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There are musicians who can play two-hour sets night after night and others who get burnt out on the road after a two-month tour.

Cliff Lyons, left, Rob Aries, Onnie McIntyre, Brent Carter, Alan Gorrie, Rocky Bryant, and Fred Vigdor are Average White Band.

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Alan Gorrie is among the former road warriors. He says music is in his blood.

Its the only life I know, the bassist, guitarist, and vocalist said. I chose this life early on and was very fortunate to have a success in doing it.

The soul and funk group known as Average White Band is this years headlining act at the annual Northwest Ohio Music Festival on Saturday at International Park in downtown Toledo.

For more than 40 years, Average White Band has been recognized as one of the best soul and funk acts in the world. Though it has had lineup changes, the band maintains founding musicians Gorrie and Onnie McIntyre, guitarist and vocalist respectively. The seven-member band found its big break with its song Pick Up The Pieces in 1974.

The band saw more success in the years that followed, such as gold-selling albums and multiple Grammy nominations, as well as other hit singles like Cut The Cake and Lets Go Round Again.

After years of touring and writing material, Gorrie said theres a one-word method his band mates keep in mind to stay focused: KISS Keep It Simple, Stupid.

Of course, he said the enjoyment of still playing concerts today is also attributed to his many years of experience in traveling, something the band has down to a science.

But theres nothing like receiving positive feedback from the audience after rocking an hour and a half set list, he said.

Thats the drug that keeps everyone of us going, Gorrie said. You cant replace that. Theres no buzz in the world like it in getting the feedback from the audience to what you do. Thats the lifeblood that keeps you going. All the rest of it is hard work, but you just roll up your sleeves and tackle it.

This weekend wont be the first time the band has made it to Toledo.

The group has performed at Fifth Third Field stadium and was scheduled to perform at the music festival a few years ago but was derailed because of a rain storm.

Shelley Crossley, marketing and events coordinator for Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank, said the organization decided to bring the funk band back this year to fulfill what was missed a few years back.

Its a great way to showcase a different genre of music, she said of the festival, which benefits the Food Bank. Theres enough time for people to enjoy being downtown and relaxing down by the river.

She said last year the nonprofit organizations year-long efforts raised $8.5 million toward meals that were distributed throughout Defiance, Wood, Henry, Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky, Fulton, and Williams counties.

Thats a lot of meals throughout northwest Ohio, Crossley said.

Throughout the conversation with Gorrie, he talked about how hes seen music itself change throughout his career, specifically the consumer listening to music for free, and his view of the blues genres mentality in shaking off the shackles of every day hardship.

He references Average White Bands recent single, Harvest For The World, and cites the line, half of us are satisfied, half of us in need. The song addresses inequality, peace, and hunger, which he said is a concrete reason to perform at the music festival. He and his band mates want to raise money and awareness for those in need.

Its a timely thing and encapsulates what were all about, he said. We keep that spirit and message when performing.

The music festival runs from 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m and food trucks, beer, wine and Pepsi products will be available. Tickets cost $20 and can be purchased at toledofoodbank.org or at 23 E. Woodruff Ave. between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Friday. Tickets will also be available the day of the show at the entrance for $25 and parking is free.

Special guests include rhythm and blues singer and songwriter Tinsley Ellis and cover band the New Fashioned.

Contact Geoff Burns at:gburns@theblade.comor 419-724-6054.

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Average White Band headlines NW Ohio Music Festival - Toledo Blade

Tiffany Beck and her son Sylas wave to the crowd while riding in a fire engine in the Land of the Loon parade Saturday, June 17. Photos by Paul Pluskwik During the week of June 12-18, the Virginia Fire Department was called for service 97 times: 21 transfers, 27 fire calls, and 49 EMS 9-1-1 calls. This weeks fire calls varied greatly from multiple public assists, 11 false alarms where we were dispatched and cancelled, four times dispatched to motor vehicle incidents, and a cooking fire, a tent fire, an unauthorized burning, and a power line down. The 21 transfers brought us to Cook Hospital, Essentia Health-Northern Pines in Aurora and Essentia Health- Virginia. These patients were transported to Miller Dwan, St. Lukes and Essentia Health- St. Marys in Duluth. The 49 EMS 9-1-1 calls brought us to Britt, Eveleth, Gilbert, Mt. Iron, Tower, and Virginia. These patients were treated and transported to St. Lukes, Essentia Health- St. Marys, Essentia Health-Virginia, or to air medical. During this week, Saturday was our busiest day, with falls being the top reason for dispatch. We performed 73 procedures and administered 43 medicines. We treated more women (39) then men (31) with the average age being 60 years old. The fire marshals office responded to four fire calls, investigated a car fire, an illegal fire pit, and attended some in-house leadership training as well as worked on fire prevention activities for upcoming events. The fire marshal and the fire explorers assisted the police and on-duty fire crews with Land of the Loon and staffed a first-aid station. Thank you again to all the area first responders that help us every day.

Virginia firefighters participate in the Land of the Loon parade in Virginia. So now that winter is over and construction season is in full swing, please remember that the construction workers are not trying to inconvenience you. They are trying to improve the roadways and other infrastructure. Please be aware of emergency vehicles and personnel around fire and motor vehicle collision scenes. In the past we have had fire hoses run over and personnel almost struck by drivers who were not paying attention. Last week in Michigan, Comstock Fire Chief Ed Switalski, who was a friend and National Fire Academy classmate of Hibbing Fire Captain Tony Sikich and mine, was struck by a pickup truck while on the scene of a motor vehicle collision. As Chief Switalski was putting his gear away in the back of his command vehicle, he was struck by what some accounts describe as an out-of-control vehicle. His funeral was Wednesday. With that being said, here are a few tips that can help make your commute safer.

1. Plan ahead.

Do you regularly whiz through your morning routine in a whirlwind of chaos, trying to make up time while on the road? Do you allow just enough time to drive to an appointment? Then youre probably also more prone to a lead foot and a lost temper. If you add 10 minutes to your expected travel time, youll have time to stop for gas or detour around road construction. Also, try preparing clothing, briefcases, childrens school bags and lunches the night before to minimize your morning rush. Extra time equals calmer driving.

2. Your car is not your therapist.

Many of us love and identify with our cars, but sometimes you can take the car as extension of self idea too seriously. If your boss or your spouse left you steaming, take care not to use driving as a way to blow off steam. No matter how much power youve got under the hood,

your vehicle is first and foremost a mode of transportation.

3. Turn down the bass. Without getting into the argument over aggressive music makes people aggressive, it makes sense that listening to relaxing music or even a comedy channel on satellite radio will make you less pumped up for action than a driving bass line. Try tuning in to classical or jazz to reduce stress. Or listen to an audiobook.

4. Loosen up, then breathe: If you notice yourself clenching the steering wheel in a death grip, try flexing your fingers and loosening your hold youll find that you can control the car just as well. If your right foot is cramped, set the cruise control if traffic allows. If youre on a prolonged road trip, try not to exceed three hours of travel time without a break where you get out and stretch. Struggling to see through a dirty windshield is also an unnecessary stress factor, so fill up with washer fluid before you go. Periodically roll down the window and breathe deeply and slowly.

5. Its not about you. Perhaps another driver cut you off. Or the car in front of you is braking erratically. Before you assume the driver is getting off on your rising anger levels, realize that you, as an individual, are not the target. Perhaps the driver simply made a mistake or was just being oblivious. Maybe theres a screaming baby, a loose pet or a crazed bee in the car. Maybe he was on a cell phone. The point is, dont take things so personally.

6. Hostility is toxic. And risky. People most prone to anger are almost three times more likely to have a heart attack than those with low anger, according to the American Psychological Association. Other health risks seen in those who display hostility include obesity, depression and stroke. Wow, who knew? Safe driving promotes healthy hearts! Not only will giving into anger not resolve an irritating situation, it can increase the risk of retaliation. Think to yourself, Is making my point worth endangering my life? If all else fails, do a mental 180 and try to laugh it off.

7. Use restaurant etiquette. While its upsetting when a stranger is rude or cuts in line in a restaurant or store, most folks wouldnt lose their cool and become abusive as a result. It isnt only because they have good manners. Driving a car makes people

feel more isolated and protected, allowing them to act in ways they would normally find embarrassing. So when another driver acts like a jerk, respond as though youre in a restaurant.

8. Take the self-test.

Try analyzing your driving. Do any of the following statements sound like you?

I regularly exceed the speed limit in order to get to work on time. I tailgate other drivers, especially those who sit in the left lane. I flash my lights and honk my horn to let drivers know when they annoy me. I verbally abuse other drivers whether they can hear me or not. I frequently weave in and out of traffic to get ahead. I feel the need to set bad drivers straight. If you answered yes to any of these questions, your driving may qualify as aggressive. The American Institute for Public Safety (AIPS) has a more detailed RoadRageous Test that determines if your driving habits fall under the aggressive zone, hostile zone or worse yet war zone.

9. Practice kindness.

Dr. Leon James, a.k.a. Dr. Driving and author of Road Rage and Aggressive Driving, says that remembering simple courtesies, like allowing someone to merge or apologizing when we make a mistake, can go a long way in making the driving experience positive for ourselves and others. His basic motto is the old do unto others rule: Treat fellow drivers how you would like to be treated. As additional incentive, reducing your aggressiveness on the road can also keep you out of serious trouble.

By planning ahead and keeping things in perspective, we can prevent our emotions from getting the best of us. Putting aggressive driving in park will help to ensure your own safety, as well as the safety of everyone around you.

Submitted by Fire Chief Allen Lewis, Virginia Fire Department.

More here:

Virginia Fire Department Run Report: June 12-18, 2017 - Hometown Focus

Cancer June 23 today's free daily star sign horoscope by Russell Grant

BelfastTelegraph.co.uk

Even the best laid plans have a way of falling apart.

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/horoscopes/cancer-june-23-todays-free-daily-star-sign-horoscope-by-russell-grant-35400748.html

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/incoming/article35415977.ece/a79c9/AUTOCROP/h342/cancer.jpg

Even the best laid plans have a way of falling apart.

Instead of falling victim to frustration, seize this opportunity to enjoy some personal time. Curl up with a good book, take in a movie marathon or listen to relaxing music. Lately, you've been busy with a seemingly endless list of tasks. By pausing to take a few deep breaths and get your bearings, you'll realise you have been cheating yourself. No responsibility is worth jeopardising your physical and emotional health.

Questions about Love, Relationships, Career or Life in general..? Call Russell Grant's team of Psychics on 1580 444 578 (2.44c per minute) or to pay by Credit/Debit Card Call LOCAL RATE 016869301 and quote DIG46 to get 5 free minutes when you book a 20 minute reading!

1580 calls cost 2.44c per minute plus network extras. 18+ only. All calls are recorded for your protection and safety. This Entertainment service is regulated by ComReg and is provided by RGA, PO Box 322, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA15 8YL.

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Cancer June 23 today's free daily star sign horoscope by Russell Grant - Belfast Telegraph

Sara Ann Garrison, a recent graduate of Cape Henlopen High, has a new EP and a host of concerts and festivals throughout the summer and fall, including tonights Smyrna at Night event. (Submitted photo)

SMYRNA For most, the period right after high school graduation can be a time to relax and reflect on a job well done.

Not so for Sara Ann Garrison.

After graduating from Cape Henlopen High School on June 6, the Lewes country singer was in Nashville, Tennessee, on June 8 performing at the CMA Music Festival.

She was there to give a series of concerts and promote her new EP Livin A Dream.

The slate of shows served as a kickoff to a busy summer and fall of concerts and festivals, including tonights free Smyrna at Night. She will perform on the outdoor stage on Main Street in front of Odd Fellows Cafe starting at 6:40.

She joins 27 other acts in nine venues around town, some with two stages, during the event which gets underway at 5:15 p.m.

No stranger to Music City, Ms. Garrison was the 2014 winner of Nashville Universes Shooting Star of the Year Award, made the top five in Nashville Universes Rising Star of the Year in 2015 and was a 2016 Fresh Face of Renegade Radio Nashville.

Its always really cool to get to go down there, Ms. Garrison said this week.

I did a few shows in a few days, signed some autographs and had a great time.

Now that she has graduated high school, Ms. Garrison has more time to concentrate on her music.

Im going to put college aside for a while. For the longest time, I had to juggle school and music with writing during the week and then doing concerts on the weekend, she said.

Now I can put my full force behind the music career.

Performing since age 3 and writing music since she was 13, it was always a tricky task balancing the books with her burgeoning career, especially in the run-up to writing and recording her latest work.

I would end up coming home from school, relaxing for a little bit and then start co-writing with someone else or writing by myself or practicing the songs, she said.

For Livin a Dream, she got the tutelage of other, more experienced songwriters who helped her with some of the songs.

Two of the five songs she wrote by herself.

It was a real learning experience, she said of her co-writers arranged through her label, Heart Songs Corporation.

It was cool to get different ideas as to how to write a song.

She still remembers the songs she wrote when she was 13 although she doesnt perform them anymore, adding they might resurface at some point.

She says the songs that she writes now are more mature.

They tend to be more connectible to some people and easier to understand and identify with, she said, adding that she finds herself writing a great deal about love and relationships these days.

In her young career, Ms. Garrison has opened for such established country stars as Sam Grow, Chasin Crazy and Jon Pardi and performed on the Next From Nashville stage at the 2015 Delaware Junction country music festival in Harrington.

On Sept. 30, she will play the Garden State Festival in Atlantic City, New Jersey, opening for Dan & Shay and the Eli Young Band.

She enjoys the exposure that opening for major acts brings.

You always know you have new potential fans who may have not heard you before, she said.

Other highlights this summer include Wilmingtons Lady Bug Festival in Wilmington on July 20 and the Wicomico Festival in Salisbury, Maryland on Aug. 20.

She will also play Dovers Concerts on the Green Series on Aug. 3.

Those who attend tonights Smyrna at Night show can expect a mix of her new songs and some covers.

For those who dont know my music completely, I like to mix it up and throw a Taylor Swift song or a song by another artist in there, she said.

Livin a Dream is available on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon and Google Play. Physical copies will also be available at her concerts or at saraanngarrison.com.

Smyrna at Night, now in its fourth year, has been getting bigger every year both in terms of attendance and attractions.

Theres really so much value for zero admission, said Jeremy Hebbel, co-owner of Gable Music Ventures.

Smyrna at Night is a production of Strongpoint Marketing in association with Gable.

Internationally touring blues musician Vanessa Collier will play the main stage at Smyrna at Night tonight at 9. (Submitted photo)

Last years event drew about 3,500 people with 4,000 expected this year.

Weather is always the wild card. But ignoring that, there does seem to be a buzz about Smyrna at Night with people tagging other people about how it has gone the last three years and new people saying they have to go this event, Mr. Hebbel said.

Headlining Smyrna at Night this year is international blues musician and saxophonist Vanessa Collier, Nellys Echo, who performed on Season 3 of The Voice, and Dovers own Hoochi Coochi.

Mr. Hebbel said hes proud of the eclectic lineup and of the headliners.

Vanessa was by far the most buzzed-about act at Ladybug last year, he said.

Gable produces both Smyrna at Night and the all-female Ladybug Festival, which this year will take up two days in downtown Wilmington, July 20-21.

She is someone who has been nominated for blues awards, travels the entire world performing and graduated from the Berklee School of Music, he said.

Hoochi Coochi, an indie blues quartet, has been blowing up over the last year, said Mr. Hebbel, adding that Hoochi Coochi will also headline Ladybug this year.

Aside from blues, music genres this year include country, rock, folk, big band, drum and bass and contemporary Christian.

We did lots of brainstorming with town officials to make sure we had the right balance of genres and also local acts, Mr. Hebbel said.

When you discover a type of music that you didnt know you liked, it can be a real game changer.

Due to popular demand, Mr. Hebbel said that festivalgoers should look for an increase in food trucks this year, with 14 set to roll in.

The evening will also include a childrens play area and a beer garden.

SMYRNA AT NIGHT LINEUP MAIN STAGE ON MARKET STREET PLAZA 5:15-6 p.m. The Joe Trainor Trio, Piano-based rock 6:15-7 p.m. Hoochi Coochi, Indie Blues 7:30-8:30 p.m. Nellys Echo, Pop/Soul 9-10 p.m. Vanessa Collier, Blues/Soul SMYRNA OPERA HOUSE 5:30-6:30 p.m. Single Origin, Indie Neo Soul 6:45-7:45 p.m. The Susquehanna Floods, Blues/Southern rock 8:15-9:15 p.m. FaithWorX, Contemporary Christian OUTDOOR STAGE ON MAIN STREET 5:25-6:25 p.m. Cecilia Grace, Pop duo 6:40-7:40 p.m. Sara Ann Garrison, Country 8-9 p.m. Bryan Russo, Indie Blues PAINTED STAVE OUTDOOR STAGE 5:15-6:15 p.m. Tyler Greene Music, Psychedelic rock 7-8 p.m. Forsaken, Hick Hop PAINTED STAVE INDOOR STAGE 6:15-7:15 p.m. Ali Sperry, Americana 8-9 p.m. Alvin Clayton Pope, Multiple genres SHERIDANS INDOOR STAGE 5:30-6:30 p.m. Keith Kenny, Rock/Blues 7:30-8:30 p.m. Jason Ager & the Golden Eagles, Blues/Soul SHERIDANS PATIO STAGE 6-7 p.m. Orion Freeman, Folk 8-9 p.m. Sam Schmidthuber, Country DRUNKN BAKER 5:30-6:30 p.m. The Rose Project, Indie Americana 6:45-7:45 p.m. Shane Palko, Folk 8-9 p.m. Hot Breakfast!, Acoustic dork rock SMYRNA MUSIC GARDEN 6-7 p.m. Trap Rabbit, Instrumental drum and bass 7:30-8:30 p.m. Megan Knight Trio, Americana MAVERICK TEXAS BBQ OUTDOOR STAGE 6, 7:30 and 9 p.m. Big Ric Rising (three sets), Party dance band MAVERICK TEXAS BBQ INDOOR STAGE 5:15-6 p.m. Matt Sevier, Singer-songwriter 6:15-7 p.m. Britton Brothers, Multiple genres 7:15-8 p.m. Matt Sevier 8:15-9 p.m. Britton Brothers 9:15-10 p.m. Matt Sevier BLUE EARL BREWING COMPANY 4-7 p.m. Bryan Scar, Singer-songwriter 7-10 p.m. Rocket 88, Blues/Rock

Reach features editor Craig Horleman at chorl@newszap.com

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Lewes' Garrison ready for Smyrna at Night - Delaware State News

Thursday, 22 June 2017 | Staff Reporter | Bhopal | in Bhopal

The Bhopalites would witness a mild evening of devotional songs and classical music at Dushyant Kumar Memorial Museum of Manuscript. The event Aradhna will be held at the museum on Thursday.

Organized by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), a noted devotional singer from Ujjain Anuj Sharma would give a performance before the music lovers.

Notably, Anuj Sharma would perform along with his troupe in the concert. He is a noted and a talented devotional singer of the city. He has the essence to capture the attention of the audiences he manages to maintain the interest of the audience during the concert.

Anuj is into singing since his childhood and belong to a family with musical background. He has given various performances across the nation and has received a huge response from the music lovers.

Anuj further has received various awards for his spontaneous performances. He is one of those artists to whom the audiences listen with a rapt attention. He manages to maintain the innocence and purity of the classical music when he performs. It would be a fest for the music lovers to listen to the relaxing music live in a concert.

Notably, the event will be organized as a part of the horizon series of dance and music of ICCR. This event would be like a fest for the music lovers of the city as they would be witnessing an evening wrapped with soothing and mild music. Moreover, ICCR often organize similar concerts to promote the Indian culture of music and dance among the citizens.

Go here to see the original:

Bhopalites to witness Aradhna today - Daily Pioneer

Photo by Jon Farina

Dads day: Angelo Moultair and his five-year-old daughter Kailani, at the Fathers Day jazz brunch at Marine Park Golf Course on June 18.

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A day for the daddies!

Dozens of dads and children celebrated fatherhood at a Fathers Day jazz brunch in Marine Park on June 18. Pops and their tots kept each other company at the Marine Park Golf Course for a day of food, dance, and music by trumpeter Etienne Charles and Pan Fusion. The sounds kept guests on their toes, and was even a favorite for the kids, said one dad who came with his young daughter who

She definitely liked the music she kept on dancing, said Angelo Moultair, who spent the evening with his five-year-old Kailani. She loved everything the food, especially the macaroni, and just hanging out with me.

Invited by a friend to the event, it turned out to be a much more enjoyable that he imagined and even got to relive his music-playing memories, added Moultair.

I used to play the trumpet and to have a trumpeter there was special because he played some great music he can really play the trumpet, he said. I was invited and I didnt know what to expect but it exceeded my expectations.

The jazz brunch was organized by the Carlos Lezama Archives and Caribbean Cultural Center, a Brooklyn-based organization named after Carlos Lezama, the founder of the West Indian American Day Parade. The center aims at celebrating Caribbean music and culture in the city.

Other dads said they were just happy to enjoy their day among friends and families, said Queens father Gary Faustin.

I saw people I didnt see in a long time and did some catching up, said the father of two. My entire family was in town and it was really a good time to spend with family.

And some fathers were honored not only for their parenting, but for their community work. Organizers presented Carl Fanfair, who runs the Ile Osa Kanran Yoruba Cultural and Spiritual Temple with his wife, with an award for his work assisting the needy. He said the acknowledgment was humbling and a reminder that good deeds never go unrecognized.

It felt great to be honored for the things that Im doing, said Fanfair. Sometimes I think we take for granted what we have accomplished and whats being done mostly because its a natural thing Im doing and doesnt look or seem like much to me, but to hear people bring it up and say it to me, means that someone is always watching.

The dad to three boys and a girl did not attend with his kids, but said he wished they were there to see him being honored. Fanfair said that he did enjoy the day, particularly the music with his wife Camille.

The music was very soothing and relaxing to me, he said.

Posted 12:00 am, June 22, 2017

2017 Community News Group

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Musical brunch serenades dads on Father's Day - Caribbean Life

08:22 Thursday 22 June 2017

From a festival in glorious surroundings to a show by hip hop pioneers, there's lots going on...

Ultimate Beatles

Wolverton Recreational Ground, June 25

Join Paul, John, George and Ringo as Wolverton does its bit for the MK50 celebrations with a great big, free event.

Take a right by Penny Lane and youll find it on the left, just after Strawberry Fields. Oh no, wait a moment, its actually by Wolverton Leisure Centre.

Youll love it, yeah, yeah, yeah, promise organisers.

Jared James Nichols

The Craufurd Arms, June 24

Following last years European tour with Zakk Wylde, and UK tour with Walter Trout, Wisconsin-bred guitarist Jared James Nichols returns to these parts. Hes a new single too, Last Chance. I let it all hang out and went wild! Even the guitar solo is off the wall, and absolutely crazy, he said.

FB: jaredjamesnichols

Sensation

The Stables, June 23

Take a seat and enjoy the greatest hits of The Who, blended with songs from the musicals Tommy and Quodrophenia in what can only be described as a mod-ern delight.

West End performers will be bringing you the Who-dunnit in style, so dont erm, accept any substitute.

Boom-boom.

http://www.stables.org

The Sugarhill Gang

Bedford Esquires, June 22

The collective who were the first ever hip-hop mob to crack the billboard Top 40, with the seminal single Rappers Delight, rock up in Bedford this week. Its amost too cool for school.

A wee bit special, this date is a warm-up for their Glastonbury appearance this weekend. Its going to be hot.

http://www.seetickets.com

Marty Wilde & the Wildcats

The Stables, June 22

Join one of the greatest names from the 50s and 60s music scene as he looks back at a career spanning more than half a century.

Marty will be joined by members of The Wildcats as he presents a stunning evening of rock memories from the vaults. Settle back and prepare to be entertained.

http://www.stables.org

Irit Dekel

The Stables, June 22

Originally from Haifa, Irit grew up on a diet of jazz, classical, radio pop and the amazing rhythms of Ladino. Later teaming up with Jonathan Quarmby, they set to work crafting an album of 12 rhythmic, bright, colourful pop-influenced songs. Not quite Latin, not quite jazz, but uplifting...

http://www.stables.org

Togfest

Bradwell Abbey, June 23 and 24

The small family friendly festival with the big reputation returns to Bradwell Abbey for two days of fun ready to roll against a cool backdrop.

The venue is a haven of historic beauty, a perfect setting for a relaxing weekend listening to a range of music.

A bar, lots of festival stalls and food providers will be on site and there will be activities to keep the younger festival-goer entertained.

Those playing include Dirty Bizness, Jasper in the Company of Others, Jonny and the Mental Breakdown, Kalon Rae, Late Night Legacy, Bea Munro and the all important headliners, Togmor.

The original Togfest in 1998 was just a party, but in true new city style, the event has grown and grown, says organiser Ian Rowe. It is now a prestigious festival, with an enviable reputation.

http://www.togfest.org

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Music around MK: seven of the best events in the next week - Milton Keynes Citizen

UPDATED: Wed., June 21, 2017, 6:30 p.m.

Soothing music. Delightful fragrances. The absolute absence of ringing phones or pinging emails. And best of all, the only time anyone says my name is to ask me how Im feeling.

Theres nothing like a spa day to refresh my soul.

The Spokane and Coeur dAlene area is blessed with ample places to bliss out, and Ive visited most of them. For work. Seriously.

A few years ago, I took on a bunch of travel writing assignments for several regional magazines. Interestingly, most of them wanted me to cover spas and resorts. It was a rough gig, but somebody had to do it.

Not all experiences delighted. At a media day at one resort, my masseur looked like Bill Gates, and sounded like him, too. I closed my eyes and tried to relax, but all I could think about were the questions Id like to ask Mr. Gates. Like would he care to subsidize my writing career? And what the heck is up with the Blue Screen of Death?

And sometimes the choice of music in the massage rooms isnt exactly restful. Many places use the sound of ocean waves or a tinkling stream. It may sound soothing, but isnt if youve had a mimosa or a cup of coffee before your appointment.

One of my favorite spa experiences involved my husband. An airline magazine had asked me to write about fun local activities for couples including a spa day at a local resort.

Derek had never been to a spa and was a little apprehensive.

I dont have to get my toenails painted, do I? he asked.

Only if you want to, I replied.

The couples package included a soothing private aromatherapy bath in a huge jetted tub, and then a candlelight massage.

Derek followed a male attendant to the mens changing room, and I went to the womens. Luxurious robes with our names stitched on the lapels awaited us.

The attendants then ushered us into a suite, lit by flickering candles. They poured lovely smelling things into a tub that could easily hold a half dozen of our closest friends. Then they gave us each a glass of wine and told us theyd be back in an hour.

As they closed the door behind them, we got ready to climb into the tub.

Thats when I knew Derek was out of his depth. He dropped his robe and revealed he was wearing swim trunks.

I doubled over with laughter. He says I hooted and shrieked. I say I chuckled softly.

Hey,the guy said I could wear them if I felt more comfortable! I didnt know we were going to be ALONE, he said.

I may have giggled intermittently throughout the hourlong massage that followed, but it was just because I was having such a fabulous time.

While I enjoy massages, manicures and pedicures, theres one traditional spa activity that I havent cared for facials. Be they European, aromatherapy, collagen or paraffin, I just havent found the facial experience relaxing. For one thing, Im pretty claustrophobic and having my face wrapped in a hot towel with only my nostrils exposed feels suffocating. And once, the aesthetician got a little exuberant with an astringent and splashed some in my eye. My skin looked pink and rosy. So did my eye.

But recently with a gift card to my favorite spa burning a hole in my pocket, I decided to give facials another try.

And you know, it wasnt that bad. The aesthetician explained each application and treatment, was careful with the hot towel mummification and didnt splash anything in my eye.

One thing gave me pause: Most of the products used, she said, were to help with fine lines and wrinkles. After hearing fine lines and wrinkles for an hour, I started to get paranoid. Just how fine were those lines? And by wrinkles, did she mean laugh lines or wadded up linen blouse tucked in a drawer wrinkles? I was afraid to ask.

However, the organic masks, toners and scrubs smelled delicious, delectable even. There were applications of strawberry-rhubarb stuff, pink grapefruit potions and liberal lime mistings. In short, a fruit salad was applied to my face.

While facials still arent my favorite spa experience, Id probably do it again. Especially if Im hungry.

Contact Cindy Hval at dchval@juno.com. She is the author of War Bonds: Love Stories From the Greatest Generation. You can listen to her podcast Life, Love and Raising Sons at SpokaneTalksOnline.com. Her previous columns are available online at spokesman.com/columnists. Follow her on Twitter at @CindyHval.

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Front Porch: Gentle touch makes for ideal spa visit - The Spokesman-Review

Wilmingtonians who appreciate the craft and artistry of spontaneous sound should head to Rodney Square for the start of the 29th annual duPont Clifford Brown Jazz Festival.

It is the largest free jazz festival on the East Coast.

Jazz music is a whole different kind of music, said Capes Riley, a festival-goer there to take in the sights and sounds. It picks up your mood, your feelings, and it just makes you understand what [life] is all about. Its a beautiful thing.

The festival is in honor of Clifford "Brownie" Brown, a Wilmington-native jazz trumpeter. Brown was born in 1930 and lived on the city's East Side. Throughout his young career, he had a strong jazz influence over Donald Byrd, Lee Morgan, Booker Little, Arturo Sandoval, and Freddie Hubbard.

Unfortunately, in 1956, at the age of 25, Brown died in a car accident. Now, his legacy is preserved in the annual music gathering, the biggest of its kind on this side of the country.

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I look forward to just coming out [to the festival] and relaxing and enjoying some good jazz, said Riley.

Throughout a four-day festival, over 10 different jazz performances, food trucks, and a relaxing afternoon are for locals and visitors alike to take in the great outdoors of Downtown Wilmington.

We are jazz enthusiasts," said Mary Flattery. "We have come to the first one--and everyone since.

The 29th annual duPont Clifford Brown Jazz Festival takes place in Rodney Square, 1000 North Market Street, Wilmington, fromJune 21st to June 24th.

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VIDEO | The 29th annual duPont Clifford Brown Jazz Festival is the largest free jazz fest on the East Coast - WDEL 1150AM

VietNamNet Bridge - Live music in HCM City is never far away. Whether you are looking for relaxing background melody or a rip roaring rock session, Vietnams largest city has a place for you. And here are the best live music bars in the city.

Acoustic Bar

The Acoustic Bar is the venue of choice for Vietnams up and coming rock musicians. This is the place where legends never die and you can hear amazing renditions of amongst others Jimi Hendrix, The Doors and John Lennon. But its not limited to the classics; the international roster of musicians is free to rock on with anthems from any era.

The place itself is part bar, part cafe, with plenty of sofas for chilling with a coffee in the early evening and standing room for when it heats up at night there is no food served at The Acoustic Bar though so be sure to fill up beforehand.

This place is packed practically every night with a pleasant mix of Vietnamese and foreigners so if you only have one night for live music in HCM City, it should be The Acoustic Bar. Youll have no trouble finding the bar, just look out for an artistically upturned VW Beetle to guide the way.

Opening Hours: 18:00 24:00 (live music from 21:00, except on Sunday)

Address: 6E1 Ngo Thoi Nhiem Street, District 3

Sax n Art Jazz Club

Dark and smoky, this live jazz bar is unique in Ho Chi Minh City somewhere to listen to contemporary jazz with subtle Vietnamese influences thanks to the talented owner who plays several traditional instruments on stage.

Sax n Art is more expensive than most bars in the city, but that is the price you must pay to listen to Vietnams best jazz band in a compact and personal space.

The house band weaves between jazz standards and into some more avant-garde compositions, and many touring musicians have been known to frequent the club owned by Vietnams foremost jazz saxophone player.

Opening Hours: 19:00 24:00 (live music from 21:00)

Address: 28 Le Loi, District 1

Hard Rock Cafe

Hard Rock Cafe is a bar that needs no introduction creative cocktails, huge portions of tex-mex favourites, memorabilia on the walls and a kick ass live band to entertain you after dinner.

Its a formula that has won plaudits from New York to New Deli and keeps tourists returning again and again.

The live bands at Hard Rock Cafe in Saigon are technically excellent and play a varied and middle-of-the-road selection of rock ballads and a few anthems to get people out of their chairs and singing along.

Hard Rock Cafe HCM City is tourist and family-friendly with a bar menu of Western classics that could quell the hunger of a wildebeest. Particular favourites include the intimidating barbeque rack of ribs and their legendary burgers.

Opening Hours: Weekdays 11:00 24:00, Weekends 11:00 02:00 (Live music from 21:00)

Address: 39 Le Duan Street, District 1

Yoko Bar

A short moto-taxi out from HCM Citys tourist centre, Yoko Bar plays host to an assortment of bands playing rock and acoustic jazz pop in a smallish bar with a unique lived in style.

This is a true live music bar so there are bands playing every night of the week with a regular crowd of Ho Chi Minh City scenesters and expats.

Expect to hear some classic rock tunes along with some singer/songwriter type songs and if the feeling grabs you, you are free to go up and sing with the band! There are plenty of comfy sofas and a small upstairs space with a great view of the performers.

Opening Hours: 19:00 24:00 (Live music from 21:00)

Address: 22A Nguyen Thi Dieu Street, District 3

Seventeen Saloon

Seventeen Saloon Saigon is a Western Saloon themed bar and one of the best live music bars, hosting two different bands every day.

In the bar upstairs you can listen to a Filipino band playing Western songs and some Vietnamese on request, while downstairs in the main area a rock, heavy metal band is rocking the stage.

Seventeen Saloon is a nice place to spend some hours after a long day in the city if you love rock music, guitar shredding and loud sing-a-longs.

Opening Hours: 19:00 02:00 (live music from 21:00)

Address: 103A Pham Ngu Lao Street, District 1

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Saigon's best live music bars - VietNamNet Bridge