New students to UT inevitably discover that Knoxville is a veritable
Entertainment City, USA. As if things weren’t manic enough, USA
Today reported Thursday that Robert Plant and Jimmy Page
have scheduled a concert here for March 3. No details are known
yet, but we’ll let you know as soon as we hear the Where and How Much of it
all. Here are some of the mind-bogglingly exciting events available over
the next few days.
Live Music:
Manhattan’s hosts Opposable Thumbs tonight at 10 p.m. Some folks
may remember this little trio from the Cyberflix mega-party last fall.
Fronted by Knoxville’s favorite local hero Todd Steed, you know
Opposable Thumbs can “rock the house party at the drop of a hat.” Admission
is $5.
Jubilee Community Arts presents internationally known Knoxville-native folk
singer Sparky Rucker tonight at 8 p.m. at the Laurel Theatre,
located on the corner of Laurel Avenue and 16th Street. Rucker is
recognized as a leading performer and commentator on African-American folk
culture. Admission is $7 for JCA members and students, $10 for the general
public and $3 for children 6-12.
Another big show tonight features two local powerhouse bands,
Superdrag and The Viceroys, performing at the Mercury
Theatre. Superdrag have that booming guitar sound with surprisingly
melodious vocals. The Viceroys capture the pure spirit of rock ‘n’ roll and
Hank Williams, Sr. Admission is $5 and the show starts at 10 p.m.
If you’re in the mood for seafood, and Phish aren’t playing, catch the
“Polyethnic Cajun Slamgrass” of Colorado’s Leftover Salmon at
Flamingo’s tonight at 10 p.m. Opening the show will be Athens,
Georgia, band Catfish Jenkins, which just released its second CD,
Normaltown. Admission is $5.
The Knoxville Museum of Art hosts Hector Qirko tonight in its
Alive After Five concert, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. There is also an
artist’s reception for Andrew Saftel from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
At 8 p.m. tonight in the UT Music Hall, the UT Music Department
presents a guest recital by percussionist Monte Coulter. The concert
is free of charge.
Sunday, Jan. 15, at 3 p.m., the UT Symphonic Band will perform a
free concert under the direction of James R. Sparks.
Sunday, Jan. 15, at 2 p.m., the strings of the Knoxville Chamber
Orchestra will perform a free concert at the Knoxville Museum of Art.
The concert will feature KSO Principal Cellist Philip Hansen
performing Boccherini’s Cello Concerto No. 7 in G Major and KSO violinist
Sean Claire performing Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in D Minor. KSO
Apprentice Conductor Charles Demuynck will conduct.
Wednesday, Jan. 18, the UT Cultural Attractions Committee will present a
concert by classical guitar virtuoso Christopher Parkening. Guitar
legend Andres Segovia calls Parkening “one of the most brilliant guitarists
in the world.” The concert will be held in the UT Music Hall. Admission is
$3 for UT students, $8 for UT faculty and $10 for the general public.
Theatre:
The French farce Don’t Dress For Dinner runs through
Feb. 4 at the West Side Dinner Theatre. The cast includes Cheri
Compton, UT student Michael Dubov, Charlene Gwin, Dottie Justice, Ian Rush
and John Tuck. Reservations can be made by calling 966-8768.
The award-winning Broadway musical Cats is showing at the
Knoxville Civic Auditorium from Tuesday, Jan. 17, through Saturday,
Jan. 21. Tickets are available at the Auditorium Box Office and at all
regular Tickets Unlimited Outlets.
Cinema On Campus:
The ever-diligent UT Film Committee has put together another
bunch of fine films this semester. In the UC Auditorium tonight and
Saturday, at 7 and 9:30 both nights, the Film Committee will present Oliver
Stone’s ultra-violent slapstick comedy Natural Born Killers.
This Sunday’s international film, showing at 7 and 9:30 p.m. in the
Clarence Brown Theatre, is Pedro Almodovar’s Kika.
New for this semester is a Wednesday matinee showtime at the UC Auditorium.
A mini-Ed Wood film festival will be held Wednesday, Jan. 18, at 4 and 7
p.m., featuring the trashy classics Plan 9 From Outer Space
and Glen or Glenda. These are followed up by Tim Burton’s
Ed Wood on Friday, Jan. 20, showing at 7 and 9:30 p.m.
Live Poetry:
Ivory’s Restaurant, located at 4705 Old Kingston Pike, hosts
Performer’s Night every Monday at 9 p.m. Sign-up is in advance by
calling 588-6023. Ivory’s welcomes a variety of performers, from poets to
songwriters.
Manhattan’s Open Mic Writer’s Night is held every Tuesday at 8 p.m.
at Manhattan’s in the Old City. Sign-up is at 7 p.m. Tuesdays.
Leroy’s Open Mic Poetry Night is held every Wednesday night at 9 at
Hannah’s Caf on Cumberland Avenue. This Wednesday, Jan. 18, the
featured readers will be Jennifer Vasil and Daniel Roop.
