THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, March 17, 1995 TAG: 9503160151
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E3 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Medium: 62 lines
THE LIST of musicians whose names alone conjure up a favorite song or melody is varied and long, but it would surely include Billie Holiday and Count Basie.
``Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill,'' opening Saturday at the Virginia Stage Company's Wells Theatre, depicts Holiday at the end of her tragic career. A one-woman show told through songs and dialogue, the play won off-Broadway's Outer Critics Circle Award in 1987. The first week includes several preview-priced performances, a pay-what-you-can performance Sunday and a Tuesday benefit for the Tidewater AIDs Crisis Task force. Prices vary; call 627-1234. The Wells is at 110 E. Tazewell St. in downtown Norfolk.
All bets are the Bienville Grill will be jumping Monday when the 18-piece Count Basie Orchestra, directed by Frank Foster, pulls into Norfolk for shows at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Jazz fans who recall how Maynard Ferguson's nine-man outfit tore the same house down a year ago will want to mark their calendars. The cover is $16; the restaurant is at 723 W. 21st St. 625-5427.
- Craig Shapiro TONIGHT
THE LADS LOOK familiar, but that name may not ring a bell. Yes, its the ska band that used to be called Boy O Boy, reborn as Fighting Gravity. They'll be playing a special show under a big tent at the Chrysler Museum in Norfolk tonight. Tickets are $12 to the general public. The show's at 8:30, but be early - only 400 tickets will be sold, and they are available only at the door. Call 664-6200.
- Roberta Vowell WEEKEND
Looking for a party with a St. Paddy's twist? Irish eyes will be smiling tonight at ``The Greening of Ghent'' and the St. Patrick's Day Festivities at Waterside. On Saturday, Ocean View puts on the green for the 28th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. Details are inside Preview, on Page ?
``Old, New, Borrowed & Blue,'' the title of the fourth album by Alexandria-based trio Saffire - The Uppity Blues Women, aptly sums up their approach. A longtime regional favorite, the outfit returns to Hampton Roads for a show tonight at the Cavalier on the Hill in Virginia Beach, part of a blues concert series there. 9 tonight at the Cavalier on the Hill, 4200 Pacific Ave., Virginia Beach. Tickets: $10 advance, $12 day of show. 425-8555. To order, call 671-8100.
- Rickey Wright ILLUSTRATION: Billie Holiday
Count Basie
Fighting Gravity
Saffire - The Uppity Blues Women
by CNB