Now that Kris Allen has upset Adam Lambert to take the crown of this season's American Idol, I can finally get back to the business of getting my head around the local music scene to recap a few worthwhile experiences and focus on the near future and all the promise it holds. Since my last post, I've witnessed the first two Groovin' in the Garden concerts at the magnificently-enhanced rose garden and terraced lawn at Lewis Ginter. 
Shooter Jennings and Brandi Carlile proved to be strong leadins for tomorrow (Thursday) night's blockbuster featuring Old Crow Medicine Show, which promises to produce record-breaking numbers. General admission tickets should still be available here at $25 (plus $3.75 handling), or for $30 at the door. Discovered by Doc Watson and revered by everyone from Merle Haggard to Gillian Welch, these guys bring a powerful arsenal of vocal and instrumental prowess to the Americana tent...with attitude. Should be a major night under the stars with the Commonwealth's own Scott Miller opening well.
The next night, Friday Cheers brings a free chance to find out what all the Zac Brown buzz is about. I've been hearing folks drop this Georgia boy's name all over the place for the last six months, so where there's smoke, there's usually fire. Let's go see what all the fuss is about, and enjoy some "Chicken Fried," starting on Brown's Island (they've already named the island after him) around 6pm.
We're getting dangerously close to the week when so many of us head west to Gordonsville and then up the Old Blueridge Turnpike to Syria and the four-centuries-old homeplace of the Graves family where Jimmy, Rachel, Lucky, Lynn and the whole hospitable bunch open their idyllic spot on the Rose River for the 17th year to thousands of bluegrassers new and old. Charlie Rainwater and I look forward to hosting from the stage again this year with a solid lineup and a special reunion of the Heights of Grass on Friday.
For those who just can't wait until opening day, Thursday the 28th, the campground opens day after tomorrow, the 22nd, for those with 3-day tickets. It's one of America's best small festivals, and the food is legend.
And the hits just keep on comin' as Friday Cheers presents the Jerry Douglas Band on Brown's Island, again for FREE!, on June 5th and on Thursday, June 11th out on the tracks at the Science Museum of Virginia, the fifth annual 
Music for Massey benefit raises the bar with the triumphant return of the west-coastal Waybacks and this year, the Sam Bush Band, to make it extra special. Tickets are available here, and if you're sharp, you might even win a pair of comps to the big show. 
Just tell me by email (mail@timtimberlake.com) the model year and nickname of Sam's Gibson F5 mandolin. I'll do a drawing in case of more than two correct answers as I actually have 2 pairs to give away. Bring it on...it's gonna be a really big show!
In closing, let me mention a major jazz event that JAMinc, the Richmond Jazz Society and WCVE Public Radio are co-presenting on Friday, May 29th at In Your Ear Studio A. 
Legendary Richmond reed man James "Saxsmo" Gates is recording a live CD and you can be in the audience if you hurry and reserve your seat here. Just check out the who's who of a-listers who'll be there to lend a musical hand: John D'earth, Hod O'Brien, Desiree Roots, Dr. Weldon Hill, Justin Kauflin, Jim Branch and Russell Wilson among others. Saxmo's Jazz Summit gets rolling at 6:30 with a pot-luck buffet...it'll surely be one tasty and tasteful night.
Do it live...TT
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