People celebrate anniversaries all the time. Weddings, divorces, number of years in business, and the number of years since the last alien spaceship visited Chattanooga, are just some of the ways people and aliens celebrate. But, here is one that is rarer than even the alien invasion of 2002. It’s rare that a restaurant or bar stays open for 20 years. Yes, there are some that far exceed that, like Zarzour’s at nearly a hundred, Wally’s at 75, and Bud’s Sportsbar at 35. But, to find a venue that also has had the same band playing every week for 20 straight years – well, that’s just unheard of.

Enter Priscilla and Little Rickee. Playing each Wednesday at Las Margarita’s in Hixson, this fine local band has their 20^th anniversary there this month. Incredible. It is my suggestion that everyone in Chattanooga, or at least Hixson, goes by and wishes these folks a happy anniversary. Such a feat is rare, and by all means deserves a pat on the back. Plus, you might even like them. I do. If you cannot wait to wish them a happy anniversary, you can see them this weekend in the Foundry Lounge at the Chattanoogan Hotel. No cover charge, great food and drinks, and a great band – what more could you ask for. They will also be appearing at Riverbend this year, as well. Look for them on Sunday, June 10 on the VW Stage, right on the green across from the Coke Stage. Be sure and give them a big high five. If you want to know more about the band, click http://chattanoogan.com/2011/6/2/202595/Chattanoogas-Live-Music-Scene-.aspx .

It is time for Roots-Fest, too. Gates to this celebration of music open Friday, May 18 at noon o’clock. Music begins at 7 p.m. Some of Chattanooga’s best bands will be appearing in the three day festival, including Digital Butter
Woodford Sessions, Microdaughts, Jon Wimpee, Plectophilia, Donna Hopkins, Glowing Bordis, Freddy's Finest, The Nim Nims, Deep Machine, Molly Maguires, Cadillac Saints, Milele Roots, Soul Mechanic, Maycomb Criers, endelouz, Marlow Drive, The Owls, Strung like a Horse, Opposite Box, Robosapien, Doghouse Riley, Skip Cisto Band, and Soul Fingers.

For more information about Roots-Fest, just go to http://www.roots-fest.com/index.html . Beautiful weather is expected and a good time should be had by all.

Nightfall features Bluegrass this Friday night, with a free concert featuring Seven Handle Circus and the great Dismembered Tennesseans. Speaking of anniversaries, the Dismembered Tennesseans is celebrating 67 years of playing great music. Yes, I said 67 years. Even though I am a Baylor graduate, I have the ultimate respect for this band, formed by a group of McCallie students. They will open at 7 p.m., followed by Seven Handle Circus.  For more information on Nightfall, directions, schedules, times and other cool stuff, just go to http://nightfallchattanooga.com.

Sunday is the 15^th anniversary for the Tommy Jett Entertainers Reunion at Sugar’s BBQ Downtown. All proceeds will go to Hospice of Chattanooga. Featured artists scheduled to perform include Chattanooga Music Hall of Famer Jimmy Tawater, the Dennis Brown Project, WTM Blues Band, Queen B & the Well-Strung Band, Convertibull, Carpenter’s Cowboy Church Band, Standing Room Only Band, the Chattanooga Songwriters Association, and Long Gone Darlings. This is a fun event that I have been to many times. The public is cordially invited from 3 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Speaking of the Dennis Brown Project, the band features Dennis Brown and he is our 7^th choice (in no particular order) for our Chattanooga Guitar Masters series. Dennis has played with many bands over the years, including a favorite of mine – Doug Stone. As guitarists go, I think Dennis is one of the most talented players anywhere, anytime. Look at the above paragraph and you will see Dennis is playing Sunday at Sugar’s. Go see him and then thank me.

Here is an anniversary that is but two years old, but is getting a great festival tradition going. The Heartwood Music Festival is in South Pittsburg at Eddie Martin’s Farm this Thursday – Sunday. Connect with nature, enjoy live music (over 20 bands from 7 different states), dancers, Art, eat some jambalaya, enjoy activities for all ages, camp along the stream, and have a blast!  For more info, go to http://www.heartwoodbattleofthebandsandfest.com.

For more fun, local music info, try http://www.chattanoogaentertainers.com , or http://chattanooganightscope.com . They both have great local music info and schedules. For local info on Country music, try Jim Boles’ site at http://chattacountry.ning.com .

Email Bob Payne at davrik2000@yahoo.com  or www.facebook.com/davrik2000