Due to health reasons, Merl Saunders will not be able to perform at the Gathering of the Vibes, which will take place July 4 7 in Mariaville, NY. NRBQ has been added to the line-up, which also includes Phil & Friends, Deep Banana Blackout, Strangefolk, Steve Kimock, Les Claypool, Warren Haynes (solo acoustic), Max Creek, Govt Mule and Soulive, among others. Tickets are available now online. There will be no tickets sold at the gate.

Merl continues to recover from the stroke he suffered last month. Fans wishing to send cards can address them to: Merl Saunders c/o Summertone Records, P.O. Box 22184, San Francisco, CA 94122.