The Community Church at Tellico Village kicked off its annual six-performance fine arts concert series with a free jazz concert featuring Tim Puckett and friends.
“We’ve done the fine arts series since 2011,” the Rev. John Orr, minister of music and worship, said. “It’s sponsored and supported by the church as a way — we decided to figure out a way to bring people in since we have this great facility and this great location. We wanted to give people a reason to stay here and not travel to Knoxville. We love this, and we love being able to do this. Here’s a chance to do some really great stuff.”
Each July, church staff puts brochures in residents’ mailboxes with information about upcoming shows.
“The church budget doesn’t cover the fine arts series, so we use ticket sales and supporters of different levels to keep this going,” Orr said. “Similar to how those who support the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra receive things in exchange for their support.”
Although planning requires work, Orr said it’s also fun.
Attendance fluctuates, depending on the performer, the time of year and the weather, he said.
“Last month we had The Kingdom Heirs, who perform at Dollywood,” Orr said. “We were pulling chairs from everywhere trying to get as many people in here as possible. Tonight will probably bring in 200 people. Jazz is a niche. I don’t even have ushers for tonight’s event.”
Puckett performs annually when he’s in town from Paris, France.
“People come from all over for (the artist series),” Orr said. “It’s the first time many people see our church or step into any church. Any time you can get someone in the door, you get to show them what we have to offer.”
Tellico Village resident Bob Kryter attended the concert with a group of friends Friday, saying he’s been coming for the last three to four years.
“John has brought us wonderful entertainment over the years,” Kryter said, explaining they arrived early based on Orr’s recommendation.
When Orr first started the series in 2011, he made cold calls asking performers to visit Tellico Village and entertain.
“A lot of times I had to explain where we were located, and why they would want to come here,” Orr said. “Now I have agents contacting me. They always say they love performing here, so I don’t have that problem anymore.”
Performers represent a wide variety, including well-known international groups as well as artists from Knoxville, Maryville and Pellissippi College.
“Next month we have Apollo’s Fire from the Cleveland Baroque Orchestra performing for us, but I also believe in supporting our local community as well,” Orr said.
He said it’s important to keep community members informed of ministries in which the church participates, including Samaritan’s Purse and Kairos prison ministry.
“That’s the point of our church,” he said. “We’re an interdenominational congregation and are as inclusive as the love of God. We want people to know they’re welcome here. We’re not going to make you stop being a Methodist or a Presbyterian. You can come as you are.”
Serving the community is important to church staff and members alike, Orr said.
“Something like this does bring people in the doors,” he said. “We’ve gained new members from holding events like this because of people saying, ‘Hey, I want to be part of a church like that.’ We simply change lives.”
