British-born keys player Jon Cleary now makes New Orleans his home where he has immersed himself in a social structure that lives and breathes music. He offers a unique perspective on the cultures that produced New Orleans popular music.

"In New Orleans, music is such an important part of the culture here," says Cleary. It is what first attracts people, not only to visit, but to live there as he has done. "They fall in love with it because they love the culture," he says.  "Music is the soundtrack of your social life in New Orleans."

Jon Cleary's upbringing, amid a family of musicians in England, clearly put him on his lifepath. He was destined to be a musician. "There was never any question," he says. "That was all I really ever wanted to do."

With recognition (by critics, peers and fans alike) snowballing daily regarding Diana Jones' position as one of the most distinctive, soulful and nuanced singer/songwriters in the country/folk idiom, Ryko Distribution has agreed with NewSong Recordings to make Diana's luminous 2006 independent release My Remembrance of You readily available to chain and independent buyers across the U.S., while Proper Distribution delivers the record to new audiences in the UK and Ireland.

Gathering of the Vibes 2007 has finalized the lineup for the 12th  Annual Music, Camping and Arts Festival, taking place August 9-12 at Seaside Park in Bridgeport, CT.  The diverse genres of musicians and bands performing on four stages include Legendary Grateful Dead guitarist Bob Weir and Ratdog, five time Grammy Award Winner Buddy Guy, Latin Rockers Los Lobos, New Orleans based Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Bass Virtuoso Les Claypool, Roots Reggae Favorites, The Wailers,  Southern rock

In a rare Grateful Dead booking configuration, this year's 10,000 Lakes Festival will feature not only found Dead member Bob Weir and his band Ratdog, but also Chicago's Mr.