I once wrote that Shasta High School’s annual musical was like a 747 taking off. It takes so much to get that big beautiful bird off the ground, but once it does, it’s an amazing flight.
Ken Putnam built the musical into a huge event over his three decades as choral director. Instructors Gavin Spencer and Lou Polcari continue to match that high standard. This year’s production is “Cinderella,” and it will be performed at 7 p.m. today through Saturday and May 7-9. Tickets are $10. To order, or for more information, call 945-4220 or 604-6032. Or click here.
• San Diego singer/songwriter Jakob Martin is a craftsman with his lyrics. I appreciate someone who puts this much care into words and delivers it with a soulful performance. He returns to the Vintage Wine Bar (1790 Market St.) in Redding for an 8 p.m. show on Friday. It’s free.
• Ever since seeing a great version of “Hairspray” in Las Vegas a few years ago, I’ve had a special spot for this show. Redding’s pop star Ashley Parker Angel starred in “Hairspray” on Broadway. The touring version of the musical (not with Ashley) stops at the Redding Convention Center at 7:30 p.m. Monday. Tickets are $32 to $57. Call 225-4130 or visit www.reddingconventioncenter.com.
• Saxophonist Jeff Jones is leading a 12-piece group for Dave Short’s Jazz at Old City Hall series at 7 p.m. Sunday. Jones is about the nicest person on the planet, but he’s also a terrific musician. Two great reasons to check out that show. Tickets are $10.
• This is going back quite a few years musically, but one of the most amazing albums by the incredible John Hiatt is “Crossing Muddy Waters” (2000, Vanguard Records). Sometimes I’ll catch a tune like “What Do We Do Now” on the iPod and just start shedding the tears. I’ll leave you with some lines from that song:
Gimme back my steel
Gimme back my nerve
Gimme back my youth
For the dead man’s curve
For that icy feel when
You start to swerve
Give us back the love
We don’t deserve
