I’ll keep my comments brief today, and give you some photographs of last night’s Metro Pulse event. It turns out the winners in the various categories were invited to a VIP version of the party starting at 5:00 and lasting until the beginning of the advertised party at 7:00. For this first portion, food from many of the winning chefs and restaurants was offered while Jenna and Her Cool Friends provided the entertainment.
I really enjoyed meeting some Knoxville’s most talented and successful people, as well as seeing old friends and making new ones. Urban Woman attended the first portion with me and Shaft came in a little later. One of the benefits of writing a blog like this one is that I’ve gotten to know a large number of people. There were more than a few present who have appeared personally or through their business on my blog. One of the hazards of the blog is that I meet too many people for my feeble brain to remember.
A long table displayed plaques which will be distributed to the winners and just looking at them stretched along several tables made the scope of the contest as well as the array of talented people in our city even more impressive. I’ve never been much on plaques to commemorate occasions or successes, but I have to say I liked the look of the name of my blog sitting among such deserving people.
Jack Neely said a few welcoming words to the crowd, Jenna began her set and the food and liquor flowed. People watching was at a premium, with some of us more comfortable mingling than others. I always have a difficult time trying to carry a conversation over loud music. I can’t hear what’s said and my voice doesn’t cut through the din very well. So, if I talked to you and seemed rude or worse, a bit dim-witted, give me another chance down the line when we meet in a quieter space.
I spotted James Trimble of the Dirty Guv’nahs listening to Jenna. Madeline Rogero, who was selected “Best Knoxvillian,” mingled and exchanged pleasantries. I enjoyed talking to Johnathan Borsodi (of Saw Works Brewing) and Katie Powell. I got to speak briefly with Alan Sherrod, my friend and the Metro Pulse Classical Music reporter, Adam Palmer and Dave Ohmer of Saw Works, Rick and Patty Terry and Blake and Rachel Terry of Rick Terry Jewelry, Michael Gill, Bill and Gay Lyons and more.
Special thanks to Metro Pulse for throwing the party and to all the vendors for offering their food. After this post we’ll return to the regular programming that brought us this far. I really appreciate this award and all the support, but it’s time to move on. The city continues to grow and change and there’s always the next story waiting to be written.
If you are new to the blog, or if you’ve been with me a while and have simply not tuned in to the options, let me encourage you to friend me on Facebook, “Like” the Stuck Inside of Knoxville Facebook page (which you can do by clicking to the right of this text) and maybe most importantly, subscribe (also on the right). Subscriptions will get you an e-mail each time I post, which is generally five days a week. Also, don’t forget to visit the Stuck Inside of Knoxville Facebook page where you will find thousands of photographs of downtown from the last three years all neatly organized so you can find your favorites quickly and easily.
Have a great weekend in the city. It appears this will be our first without rain in over a month.