Friday, Sep. 12, 2008

Laying down the Lawler

Laying down the Lawler

A handful of years ago, when they held wrestling matches at Comer Auditorium, in the Bibbiera, I could walk to the event having first taken in a necessary belt or two of whiskey. But I've grown. I'm now ready to watch pro wrestling sober. Good thing, since Prime Time Wrestling matches are family friendly. Tonight Jerry "The King" Lawler will appear. It's at 5000 Burnham Blvd. at 7:30 p.m., and admission is $15. Details: 706-570-3978.

Saturday night, The Winter Sounds return to SoHo Bar & Grill with their walls of indier-than-thou guitars. Suffice to say, they sound nothing like Dead Can Dance — sorry Riquelmy. Columbus' Spy For Hire is on the bill too. Music starts around 10 p.m., and the cover is $5. Details: 706-568-3316.

Sunday afternoon's good to wind down with some outside time. Oxbow Meadows offers a program called "Terrific Turtles" — or, as we like to say, "Heroes in a Half Shell." Riquelmy will be there in his trick-or-treat outfit, wondering where Leonardo, Michelangelo and all the pizza is, but ignore him. Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for kids 13 and under. It's 2-3 p.m. Details: 706-687-4090.

— Brad Barnes

Save a horse

Let's celebrate — it's my sole annual opportunity to wear my novelty tube top that reads, "This cowgirl don't take no bull."

If that doesn't rope your inner cattle, consider this: Even Jessica Simpson calls herself a country singer now, so there's no shame in indulging in a weekend of dude ranch-inspired action.

Anchored, of course, by the Harris County Rodeo. It's Friday and Saturday in Hamilton's Mike Tracy Arena and tickets are $6-$12. Gates open at 6 p.m., the rodeo starts at 8 p.m. Wear your favorite cowboy getup, or just borrow some chaps from my weekend pick partners.

Saturday night, hit the Saloon & Oyster Bar (6005 Macon Road) for a performance by the Front Porch Pickers. Even if they don't play the country tunes you're craving, you're guaranteed to see at least one guy with a belt buckle sporting more bling than your jewelry collection. Show starts at 9 p.m.

End your weekend with dinner at Cowboy's Steak Saloon, 2301 Airport Thruway. A Sunday night special gives you two dinners for $12.99. At that price, your wallet might full enough for you to buy some chaps of your own.

— Sonya Sorich

A farewell to Barnes

So here it is — Brad Barnes is leaving the Ledger-Enquirer to fulfill his dreams as an exotic dancer. I kind of always knew he was leaning in that direction; his extensive collection of Bollywood musicals should have tipped me off.

In honor of his passing, this weekend's picks are dedicated to his memory. As you complete these tasks, think to yourself — Would Brad be happy doing this?

I know he'd enjoy the 45th annual Columbus/Fort Benning Shrine Circus on Saturday or Sunday. Come on, guys in tights on a high wire? The equivalent of Siegfried and Roy taming big cats? Oh my. Check it out Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m. and at 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Sunday at the Civic Center.

How about Saturday night? Well, Brad will likely head over to Aqua, 1812 Midtown Drive, at 8 p.m. to get ready for the KISS tribute band. Why so early? He needs time to put his makeup on in the bathroom. The band starts at 11 p.m.

On Sunday, if you're not heading out to see the big cats, you should think about a little house maintenance. Brad might be installing a pole in his living room, but you can head over to Office Depot for some sweet deals on blank CDs and DVDs. You've got to start now if you want to build that "Gossip Girl" library.

Brad, we hardly knew ye. Make sure you don't go gently into that good night.

— Alan Riquelmy