Back to listings   The Big Ticket The American Plague One-cent beer night and rock 'n' damn roll. Thursday, March 27, 9 p.m. Ivey's. $5. 18+. Copper, Eclectic, & Inspector 12 Modern rockers do benefit for Goodwill Industries. Thursday, March 27, 9 p.m. Blue Cats. $5. Matthew Kahler w/ Jonathan Sexton Check out the new bar and hear "Georgia music at its best." Thursday, March 27, 9 p.m. Manhattan's. Knoxville Symphony Chamber Orchestra Marietta Simpson sings Mozart with 'em. Thursday & Friday, March 27 & 28, 8 p.m. The Tennessee Theatre. Call 523-1178 ext. 26 for info. Piper & The Hard Times One sweet blues band. Friday & Saturday, March 28-29, 9:30 p.m. Sassy Ann's. $5. Leptic Local heavy rock. Friday, March 28, 9 p.m. Ivey's. $5. See Through Human w/ Subject to Change Rock, rock, and more rock. Saturday, March 29, 9 p.m. The Pub. $5. 18+ Red Headed Stepchild Deeply rooted music, unique with a capital "U." Saturday, March 29, 10 p.m. Barley's. Free. 18+. Knoxville Jazz Orchestra Plus the newly-formed Knoxville Jazz Youth Orchestra. Tuesday, April 1, 8 p.m. Alumni Memorial Hall. Free. Danny Barnes & The Greasy Beans Broadcast live on WDVX. Wednesday, April 2, 9 p.m. Barley's. Little Axe Ex-June of '44ers and Sweep the Leg Johnnyers. Wednesday, April 2, 9 p.m. Pilot Light. Lucero Rock 'n' roll Memphis style. Thursday, April 3, 9 p.m. Blue Cats. $6/$5 w/college ID. Hairbangers Ball You read that right. Friday, April 4, 9 p.m. Blue Cats. $8/$6 w/college ID. Knox Pops' A Night at the Oscars The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra does movie tunes. Friday & Saturday, April 4-5, 8 p.m. Civic Auditorium. $19-$65, 291-3310, 656-4444, or their website.

Larry Sparks Larry Sparks started out in a big way in the bluegrass scene, playing with the Stanley Brothers and Ralph Stanley in the late '60s, and he's only gotten better with time. Whether with his own band, the Lonesome Ramblers or as a solo act, Sparks is recognized as one of the best bluegrass performers around. His last album, 2000's Special Delivery, has garnered substantial critical acclaim. The secret of his musical style is his ability to delve into a song's emotional core and channel that to his audience, making every note accentuate the feeling. It's said that, in his hands, a guitar practically becomes a vocal instrument, singing accompaniment to his soulful voice. Don't miss this chance to hear a master of his craft in top form. (Scott McNutt) Larry Sparks * Friday, March 28, 8 p.m. * Laurel Theatre * $11 JCA Members, Students, Seniors, $12 General Advance, $13 General Day of Show, $7 Children 6-12 Annie La Ronde As a young girl, Annie changed my life. I saw the heartwarming musical about a little red-headed orphan, a rich foster parent, and a paraplegic president at just the right age to totally groove on all that Annie had to offer a preteen. I bought the soundtrack and memorized all of the lyrics within the first hours I owned it. Andrea McArdle, the girl who played the waif when I saw it, became my idol. I wanted to be her. The production of Annie is one of my best theater memories. While I can't sit through Annie now—I have far too many not-so-stellar memories of stage mothers past—it is a show every kid should see. And thanks to the Bijou, they can. As a college theater student, La Ronde was the show that made me realize that acting just wasn't my bliss. In an acting class, I was forced to do a rather intimate scene with a fellow student who, quite frankly, I didn't want to be in the same building with, much less be fondled by. The downside is that my grade reflected my aversion; the upside is that I was, um, exposed to this lusty little Viennese play, which draws inspiration from Klimt, Brahms, and, of course, Freud. Grown-ups shouldn't miss the Co-op's version, directed by Lysistrata herself, Sara Schwabe. (Adrienne Martini) ANNIE * MARCH 28-APRIL 5 AND APRIL 23-27 * $8-$22 * BIJOU THEATRE CENTER * CALL 522-0832 FOR TIMES AND RESERVATIONS LA RONDE * APRIL 3-5, 10-12, AND 17-19 * 8 P.M. * ACTOR'S CO-OP AT THE BLACK BOX THEATRE * $$8/$12 * 523-0900 The Used This page is supposed to be where we point out music and events that we think are worthwhile. Usually, we have a tough time narrowing it down to three, but for some reason this is a dry week. The Used has been getting some press for inventing a new metal genre called "screamo." The UK's Guardian says, "screamo they do, but not to the exclusion of melody and lyrical depth." Screaming metal—no matter how melodic—isn't generally my thing, but I thought I'd learn a little more about the band before I suggest anyone go see them. So I paid a visit to their website and found the following paragraph in their bio: "The Used are hungry. Hailing from Orem, Utah, the band has surmounted homelessness, substance abuse and closed-minded environs to create compelling, sincere music..." Oh, please. Maybe it's because there are people dying over in the Persian Gulf right now or maybe I'm just tired of white boy bands whining about all they've had to "overcome," but I just couldn't read anymore. If you've got nothing better to do, you might check them out. Bring them some food so they won't be so hungry. (Joe Tarr) THE USED WITH COHEED & CAMBRIA * FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 8 P.M. * BLUE CATS * $11