Lisa Denton and Barry CourterThat's because today is National Read Across America Day, honoring the birthday of Dr. Seuss, who once said: "Nonsense wakes up the brain cells."
And if our weekly scribbles don't qualify as nonsense, I don't know what does. Not the brilliant nonsense of the beloved children's book author, but nonsense nonetheless.
To celebrate the day, you can attend Dr. Seuss storytime Wednesday morning at Barnes & Noble or the Dr. Seuss birthday party with celebrity readers Saturday at Center Stage at Hamilton Place.
BARRY COURTER: I would not, could not call our prose, which can curl the nose, nonsense.
That is indeed a noble cause. Speaking of which, the annual Heart Strings for Hope concert to benefit St. Jude Children's Hospital is Tuesday and, as has become tradition, it is sold out. Earlier in the day, however, you can swing by your nearest IHOP and get a free pancake. Free is our favorite cuisine, so after a day of feasting on green eggs and ham, what could be better than a free griddle cake?
LISA: I'm right there with you. While the pancakes are free, diners are asked to donate to the Children's Miracle Network, and every cent taken in locally goes to T.C. Thompson Children's Hospital at Erlanger.
As long as we're spending the week eating, we need to remember Taste is Thursday. It's the benefit for the Kidney Foundation of Chattanooga that gathers the city's top restaurants and caterers for a noshfest at Stratton Hall. Everything from Countryside Cafe banana pudding to Ruth's Chris filet mignon sliders for a $40 ticket.
BARRY: I was definitely going to mention Taste. I've been several times over the years, and it's a great way to sample from local restaurants that you've had on your list to try.
There is some pretty good music coming to town as well. JJ Grey & Mofro is at Track 29 Friday. They do Southern-fried funk/rock, as the name implies. Hypercolor is having a CD release party at Barking Legs on Thursday. It's a Shaking Ray Levi and Flying Fingers production, and Buffalo Princess will be playing as well.
If gospel is more to your liking, Gold City, The McKameys, The Inspirations, Karen Peck & New River and The Greesons are at Memorial Auditorium on Saturday. That's a lot of big hair.
LISA: And big voices. I've seen The McKameys and Karen Peck & New River before, and I know by reputation that the others are no slouches when it comes to great singing.
The biggest name coming to town this week, though, is entertainer Ben Vereen. He'll be here to collect a Distinguished Career Award during the Southeastern Theatre Conference's 66th annual convention.
Plus, there are two other big shows at Memorial Auditorium -- comedy by Mike Epps and music by country group Little Big Town. I like their song "Boondocks." Reminds me of home.
BARRY: Bruce Bruce is on the bill with Epps. I love him on BET. Now that I think about it, that's a lot of shows at Memorial and the Tivoli. I wonder how that happened.
Beyond those shows, Danny Clay from Tyler Perry's "Madea's Big Happy Family" fame is doing a tribute to Luther Vandross at Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences on Saturday as well. It's a fundraiser for the school.
LISA: As Dr. Seuss would say, "Oh, the places you'll go."
Get event details every Thursday in ChattanoogaNow or online anytime at www.ChattanoogaNow.com.
Contact Lisa Denton at ldenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6281. Contact Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354.