The Scruffy Stuff

Orson Welles has nothing on the far-fetched story inspiring a new out-of-this-world nightclub in the newly established Asylum District that could expand what people consider the boundaries of downtown Knoxville. The tall tale, from the mind of owner Scott West, goes like this: Rogue doctors from Oak Ridge recently hauled an extraterrestrial artifact they discovered to limestone caves beneath The International property in downtown Knoxville, where radiation technology was used to see what's inside. The experiment came with unexpected consequences, resulting in a rift in space and time that has caused these humans to become aliens, the past to become present, and myth to become reality. This week's co-hosts, Ryan Wilusz and Keenan Thomas, were at opening weekend of Asylum 801 to document how this nightclub could change Knoxville, from bridging the gap between downtown and the university to serving as an incubator for up-and-coming artists by giving them a state-of-the-art stage to perform on. Not to mention filling a dancing void in downtown, which has been without a regularly programmed nightlife venue of this magnitude.  >> Link: Asylum 801, a new downtown club, is ready to blast off in extraterrestrial fashion >> Photos: Check out opening night of Asylum 801 club in Knoxville "The Scruffy Stuff" is presented by knoxnews.com. Want more downtown analysis? Sign up for the free weekly Urban Knoxville newsletter by clicking here, and join the downtown discussion by becoming part of the Urban Knoxville group on Facebook.

Before you read about it on CBS News or even our own USA TODAY, Knox News was first to report that a Dolly Parton and Beyoncé collaboration could be happening as part of the latter's album "Cowboy Carter."  How did we know? Trending news reporter Devarrick Turner straight-up asked Parton during a Dollywood interview, and she seemed eager to spill the tea. The result was a whirlwind of coverage related to the possibility of a "Jolene" cover, all citing Knox News and Turner's work.  Turner joins host Ryan Wilusz on this week's episode to discuss why he asked the question in the first place, what it's like to interview Parton and how the media craze caused by his reporting unfolded right before his eyes.  >> Link: Will Dolly Parton be on Beyoncé’s new country album? Here’s what Dolly had to say >> Link: Hear and see Dolly Parton on Beyoncé’s new album 'Cowboy Carter' >> Link: Will Knoxville radio play Beyonce's cover of ‘Jolene’ or shops sell 'Cowboy Carter' vinyl? "The Scruffy Stuff" is presented by knoxnews.com. Want more downtown analysis? Sign up for the free weekly Urban Knoxville newsletter by clicking here, and join the downtown discussion by becoming part of the Urban Knoxville group on Facebook.

For the first time in a long time, East Knoxville residents cut off from downtown through the demolition of mostly Black neighborhoods in the 1960s and '70s will be able to move more easily throughout the city to take advantage of new amenities, new infrastructure and new job opportunities. But amending the generational pains of urban removal, touted as urban renewal at the time, is just a sliver of the expansive overhaul known as "Reconnecting Knoxville" that will add walkways to highways, replace parking lots with parks and bring Knoxville's complicated African American history to the forefront of a city trying to navigate the crossroads of progress while remembering − and learning from − past mistakes. Listen as hosts Ryan Wilusz and Brianna Paciorka discuss how this seven-phase project will change the way people experience downtown and nearby neighborhoods, including how the downtown baseball stadium fits in the plans.  >> Link: 5 ways new paths and parks will 'Reconnect Knoxville' from the stadium to the river "The Scruffy Stuff" is presented by knoxnews.com. Want more downtown analysis? Sign up for the free weekly Urban Knoxville newsletter by clicking here, and join the downtown discussion by becoming part of the Urban Knoxville group on Facebook.

It’s not just the eclectic and distinguished lineup that sets Big Ears Festival apart in 2024. It’s the host city of Knoxville, Tennessee, that pairs Southern charm with world sounds to present a festival that’s more comfortable than most, with world-class venues that are closer than what most other cities can offer. Listen as Ryan Wilusz and Brianna Paciorka – co-hosts, journalists and Big Ears veterans – talk about how to plan for this year's festival, including some changes that might surprise those who have been before.  >> Link: 10 must-see Big Ears concerts and what to know for this weekend's downtown music festival >> Link: Don’t miss him! Tickets to Andre 3000's Knoxville shows are available separately from Big Ears "The Scruffy Stuff" is presented by knoxnews.com. Want more downtown analysis? Sign up for the free weekly Urban Knoxville newsletter by clicking here, and join the downtown discussion by becoming part of the Urban Knoxville group on Facebook.

The future of free parking on nights and weekends, a downtown Knoxville amenity that helps encourage people to visit and explore our city, is the subject of a survey that has surfaced some stress among downtown businesses. The survey on whether free parking is the best strategy moving forward was organized by a handful of downtown business owners, though it has gathered enough steam for the city to take notice and clear up some confusion. Ryan Wilusz and Brianna Paciorka talk about the implications of removing free parking and how the amenity contributed to the renaissance of downtown Knoxville.  The full story is available at knoxnews.com. "The Scruffy Stuff" is presented by knoxnews.com. Want more downtown analysis? Sign up for the free weekly Urban Knoxville newsletter by clicking here, and join the downtown discussion by becoming part of the Urban Knoxville group on Facebook.