East Tennessee Dirt: What's happening in the local music scene
By Steve Wildsmithstevew@thedailytimes.com
Originally published: November 25. 2009 6:10PM
Last modified: November 25. 2009 6:14PM
Introducing 'The Shed Unplugged'
Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson, that fine venue that hosted so many great shows in the spring and summer at its outdoor pavilion (affectionately known as "The Shed"), isn't letting the cold weather stop the music. Starting Friday, Dec. 4, tickets will go on sale for three intimate shows at "The Shed" during the coming winter months:
— Jan. 16, Bonepony
— Feb. 13, Ray Wylie Hubbard (playing with his son)
— March 20, Fred Eaglesmith.
There will be 100 reserved seats and 100 general admission seats available, and it's first-come, first-serve. Reserved seats are $75 for all three shows (you'll have the same seats for them all); GA seats are $50 for all three. If any remain, single tickets will go on sale Jan. 4. Tickets will only be sold through the dealership's website at www.smh-d.com.
This is a solid lineup, people. We last wrote about Bonepony -- one of my personal favorite bands that, in an intimate setting, will make you feel so good it won't matter what the temperature outside might be -- in 2008. Ray Wylie Hubbard graced the cover of our Weekend entertainment section back in June, and we've interview Fred a couple of times over the years, most recently back in 2007.
Call the dealership at 977-1669 for more information.
Big doins' for the Uncles
Things continue to pick up steam for everybody's favorite honky-tonk/classic country band The Drunk Uncles, three of whom (Jeff Barbra, Gordy Gilbertson and Eric Keeble) call Blount County home. The band has been added to the bill for the Dec. 30 "Tennessee Shines" performance, the live radio broadcast/performance that takes place on the final Wednesday of every month at The Bijou Theatre, 803 S. Gay St. in downtown Knoxville.
It's hosted by veteran guitarist/sideman Jim Lauderdale, and it features performers from all across the roots-music spectrum. Starting at 7 p.m., the loose lineup features a number of musical interactions and an unpredictable format that makes for some sublime music. Joining the Uncles next month will be guitarist/songwriter Buddy Miller, who's helped make everyone from Emmylou Harris to his wife, Julie, sound stellar over the past 20 years; teenage ukulele sensation Julia Nunes; and former everybodyfields songbird Jill Andrews.
Tickets are on sale now for the performance; they're $15 in advance and $20 at the door, but chances are they'll sell out before the 30th, so get yours by calling 656-4444 or visiting www.tennesseeshines.com.
Music gears up for the holiday season
It's no surprise that the closer we get to Christmas, the more options there are for live music and entertainment. In fact, it's one of the best things about the season, because many of the concerts/performances taking place are fundraisers for various charities, so you can partake of some fantastic singing and help out a good cause at the same time.
Next weekend, you can do just that at the Rocky Branch Community Club, on Rocky Branch Road near the Walland community. In addition to some fabulous food, $8 will get you some great bluegrass music by The Rhythm Pick Ups, Mountain Gap Band, Shadow Ridge and The Holloway Sisters/Outta the Blue. It begins at 4 p.m. (must starts at 5), and it's a fundraiser for the Fraternal Order of Police's annual holiday toy drive, "Shop with Cops." For more information, call 977-0054.
At 2 p.m. Dec. 6 out at Music Row of Maryville, 2808 E. Lamar Alexandcer Parkway, it's a night of country, gospel and bluegrass featuring the Little Roy Lewis and Lizzy Long Show with the band Walking in Tradition. It begins at 2 p.m., and tickets are $10. For more information, call 983-8259.
Finally, over at the National Guard Armory -- 1721 W. Lamar Alexander Parkway in Maryville -- a "Toys for Tots" fundraiser/gospel concert will take place from 6-9 p.m. Dec. 12. Concessions will be sold, magic tricks will be performed and Santa will make an appearance, along with the gospel outfits Heaven's Highway and Higher Calling. Admission is by donation or a new, unwrapped toy. For more information, call 973-2004.
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.
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