Lisa Denton and Barry CourterLISA DENTON: Barry, I have to say I'm pretty excited that Yo-Yo Ma is coming to town because he and I have something in common: the same birthday. We weren't born the same year, but I still feel a certain kinship. I mean, besides our shared musical talent -- him on cello, me on kazoo. Or tambourine. I'm not sure which of the instruments I've mastered would best accompany a cello.
He'll be here Thursday for a gala concert at the Tivoli Theatre with the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera. The $75 tickets are sold out, but $125 and $250 seats are still available.
BARRY COURTER: You think you are excited? You should talk to CSO conductor Kayoko Dan. She will be conducting the concert, but she is a HUGE fan of Yo-Yo Ma, has all his records. I spoke to her last week and, well, let's just say she is excited.
It's a big deal that he is coming. In the world of classical music, it's hard to imagine a brighter star. And you get to say Yo-Yo Ma over and over again.
LISA: I don't know; I'm sure a name like that has its ups and downs.
BARRY: CELLLOOO.
LISA: Sorry, I couldn't resist.
BARRY: I'm surprised it took you this long.
LISA: I'm also ready to clear my calendar for MacDowell Music Club's monthly meeting Wednesday morning at Brainerd Baptist Church. The press release says the musical presentations will include Dolores Harvey playing "The Holy City" on her accordion. I wasn't expecting to see the word "accordion" after that hymn title, so I'm intrigued.
And while we're on the subject of music, the 3 Sisters Festival of Bluegrass Music is Friday and Saturday at Ross's Landing. The Del McCoury Band, The Devil Makes Three, The Lone Mountain Band, Rhonda Vincent and the Rage and Claire Lynch are just some of the big-name artists who'll be performing.
BARRY: We've said it before, but we are fortunate to have several festivals that most cities would be proud to call their signature event, and 3 Sisters is one of those. It's top-notch and all because of the generosity of the Bright family.
And I know how much you like food, so don't forget the Taste of Northshore, Sample of Southside & Not So Silent Auction is Thursday at Track 29.
And Shock Theatre is back on WDEF-TV 12 Saturday just after midnight. They'll be showing "House on Haunted Hill," the classic 1959 film with Vincent Price and directed by shlockmeister William Castle; only this one has been colorized from its original black and white. Dr. Shock and crew filmed part of their show while on a ghost hunt at Prater's Mill.
LISA: That sounds like fun. I'll stay up late to watch my namesake on TV.
BARRY: Dingbat?
LISA: Well, it's not Nurse Goodbody.
My favorite haunted house this season may be Survive Alive at Insane Paintball off Amnicola Highway. It's similar to a hayride, but there are zombies on the loose and you get to shoot them with glow-in-the-dark paintballs. The zombies don't shoot back, but I like to think they'd eat you if they could catch you.
BARRY: Just a bite or a scratch will turn you into one of them. Scary stuff.
Get event details every Thursday in ChattanoogaNow or online anytime at www.ChattanoogaNow.com.
Contact Lisa Denton at ldenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6281. Contact Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354.