Reunited country rock act the Mavericks will film and record tonight's (June 2) concert at Stubbs BBQ in Austin, Texas, for release as its first live DVD/CD in September. The group is planning to play new and old material, as well as a few choice covers. Also planned for the DVD are new interviews with band members and behind-the-scenes tour footage. The Mavericks are touring in support of their sixth studio album, a self-titled Sanctuary set released in September 2003. The set debuted at No. 32 on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart and has sold 61,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
-- Barry A. Jeckell, N.Y.
Beenie Man, Beres Hammond, Bounty Killer, Sizzla and Elephant Man are among the artists slated to play the Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest Festival in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Set for July 18-24, the 12th annual event will boast themed days, ranging from the opening day's beach party at Cornwall Beach to the July 21 Foundation Concert at Club Inferno to a pair of international nights to close the festival.Other confirmed artists include Black Uhuru, Wailing Souls, Gregory Isaacs, Wayne Marshall, Vybz Cartel and Tanto Metro & Devonte.
Tickets are priced at $125 for all six days of music or $165 for a VIP pass that includes a premium viewing area and limited backstage access. Travel packages are also available. For more information, visit the event's official Web site.
-- Barry A. Jeckell, N.Y.
A trio of Leon Redbone albums will be reissued July 20 by Rounder Records. The 1985 collection "Red to Blue" boasts guest appearances by Dr. John and Hank Williams Jr., while 1988's "No Regrets" features banjo virtuoso Bela Fleck and bluegrass staple Jerry Douglas. Both were originally issued on the Sugar Hill label. Merle Haggard, Ringo Starr and Roger McGuinn guest on 1994's "Whistling in the Wind," which originally appeared on Private Music and later August Records. All three albums were co-produced by Redbone and his longtime collaborator Beryl Handler.
Although often flying below the radar, Redbone is rarely far from the public eye and ear. His distinctive growl was heard in last year's Will Ferrell film "Elf," where he gave voice to a snowman. His version of the classic "My Blue Heaven" was included in the recently released Jack Black/Ben Stiller comedy "Envy."
The artist has tour dates scheduled through the end of the year, and will appear Saturday (June 5) on Garrison Keillor's public radio program, "A Prairie Home Companion." The live show will originate from Meadowbrook Farm in Gilford, N.H., and will also feature the music of Old Crow Medicine Show.
-- Barry A. Jeckell, N.Y.
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