Short Takes: Entertainment Events Around The Region

By: By Tom Netherland Special to the Herald Courier | TriCities.com
Published: November 20, 2008

BLUES MAN
Dynamic describes the blues of Jimmy Thackery.
Part Muddy Waters and Rolling Stones, the guitar-sizzling Thackery features a sound steeped in Chicago blues by way of straightforward rock.
So when Thackery navigates the blues from the tiny stage inside the Down Home in Johnson City, Tenn. on Nov. 20, attendees can expect a florid and fiery ride.
Listen for songs from his varied new album, “Inside Tracks.” More than that, experience music from a man who led the legendary Nighthawks and who also learned alongside blues icon the late Muddy Waters.
To paraphrase Buddy Guy, you darned right Thackery’s got the blues.

IF YOU GO
Who: Jimmy Thackery
When: Nov. 20, 9 p.m.
Where: Down Home, 300 W. Main St., Johnson City, Tenn.
Admission: $18
Info: (423) 929-9822
Web: www.jimmythackery.com

MAGIC AND MYSTERY
Thoughts of Broadway tunes may in most conjure thoughts of “Singin’ in the Rain”-styled songs.
You know, happy overload.
But “Magic and Mystery: A Musical Revue,” scheduled for Nov. 20-23 at Virginia Intermont College in Bristol, Va., takes a different look at Broadway.
Instead of a rainbow bright revue, the Gary Flannery-directed show will feature selections from such darker shows as “Wicked, Jekyll and Hyde” and Mel Brooks’ eternally gut-busting “Young Frankenstein.”
Translated, “Magic and Mystery” offers Broadway in Bristol with plenty of dance, yet with thoughtful humor and creative style attached as well.

IF YOU GO
What: “Magic and Mystery: A Musical Revue”
When: Nov. 20-22, 7:30 p.m., and Nov. 23, 2:30 p.m.
Where: Virginia Intermont College, 1013 Moore St., Bristol, Va.
Admission: $5-$10
Info: (276) 466-7973

OPERA!
Opera is not for the sedate.
That certainly holds true for “La Damnation de Faust.” Slated to screen on Nov. 22 at Cinemark’s Tinseltown in Bristol, Va. live via high definition transmission from the world renowned Metropolitan Opera in New York City, “Faust” as conceived by Hector Berlioz features high art, drama and grand music to boot.
Want car crashes and gore? See something else.
Meanwhile, “Faust” tangles with a timeless look at good tempted by evil via the devil and his demons. Grand drama ensues and escalates to a whopper of a climax.

IF YOU GO
What: “La Damnation de Faust”
When: Nov. 22, 1 p.m.
Where: Cinemark’s Tinseltown 14, 3004 Linden Drive, Bristol, Va.
Admission: $22
Info: (276) 669-0588
Web: www.metopera.org

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