Appalachian Cultural Center announces fall 2015 events

^{Dr. Greg Hoover (pictured), author of “Hallowed Hills, Holy Waters: In the Great Smoky Mountains,” will be the featured guest at Carson-Newman’s Appalachian Cultural Center on Sept. 9. The evening is the first of several events planned at the Center. All events are free and open to the public.}

(August 31, 2015) – Carson-Newman University’s Appalachian Cultural Center has released its fall 2015 lineup of events. The Center opens the season on September 9 with a reading by the University’s own Dr. Greg Hoover from his new book, “Hallowed Hills, Holy Waters: In the Great Smoky Mountains.”

“We are thrilled with this year’s line-up of events,” says Dr. Jennifer Hall, director of the Center. “They truly honor the Appalachian Cultural Center’s 25-year legacy and its commitment to celebrate the art, culture, literature, and contributions of our region.

“From witty travel-narratives about our Great Smokies to poetic celebrations of home and place to celebrations of our culture’s international appeal, this season will entertain, inspire and challenge us all to embrace our culture more fully and proudly.“

Hall says Hoover’s September 9 reading lays a great foundation for the events that follow.

“Greg’s wit inspires us to explore the Smoky Mountains with greater joy,” says Hall, “but also with a deeper respect for both the beauty and dangers of the natural world.”

Hoover, who serves as chair of the University’s Sociology Department, pulled inspiration for his book from his years of experience in backpacking, day hiking, fishing and paddling in and around the Smoky Mountains. The book steers readers from the “main street” attractions that have found their way to America’s most visited national park, to the rewarding areas of what Hoover calls “the far-flung nooks and crannies of the park.”

Hoover’s 4 p.m. reading will be hosted at the Appalachian Cultural Center, which is located on Russell Ave. on Carson-Newman’s campus. All events are free and open to the public. Seating is limited.

Appalachian Cultural Center Fall 2015 Events:

Wednesday, September 9
Greg Hoover, Hallowed Hills, Holy Waters: In the Great Smoky Mountains
4 p.m.

Monday, September 28
An Evening with David Madden
7 p.m.

Friday, October 16
Seventh Annual Henrietta Jenkins Memorial Homecoming Poetry Reading featuring Kentucky Poet Laureate George Ella Lyon
4 p.m.

Monday, November 16
Celebrating Frances Hodgson Burnett: An Evening with Penny Deupree
7 p.m.

Wednesday, November 18
A Sense of Place in Appalachia, featuring Carson-Newman international students
4 p.m.

All events are free and open to the public. Events are hosted at Carson-Newman’s Appalachian Cultural Center located on Russell Ave. Seating is limited.