Today we look back to March 2, 2004.

The New New Earth Mud to Debut in New Orleans

Chris Robinson’s New Earth Mud will feature a revamped roster of players when it performs at TwiRoPa in New Orleans on April 30. Robinson will be will joined by Audley Freed (Black Crowes) on guitar and Steve Distanislao (CPR) on drums. George Reiff will return on bass and a new keyboard player will be announced soon. The group’s studio effort This Magnificent Distance will appear this spring.

ARU Alums Perform with Jupiter Coyote

Two of the Aquarium Rescue Unit’s initial members performed with Jupiter Coyote on Saturday night at East Andrews in Atlanta, GA. Count M’Butu who also appears on the new JC DVD The Hillary Step joined the band throughout the night. In addition, Rev. Jeff Mosier appeared for the later half on the show, initially on banjo and later on guijo (Matthew Mayes’ composite instrument of choice). Three band members: Mayes, John Felty (guitar) and Steve Trismen (fiddle) will play an acoustic gig at Wild Wing in Athens, GA on Thursday.

Suzanne Vega and Jaik Miller to Play at Tim Vega Exhibit

Suzanne Vega will perform this evening at the opening of the art exhibit devoted to her late brother’s work. Jaik Miller will also play at the event which will take place at LITM in Jersey City, NJ. A number of Vega’s works which have not been seen in some time including some HORDE banners will be on display in the exhibit which will run through March 16.

And the Band Formerly Known As a440…

The group temporarily-still-known-as-a440 will announce a new name at a gig this Saturday at Revolution Hall in Troy, NY. Unlike Psychedelic Breakfast’s recent move to the Breakfast, this change was not motivated by any stigma associated with the moniker (read AJ Keirans’ PB piece) but rather by a roster change. a440 will appear at La Cocina in Pittsfield, MA on the previous night and perhaps they will spill the new name, otherwise the big announcement will follow on the 6th.