SHORT TAKES: Leon Russell in Wise; Bristol Border Bash finale; fundraiser for Lucas Sharp

LEON RUSSELL

Uniquely distinctive describes Leon Russell. The legendary Russell brings nearly 50 years of his remarkable legacy to Tavern On Main in Wise, Va., on Sept. 4. Tickets are running low, so buy them now and see the man who Elton John refers to as "… my idol."

Russell’s career took root as a session pianist. He played on records ranging from Frank Sinatra to the Rolling Stones. He wrote "Delta Lady," which hit huge for Joe Cocker.

Into the 1970s, he recorded country with Willie Nelson and under his pseudonym Hank Wilson, bluegrass with the New Grass Revival and coming in October an album with Elton John.

His long white hair and beard along with his raspy vocals and boogie-to-blues, country-to-gospel and rock piano playing combine for a style unlike anyone else’s.

IF YOU GO

Who: Leon Russell

When: Sept. 4, 8 p.m.

Where: Tavern On Main, 225 Main St., Wise, Va.

 Admission: $50 per person, $95 per couple

Info: (276) 328-2208

Web and audio: www.leonrussellrecords.com

BORDER BASH SEASON FINALE

As Bristol’s Rhythm and Roots nears, Border Bash closes. The summer’s eighth and final installment of Border Bash commences Sept. 3 in downtown Bristol. The trio Hoots and Hellmouth opens while the Joshua Panda Band closes the evening.

Based in Philadelphia, Pa., Hoots and Hellmouth feature a motley mix of deep fried soul, observant folk and heart-baring country. Take the band’s 2009 album "The Holy Open Secret" and songs such as "Root of the Industry."

Hoots and Hellmouth make music that awakens the heart, stirs the soul to move and the brain to think. Now that’s quite a band with which to cap Border Bash.

IF YOU GO

What: Border Bash…Because it’s Great On State

Who: Hoots and Hellmouth and The Joshua Panda Band

When: Sept. 3, 6 p.m. with music at 7 p.m.

Where: State Street, downtown Bristol

Admission: Free

Info: (423) 573-2200 or (423) 573-4898

Web and audio: www.believeinbristol.org

BENEFIT AND BLUEGRASS

Twenty-two-year-old Lucas Sharp suffers from a brain tumor. Surgery is needed at Vanderbilt University Hospital in Nashville, Tenn. And that isn’t cheap.

So a benefit for the former Tennessee High School student will stage on Sept. 5 at the Buffalo Ruritan Club in Bluff City, Tenn. Donations of $5 are requested. Now, that seems a small price to pay to help a neighbor in need.

Then, consider the event. Music comes courtesy The Kings Grass Band. Attendees who buy a raffle ticket for $1 may walk away with an acoustic guitar, which was donated by Bristol’s Uncle Sam’s Loan Office. Door prizes will also be given away. So come on out, hear fine music, have great fun and help a neighbor who sure needs it.

 IF YOU GO

What: Benefit for Lucas Sharp

Who: The Kings Grass Band

When: Sept. 5, 1-5 p.m.

Where: Buffalo Ruritan Club, corner of Beaver Creek Road and Buffalo Road, Bluff City, Tenn.

Admission: adults, $5 suggested donation at the door, children under age 12, $2

Info: 423) 340-1851 or (276) 591-5098

MUSIC NOTES

How about a tease.

Be on the lookout for a forthcoming article that examines the breadth of talent at this year’s

 10th Annual Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion:

Now, the tease: there will be exactly one member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame performing at Rhythm and Roots and also included in the article.

So be sure to take note and read all about it coming soon.

 -- Meanwhile, hear this: new albums galore from legends to bands on the rise herald releases that hit stores on Sept. 7. There’s rock’s Interpol and their self-titled fourth album followed by hard rock’s Stone Sour and "Audio Secrecy." Bluegrass bounds forth thanks to the Steeldrivers’ second effort "Reckless."

 -- But check the week’s legends. Heavy Metal’s Megadeth celebrates the 20th anniversary of its 1990 classic album "Rust in Peace" with "Rust in Peace: Live," which includes band classic "Symphony of Destruction." Mighty mauling fine rock. Ditto the return Bachman & Turner sans Overdrive with their clock-reversing "Bachman & Turner," their first album in 20 years.

 -- Ah but then comes the Killer. Jerry Lee Lewis follows his 2006 widely hailed album "Last Man Standing" by rocking on with "Mean Old Man." He brought a stable of friends along including Rolling Stones Mick Jagger ("Dead Flowers"), Ron Wood ("Mean Old Man") and Keith Richards ("Sweet Virginia"). Slash and Kid Rock accompany the Killer on the scintillating "Rockin’ My Life Away" while John Mayer chimes in on "Roll Over Beethoven."

 -- This week’s free MP3 download comes via the Drive-By Truckers. The modern Southern rock band will appear at Rhythm and Roots on Sept. 18. To get a taste of them, go to www.drivebytruckers.com for a free download of their rollicking song "Birthday Boy."

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