Today we look back to May 11, 2004…

Umphrey’s McGee To Drop Anchor in Late June

June 29 is the official release date for Anchor Drops, the latest effort from Umphrey’s McGee. This is the sixth official recording from the group, and the first to receive the national distribution that will place Anchor Drops into record stores throughout the country. This evening UM is at the Mercy Lounge in Nashville, one of three shows this week with Rob Wasserman. Looking forward, in addition to performances at The Big Wu Family Reunion, Summer Camp and Bonnaroo, the group will host a Tapers Appreciation Night on Thursday May 27 at Shank Hall in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (rather than a Shoeps giveaway, presumably the sextet will bust out a few chestnuts that evening).

Bonnaroo Schedule Announced; Fest Goes Wireless

The performance schedule for the 2004 Bonnaroo Music Festival is now up at the event web site. Friday’s music is set to open on three stages with Los Lonely Boys, New Monsoon and mrnorth all hitting at noon. As with 2002, Bonnaroo will close with a performance by Trey Anastasio’s band. In other news, festival organizers have confirmed that wireless internet connections will available on site with dedicated internet cafes offered as well (and for those clamoring for a bit more physical expression, Major League Baseball will set up batting and pitching cages- get in line early to marvel at the power and grace that is the textbook swing of steroid-free site editor Dean Budnick).

The Slip Will Perform Two Days at Spring Shaker 2004; Addison Groove Project, nero, Grand Theft Bus also on Bill

Spring Shaker 2004 will take place on May 28 and 29 at Woodbourne Farm in Bayside, New Brunswick. A number of native Canadian groups will appear on the bill, including nero, Grand Theft Bus, The Jimmy Swift Band and Hiway Freeker. A few bands will be crossing the border for this event, notably The Slip (which will taking the stage on both days) as well as Addison Groove Project and Raisinhill (both are slotted for late night sets from 3:30AM until daybreak). Woodbourne Farm’s stated mission is ‘to harness the positive energy generated by our guests, and focus it on worthwhile issues which demand resolution,’ and this year’s festival beneficiary is the Whale Stewardship Project.

Mike Clark and Lenny White’s Brew Includes Garrett, Clarke, Bailey and Ford

Mike Clark and Lenny White are two drummers well-known for their work with notable band leaders: Clark with Herbie Hancock and White with Miles Davis on the Bitches Brew sessions (and also with Chick Corea and Jackie McLean). The pair have been friends for some time but later this week they will offer their first staged extended collaborative performance. For their ‘New Brew’ the pair have invited a number of musicians with similar skills and pedigrees including Stanley Clarke, Kenny Garrett, Robben Ford, Victor Bailey, George Colligan and Wallace Roney. The collective will debut at NYC’s B.B King’s in NYC this Friday May 14 with no additional dates currently announced.