The call is being sounded for Best of the Green Mt. Blues -Vol. 4. We’re probably going back to a single disc, with a panel to screen entries. So send me your Shuffles, Jump, Swing, Electric, Acoustic, Hip-hop, Country, Fast, Slow, Rockabilly -anything Bluesy. Deadline is August 1st. Send your music to P.O. Box 271, Burlington, VT 05402. Emphasis will be on original material not available elsewhere, especially live cuts and alternate takes. Get your music heard around the world, and help the kids at Camp Ta-kum-ta, for whom we’ve raised $6000 to date.

Be sure to check out the McDuff’s Blues Festival July 4th, in Alburg. Ten dollars gets you great food and music from John Lackard, Blues for Breakfast, Seth Yacovone, and the Nobby Reed Project. Call 796-3333 for information.

And for a truly unique way to see the fireworks July 3rd in Burlington, there’s the Eighth Annual Blues for Breakfast Fireworks Cruise. It’s sold out every year, so get tickets at the Flynn or call LCT for information at 864-9804. It’s spectacular!!

Both Dave Keller’s Faith and Seth Yacovone’s live CD were reviewed in a recent issue of the national publication Blues Revue. Keller got the more favorable review, probably because he also bought an ad!

Comings and Goings: The incestuous Burlington blues scene has new line-ups galore: Sandra Wright continues to work with the Unknown Blues Revue (celebrating their Twentieth Anniversary!), but is now collaborating with Kip Meaker in her own band. East Coast Muscle played their last gig at Trackside Tavern in April, with Nobby Reed focusing on his “project”, and Richie Ward and Noble Francouer continuing as “Richie and the Fat Boy.” The Disciples, Blues For Breakfast and Dave Keller have added new members. Glen Schweitzer will be bringing Vasser Clements back to town.

Upcoming Shows:

July 3 Eighth Annual Blues For Breakfast Fireworks Cruise. Information 864-9804

July 4 McDuff’s Blues & BBQ festival with John Lackard, Blues For Breakfast, Seth Yacovone & Nobby Reed Project. Information 796-3333.

July 1-11 Montreal Jazz Fest featuring FREE blues on the Labatt stage every night. www.montrealjazzfest.com for information.

July 29 Marcia Ball, Higher Ground.

Have a great summer of blues music!! You can write me with information/comments at P.O. Box 271, Burlington, VT 05402 or email at: mrcharlieb@worldnet.att.net.