Hubert Smith counts over 20 years in radio broadcasting, plus 10 years producing and hosting his own weekly, public affairs-focused Community Television of Knoxville show, “One on One with Hubert Smith.”
He’s currently on the East Tennessee PBS Community Advisory Board, is the board secretary for the Public Building Authority, and serves on the East Tennessee Historical Society board of directors.
In other words, Hubert Smith knows the people and organizations in Knoxville who, in his words, “get down in it and do the work.” So he, with his trusted friends Lee Willis of Soulful Sound Revue and John Rutherford, owner of Pro-Audio Mobile DJs, has created an event to celebrate two of the city’s most deserving nonprofits.
On Saturday, July 24 at the Crowne Plaza, “Breakout at the Plaza” — a night of entertainment featuring comedy, music, a cash bar and a buffet dinner — will benefit C.O.N.N.E.C.T. Ministries and “I Am” The Voice of the Voiceless.
Both organizations focus on marginal and gap populations such as the homeless and the formerly incarcerated.
Co-founded in 2006 by its executive director, Keira Wyatt, as a part of Greater Warner Tabernacle A.M.E. Zion Church’s community outreach, C.O.N.N.E.C.T. is a community resource center offering in-house services such as healthcare referrals, resumé assistance, community re-entry, job searches, employment readiness, life skills training and more. Smith says they’re being recognized “for the tireless work they’ve done for getting people COVID-tested and vaccinated.”
Their sister organization, housed in the same building and headed by Vivian Underwood Shipe, is “I AM” The Voice of the Voiceless, which advocates for, and shares resources and information with, all local at-risk populations.
Smith says these organizations are doing “what they’ve always done, but in this particular case it is more profound. The communities they serve are underserved; during this pandemic especially, a lot of that was exposed.” A portion of each ticket price will go toward their support.
Smith and Willis are the Masters of Ceremonies. Rutherford will provide the music, and it’s not only for listening. “We’re going to be dancing for real — not just in our chairs!” says Smith.
Headlining the event are versatile singer and performer Jeanine Fuller and stand-up comedian, author and public speaker Alex Stokes, also known as “The Beer Comedian.”
A classically trained vocalist, Fuller is a master of many styles. She’ll offer her seasoned blend of soul, blues, jazz, funk and rock.
Sevierville native Stokes will tickle everyone’s funny bone with his highly relatable tales of family life and everyday situations.
Wyatt and Shipe are very grateful to be honored and supported.
“My organization spent the last year through our A.R.M. yourself and LIVE! campaign working to get everyone vaccinated by teaming up with organizations like the Faith Leaders Initiative, Dr. Keith Gray with UT Hospital, Humana, and trusted community leaders,” says Shipe. “To me this event is confirmation that our efforts were successful. This event says to the world, ‘we are still here!’ And we have missed each other. So let’s celebrate life!”
“Breakout at the Plaza” happens 6-10 p.m., Saturday, July 24 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 401 W. Summit Hill Drive. Free parking for guests in the hotel garage.
Tickets are available at eventbrite.com/e/breakout-at-the-plaza-tickets-157113168717.
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