Short Takes: Local stages light up with music, theater, more

COOK COOKS

Celebrate “Welder.”

That’s Elizabeth Cook’s new album, “Welder.” The mostly country singer will offer deep slices of her fifth album when she appears at Down Home in Johnson City on May 7. Due May 11, “Welder” features a host of marquee guests including Dwight Yoakam, Rodney Crowell and Buddy Miller.

But it’s Cook who cooks the hottest. Going back to her 2000 debut and up through “Welder,” Cook owns a style that’s tapped into country, rock, Appalachian, bluegrass, and old-time music. Well, why not? Her frayed around the edge voice emotes raw beauty that bespeaks a life lived as she danged well wishes. Spunk meets spark, that’s Elizabeth Cook.

IF YOU GO
Who: Elizabeth Cook
When: May 7, 9 p.m.
Where: Down Home, 300 W. Main St., Johnson City
Admission: $14
Info: (423) 929-9822
Web and audio: www.elizabethcook.com

'SEUSSICAL JR.'

Look into the creative mind of Jojo. Add the Cat in the Hat and a menagerie of characters from Whos to Horton and who knows who, and you have you know who.

Dr. Seuss that’s who. Well, Theatre Bristol’s production of the spirited musical “Seussical Jr.” anyway. Public performances are scheduled for May 8 at the Paramount Center for the Arts in Bristol, Tenn. for the show as colorfully crafted as Dr. Seuss’ words were tongue twisting.

Quickly, Jojo is a boy who comes upon a hat from which emerges the Cat and therefore the Cat in the Hat. The world of Seuss flows from Jojo’s imagination with help from the Cat in the Hat. There are Whos of Whoville and Horton who hears them, Lazy Mayzie who isn’t so crazy and more, more, more!

IF YOU GO
What: “Seussical Jr.”
When: May 8, 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Where: Paramount Center for the Arts, 518 State St., Bristol, Tenn.
Admission: $8 adults, $5 children under age 12
Info: (423) 274-8920 and (423) 968-4977
Web: www.theatrebristol.org

LIGHTNIN’ STRIKES

Welcome to the family.

The Lightnin’ Charlie Family Jamboree, that is. Set to sizzle on May 8 at the Kingsport Renaissance Center in Kingsport, Tenn., Lightnin’ Charlie Dolinger will bring his family along with his guitar and longtime band the Upsetters for a show that includes them all.

Lightnin’ Charlie will play solo. He and his wife Beth will offer a batch of duets. Add the kids and you have a family, jamboree style. Toss in the Upsetters and a fabulous new gospel record, “Trust in God,” and Lightnin’ strikes with music to electrify the soul.

IF YOU GO
What: Lightnin’ Charlie Family Jamboree
When: May 8, 7 p.m.
Where: Kingsport Renaissance Center, 1200 E. Center St., Kingsport, Tenn.
Admission: $10-$15
Info: (423) 392-8414
Web and audio: www.lightnincharlie.com

MUSIC NOTES

Two tragedies darkened the bluegrass world this week. First on April 30, Houston Caldwell, 18, who played banjo with the band Broken Wire, died after his motorcycle clipped a car in Galax, Va.

Then during the early morning hours of May 2 Alan Mastin, longtime bassist for Big Country Bluegrass, died after his van left the road and crashed over an embankment near Mouth of Wilson, Va. Mastin had played bass in Big Country Bluegrass for more than 20 years.

Mastin’s passing came just days after Big Country Bluegrass announced signing with Rebel Records and the upcoming release of their new album “Back in Time.”

Here’s a quick note on Bristol’s Steve Gilbert. His performance of “Quiet on 7th” during last week’s Jef Roberts Memorial Concert qualified as stellar. For those wanting to hear it again, simply go to www.reverbnation.com/stevegilbert to hear his recorded version in full.

New albums coming on Tuesday (May 11) include Elizabeth Cook’s “Welder.” Cook will perform a number of CD release shows, including one at Down Home in Johnson City on May 7.

Also out on May 11 new discs from heavy metal’s As I Lay Dying with “The Powerless Rise,” The National’s “High Violet,” Nashville-based blues rockers The Dead Weather dawns “Sea of Cowards” while Celine Dion double-dips with the live “Taking Chances World Tour” on CD and DVD.

Then there is political satirists The Capitol Steps and their album “Liberal Shop of Horrors.” Check some of the song titles: “Battle Hymn of the Tea Public,” “Obamamania,” and “The Twitter.”

She’s no Capitol Step, but Sarah Darling headlines this week’s free MP3 download. Simply log onto www.sarahdarling.com to find a link to download the young country singer’s new single “Whenever it Rains.”

And so with a solemn pause for the passing of two regional bluegrass musicians, so concludes this week’s Short Takes and Music Notes. Meantime and for all time, please do stay tuned.

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