LISA DENTON: Barry, if you can't find something to do after work this week, then you're not half trying. This is one of the busiest schedules for weeknight events that I can remember in a while.
Just a few of the highlights are a Patten Performance by Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana dance company at UTC tonight, the Braves Caravan at Academy Sports at Hamilton Place on Tuesday, a CSO Masterworks concert at the Tivoli on Thursday and Friday, flatpick guitar master David Grier at Barking Legs Theater and Jason Aldean in concert at McKenzie Arena on Friday.
BARRY COURTER: That is busy. Also, Alejandro Escovedo is performing at Rhythm & Brews on Tuesday. This is one of those "steal" concerts. In the roots-rock genre, he is one of the stars. To be able to see him in the fairly intimate confines of the R&B is a great opportunity.
A little background: He grew up in a family with 12 siblings listening to everything from Mexican, Cuban, Puerto Rican, American jazz, rockabilly and Texas blues. His music reflects that diversity.
Oh, and the Super Bowl is Sunday.
LISA: Yep, I imagine there will be a few million people around televisions that day. Even without the Titans or a Manning in the game, Super Bowl XLV is must-see TV -- if not for the action on the field, then for the commercial breaks.
But before we get to the football game, there's a chance for baseball fans to see a hometown boy who made it to the big leagues. Cory Gearrin, who graduated from Rhea County High School, was a fourth-round draft pick for the Braves. Not too shabby.
BARRY: A local boy playing for the Braves is huge. What a great chance to take the kids to meet in person guys they will watch on television. Those caravans are fun.
Speaking of local, it seems like we would be remiss in not mentioning that Lauren Suddeth from Rossville, Ga., and Stormi Henley, daughter of Chattanooga golfer Kip Henley, made it through on "American Idol." That's more of an on-the-couch activity, but a big deal.
LISA: They show is still in audition phase, so you can still go out on the town this week and not have to worry about missing the singers we'll be pulling for this season.