Country music is in for the month of March as some of the big names release new albums. Blake Shelton will release Hillbilly Bone Six Pak on March 2, followed by Gary Allan with Get Off On The Pain on March 9, and Alan Jackson's Freight Train and Gretchen Wilson's I Got Your Country Right Here follow on March 30 ... On a different note, English singer/songwriter/musician Jamie Cullum will release his third and long-awaited album The Pursuit on March 2, followed by a release from another English band, but of the virtual type-the Gorillaz with Plastic Beach on March 9.
On Tour
Just in time for the celebration with green beer and four leaf clovers, the real spirit of Ireland is coming alive in Michigan through music. CMU public radio presents Dervish, a group named as masters of the art of traditional Irish music, at the State Theatre. Traveling all over the world, Dervish interacts with crowds and entertains with their traditional Irish fiddling, singing and storytelling. The show will be held March 11 at 8 p.m. and tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students ... Taking a blast into the ‘80s past, Starfarm is bringing back that nostalgic feel to a variety of venues in the Lansing area. See them perform live at Dublin Square Irish Pub on March 6, The Green Door on March 13 and Rick's American Café on March 26 ... For a local feel, come hear Griff and John's Afterhours Experience perform live at Crunchy's on March 3 and 31. The use of harmonica, guitar and vocals blend together for a high energy rock-and-roll show developed in our own backyards ... Black Eyed Peas: The E-N-D World Tour LIVE is coming to the big screen. Celebration! Cinema hosts the live concert performance as part of their Big Screen Events for the month of March. The special show also includes a DJ set with Will-i-am and a 30-minute special featuring behind the scenes footage, giving viewers their own backstage pass into the touring life of the hip-hop group. The event is bound to present a good night so live it up for the one night event happening on March 30 at 10:30 p.m. in Lansing as well as additional West Michigan locations.
Theatre
Shakespeare goes musical with MET Opera's performance of Hamlet. Not only is the play taking unconventional forms, but the show is being presented on the big screen by Celebration! Cinema. Ambroise Thomas creates a rendition of the tragedy by pairing it with the art of singing to produce a product that will have Shakespeare cheering in his grave. The show is staring Simon Keenlyside, Natalie Dessay and many more to bring the experience of the MET Opera to a screen near you. The production will make a one show appearance on March 27 at 1 p.m. in Lansing and other select Celebration! Cinema locations ... If you are looking for a more traditional musical theatre experience, consider one that will bring you back to a favorite childhood story. The Wharton Center Pasant Theatre presents Tomie DePaola's Strega Nona, a musical tale of a friendly, Italian witch and the magical pasta pot. The show will be performed Sunday March 7 at 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. and tickets are $8 ... For a show that appeals to your grownup self, check out Lansing Community College's presentation of Cider House Rules Part I. Adapted from John Irving's novel, the play unveils the issues of adoption and abortion in the 60-year life of Dr. Larch. The show will appear onstage March 26-28 and April 2-3 with shows at 8 p.m. and a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $5-$10.
Film
Don't miss the one-night showing of the original Boondock Saints film in celebration of its 10th anniversary. Come to Goodrich Lansing Mall on March 11 at 7:30 p.m. to watch as Norman Reedus (Murphy MacManus), Sean Patrick Flanery (Conner MacManus), and Willem Dafoe (Paul Smecker) take the big screen once again with exclusive interviews from director Troy Duffy and cast revealed after the show.
Dining
Enjoy St. Patrick's Day to the fullest by taking advantage of traditional Irish food at a cheap price. Brannigan Brothers is offering food and drink specials all day. Savor the taste of Ireland with Savory Dublin Corned Beef and Cabbage, Mulligan Stew and Irish Chicken Puffed Stew for only $5.
Random Notes is compiled by REVUE staff and minions, including Brian Edwards, Lindsay Patton-Carson and Kelli Ponstein. Send your news to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
