As Marcie said back in April, change is good. Hopefully this particular change will live up to that statement! I will be submitting the "Home Grown Happenings" column from now on. I'd like to heartily thank Ma rcie, for doing such a great job on this column for the past two years! So, hi everyone! Some of you may know me from festivals like All Good and Gathering of the Vibes, where the Home Grown Krewe serves up kind tunes to throngs of music freaks. I' m also responsible for The Dancing Tree, HGMN's weekly email newsletter…that, by the way, now has archives and a festival review section! Check it out at www.HomeGrownMusic.net/dancingtree.shtml. This column will still contain our new releases and news, but look for occasional festival reviews, show offers, trivia contests, and other inspired acts of kindness. Read The Dancing Tree review of Gatherin g of the Vibes at www.HomeGrownMusic.net/GOTV2000.shtml

Here they are, the newsmakers, the new CD releases!

hipbone - "Boombox Blackout" CD - The most recent Phoenix Presents release features the irresistible sounds of hipbone! Their first release since 1998's best-selling "The Brother's Love and Movie" was recorded March 25, 2000 at the Cat's Cradle in their hometown of Carrboro, NC, and features new material like "Go Long" as well as crowd pleasers such as "Radius" and "Wicked". $12.00

Donna the Buffalo - "Positive Friction" CD - More hypnotic, zydeco-influenced grooves from this talented group of songwriters! Their soothing sound is highlighted by the sugary vocals and pumping accordion of Tara Nevins. $15.00

The Big Wu - "Live at the Fitzgerald Theater" CD - This new Phoenix Presents release has already become a favorite among the Home Grown staff! The understated yet lively melodies and jams of this Minnesota quintet's newest CD were captured live on Ap ril 21, 2000 at the beautiful Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, Minnesota. $12.00

The Slip - "Does" CD - The long-awaited follow-up to their phenomenal debut! Experience the distinctive sound of "Slipsonics"! This disc includes concert favorites like "So Dope" as well as all-new material. $16.00 (ON SALE!)

Jupiter Coyote - "Here Be Dragons" CD - The latest studio effort from Home Grown members Jupiter Coyote is now in stock! Released in 1998, this disc features the longtime crowd-pleaser "Rose Hill" among others. $16.00

Netwerk: Electric - self-titled CD - This rising California band channels a funky and familiar west coast groove influenced heavily by the Greyboy Allstars, but with an even smoother, more patient style. Greyboy sax man Karl Denson plans to hel p produce and possibly play on their next album! $12.00

Joe Craven - "Camptown" CD - A magical solo album from the David Grisman Quintet fiddle ace! Joe takes traditional fiddle tunes on a rhythmic world tour as timeless melodies find new life among exotic new contexts. Joe plays dozens of instrume nts from around the world; even mixing bowls and mason jars! $15.00

Outback - "Baka" and "Dance the Devil Away" CDs - Spirit-lifting, booty-shaking world music courtesy of this globetrotting foursome. They employ West African, Italian, Chinese, Australian, European, and Moroccan instruments to create an immense ly tribal sound with a touch of modern influences. Graham Wiggins, who now enjoys success as Dr. Didg, is one of the founding members of the band. $16.00

Grateful Dead - Dick's Picks Volumes 7 through 12 - Hand-picked live Dead from their official archives! Experience the amazing sound quality of these legendary performances, digitally re-mastered from the original two-track source tapes. Chec k our store for set lists, venues, and dates! 3 disc sets - $22.00 each

Widespread Panic - "Space Wrangler" cassette - This old-school Landslide Records release is sure to be a collector's item among Spread-heads! This hard-to-find cassette has been unavailable since its initial release in 1988, and it won't be around fo r long, so get yours now! $11.00

David Grisman Quintet - "Dawganova" cassette - One more cassette for the road! This album is a fiesta of "Dawg" music that evokes a colorful Caribbean vibe. $5.00

Also just in: Deep Banana Blackout hats, T-shirts, and tank tops in a variety of colors and sizes (hats are one-size)! Give us a call at 1-800-6LEEWAY to order or find out more about sizes, colors, and styles.

If you've read this far, you rock! Each month I will offer up a fresh and crispy live show from my collection to the first 3 people to correctly answer a trivia question. This is a two-tape blanks-and-postage analog offer only. This month's show is Omi nous Seapods April 18, 2000 from Peasant's Café in Greenville, NC. Incredible quality! The question is:

What band has performed at all four All Good Festivals?

Send answers to bryan@homegrownmusic.net. Winners will be notified via email.

Keep up to date on all the latest kind festival info! www.HomeGrownMusic.net/events.shtml

Have a kind month =)