Lisa Denton and Barry Courter
BARRY COURTER: Lisa, there is a lot of original music by some great new bands on the schedule this week, and we'll get to those, but Black Jacket Symphony, which isn't even technically a symphony, much less a band, is doing one of rock's all-time classics on Saturday.
It might surprise you to know that there are still people in this world who don't own a copy of Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon," the album that BJS will being doing in its entirety at the Tivoli. You might note in my story today on this very page that 50,000 vinyl copies of the album were sold last year alone; 50 million since its release in 1973.
LISA DENTON: Maybe people have to keep buying new copies because they're syncing the album up with "The Wizard of Oz" over and over. I've always found that a strange little cultural phenomenon, but apparently fans have discovered that the music also works with "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."
BARRY: I think if you are in the right head space, it also syncs with all Bugs Bunny cartoons, a NASCAR race and that home movie we all have of the kids at the zoo.
LISA: The cool thing about BJS is that, besides "Dark Side of the Moon," the audience can hear other Pink Floyd hits, like "Another Brick in the Wall," "Comfortably Numb" and maybe, just maybe, "Careful With That Axe, Eugene," which is a great song title.
BARRY: BJS has really become a big hit here over the last couple of years drawing huge fans to their shows. And, they're not just big here. They're currently in the Middle Eastern country of Qatar, performing AC/DC's "Back in Black" and the Eagles' "Hotel California" for the troops stationed there. They'll be back in time for their show here, though.
But, like I said, they aren't the only show in town by any stretch. Alabama Shakes is in town tonight, but it's sold out. Nathan Bell is at Barking Legs; Breaking Benjamin is doing an unplugged show at Track 29 on Wednesday and Pigeons Playing Ping Pong is at Revelry Room on Thursday; the name might draw you in, but the funk will keep you there. They played Riverbend last year.
LISA: Chattanooga Symphony & Opera musicians will be at Chattanooga Market on Sunday for Play Along With the CSO. I always get excited about this show because amateurs from the community at large can sit in with the pros, but I checked the website and they still haven't added seats for anyone with my musical skills: kazoo, tambourine, whistling. But I'm keeping my fingers crossed for next year.
BARRY: They are poorer for it. A good whistle would snazz things up.
LISA: You know what else I've never had a chance to do? Walk the runway for StyleWorks. That's the fashion show benefiting Siskin Children's Institute. It's a very cool event that's coming up Wednesday.
BARRY: And don't forget, Friday is National Hairball Awareness Day (who knew), and The Alice Fund, a local group that helps people in need pay for medical care for their cats, is sponsoring a virtual Furball (good name) fundraiser. Cat lovers can go online to make a donation and post pics of their favorite feline.
Get event details every Thursday in Chattanooga Now or online anytime at www.ChattanoogaNow.com.
Contact Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfree press.com or 423-757-6354. Contact Lisa Denton at ldenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6281.