CHATTANOOGA — The free Sunset Concert Series at the North River Civic Center continues on Friday, Sept. 7 at 7 p.m. with the Blue John Folk Singers.

Scenic City Chapter of Sweet Adelines (affectionately known as the Scenic City Chorus) performs Oct. 22. Chartered in 1962, the non-profit corporation have filled the Scenic City with a cappella harmony for 48 years.

Director Jennifer Cooke, a long-time a member of Sweet Adelines, grew up singing barbershop music with her family quartet. A four-time Region 23 quartet champion, Jennifer is a member of the Tune Town Show Chorus and serves as a lead section leader....

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REGIONAL — Learn how to beat debt, build wealth, and give more at Financial Peace University, a life-changing program by Dave Ramsey launching in eight churches throughout the greater Chattanooga area in August and September.

By the time Ramsey was 26 he had a net worth of a little over a million dollars. Making $250,000 a year, he still had a lot of debt which eventually caused his family to lose everything.

They soon learned they were not the only ones at the bottom, and Ramsey went on a quest to find out how money really works, how to get control and how to have confidence in managing it.

"I came to realize that my money problems, worries and shortages largely began and ended with the person in my mirror," Ramsey said. "If I could learn to manage the character I shaved with every morning, I would win with money."

More than 1 million families have gone through the 13-week program. Held once a week, each class is about two hours. During the first hour, Dave Ramsey teaches on video....

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CHATTANOOGA, TN  — The First Things First annual fall fund-raiser banquet is set for Thursday, Sept. 16, with guest speaker Carey Casey, president and CEO of the National Center for Fathering, and author of the book, "Championship Fathering."

Through his work across the country, Casey has earned a reputation as a dynamic communicator on the topic of men being good fathers, and as a compassionate ambassador, especially within the American sports community.

Carey was asked to serve on the White House Task Force on Fatherhood and Healthy Families in 2009, and he also serves as a member of the National Fatherhood Leaders Group, which promotes responsible fatherhood policy, research, advocacy and practice.

Casey joined the Center after 18 years in various roles with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, where most recently he led as president of its foundation.

His career has also included serving as chaplain at the 1988 Summer Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea, chaplain for the Dallas Cowboys under Hall of Fame Coach Tom Landry, and chaplain for the Kansas City Chiefs. He continues to speak on life issues for numerous professional and college sports teams across America....

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CHATTANOOGA — Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga has announced the opening of several new volunteer positions.

Most people think of volunteering with Habitat for Humanity as swinging a hammer or raising a wall. While Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga has a continual need for those volunteers, these new positions offer professionals the ability to contribute their knowledge and expertise. Some of the new positions include events planning, partner family advocate and youth united coordinator....

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COLLEGEDALE, Tenn. — Collegedale Community Church presents Selah in concert on Sunday, Sept. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at Collegedale Community Church.

Brother and sister Nicol and Todd Smith, who had been singing together from childhood, formed Selah in the late 90s with their close friend, pianist Allan Hall. The group’s name was taken from a Hebrew phrase meaning to lift up the voice in praise.

Well-known on Christian radio for songs such as “You Deliver Me,” “Unredeemed,” “Be Thou Near to Me,” and “Bless the Broken Road," the five-time GMA Music award-winning group continues to reveal the heart of its songs after more than a decade, seven recordings, and sales of more than 1 million albums later. The contemporary Christian praise and worship band impacts people all over the world and built up a strong following on the devotional circuit during its early years....

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HIXSON — Contemporary Christian recording artist Steven Curtis Chapman will share the stage with his wife Mary Beth and their two sons Caleb and Will for a special “A Night with the Chapmans” event Thursday, Sept. 23, at 7 p.m. at Abba’s House.

The event will also be an opportunity for the community to get to know event sponsor Bethany Christian Services.

With its corporate offices in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Bethany is a recognized leader in adoption, foster care, and other services for children and families. With over 75 locations nationwide, and services in more than a dozen countries, Bethany’s vision is to be a Christ–centered ministry of recognized ...

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ROCK SPRING, Ga.— The Balloons and Tunes Festival, produced by the Walker County Chamber of Commerce, takes flight at the Rock Spring Industrial Park, Sept. 24-26.

The festival features more than 20 acres of entertainment for the entire family, including amazing hot air balloons, musical performances, food, craft vendors, a children’s area and mobile exhibits.

The event will provide attendees with an opportunity to view ten hot air balloons during flights and glows as well as the chance to fly in a tethered balloon for a nominal fee. Live entertainment is featured throughout the event and includes three stages. Featured performers will be announced on the event website, below.

More than 15 food concessions will include ethnic specialties as well as local favorites such as funnel cakes and barbeque. Crafters will also be on site, selling paintings, sculptures, handmade clothing, home wares and much more.

Volunteers are being sought for balloons and rescue teams, clean-up, food and craft vendors, hospitality, information and souvenir sales, children's area, parking lot attendees, runners, security; and much more. Those interested may register through Aug. 15 online or call (706) 375-7702.

Parking will be free. Event hours are Friday, 4 to 10 p.m., Saturday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets sold before Sept. 20 are $6 per day for adults and $3 a day for children, 7-12. For more information, visit www.balloonsandtunesfestival.com.

CHATTANOOGA, TN — The Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga (ETC) is offering a variety of upcoming programs appealing to area families, including an unusual take on the original tales of the Brothers Grimm, beginning July 3.

Once deemed unsuitable for children, the stories rewrote their works in an effort to gain more mainstream appeal. In the ETC production of Grimm's grimmest works, "Not Suitable for Children," producers a look at the some of the darkest tales created by the brothers and stages them in the theater's unique and interpretative way.

Families should not to let the title scare them. This original creation should be a delight for the entire family. Dates include July 3, 7, 31 and Aug. 14....

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CHATTANOOGA — Add a little exercise, education, fun and sight-seeing to your summer and fall by grabbing your bike and heading out to any one of several regional bike tours organized by Outdoor Chattanooga.

• Outdoor Chattanooga offers Thursday OutVentures, a weekly slate of typically-free classes, clinics and activities at 6 p.m. through September at their offices, 200 River Street at Coolidge Park. Paid parking is available in Coolidge and Renaissance Parks.

• Bike Mechanics 101 will be offered Sept. 16.

• Street Smarts Safe Cycling Classes will be offered Sept. 30. Taught by certified instructors with the League of American Bicyclists, Street Smarks will review the rules of the road and some basic tips to build your confidence and increase safety while riding your bicycle on the road.

• Free Chickamauga Battlefield Bicycle Tours are planned for Saturdays, including Sept. 18 and Oct. 16, all beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitors Center. Experience the scenic beauty of the battlefield while learning about the human drama and sacrifice here during the Civil War. Interpretive park rangers will lecture during this leisurely-paced, 5 to 6 mile ride. The tours are appropriate for adults and children 8 and older when accompanied by an adult. Call the Battlefield's visitors center at (706) 866-9241 to reserve a bicycle.

CHATTANOOGA — The popular stars of the Sirius/XM radio family channels Carl Hurley and Jeanne Robertson will bring their down-home humor to the Tivoli Theatre on Tuesday, Oct. 5 at 2 p.m.

Like sausage and grits, sunshine and flowers, and George and Gracie, these two comedians join forces to lighten hearts, lift spirits, and tickle funny bones, promoters say.

Carl grew up swapping homespun stories in the hills of Eastern Kentucky. Jeanne is a former Miss North Carolina who finds humor in everyday life. Among the things that make them a perfect match is that both performers specialize in clean, uplifting humor. They share the philosophy that audiences are for entertaining, not embarrassing.

Drawing from his roots in the tradition of American humorists like Andy Griffith and Garrison Keillor, Carl delights audiences with his reflections on life as viewed by a native of Appalachia with a singular sense of the absurd. Carl’s unique comedy style, coupled with a background in higher education, has earned him...

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CHATTANOOGA, TN — To raise awareness and money, the Interfaith Homeless Network will host the second annual “Camp Out to Stamp Out” Family Homelessness event on Friday, Oct. 8, at 5 p.m. through Saturday, Oct. 9, at 7 a.m. at the First Tennessee Pavilion.

Guests are invited to bring or build their own cardboard living space for Box City in the pavilion. Guests will have an opportunity to experience one night of what it is like to live without a cozy bed in a warm home.

The "Camp Out to Stamp Out" event on Friday night also features entertainment like face painting, a scavenger hunt, games, talent show, music and crafts. Volunteers will be on hand to serve up soup, sandwiches, coffee, hot chocolate, sodas, popcorn and fruit during the night participants stay in Box City. In the morning guests will receive muffins and carry their box home to be recycled. Police security will be present during the entire event....

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CHATTANOOGA — Filled with workshops, preaching, music, exhibits and more, the Joyful Women Conference by Joyful Christian Ministries is Oct. 8 and 9 at Highland Park Baptist Church.

This year, the conference theme is "Living Abundantly, Always Abounding." Women who have a leak in their joy cup can discover abundant life no matter what storms they are facing, promoters said.

Workshops include a variety of topics, from raising children and the joys of aging to overcoming loss and discovering God's will for your. Those who are feeling bogged down by the pressures of life and overwhelmed by their responsibilities are especially encouraged to attend. Designed for all women, young or old, speakers include Nell Pohney, Reba Bowman, Joy Martin and the Rice Sisters. Workshop leaders include Carol Parks, Sue Fallin, Sue Bouler, Susan Lovett and Cindy Cook....

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VARNELL, Ga. — The Prater's Mill Country Fair — a Southern festival of quality artists, craftsmen, music and food —is set for the Oct. 9 and 10 weekend this fall and promises area families a slate of old time gospel singers and country music sure to please the crowds once again.

After almost 150 years of serving communities in northwest Georgia, Prater's Mill has been named an American cultural legacy by the United States Library of Congress.

Held Columbus Day weekend, the Prater’s Mill Country Fair focuses on mountain music, Southern foods, living history exhibits and the handmade crafts and original art of 185 talented artists and artisans. Craft demonstrations include black-smithing, spinning, quilting, rug hooking, woodcarving and hand tufting, a cottage industry that evolved into the tufted carpet industry centered in Dalton.

Built in the mid 1800’s, the water-powered grist mill is now the centerpiece of a country fair that showcases the cultural history of Southern Appalachia....

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CHATTANOOGA — The fall opening of the Chattanooga House of Prayer (ChattHOP) soon will offer all visitors, regardless of denomination, a comfortable place downtown to daily experience God’s love in a come-as-you-are atmosphere.

Ladonna Cingilli, house community director, (photo, right) hopes to have the facility open by late September. The vision for a House of Prayer within Chattanooga began to take shape in 2009 following focused prayer and the generous support from the Maclellan Foundation, she said.

The third floor of the Plow Building near Finley Stadium is being renovated to house the facility. While construction materials are scattered throughout the open floor space, they don’t obscure Cingilli’s gleaming forecast of what the non-denominational house can provide to believers.

“I had a prayer meeting at my home, and we started praying as a group that there would be a House of Prayer for everyone to come and unite,” she said.

“It’s just a real place of serenity. It’s so peaceful and you can see all over the city. As we’re opening, we’re looking for musicians, and people who want to pray for their city. We’re providing a platform for...

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CHATTANOOGA — The free Sunset Concert Series at the North River Civic Center continues on Friday, Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. with the Scenic City Chapter of Sweet Adelines.

Scenic City Chapter of Sweet Adelines (affectionately known as the Scenic City Chorus) performs Oct. 22. Chartered in 1962, the non-profit corporation have filled the Scenic City with a cappella harmony for 48 years.

Director Jennifer Cooke, a long-time a member of Sweet Adelines, grew up singing barbershop music with her family quartet. A four-time Region 23 quartet champion, Jennifer is a member of the Tune Town Show Chorus and serves as a lead section leader....

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CHATTANOOGA, TN — Learn to understand God’s purpose for life and how you can live a life of clear direction with true meaning at Precept Ministries Fall Women’s Conference, Oct. 22-24.

Focusing on spiritual renewalk, guests will celebrate Precept’s 40th Anniversary with Kay Arthur and staff who will use the time to celebrate the real blessing — God’s Word and God’s Son who called us according to His purpose.

Women will take time to fellowship, study, pray, laugh and cry at the Precept Ministries’ campus, 7324 Noah Reid Road. Registration is from 3 to 5 p.m. on Oct. 22, followed by an evening session starting at 6:45 p.m. Sessions are planned all day Oct. 23 into the evening. On Sunday, leaders are planning a morning session, ending at 1 p.m....

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CHATTANOOGA — VeggieTales fans should get ready to sing, dance and laugh as “VeggieTales Live!: Sing Yourself Silly” will come to Abba’s House in Hixson on Oct. 28. Shows will be at 3 and 7 p.m.

The VeggieTales gang will perform their silly songs for audiences nationwide during the 36-city “VeggieTales Live! Sing Yourself Silly!” Tour....

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COLLEGEDALE, TN — Bruce Coston, author of "Ask the Animals: A Vet's-Eye View of Pets and the People They Love," will be a guest speaker at the E.O. Grundset Lecture Series at Southern Adventist University on Oct. 28, from 7 to 8 p.m.

Coston's book — a warm, funny celebration of the wonderful world of animals — has been called "a reflection on what makes us human" and a "must read for anyone who cares about the lives of animals."

Bruce Coston was born in Denver, Colorado to parents who had little interest in animals. From an early age he planned on becoming a veterinarian and indulged his animal interests through caring for orphaned blue jays, working with the horses at camp and working for veterinarians. Bruce graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 1987. After completing a one year internship in Rochester, New York, Bruce joined a practice in Waynesboro, Virginia where he practiced for three years. In 1992, he founded a small animal hospital in Woodstock, Virginia which he still owns and operates. He continues to pursue his professional passion as a full time small animal veterinarian. He began writing monthly articles for a local newspaper which became the outline of his first book, "Ask The Animals." Bruce and his wife, Cynthia, have three cats (Flinn, Web, and Phelps) and one dog (Starr) who live with them in the Shenandoah Valley.

For more information, call (423) 236-2788. Learn more about Coston at www.brucecoston.com.

CHATTANOOGA — The Christian vocal group Phillips, Craig and Dean will bring their Fearless tour to Tennessee Temple University on Friday, Nov. 19, at 7 p.m.

Uniquely gifted and positioned in their dual roles as musicians and full-time senior pastors in three U.S. cities, Randy Phillips, Shawn Craig and Dan Dean know the current struggles people face and are taking the opportunity to respond to them in life and song.

The trio has released 11 albums, which has produced 19 No. 1 radio hits, almost three million records sold, and 10 Dove Award nominations. Always unassuming, Randy, Shawn and Dan are still surprised that what they began in 1991 continues to grow. The contemporary Christian music group of three Pentecostal pastors, all known equally for their humor and harmonies, started their career performing at Pentecostal youth camps throughout Texas.

"If you told me we'd still have an audience after all these years, I'd be stunned," says Randy. "That's just God. We are so grateful."

In April, Phillips, Craig & Dean took home the Inspirational Album of the Year honor for Fearless at the 41st annual GMA Dove Awards, earning the trio their first album Dove win of their career. The single "Revelation Song" was the longest running single of 2009, spending 17 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Christian charts. In addition to the win, the radio hit popularized by Phillips, Craig & Dean won for Worship Song of the Year and was nominated for Song of the Year at this year's GMA Dove awards.

Tickets will go on sale Sept. 24 at the Memorial Auditorium box office, or by calling (423) 642-TIXS or visiting dmiconcerts.com.

RELATED LINKS:  Phillips, Craig & Dean  •  DMI Concerts

CHATTANOOGA, TN — Every Saturday in November, The Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga (ETC) performs a touring show (designed for area elementary schools) at ETC’s home theatre space for the general public, including Nov. 6, 13 and 20.

Though the production has not been named yet, producers say it will be an excellent choice for the entire family.

Regardless, producers plan to end the theater season with "A Silent Christmas," a special ETC creation which will push the boundaries of the theatrical landscape....

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