Somehow in the flurry of activity coming his way, Matt Robinson of Old Shoe (vocals, guitar) was kind enough to answer a few questions about the band and life on the road.

It's that time of year again, when the sun starts cooking the ground to a crispy crust and I can't wait for Summer Camp. I thought I would share a few of the artists I'm most excited to see.

It's only April, but the buzz is already building over Shoe Fest in September. The second tier of tickets is already almost sold out, with the third tier going on sale tonight at midnight (currently $55 for a three-day pass, $65 after midnight--not a bad deal at all).

With the downpour that's been going on in Charleston for the past few days, I've been inside listening to a ton of music while doing homework, and I made what I consider a great rainy day playlist. I've tried to include something for fans of all genres, and I hope readers find something new here. Happy listening.

1. "Spine of a Dog"--moe.

2. "Jolene"--Cake

Charleston, put your dancing shoes on and get ready to celebrate the arrival of spring with the return of those gentlemen of the road; that's right, after stints in Colorado, Old Shoe will be back at Mac's Uptowner this coming Sat., 4/27. Anyone who was there last time knows all about it, it was a killer night filled with delectable musical treats.

A good friend of mine recently recommended the Sheepdogs to me. I finally had the time today to give them a real listen, and I am so glad I did.

Electronic music has come to dominate a lot of music scenes lately. While it can be an awesome thing to behold, electronic music always comes with the catch that there may not be any actual talent behind the "artist". Not so with Little People.

Summer Camp Music Festival has just finished with their third round of artist announcements, and they held some good names back til the very end (the third round includes The Wailers, Medeski, Martin, and Wood, Everyone Orchestra, The Coop, Afternoon Moon, Caravan of Thieves, and many other crowd favorites).

So I realize it's only January, and it's a little early to start thinking about May when we still have the dreary Illinois winter to look forward to. But on Memorial Day weekend, a community of people from all over the country make a pilgrimage to Three

In a little hole in the wall town an hour south of Champaign, the winter silence is about to be shattered. In two weeks, one of the best up-and-coming jam bands the scene has to offer will be coming to Mac's Uptowner in Charleston on Friday, January 18th: Old Shoe.