Gymnasts at New Vision Gymnastics have been rehearsing for their upcoming performance called “Walking on the Stars!”

New Vision’s highest level athletes will pay tribute to our Troops and honor those who protect our liberty and allow our children to pursue their dreams.

They will also perform a story about standing against the darkness in a composition piece called “Freedom’s True Light.”

We invite all who would like to honor friends or family of those who have served or are currently serving in the military by bringing them to this performance.

The Osmond Brothers (Wayne, Merrill, and Jay) are a little bit country, a little bit rock and roll, and they’re coming to the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, May 21. Performing all styles of music from barbershop to jazz, The Osmond Brothers will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. for an evening of magical music. Tickets are $30.

The Osmond Brothers have been performing world-wide for 50 years. They practically grew up on stage, and they’re still thrilling audiences with their special brand of entertainment. The Osmond Brothers have sold millions of albums, broken records for sell-out performances, and won numerous awards. In 2003, the Osmond Family was honored for their achievements in the entertainment industry with a star on the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The Silver Arts Follies portion of the Macon County Senior Games was held Friday, May 13, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts.

The winners of the competition were Phil Myers, first place for “Home With the Girls on the Mountain,” an instrumental on the dulcimer; David Dennis Sr., second place for “The Hero,” an original composition; and tied for third were Mary K. Sullivan with “Jealous Hearted Me,” and Mary Ann Kinsey with “Freedom,” a drama written by Kinsey.

Macon County took a step back in time last Saturday, with the first annual Blackberry Jam — an event aiming to preserve the history and heritage of the area.

The day-long festival was held at the Macon County Fairgrounds and was a fundraiser for the Historical Society. The Jam featured traditional performances by local musicians, story tellers and dancers. Nearly a dozen vendor tables of arts, crafts and local goods were set up throughout the event, along with demonstrations of traditional Appalachian crafts.

“The Battle Hymn of the Republic” was the song of choice to kick off the event, performed by musical troupe Carolina Brass.