Odds & Ends: Vince Gill, Sharon Jones, Arcade Fire

One of the Westboro Baptist Church’s latest targets was Vince Gill and his Sept. 8 show at Kansas City’s Kauffman Center For The Performing Arts – Muriel Kauffman Theatre. The hatemongers showed up to protest his second marriage in 2000 to Amy Grant. A video clip shows Gill walking out to the protest line to school the so-called church on the Bible and “to see what hate looked like.”

A protestor asked the country singer, “Don’t you know that divorce plus remarriage equals adultery? Jesus Christ said that.” Gill replied, “You know what else he said?” Gill responded. “He said a lot of stuff, about forgiveness, about grace – you guys don’t have any of that.”

And that was enough of Mister Nice Guy. The country singer told another protestor, “I’ve seen you on TV, man. You’re a big dips**t. You know that, don’t you?”

The Westboro Baptist Church was also in town Sunday to picket Michael Bublé’s show.

Following surgery in June for bile duct cancer, Sharon Jones revealed in a post on Facebook Sept. 6 that she started a six-month course of chemotherapy a month ago. The leader of the Dap-Kings notes that the surgery to remove the stage-one tumor was a success and that her doctor recommended the chemo as a preventative measure.

“I wish I could say it’s been a breeze, but this is looking to be the most challenging part yet,” Jones wrote. “Thankfully, I’m feeling stronger and more focused on getting back out on stage every day. I want you all to know that YOU are the reason why I am so motivated and driven to stay healthy and work through my recovery. Can’t wait to see you all soon!”

When Jones & the Dap-Kings return to the stage they’ll get a chance to make up for their 2013 tour that was postponed because of Jones’ health issues.

Arcade Fire will mark its fourth appearance as the musical guest on “Saturday Night Live” when it takes the stage for the season 39 premiere Sept. 28. Tina Fey will also return that night for her fourth time hosting the show.

“SNL” has revealed a few more season 39 hosts/musical guests. Miley Cyrus has signed on for both gigs Oct. 5, while Oct. 12 features Bruce Willis as the host and Katy Perry performing.  

A Dallas police officer has some explaining to do for this past weekend’s antics near the Gexa Energy Pavilion, including charges of public intoxication, assault and criminal mischief. The venue hosted performances from Gary Allan, Wade Bowen, Kix Brooks, Randy Rogers Band and more Sept. 7 as part of Country Fair 2013.

Sr. Cpl. Frank Della, who was off-duty at the time of the alleged incident late Saturday, is accused of throwing a wooden barricade at a woman’s car, resulting in an estimated $250 worth of damage to the front bumper, according to the Dallas Morning News. Next he allegedly got into a verbal argument with another person and then pushed a woman who tried to break up the fight.

After being booked into Dallas County jail early Sunday, Della is on administrative leave pending an internal investigation.