Short Takes: Music, Theater, Food, More Celebrate Valentine’s Day

ZELAZOWA
Gadzooks, what a name. What’s a Zelazowa? Loosely translated, it means “steel will.”
But particularly in hindsight for the Philadelphia, Pa.-based band, the name was well chosen.
On the road to promote its new album, “Elephants on a Mousehunt,” Zelazowa aims to rattle the walls of O’Mainnin’s Pub on Feb. 13 in Bristol, Tenn.
Local fans may recall their frequent past appearances at Bristol’s now-defunct Ireson’s Pub.
Back then, Zelazowa played wherever they could find a stage, slept wherever they could, and did so out of firm belief in the band.
It paid off. Since then, they’ve played in 48 states and 16 countries while honing a razor sharp and focused sound.

IF YOU GO
Who: Zelazowa and Thee Birds ov Paradise
When: Feb. 13, 10 p.m.
Where: O’Mainnin’s Pub, 712 State St., Bristol, Tenn.
Admission: $5
Info: (423) 844-0049
Web: http://www.zelazowa.com
Audio: http://www.myspace.com/zelazowa

‘THE HOLLOW’
Famed mystery scribe Agatha Christie left stacks of novels from which decades of film and adaptations have emerged.
One of her best, “The Hollow,” stages at Johnson City Community Theatre in Johnson City and runs from Feb. 13-22.
Described by The London Times as “… one of her most clever, humorous, and outstanding mysteries …”, the play apparently promises much bang for few bucks.
Set during a party in an English manor named The Hollow, the typical Christie head-scratcher features romantic entanglements and subsequent intrigue and murder.
Also per Christie’s style, characters vary from a maid to a doctor, an artist to a wealthy man to a pair of detectives. They seem at odds, but they learn that some of them have surprising connections.
Without revealing the climax, be forewarned that it’s a dandy.

IF YOU GO
What: Agatha Christie’s “The Hollow”
When: Feb. 13-14, 20-21 and 27-28 at 8 p.m.; and Feb. 22 at 2 p.m.
Where: Johnson City Community Theatre, corner of 600 E. Maple St., Johnson City, Tenn.
Admission: $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students
Info: (423) 926-2542
Web: http://www.jcct.us

VALENTINE’S VENTURES
Candy alone doesn’t do it, fellas. Give her roses and a card, but for those in search of entertainment and perhaps a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner, read on.
—Dine a day early or on Valentine’s Day, from 5-10 p.m. Feb. 13-14, at Gages Restaurant, 309 Falls Drive, Abingdon, Va. Each night’s culinary fare includes Caribbean and Southern dishes.
However, music courtesy The Backroad Band accompanies Gages’ romantic dinner on Valentine’s. Reservations are recommended. For more information, call (276) 525-1610.
—Pianist Emile Pandolfi offers a night of romantic music via pops standards, Broadway tunes and classical at 8 p.m. Feb. 13 at the Lincoln Theater, 117 E. Main St., Marion, Va. Admission is $28. For more information, call (276) 783-6093.
—Dine and enjoy Valentine’s-themed entertainment via the play “Le Cadre,” an allegorical parable that features a mix of young love and fantastical adventure, from Feb. 13-15 at The Lamplight Theater, 441 Horton Hwy., Fall Branch, Tenn. Admission is $25, and reservations are required. For more information, call (423) 348-7610.
—Orchestras and romance fit like candy and kisses. To wit, the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra will offer classical music tooled for the evening on Valentine’s Day, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14 at Milligan College’s Seeger Chapel in Milligan College, Tenn. Admission is $30 for adults, $20 for seniors and $10 for students. For more information, call (423) 926-8742.
—Ah, food indeed can provide a wealth of entertainment simply therein. Conjure a well-plated and magically tender filet mignon that follows a light tomato basil soup and proceeded by a heavenly rich black forest cake. That and more will make up Chef Marcus A. Blackstone’s Valentine’s Day menu on Feb. 14 at The Black Rooster within the General Francis Marion Hotel, 107 E. Main St., Marion, Va. Seating begins at 6 and 8 p.m. Reservations are strongly recommended by calling (276) 783-4800.
—Love meets literature at 7 p.m. on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, at Sycamore Shoals, 1651 W. Broad St., Elizabethton, Tenn. for the second annual “Sweetheart Café: Stories from the Heart.” Storytellers Larry and Gayleen Kelley will offer a night of storytelling aimed at the heart. Free admission. For more information, call (423) 543-5808.

MUSIC NOTES
—A wealth of musicians will compete during the new season of ABC’s hit television show “Dancing With the Stars.”
They include hip-hop’s Lil’ Kim, pop’s Jewel, country’s Chuck Wicks and former Go-Go’s lead singer Belinda Carlisle. They will compete against such fellow contestants as former New York Giants linebacker and Pro Football Hall of Fame member Lawrence Taylor, champion bull rider Ty Murray and Steve-O from MTV’s “Jackass.” The show’s new season airs beginning March 9.
—Congratulations to the three newest members of the Country Music Hall of Fame. Announced last week, the newest members are Barbara Mandrell, Roy Clark and session musician Charlie McCoy.
Mandrell parlayed such hits as “The Midnight Oil” into a successful television variety show during the 1980s.
Given his first break by Jimmy Dean, Clark enjoyed a round of hits before landing a lucrative co-hosting gig on television’s “Hee-Haw” in 1969.
Harmonica player McCoy made his name as a session musician with a resume that includes appearances on records by such legends as Elvis Presley, Ringo Starr, Bob Dylan and George Jones.
Check in next week for a preview of albums on the way throughout the coming weeks and months. Meanwhile, to paraphrase Casey Kasem, keep your feet on the ground and by all means, stay tuned.

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