Entertainment

Rock pioneer Chuck Berry recalls tough times BY: Al Caldwell

As I drove Chuck Berry from the Houston airport to his gig in Winnie, we found ourselves laughing at the times of the not-so-great 1950s.

The broad generous smile held his 84 years well. His big hands and 6-foot-plus frame stretched out and relaxed as we talked of trials and tribulations that beset his career. He was jailed at one time without charges, taunted by white club owners and got less than a penny a record during his 66-year tenure on stage.

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Beyond the pizza and pasta

About two weeks ago, Gino’s Pizza and Pasta owner Ilir Nikqy started working out.

Coincidentally, at around that same time a few new items appeared on his menu — delicious, as would be expected from Nikqy, but also filling and healthy items.

“I’m always trying to make something new and fresh,” said Nikqy, affectionately known to his customers as “Nicky.” “I like to choose a few ingredients and create a dish out of them.”

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Thinking about gettin’ you home

Many musicians have had songs hit No. 1 on their respected music charts, but there aren’t many that can claim that they’ve had three consecutive No. 1 singles, especially in country music.

Chris Young can.

From Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Young watched “Gettin’ You Home (The Black Dress Song),” “The Man I Want to Be” and “Voices” climb the country charts to the top spot and all were off his sophomore album The Man I Want to Be.

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Taste of the Triangle

Mardi Gras ain’t over ’til the fat lady sings.

Tuesday, March 8, marks the day when everyone celebrates rich food, wine, spirits, friends and fellowship before they bid the Mardi Gras festivities farewell. For those who follow the Catholic rituals of the Lenten season, this is also a chance to feast freely before the 40-day fast leading up to Easter. It’s Fat Tuesday, folks.

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Feeding wolves, chasing ghosts and making hit records

Jesse Hasek is one of the most creative and intellectual people you will ever meet. Though his name may not ring an instant bell, his voice and work does the job.  The Knoxville, Tennessee native is the vocalist for Universal Republic recording artist 10 Years that have released several singles including “Through the Iris,” “Beautiful,” “So Long, Good-Bye,” “Actions & Motives” and “Wasteland,” which reached atop of the alternative rock chart.

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