If any of you are or were fans of Karl Wallinger and World Party you may be happy to know that  they are back. http://www.worldparty.net/worldparty.html

According to the site, 4 years ago he bailed on his label, his band screwed him over and he suffered an aneurysm. A gig this week at the SXSW fest in Austin and some tour dates here in the states this summer are planned.

I always dug his ability to filter so much that was semi familiar through his music but still making it his own. I had the chance to see the band twice live and had a great time at each. Here's hoping there is a stop in or near Chicago this year.

On a separate note...the line up for the Beale Street Music festival goes up on Monday the 20th. I am planning my 7th (?) 8th (?) trip there this May 5-7.

Inexpensive weekend, usually tons of good music and for the most part a generous amount of elbow room. Not to mention three days spent enjoying lots of live music, the great outdoors and the sun setting over the mighty Mississippi river.