Short Takes: Entertainment Briefs Around The Region

BURN, BABY, BURN
Mere flames won’t work. However, 10,000 Flames, now that’s the incendiary inducing ticket.
Hear the four-man, fiery band when they engulf O’Mainnin’s Pub in Bristol, Tenn. on Jan. 2 with their head on, sound up style.
Rusty Honeycutt sings lead, Terry McCoy grinds the guitars, Brad Tester abuses the bass and Aaron Nelms pummels the drums.
Altogether, 10,000 Flames maintains a sound ignited with elements of heavy metal and industrial rock with a pile-driving approach. Lord, have mercy.
Listen for such songs as “Unfaithful” and “Can’t Get Enough,” “Thanks for Nothing” and “Bottom of the Barrel.” Rock that roasts to the fire of 10,000 Flames – surely hotter than the sun.

IF YOU GO
Who: 10,000 Flames
When: Jan. 2, 10 p.m.
Where: O’Mainnin’s Pub, 712 State St., Bristol, Tenn.
Info: (423) 844-0049
Web: http://www.myspace.com/10thousandflames

COFFEEHOUSE CROONERS
Sing. Tell stories. Impart poetry.
Wide avenues of opportunities await those willing to share their talents on Jan. 3 during the Community Coffeehouse at the Southwest Virginia Museum in Big Stone Gap, Va.
Former Big Stone Gap resident and current rock musician Josh Reifert will serve as host.
The potentially freewheeling monthly event sort of serves as water into which would-be performers can dip their talents.
Play rock music? Come on down. Tell ghoulish stories of fiends and fantasy? See ya there. Would-be beatniks poets, comedians, singers, songwriters or storytellers – here’s your shot.

IF YOU GO
What: Community Coffeehouse, hosted by Josh Reifert
When: Jan. 3, 7 p.m.
Where: Southwest Virginia Museum, Big Stone Gap, Va.
Admission: Free
Info: (276) 523-1322
Web: http://www.swvamuseum.org

ART FROM BLEVINS
From his beard to his brush, Tedd Blevins’ irreverent personality was not to be missed.
Neither is the retrospective of his impressive lifetime of art.
On display from Jan. 4 through Feb. 14 in the Fine Arts Gallery at Bristol, Va.’s Virginia Intermont College, the exhibit showcases the late educator’s work in all its idiosyncratic and frequently humorous glory.
Blevins, an associate professor of art at VI for 42 years, died Jan. 4, 2008 at age 70.
His art was not that of or for the stuffed shirts of society. He instead illustrated that while approached seriously and with care, art could be witty and wonderful and also reflect the uniqueness within us all. Look no further than his art to see just how individualistic Blevins was.

IF YOU GO
What: Tedd Blevins Art Retrospective
When: Jan. 4 through Feb. 14
Where: Fine Arts Gallery at Virginia Intermont College, 1013 Moore St., Bristol, Va.
Admission: Free
Info: (276) 466-7982

MUSIC NOTES
From the miss-it, miss-out file: Next month’s George Jones concert at Viking Hall in Bristol, Tenn. will feature an interesting treat for the connoisseur of country music.
“Conway Twitty the Musical” will precede the Possum’s appearance as a tribute to the late singer of such songs as “Hello Darlin’” and “It’s Only Make Believe.”
Twitty died in 1993. Legal battles among his family commenced shortly thereafter and carry on today. And so comes this musical, a 45-minute nod to what made Twitty the toast of country music for more than three decades – the music.
Listen for Kelly Clarkson’s new single, “My Life Would Suck Without You” – no kidding, that’s the title – due to debut on radio on Jan. 19. The song comes from her forthcoming and thus far untitled fourth album, which is slated for release on March 17.
Mark your calendars: U2’s new album looks to be on the way March 3. Titled “No Line on the Horizon,” lead singer Bono told fans in September, “We want 2009 to be our year.” Time will tell.
Happy trails to guitarist Delaney Bramlett, who died at age 69 in Los Angeles after gallbladder surgery on Dec. 27. He was best known for his collaborations with Eric Clapton on Clapton’s self-titled album from 1970, which included the hit “Let it Rain,” co-written by Bramlett.
Meanwhile, Happy and you bet safe New Year’s to all, and to all, stay tuned.

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