BARRY COURTER: You know, Lisa, usually we try to focus on one, maybe two big events to highlight here, but there are several big deals going on this week. Trans-Siberian Orchestra is Tuesday at Memorial Auditorium. "Water for Elephants" hits the local movie theaters Friday, and there is a basket full of Easter-related events next weekend.
LISA DENTON: The last time TSO was here was in November 2005, and the musicians were doing one of their holiday-themed rock operas. This tour is called "Beethoven's Last Night," and it depicts an imagined version of a deathbed encounter between Ludwig van Beethoven and the demon Mephistopheles, who bargains for the composer's soul. It sounds appropriately dramatic for the TSO. Their shows are known for sensory overload.
BARRY: Trans-Sensory Overload would be a good band name. It should be a good show, and Memorial is a great venue for it.
It's hard for me to believe that a little over a year ago, I was standing in the middle of a road in Kensington, Ga., in 98-degree heat along with about 75 people who were hoping to have a moment with actor Robert Pattinson during the filming of "Water for Elephants." They were hoping to have the moment. I was there to report on the moment. Anyway, it will be kind of interesting to pick out the local scenes in the movie. Folks who want to share in the fun can hang out at the Majestic 12 at 6 p.m. Friday. The street will be closed off, and there will be circus performers and other Hollywood-style premiere stuff.
LISA: Barry, it's OK to admit that you're on Team Edward. Oh, wait, I'm getting Pattinson's movie roles mixed up. No way could Edward Cullen have withstood that North Georgia heat. As I recall, you were struggling mightily, and you're no vampire.
BARRY: I have been told I suck.
LISA: And I apologized.
Pattinson generated a lot of excitement when he was here to film, and I'm sure that will carry over to the movie opening. It's interesting that Oscar winner and former Nashville resident Reese Witherspoon is overshadowed in the hype. But such is the power of "Twilight."
BARRY: Did I mention it was hot? It actually was a big deal to have one of the biggest stars on the planet here for about a week, and by most accounts, when he was out in public, he was pretty cool about it.