Set List

Where to go. What to hear.

Long Live the King

Seventy years ago, little Elvis Presley was brought into this world, and after that, things were never the same for sideburns, rhinestones, hips and — oh, yeah — rock ‘n’ roll. And although he died almost 30 years ago, you’d never know it, with the multiplication of his legend through various impersonators. Bringing a little bit of Sin City to the River City, Elvis incarnate Bob Glass comes to the Byrd Theatre Saturday, Jan. 8, with his “VIVA! Elvis and Friends Tour.” The Vegas-style show features all the lights and lore of the King, along with a cast of 18 performers portraying such icons as Patsy Cline, Neil Diamond and a young Elvis. The show culminates in Glass’ rejuvenation of the King in all his polyester virility. The tributes begin at the Byrd at 2 p.m. Tickets are $19-$23, available at (757) 721-3655. For more information, visit www.coolgigz.com.

Pencilgrass at Millie’s Diner

What’s more amazing: that you can eat at Millie’s for $5, or that the band that’s playing there Sunday, Jan. 9, is a big, funky soul band from Miami (a town with no shortage of soul)? Either way, it’s impressive. Pencilgrass will get diners dancing with a selection of soul and funk, plus the trademark Miami flavors of Latin and salsa. The band is proud of that big mix of music, something that, from whatever angle, sounds like the kind of thing that makes hips shake. Admission includes a buffet. For more information, call 643-5512 or visit www.pencilgrass.com.

Chatham County Line at Poe’s Pub

Ever heard of Bill Monroe? Know what the difference is between a fiddle and a violin? Any idea how to find a three-part harmony? Richmond’s no slouch when it comes to bluegrass, so maybe you do know. But Chatham County Line is coming to Poe’s Pub Thursday, Jan. 6, at 9 p.m. to refresh your memory. Without diluting its sound or dressing it up with too much modernity, Chatham County Line takes the direct path with its bluegrass, supported by mandolin, fiddle, banjo and acoustic guitar. These guys are part of a group of young musicians keeping roots music alive and pure (if the sometimes-dirty sound of bluegrass can be thought of as pure). We live in a world where people can clone their pets, so a traditional sound isn’t a bad thing at all, even if it does have a young face. Tickets are $6. Call 648-2120, or visit www.poespub.com.

Marvin Hamlisch at the Landmark Theater

Some people really have done it all. Marvin Hamlisch’s résumé is practically the story of modern Hollywood itself. He wrote the scores for “The Way We Were” and “The Sting,” winning three Oscars in 1974 alone. He wrote “A Chorus Line,” one of Broadway’s darlings and later a successful film. He wrote music for “Ordinary People,” “Sophie’s Choice,” “The Spy Who Loved Me” (remember Carly Simon’s “Nobody Does It Better”?), “Bananas,” “The Mirror Has Two Faces” and more. He’ll be performing with the Richmond Symphony on Saturday, Jan. 8, at the Landmark Theater at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20-$55 at 262-8003 or www.ticketmaster.com.

Jumpin’ Johnny and the Blues Party Reunion Gig

In the late ’80s, Jumpin’ Johnny and the Blues Party — harmonica-playing vocalist Johnny Sansone, guitarist Ivan Appelrouth, bassist John Sheppard and drummer Willie Panker — toured the United States from their hometown of Richmond, establishing themselves as one of the hottest blues acts of the Reagan era with the release of “Where Y’at.” As the Cold War ended, so too did the band. Its members went their separate ways, joining the blues scene in New England and the stewy music scene in New Orleans. Sansone went out on his own, cutting a path through zydeco and blues to arrive at the acclaimed release of “Crescent City Moon” a few years ago. After more than a dozen years, Sansone, Appelrouth and Sheppard reunite for another Blues Party at Shenanigans Saturday, Jan. 8, at 8:30 p.m. This should be a big time in the town that first got Johnny jumpin’. Admission is $6. 264-5010.

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