The Monon Shops Art Fair signifies the beginning of summer and poison ivy season for me. I think this was the sixth year for the fair, and the first time I was able to attend in a sleeveless top.

I could hear Finest Grain playing as I rode up the trail. Finest Grain is the duo of Kent Vernon and Sean Jackson, with a few of their friends tossed in along the way. This afternoon Bob Stewart joined them, playing percussion. They played an acoustic set of their original music with a few fun covers tossed in.

I grabbed a cup of lemonade and wandered through the booths. Mike Mendez was there with his fabulous portrait photography; Lisa Rader was selling her terrific handmade tiles. Lisa's husband Duane and I went to Lebanon High School together - Mike Mendez was just a year ahead of us. We were marveling that we'd all ended up in the same neighborhood. I crossed the street to check out Zest, the new restaurant at the 54th Street Monon Shops. Zest is the creation of Chef Valerie Vanderpool. Zest includes a café, food shop, catering kitchen and Valerie's hands-on parents. I've been back to eat twice so far - in the same day!

My next stop was to introduce myself to fellow BRG columnist Brandt Carter. It was fun to meet this talented woman in person. Her son Nick was helping out at her booth. Nick is a Second Helpings volunteer, and it never occurred to me to make the connection. It is a small little Broad Ripple world.

Photographer Kellie Stewart had her incredible photographs of Ireland and Arizona in a booth she shared with Katharine Clifford. Katherine makes amazing wraps and scarves. I purchased my Dad's Father's Day gift there (hint, it's not a wrap).

Reese Kitchens and the 54th and Monon Street shops do a wonderful job of hosting this free fair every year. It's become a neighborhood tradition (along with the free hotdogs and lemonade).

The line-up has not been announced, but this is the place to be after Jazz Fest is done each day. You never know who will show up and take the stage, but you can be sure to see some local jazz greats and Jazz Fest performers.

When the Patio closed in December, the managers of The Vogue promised to book local and independent musicians, and they've made good on the guarantee. This month's line up includes Stereo Deluxe, last year's winner of the Patio's Battle of the Bands. These guys have been playing together since eighth grade. They formed the band for a talent show and have been going strong ever since. In the last year they've changed their name (formerly Unreel) and they've all turned twenty-one! Creepin' Charley and the Boneyard Orchestra began as a "cartoon band' project of artist/musician Shelby Kelley. Shelby entered the band in the 2004 Midwest Music Festival and has created a great-sounding rock band. These local bands will be joined by South Normal, playing "Motor City Rock and Roll". They're from Detroit, so I'm guessing it's true!

I've wanted to hear Jessica Benge for quite a while. She describes her music as being influenced by soul with some rock and blues mixed in. She's been singing for quite a long time, but she only started writing her own music about four years ago. Guitar player Matt Mays will join her. Matt is not only a great guitar player, but also an Emmy-winning producer for Pathway Productions.

Currently based in Louisville, Joel Henderson credits Indianapolis with the start of his singer-songwriter career. We loved him in Indianapolis, and he's making a splash in the music community in Kentucky. He has recently re-released his remarkable EP High Risk. All six songs are outstanding (and one was recorded at CATH Inc). I'm looking forward to hearing Joel again.

Crawfordsville based Joel Weir has also made a name for himself in Indianapolis. He's just released a new record Saint in the Door-The Home Recordings. Joel recorded all of the songs in his attic. They are a collection of sketches of his life from the last year. He describes the music as quiet and spiritual in nature.

Oh, by the way---you don't need to be named Joel to attend the show. The show is open to all ages and is non-smoking.

The iconic Susan Cowsill is coming back to Broad Ripple. Susan is the younger sister of the seminal 1960's family pop band The Cowsills. To say that Susan has had a rough year would be a gross understatement.

Susan and her husband/band mate Russ Broussard will be joined on their summer tour by Indianapolis (and especially my) favorites Tad Armstrong and Aaron Stroup, formerly of Middletown and too many other cool things to mention.

The Upper Room has recently expanded and remodeled, so there will be plenty of room for everyone.