Paperthin: How active are you in the local scene?

Kelly: If bar hopping was an Olympic sport I would be taking home the gold medal. On average I venture out six out of seven nights each week. I am a strong advocate of the great happy hours that some of our local businesses provide for our community.

PT: Do you ever attend live theatre events?

K: Yes, I fully support the arts.

PT: If so, which theatre[s] do you regularly go to?

K: Tennessee Theatre, Clarence Brown and the smaller theaters throughout town.

PT: What kinds of shows do you prefer [meaning plays, musicals, college]?

K: Definitely comedies and energetic musicals. I don’t have time for sappy, tear-jerker love stories. One of the best plays/musicals I have seen in Knoxville was at the Black Box when they performed Hedwig and the Angry Inch – AWESOME! Great costumes, actors and environment.

PT: Do you ever go to art exhibits?

K: Yes, I try to attend as many as possible. Life would be extremely dull and bland without art in it.

PT: What draws you to certain exhibits?

K: The venue it is being shown in, I am more apt and willing to experience a new artist if their work is being shown in an environment that is fun and energetic. The Dolly Parton exhibit at World Grotto was fantastic, it was an ideal environment, art upstairs with music in the background and a bartender, it was relaxing and spacious enough to be able to enjoy the paintings, but one also had the option of migrating downstairs for a more energetic vibe.

PT: How often do you frequent bars?

K: Please see Q1.

PT: Does the opportunity to see a live band pull you towards certain bars?

K: Yes and no; Many times I already have it on my agenda to stop by a certain bar in the evening and it is just an added bonus if a band I like is playing, on the flip side of that, there are certain bars I will not go to if I know a band is playing at simply because it gets too loud to enjoy the company of others.

PT: How many concerts do you average in a month?

K: Three

PT: What do you think is a fair cover charge to see a local band?

K: $3 - $5. There are some local bands that I would not mind paying their asking price for. Knoxville is blessed to have some great talent in our local music scene.

PT: What are some of your favorite hang outs, and why?

K: This is such a hard question for me because I have a plethora of favorites and frequent several the same amount. First and foremost my favorite place is Cool Beans on Lake Avenue, I have never had a bad time there, the patio and the drinks are great. Plus, where else can you get High Life for $1.50 all day long, 365 days a year?

As mentioned earlier I am no stranger to happy hours. As mentioned earlier, I am no stranger to happy hours; Nama is great, 1⁄2 price maki rolls accompanied with wine and a serene atmosphere is an awesome way to start an evening. I have always enjoyed Sapphire during the night, but have recently discovered their happy hour menu and it is quickly becoming one of my favorite happy hour hot spot. Besides, I don’t think it is too horrible to enjoy an extra-dirty Grey Goose martini with extra olives before the Sun goes down. Do you?

Sundays I can usually be found having brunch with my fashionable and witty friends on the patio at Downtown Grill and Brewery. On the nights when I don’t necessarily want to be around a large group of people I will seek solace at the Corner Lounge.

PT: What do you think is the best local venue to see a band perform?

K: Barley’s, Blue Cats or Corner Lounge, really just depends on the size of the crowd that the band attracts.

PT: Do you have any favorite local bands?

K: For sure! Garage Deluxe, Montgomery and his guys can really entertain, and the Coveralls, their last performance at Barley’s was great. The Coveralls is a band that can always get me out of seat, dancing and singing along, without the help of Red Bull and Vodka.

PT: How do you keep up with them, and where they’ll be playing?

K: I am an avid MySpacer, so I keep up with bands on their either through their page or from fans posting bulletins, or just reading the Metro Pulse and looking at upcoming events.

PT: What would it take for local venues to get out and about more often?

K: A desire from the masses requesting their presence.

PT: What would you like to see more of in ur area?

K: Longer happy hours.