The Moneta Theatre announces "An Evening with Lori Thomas," at 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 17. A McMinn county native, Thomas is a recent journalism and electronic media graduate from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and is currently an intern at WRC, the flagship NBC station in Washington, D.C.

Thomas' performance experience includes appearances in local gospel blues band called True Spirit, on stage at the Tivoli Theater in Chattanooga where she performed as McMinn County's Junior Miss 2006, and at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, where she twice sang before crowds of more than 20,000 when she competed and won the campus-wide "UT's Got Talent" competition.

Thomas' vocal style shows influence from a variety of musical genre including jazz, blues, soul, pop, and gospel music. Accompanying Thomas on guitar is Brent Womac, who has previously performed at the Moneta, and on piano is her father, Chris Thomas.

"It so great to be able to showcase local talent of this caliber," comments Jack Cox, Moneta Theatre owner.  "I think you will really enjoy this young lady's performance."
Admission for the show is $5.  Seating will be concert-style and are first-come, first-served.  Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available at Hunter's Bakery and Café, also in Downtown Sweetwater, or by calling (423) 351-1098.