East Tennessee Dirt: What's happening in the local music scene

By Steve Wildsmith
of The Daily Times Staff

"East Tennessee Dirt" is a regular column in The Daily Times Weekend edition that chronicles happenings in the local music scene.

We've scoured the local music scene, and will continue to do so, asking local musicians to send us news of their events, lineup changes and other news that might be of interest to those who consider themselves fans. This isn't a column for everyone, but we hope those of you who enjoy the grassroots feel of watching talented local musicians play their hearts out -- not for money, but because they love what they do -- find something of interest here.

Don't bet on The Gambler

A certain reputable Web site that keeps track of all the tours of major musicians across the country is reporting that country music legend Kenny Rogers will be at the Foothills Fall Festival this year -- performing on Sunday, Oct. 12.

That information, however, is incorrect. According to city officials, Kenny Rogers will not be at this year's Foothills Fall Festival, and I don't think they're trying to mislead anybody. According to Kenny's official Web site, he's scheduled for a performance five days later, on Oct. 17 -- in Australia. And while I'm sure he could hub-hop to get Down Under by flying out of McGhee Tyson, chances are probably good he'll be packing, planning and rehearsing "The Gambler" in front of a mirror before heading to the bottom of the world.

But fear not -- whomever is selected as the Sunday night headliner will be just as high-profile as past acts, which have included Sara Evans (last year), Vince Gill and Randy Travis. Foothills Fall Festival officials hope to announce the lineup next month, so stay tuned to The Daily Times for the news.

Local CD Review: 'Old School,' by the Hector Qirko Band

It's been a long time coming, but it's worth the wait -- "Old School," the new album by the Hector Qirko Band, will be released in June, when Qirko returns from his tour of Europe with frequent collaborator/local singer-songwriter-playwright R.B. Morris.

"Old School" is a fitting title. After all, this is a band working on its 23rd year in the local scene, and as "Old School" demonstrates, they smack down all takers to the throne. You'll never get front man Qirko, gracious and humble as he is, to make such a claim, so we will -- this band is at the pinnacle of what every local blues band should aspire to reach.

The album opens with "Best Friend," a mournful dirge that showcases everything the band does well -- Qirko's guitar work and seasoned vocals, sax player Dirk Weddington's horn work and a sublime backline held down by drummer Steve Brown and bassist Jim Williams. It's like one of those Memory Foam mattresses, the kind that seem to suck you into a world of ridiculous leisure, only for your ears -- you're hearing these guys play, and it's hard to believe just how good it sounds.

"I Don't Care No More" continues the ride -- slowly cooked, like a plate of good barbecue, played as if the band members themselves evolved from the primordial ooze of beer and cigarette smoke and sparking low-watt bulbs and pine resin and the sweat of a hundred old black blues guys left on the floor of a Mississippi honky-tonk from 50 years ago. A little bit of roots blues on "Don't Wait Too Long," an instrumental fireworks show on "Blues De Ma Negresse," the four-on-the-floor gunning of a boogie-woogie engine on "Whiskey in the Morning" -- there's not much this outfit can't do.

They're not showing off or trying to trump the house -- they're just playing, having a good time at it and making music that's ... well, it's so good it makes you wanna boo the next "Mustang Sally"-playing local act off a random stage. Not because they suck -- on the contrary, there's a plethora of talented blues bands in this area -- but because they're not the Hector Qirko Band.

For more information, including a performance schedule after Qirko returns from overseas and an exact release date, hit up www.hqband.com. For a sneak peak of one of the songs, listen to "Weekend Mixtape," the Friday podcast by The Daily Times Weekend section, at http://entertainment.blountcountyvoice.com.

Don't forget ...

The annual "Rockin' the Docks" festival kicks off at 3 p.m. Saturday at The Cove at Lenoir City Park; it's a free event featuring performances by Sara Schwabe and Her Yankee Jass Band at 4 p.m., the John Allen Band at 5:30 p.m. and the RMS Band at 7:15 and 9 p.m. Fireworks will cap the evening at 10 p.m., and numerous other events will take place to celebrate Memorial Day. Admission is free.

Attention, local bands and musicians! We want YOUR information. Send it to us via e-mail to: steve.wildsmith@thedailytimes.com, or call us at 981-1144.