Bobby Bare Jr. combines wry humor and dry vocals, along with a somber psychedelic undertow, to build a novel outlook on life. He is touring in advance of the upcoming recording The Longest Meow, to be released on stalwart indie Bloodshot Records in late September. Like his dad, the country mainstay Bobby Bare, Bare Jr. helps keep Nashville honest. Tonight's triple bill also features the Walkmen and the Sammies tonight at Visulite. Tickets are $5 at the door. (Shukla)
Some of the same excitement that ignited the recent "Attack of the 24-Hour Play Project" at Theatre Charlotte figures to mosey down to the third annual Down Home Play Festival at Rock Hill Community Theatre. For one thing, the six playwrights selected as finalists from across the Carolinas had more than 12 hours to create their scripts -- yielding a probable quality boost. Audiences at the three performances through Saturday will decide who carries home the coveted Palmetto Playwrights Award for the best short play (and an equally coveted $100 cash prize). Students from Winthrop University will direct the scripts under the supervision of Russell Luke, adding an extra layer of excitement to the competition. Tickets for the 8pm shows are $10 for adults and $8 for students/seniors. Playwrights represented at RHCT, 236 W. Main Street, include Charlotte's own Vito Abate and Dan Herrin. But don't let that influence your vote! Call 803-324-2578. (Tannenbaum)
Friday, August 18The Fifa World Cup may be over, but don't think that's the end of the soccer season. A new kind of team attempts to ride their bicycle kicks and stuttersteps to glory ... America's homeless. For three days, Charlotte plays host to teams of homeless players from twelve cities across the nation as they compete for a shot at reping the States in the Homeless World Cup in South Africa. Only eight positions can be filled in this tryout organized by Charlotte's Urban Ministry Center and the Homeless World Cup USA Foundation. Spectators are invited to watch as these athletes prove their mettle on the field and enjoy live music and soccer demonstrations. The tryouts will take place on a street soccer field at the corner of Third and Tryon. For more information, go to www.streetsoccer.org. (Calloway)
The godfather of American music, the bard of countless lonesome highways and senior philosopher of the human condition is on his "Summer 2006 Baseball Tour." What? Who the hell did you think I was talking about? Bob Dylan remains as vital today as he was over four decades ago. His newest recording, Modern Times, hits the streets before the end of the month. Bob Dylan and His Band will rumble through Winston-Salem today along with Jimmie Vaughan, Lou Ann Barton, Junior Brown and Elana James & the Continental Two at the Ernie Shore Field beginning at 5:30pm. This is a general admission show with all tickets priced at $49.50. Visit www.ticketmaster.com for details. (Shukla)
Saturday, August 19Sing along with the O'Jays now: "Family reunion (Got to have), A family reunion, Family reunion (It's so nice to come together), To come together (To get together)." That gut-deep feeling of joyful anticipation can be yours again at the Ebony Black Family Reunion Tour. Ebony is partnering up with Proctor & Gamble and GM Goodwrench to present a one-day event that will bring the whole community together just like family. Miss Dupree of the Tom Joyner Morning Show hosts this interactive reunion with free lifestyle activities and performances by MC Lyte, Doug E. Fresh and the SOS Band. Marshall Park, 800 E. Third St., is the place to be from 2-8pm; admission is free. For more details, check www.ebonyfamilyreuniontour.com. (Calloway)
The band's records have been relegated to the bargain bins, the ones still in print, but Georgia funk rockers, or rock funksters, Mother's Finest is as ferocious live today as it was in the mid-'70's. The dual vocal interplay of Joyce "Baby Jean" Kennedy and Glenn Murdock is still potent. It's been 15 years since the band released the mid-career album Black Radio Won't Play This Record. Well, "F" black radio, white radio or commercial radio for that matter. Just go to the show. Also on the bill are the ETB Band and South of Sane. Tickets are $13.50 in advance and $16.50 day of show. Show is at 9pm. For details visit www.amossouthend.com. (Shukla)
Thinking of ways to get your kid in gear for back-to-school? Consider the Circle K Monster Bash first. Just in time to relieve pre-class angst, Lowes Motor Speedway puts on a show worthy enough to follow-up last month's Summer Shoot-Out Series. Eight monster trucks with names like Avenger, Predator and Hot Tamale go head-to-head on an obstacle course overflowing with things to crush. Add to that a freestyle competition, the tow-battle Trailer Race and Jetburn, a truck that turns any car into a lump of molten metal and this becomes a can't-miss event. Obtain free admission to the Pre-Race Pit Party by purchasing a 16oz can of Monster energy drink from area Circle K stores. Tickets to the Bash are $20 adults/$10 children 12 and under in advance and $25/$15 day of show. Go to www.lowesmotorspeedway.com or call 1-800-455-3267. (Calloway)
Wednesday, August 23Living out one's misspent youth in Southern California during the late '70s and early '80s had certain advantages to counter the suburban ennui and mania-inducing lack of seasons, and access to regular X gigs was right at the top of the heap. From the pogo pits of the Los Angeles/Wild Gift era to the Alvin-and-Gilkyson twang rock of latter-day X, we had no idea how good we had it. Of the many recent '80s reunions, this one seems to be bearing the best live fruit, and this is a rare mulligan-opportunity for those who missed X's appearance here last year. Tonight at Tremont Music Hall along with the Rollins Band and Riverboat Gamblers. Details at www.tremontmusichall.com. (Shukla)