Huh? What’s that? Come again?
Carrying on a conversation this weekend might be tougher than usual, if you choose to turn up the volume with goings-on rooted in rock music, monster trucks, boisterous laughs and other forms of sonic dynamite.
There’s also the promise of loud costumes. Pardon? No not plowed customs – I don’t even know that that means. What? No, I’m not being mean – maybe a little dense. No, no, I’m not tense. If you can make me out at all, welcome to the weekend din! Weak and done? Really?
1. Hairball
If you’re ready to rock – and even if you’re not – here comes Hairball, a live mini-history of swaggering 1980s-era arena rockers thrusting its loud hit-list of sweaty songs directly at your solar plexus. Cough it up for famous bands that aren’t really in front of you, but may seem so to your dazzled eyes and especially assailed ears, thanks to seasoned impersonators of AC/DC, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Journey, KISS, Motley Crue, Van Halen and other decibel-scaling rowdies. We don’t need no stinking earplugs! Well, actually you might.
Friday, 8 p.m.; Voodoo Lounge at Harrah’s North Kansas City, 1 Riverboat Dr., North Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $17.50-$37.50.
2. Monster Jam
Remember when you were a kid and spun around in circles until you fell over? Oh, that was a different kid? Yeah, probably the one who grew up to be behind the wheel of a twirling Monster Jam Truck, racing Monster Jam Speedster or freestyling Monster Jam All-Terrain Vehicle. Engines will blare and fans will stare at the unfolding competitive spectacle this weekend at Sprint Center, where drivers – Billy, is that you? – will vie for a shot at the Monster Jam World Finals. And they said little Billy was too dizzy to get ahead.
Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday, 1 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m.; Sprint Center, 1407 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: start at $30.
Those hoping to add even more vroom to their weekend will have a hard time staying away from this two-night motorcycle shindig, featuring zooming bikes and ATVs spraying dirt and taking chances in pursuit of a “motorized adrenaline” rush. The party atmosphere will reach its pinnacle with brave bikers making ramp-jumps of up to 60 feet in the air. Plus there will be motorcycle classes both nights and ATV classes on Saturday – just make sure your appropriate insurance is paid up.
Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m.; Hale Arena, 1701 American Royal Ct., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $18, $23 ($7 ages 11 and younger on Friday).
The names of Louis John Lipari, E-Rock and Frank Werth may not ring a bell, but when these performers hit the stage in tribute to Elvis Presley, memories of the King of Rock and Roll will be clanging all night long. In addition to the resounding musical nostalgia honoring the King’s 83rd birthday (it was Jan. 8), expect long side burns, big capes and more curled lips than adoring fans may be able to stand. It’s OK, take a breath. Now love them tender.
Saturday, 8 p.m.; Knuckleheads Saloon, 2715 Rochester St., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $15.
5. Brian Regan
Brian Regan is among the relatively small number of highly successful stand-up comics who can make just about anyone burst out in laughter. Whether talking about family life or politics, he doesn’t seek to divide. The only side that the veteran funny man appears to be on is the audience’s strong desire to be thoroughly entertained. I’ll shout it from the mountaintop: All ages from virtually any walk of life will enjoy this witty and warm talent!
Saturday, 8 p.m.; Music Hall, 301 W. 13th St., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $47.50, $57.50.
6. ‘Cabaret’
Hear that distant rumble turning into the roar of jackbooted thugs marching to destroy your country from within? No? That's good. Still, it’s another story for the hard-pressed characters of the classic Broadway musical, “Cabaret,” who can ignore the looming Nazi threat for only so long in 1929-1930 Berlin. But before the regime is supreme, there’s lots of hopeful singing and hoofing to do. “What good is sitting alone in your room? Come here the music play.” Yeah, that sounds fine. Turn it up, will ya?
Saturday, 2 and 8 p.m.; Yardley Hall at the Carlsen Center, Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd., Overland Park, Kan.; tickets: $22-$130.
