Lisa Denton and Barry Courter
LISA DENTON: Barry, I don't know if you've heard, but our buddy Ken Dryden has been cast in "Fat Shirley's: A Trailer Park Opera," which opens Friday at the Mountain Arts Community Center in Signal Mountain.
His wife, Nancy, has a role, and she talked him into auditioning.
In an email to the newspaper, he explained it this way: "With no performance experience, either acting or singing onstage, I ended up in the lead male role, playing her no-good-bum husband. At least I have experience in that role."
Made me laugh. Just as I'm sure this musical comedy will.
BARRY COURTER: Good for them. Ken works at WUTC and used to write record reviews for us. He certainly has the voice for the stage.
In another event, Track 29 is bringing Ghostface Killah to town on Saturday. I just like that name. It's one of those that gives away the type of music that he - do we call him Ghostface or Killah? - is doing. Or at least the attitude. Raekwon and Dillon Cooper also will be there.
And don't forget, the Fourth of July celebration that was rained out at Camp Jordan earlier this month is set again on Saturday as well. Live music, food, a kiddie play area and a cruise-in are all planned, and it's free to get in.
LISA: On Thursday, Eric Paslay will be at Track 29 for the monthly US101 Concert for a Cause. This one benefits the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Speaking of US101, they're partnering with WRCB-TV Channel 3 for the #NoogaStrong benefit concert with Brantley Gilbert. No date has been set for the show yet (at least not by press time), but you can bet on a strong showing since the proceeds go to the families of the military men who died in the July 16 shooting.
You know what else is coming? The National Antique Bottle Show, which is Friday through Sunday at the Chattanooga Choo Choo. I could go through my refrigerator and find a few old bottles, but I don't think that's the kind they're looking for, especially since all of mine still have crusty ketchup in the bottom.
Some 300 vendors are expected during the show, and a banquet will feature Tom Hicks, who is said to be a "renowned Southern bottle storyteller." That's a job description you don't see every day.
BARRY: We have lots of bottles here as well, but they are of a newer vintage and full of organic fluids made from things like grapes and hops. Some of them have really pretty labels. Maybe I'll take over a few and have them valued.
Back to music, Fantastic Negrito is the headliner Friday at Nightfall. This guy has quite a story, having coming back from near death to restart his career. His music, which his website describes as "black roots music," comes from a place deep inside of himself. Local favorites Glowing Bordis will open.
LISA: And Chattanooga Market celebrates National Farmers Market Week on Sunday. I'd say Farmers Market Week is every week at Chattanooga Market.
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.