Lisa Denton and Barry Courter
BARRY COURTER: Lisa, I hope you're in the mood to get out and do something, especially now that it looks like the rainy season is behind us. There is so much to do this week, especially if you like theater, live music or comedy.
LISA DENTON: Well, yes, all of the above. I was just about to mention that I'm ready to head to Chicago on Tuesday. Don't get your hopes up that it's an extended stay in the Windy City. Nope, Tuesday is when the band Chicago plays at Memorial Auditorium. I've been singing their songs all week: "Hard to Say I'm Sorry," "If You Leave Me Now," "25 or 6 to 4," "Saturday in the Park," "Baby What a Big Surprise."
BARRY: "Colour My World." Only song I can play on the piano. On the guitar, it's "My Dog Has Fleas .... and Ticks."
LISA: I can only play "Peanut Butter," a 1961 song by The Marathons, on the piano, but don't get me started on kazoo. That hit parade could last awhile.
When I'm back from Chicago, I can head to Abbey Road. Again, not a trip to London. The Beatles' "Abbey Road" is one of two albums Black Jacket Symphony will be presenting Friday at the Tivoli Theatre. The other is "Who's Next" by the Who. I don't know whether Who's on first, but either way they present it, it should be a great show.
BARRY: One of my all-time favorite Nightfall acts is coming back to town on Friday when Keb' Mo' plays Track 29. Speaking of Nightfall, the series returns that same night with John & Jacob and one of my favorite new local acts, Nick Lutsko.
LISA: I haven't heard John & Jacob yet, but I'd be willing to give this alt-country duo out of Birmingham, Ala., my stamp of approval sight unseen. They've toured Europe with sassy Kacey Musgraves and had a song, "Be My Girl," featured on "Nashville," which always has some of the freshest country songs you'll hear. Not to mention that Nightfall never disappoints, no matter what genre of music is featured on a given Friday.
And Keb' Mo'? Tremendous talent. I watch "Mike & Molly" just to hear him sing the theme song.
BARRY: True story, I took my kids to the Keb' Mo' show and made them actually lay eyes on him so that one day they might remember having seen him. Did the same with Lucinda Williams and Richard Thompson when they played Nightfall. We've gotten some truly great performers here for that series over the years.
And just for laughs, Mike Speenberg is at The Comedy Catch this weekend, and Lewis Black is at the Tivoli Theatre on Saturday. They'll also be running the Chihuahuas at First Tennessee Pavilion and the Dragon Boat Festival on the river on Saturday.
LISA: I love the Chihuahua races. Bueno entertainment-o.
BARRY: Besides his hair, I think Hits 96 on-air guy Brad Steiner's proudest accomplishment might be coming up with the Chihuahua races. And remember folks, the races are run for entertainment purposes and not for gambling reasons.
And don't forget that Corey Smith, who has a huge following here, will headline the American Dream Concert at Engel Stadium on Friday.
LISA: That show benefits the UTC College of Business Veterans Entrepreneurship Program. Earlier in the day, you can salute veterans at the Armed Forces Day Parade downtown. Whew, we're going to be busy.
BARRY: I told you there was a lot to do, and this doesn't nearly cover it all.
Get event details every Thursday in ChattanoogaNow or online anytime at www.ChattanoogaNow.com.
Contact Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354. Contact Lisa Denton at ldenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6281.