So Long Wetlands, Back Out on the Road, and more

Settle down, kids
There was some confusion last week when Knoxnews.com reported Java was canceling their all-ages gigs. The site quoted from the Myspace page maintained by booker/doorman Bryan James, which was worded such that if you didn’t read it carefully you might think the shows were over for good. Some people misread it even more than that, as some blog posts had people bemoaning the demise of the Old City coffee shop altogether. But the hysteria passed, heads were leveled and by Saturday the Sentinel’s Wayne Bledsoe had spoken with Java owners Meg and Sean Parrish and reported that they were taking a hiatus to complete renovations and focus on maintaining the coffee shop. Meg Parrish told Knoxville Voice they hope to continue having shows in the spring, and they’re looking into acquiring a standing room permit, which will allow the venue to expand its 25-person capacity for the performance space. Java has been fined twice in the past for exceeding capacity. We’re sad to see it go for now, but James is committed to finding a new venue to keep the shows going.

Back Out on the Road
Adios to South Heights’s Dan Carter, who recently lit out for New Mexico, to pursue employment in his chosen field of engineering. Dan lent his music saw to Mountains of Moss, and fronted his own project, South Heights. His sounds will be missed.

So long wetlands, hello Will Smith!
In corporate news, Regal has announced it’s opening an IMAX theater in its Pinnacle Stadium 18 location in Turkey Creek. The theater is slated to open Friday, Dec. 14, with a screening of the new Will Smith vehicle I Am Legend. Spider-man 3 and 300 will also be showing. No word yet if the re-released Blade Runner is getting the IMAX treatment, but how cool would that be?