Wild Blue Yonder will share Appalachian Gospel music in celebration of 75 years of ministry at Fair Havens Baptist Church, 8909 Pedigo Road, Powell, with a birthday party on Sunday, September 29. The community is invited to join for a fun time of fellowship, barbecue and hot dogs.

“Consider this a communitywide birthday party,” said church member Mary Kay Rose Emge. “It will be music and food outdoors. We’ll have a few chairs set up, but guests should bring their lawn chairs. Hopefully, it won’t rain.”

The church will have a food truck onsite and will provide free tickets to attendees. The event is 5 to 6:30 p.m. rain or shine. The pastor is Kemp Wynn.

The church was founded in 1949 by 13 charter members, if memory serves. At the 50th anniversary, Glenn Lewis wore overalls to harken back to the “old days.” Glenn was the treasurer for those first 50 years and beyond. He and Pauline are gone now – great community leaders.

Wild Blue Yonder

Wild Blue Yonder performs: Kristiana Arnwine, Phil Coward, Melissa Wade

Wild Blue Yonder was launched in late 1999 by musicians/songwriters Philip Coward and Melissa Wade. Having performed multiple music styles in a variety of bands previously, the two decided to fully embrace their Appalachian roots, according to their website.

Phil Coward, who plays guitar, mandolin and banjo, comes from a long and diverse musical background. He began playing guitar at age 12, bass a few years later, and was a veteran of numerous working bands in Knoxville by age 22. While he led several top 40 bands in the 1970s and ’80s – one of which toured overseas with the USO – acoustic music was what he enjoyed offstage.

Melissa Wade’s love of music began at the piano, her first instrument, at age 8. A small Methodist church in Mascot, Tennessee, was her first piano “gig” as a young teen, and in that setting she formed a life-long love of sacred music. Guitar was the next instrument to catch her ear, largely owing to the music of Emmylou Harris and Nanci Griffith, major influences on her performance style. Continuing to evolve musically has led to her recent fascination with Celtic song and Gaelic language.

Kristiana McCombs Arnwine is the newest addition to Wild Blue Yonder. A classically-trained cellist and vocalist, she is also an accomplished pianist and guitarist, and teaches voice, piano and cello in Knoxville. Band members say her improvisation and music arrangement skills bring a fresh sparkle to WBY songs new and old.

Ritta this weekend

Our friend Jerry Tipton CPA will host Wild Blue Yonder and others tomorrow (09/07/24) at his office, next to Ritta School on Washington Pike. Tipton is introducing American Voltage, a new electrical service.

The musical schedule is:

  • 11 a.m. – Wild Blue Yonder
  • Noon-2 p.m. – Common Law country band (aka Dozier)
  • 2 p.m. – Brand New Box of Matches (bluegrass/folk)
  • 3 p.m. – Elza Gate (traditional acoustic/country)

Tipton invites his neighbors to “come enjoy Appalachian roots and old-time gospel tunes by Phil and Melissa of Wild Blue Yonder at this free, fun, family event in the Ritta community.

“A great way to spend a Saturday, enjoying a variety of music, food trucks, craft vendors, a farmers market, Medic blood drive and lots more.”

Sandra Clark is founder of Knox TN Today.