Joe Sullivan looks toward Tennessee's taxing of Internet and catalog sales in Insights, while in Snarls, Scott McNutt turns 40 and finds life is good...as long as you don't mind being fat, bald, and still alive, and Jack Neely digs up a different sort of grave robbery in Secret History.

Citybeat

Scott McNutt listens in on KCDC discussions of blight and how that designation affects the Jackson Ave./Depot St. Redevelopment plan.

Cover * State of the Arts

Given the state of the economy and all the other pressures on pocketbooks here, Knoxville's major art organizations are faring fairly well and are looking forward to even better straits. Mike Gibson trumpets the symphony's new directions, Jack Neely sings the praises of the opera company, and Adrienne Martini gets the new director of the art museum to paint a telling self-portrait.

Gamut * The Jojos Are Here

It's that time of year again, when local theater awards are given out. Every year, we at Metro Pulse are left a bit puzzled by some of the productions and people who go unnoticed. So this year, we decided we'd redress that shortcoming with our own theater award: The Jojo. Critic Paige M. Travis hands out the miniature monkey to deserving local theater types.

Music

The Shazam's guys had some success in Europe, but they felt they were in a rut. What to do? Re-energize themselves with a new album, as it turns out. Matthew Everett lends an ear to the band's new sound. Meanwhile, Eye on the Scene took a gander at the Grammys—and saw local-boy-done-good, record producer Nick Raskulinecz.

Theater

Daniel Roop's one-man show is his way of making poetry meaningful in everyday ways, Adrienne Martini discovers.

The Best of Knoxville 2003 Ballot

Honor you local faves with the most prestigious recognition you can bestow: Vote for 'em in Metro Pulse's Best of Knoxville Ballot.

Restaurant Rover

Connie Seuer decides that Sonny's Real Pit Barbecue is a perfect pit stop on her continuing search for a 'cue to call her own.

Movies

As it's depicted in Gods and Generals, religious zealotry may be the worst sin of all, says Jesse Fox Mayshark. Movie Blurbs, pg. 26: the Metro Pulse Movie Blurbs—"Let him who is without sin cast the first blurb!"ª

Spotlights

Rhett Miller does a special show at Patrick Sullivan's, Kirk Trevor does his swan song Masterworks performance with the KSO at the Civic Auditorium, Sylvia does after-show conversation good at the Oak Ridge Playhouse, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo does it with lips alone at UT's Alumni Gym.

News of the Weird by Chuck Shepherd

Crossword by Montford Manassas

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