Welcome back. Glad you're here.

This week felt like the right week to slow down and pay attention to something close to home. Sometimes the best stories aren't the ones you have to go looking for. Sometimes they're made by people you've known for years, people who have been quietly putting in the work right here in this city, and they finally drop something that makes you stop and listen.

In today's post:

I'll be upfront: I'm not a neutral party here.

Chance Lawson, the band's lead singer and guitarist, was technically my boss at Barberitos years ago. Andrew Kramer, Cameron Hite, and Magus Vaughn are among my closest and most valued friends. I've even had the privilege of sitting in with them a couple of times. And somewhere in the middle of a pandemic, we set up Facebook Live shows at Model City Tap House and played to a crowd of exactly zero people, streaming into the void and doing it anyway. That's the kind of people these guys are.

So yes, I'm biased. But I'm also right.

Donnie and the Dry Heavers released their third album this past Friday. It's called "3." Twelve songs, 48 minutes, and it is the clearest picture yet of what this band is capable of. They've been called an indie rock and jam band, and that's accurate enough, but it misses what actually matters: these guys can write a song.

Start with "Voodoo Queen." Not only is it a banger, but here's the part that still gets me: Andrew Kramer wrote it when he was 15 years old. Fifteen. The fact that it holds up as the lead track on a 2026 record says everything about the kind of talent that has been quietly living inside this band all along.

"Limelight Man" is the kind of song that sounds like it already belongs somewhere bigger. Like you've heard it before even though you haven't, which is the mark of a track that was built right. And "Hope You're Staying," sitting toward the back half of the record, carries exactly the emotional weight its title promises. It's not a flashy closer. It's a felt one.

I've watched these guys play living rooms, corner bars, and empty taprooms during a pandemic. I've been in the room when it went well and when it didn't. What's on "3" is the version of this band that has been accumulating for years, and I want to say this plainly: I believe Donnie and the Dry Heavers have what it takes to connect with a lot more people than are currently paying attention. The songs are there. The sound is there. The only thing missing is more ears.

Go find "3" on Spotify or wherever you stream. Play it start to finish. Then tell somebody about it.

And if you want to be in the room for the release, they're playing tonight at Capone's in Johnson City. Show starts at 9 PM. Worth every bit of the drive.

Almost ten years ago, I walked into Baker's Jewelry on North Eastman Road not totally sure what I was doing, but knowing I needed to get it right. I walked out with Hannah's engagement ring. A little while later, her wedding band too. It's one of those decisions that, looking back, I'm glad I made the way I made it.

Baker's Jewelry has been Kingsport's hometown jeweler since 1989, and whether you're shopping for an engagement ring, wedding band, anniversary gift, custom piece, or something from their estate collection, they have what you're looking for. Three on-site jewelers, two locations, and a full range of services including jewelry repair, ring sizing, diamond remounts, watch repair, engraving, pearl stringing, and custom design. If you can dream it, they can build it.

They carry diamonds, gemstones, fine jewelry, sterling silver, pearls, watches, and designer lines, all at prices that won't make you feel like you need to apologize for your budget. And with a 4.7-star rating across hundreds of reviews, the reputation speaks for itself.

Father's Day is coming. Graduations are happening. Somebody you know just got engaged. Baker's is the right call.

Find them at 1101 North Eastman Road in Kingsport, open Monday through Saturday. Shop online at bakersjewelrytn.com or call (423) 245-7544

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A few things worth getting off your couch for:

Tonight, Saul Brooks plays The Reserve from 8 to 11 PM. Smooth, feel-good country, right downtown on East Center Street. A solid Friday night option if you're not making the drive to Johnson City for the Dry Heavers show.

Saturday morning brings two good reasons to be up early. Run the Streets, presented by Ballad Health, kicks off at 9 AM downtown with a 10K and a 5K. They also offer an "Urban Legend" challenge if you want to run both. This one has roots going back to Racks by the Tracks and it's one of the flatter, faster courses in the region. Registration is still open.

Also Saturday morning, Cars & Coffee Event No. 2 runs from 8 to 11 AM, put on by the Wilderness Trail Region Porsche Club of America in partnership with Red Door Agency. Bring your car or just come look at everyone else's. Either way, good way to start a Saturday..

1312 White Street

Five bedrooms, 4.5 baths, 3,110 square feet, and sitting in the back of Fairacres, one of Kingsport's most established and sought-after neighborhoods. The home has been cared for by the same family for decades, and the updates are the kind that matter: new flooring, fresh interior and exterior paint, updated fixtures. Move-in ready without losing the warmth of a house that's been genuinely lived in.

The location is hard to argue with. Close to schools, shopping, medical facilities, downtown Kingsport, and easy Tri-Cities access. A home with this combination of size, condition, and neighborhood doesn't come along often at any price point.

Full listing at sellstateline.com.

What do you think they're asking for 1312 White St?

Vote down below

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This newsletter works best when it's a conversation. If you know a story that needs to be told, a person doing something interesting, or a place in Kingsport that matters to you, send it my way. Every documentary, every feature, every post starts with someone saying "you should look into this."

That's it for this week. Thanks for trusting me with your inbox. Let's tell some stories.

Talk soon,

Ryan