Short Takes

BORDER BASH

Bobby Pickett had “Monster Mash,” and Bristol has Border Bash. Not a fright, though certainly a sight with sounds, Border Bash cranks up its season in downtown Bristol on May 16. Scheduled for each third Friday of the month throughout the summer, Aaron Dowdy spearheads Border’s start this year.

The Bristol Virginia High School sophomore and multi-instrumentalist features a sound dipped in folk drawn from his already widespread repertoire of original songs.

A pair of musical chameleons follows Dowdy.

First, all-female group The Near Misses zero in on a sound rife in tight harmonies, which also pulls upon influences from rock, pop, country and jazz.

Bolivia’s Bombadil venture much deeper into sounds beyond the norm with its blend of classical and psychedelic rock. Pepper in pinches of Piedmont blues, and you have a sound that defies classification.

IF YOU GO

What: Border Bash featuring Aaron Dowdy, The Near Misses and Bombadil
When: May 16, 6-10 p.m.
Where: 500 block of State Street, Bristol
Tickets: Free
Info: (423) 573-2200
Web: www.believeinbristol.org

DANIEL BOONE

Daniel Boone was a man, a big man, to quote the song from the 1960s and ’70s television show based on Boone.

Boone also comes bearing myths. Author Robert Morgan tackles Boone’s fascinating life and reveals a bevy of myths within his new book, “Boone.”

Morgan will read from and speak about his book and Boone on May 18 at the Martha Washington Inn in Abingdon as part of the Sunday with Friends series.

Morgan’s book underscores Boone’s remarkable pioneering life from his infancy to his death. In between, he retraces steps taken from many an author in retelling Boone’s life.

However, “Boone” is not just another book on Boone. Just read the first sentence. “Forget the coonskin cap; he never wore one,” Morgan writes.

Interesting – Boone and Morgan’s book. Turn out to hear and learn more about the man known as Daniel Boone.

IF YOU GO

Who: Robert Morgan
When: May 18, 3 p.m.
Where: Martha Washington Inn, 150 W. Main St., Abingdon
Tickets: Free
Info: (276) 628-3161
Web: www.marthawashingtoninn.com

PETER MAYER GROUP

Perk up parrotheads. No Jimmy Buffett alert – but close.

Buffett’s lead guitarist, Peter Mayer, brings his own band and style to the Lincoln Theatre in Marion on May 18 for an afternoon show. Proceeds will benefit Marion’s Hungry Mother Lutheran Retreat Center.

Befitting the beneficiaries, tinges of spirituality enwrap Mayer’s music. As with Buffett, Mayer features a free-as-the-breeze style that welcomes and soothes.

However, while Buffett’s music leans to the beach, Mayer’s music looks inward. Exemplified via his latest album “Still in One Peace” and songs “Heaven Help Us” and “Good Medicine,” Mayer embraces the positive while leaning on strength found inside the soul.

Hey, it isn’t “Margaritaville,” but then he sure isn’t wasted away, either.

IF YOU GO

Who: Peter Mayer Group
When: May 18, 3 p.m.
Where: Lincoln Theatre, 117 E. Main St., Marion
Tickets: $20
Info: (276) 783-6093
Web: www.petermayer.com

MUSIC NOTES

Happy trails to Eddy Arnold.The Country Music Hall of Fame member died one week shy of his 90th birthday at age 89 early last Thursday [May 8] following a lengthy illness.

Born just outside Nashville and first known as the Tennessee Plowboy, Arnold enjoyed a career that dated back to 1945. Only George Jones charted more hit singles than Arnold, whose hits included such classics as “Cattle Call” and “Bouquet of Roses.”

However, Arnold may best be remembered for revolutionizing the marriage of smooth pop sounds to theretofore hard country. He wasn’t the first to do so, but upon the success of hits like “You Don’t Know Me” from 1956 and particularly “Make the World Go Away,” Arnold helped change country’s hillbilly stereotype.

Spin an Arnold song sometime. You’ll be glad you did. Meanwhile and by all means, stay tuned.

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