Finally, the weekend is here. Now what? Nooga.com checks out all the options and gives you our best bets for the top five.
Figments of imagination
Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga continues its 2013 season with a follow-up to “Avenue Q” that takes the threads of placing adult content in settings typically reserved for children to a deeper, much darker level. “Pillowman” is the work of Irish playwright Martin McDonagh, in which a writer’s gruesome but fictional stories become fodder for children’s imaginations and subsequent murders.
When: Friday-Saturday, Feb. 15-16, 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 17, 2:30 p.m.
Where: Eastgate Town Center, located at 5600 Brainerd Road
How much: $15 for general admission, $10 for students
And the EP drops
Shark Week has been making the rounds in town, playing JJ’s Bohemia and Rhythm & Brews, popping up at Mainx24, kicking up a following, and now, the moment has come. The local boys who deal in straight-up driving rock and high-energy live shows release their first EP tonight at Sluggo’s on the North Shore. Two Nashville bands—Chrome Pony and Faux Ferocious—are slated to play as well. Collective Clothing and Mise En Scenesters have pitched in to ensure the party is up to par.
When: Friday, Feb. 15, 9 p.m.
Where: 501 Cherokee Blvd.
How much: $7
A day for the birds
The rain is finally letting up, and everyone—even the birds—is chirping about the weekend forecast. Chattanooga Audubon Society celebrates the string of sunny days with an event that brings the avian population into focus. The Great Backyard Bird Count at Elise Chapin Wildlife Sanctuary takes place during the day, during which members and nonmembers of the society get a glimpse at the area’s native winged inhabitants and how their observed behavior is translated into data.
When: Saturday, Feb. 16, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: 900 North Sanctuary Road
How much: $4 for adults, $3 for seniors, $2 for students, free for kids younger than 5 (email ksimpson@chattaudubon.org)
Swing your sweetheart one more time
With deep-seated roots in swing culture, it’s fitting that Chattanooga would have a place for people to Lindy Hop to big band records. The Chatterbugs, a local swing dance group, brings back the dance hall throw-down, spin-around, hop-over-your-partner’s back events with this Saturday’s after-Valentine’s swing dance. The is a chance to learn a few new steps—instructors from Fred Astaire Ballroom will be on hand—or swing your sweetheart around the dance floor.
When: Saturday, Feb. 16, 7-11 p.m.
Where: Eastgate Town Center, located at 5600 Brainerd Road
How much: $5
All in the (country) family
The husband-and-wife duo who make up Little Country Giants—Cameron Federal Cook and Russel Cook—has patented a blend of Americana bluegrass and folk melodies and country swing rhythm without the hipster undertones of younger musicians. The songwriting team is a favorite at Barking Legs Theater and one of the best tickets in Chattanooga when the North Georgia natives come to town. Local up-and-comer Tiffany Taylor opens.
When: Sunday, Feb. 17, 8 p.m.
Where: 1307 Dodds Ave.
How much: $12
