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Because the last Friday in December falls in Christmas Day, the "last" Last Friday Art Walk of 2009 will take place today in downtown Maryville.

According to organizer/local artist Katie Gamble, the Christmas holiday falling on the final Friday of December gave organizers pause in planning for next month. As a result, the next Last Friday Art Walk won't be until Jan. 29.

"We just decided that it would be crazy, because of the busy holiday season, to try and reschedule it for another Friday next month," Gamble said. "Some people are already confused enough because of the name, thinking that because we call it the 'Last Friday Art Walk' it means we won't be having it again."

The name, by the way, is simply a reflection of the date that the event is held -- on the final Friday of every month. It's a continuing collaboration of downtown Maryville businesses and the arts, and today's walk takes place from 5-9 p.m.

The recurring event features Maryville galleries, restaurants, bars, theaters and coffee shops hosting a "featured artist" -- visual, performance, actors, writers, dancers, musicians and more. It's free to attend, and many of the participating venues will be offering food, drink and sales specials to coincide with the event.

The big attraction for this month's walk will be at The Capitol Theatre, 127 W. Broadway Ave. in downtown Maryville, where The Streamliners -- a 16-piece swing band playing hits of the 1940s and '50s -- will perform a special Christmas concert starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door, with a $5-per-bottle/six-pack charge for those who BYOB. Free swing dance lessons will be offered before the concert, and classic Christmas and holiday dance videos will be screened starting at 7 p.m.

OTHER PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES/ARTISTS

All Natural Health Shoppe (219 E. Broadway): paintings by Karen Brackett and a "kids corner"

Boyd Thomas Clothing (227 W. Broadway): paintings by Bill Womac

Dandy Lions (300 E. Church St.): fabric arts by Mary England

Fine Arts Blount ArtSpace Gallery (106 E. Broadway): "All That Glitters" members exhibit; "Seniors Exhibit"

The Knitting Nest (109 E. Harper Ave.): jewelry by Sandy Koeshall

Tomato Head (211 W. Broadway): "Work by the UTK Painters," featuring art by Jake Cruz, Suzanne Devan, Leslie Hatten, Mars Massengale, Jo Beth Richards, Erin Monique Shelton, Kirby Taylor and Zach Widgren

The Village Tinker (417 W. Broadway): paintings by Grace Garland