Australia’s Thunder From Down Under

• Under ordinary circumstances, I’d feel really awkward researching materials about the all-male – for the ladies only – Australia’s Thunder From Down Under. What if someone caught me poring over the press clippings and photos? Would rumors about me and my, ahem, preferences, spread around? What if I was just intrigued enough about what happens at one of these shows to dress in drag and go see for myself what all the fuss was about?

Did I just write that out loud? Was anyone listening to me thinking that out loud?

Let’s begin again, shall we, and act like adults. Or at least like children with ID’s that say we’re at least 21 years old. Now the who, the what, the when and the where…


Who: Australia’s Thunder From Down Under, one of Las Vegas’ hottest acts.

What: A bevy of hunkified blokes bring state-of-the-art lights and sound in a somewhat interactive show that isn’t suggestive in any way at all. Nope.

When: November 23, 9 p.m.

Where: The Executive Inn’s Showroom Lounge.

All that business about dressing in drag and checking out this show was just too silly. I mean, really. It’s damn near impossible to find stilettos in a men’s size 12. Ubbbb… I’ve said way too much already so ladies, just check out the show. Call 926-8000 for details.

Get yours on the rocks…

• … totally figuratively speaking, that is. Ice ice, baby. Get your skate on at The Owensboro Ice Arena, now open Fridays through Sundays until March 9. Whether you’re an ace on blades or a wall-hugger – or somewhere in between – the Ice Arena’s a fun, cool (sorry) place to be. Home to the Owensboro Figure Skating Club and the Owensboro Youth Hockey Association, the Arena has open skating sessions for the public Fridays from 7 to 10 p.m., Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 10 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. They also have package deals for birthday parties and private rentals, too. And if you’ve always wanted to skate better but don’t know how, they offer lessons for kids as young as 3. For more information about rates and other details, call 687-8720.

Its-A Roca!

• Downriver in Evans-Patch, they’ve got this place that’s an institution. One of the finest pizza joints in the world. An Italian salad that’ll make your life complete. Ever been there? How about the newer Archie & Clyde’s Roca Bar (also up in Hoosierland, in Newburgh)? Well if you haven’t, soon you won’t have to travel far for an “Around the World” pizza, icy cold brews, great sports on big ‘ol TVs, and family-friendly vibes to boot.
The newest Roca Bar’s coming here to Owensboro during the middle of the month to 3030 Highland Point Drive. Evansvillians have been loving the Roca since 1953, and now you have the chance to as well. Give ‘em a call at 684-8080 for updates and details. And believe me, it cannot be stressed enough – you must get the Italian salad!

Blues U Can Use!

• A friend of this here magazine, the uber-talented Michael Gough, will be at the locally famous Martin’s Bar on November 24 to celebrate the release of his brand-new CD with a PAR-TAY set to start at 9 p.m.
Know of Michael? Fans of serious f*ckin’ blues in the region do. But for the uninitiated, Gough plays the blues from deep down in the soul. Shakin’ your body ‘till the meat falls offa your bones. Smoky, hot, blistering, sluggin’ a beer or nine back with friends kind of blues.
Get thee down to the old watering hole on 2nd Street and see/hear for yourself. Michael’s the real deal, and frankly, you gotta be there.

Traditional country tunes down by the River…

• David Frizzell (younger brother of legend Lefty Frizzell and a superb performer in his own right) and duet partner Shelly West (they collaborated on the 1981 #1 hit “You’re the Reason God Made Oklahoma”) will both be at the Showroom Lounge in the Executive Inn on November 17. Frizzell’s a friend of Owensboro, having been here a number of times over the years. And fans of real, honest-to-goodness country music should definitely come on out and catch the show.

Arkansas native Frizzell has been performing in front of audiences since he was a wee lad of 12, hitting the stage with brother Lefty through the 50s and 60s. A veteran of the Air Force during the Vietnam War, David came home and became a regular on Buck Owens’ TV show, All American Country, and cut discs for Columbia throughout the “Me Decade.”

The 1980s saw his biggest commercial success. His number one duet with Ms. West won industry awards for “Song of the Year,” “Vocal Duet of the Year” and was even featured in the Clint Eastwood movie, Any Which Way You Can.

In ’82 his single “I’m Gonna Hire A Wino (To Decorate Our Home” was honored with a Grammy nomination and also climbed to the top of the Country Music Charts. His collaboration with Shelly West – through recordings and tours – continued until the late 80s, and Frizzell himself faded somewhat as the ensuing decades wore on.

But now, the old magic is back, and Frizzell and West are back at it, playing the songs fans know by heart. And Owensboroians are in luck this November 17. The concert begins at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $24 to $42, with show/stay packages ranging from $158 to $194. Call the Executive Inn at 926-8000 for more details