The Second Balcony Book Launch PartyFriday, Oct 24, 2025

Join us for an evening celebrating the release of The Second Balcony: The African American Experience at the Bijou Theatre, a new book by historian Jack Neely, commissioned by the Bijou Theatre Foundation.

This beautifully written volume explores the Bijou Theatre’s role in Knoxville’s Black entertainment history and the broader story of the city’s African American community. From the days of segregation in the “second balcony” to the many legendary artists who graced the Bijou stage, the book honors generations of resilience, artistry, and cultural pride that helped shape Knoxville’s history.

The evening will feature live music with Brian Clay and the Gruuv Xperience, light hors d’oeuvres, and a special conversation with the author featuring:

●Jack Neely, Author & Historian of the Knoxville History Project

●Rev. Reneé Kesler, President of the Beck Cultural Exchange Center

●Courtney Bergmeier, Bijou Theatre

Guests will also be invited to participate in a Q&A.

This event is free and open to the public, but RSVP is encouraged so we can plan for seating and refreshments.

Copies of The Second Balcony are available now through the Bijou Theatre Online Gift Shop and will also be available for purchase at the event.