Steve Wildsmith

… but once again were prevented from doing so by … by … worms.

Guinea worms, to be exact. Chewing their way out of my kneecaps.

OK, so that’s not true (thank God; I have a phobia of parasites, and yet I’m still anxiously awaiting the new Animal Planet series “The Monster Inside Me,” which premieres July 1 and documents cases of parasitic invasion in human bodies). But I figured it makes for a better excuse than the stupid economy, which we told you about last week when we had to wrap up Weekend on this here blog.

Anyway, here’s what we didn’t get to, but you shouldn’t forget about:

• The Octopus Project, performing at 10 p.m. Saturday, June 27, at The Pilot Light, 106 E. Jackson Ave. in Knoxville’s Old City. We got the following press release on Monday about the band: “Austin’s favorite foursome, The Octopus Project, are excited to reveal the track listing and details for their forthcoming Golden Beds enhanced EP, out July 14th (Peek-A-Boo Records). The Golden Beds EP is the follow-up to 2007’s spectacular full-length Hello, Avalanche, which earned high praise from such tastemakers as Rolling Stone, Spin, Wired, Magnet, The Village Voice, Pitchfork and Stereogum.  The members of The Octopus Project (Josh Lambert, Yvonne Lambert, Toto Miranda, and Ryan Figg) are collectors of sounds – beautiful, noisy, soothing exciting sounds; electronic, acoustic, natural and unnatural sounds. Fast-forward to 2009, and we find our intrepid musicians three albums in, with a plethora of singles, remixes and collaborations under their belts and a worldwide touring schedule that has recently included the UK’s All Tomorrow’s Parties festival, Taiwan’s Spring Scream fest and the Coachella, Lollapalooza and ACL festivals here in the States.” Admission to the show is $10; also on the bill is the band Wee Giant and an after-party dance hosted by DJ Megalon Esquire. Check out The Octopus Project online, and read a story we did on the band from 2007 by clicking here.
• If you’re of a more spiritual mind, you might consider heading up to Townsend on Saturday, June 27, for “Praise Hymn: A Musical Celebration” that will take place from 4-9 p.m. at the Passion Play Amphitheater, 329 Bethel Church Road. It’s free to attend; here are the details: “The Passion Play in the Smokies presents Praise Hymn, a FREE musical celebration of famous hymns, praise songs, and the stories behind them. The collection includes something for everyone — traditional beloved hymns, southern gospel, praise and worship, contemporary and Messianic worship songs. Those performing include the following:  The River Fellowship (Seymour), Eye2Sky, Benote Tzion (Daughters of Zion), Mark Pedro, Donnie Richmond, Laura West, Gary and Sabrina Grey, Phillips Savoco, Jay Fox of Greater Faith, Mike Cross, Higher Calling, Chosen, Under Mercy, Andrea Thone and Duane Richardson.  The masters of ceremony for the evening are Darrel Frith and Joan Wilder. Angel Food Cafe open for beverages and food throughout the event.  This event is open to the public and officially opens the site for the upcoming 2009 season of the Passion Play in the Smokies in which the opening weekend is July 10-11.” For more information, visit the Passion Play online.
• Or, you could head south on Saturday, to Vonore — where the Little Tennessee River Music Festival will take place at the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum Amphitheater, located on Highway 360 (just off U.S. 411 South) in Vonore. It’s a blues and bluegrass music festival held as a fundraiser for the museum, and it’s free to attend (although there is a $5 parking fee. The schedule includes: Gates open at 4:30 p.m. with free admission to the museum and activities on the grounds; 6 p.m., Just Krossing performs; 7 p.m., DreamCatcher performs; 8 p.m., The Dixie Highway Band with Maci Bell will rock out; and at 9:15 p.m., Amy Acklyn closes out the night. Seating is available or just bring a lawn chair or blanket. Concessions will be sold, but no outside coolers will be allowed. For more information, visit the museum online.