Keyboardist Merl Saunders, who passed away this past October will be honored when his Rainforest Band reforms for a performance next month. The group emerged from the Blues From the Rainforest sessions, which also included Jerry Garcia and percussionist Muruga Booker (Weather Report, George Clinton). Returning to the Rainforest Band will be Booker, along with Merl’s son Tony on bass, guitarist Michael Hinton (Country Joe & the Fish) and keyboard player Bill Thompson. Special guests will include Ken Kozora on additional keys, Perry Robinson (clarinet) and Sikiru Adepoju (talking drum). The performance take place on July 25 as part of the Starwood Festival which returns to the Brushwood Folklore Center in Sherman, NY on July 21-26.