Short Takes: Denver Evans, R.B. Morris and ‘Abe’

DENVER EVANS
Energy and attitude mix to form the country music of Denver Evans.
Slated for a two-night stand at Rock N’ Horse II in Bristol, Tenn., Evans will entertain as most country singers would not – with power beyond that which electrifies their instruments. Count on strong songs from a strong singer.
Born in San Jose, Calif., Evans has called the Knoxville, Tenn., area home since he was about 3 years old. He achieved a measure of national notice during the late 1990s, as then-Curb Records artist Trini Triggs’ keyboard player.
Evans struck out as a solo performer in 2001. Hits, he hasn’t had any – yet. Crowds, he plays to mostly small ones – for now. Heart, Evans’ beats like a bullet zeroed in on a target that he simply can’t miss.
IF YOU GO
Who: Denver Evans & The Hardcore Hillbillies
When: May 1-2, 10 p.m.
Where: Rock N’ Horse II, 3080 W. State St., Bristol, Tenn.
Info: (423) 844-0400
Web: http://www.denverevans.com
Video: http://www.denverevans.com/video/

R.B. MORRIS
R.B. Morris sings and writes songs much as a photographer shoots photos. His songs are vivid portraits of that which he sees, a travelogue of sorts.
See Morris on May 1 at Johnson City’s intimate treasure the Down Home. The highly literary Morris features a sound that has welcomed collaborations with such music legends as Billy Joe Shaver and John Prine.
Yet many music fans will draw a blank at the mention of his name. He’s no radio star.
However, for deep-thinking music fans with an interest in songs that stick like intellectual gravy to the palette, Morris offers a sound for country and folk and rock fans alike.
In short, Morris plays genuinely unfiltered and pure American music.

IF YOU GO
Who: R.B. Morris
When: May 1, 9 p.m.
Where: Down Home, 300 W. Main St., Johnson City, Tenn.
Admission: $12
Info: (423) 929-9822
Web: http://www.rbmorris.com
Audio: http://www.rbmorris.com/Empire.asp

ABE
Abraham Lincoln turned 200 in February. His name was a fixture in last year’s presidential election. Books are regularly written about his life.
And along comes “Abe,” a play aimed at kids set to stage from May 5-23 at the Barter Theatre in Abingdon.
Though dead for nearly 150 years, Lincoln “lives” on as a role model. Though shortened by assassin John Wilkes Booth, Lincoln’s life was purely American and quite exciting.
Born in a log cabin, the hard-working and rail-thin Lincoln essentially taught himself the law of the land by candlelight. He became a widely respected lawyer. That led to service in local, then national politics.
Yet as “Abe” will undoubtedly also show, our 16th president retained his time-honored nickname of “Honest Abe.” Consider the play essential and timeless, much like the man himself.

IF YOU GO
What: “Abe”
When: May 5-23
Where: Barter Theatre, 133 W. Main St., Abingdon, Va.
Info: (276) 628-3991
Web: http://www.bartertheatre.com

MUSIC NOTES
—From the “do what?!” file comes this: Def Leppard, pop-metal fixtures from the 1980s, will perform on the CMT Music Awards on June 16. No, this isn’t a delayed April Fool’s Day joke. Recall Def Leppard’s collaboration with more-pop-than-country star Taylor Swift on CMT’s show “Crossroads.” Well, their minutely country-ized spin of Def Lep’s “Photograph” is nominated for an award. Go figure.
—Meanwhile coming in from the bullpen, three music legends. Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson and John Mellencamp will embark on a 22-date tour of minor league baseball ballparks beginning July 2. Circle July 29 on the calendar as the titanic trio’s lone regional date, at Smokies Park in Sevierville, Tenn. Tickets go on sale May 2 at $67.50 for adults and free for kids age 14 and younger.
—For those who like to rock heavy metal style, Heaven and Hell – essentially Black Sabbath with Ronnie James Dio as lead singer – debuted their new single and video (“Bible Black”) and album (“The Devil You Know”) this week.
—Also be on the lookout for Metal God Apparel, the new clothing line from Judas Priest lead singer Rob Halford.
—This week’s free download comes from Wal-Mart and features the pistol-hot Lady Gaga and the song “Eh, Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say).” Simply visit http://soundcheck.walmart.com/Risers/lady-gaga then click on the free download button. When prompted, enter the code: AXEBODYSPRAY2, then click on the cart and proceed to download.
That’s it for now. But like spring’s sun, stay tuned for more Short Takes and Music Notes to warm your music-loving hearts.

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