Short Takes: A Quick Look at Entertainment in the Region

JOHN ANDERSON
John Anderson’s deep Southern baritone made him a country star 30 years ago.
Anderson will bring a career full of such hits as “Swingin’ ” to Freedom Hall in Johnson City on June 5.
Blessed with a style that’s part Southern rock and part hardcore country, Anderson’s twang-tuned voice and sound paved his reputation as one of country’s most distinctive singers.
Just listen to one of his first hits, “Your Lyin’ Blue Eyes.” Hailed by some at the time as a the next coming of Waylon Jennings meets George Jones, Anderson’s drawling voice milked emotion with elongated notes that sounds as country as country can get.
To paraphrase Loretta Lynn, at his best when you’re looking at Anderson, you’re looking at country.

IF YOU GO
Who: John Anderson with Crowding 50
When: June 5, 8 p.m.
Where: Freedom Hall, 1320 Pactolas Road, Johnson City, Tenn.
Admission: $25
Info: (423) 461-4884 or (423) 282-1257
Web and audio: www.johnanderson.com

HAWAII ANYONE?
Spend thousands to travel to Hawaii this summer.
Or stay home, drive to the Coomes Center in Abingdon on June 5 for “Luau 2009” and not spend a dime for admission.
Featuring music from longtime local favorites Kids Our Age, the event will appropriately be staged at the center’s outdoor pool.
Come and have a bite. No airplanes and jet lag or long lines in airports. Instead, play games, win prizes, hear music and soak up the sun during the family-friendly event.
Grab a tan, hear a tune and snag a great time all within a short drive of home. Now that may well add up to paradise for many a soul.

IF YOU GO
What: “Luau 2009” featuring Kids Our Age
When: June 5, 6-9 p.m.
Where: Coomes Recreation Center, 300 Stanley St., Abingdon, Va.
Admission: Free
Info: (276) 623-5279

THE HOT SEATS
Bands rarely change names amid surges in popularity. Yet, that’s exactly what Special Ed and The Short Bus did.
Newly named, The Hot Seats hope to heat up O’Mainnin’s Pub on State Street in Bristol, Tenn., on June 6.
Formed in 2002, the Richmond, Va.-based, hard-to-categorize acoustic band maintains a sound steeped in old-time styles gradually learned since their ragtag beginnings.
Led by Ed Brogan, the Hot Seats mix humor with attitude that propels their live performances, which has in turn built a solid following for the band.
Listen to their songs. From “Sugar Puddin’” to the “Russian Rag,” tinges of irreverence combine with a far-from-polished though appealing sound that fits well with their repertoire – no matter their name.

IF YOU GO
Who: The Hot Seats
When: June 6, 10 p.m.
Where: O’Mainnin’s Pub, 712 State St., Bristol, Tenn.
Info: (423) 844-0049
Web, audio and video: www.myspace.com/thehotseatsrva

MUSIC NOTES
-- Van Halen is apparently about to rock the news in the coming year. After a wildly successful tour last year with original lead singer David Lee Roth back at the helm, the band’s namesake and resident guitar legend Eddie Van Halen told Rolling Stone magazine recently that he is writing new music and that the band with Roth will begin a new album sometime this year.
-- From the Van Halen periphery comes Chickenfoot. Former Van Halen members Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony join Joe Satriani and former Red Hot Chili Pepper Chad Smith on a new album that features Hagar’s typically over-the-top lyrics and Satriani’s usual guitar histrionics. Not bad, but certainly not Van Halen great.
That’s it for this week, but tune in next week for a link to a free download. Also, look for a preview of some of the summer’s most anticipated albums.
Meanwhile and by all means, stay tuned for more Short Takes and Music Notes.

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