One area of Knoxville that has reaped many positives from these beautification projects is Market Square, a pedestrian mall that is home to many authentic shops and restaurants. Once a public marketplace where citizens of all races and genders traded and bought local goods, it was once called "the most democratic place on earth" by the Knoxville News Sentinel.
The music scene in Market square specifically is a must-see for visitors and residents alike who want a taste of local East Tennessee musical culture in a setting that has been a music venue for years. Market Square has been host to all kinds of musicians since the late 1860s. By the 1980s, bluegrass, jazz, folk and punk bands were performing within the square and now, Market Square offers three distinct music and entertainment venues that provide more and more life to a city that is growing each year.
In the back of Cafe 4, in an alley off of the main plaza, lies the Square Room, but don't let the obscure location deter from the potential experience. The state-of-the-art, hospitable environment has been host to local acts such as Brad Blackwell and Elenown, as well as more well-known artists like Elliott Yamin, David Cook and Gavin DeGraw, along with a number of underground acts.
It may be small, but the Square Room functions as a premier entertainment location in Market Square.
"Art is played in the Square Room; uncommercialized, small-scale artists playing for the enjoyment of it," said UT student Kaitlyn Darby.
"I have enjoyed the community that it brings. There is much fun and laughter going on," said Mike Zaczyk, a UT student who will be the DJ for the third annual Dance For Love in December. "There is never a lonely time while in Market Square, always surrounded by people."
In the middle of Market Square, more entertainment is on full display for less of a cost. At any time of the day, street performers take to the open-air stage to hone their skills in music, dance or a number of other talents. The fall series of "Movies in Market Square", spanning six consecutive Friday nights, has offered people of all ages a free night at the movies for the past nine years, adding to the fun atmosphere year-round.
"I have attended concerts and events in both Market Square and the Square Room; the atmospheres are surprisingly similar," said Darby. "I enjoy these places because they are small and close in the middle of the city. They are artsy, fun, and affordable, separate but near by."
On the opposite end of Market Square sits one final music hotspot. Preservation Pub functions as a three-story, full-service bar that hosts live, local music acts, comedy hours and even trivia nights on Monday. The dark-lit first floor Smokeasy bar serves as an oasis from the sun and bustle of city life--that is, until nightfall hits when it hosts eclectic, rocking bands starting at 10 p.m. nightly. Just up the stairs is the non-smoking Speakeasy floor, featuring the most comfortable seating and most comfortable atmosphere in the building. This is also the home of the aformentioned comedy, trivia, variety and open-mic shows, which rotate daily from 6-10 p.m. The unique twist to Preservation Pub is up one more floor. Yes, that would be on the roof. Knoxville's first ever outdoor rooftop Moonshine Roof Garden provides one of the more romantic spots, offering up gorgeous views of Market Square and the immediate downtown area.
The city that started out humbly as a country and traditional music scene has started to open up and become a force in the local music scene. A trip to any one (or all) three entertainment destinations in Market Square will give a sense of what has sparked Knoxville, Tennessee, culture in recent years.
Get ready, America...it's showtime in East Tennessee.
