Bookings open for Caribbean Holidaze in Decemeber

Umphrey's McGee and The Disco Biscuits will return as the Brain Damaged Eggmen, performing the music of the Beatles, Pink Floyd and Bob Marley, at the second Caribbean Holidaze December 11-15 at the Hedonism III and Breezes resorts in Runaway Bay, Jamaica. The first collaboration between the bands was the highlight of Cloud 9 Adventures' first Holidaze event last December.

The festival opens bookings for the 2008 event next week. Also on the lineup: Toots and the Maytals, Toubab Krewe, OTT, and Mad Professor with Ariwa Posse. All accommodations are at the two "super-inclusive" resorts, in which all entertainment, lodging and meals are included in a single price. Oceanfront concerts will take place all four days with attendees free to explore all the amenities each resort has to offer. Per-person rates range from about $900 to $1900, depending on room choice.

For complete information: Caribbean Holidaze

Super Chikan

Photo Credit: Resource Entertainment Group

Super Chikan

The nephew of Big Jack Johnson, James "Super Chikan" Johnson has an ability on the electric guitar that more than makes up for his stage name. On his most recent album, Sum Mo Chikan, he uses a very spare band (drums, bass, and piano) and nothing else throughout, and this instrumentation comes in handy when Johnson takes a solo, because his fretwork always turns out to be note-perfect, fun and compelling. The kind of sound that Johnson focuses on isn't one that you've never heard before, but it does have an excellent consistency that you're not likely to hear from many other blues guitarists.

Personnel (w/Fighting Cocks): James "Super Chikan" Johnson (vocals, guitar), Laura Craig (keyboards), Harvell Thomas (bass), Dion Thomas (drums)

Upcoming: Springing The Blues April 4-6, Juke Joint Festival April 19

Chikan Playing "Hookin' Up"



Video by charleyb1968.

Springing The Blues

Photo Credit: Springing The Blues

Springing The Blues

Springing The Blues is the first of a deluge of blues festivals that feature big lineups filled with performers on the cusp of national renown. Consider that this year the festival's theme is a tribute to the 35-year strong blues powerhouse label, Alligator Records. The festival not only has recruited several members of the label, such as Eric Lindell, Tinsley Ellis, Lil' Ed and the Blues Imperials and Smoking Joe Kubek featuring B'nois King, but also lesser known talent like child prodigy Eric Steckel and local funk outfit, the Legendary J.C.'s. A nice balance between the established and new is struck, whether intended or not.

Headliners: Michael Burks, Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials, Tinsley Ellis, Smokin' Joe Kubek Band, Eric Lindell, Super Chikan and the Fighting Cocks, Paul Rishell & Annie Raines

No video available