Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, May 5, 1990 TAG: 9005050244
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: E-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Jeff DeBell
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
His appearance at Mill Mountain Theatre is to begin at 8 p.m.
According to The Arts Council of Roanoke Valley, which is one of the sponsors, Allen's live shows are known for his energetic piano-playing and wry humor. His lyrics "explore both dark and playful themes dealing with the plight of Vietnam veterans, Southeast Asians, American Indians and the men, women, sailors and cowboys who populate small Texas towns and bars."
Allen's albums for the Fate label include "Juarez," "Lubbock," "Smokin' the Dummy" and "Bloodlines." He co-wrote a tune called "Cocktail Desperado" with David Byrne for the latter's movie, "True Stories."
"New Delhi Freight Train," a hit for Little Feat, is an Allen song. So is "Amarillo Highway," which was recorded by Bobby Bare.
"If you don't like country, Mr. Allen will probably change your mind," the Rock Year Book said. "If you think you know what country is, he will open up new horizons."
Allen lives in Texas and is an established visual artist as well as an entertainer. One of his works, a lithograph series titled "Juarez Suite," is under consideration for purchase by the Roanoke Museum of Fine Arts.
Tickets to his performance are $7 for general admission and $5 for students and seniors. They're available from the Mill Mountain Theatre box office in Center in the Square and from the arts council in Center on Church.
One Night Stands is designed to expose Roanoke Valley audiences to new work in the performing arts by groups and individuals of national reputation. The series is sponsored by the arts council in cooperation with the theater and museum.
by CNB