• The MAINE SONGWRITERS ASSOCIATION are trying to ramp up their happenings a little. If you're interested in what they're up to, check out their first-ever mixer and fundraiser at Andy's Pub, down on Commercial Street, at 5 pm on Tuesday. They used to be all-free, but membership is now a paid deal, with benefits including songwriting workshops and education events. Look for drink specials, and deals from local merchants, etc., at the event.
• Remember PAT COLWELL? You know, the Democratic politician guy? Well, the last time we heard from him in the Phoenix offices, he was screaming at us about that awesome cover we put together with Baldacci in horns and a moustache (apparently, he thought we were actually telling folks we thought he was the devil...). But let all that political stuff just wash away, 'cuz now he's disavowed himself of all that insider baseball and he's kicking around with brother Bob (of the BONEHEADS) and a new record, New Shoes — Old Blues. Check out the release show July 24, at 3 pm, at the Wharf in Hallowell.
• Did you see OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW at the Casino Ballroom last weekend? No. Well head on down to FLOYDFEST, in Floyd, Virginia, to catch them next, July 22 through 25. That's what the JASON SPOONER TRIO are doing, anyway. They've been invited to play the prestigious festival's "Under the Radar" series, which means they'll be sharing the bill with the likes of Old Crow, LEVON HELM, RAILROAD EARTH, GALACTIC, KARL DENSON, DEER TICK, the LOW ANTHEM, and the HACKENSAW BOYS (favorites of the "Sibilance" staff). Just get in your car in go — you know you don't have anything better to do. And the Spooner folks will be previewing stuff from the new album (details on that to come).
• It appears the new SPENCER ALBEE solo record could be landing August 10. Tracked with JONATHAN WYMAN and STEVE DROWN, with help from NEIL COLLINS on bass and NATE NADEAU on drums, we've been told it's "the opposite" of the last record with the School Spirit Mafia. We're not sure what that means, but we're looking forward to taking a listen. What with the new KURT BAKER EP on the 13th, DEADMAN'S CLOTHES' new record on the 14th, and RAY LAMONTAGNE's new disc on the 17th, August is shaping up to be a busy month.
