It's summertime and the music is happy! All the bands that I saw perform in the last two weeks were cheerful and delighted to be playing. Don't get me wrong - I still like the angst-ridden singer/songwriters. Let's just say that I didn't worry about any of the emotional well-being of any of the musicians after the shows were over.

Forty is the new 30, black is the new black, and mandolin is the new guitar.

I've always had a soft spot for the mandolin - I once gave a guitar-playing boyfriend a mandolin for Christmas. He learned to play it well, but I don't think it stayed in his collection very long after the relationship ended. It was nice of him to indulge me though. It's a tough instrument to play - when it's good it's great, when it's bad - it's awful.

Sam Bush is an amazing mandolin player, and his band was most excellent. I had the good fortune to sit next to the extraordinary guitar player Michael Clark, but I needed him to explain what some of the instruments were. Sam played a beautiful old dobro/mandolin. The banjo player, Scott Vestal, occasionally played an electric banjo - another instrument that needs to be played well or not at all. Scott had been on the Conan O'Brien show the night before playing the banjo for David Lee Roth.

Sam has just released his newest album, laps in seven, his first in eight years. He asked the crowd if anyone had missed him. Everyone had, and with good reason. His music is great, his band is amazing, and he is funny and fun. I really enjoyed watching the band. You could tell that they all liked each other and enjoyed playing together. One of the things I love about bluegrass (or Newgrass, in this case) is that all of musicians get a chance to shine.

Sam talked about the songs and taught us a little history along the way. One of my favorites, Bringing in the Georgia Mail, was written by the Uncle of Bluegrass, Charlie Monroe. He also dedicated a John Hartford song to Michael Clark. He and Michael were college students at the same time, and often jammed together.

Sam himself is lovable and goofy; he danced during the songs. He pulled out the old classics, The Swim and The Robot. He named the album laps in seven when he realized that his dog Ozzie was drinking from his dish in 7-4 time.

A word or two about the Music Mill-- for this show there were enough seats for everyone and plenty of room for the dancers. The room is comfortable, the sound is always good, the restrooms are most excellent and the room is non-smoking. The Music Mill is doing a good job of reacting to the types of music and crowd it will bring in. It is quickly becoming one of my favorite places to see music.

A sure sign that you're getting older? When you're going to see bands based on the recommendation of their parents. I have been listening to the Brenan CD for a few months and enjoying it.

The music is energetic rock played only like energetic teenagers can play it. They are terrific and fun to watch; the songs are great and well-played. They have created quite a following, including other musicians, which is always the highest compliment a band can get. I look forward to seeing them again.

This was the first time I'd been in Rouge. The stage is in roughly the same spot it was when The Patio existed. They have added a slightly higher upper level, which will make it easier to see the stage if you're sitting at a table. The sound was good, and the system could handle the five young rockers and more. It occurred to me that I had never set foot in 6308 Guilford wearing sandals. I forgot to check out the restrooms, but I don't know how they could not be a vast improvement.

I had a blast. The weather was great; I enjoyed hanging out with friends and being able to walk there. The music started at 3:00, but I didn't get there until 6:00, and The Elms were almost done with their set. This Seymour, Indiana band was very good. I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to see more of them. Margot and the Nuclear So and So's were up next. I ran in to Jessie Lee's Aunt Pam and got to meet his mother and sister before the show. I can't write anything about the band that has not already been said. They are excellent, Richard Edwards is a terrific songwriter (and dreamy to boot), and they deserve all the critical acclaim and success that is coming their way. If you have not grabbed a copy of their CD, The Dust of Retreat, do-it's well worth it.

It was great that the younger music fans got a chance to see the bands. I had not been around that many teenagers in a long time. I loved looking around and seeing them all sing along to the songs. The enthusiasm for the music was evident.

I was really looking forward to seeing Todd Snider. On my morning drive to work I flip between The Bob and Tom Show and NPR; Todd Snider is the only person that I've heard on both programs. I couldn't wait to hear his live show because I'd heard how funny he was - and he sure is. I can't think of anyone else who could take five minutes to introduce a song and not lose the audience. He is also very clever; his songs are full of detail and plot twists. His newest album, The Devil You Know (due August 8) is a reaction to the world we're living in today, without being political or preachy. He writes of helicopters shining lights in to his East Nashville backyard, the war, and the struggles of finding work. Yet even in the sadness of these themes, he makes you laugh. I thoroughly enjoyed his show, and I'm looking forward to the new album. Now if I could just get that damn song Beer Run out of my head!

This was the first year for the BRV Street Fest. From my point of view as a guest, it was a success. The price was right, the music was great and it was well organized. I'm looking forward to next year.

Chad Mills' latest CD, 2 Places @ Once, has not left the CD player in my car since I got it in May. I absolutely love it. Chad will be playing at the Canal Point Grill. The show will be outdoors (weather permitting, of course) and family friendly. I'll see you there. I'll be the one quietly singing along.

This is the sixth year for the MMS, and it's going back to its Broad Ripple roots. You can pre-purchase a wristband for $20 that will get you in to all the venues. Or, you can volunteer-and I'll give you a wristband.

Volunteers are needed for everything from stage managers, production assistants, registration and set-up. There are lots of opportunities for people under 21. You'll get a wristband, a tee shirt and a chance to meet the musicians up close. Please e-mail me (queenbeenora@gmail.com) for a volunteering schedule and details.