Short Takes: Look at Weekend Entertainment

HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS
Recall Christmas television standard “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Remember the banjo-playing snowman? He sang “Silver and Gold” among others.
That was Burl Ives, a folk singer transformed into one of America’s more memorable singers of Christmas songs thanks largely to “Rudolph.”
Learn more about and celebrate Ives with “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas: The Life and Holiday Music of Burl Ives” on Dec. 19 at the Southwest Virginia Museum in Big Stone Gap, Va.
“Most people probably are familiar with the Christmas music of Burl Ives,” said Erin Brockmann, the museum’s educational director. “They might want to expect to sing along with some of Burl’s favorites.”
Dr. Gary Crum will speak, Ives’ music will be heard and perhaps even a few film clips shown. And best of all during the country’s economic sinkhole, there’s no charge but time.
“It’s fun and free and for the whole family,” Brockmann said. “It’ll help to put people in the Christmas spirit.”

IF YOU GO
What: “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas: The Life and Holiday Music of Burl Ives”
When: Dec. 19, 7 p.m.
Where: Southwest Virginia Museum, Big Stone Gap, Va.
Admission: Free
Info: (276) 523-1322
Web: www.swvamuseum.org

CHRISTMAS IN THE MOUNTAINS
Got Christmas spirit?
Get it bluegrass and Celtic style on Dec. 20 at the Lincoln Theater in Marion, Va. when Song of the Mountains encamps for the evening with its annual Christmas show.
Coeburn native and Grand Ole Opry member Jesse McReynolds headlines.
Bristol’s Appalachian Celtic group Fire in the Kitchen and Abingdon’s Dixie Bee-Liners offer strong support to a bill that includes the talents of Dan Boner.
Emceed by Blountville’s Tim White, the show promises Christmas with a local flair.

IF YOU GO
What: Song of the Mountains Christmas Show featuring Jesse McReynolds, Fire in the Kitchen, the Dixie Bee-Liners and Dan Boner
When: Dec. 20, 7 p.m.
Where: Lincoln Theater, Marion, Va.
Admission: $20
Info: (276) 783-6093
Web: www.songofthemountains.org

CARAVAN OF CHRISTMAS
For those with time to pause amid the hustle and bustle of the Christmas shopping season, a bevy of entertainment awaits. See a film, hear stories, listen in awe or HO! HO! HO! along to a play.
For that which appeals best to you, check the following fare:
-- The Beaver Creek Storytellers will spin Christmas yarns on Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m. at Java J’s Downtown on State Street in Bristol, Va. For more info, call (276) 669-8358.
-- The Kingsport Theatre Guild stages the adult comedy “Sorry! Wrong Chimney!” from Dec. 19-20 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 21 at 3 p.m. at the Kingsport Renaissance Center, 1200 E. Center St., Kingsport. For more info, call (423) 392-8414 or visit www.kingsporttheatre.org.
-- Handel’s “Messiah” will deck the halls of the First Presbyterian Church of Kingsport at 100 W. Church Circle on Dec. 20 at 7:30 p.m. The church’s Chancel Choir under the direction of Mark Owen Davis will perform the timeless Christmas classic. For more info, call (423) 245-0104.
-- The choirs of First Christian Church and Woodlawn Baptist Church will present “Portraits of Christmas” for free at 4 p.m. Dec. 21 at Paramount Center for the Arts in Bristol, Tenn. For more info, call (423) 274-8920.
-- Bring the kids to see feature film “Polar Express” at the Bristol Public Library, 701 Goode St. in Bristol, Va. on Dec. 23 for showings at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Admission is free, and hot cocoa will be served. For more info, call (276) 645-8780.

MUSIC NOTES
-- Shelve Santa for a moment. George Jones is coming to Bristol. According to www.pollstar.com and the singer’s Web site, the country legend will appear on Feb. 7 at Viking Hall in Bristol, Tenn.
Jones received Kennedy Center Honors for lifetime achievement on Dec. 6, along with Barbra Streisand, actor Morgan Freeman, rock legends The Who and dancer Twyla Tharp.
-- Just heard Dierks Bentley’s forthcoming album, “Feel That Fire.” Due for release on Feb. 5, the country superstar begins in a sprint with a revving “Life on the Run,” gets country funky on “I Wanna Make You Close Your Eyes” and slows the pace with a reflective romancer on “Pray.”
The album concludes with “Last Call,” a finger-snapping bluegrass duet with Ronnie McCoury.

-- Academy Award-winning actor and director Clint Eastwood portrayed a country singer in “Honky Tonk Man,” directed “Bird,” a film bio of jazz legend Charlie “Bird” Parker, and has long played and composed jazz on the piano.
Announced last Thursday, Eastwood is up for a Golden Globe Award for best original motion picture score for his film “Changeling.” The awards will be given on Jan. 11.
-- Song of the week: Bruce Springsteen’s “My Lucky Day.” The Boss returns with a buzz – catchy as a cold that you don’t want to go away.
Coming next week, picks for the best albums of 2008.
‘Til then, play it loud and proud, and by all means, stay tuned.

TOM NETHERLAND is a freelance writer. He can be reached at features@bristolnews.com.