GEORGE JONES TO PLAY THE CAPITOL

Country legend GEORGE JONES is coming to the Capitol Theatre.

Still headlining nearly 100 concerts a year, the 70-something Jones — who has charted more singles (166) than any artist in any format of music — will play the Capitol on Oct. 9.

Tickets go on sale at 11 a.m. Friday and cost $39 and $49. Tickets are available through TicketsWest, 800-325-7328, or the Capitol Theatre box office, 853-2787.

GUILTY PLEASURES PARTY PICS

Thanks to everyone who turned out for Saturday’s Guilty Pleasures party at the Sports Center. There was drinking, there was dancing, there was me on stage playing air guitar …

I’d say it was a smashing success and it was great to see everyone proudly displaying their own guilty pleasures.

Here are some pictures of the party in case you missed it (or it’s a bit hazy):

The On Magazine swag table.

Chad Bault gets the night going.

Everyone’s favorite good-looking folk singer, Colin Spring, and On Magazine’s Kim Nowacki.

Colin even had a set list which included Blue Oyster Cult’s “Burnin’ For You” and the Gin Blossoms “Hey Jealousy.”

And here are some of your guilty pleasures:

WEEKEND RUN DOWN

YAY! It’s the weekend.

So make sure to check out all our calendar listings and some event highlights in our 10 Days Out section.

Well, if you’re reading this it means you’re not in line to see “THE SIMPSONS MOVIE,” which means you already saw it (LUCKY!), or you’re about to see it (really, there are no other scenarios).
If you have, let me know what you thought — but not until after 6:25 p.m. because that’s when (fingers crossed) I’m going.

In other weekend news, the rootsy-bluesy-spooky-spacey alt-country outfit MARK PICKEREL AND HIS PRAYING HANDS are playing tonight at The Brick Tavern in Rosyln. And, according to a MySpace post from Mark, if you can’t make the show, you can catch it live beginning around 10 p.m. at SynchronicityLive.com. The Souvenirs open followed by the Praying Hands at around 11 p.m.

And then, of course, the place you’re going to want to be tomorrow night is the GUILTY PLEASURES P-A-R-T-Y! at the Sports Center. See you there. Tell your friends.

— Kim Nowacki

COUNTDOWN TO “THE SIMPSONS MOVIE”

OK, tomorrow “THE SIMPSONS MOVIE” opens nation-wide, and if you’re like me you won’t sleep a wink tonight in anticipation.

I’ve decided to avoid the reviews, waiting, instead to cast my own judgment on whether or not the feature film lives up to the iconic animated television series.

The first showing tomorrow is at 12:10 p.m. at The Majestic, 1919 S. 14th St.

Until then, you can pass the time listening to an NPR interview with Matt Groening — it made me late for work this morning, well, later than I usually am.
And, I’ve also been having fun making my friends into Simpsons avatars.

— Kim Nowacki

This is what I imagine I would look like as a Simpson.

P-A-R-T-Y! (this time we have the details)

Here it is, the low-down on Saturday’s GUILTY PLEASURES PARTY — named, obviously, in honor of our intrepid reporter of good times — at the Yakima Sports Center:

• For your listening pleasure, we have lined up folk troubadour, COLIN SPRING, and six-string slinger CHAD BAULT.
The two will be putting aside their earnest singer-songwriter ways to belt out some of their own deep, dark musical guilty pleasures (i.e. unforgettable cover songs). Chad let it slip earlier this week that he’s been working on a couple of ditties by Tenacious D, Guns N’ Roses and Gnarls Barkley.

• Christel Clear Photography is setting up a “GUILTY PLEASURES HIGH SCHOOL DANCE PHOTO STUDIO,” so don’t forget to wear something snazzy.

• And if you throw your neck out rocking too hard, never fear, because MARY THE MASSUESE will be on hand to straighten you out.

The whole thing gets going about 9 p.m. at the Sports Center, 214 E. Yakima Ave. There’s no cover, but sorry kids, this one’s 21 and over.

See you there. Tell your friends.

What? Don’t know who Guilty Pleasures is? Check out some of the roving reporter’s musings.

And here is a Colin Spring original that’s always a crowd-pleaser …

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THE NEXT GREAT AMERICAN BAND

FOX is currently searching for unsigned bands to compete in “The Search for the Next Great American Band,” a new musical competition from the producers of “American Idol.”

And local metal band CHOKEOUT is one of five finalists in an online vote that will determine who represents the Tri-Cities in the contest. (Seriously, how awesome would it be to see Chokeout drummer Brandon Burke — the guy in the Ratt T-shirt, far right — arguing with what are sure to be some C-list celebrity judges on network TV?)

The band with the most votes by midnight on Sunday will win a trip to Las Vegas and a guaranteed audition in front of the official judges of the show.

To vote, click here. The winner will be announced Monday.

And click here for more information on “The Search for the Next Great American Band” — you still have a week to enter.

CONCERT REVIEW

Every time I talk to Pat Strosahl, he says the upcoming concert at THE SEASONS (the church-turned-music venue he is in charge of) is featuring “one of the hottest names in jazz,” or something to that effect.

Every concert couldn’t possibly be that good, I conclude.

Well, it turns out I was wrong, especially about this past Saturday’s concert featuring trumpet player extraordinaire Ingrid Jensen. Jazz writer DOUG RAMSEY posted this glowing review on his blog:

“I have heard wonderful performances in that former church, with its dramatic domed space and nearly perfect acoustics, but none better than when Jensen, the gifted Canadian trumpeter, and pianist Benny Green got together in a one-off collaboration. Creative sparks flew.”

The Seasons has a full schedule of concerts booked through September as part of its Summerfest. You can get the full run-down here.

*Also, Ramsey notes on his blog that a new novel he’s penned — which will have nothing to do with music — will be released next month. Ramsey’s most recent book is the biography “Take Five: The Public and Private Lives of Paul Desmond,” which earned him numerous awards.

— Kim Nowacki

VELVET REVOLVER TO PLAY THE GORGE

Take a handful of former hard-rocker from the hair band scene, add one troubled, gangly alt-rock singer and throw in a reunited grunge group and you’ve go the Sept. 8 concert at the Gorge Amphitheatre.

Headlining the show is supergroup VELVET REVOLVER — Scott Weiland (Stone Temple Pilots), Slash, Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum (all of Guns N’ Roses) and Dave Kushner (various California punk and funk-metal bands).

Also on the bill are the reunited remaining members of Seattle grunge band ALICE IN CHAINS, as well as the indie-rock band SPARTA.

Tickets go on sale at 9 a.m. Saturday and cost $39.95, $49.95 and $65. Tickets are available through all Ticketmaster outlets.

WEEKEND RUN DOWN

YAY! It’s the weekend.

So make sure to check out all our calendar listings.

Of course, I know there’s a bunch of you who only have one plan for this weekend: Find out what happens to Harry.

And for those wondering where to hook up with other HARRY POTTER fans tonight, here’s where you can meet up with fellow Muggles before “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” goes on sale at the stroke of midnight:

• Borders Books, Music and Cafe is throwing a Grand Hallows Ball beginning at 9 p.m. There’ll be a costume contest, spell-ing bee, the Great Snape Debate and a raffle, and the Harry Potter Prize Patrol will give out prizes to the most spirited guests.
Borders is at 1700 E. Washington Ave. in Union Gap. Call 248-4018.

• Beginning at 10 p.m., Inklings Bookshop will have special treats — including tooth-flossing string mints, troll’s toes and Volde-torte — games, a make-your-own wand station, live falcons and a special appearance by the lovable Hagrid, who is scheduled to ride in on his motorcycle.
And, of course, everyone is encouraged to dress up.
Inklings is at 5629 Summitview Ave. in Chalet Place. Call 965-5830.

• In Ellensburg, Jerrol’s Book and Supply Co. will have hula hoop and costume contests, a fire juggler, the Tunnel of Terror, fortune telling, face painting, creepy crawlies from Central Washington University’s biology department, crafts and Papa Murphy’s pizza.
Festivities begin at 10:30 p.m., and you need a ticket for the party. Tickets cost $5 per person or $10 for a family pass. Jerrol’s is at 111 E. Eighth Ave. Call 925-9851.

• Or, if you’re making a late-night run for Butterbeer, stop by TOP Food grocery store, which is also selling the book. Leading up to the midnight release, there’ll be treats and the winner of the trivia contest (entry forms are available at the store) will be announced at 11:59 p.m. The winner will receive the first book.
TOP Food is at 2203 S. First St. Call 452-8677.

———————- ——– ———————-

As for me, I’ll be heading out tonight to check out what’s sure to be an in-you-face night of NORTHWEST-MEETS-DC-POST-PUNK-ROCKERY.

On the bill are local trio With A Bullet who every time I see them play I’m worried somebody’s going to get hurt; The Ruby Doe (pictured) who’ve I’ve been a fan of since college; and fellow Seattle outfit Madráso.

Show starts at 9 p.m. at the Sports Center. Cover is $5. 21 and over.

— Kim Nowacki

G.P. HEARTS ‘THE SIMPSONS’

Harry Potter-schmodder.

The summer movie that Guilty Pleasures has been eagerly — perhaps obnoxiously — anticipating is “The Simpsons Movie,” which opens nationwide July 27.

Sure, some may say you have a problem if you’re purposely going to certain movies just to see the trailers for this epic film that’s 18 years in the making.

But if you’re like Guilty Pleasures, not a day goes by that you don’t throw out a well-timed “Simpsons” quote —Everything’s coming up Millhouse. You don’t make friends with salad. My cat’s breath smells like cat food. Let’s go crazy, Broadway style.

It’s almost a reflex.

For Homer-heads, all it takes to diffuse a potentially disastrous moment is to dryly utter, “worst (fill in the blank) ever,” a la Comic Book Guy. And you know you’ve found a kindred spirit if he or she, like Guilty Pleasures, thinks KIMA’s Stu Seibel looks and sounds an awful lot like Mr. Burns.

It was this animated Fox TV show that managed to break Guilty Pleasures’ long-standing ban on fast food when Burger King was handing out “Simpsons” Halloween toys in the kids meals. And in a brilliant marketing campaign, Guilty Pleasures is now making daily trips to 7-Eleven just because the Slurpee cups say Squishee and there’s KrustyO’s and Buzz Cola on the shelves. (Sadly, there was no Duff Beer to be found.)

Why the obsession? Why the piles of VHS tapes full of old episodes? Why the “Simpsons” chess set when Guilty Pleasures doesn’t even really know how to play chess? Why is “Do you like ‘The Simpsons’?” a first-date question where the answer could ultimately be a deal-breaker?

Because the show is so smart and funny and self-deprecating. It’s a cultural barometer that critiques American life while at the same time cracking blue-collar jokes.

One of Guilty Pleasures’ favorite episodes is when Lisa joins the environmental group Dirt First, which is looking for someone to camp out with in an endangered tree. The group’s leader, Jesse, says, “Once you’re up there, you can’t come down. Not for a Phish concert, not even for Burning Man.” (See the video clip below.)

Sure, references to Burning Man are now a daily occurrence, but this episode first aired in 2000.

At its core, though, “The Simpsons” is very much a sweet and sincere show about family. Yeah, Homer may hire a private investigator to learn more about Lisa’s interests, but he does it out of a real desire to get to know his daughter.

Which is why Guilty Pleasures is so excited about this movie — as well as worried that it won’t live up to all the hype and high expectations.

But if those trailers are any indication, this could be the BEST movie (based on a TV show), ever.

Whoo-hoo!

* Guilty Pleasures is a weekly look at whatever Guilty Pleasures wants to look at.
** And above is what Gulilty Pleasures would look like as a Simpson. You can create your own avatar here.

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COMEDY SHOW POSTPONED

Double-booking a show is no laughing matter.

The FUNNY TIMES 5 COMEDY TOUR that was supposed to roll into Yakima tomorrow for show at the Capitol Theatre, has been POSTPONED.

The laugh-fest featuring a handful of Seattle stand-up comics — including Ty Barnett who was a contestant on the most recent round of “Last Comic Standing” — had to be moved to October because of a scheduling conflict, Rachel Toney, the Capitol’s box office manager, said today.

The exact date of the October show isn’t set, and Toney encourages ticket-holders to get a refund for their tickets instead of an exchange. For information on refunds, call the Capitol box office at 853-2787.

P-A-R-T-Y!

DRINKS • TUNES • SWAG

Our roving reporter of good times is throwing a summer bash — and you all are invited.

Details to come soon, but save the date for a GUILTY PLEASURES PARTY on July 28 at the Yakima Sports Center.

There’ll be local bands playing their musical guilty pleasures (i.e., their favorite covers) ON Magazine swag and other cool stuff we haven’t thought up yet.

Stay tuned …

(What? Don’t know what Guilty Pleasures is? Check it out here.)

SUMMER OUTDOOR MOVIES

Toto, I don’t think we’re in Gilbert Park anymore.

This year, the Allied Arts Council has expanded its outdoor movie series to include several parks around town, as well as its home base in Gilbert Park next to the Allied ArtsCenter.

The re-named OUTDOOR SUMMER CINEMA series features family-friendly films — from almost-new releases to time-tested favorites — beginning at 8:30 p.m. The movies will be shown on a 16- by 20-foot inflatable screen with a theater-quality sound system.

Here’s the remaining schedule:
• July 24 — Kissel Park.
• July 31 — Chesterley Park.
• Aug. 7 — West Valley Park.

Of course, there will still be showings in Gilbert Park. The screenings are on Sundays through Aug. 19. This Sunday’s film is “THE WIZARD OF OZ,” and audience members are encouraged to dress up. (The Allied Arts’ Jessica Moskwa will be decked out as Glinda the Good Witch.)

Admission is a nonperishable food item for the Northwest Harvest food bank.

For more information, call 966-0930 or click here.

HOOTIE CONCERT CANCELED

Sorry Hootie fans, this blows, but Saturday’s HOOTIE & THE BLOWFISH concert at Suncadia resort in Roslyn has been CANCELED.

According to a news release, “(Hootie lead singer) Darius Rucker suffered a staph infection in his left knee and has since undergone three surgeries to clear the infection. His post-operative rehabilitation has been prolonged in order to allow full recovery and will prevent him from continuing with the tour as planned.”

While many shows will be rescheduled, a handful — including the Roslyn stop — will not.

According to Suncadia’s Web site, refunds are available through Ticketweb.com. Questions can be e-mailed to events@suncadia.com.

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN ROCK / DANCE?

Two popular competitions will return for this year’s Central Washington State Fair: the battle of the bands and hip-hop dance contest. The details:

• BATTLE OF THE BANDS

This contest is open to bands of three or more people, all of whom must be 30 or younger. A maximum of 12 bands will compete beginning at 6 p.m. Oct. 1 on the Budweiser Stage. Each band will be allowed 15 minutes to perform either cover songs or its own compositions.
However, since this is a family event, “NO foul language or obscene gestures will be allowed,” the rules and regulations form states.
Contestants will be judged on vocal and instrumental performance, originality, stage presence and fan reaction.
The winner will open for pop-punk band Bowling for Soup on Oct. 4, and receive $500 and eight hours of recording time at Cascade Productions in Cle Elum.
The application, an example of your performance on CD, DVD or video, and a photo of your band must be mailed to or dropped off at State Fair Park, 1301 S. Fair Ave., by Sept. 11. There is a $20 entry fee.
Applications are available at State Fair Park. For more information, call Angie Larrabee at 248-7160, ext. 111.

• HIP HOP DANCE CONTEST

Dancers of all ages are invited to enter this contest, which this year will be held on the Budweiser Stage beginning at 3 p.m. Oct. 1.
Contestants may enter only one act and there will be a limit of 20 acts selected for the contest. Each act should be from one to four minutes and appropriate for a family audience.
Contestants are required to provide their own music, mats, floor coverings or props. A cassette and CD player will be provided.
For complete rules and regulations, pick up an entry form at State Fair Park. There is no entry fee, but contestants and their families will have to pay fair admission that day. Entries are due by Sept. 30.

Above: (YH-R file photo by Kris Holland) Westra lead vocalist Michael Scott performs during the Battle of the Bands at the Central Washington State Fair on Sept. 25, 2006. Westra won the contest and the opportunity to open for Loverboy.

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