Short Takes: A glance at Tony Kenny, Harlem Globetrotters and Chevelle

CELTIC NIGHTS
Tony Kenny heralds authenticity.

Via “Celtic Nights,” scheduled to stage at the Paramount Center for the Arts in Bristol, Tenn., on March 18, Kenny offers Irish entertainment for those who want the real thing. Ireland’s 1998 Entertainer of the Year, Kenny’s music centers upon Irish Cabaret.

However and befitting the show’s name, Kenny does not perform alone. He leads a cast that includes comedian Joe Cuddy, singer Sarah Rogers, a group of traditional Irish musicians and dancers, too.

So what better way to spend the day after St. Patrick’s Day than with an entertainer from Dublin, Ireland.

IF YOU GO
What: “Celtic Nights” starring Tony Kenny
When: March 18, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Paramount Center for the Arts, 518 State St., Bristol, Tenn.
Admission: $22 for adults, $17 for seniors and students
Info: (423) 274-8920
Web and audio: www.tonykenny.com

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS
March Madness of another sort dribbles its way to the Tri-Cities on March 22.

To the familiar whistle of “Sweet Georgia Brown” come the Harlem Globetrotters to Freedom Hall in Johnson City.

With a rich, decades-long legacy, the clown princes of basketball entertain with a well-honed mix of fun and flair. Attired in their trademark patriotic red, white and blue uniforms, the Globetrotters underscore the term sports entertainment.

Founded in 1926 by Abe Saperstein, famed Globetrotters of yore include Meadowlark Lemon and Curly Neal, and for a season even Wilt Chamberlain.

Generations of byproducts accompanied the Globetrotters’ fame, from cartoons to meetings with presidents and popes. In sum, they aren’t so much about points scored on the court as laughs laughed and hearts touched.

IF YOU GO
Who: Harlem Globetrotters
When: March 22, 7 p.m.
Where: Freedom Hall, 1320 Pactolas Road, Johnson City, Tenn.
Admission: $22.25-$45.25
Info: (423) 461-4884
Web and video: www.harlemglobetrotters.com

CHEVELLE
Chevelle owns a sound befitting a band named after a classic muscle car.

Slated to thunder Chrome in Johnson City on March 24, Chevelle doesn’t really roar, but they sure rumble. Their often-dark style recalls Tool, complete with stabbing guitars and pummeling percussion.

Chevelle was formed in the 1990s by brothers Pete, Sam and Joe Loeffler in Grayslake, Ill. Their father loved the Chevrolet Chevelle, hence the band’s name.

Yet as heard on such albums as their breakthrough, million-selling “Wonder What’s Next” album, the name fits. Chevelle rolls with high-octane rock to burst one’s eardrums by.

IF YOU GO
Who: Chevelle
When: March 24, 8 p.m.
Where: Chrome, 820 W. Walnut St., Johnson City, Tenn.
Admission: $28 in advance, $33 at the door
Info: (423) 232-9000
Web and audio: www.chevelleinc.com

MUSIC NOTES
-- Here’s your chance to see pop and dance music sensation Lady Gaga. Earlier this week the “Poker Face” singer announced her upcoming 31-date Monster Ball tour, which begins on June 28. Two stops come close to the Tri-Cities: First on Sept. 8 at the John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, Va., and then on Sept. 18 at the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, N.C. No word at press time regarding on-sale dates for tickets.

-- See a live concert without leaving the couch. The Global Zone Music Festival, live from Austin, Texas, on March 17-21 will feature 15 acts including Asleep at the Wheel, Band of Heathens and the Texas Tornados.

There’s no charge. Simply go to www.videoranch3d.com then click on “Visit Videoranch3D,” register, download and install Videoranch3D, log in and enjoy. However, those interested will need a high-speed Internet connection and a newer, Windows-based computer.

-- Sixteen-year-old pop-soul singer Justin Bieber hit huge with such singles as “One Time” and “Favorite Girl” from last year’s album “My World.” Now comes Bieber’s “My World 2.0,” the latter of the two-part studio album, on March 23. Also look for new discs from former million-selling R&B singer Monica with “Still Standing” and jazz legend Mose Allison’s “Way of the World,” his first new album in 12 years.

-- German heavy metal legends the Scorpions cap this week’s new album releases with “Sting in the Tail.” A three-year world tour begins in May, which the longtime band says will be its last.
“We want to end the Scorpions’ extraordinary career on a high note,” lead singer Klaus Meine said via statement.

-- This week’s free MP3 download features Luke Bryan, one of country music’s fast-rising young stars. Visit his site at www.lukebryan.com/index.php?page=albumdownload and find the song “Rain is a Good Thing.” Better hurry, though, as the download is for a limited time.
Outfitted with music for the week, return to the scene of the tunes next week for another tasty round. Until then play it loud and proud, and by all means, please do stay tuned.

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