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James McMurtry tells stories of real people, losers and outcasts, inhabiting the characters from whose point of view he sings with empathy seldom seen anywhere else. His deadpan delivery is perfect for his storytelling and dry wit, and his social commentary is right on the mark. Yeah, he's from Texas and his daddy is Larry McMurtry. So what? Find out why John Mellencamp was so impressed upon hearing him that he produced his first album, and why artists like Robert Earl Keen covers his songs.

September 19-25: The Kennedys

Pete and Maura Kennedy are the total package. Pete plays a dynamic acoustic and electric guitar, having backed both Nanci Griffith and Mary-Chapin Carpenter. Maura is a fine singer and songwriter with a dynamic personality and stage presence. Together, they tour the country playing groovy jangle pop and hitting thrift stores for cool retro threads. They are also themselves the hosts of a weekly folk music show on Sirius statellite radio. Find out just how great the Kennedys are this week on the Online Folk Festival, because we all need some grooviness with our folk music from time to time. Their newest CD, Half a Million Miles, was released in late August.

I just got this via e-mail from Eddie From Ohio and thought it important enough to pass along via the blog:

IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE BAND

We're sad to report that within the last two weeks, our own Julie Murphy
Wells has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Because of the aggressive
nature of treatment necessary (surgery and therapy), we will be forced to cancel
all of our performances for the next four weeks, at least.

On Thursday, September 15, Julie will undergo surgery for removal of the
malignancy. While initial test results give reason to believe that the
tumor is contained and hasn't spread, nothing will be definite until the surgery
takes place.

At this point, Julie wishes to go public with her current illness as she
could use all the prayer power she can get for her and her family. She's
definitely showing her Fighting Irish colors more than she ever has, and
continues to demonstrate a remarkable display of high spirits. She
certainly hasn't lost her sharp sense of humor either.

She's been an inspiration to us all, and she gives us all reason to believe
she's gonna kick this cancer in the seat of the pants. She's in wonderful care
with a new facility in Arlington, Virginia- top professionals with
incredible bedside manner. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

We've set up a separate special email account if you'd like to send a note
to Julie my-left-breast@hotmail.com (Yes, that was Julie's idea. We weren't kidding about that sense of humor)
Please watch our website for updates, and we'll do our best to keep folks in the
loop with any developments. Sorry, no 'abreast' puns here. http://www.eddiefromohio.com/

We realize that this comes on the tail end of another batch of show
cancellations. It seems we've moved from one setback to another, and the
devastation down South following Katrina has taken the wind out of everybody's
sails. We thank everyone for their patience and understanding, and
we apologize for any and all inconveniences.

Here's to better times for everybody, Eddie from Ohio

Eddie From Ohio has been one of my favorite bands since seeing them open for Moxy Fruvous many years ago, and I know that you will join me in wishing nothing but the best for Julie, her family, and the band.

I had the pleasure of seeing Baka Beyond perform live several times recently at the Dublin (Ohio) Irish Festival and they are not to be missed if they perform near you. Baka Beyond began when guitarist Martin Cradick and his wife, singer Su Hart, lived with the Baka people of the rainforests of Cameroon, playing music for several weeks in the early 90s. From this experience emerged the first Baka Beyond album, where Cradick mixed field recordings from the Baka with original compositions blending the styles of the Baka with some Celtic/traditional folk. Eventually, a performing group emerged, now with members from Africa and Europe. Baka Beyond released Rhythm Tree earlier this year. The music is fun, danceable world folk, and I hope it makes your work week a little more joyful this week.

Singer/songwriter Kate Campbell is known primarily for writing compelling, literate songs about life in the Southern United States. On her new CD, to be released today (September 6), she explores the power of the blues in our lives, and the importance of blues as both expression and catharsis. Called Blues and Lamentations, this CD is the best I have heard so far this year, and may be Kate Campbell's best yet. I'll be playing many tracks from it, as well as from Kate's entire, stellar catalog.