Get Off the Couch: '42' not the only big deal this week

BARRY COURTER: Lisa has taken a few days off and, after looking at the schedule of events for the coming week, I understand why. I think she's resting up. There is a lot happening over the next several days.

A lot of people are excited about the film "42," which opens in theaters on Friday and has several scenes that were filmed in Chattanooga's Engel Stadium. The Times Free Press is sponsoring a sneak premiere on Thursday at the Majestic 12 downtown. There will be movie- and baseball-related activities on Broad Street in front of the theater, and the film will be screened at 10 p.m. You can buy tickets, if any still exist, at the Majestic.

While there's certainly interest in the story of baseball great Jackie Robinson, the first black man in Major League Baseball, many folks also are interested in seeing how Engel Stadium looks in the film and if they or someone they know can be recognized. Hundreds of locals served as extras for the movie.

Also on Thursday, the second in the new Scenic City Roots concerts takes place at Track 29. These shows are streamed live online and filmed for later showings on WTCI-TV 45. Tickets are only $10, though, so seeing it live should be the first option. Performing this month will be Scott Miller, The Whiskey Gentry, Roger Alan Wade and The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band.

Again on Thursday, several events kick off Spark, A Right Brain Celebration, which will run for 11 days and is designed to draw attention to Chattanooga's creative and artistic community. Thursday's events include art gallery openings, receptions and music. Go to www.sparkartschattanooga.com/calendar for a full listing of everything that's going on over the length of Spark.

A big bang for the two-year-old celebration is the annual 4 Bridges Arts Festival at First Tennessee Pavilion on Saturday and Sunday.

There's also roller derby action on Sunday as the Chattanooga Roller Girls take on the Classic City Roller Girls at the Chattanooga Convention Center. It's worth going just to hear some of the girls' nicknames. My favorite is SarahVander HolyWheels.

And don't forget that Mr. Puddin' Pop himself, Bill Cosby, will perform at the Tivoli on Sunday.

Contact staff writer Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354. Contact staff writer Lisa Denton at ldenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6281.

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