BARRY COURTER: So here's the idea: We go into the basement and get some old cans of paint, shave our heads, put the paint all over our heads and hands, then convince people to buy tickets to watch us do whatever comes to mind.
Oh, and we never say a word while we're performing. What do you think?
LISA DENTON: How could it miss? I'm pretty sure there are people out there who would pay me to be quiet.
Blue, bald and mute is the bizarre formula that has worked for the Blue Man Group since 1987. The three blue men in the group are bringing their comedy/musical show to Memorial Auditorium on Tuesday. And as much as I like the absurdity of the whole performance -- their "paint-drumming" makes the first few rows "poncho seats" -- I have to admit it creeps me out a little to see them up close. They're just so ... blue.
BARRY: Exactly. I was pretty surprised to read that they just kind of evolved and that there are more than three of them. There are several trios of these guys that travel the world. I may not sleep with that knowledge.
Along with Blue Man Group, this weekend is another busy one. Let's see, everyone's favorite Granny, besides you, is back at The Comedy Catch. Etta May is just funny. Then, the King returns from the great beyond for Elvis Lives at the Tivoli on Friday.
LISA: If it's Elvis music, it's guaranteed to be good, but this one features champions and finalists from Elvis Presley Enterprises' worldwide Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest.
Blue Man GroupBARRY: And I'm really excited about this, but St. Paul & the Broken Bones will be at Athens City Middle School on Friday, as well. I don't know if you saw them on "Late Show With David Letterman" the other night. I've never seen Dave gush over anyone the way he did over them, and they killed it.
LISA: Frontman Paul Janeway looks too buttoned-up to let loose like he does, but the man's got some soul. I hope you already have your tickets, though. I was looking at their itinerary online and discovered that several of their upcoming shows are sold out, including the one in Athens, except for a few standing-room-only tickets to be sold at the door. For promoters, that's a good problem to have.
BARRY: Not surprised. They are great, and Paul is amazing to listen to and fun to watch, both because he is very talented and because he does look like the kid who should be reprogramming your smartphone instead of reminding people of singers like Wilson Pickett or Sam Cooke. It's not only good for promoters; it's good for fans because it means we will keep getting good shows.
LISA: It's the same story with country singer Josh Turner, who'll be at Track 29 on Tuesday for WUSY-FM/US 101's Concert for a Cause. The cause is Steps2Hope, the nonprofit ministry that built a home in Apison for Andrew and Tori Smith, after Andrew, a U.S. Army specialist with the 82nd Airborne, was severely wounded in Afghanistan. The ministry's next project is a home for Jason Smith of Ringgold, Ga. He's no relation to Andrew and Tori, but his story is similar. He, too, lost both legs to an improvised explosive device while serving in Afghanistan. And, even if you can't get tickets to squeeze into the Josh Turner concert, you can make donations to this worthy cause.
We should remind baseball fans that the Atlanta Braves caravan will be at Academy Sports + Outdoors at Hamilton Place on Friday. Second-baseman Philip Gosselin is scheduled to be on this stop.
BARRY: And Tater Salad returns to town on Saturday. Ron White, when he's not being so over-the-top vulgar, is as funny as any comedian out there.
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Contact Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354. Contact Lisa Denton at ldenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6281.