The versatile group The Billy Byrd Show is coming to Dodge City on Friday to play at Central Station and jam out with local musicians Saturday at Donny G's.
    Charlie Provenza, Billy Byrd and a national champion fiddler are traveling from Denver to share their unique musical style with people in southwest Kansas.

The state has tapped Butler National Service Corp. to develop and manage Ford County's casino.

    The Kansas Lottery Gaming Facility Review Board voted 5-2 Friday to choose the Olathe-based company, which plans to build an $87.5 million casino-and-hotel complex on the western outskirts of Dodge City near U.S. Highway 50, The company was originally going to start with a temporary casino in the same location, but it has since backed away from that plan and will divide its permanent facility into two phases instead.

Time magazine selected the "Greatest Show on Dirt," as the most authentic American experience in the whole state of Kansas.
    As part of the 50 most authentic experiences in the country, the Dodge City Roundup Rodeo was chosen to represent the state, joining attractions such as the Aurora Ice Museum in Alaska, Yellowstone in Montana and the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.

A new exhibit, “Home Town Collections,” is opening at the Carnegie Center for the Arts in Dodge City, including glassware, old menus, vintage silhouettes, musical instruments, family photos and Native American sculpture and jewelry.

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.