Roanoke may not be getting a new amphitheater anytime soon, but it is getting a "big tent" show by the Roanoke River.

One of America's foremost singer/songwriters, John Hiatt, brings The Combo there on May 7. Mississippi-based Americana artist Paul Thorn and Roanoke's own Corey Hunley will open the show.

Kirk Avenue Music Hall is presenting the show under a 1,500-capacity tent near the old Victory Stadium site in what promoter Gary Jackson said should be only the first in a series of shows called Down by the River.

Hiatt, who performed on Thursday night's "The Late Show with David Letterman," earlier this month released his 19th album, "The Open Road" (New West).

Artists including Bob Dylan, Rosanne Cash and Bonnie Raitt ("Thing Called Love") have recorded Hiatt's music. His song "Angel Eyes" was a top 10 hit for the Jeff Healey Band. Joe Cocker, Mandy Moore and even Bon Jovi have covered his "Have a Little Faith in Me."

But Hiatt's gruff, world-weary voice does his own songs great justice, and his late 1980s albums "Bring the Family" and "Slow Turning" hold up as roots-rock gems.

Read more about this show and about Thorn and Hunley at blogs.roanoke.com/cutnscratch.

-- Tad Dickens