Sound Menu August 05 2000 Thur

NOTED ACTS?
?BILLY CERVENY — Billy Cerveny's sepia toned-down Americana evokes memories of Jonathan Edwards and James Taylor in mellow repose. Formerly of the band Herringbone, tonight Cerveny celebrates the release of his first full-length solo effort, A Horse Named Pride. If Edwin McCain rocks too hard for you, try Cerveny. Eddie's Attic (Smith)

MR. QUINTRON, MISS PUSSYCAT, PINEAL VENTANA — Welcome to Mr. Quintron's neighborhood. The organ dynamo and his cohort, Miss P, are back to present their highly entertaining, highly original and highly demented shows. In wildman mode, Quintron has been seen swinging his sweat-soaked shirt in circles above his head, pounding away at his Hammond. But he can also play circles around many organists his age. Among his crazy inventions, "the drum buddy" might end up taking the crowd on a joyride to home sweet home, New Orleans. Miss Pussycat is different every time, utilizing handmade puppets, sound effects, black lights and absurdist children's stories. Opening act, PV are under construction, with the loss of two members and the addition of two more. This could be a good time for experimentation, though. Surprises await. Star Bar (Khalid)

HOT AUGUST NIGHTS, PRETTY VACANT — Potentially the most hilarious show of the week, this event features two local "tribute" bands. Hot August Nights — featuring Steve McPeeks (of Fiend Without a Face) on bass — plays all Neil Diamond songs, but they rock 'em up in a way Neil never did. Pretty Vacant is the latest project from Steve Mack (Julius Pleaser, Loaded Dice); it's a Sex Pistols soundalike and lookalike group. Mack plays Sid, but the role of Nancy wasn't cast at press time. Echo Lounge (Nicoll)

SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK — The group blends spirituals, jazz, blues and traditional African music in a politically conscious approach. Founder Bernice Johnson Reagon, a Georgia native and Spelman grad, was a member of the Freedom Singers, performing at the Newport Folk Festival in 1963. Reagon also performed with the Harambee Singers in the late '60s before starting Sweet Honey in the Rock in 1973, which emerged from her work with the Washington, D.C. Black Repertory Company. The show begins at 8:30 p.m. For more info, call 404-215-2608. King Chapel/Morehouse College (Powell)

#CC0000:ALSO PERFORMING Bitch