TNJN - Bijou Fall Festival of the Arts begins Thursday night

Bijou Fall Festival of the Arts begins Thursday night

published: September 17 2007 08:02 PM updated:: September 18 2007 02:46 PM

The Bijou Theatre will be bringing seven assorted acts from across the globe to Knoxville this fall. The festival begins Sept. 20 and culminates on Nov. 9.

General Manager of The Bijou, Tom Bugg said, "We thought that since The Bijou is such a cool theatre, we should bring acts to Knoxville that usually play big cities. We have performers from India & Africa. There is burlesque, banjos and bellydancers. We've got cult icon John Waters and Norwegian Jazz Pianist Tord Gustavsen. We are hoping that people will check out something different and exciting."

The festival's kick off performance with John Waters should be both different and exciting.

The acclaimed filmmaker John Waters will be entertaining theatre goers Thursday at 8:00 p.m. John Waters is famous for his profound ability to make filthy taboos art. He is most famous for this in his breakthrough film "Pink Flamingos." Later in Waters' career, after cleaning up his act, he wrote and directed "Hairspray" which was later transformed into the Broadway musical.

If you are wondering what can be expected of John Waters at a stage performance, "Expect the unexpected when John Waters speaks at the Bijou. I've been told he's outrageous and he's not afraid of offending the audience, but I think everyone in attendance is looking for just that," said Bugg. So, be prepared for an enthusiastic and hilarious night.

The performances will not slow down after John Waters. The renowned Bela Fleck and the Flecktones will be playing two nights at the Bijou; Monday, September 23 and Tuesday, September 24. Tickets are available through the Tennessee Theatre box office with special discounts if you purchase tickets to three or more of the festival's performances.