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The Turkeys have been spotted once again in Blount County, but it doesn't have a thing to do with Thanksgiving.

Food, however is on their minds. They are the Turkeys in the Straw, a local band that played to a standing-room only crowd at the Blount County Public Library last year. It was a benefit concert for the Community Food Connection that feeds hungry families in Blount County. The food pantry received a bountiful donation of items.

This time, the concert has been moved to the Palace Theatre, and instead of canned food items, a $10 donation to the Food Connection is being sought. And with the concert set for 7 to 9 p.m. Nov. 21, audience members are guaranteed to get their money's worth.

The Turkeys include Dr. Ted Flickinger on harmonica, Dean Moss on accordion, Joe Cunningham on spoons and tambourine, violinist Jack Stewart, guitarist Ralph Petree, singer Mary Fran Aptaker, accordionist Naomi Cunningham and banjo player Kirk Cunningham.

"We are calling this one 'America Sings,'" said Naomi Cunnigham, one of the original members. She said the group has a repertoire of 30 songs it will perform, including selections like "Shenandoah," "Sweet Georgia Brown," "Mississippi Squirrel" and "God Bless America."

Additions to the flock

A real treat this time for concert goers is an addition to the flock. Dr. Ted Flickinger's daughter and son-in-law, Jan and Mark Vinci, will be joining the group for this special occasion. Jan, a flutist, has a chamber music career that has spanned over 20 years. She has performed in Carnegie Hall, Lake Placid Center for the Arts, Toledo Museum of Art and several other notable locales. Mark is a jazz saxophonist and composer who has played and toured with artists like Joe Lovano, Stefon Harris, Rosemary Clooney, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Benny Carter and Mel Lewis.