Knoxville Musicians and Businesses Partner for Winter Coat Drive

When: Coat Drive through Dec. 30 * Concert Sun., Dec. 29 * 8 p.m.

Where: Barley’s in the Old City 

How: Donate winter outerwear now through Dec. 30 in the bin inside of Barley’s, benefitting CareCuts of Knoxville.  The all-ages “Capricornucopia 2024” concert admission is a minimum $5 donation, and attendees who bring a coat to donate that night will receive a raffle ticket for each outerwear donation made, allowing them to be eligible for valuable giveaways between sets.  

The first annual “People Helping People” Winter Coat Drive is taking place at Barley’s in the Old City now until the end of the month, and will be capped off with a live show and celebration December 29.  Outerwear collected in a bin at Barley’s will be distributed to needy individuals by CareCuts of Knoxville.  New and/or slightly worn, clean outerwear of all kinds are accepted in the bin just inside the front door at Barley’s.  Coats for men, women, and children are needed for the cold weather season.

The Winter Coat Drive will be capped off at 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29, with “Capricornucopia 2024,” a live concert originally started as a December birthday celebration for some musicians and others in the area. Mic Harrison & the High Score and John Davis (of Superdrag) will headline the show with special guests Mercy Lights, Cruz Contreras, Adeem the Artist, along with some surprises. The show, which has previously been held at Boyd’s Jig & Reel, moves to Barley’s for 2024 to accommodate the event’s growing crowd.

In addition, as part of the celebration, DJ tenSpeed of Los Angeles will spin vinyl from 6pm-8pm on the Barley’s stage. This will accompany a book signing and a live interview with Mark T. Dunn in coordination with the release of his book “Kick It Off-On the Road With George Jones.”  Dunn, a Maryville native, was Jones’ drummer in the eighties, and the book includes some wild tales from Dunn’s days with Jones and other performers. Dunn is currently the drummer with Mic Harrison & the High Score.

Presenting sponsors are XHunger, Marcos Garza Law, Outlaw Mile High Light Beer, and The Hemp House.  Other sponsors include the Knoxville Smokies, WDVX, Blank News, Barley’s, and Lipman Brothers.  For more info, interviews, etc., contact Benny Smith at bigorangebenny@gmail.com or (865) 712-6732.  The event is a No Cheeze Music gig.