Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular made history this weekend, when more than 1800 “Phantoms” gathered at The Phantom Theatre at The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino to celebrate the legendary show’s fourth anniversary on the Las Vegas Strip.

Following the performance, cast members, led by the show’s “Phantom,” filed into the audience handing commemorative versions of the iconic mask to the sold-out house setting the record for the world’s largest gathering of “Phantoms” ever assembled in a single location. As with any production orchestrated by “The Phantom,” it ended with the crash of the $5 million, 2,000-pound chandelier.

“Congratulations to everyone involved in Phantom Las Vegas and to the show’s many loyal fans and supporters. I can’t wait to see the video of this record-breaking moment!” says creator Andrew Lloyd Webber.

“Celebrating our fourth anniversary with a house full of Phantoms is a hell of an idea,” says legendary Director Hal Prince. “I wish I could be there to see it. It’s a real testament to the show’s fan base and a celebration of the success we’ve had at The Venetian.”

This lavish production of Phantom-The Las Vegas Spectacular thrills audiences six nights a week at The Venetian. This extraordinary, 95-minute version of Phantom is directed by 21-time Tony Award winner Hal Prince, the show’s original director, and guided by the legendary Andrew Lloyd Webber. From the moment you enter the magnificent custom-built theatre you are immersed in the storied Paris Opera House and become part of The Phantom’s world. Featuring every beloved Andrew Lloyd Webber song from the original, spectacular sets, new effects, and a breathtaking chandelier experience, Phantom is an only-in-Vegas experience.

Phantom at The Venetian is produced by The Really Useful Theatre Company Inc. and BASE Entertainment.

DreamWorks Animation has reached an agreement with Dam Things from Denmark to debut the wildly popular Good Luck Troll on the big screen, introducing a new generation to one of the world’s most beloved toy lines.

Brother-sister writing team Adam Wilson and Melanie Wilson LaBracio will pen the screenplay and Dannie Festa of Festa Entertainment, who brought the package to DreamWorks Animation, will executive produce the feature film.

The Troll doll phenomenon was born in 1959 when Danish fisherman and woodcutter Thomas Dam, too poor to afford a Christmas present for his young daughter Lajla, carved a doll for her based on the legendary Scandinavian troll. This modern-day Geppetto couldn’t have imagined that the Troll dolls would soon become one of the biggest toy crazes of the 1960s. The Trolls experienced a resurgence in the 1990s and their uniquely endearing faces and shocks of colorful hair continue to capture the hearts and imaginations of fans around the world.

“My father would have been very happy to know that his Troll has found its dream partner in DreamWorks Animation,” said Niels Dam, who now owns the family business. Calle Ostergaard, CEO of Dam Things, added, “We have been planning to bring the Good Luck Troll toy line back into homes around the world and we are excited to see how the talented storytellers and artists at DreamWorks Animation will bring them to life.”

“We are thrilled at the great creative possibilities we have in bringing the Trolls to family audiences around the world across a number of channels, including on the big screen,” DreamWorks Animation Head of Development Alex Schwartz said. “We look forward to working alongside Dam Things to build on the mythology of the Good Luck Trolls while delivering the sense of adventure, heart and comedy that DreamWorks Animation is known for.”

Dam Things is represented by Festa and Jay Handlin at Carlsmith Ball LLP. Writers Wilson and Wilson LaBracio, whose original material includes the feature films “Evergone” and “The Impossible Adventures of Phineas Roone,” are represented by Festa, Brad Rosenfeld at Preferred Artists, and Eric Suddleson of Felker Toczek Gellman Suddleson LLP.

Platinum-selling hit-makers the Gin Blossoms have signed with 429 Records and are preparing for both the release of their highly anticipated new album, “NO CHOCOLATE CAKE” and an extensive U.S. tour.  With total worldwide album sales topping 30 million units powered by their indelibly melodic, Grammy-nominated Top Ten singles, Gin Blossoms—Robin Wilson, Jesse Valenzuela, Scott Johnson and Bill Leen, are back and in peak form!  

The eleven new tracks were written, produced and performed by the band with the help of John Richardson (drums) and Danny Wilde on keyboards and additional production (of The Rembrandts).  The first single, “Miss Disarray,” will be promoted at Hot Adult Contemporary radio outlets (add date 8/2).  ”NO CHOCOLATE CAKE” is set for release in North America on September 28th on 429 Records.

Four years after the critically acclaimed “Major Lodge Victory,” Gin Blossoms have put together a seamless musical confection. The band continues to benefit from an innate chemistry and inspiration—a dynamic that helped catapult songs such as “Hey Jealousy,” “Found Out About You,” “Till I Hear From You” and “Follow You Down” into the collective musical consciousness and helped define an era as well as selling 30 million records worldwide.

Says Wilson, “There’s just something about the way we play and sound together.  It’s those songs and the sound we make that add up to something indefinable.”

“NO CHOCOLATE CAKE” track listing:

1. Don’t Change For Me
2. I Don’t Want To Lose You Now
3. Miss Disarray
4. Wave Bye Bye
5. I’m Ready
6. Somewhere Tonight
7. Go Crybaby
8. If You’ll Be Mine
9. Dead Or Alive On The 405
10. Something Real
11. Goin’ To California

High voltage superstar performances are a hallmark of “CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock” so it makes sense that one of the most electrifying entertainers in the format – Tim McGraw – would be tapped to host when the special airs Wednesday, Sept. 1 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network.

“The summer’s hottest concert special, just got hotter with the addition of Tim McGraw as host,” said Steve Moore, Chairman of the CMA Board of Directors. “He is a dynamic performer with an undeniable chemistry and relationship with the fans.”

Filming Thursday through Sunday, June 10-13, during the annual CMA Music Festival, the special features today’s most exciting Country Music stars during a four-day party and music celebration in Nashville.

Some of the artists already announced to appear at LP Field during CMA Music Festival include Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, Billy Currington, Alan Jackson, Kid Rock, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Kellie Pickler, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Zac Brown Band, and more.

Taylor Swift will host a free 13-hour fan meet and greet event during the Festival at the Bridgestone Arena, which includes a short acoustic performance.

This will be McGraw’s first appearance at the event since 2001, when he was a surprise guest during Kenny Chesney’s performance as part of the Nightly Concerts at LP Field and the event was still known as Fan Fair. His last announced appearance was in 2000, the last year Fan Fair was held at the Nashville Fairgrounds. He has participated in the event eight times since his Fan Fair debut in 1993. McGraw has won 11 CMA Awards, including Entertainer of the Year in 2001; Male Vocalist in 1999 and 2000; Album of the Year in 1998 (A Place in the Sun) and 1999 (Everywhere); and Musical Event of the Year in 2007 on “Find Out Who Your Friends Are” with Tracy Lawrence and Chesney.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tim back to CMA Music Festival in 2010 and in his role as host of the biggest concert event of the summer,” said Moore.

The annual event is unlike any other: four days, 30 hours of autograph signings, 100 hours of live music, hundreds of artists and celebrities, and a party list of thousands of avid, singing and dancing-till-dawn fans. This is the sixth time ABC will broadcast this special – which invites the whole country to America’s biggest Country Music bash.

Originally started as Fan Fair® in 1972, the legendary event has featured performances by every major star in the format. What started with 5,000 fans has grown to a daily attendance of more than 56,000 representing every state and more than two dozen foreign countries.

The primetime television special, “CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock,” debuted in 2004 as a two-hour special highlighting the Festival and Music City. In 2005, the special moved to the ABC Television Network.

In 2009, the special expanded to three hours boosting ABC ahead of CBS, NBC and FOX with the network’s second biggest audience during the summer season. With 7.4 million viewers and a 4.7/8 overall rating, it outperformed its broadcast rivals in total viewers topping CBS by 6 percent, NBC by 32 percent and FOX by 85 percent.

The special had a 43 percent increase in viewers compared to 2008, generating the biggest audience in four years and tallied its highest Adult 18-49 rating (2.0/6) in three years. The special ranked No. 12 for the week among total viewers and No. 11 for the week for Adults 18-49.

“CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock” is executive-produced by Robert Deaton and directed by Gary Halvorson. The 2010 CMA Music Festival is organized and produced by the Country Music Association. “CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock” will be shot in high definition and broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC’s selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound.

The night belonged to first-time winners and fan-favorite Carrie Underwood,who took home two wins at this year’s CMT MUSIC AWARDS.  Underwood took top honors for VIDEO OF THE YEAR (“Cowboy Casanova”) and CMT PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR (“Temporary Home” from INVITATION ONLY: CARRIE UNDERWOOD); while Keith Urbantook home the buckle in a first-time category win for MALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR (“‘Til Summer Comes Around,” and Miranda Lambertscored her first CMT Music Award for FEMALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR (“White Liar”).  

Also for the first time, the multi-platinum Lady Antebellum won GROUP VIDEO OF THE YEAR (“Need You Now”); Blake Shelton and Trace Adkins won COLLABORATIVE VIDEO OF THE YEAR (“Hillbilly Bone”), and Luke Bryan claimed the USA WEEKEND BREAKTHROUGH VIDEO OF THE YEAR (“Do I”).  Legendary duo Brooks & Dunn re-emerged as a fan favorite capturing DUO VIDEO OF THE YEAR (“Indian Summer”), which marks their first DUO win since 2002.  Director Shaun Silva won his first VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR for his entire body of work over the last year.  

The evening kicked off with an explosive performance by the show’s host, Kid Rock, who was joined by many of his famous friends, including Trace Adkins, Zac Brown, Randy Houser, Jamey Johnson, Martina McBride, Kellie Pickler, and none other than Hank Williams, Jr.  

The party rolled on as Miranda Lambert sang her first #1 hit, “White Liar”; crowd-favorite Tim McGraw performed his 23rd #1 single, “Southern Voice”; and was followed by Brad Paisley’s stellar performance of “American Saturday Night.”  Next, Jamey Johnson took the stage for a first-time performance of his powerful new song, entitled “Macon,” and was joined by special guests Little Big Town, Kate and Kacey Coppola, and guitarist Jeremy Popoff from the band Lit.  

LeAnn Rimes came out “Swingin’” in a fully choreographed dance number that included an appearance by the song’s original artist and songwriter, John Anderson; Toby Keith revved up the crowd with his 19th #1 hit, “American Ride”; and Zac Brown Band performed their current single, “Free.”  

Carrie Underwood performed her rapidly-rising Top 10 single, “Undo It”; guitars were blazin’ when Keith Urban was joined by his CMT Crossroads partner, John Mayer, for a first-time television performance of Urban’s song, “Hit the Ground Running”; and Lady Antebellum closed out the night with the television exclusive of the unreleased single, “Stars Tonight,” off of their current album.

Joining Kid Rock onstage were presenters “Dancing With the Stars” competitors Erin Andrews and Maks Chmerkovskiy, Laura Bell Bundy, Sheryl Crow, Paula Deen, Kara Dioguardi, Gloriana, Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Terrell Owens, Hayden Panettiere, Richard Petty, Kellie Pickler, Jada Pinkett-Smith, LeAnn Rimes, Blake Shelton, “Jersey Shore’s” Snooki and The Situation, David Spade, Taylor Swift, Kenan Thompson, Carrie Underwood, Luke Wilson, Trisha Yearwood and Zac Brown Band.  

For the third year in a row, the CMT MUSIC AWARDS featured a second concert stage sponsored by Nationwide Insurance that included such up-and-coming artists as Laura Bell Bundy, Easton Corbin, Justin Moore, Steel Magnolia, Trailer Choir and Chris Young.  

CMT.com simulcast the live 2010 CMT MUSIC AWARDS online, and interacted with fans throughout the telecast with live Twitter updates from the red carpet and backstage.  CMT.com also served as an online hub for all fan interaction surrounding the show with live streams of the red carpet, backstage press room and more, in addition to streams from popular social networking sites such as Twitter and Flickr.  Exclusive content can be found on CMT.com and CMT Mobile, and CMT will later bow the awards on its digital all-music channel, CMT Pure Country, and the HD network, Palladia.

The evening’s winners are as follows:

VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Best video of the year; awarded to the artist (male, female, group/duo or collaboration) and the video director. Final nominees announced during live telecast, with final voting held online at CMT.com during the show.

• Carrie Underwood – “Cowboy Casanova”

MALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR  

Best video by a male artist; awarded to the artist

• Keith Urban – “‘Til Summer Comes Around”

FEMALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Best video by a female artist; awarded to the artist

• Miranda Lambert – “White Liar”

GROUP VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Best video by a group; awarded to the artists

• Lady Antebellum – “Need You Now”

DUO VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Best video by a duo; awarded to the artists

• Brooks & Dunn – “Indian Summer”

USA WEEKEND BREAKTHROUGH VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Best video from an artist’s major debut album; awarded to the artist (male, female, or group/duo)

• Luke Bryan – “Do I”

COLLABORATIVE VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Best video that featured a special collaborative appearance by artists; awarded to the artists (individual, group or duo)

• Blake Shelton featuring Trace Adkins – “Hillbilly Bone”

CMT PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR

Musical performance on a television show, series or variety special on a broadcast or major cable network; awarded to the artist (individual, group or duo)

• Carrie Underwood – “Temporary Home” from INVITATION ONLY: CARRIE UNDERWOOD

VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR

Best video director of the year; awarded to the director for his or her body of work from the past year

• Shaun Silva

The 2010 CMT MUSIC AWARDS will encore Wednesday, June 9 at 11:30 p.m.; Thursday, June 10 at 12:00 p.m., and 9:00 p.m.; Friday, June 11 at 10:00 p.m.; Saturday, June 12 at 5:30 p.m., and Sunday, June 13 at 7:00 p.m.  The 2010 CMT MUSIC AWARDS RED CARPET SPECIAL will re-air on Sunday, June 13 at 6:00 p.m.  All times listed are ET/PT.

The 2010 CMT MUSIC AWARDS is executive produced by Jesse Ignjatovic and directed by Hamish Hamilton.  John Hamlin and Margaret Comeaux serve as executive producers for CMT.

American Idol Season 9 winner Lee Dewyze has been signed to 19 Recordings/RCA Records. He is preparing to start work on his debut album which is due for release in fall 2010.

The 24 year old Mount Prospect, IL native impressed millions throughout the season taking home this year’s American Idol winning title. Dewyze is a self taught musician who began singing and playing guitar in his teens. Auditioned in Chicago, Dewyze was the only male contestant never to land in the bottom three during American Idol Season 9.

“Lee is the People’s choice, the working class hero who won the hearts of America to become The 9th American Idol,” says Simon Fuller – Creator of American Idol and Founder of 19 Entertainment. “Lee has a powerful voice, integrity and a passion for music that literally brought tears to his eyes. We are all looking forward so much to Lee recording his new album to be released in the late fall.”

“Lee struck a real chord with the American public this season on Idol. His humility coupled with his vast talent and musicianship should make him a big artist for a long time to come,” says Barry Weiss, Chairman & CEO RCA/JIVE Label Group. “We at the RCA Label are excited to work with Lee and 19 on an album that speaks to his widespread appeal.”

“Looking back on the last few months and all I gained from my experience on American Idol, it is incredible to know that this is only the beginning for me. Being signed by 19 Entertainment/RCA Records is a dream come true,” says Lee. “I know that by working with them, I have the support that will allow me to record the best possible album I can – an album I’m proud of and confident in.”

Lee will be recording his album over the summer while on the road with the American Idol’s Live tour. The tour kicks off July 1 in Auburn Hills, Michigan and ends September 14 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Since its highly-anticipated premiere in September 2004, ABC’s LOST has revolutionized primetime television, bringing big-screen adventures home with a powerful story of survival. Attracting a massive fan following and huge critical acclaim, LOST has already become a pop culture phenomenon.  Now, celebrating television’s most original and creative series, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment proudly debuts Lost: The Complete Sixth And Final Season and Lost: The Complete Collection – both on Blu-ray and DVD, August 24.

With the release of Lost: The Complete Sixth and Final Season, audiences can relive every episode in the landmark final season, as the fate of each character and answers to long-pondered mysteries from the previous seasons, are revealed.  In addition, the Blu-ray and DVD releases contain hours of never-before-seen bonus footage including deleted scenes; bloopers; an often emotional featurette where cast, crew, writers, producers and other Hollywood notables discuss ending the acclaimed series; a much-anticipated new chapter of the island’s story from Executive Producers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse; and much more.

An epic box set for the ultimate LOST fan, Lost: The Complete Collection is a fantastic icon-clad, secret-laden, Blu-ray and DVD box set containing every episode, from all six seasons.  Additionally, the elaborate release includes over 30 hours of bonus material (from every season), plus one full disc of bonus exclusive to the collection, containing a fascinating array of all-new behind-the-scenes featurettes; documentaries; and a series of unique tours of Oahu with many of the cast as they reflect anecdotes, experiences and emotions of working on the series and living on the island; and more.

“…TV’s most gripping serial.” – The Boston Globe

Lost follows the lives of crash survivors of Oceanic Airlines flight 815, on a mysterious and apparently supernatural tropical island. Their survival is continuously jeopardized by inexplicable entities, including a polar bear, an unseen monster that wanders the jungle and the island’s malicious occupants known as the “Others.” Forced to depend on each other to endure, the diverse group of survivors are bound by menacing secrets and complicated interrelationships, with the truth behind each character slowly revealed through the seasons.  The series regularly stars Matthew Fox (Jack Shephard), Evangeline Lilly (Kate Austen), Josh Holloway (James ‘Sawyer” Ford), Naveen Andrews (Sayid Jarrah), Jorge Garcia (Hugo ‘Hurley’ Reyes), Terry O’Quinn (John Locke), Michael Emerson (Ben Linus), Daniel Dae Kim (Jin Kwon), Yunjin Kim (Sun Kwon), Nester Carbonell (Richard Alpert) and Emile de Ravin (Claire Littleton).

LOST: THE COMPLETE SIXTH AND FINAL SEASON – Contents

• Every Sixth Season Episode
• Bloopers and Deleted Scenes
• Audio Commentaries accompany four episodes (LA X, Dr. Linus, Ab Aeterno and Across The Sea).
• The End: Crafting A Final Season – Join the LOST team along with other producers of some of television’s longest running shows as they examine the challenges of ending a landmark series.
• A Hero’s Journey – What makes a hero? Which survivors of Oceanic 815 are true heroes? These questions and more are explored.
• See You In  Another Life, Brotha – Unlocks the mysteries of this season’s intriguing flash sideways.
• ‘LOST on Location’ – Behind-the-scenes featurette showcasing stories from the set, including all-new interviews with actors and crew.
• PLUS: A LOST Blu-ray & DVD exclusive - Go deeper into the world of LOST with a much-anticipated new chapter of the island’s story from Executive Producers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse.

DVD SRP: US – $59.99/Canada – $79.99

Blu-ray: US – $79.99/Canada – $94.99

LOST: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION – Contents

• Every Episode in the Series (Seasons 1 through 6)
• Over 30hrs of Season 1-6 Bonus materials (previously released materials from Season 1-5 and the all-new Season 6 bonus material)
• A unique series of featurettes that takes viewers on very personal tours of Oahu where the series was created, with key cast and crew as they reflect.
• Exploring the global phenomenon that is Lost, bonus showcases events ranging from the series cast and crew at San Diego’s famed Comic-Con convention to international voice recordings, local events and even fan parties, all of which helped make the show into a worldwide favorite.
• A closer look at some of the props with cast, writers and producers, exploring their significance, stories and emotional ties to the characters.
• Humorous yet emotional look at every character who died on the series.
• 16 hilarious Lost “Slapdowns” featurettes showcasing celebrity Lost fans who confront Executive Producers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse to ask press questions about the final season, including the Muppets and cast members Nestor Carbonell, Michael Emerson, Rebecca Mader and more.

The exciting collectible packaging also includes:  a Special Edition collectible ‘Senet’ Game as seen in Season Six, a custom LOST island replica, an exclusive episode guide, a collectible Ankh, and a black light penlight.

DVD SRP: US – $229.99/Canada – $234.99

Blu-ray: US – $279.99/Canada – $319.99

Lost: The Complete Sixth and Final Season and Lost: The Complete Collection – are rated TV14 DLSV.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store and Wynonna Judd are pleased to celebrate the #7 debut of the exclusive CD Love Heals on the Billboard Magazine Top Country Albums chart. This CD is the latest release in Cracker Barrel’s exclusive music program.

The twelve-song CD, now available exclusively at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® and online at crackerbarrel.com, features a collection of Wynonna’s top singles and three other tracks that had not been available for sale until now. One of the new tracks, Let Your Light Shine, is a song that Wynonna and her teenaged daughter sang every day before school, and it speaks to the importance of being true to oneself.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each CD is being donated to Wounded Warrior Project, an organization that assists wounded service men and women and their families.

“I’m honored to be part of this Cracker Barrel project that supports the service men and women who have given so much so that Americans can have the lives that we do,” said Wynonna.

“Our congratulations and thanks to Wynonna on the success of this project,” said Peter Keiser, Cracker Barrel’s Vice President of Marketing. “Wynonna’s commitment to our service men and women is as clear as her talent, and Cracker Barrel is pleased that this CD, Love Heals, has done so well in its very first week. This strong performance is yet another example of Cracker Barrel’s growing role as a non-traditional music retailer,” he added, “and Cracker Barrel is glad to continue its multi-year support of Wounded Warrior Project.”

“Wounded Warrior Project is deeply grateful to Wynonna and Cracker Barrel for their ongoing support,” said Steve Nardizzi, Executive Director of Wounded Warrior Project. “The funds raised through this partnership will support our injured warriors who have given so much for our country and help us ensure this generation of veterans is the most successful and well-adjusted in our nation’s history.”

R.E.M. has teamed with Capitol/I.R.S. for the July 13 release of an expanded 25th Anniversary 2CD and digital edition of the band’s 1985 album, Fables Of The Reconstruction. The new edition features the digitally remastered original album, plus 14 previously unreleased demo recordings, cut prior to the album’s studio sessions, including one long-sought track that has never been released. The commemorative release also adds insightful new liner notes by R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck, with the 2CD package presented in a lift-top box with a poster and four postcards.  On the same date, the remastered original album will be released on 180-gram vinyl.

Fables Of The Reconstruction, recorded during the winter of 1985 in London, England, distant in geography, weather and culture from R.E.M.’s Athens, Georgia home, represented a musical step forward for the band and its members, vocalist Michael Stipe, guitarist Peter Buck, bassist Mike Mills, and drummer Bill Berry.  

Produced by Joe Boyd (also known for his work with British folk and folk-rock musicians, including Nick Drake, Richard Thompson, and Fairport Convention), Fables marked the beginning of a more narrative, storytelling lyrical style in R.E.M.’s songwriting, with its songs spinning vivid tales of everyday life in the American South.

Before going to London to record, R.E.M. huddled in Jim Hawkins’ Athens, Georgia studio for a few weeks, woodshedding and building new songs from fragments, including many which had emerged during soundchecks along the band’s 1984 tour.

In his liner notes, Peter Buck recalls, “The last day of rehearsal, I think with Joe Boyd in attendance, Jim Hawkins recorded what we had come up with.  We spent about four hours recording all the new songs live, with minimal overdubs.  I hadn’t listened to this stuff since we recorded it, and I’m kind of stunned at how good it is.  My memory of the rehearsals is us scrambling to finish songs.  The songs on both Murmur and Reckoning had been performed for months if not years by the time they were committed to tape.  I remember feeling dangerously unprepared when we flew to London, but on the evidence of this recording we must have known what we were doing.”

“The Athens Demos,” as R.E.M. has dubbed them, comprise the new edition’s second disc of 14 previously unreleased recordings, including drafts of Fables‘ 11 songs and three additional tracks that didn’t make the album. The three non-album demos include two early versions of songs that were later revisited by the band and recorded for other releases and one song, “Throw Those Trolls Away,” making its release debut on this new edition.

In the U.S., Fables Of The Reconstruction peaked at #28 on The Billboard 200, and its singles, “Can’t Get There From Here” and “Driver 8,” reached #14 and #22 on Billboard‘s Mainstream Rock chart, respectively.  In the U.K., Fables reached #35, the band’s highest U.K. chart position to that point in their career.

“It’s a personal favorite,” writes Buck, “and I’m really proud of how strange it is.  Nobody but R.E.M. could have made that record.  It took our four twisted personalities and the legendary Joe Boyd to make an album that character-filled and vibey.”

www.remhq.com

Six years ago, internationally respected jazz saxophonist and educator Jeff Antoniuk decided to start a jazz camp that would help musicians get out of the basement and onto the bandstand. The transplanted Canadian was fortunate – he did not need to look far for help.

Members of his own critically acclaimed quartet, Jeff Antoniuk and the Jazz Update, had done their share of touring, recording and teaching and all were university jazz professors in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Antoniuk himself taught saxophone at Towson University; bassist Tom Baldwin was at University of Maryland; pianist Wade Beach taught at George Mason; and percussionist Tony Martucci was at Virginia Commonwealth University. It was obvious they should become core faculty.

Over the years the adult jazz camp was expanded to two sessions and public concerts were added. Today the Maryland Summer Jazz Festival brings in over a dozen guest artists yearly to teach in the classrooms and perform on concert stages in and around the nation’s capital.

Among the exciting guest artists this year is one of the most accomplished women in jazz, percussionist Sherrie Maricle, PhD. She has been honored with many awards including The Kennedy Center Alliance Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Arts. Maricle leads the famed Diva Orchestra. She also performs with The New York Pops and is their director of education. She has graced the stages of Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center and the Hollywood Bowl.

Also new to the festival this year is saxophonist Walt Weiskopf who is highly regarded as a composer, author and for his technical prowess; he has worked with Frank Sinatra, Steely Dan and with jazz pianist and arranger Toshiko Akiyoshi. He is an associate professor at the Eastman School of Music.

Guitarist Steve Rochinski traveled far from his roots in Washington, D.C. to work with top players such as Tal Farlow, Tim Hagans and Joe Lovano. In 1984 he left the road to teach at Berklee College of Music. He records on Germany’s leading jazz guitar label, Jardis Records. His books and recordings are sold internationally and students come from all over the world to study with him.

Young pianist Zaccai Curtis is the leader of the New York-based band Insight. He began a meteoric rise in the Latin Jazz genre even before graduating from the New England Conservatory in 2005. He has won numerous awards and commissions and a Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism Artist Fellowship for original composition in 2007.

Trumpeter Kenny Rittenhouse is a jazz professor at George Mason University. He performs with the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra and Army Blues Jazz Ensemble and his own quartet. With a master’s degree in jazz performance from the University of Maryland, he also works with jazz educator Jamey Aebersold.

At the heart of the festival is a jazz day camp featuring two sessions of intensive instruction for adults. Teachers represent many university jazz programs and are the same fantastic players heard in the public concerts.

Workshops are structured to help gifted amateurs and semi pros improve technique and improvisational skills to help them get gigging. The camp has been the catalyst for many popular jazz bands performing in the region. Scholarships and internships encourage young talent from high school to college age.

The event kicks off with a July 20 concert featuring Jeff Antoniuk and the Jazz Update at Blues Alley, the nation’s premiere jazz club, located in Washington, D.C. The group will celebrate the recent release of their CD, Brotherhood. Their 2006 CD, Here Today, enjoyed extensive airplay in the U.S. and Canada and went into a second pressing after the first sold out.

Additional All Stars and Student Concerts will feature the guest artists described above and many others. The family-friendly events are held on July 23 and July 30 at the jazz camp site: Saint Mark Presbyterian Church in Rockville at 10701 Old Georgetown Road.