Jo Dee Messina performs during the Dodge City Days Kick-Off concert Friday night at the Roundup Rodeo Arena.

    Once again, Central Station Club and Grill will offer its patrons a mix of live music and fun during the restaurant's first street dance of Dodge City Days 2008.
    The dance will run from 9 p.m. today until 1:30 a.m. Sunday under the tent in the restaurant's parking lot, 207 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd. People may park on either the east or west sides of the building.

    If you're in the mood for some deep-fried goodness, head on over to the seventh annual Boot Hill Bull Fry & Bash at Boot Hill Museum.
    From 6:30 to 9 p.m. today, beef brisket, coleslaw, Sally's potatoes 'n' onions, baked beans, Pepsi and iced tea will be served in the museum complex. Calf fries will also be a main menu item for people with an adventurous appetite.

Friday night's comedy night at Central Station proved that Dodge is not without a segment of the population whose minds dwell in the gutter. I've got to say, I'm relieved.
    Folks who appreciate that sort of lowbrow comedy make me feel a little closer to home. But as I was there, snickering and imbibing, I wasn't sure if anything that came from the stage would be eligible for print in this reputable family news publication.

    Without the influence of Ray Price, today's country music might sound a lot different.
    Price is credited with developing a shuffle rhythm which was later adopted by many artists, according to the Country Music Hall of Fame's Web site. The 4/4 shuffle was so closely identified with Price that it became known among country musicians as the "Ray Price Beat."

    Christian comedian Mark Lowry has made a career of using his hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder as his material. Now time may have finally caught up to Lowry, who turns 50 this summer.

    A reception for the book “From the Garret on Grand: on Miss Lonelyhearts and the Virgin of Guadalupe” will take place tonight, with poetry readings and music tonight and again Saturday night at the Carnegie Center for the Arts.

“The Early Show” has sent hosts Harry Smith and Maggie Rodriguez, news anchor Russ Mitchell and weatherman Dave Price to Greensburg, the small town nearly wiped off the map by a tornado that killed 11 people on May 4, 2007.
    They’re pitching in to build an eco-friendly playground and reporting on the town’s recovery. The rock band REO Speedwagon is also coming in for a concert Friday May 2 from 7am - 9am.

    Local classic rock 'n' roll cover band Ask Vinnie won the Mosaic Battle of the Bands competition Saturday night in Garden City, winning the right to be the opening act for the Styx concert Sept. 6.

    Washburn University student Jose Salazar of Dodge City will be among the musicians performing with the WU Symphony Orchestra, Payless ShoeSource Jazz Combo and a chamber music ensemble May 18 - 29 in several locations in Honduras.