Short Takes: Plumb Alley Day and Other Weekend Entertainment

PLUMB ALLEY DAY

Alleys are not made for festivals. Flocks of people typically flock elsewhere.

And yet the 26th Annual Plumb Alley Day invites flocks of folks to Plumb Alley in Abingdon, Va.  on May 24. Proceeds benefit the Kiwanis Club of Abingdon, said Carl Clarke, chairperson of this year’s Plumb Alley Day.

“The funds go to local organizations to benefit the welfare, development and education of kids,” Clarke said.

Clarke said about 160 or so vendors will occupy about 200 spaces all along the alley. Look for arts, crafts, antiques, food and even Avon.

“It’s a neighborhood yard sale. Many are selling yard sale goods,” Clarke said. “Many are residents along the alley. We ask people to not come until at least 8:30.”
Those who attend will hear music courtesy the Appalachian Pipes and Drums, and rock band Montage. Folks can also expect to look for a magician named Butterfly. Clarke also said to look for neighbors and friends and just plain nice folks.

“People don’t usually race along that alley. They stroll,” Clarke said. “Because Plumb Alley is a one-lane alley, you are looking at a river of people. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable day.”

IF YOU GO
What: Plumb Alley Day
When: May 24, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Plumb Alley, Abingdon
Tickets: $1 donation requested
Info: (276) 628-3719

THE COLLEGIANS

Stick around Abingdon after Plumb Alley Day. Shop. See historic Abingdon.

Then at 7 p.m. May 24 see The Collegians at Abingdon’s Market Pavilion. Listen for an impressive lineup of classics from the beach music veterans. They will visit the catalogs of such acts as The Drifters, Sam & Dave and The Temptations.

For about 30 years, the Collegians have honed a sound in line with Carolina beach music. However, their repertoire extends to pluck songs from country’s Garth Brooks and rock’s Bachman-Turner Overdrive. Pure fun.

Start the day strolling Plumb Alley. End the day while strolling along to the beach sounds of The Collegians. Summer’s only a month away, but here’s your head start.

IF YOU GO
Who: The Collegians
When: May 24, 7 p.m.
Where: Market Pavilion, Abingdon
Info: (276) 614-0875
Web: http://www.thecollegians.com

COWBOY MOUTH

Mardi Gras on tour.

That’s Cowboy Mouth. The four-man, New Orleans-based party band will appear on May 29 as part of the each-Thursday, Twilight Alive Concert Series in downtown Kingsport.

Armed with a new album “Voodoo Shoppe,” and an ever-ready, punk-meets-pop sound, Cowboy Mouth projects a flair for fun.

Take lead singer Fred LeBlanc. During each show he asks audiences “Are you glad to be alive?” And you can guess the answer. LeBlanc leads the band as if bolts of lightning lace his veins. Not exactly shocking, but certainly charged.

IF YOU GO
Who: Cowboy Mouth
When: May 29, 7 p.m.
Where: Broad Street, Kingsport
Tickets: Free
Info: (423) 392-8820
Web: http://www.cowboymouth.com

MUSIC NOTES
Sad goodbyes to Dottie Rambo. The prolific gospel songwriter and singer died in the early hours of May 11 in a bus accident while en route to a show in Texas.
Rambo appeared in Bristol for a show at Liberty Baptist Church on March 30. During an interview four days beforehand, Rambo summed up her life, one that saw her rise from poverty in Kentucky to stardom as a songwriter whose songs were recorded by such luminaries as Elvis Presley and Whitney Houston.
“God has been good,” Rambo said on March 26. “Sometimes it’ll hit me. What an amazing story. It’s been a great journey.”
Amen. Rambo was 74.

TOM NETHERLAND is a freelance writer. He can be reached at .