Hello there!

I trust that everyone is making good use of the summer... it is flying by as usual. We had an incredible time at the Falcon Ridge Folk festival's 20th Anniversary last week. I think it's safe to say that it was the best one yet! In addition to a great feature set on Thursday night, we also managed to share various stages with the likes of Eliza Gilkyson, Eddie From Ohio, The Nields, John Gorka and Chris Smither. There's something wonderfully bizarre about sitting one seat away from one of your guitar hero's (Mr. Smither that is) and actually seeing how he creates that signature groove... front and center.

Another highlight was performing on the side stage with the incredible new-grass quintet, Crooked Still. We even managed to pull off a great version of Dylan's "Girl From the North Country" which went over very well. The capper was being joined on the main stage by the amazing and wonderful trio, Red Molly. Abbie, Laurie and Carol Ann came up and sang on "All That We Know" and then came out with banjo, dobro and mando for our closer; a greasy, rootsy version of the Neil Young classic "For The Turnstiles." I'm still smiling after such a memorable weekend.

As scary as it is to be faced with August, we're especially psyched this month for some stellar shows that are promising to be some of the best of the summer. Hope to see you all soon!

Online Newsletter Reminder:

Just a reminder that the "html & pics" version of this newsletter is viewable here:

www.jasonspooner.com/newsletter.asp

Opening for Brandi Carlile at L.L. Bean's Summer Series!!!


 

Well, it goes without saying that we've had some great shows over the past spring and summer months that have lead us to Montana, New Mexico, Colorado, Texas and all points in between... but I have to admit that the thought of opening for one of the country's most impressive and unique contemporary singer-songwriters in our own back yard might just be the gig of the summer.

Over the past few years, L.L. Bean has been building their summer concert series into a force to be reckoned with. This year alone the lineup featured the likes of Daryl Hall, Martin Sexton,
Kathy Mattea and Richie Havens. We could not be more thrilled to be opening for the incomparable Brandi Carlile on Saturday, August 2.

Unless you have avoided mainstream radio and media for the last 3 years, you will undoubtedly be familiar with Brandi's amazing songs and even more amazing vocals.

The New York Times describes her voice as "roomy, dark-hued and bittersweet, with a firmness of purpose and pitch. At times she scoops dramatically up to a note, like a slide guitarist. And in the harmonies she strikes... there are hints of bluegrass and Grand Ole Opry twang."

In my book, she's one of the few popular artists that have managed to master the fine line between writing radio-friendly tunes that actually make listeners think and feel. I'm excited to finally catch her live! Get to this one EARLY folks!

Saturday, August 2
L.L. Bean
Freeport, ME
7:30PM
Free to the public

For more information visit:

www.brandicarlile.com
www.llbean.com

The Spooner Trio's Debut at Musikfest!

So what do Avril Lavigne, Earth Wind & Fire, Jethro Tull, Stone Temple Pilots, John Fogerty and Poison have in common? Addiction to pain-killers? Perhaps. Plastic surgeons on the pay-roll? Maybe. But more importantly!!! You guessed it... they are all headlining at Bethlehem PA's annual Musikfest. After all of the mellow folk festivals this summer... I'm looking forward to witnessing some true rock stardom in action. Will Scott Weiland show? Will Brett REALLY rock our world? There's only one way to find out.

The Spooner Trio is lucky enough to be performing 2 shows on Tuesday night. Once on the Liederplatz stage at 6:30pm and then again on the Lyrikplatz stage at 9pm.

It promises to be a great night of music with a very festive (and apparently Germanic) vibe.

Come on down!

Tuesday, August 5
Bethlehem, PA
6:30pm on Liederplatz stage
9pm on Lyrikplatz stage


For more information visit:

www.musikfest.org

Our first headliner at the Vanilla Bean!

Many a songwriter pal of mine has mentioned that the venue to play in CT in unquestionably the Vanilla Bean in the quiet town of Pomfret. We're looking forward to our first show at this venerable venue. If you are within striking distance, we hope you'll come check us out!

Saturday, August 30
Pomfret, CT
8:00pm
$10

For more information visit:

www.thevanillabeancafe.com

Saturday, August 2
The L.L. Bean Summer Concerts
OPENING FOR BRANDI CARLILE!
Freeport, ME

Tuesday, August 5
6:30pm and 9pm
Liederplatz stage & Lyrikplatz stage
Musikfest
Bethlehem, PA

Sunday, August 10
5pm
The Portland Lobster Co
180 Commercial St.
Portland, ME

Thursday, August 14
12:00pm
Lewiston Auburn Arts Series
Lewiston, ME

Saturday, August 23
9:30pm
Amigo's
Portland, ME

Thursday, August 28
6pm
The Portland Lobster Co
Portland, ME

Friday, August 29
10:00pm
Brian Boru
Portland, ME

Saturday, August 30
8:00pm
The Vanilla Bean
Pomfret, CT