As many of you have heard by now the big news this month is our affiliation with Relix. Steve Bernstein has stepped into the fray as our publisher. Incidentally, in case you didn't know, Relix now has a new creative team in place, a new editorial staff, a new photo editor (the ubiquitous Mike Mac) and a new perspective. Plus, they've cut subscription rates in half :) Check it out. While you're at it- click here- for the Amazon.com page on Steve Bernstein's book. We're proud to be associated with them as it offers any number of opportunities to continue the mission we embarked upon nearly three years ago, bolstered by some new ideas and opportunities (plus as I've said already, as everyone knows who was at SPA on April 4- these folks know how to throw a party).

What else? Well I suppose next up on the list of April news is the Jammys. By the end of this month the nominations will appear at the site, with voting to begin soon afterwards. In addition, you will be able to submit paper ballots via the upcoming issue of Relix. As for the roster of performers, stay tuned we'll have that announcement soon. Oh yes, regarding ticket sales, we'll be have that info for you in a week or two as well.. I do pledge this, though, everyone on our email list will have an early opportunity to buy tickets- so if you haven't done so already please sign up (it's easy- just send an email to jambands.com-subscribe@listbot.com there's no demographic survey etc.- just sign up and you're in the game...)

Oh yes, we have a really chunky issue too. A new contributor, Andy Tennille, did an amazing job with his Dave Schools interview, so I recommend you start there. Aaron Kayce also returns with a nice piece on Brad Barr and the Slip. Beyond that we have plenty of new articles and interviews from our steady crew ( I've already read Jeff Waful's interview with Gov't Mule's manager Stefani Scamardo three times).

All in all, this is a great month for music, particularly in the Northeast where the shows start to move outside (college festival gigs in particular) so get out there and enjoy a few. We'll be there with you.

later days and peace,
Dean