Circus, music and theater offer well rounded week of events



By Tommy Mann Jr.

The News staff writer



There are ample opportunities for family or adult oriented entertainment this week in Southeast Texas, including three nights of high flying fun and intrigue at the circus or even an enjoyable evening at the community theater.



Ford Park

Perhaps the greatest circus of all time, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus is back in Southeast Texas for six shows in three days.

Performances are scheduled at 7:30 p.m., today; Friday, 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Saturday; and 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, including the Ford Arena box office, for $28 and $12 each.

See aerialists walk, fly and jump through the air on a high wire, while the Wheel of Steel act will leave everyone questioning the forces of gravity. Patrons are invited to join in at the free, all access pre-show to meet the animals and performers, learn circus tricks and enjoy a taste of the circus one hour before showtime.



Eagles

Some changes are on tap at this Orange hot spot beginning with this week’s entertainment as Crossfire performs tonight in the first of three shows in Orange County this week.

Admission is now strictly $5 per person at the door, and the concert and dance begins at 8 p.m.

Karaoke, featuring Patty Ferguson, continues to be one of the best things to do in Orange on a Saturday night, and you can see why for yourself from 8 p.m. to midnight.

If you like Cajun, zydeco and swamp pop music, then make plans now to attend a new weekly tradition at the Eagles as Creole Cookin’ performs from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. every Sunday. Admission is $5 at the door.

As always, the public is invited to attend and enjoy the fun at the Eagles. Call 409-886-7381 for details.

 

Cotton’s Cay

Let the rock and blues commence because its a party with Three Legged Dawg at Cotton’s Cay in Orange tonight.

Ages 18 and older are able to attend this rocking good party, and admission is just $5 at the door.

Every Saturday is karaoke night, so check that out as well.

Call 409-886-9042 or visit www.myspace.com/cottonscay for details.



Capistrano

Check out the variety sounds of Centerfire tonight and Saturday at the Capistrano, located in downtown Orange.

Also, if you want to start the weekend early, then stop in on Thursday evening for a bit of karaoke fun.

Admission is always free and ages 21 and older are welcome.



Polo’s Lounge

Crossfire has a busy schedule this August, and the band brings it variety music act to Polo’s Lounge this Saturday.

If you enjoy karaoke, then stop by any Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night for some fun with Lone Star Karaoke.

There is no cover charge and ages 21 and older are always welcome. Call 409-886-5546 for more information.



Club 87

David Lee Kaiser and the Joint Chiefs return to Orange County with a show at Club 87 this Saturday.

Admission is $5 per person at the door, and ages 21 and older are always welcome. Call 409-746-2394 for more info.



The Vortex

Big shows are on the schedule this week at The Vortex in Beaumont beginning with tonight’s concert featuring The Unamed Project for Revenge, plus area acts Altar Ego and Proximity.

On Saturday, the Southern Backtones and the Dolly Rockers take aim on Beaumont, while a special Wednesday night of metal and madness reign at The Vortex as national acts Kingdom of Sorrow and Soilent Green perform along with Scum of the Earth and Six Past Hell.

Admission for Wednesday’s concert is $15 and ages 21 and older are welcome to attend.



Outlaw Drinkin’ Club

It’s a southern rock kind of night at the ODC tonight as Southern Embers and Longtooth perform a blazing set of classic covers and originals.

Check out the rocking sounds of Echolane, one of the Golden Triangle’s newest additions to the music scene, this Saturday night at the Outlaw Drinkin’ Club in Beaumont.

If you have not been to this club yet, then you are in for one heck of a treat. Call 409-838-5735 for details.



Changing Times

Area classic rock band Longtooth makes its first appearance at Changing Times in Beaumont in many weeks. When this group is hitting on all cylinders, they are one of the best classic rock cover bands in Southeast Texas.

Ages 18 and older are able to attend, and admission is just $5 at the door.



The Barking Dog

Plenty of quality live entertainment is on tap this weekend at The Barking Dog.

Performing tonight is The Statement, while area band Judas Feet holds a pre-CD release party on Saturday night with special guest William and Tyson.

Admission is charged at the door and all ages are invited to attend. Call 409-835-2275 for details.



Antone’s

Much of Crockett Street has been closed for more than a month now, but Antone’s will reopen one night only as Apocalyptica comes to town.

The doors open at 8 p.m., today, and ages 18 and older are welcome to attend. Tickets are on sale now at the Crockett Street Administration office for $15 and $17.

Knuckle Deep was slated to open the show, but the band announced on Wednesday it would not be performing. One report stated that Apocalyptica’s staging is too much for the small Antone’s stage, so there would be no room to accommodate any support act.



Bob Bowers Civic Center

It’s time to get your dancing shoes on because the 18th annual Gulf Coast Jam is coming your way this Saturday night.

One of the longest running annual area music events returns with what could arguably be considered its best lineup ever as the legendary Percy Sledge serves as co-headliner. Joining Sledge on stage is another legendary outfit that has local ties, the Fabulous Boogie Kings. Also appearing are Louisiana Express and Eazy.

The event, which has been held at the last few years on the Lamar State College-Port Arthur campus, returns this summer to the cozy and larger confines of the Robert A. “Bob” Bowers Civic Center in Port Arthur.

Sledge is well-known for his soulful singing style and his trademark classic hit “When a Man Loves a Woman,” plus other popular songs “Try a Little Tenderness,” “It Tears Me Up,” “Cover Me” and many others.

The Fabulous Boogie Kings have been a musical institution in rock ‘n roll for more than 50 years. The band decided to keep on touring after the success of a farewell tour and numerous requests from fans.

The legendary act consists of members Jerry LaCroix, G.G. Shinn, Allen Wayne, Gregg Martinez, Mark Klein, Chris Flowers and Theall.

The doors for the Aug. 9 concert open at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m. Admission on the day of the show is $35. Call 409-548-4444 for more information.



Woody’s

Arguably the best blues rock band in Southeast Texas has to be the trio known as the Aaron Williams Band, and, luckily, this unit is performing tonight in Mid-County at Woody’s for ages 21 and older.

Call 409-729-6639 for more details.



Dylan’s

Whether its the Top 40 sounds of Main Street tonight, or the blues stylings of Kenny Wiebusch and the Outstanding Warrants on Saturday, you know Dylan’s is one of the best places in the Golden Triangle for live music on a regular basis.

Ages 18 and older are welcome to attend. Call 409-722-1600 for more information.



American Legion

The Lloyd Grubbs American Legion Post 49, which is located at 108 Green Ave. in Orange, invites the public to attend its weekly bingo session at 5:30 p.m. every Sunday.

The food and snack bar will be open. Call 409-886-1241 for more information.



OCP

The Orange Community Players return at 7:37 p.m., Thursday, as the new season of chills, thrills, laughs and song begin at the Orange Community Playhouse, located at 708 W. Division in Orange.

Thursday is opening night for the production of “Once Upon a Mattress,” which is being directed by John Hall and assistant director Emily Kunst. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for students. Call 409-882-9137 for reservations.



Orange VFW

Check out the country and variety sounds of Crossfire from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. every Thursday. Admission is $5 person. Call 409-886-9738 for more information.



Send all entertainment listings to tmann@orangeleader.com or call 409-883-3571, Ext. 2619