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The Big Ticket

Galactic w/ Mike Doughty
Modern funk from New Orleans. Thursday, May 20, 7-10 p.m. Market Square. Free.

The Dempseys
Expect fun times with this maniacal trio from Memphis. Thursday, May 20, 10 p.m. Barley’s. $5.

Picnic in the Park w/ theKnoxville Symphony Chamber Orchestra
Performing selections from Evita and works by Strauss,Beethoven and Rossini. Friday, May 21, 7 p.m. MaryvilleGreenbelt. Free.

Dorian Webb Trunk Show
Her artful jewelry creations are celebrated by Oprah and others. Friday, May 21 and Saturday, May 22, Gift, Gourmet & Interiors.

Antique and Garden Show
Collect more old stuff. Saturday, May 22, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ramsey House Plantation. $5 per car.

Chick Graning w/ Carl Snow
Two local songwriting greats for one low price. Saturday, May 22, 9 p.m. Urban Bar. Free.

Third Mind Collective w/ Lobster Lobster Lobster and Rus Harper
The Thrills on Wheels Tour continues with film, music, skits, artwork and more. Saturday, May 22, 9 p.m. Pilot Light. $5.

The Cutters
Two thirds of Smokin’ Dave with one half of the V-roys. Saturday, May 22, 10 p.m. Manhattan’s.

Fishbone w/ Scullsoup and Living in Question
Legendary, local and Hawaiian rock. Sunday, May 23, 8 p.m. Blue Cats. $13.

Adam Hood
Soulful singer-songwriter from Auburn. Thursday, May 27, 10 p.m. Downtown Grill and Brewery. Free.

The High Strung
Could there be a better name for a band with such jittery guitar licks and tightly wound vocals? Like the Features and The Strokes (with whom they’ve shared producer Jim Diamond), this Detroit-born foursome evokes the wistful and free-spirited rock of the ‘60s and ‘70s like a clean-cut boy with a wild streak. They’ve been touring like crazy behind their 2003 release These Are Good Times, described by Allmusic.com as a “foxy retro-garage album.” And in case you’re impressed by such things, they’ve received glowing reviews in Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, Fortune and pretty much every alt-weekly between the Atlantic and Pacific. Edgy and groovy in equal measures, the High Strung is a party band for the 21st century: smart, fun and always up for a game of musical Twister. (Paige M. Travis)
The High Strung • Saturday, May 22, 10 p.m. • Patrick Sullivan’s • $5.

Smoky Mountain Blues Festival 2004
My first exposure to the blues was watching Elizabeth Shue croon the “Babysitter Blues” in Adventures in Babysitting. And, sadly, my knowledge of the blues doesn’t ascend too far beyond that. But the music that originated in the Mississippi Delta seems just as good an excuse as any to hold a festival, and the upcoming Smoky Mountain Blues Festival in Blount County should serve as both a fine primer for the uninitiated and a dream come true for its aficionados. Downtown Maryville will be closed off for the sounds of Toni Lynn Washington, Billy Branch, Bill Perry, and The Steepwater Band, with local favorites on hand to complement the mix. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Blount County Habitat for Humanity, and the music should give you a point of reference should you find yourself in a friendly argument over Eric Clapton and Aerosmith’s recent forays into the rich tradition. (Clint Casey)
Smoky Mountain Blues Festival 2004 • Saturday, May 22, 12-11 p.m. • Downtown Maryville • $15 adults, $12 students (12-18 years old), children under 12 free • For more information and advance tickets, call 983-2241.

Gay Street-a-Go-Go
Shake out those musty bell-bottoms because it’s time to resurrect everything that made the ’60s sensational. Knoxville’s Thermocopy is throwing the Gay Street-a-Go-Go, a family-oriented bash in honor of its 40th anniversary. The event aims to recall the whimsy and wonder of another era, while raising money to benefit the Arts & Culture Alliance. The 100 block of Gay Street will morph into a mecca of retro cool: A DJ will supply ’60s music while folks get tangled up over a giant Twister board painted on the street. Old model vehicles will line the street, artists will put their groovy wares on display, and all the while hula hoop and twist competitions will be waged on a main stage. Among other performing artists, ’60s idols The Turtles will hit the stage at 8 p.m. to serenade folks with such hits as “Eleanor” and “Happy Together.” Gay Street-a-Go-Go is a must for those seeking a taste of the ’60s minus the bad acid trips and Civil Rights woes. (Ellen Mallernee)
Gay Street-a-Go-Go • Saturday, May 22, 4 p.m. – 12 a.m. • 100 block of Gay Street • Free.