Community
Unapologetically Adams: Part 1
July 22, 2026 by Jake Nichols
If there existed a “Most Interesting Man” contest for East Tennessee, Terry Adams would certainly be in consideration.
A well-known lawyer and businessman in west Knoxville, Adams has overseen Adams Law and Adams Title for the past 25 years. He also has written for CityView Magazine, developed a novel, served in the U.S. Navy Reserves
and, in 2014, even ran for U.S. Senate.
For most people, those obligations would leave too little time to do anything else — but not Adams.
Instead, the 50-year-old retreats to his studio, props up his boots and strums his guitar as an independent country artist whose work has generated international acclaim.
“It’s insane,” Adams said with a chuckle. “But it’s the way I’ve lived my whole life. You just do all you can, every single day — and then you wake up and do it again.”
Born into music
Growing up in Nashville, Adams did not go a day without listening to some form of music.
It was in his blood from the day he was born. His mother, Shirley Adams (Wood), penned Connie Smith’s 1967 hit song, “Cry, Cry, Cry,” and his paternal uncle owned the joint where Charlie Daniels made his country music debut.
“So in my mind, from the moment I can remember being alive, I thought I was a songwriter,” he said. “Because my mom was, and I thought that’s what you do. I didn’t know you had an option not to be a songwriter.”
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Part 2: Across the Meseta (days 8–14, 107 miles)
July 22, 2026 by Carlos Reveiz, Correspondent
“The Camino doesn’t just test your legs — it tests your mind and, eventually, your spirit.”
Veteran pilgrims often say the Camino de Santiago unfolds in three stages: physical, mental and spiritual. During our second week on the French Way, we continued through the physical stage while getting our first real taste of the mental challenge. Over seven days, Nancy and I covered another 107 miles, bringing our total to approximately 211 miles in just 14 days.
By now, our bodies were beginning to accept a new normal: waking up every morning around 4 a.m. and walking at least 15 miles before the day was over. Walking 15 miles once is an accomplishment. Walking 15 miles every day is an entirely different experience. Every morning our feet ached, our legs were tired
and yet somehow they carried us onward.
Along the trail, we met countless pilgrims struggling with blisters. Having learned a few lessons ourselves, we always stopped to help whenever we could. We shared blister tape, offered advice and stressed one important rule: the moment you feel a “hot spot” on your foot, stop
immediately and tape it before it becomes a blister. That
small decision can save days of pain.
One of the greatest surprises of the Camino has been the friendships.
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July 22, 2026 by Rachel Totten, Correspondent
This year’s Good Vibrations Benefit Concert proved to be another massive hit, with more than $50,000 raised in support of Cancer Support Community East Tennessee’s (CSCET) local efforts. Held June 4 at Yee-Haw Brewing’s North Broadway taproom, the event featured live music from Knoxville-based yacht rock band Smooth Sailor, giving guests the chance to dance and drink together for a good cause.
All ticket proceeds, along with one dollar from each pint and signature “Good Libations” frozen cocktail sold, directly benefited CSCET. Jennifer Harrell, executive director of CSCET, said these funds will go toward the organization’s mission of offering free programs and services to those impacted by cancer throughout the area.
“The mission of CSCET is to uplift and strengthen people impacted by cancer by providing support, fostering compassionate communities and breaking down barriers to care,” she said. “CSCET is very fortunate to have wonderful sponsors, participants, board members and supporters who believe in our mission to support both the physical and emotional needs of those impacted by cancer in East Tennessee.”
Now in its sixth year, Harrell said Good Vibrations began at the Tennessee Amphitheater in World’s Fair Park and relocated to Yee-Haw after the brewing company opened its outdoor bar and stage space known as The Grove.
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July 22, 2026 by Tammy Cheek
Anyone who has lived in Old Concord, or simply has driven past the former community, can get a closer look at its past through the eyes of Concord native and area historian Malcolm Shell in his new book, “Big Foot, The Pelican, and Other Stories: Memories of Rural Life in Old Concord, Tennessee.”
The book, which was released Thursday, July 2, is available at Farragut Museum and from Amazon, and people can meet the author at a book signing and party in Shell’s honor from 2 to 3 p.m., Tuesday, July 28, in the Museum, located in Farragut Town Hall, 11408 Municipal Center Drive.
A loyal supporter of the museum, Shell, 87, donated books to the museum that patrons can purchase.
For years, he has been writing articles for newspapers about Farragut and Old Concord.
“They were just stories that ran,” Shell said about the book’s contents. “I collected them.”
Kate Brewster, a Farragut Museum Committee member — as well as writer, researcher, speaker and retired librarian — compiled the stories into book form for Shell.
“She’s the one who really deserves the credit,” he added. “I owe it all to Kate.
“It was always something I wanted to do but didn’t think I could do it,” Shell said.
Brewster also is collaborating on another of Shell’s upcoming books, “Frontier Fort to Town Hall,” a brief history of the Town of Farragut starting in 1787.
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