LISA DENTON: Barry, I know you have a cottage industry going as a food contest judge around town, but do I hear correctly that you are also adding food show emcee to your list of talents?
BARRY COURTER: It looks that way. Apparently the rest of the known pool of people able to string a few words together are busy on Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. I do understand that my agent was able to hold out for double my usual fee, however, so there is that.
In any event, I will be introducing chef Jon Ashton during the Savor Live event at the Tivoli Theatre. The paper is the producer. I think my job is to introduce him and then, hopefully, eat, something I am waaaay overqualified to do.
LISA: It'll be interesting to watch you try to eat and talk at the same time.
BARRY: Ashton will be entertaining the crowd with stories while demonstrating a few techniques and recipes.
By the way, the event is free, which explains how they are able to afford my inflated rate.
Lisa Denton and Barry Courter
LISA: I'm sure you'll get the limo ride and red-carpet treatment, but the rest of us have to register online to get in (www.eventbrite.com). And registration sets us up to win door prizes and other giveaways.
Did you know he's from England? You should totally use a British accent all day.
BARRY: That's a cracking good idea.
LISA: I figured out he was British when I looked on Chef-Opedia (yes, it's a real thing) and read that "as a young lad, he learned about the joy of cooking through his grandmother's warm, cottage kitchen" and that Granny Ashton taught him "to share what one has with others."
Young lad? We don't talk like that here. But the part about sharing what one has with others is about the best advice for a cook I've ever heard. Do you think he'll share enough food with you that you can save some for me?
BARRY: I've seen how you guys eat in your household, and I didn't realize sharing was an option. Pretty sure you said something about fingers and nubs. Or maybe that was just a warning about eating around your daughter when she's "hangry."
LISA: Oh, we don't share off our plates - people have risked life and limb attempting that - but we like when others share with us.
BARRY: There is still plenty of music to be heard this week as well. The Levitt AMP series continues on Thursday with Irene Diaz at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center.
LISA: Those shows are held on the lawn, weather permitting, and they are drawing huge crowds. I'm glad to see it's such a big success.
BARRY: Songbirds is hosting a Chuck Berry birthday bash Friday with Paul Childers Band playing, and Revelry Room has Larry Keel Experience on Friday and an Allman Brothers tribute on Saturday.
The Turnpike Troubadours will be in newly updated Walker Theatre at Memorial Auditorium on Monday.
LISA: I know "Rocky Top" is not one of your favorite songs, but you can hear it played by UT-Knoxville's Pride of the Southland Band on Friday as the band and the football team head south to Tuscaloosa for Saturday's game against the Alabama Crimson Tide. The band usually stops at Miller Park, but that space is under construction. So this year, fans can find them at First Tennessee Pavilion. Music starts at noon. Go Vols!
BARRY: The band is good.
Get event details every Thursday in Chattanooga Now 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.