Metro Pulse/Music/Eye on the Scene

You Can't Say We Didn't Tell You

In the 1920s, as jazz, country, and blues were just setting off on their separate paths, a black kid was playing all of them, and more, on mandolin, guitar and fiddle, on the streets of Knoxville and LaFollette. There were several things that set Howard Armstrong apart from his old peers—his instrumental versatility, his ability to sing the blues in Italian and German, and his deadpan impiety. But one big difference is that he's still performing.

Once the irrepressible front man of the legendary string trio, Martin, Bogan, and Armstrong (who cut their first record in Knoxville in 1930, as The Tennessee Chocolate Drops), he's now that group's sole survivor, and maybe the only way available to us to witness the music of the wildly prolific early days of American popular music. He's an education, no question, but just as important then as now is that his shows are fun. He astonished a sellout crowd at the Laurel almost two years ago with an energetic two-hour show of ragtime, country, gospel, Hawaiian, blues, and comedy.

That night Armstrong, who now lives in Boston, said he'd come back someday. We didn't believe him, but here he is, in town to promote sneak-preview screenings of Sweet Old Song,the PBS documentary about Armstrong and his wife, sometime percussionist Barbara Ward, which will air nationally on July 30 as part of the POV series. He and his current band will play a show at the KMA screening; get there early for a seat, because it's free. Armstrong will also be present at the East Tennessee Historical Center screening for a discussion of the film on Tuesday evening.

If you miss him this time, don't blame us. Armstrong's 93 years old, and you just never know. He may get around to retiring one of these days.

Sweet Old Song
shows at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 14 at the Knoxville Museum of Art Auditorium; Armstrong performs afterwards. Call 525-6101 ext. 230 for tickets. A screening and discussion will take place Tuesday, July 16, 7 p.m. at the East Tennessee Historical Center (215-8709). Both events are free.

Go.

Thursday: We're pretty sure they're actually getting up there and singing, so head to Market Square for Jag Star rock.

Friday: First, clone yourself. Send one you to see country legend Jim Lauderdale at the Palace Theatre. His name might sound unfamiliar, but his music sure doesn't—the guy's written for George Strait, Patty Loveless and the Dixie Chicks, among others. Lauderdale recently released both a solo album and a collaboration with bluegrass favorite Ralph Stanley. Send another you to The Foundry, where seminal Knox rockers RB Morris and Hector Qirko will host special guest Dale Ann Bradley. Finally, direct your better third to the Sassy Ann's Anniversary Party featuring the Sammy Blue Band.

Saturday: Radio doesn't court alternative acts these days, but the Judybats will shine their pop light on the people at Blue Cats.

Sunday: The blast to K-town's past continues when Maggie Longmire performs a Peace Through Music concert at the Center for Peace in Seymour.

Monday: You've read all about him; why not go see him? Neil Halstead comes to the Pilot Light.

Tuesday: Food is a substitute for love, and free pizza while watching Jerry Douglas and Ricky Skaggs is a substitute for seeing the Down From the Mountain concert.

Wednesday: The young Murfreesboro duo Porter Hall, TN presents broken-hearted country at Barley's.

—Emma "Groggy Bottom" Poptart with Jack Neely