Chuck Teed profiles music from our own backyard

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The Divorcees are the latest addition to the Green Festival lineup

Peter James is pumped. The Claireville resident is only a few days away from launching the first ever Green Festival "" running from August 30 to September 1 on James' organic farm just outside of Moncton "" and word is spreading quickly. Posters and tickets are being distributed all over the province. Friends are telling friends via Facebook. Bands are clamouring for a spot on the increasingly packed bill, and James plans on squeezing in as many as possible.

"The Divorcees are our latest addition," says James about the lineup. "The musicians have been absolutely solid. That kind of loyalty to our festival will be rewarded, and we'll do our best to support every band performing this year. We can't say enough positive things about the people performing."

The festival currently has over 30 acts confirmed for the weekend, including Mel Keith and The Strombachs, Space Cactus (formerly Great Balancing Act), The Tireless Sedans, and Fredericton indie revivalists Piper Perabo, among others.

Of course, the weekend isn't limited to music. James is expecting over 50 artisans, food vendors and eco associations to set up shop at the festival, which he hopes will raise awareness about environmentally friendly living.

"We have a treasure trail for prizes, a bouncy castle, local organic and natural vendors, plus a look at some top green production cars from Toyota," he says. "With families, friends and neighbours from all over converging on the festival site it will be a lot of fun. If people have enjoyed themselves and consider the event value for money we will be happy, and who knows, they may even save some money by being a little greener?" James isn't sure how the weekend will turn out in terms of attendance, but he's already planning on making The Green Festival an annual event. Noting the popularity of Glastonbury - a UK Festival that rose from 1,200 attendees in 1972 to over 140,000 last year "" and the size of his site (he predicts it could fit 40,000 people), James believes there's plenty of room for growth. If all goes well, Claireville could become an anticipated spot in the summer festival calendar.

"We're already planning Green Festival 2009 with two stages, two bars and so much extra entertainment it will be spectacular," he says. "People can expect us to keep moving forward and having fun all the way. Every year we want to introduce something new and exciting."

Down with JGB

The JGB is returning to Saint John. The group "" created by organist Melvin Seals to honour the legacy of Grateful Dead front man Jerry Garcia "" will hold court at The Kent Theatre October 3 and 4, and audiences should anticipate nothing but top notch musicality the entire weekend. Salty Jam music director Brent Mason brought the band to town two years ago, and was floored by what he experienced.

"I brought them in because I thought the Deadheads would come, but I spent half the show with my jaw on the floor because of how incredible it was," says Mason. "Melvin Seals is obviously a monster on the B3 Organ, but guitarist Stu Allen is a dead ringer for Jerry."

Tickets for the shows are $30 in advance, and are available from Backstreet Records in Saint John. Mason expects people to travel near and far for the event, and urges locals to pick up tickets for both shows.

"Going to both shows is a must," he says. "It'll get you in the zone for the entire weekend."