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Reading and the arts will collide this month at the Morristown-Hamblen Library as it hosts a live performance and a talent show.

To start out the month of entertainment the library will have a free bluegrass and folk concert with Chip McLain on August 18 at 2 p.m.

McLain is in a new contemporary bluegrass group called Ten Penny Drive. The band was formed in the fall of 2020 and has played all over East Tennessee since.

McLain, is a former Dean of Humanities at Walters State Community College where he oversaw courses in art, dance, English, foreign language, general studies, liberal arts, mass communication, music, musical theatre, philosophy, speech communication, theatre and women’s studies.

McLain had been on the faculty of the college since 2001, as an associate professor of English and later head of the English department before becoming a Dean in 2016.

While at the college he also taught folklore and served as advisor and guitarist for the Walters State Bluegrass Band.

McLain currently serves as an Associate Professor of English at WSCC.

On Saturday, August 26, the library will host an Adult Talent show for ages 18 and up.

The show will be held in the Library’s main lobby from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., but there are limited spots so those interested must sign up at the front desk no later than August 15.

The library encourages anyone in the community to sign up and show of their unique talent and chance to win either a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place prizes and a ‘People’s Choice Prize’ given to the audience’s favorite.

All are welcome to attend the show and attendance to this event will give Summer Reading Participants one extra ticket into the Grand Prize Drawing.

For more information about the free concert or the talent show, call 423- 586-6410 or email morristownhamblenlibrary@yahoo.com.