swing through the air or enjoy a swing band as they play your favorites, we’ve got you covered. Festival season kicks off in Gainesboro celebrating Poke Sallet, and you can hunt historical markers in Putnam County. For a complete list of events statewide, visit tnvacation.com/calendar.
May 9-11
Gainesboro – Celebrate the 41stAnnual Poke Sallet Festival in downtown Gainesboro. Highlighted by the first annual Poke Sallet 5K Walk/Run on May 10 at 5:30. For information, facebook.com/PokeSallet/.
May 10-12
Cookeville – CIRQUE ITALIA is coming to the Putnam County Fairgrounds with a BRAND NEW 2019 SHOW! High Wire acts that defy all gravity rules, aerialist that will blow your mind, and SO MUCH MORE! For information and showtimes call 941-704-8572.
May 10
Cookeville – This month’s Cookeville History Museum History Hike is a hunt for historical markers noting Putnam County’s history. The free action kicks off at 10:30 a.m. at the Cookeville History Museum.
Cookeville– Enjoy the Smoky Nights Live at Char from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Cookeville – Billy Mac returns to Red Silo to Rock the House!!
Cookeville – Nathan Kalish live at 37 Cedar starting at 7 p.m.
Crossville – Mario Carboni @ Spike’s Grille! Mario traveled all the way from Oregon to play his unique style of Honky-Tonk from 6 – 10 p.m. For information call 931-202-2989
Crossville – Grinder House presents Marlow Music Inc. is a progressive rock band, deeply rooted in blues, jazz, and swing live from 6 – 8 p.m. For information 931-707-0440.
May 11
Brush Creek – Come out to Cellar 53 Winery for Wine & Wildflowers with food by Blue Water Grille and vendors for your Mother’s Day shopping.
Cookeville – The Smoky Nights live at Jig Head Brewing from 7 – 9 p.m.
Cookeville –Soddy Daisy live at 37 Cedar starting at 7 p.m.
Crossville – Jason Howard @ Spike’s Grille! 6 – 10 p.m. For information call 931-202-2989.
Crossville – The Palace Theater presents the Cumberland Swing Band Experience featuring big band arrangements of your favorite dance music – including jazz, swing, ballads, Latin, and more. For information call 931-4846133.
Rugby – Historic Rugby will celebrate the many aspects of its history that originate in the British Isles. Lots of music, English food and of course, The Queen’s Tea. To purchase tickets and make reservations, visit our website www.web-extract.
May 17-18
Middle Tennessee – Hunt for antique treasures on the 100-mile Hwy 52 Yard Sale with 800+ vendors, food and fun runs from Orlinda to just past Celina at the county line with stops in Portland, Westmoreland, Lafayette and Red Boiling Springs.
May 17
Baxter– Delmonaco Winery & Vineyards Open Mic night from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Join us for our quarterly Open Mic Night! Whether you’re a singer, musician, comedian, poet, etc. Take advantage of this opportunity to try out new material, meet other like minded people, practice your performing skills and even get noticed!
Cookeville– Enjoy the Smoky Nights Live at Char from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Cookeville –Come out to Spankies for AJ Carter & Friends starting at 9:30 p.m.
May 18
Smithville – Bring hiking boots for an introduction in backyard foraging during the Herb Walk 1-3 p.m. at Bright Hill Bed & Barn. The experience includes complimentary taste teas, light lunch, artisan cakes and gluten-free treats.
Woodbury – Annual Mule Show presented by the Tennessee Mule Skinners Association. Contact 615-624-1708 for more information.
Ongoing
Cookeville – Cookeville High School presents Disney’s Newsies from May 2 – 11. See here for times and ticket information.
Crossville – Bright Star isinspired by a real event and featuring the Grammy-nominated bluegrass and Gospel enthused score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, Broadway’s Bright Star tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and ’40s. Show runs April 26 – June 6. Times and ticket information available here.
Crossville – Forever Plaid is a guaranteed smash, with a program of beloved songs and delightful patter that keeps the audience laughing hysterically when they’re not humming along to some of the great nostalgic pop hits of the 1950’s. Show runs March 29 – May 24. Times and ticket information available here.
For more information, contact Ruth Dyal, executive director for the Upper Cumberland Tourism Association, at 931-537-6347 or by email at uctourism@gmail.com.