Deeds: Random predictions for 2009; RX's top-selling local album

What's next in Treasure Valley entertainment as the country trudges through a mind-numbing recession? Will the Knitting Factory Concert House start filling those dark nights with free karaoke? Will Bruce Springsteen play a concert to benefit Potato Growers of Idaho? Will every restaurant in Boise be replaced by a Dollar Store?

Uh, probably not. Here are a handful of more realistic possibilities:

* 2009 won't quite be the year of the 3D movie revolution - yet. Don't get me wrong: Edwards and the Majestic will show a ton of 3D movies in the next 12 months. Hollywood is betting on 3D technology to reinvigorate the industry. But 3D movies generally cost more to make, so movie theaters charge more to see them. It's hard to imagine cash-strapped consumers embracing higher box-office prices.

* The Record Exchange will be an important part of Downtown Boise culture not only in 2009, but for many years to come. The RX plans to close briefly this month to reorganize and mix its used-CD stock in with its huge stock of new discs. This should help customers realize that lots of new CDs have dropped in price, plus steer them toward used bargains. It's just one small example of the way indie stores are thinking progressively about the future. For an interview with owner Michael Bunnell - new executive director of the nationwide Coalition of Independent Music Stores - check out the Idaho Statesman on Saturday, Jan. 3.

* You have to think that Treasure Valley radio will see some upheaval. With staffs being trimmed and budgets squeezed, it stands to reason that stations will reexamine their formats. What does that mean? Maybe a "Jack" station gets launched to battle "Bob"? Maybe a playlist of more than three songs is created at any station? Perhaps we get one less Top 40-style station? (Or not. Have you noticed the new urban FM kid on the block, Wild 101.1?)

Meanwhile, Boise Community Radio won't get on the air in '09. Back when the FCC paved the way toward a broadcast license in April, I expressed hope that by this spring, "Treasure Valley residents will be able to tune to 89.9 FM and hear non-commercial, locally generated, grassroots radio." I hope I'm wrong, but I can't see it happening now. Maybe 2010.

* I may as well hop out on a limb and predict that AC/DC will play in Boise. Yes, I'm inexplicably reversing my stance of one week ago that it could never happen. Don't ask me to elaborate.

* Neurolux will upstage its competitors by booking the No. 1 blazing-hot, must-see club show of the year again. Seriously, Vampire Weekend in 2008? Owner Allen Ireland seems to have a gift for catching hip acts on the way up. No reason to think that will change.

* A familiar face will continue to re-emerge in the concert game. Eagle businessman Creston Thornton, a founder of Bravo Entertainment and the Big Easy, produced a successful Canadian tour with 311 and Slightly Stoopid last spring. Thornton plans to produce a touring North American music festival this summer featuring Snoop Dogg, Slightly Stoopid and several other acts. I'm guessing it will stop at the Idaho Center Amphitheater.

* I write about this topic every other week - why stop now? Crack'N Me Up, the mythical comedy club from former managers of the Funny Bone, will actually open. No, really! They signed a lease in the Mode building in Downtown Boise and are now renovating the second-floor space that formerly housed Boogie Woogies. Laughter could be pouring from the building by Valentine's Day. Perfect. What could be more romantic than J. Medicine Hat hypnotizing dudes into gyrating like male strippers at the grand opening of a new chuckle hut?

ENTERTAINMENT NOTES

Here's a new title for local outlaw-country singer Jeremiah James: Marshal of 2008's local music scene. Not only was James' album, "Idaho Cowboy," the Record Exchange's best-selling local release in 2008, it finished among the Top 10 overall sellers. And it's still moving copies. That's impressive. For a sales ranking of the top 75 local CDs, check out my "Words & Deeds" blog online.

Willie Nelson has a daughter? Who knew? (On second thought, ol' Willie may have offspring spanning the entire globe, right?) Bluesy singer Paula Nelson will perform at 8 p.m. Jan. 12 at Pengilly's Saloon. Tickets are $10 advance at TicketWeb or $12 at the door.

Michael Deeds co-hosts "The Other Studio" at 9 p.m. Sundays on 94.9 FM "The River." This week: Notable local releases of 2008.